" We don't sell the wine without touching the vine "
Prunotto Barolo 2016
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Palladino Barolo Ornato is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo.
VINEYARD: Nebbiolo 100%. Subvarietal: Lampia, Michet.
SOIL COMPOSITION: Calcareous clay.
EXPOSURE: South.
MICROCLIMATE: Fairly temperate.
TOTAL SURFACE AREA: 0,30 ha.
YEALD/Ha: 7.000 kg/ha.
COLOUR: Ruby red with purple and garnet reflections.
AROMA: Balsamic, reminiscence of the soil where the grapes grow.
TASTE: Full-bodied with a slightly bitter aftertaste, excellent structure and good predisposition to ageing.
FOOD AFFINITY: Braised or roasted meats, wild game, seasoned and strong cheeses.
Made with grapes from the Ornate vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba, it has the solid structure that is characteristic of the wines of our region.
With an intense aroma, the characteristic nose has notes of cloves, cinnamon, violets and red cherries. In the mouth, the taste is full and mineral with vigorous tannins and a long finish.
Review:
Ripe berry, dark-spice and camphor aromas are front and center on this fragrant red along with a whiff of iris. Full bodied and juicy, the savory, enveloping palate delivers succulent morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and hints of tobacco. Firm, velvety tannins and fresh acidity provide great structure and balance. Drink 2026–2041.
- Wine Enthusiast 94 Points
Damilano Barolo Brunate is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo 100%
When the wine ages, it takes on notes of tobacco, rose, liquorish, and – in the best vintages – even truffle. Its finesse and elegance are due to alkalinity and calcium content in the soil.
This Barolo in youth presents scents of violet and small red fruit, balsamic tastes, and pleasant spice notes of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
The original name of this vineyard was Brinate.
| COLOUR: | garnet red with orange reflections |
| BOUQUET | i: ntense with notes of violet, balsamic and small red berries |
| TASTE: | intense, elegant and persistent, with nuances of red fruit, tobacco, liquorice and with ageing truffles and cinnamon |
Reviews:
So beautifully perfumed with blueberries, raspberries, violets and flowers. Full-bodied, transparent and so clear with intense, chewy tannins and a seamless finish. Tight and powerful. Needs two or three years to soften.
James Suckling 95 Points
This wine takes us to Brunate, one of the most celebrated vineyards in the appellation and one of five prized sites farmed by the Damilano family. The 2016 Barolo Brunate definitely shows its pedigree and is perhaps the most classic wine in this group of five, thanks to its intensity and its notable depth. When Brunate delivers, it delivers, and you get dark fruit, rusty nail, blood orange and lilac, all presented in an absolutely pure and pristine manner. The Brunate cru is composed of 25% sand, 45% silt and 30% clay, so you get a bit more structure here compared to the more ethereal Cannubi right over the next hill. Damilano has crafted a terrific wine in this edition of only 2,900 bottles (released in April 2020).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 95
Aromas and flavors of eucalyptus, juniper, tar, black cherry and plum are the hallmarks of this beefy red, which is fresh and packs a firm grip on the finish, yet shows the promise of ripe fruit too. Needs time. Best from 2023 through 2042. 240 cases made, 50 cases imported.
Wine Spectator 94 Points
Pressed rose, ground clove, star anise and moist earth aromas mingle together in the glass. Elegantly structured and full of flavor, the juicy palate doles out raspberry compote, black cherry and tobacco set against refined tannins. Drink 2023–2031.
Wine Enthusiast 94 Points
Boroli Barolo is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo.
Clear bright ruby color with very light garnet red reflections; intense and persistent aroma of red fruit with notes of plum and cherry. A pleasant aroma of wood is noticeable after the fruity aroma, anticipating the full taste of a great wine suitable for long lasting life. A succulent, rich, full-bodied and pleasant taste emerges after the woody one, with the presence of slightly ripe red fruit.
A fruity, round-textured red with plums, berries and hints of cedar. It’s full-bodied with juicy tannins and a flavorful finish.
James Suckling 94 Points
Inglenook Rubicon is made from 93% Cabernet Sauvignon 7% Cabernet Franc.
Since its inaugural vintage in 1978, Rubicon has been the Estate's premier red wine, reflecting the soul of the property and expressing Francis Coppola's wish to create a Bordeaux-styled grand wine, that is, "a wine that can please contemporary taste, but with a historical aspect [that defines] our vineyards at their zenith."
Rubicon was named after the small river crossed by Julius Caesar in 49 B.C., declaring his intention to gain control of Rome, thereby launching a civil war among opposing factions. Over time the phrase "crossing the Rubicon" has come to signify any irreversible action with revolutionary intent or the outcome of which holds great risk. True to its uncommon depth, Inglenook's Rubicon continues to be a testament to the finely tuned rendering of a risk well-taken.
2016:
After four years of drought, a winter with average rainfall was welcome, as it provided ample soil moisture for a strong start to the 2016 growing season. Average late-spring temperatures and limited precipitation minimized the risk of frost during mid-May bloom, ensuring average yields. June closed with a heat spell, slowing vine canopy growth at the ideal time. Harvest of the blocks contributing to the 2016 Inglenook Rubicon blend occurred under optimum conditions from September 6th through September 27th.
Ideal harvest conditions endowed the 2016 Rubicon with the three elements associated with a truly great wine from the Rutherford appellation: complexity, balance, and elegance. The aromas are intense and focused with top notes of creamy, sweet vanilla, and black licorice wound around a core of exquisitely ripe black cherry and crème de cassis. This refinement extends directly to the palate, where the wine is both broad and deep with sensuous, silky tannins. Supremely balanced in terms of both opulence and complexity, ripe black fruits and an ultra-smooth texture provide an impressive crescendo to a very long finish.
Review:
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is a wine of total precision and class. Translucent and energetic, with distinctly mid-weight structure, the 2016 is a wine of reserve, tension and breeding. Shy at first, the 2016 has a lot to offer, but it needs a number of years in bottle to be at its most expressive. Cedar, tobacco, licorice and wild cherry add the closing nuances.
- Antonio Galloni 97 Points
La Spinona Cru Bergera Barolo is made from 100 percent 100% Nebbiolo Lampia
The Beruttis bought 4 hectares in 1994 in the then relatively unknown zone of Novello which lies on the confines of Monforte and Barolo. A Sorì is an entirely south-facing vineyard. This Sori lies at 230 meters. It is named for the great grandfather that started the Barbaresco vineyards. The vines are an average of 40 years old. Bergera comes from the mid part of the vineyard and is dedicated to Pietro's grandfather who started the estate.
Brilliant deep ruby red with garnet reflections. Rich fruity bouquet with hints of cherries, violets liquorice and mint. Good structure with full, cherry-ripe flavors. The tannins are gentle and the spice subtle. It is an elegant wine of great finesse and drinkability. Excellent with wild game, roast, braised or stewed red meats, truffle dishes and aged cheeses.
Review:
"Underbrush, violet and new leather aromas come to the forefront on this fragrant red. The bright, linear, elegantly structured palate offers pomegranate, cranberry and star anise framed in taut, fine-grained tannins. It has an almost salty finish. Drink 2026–2036. - KERIN O’KEEFE"
- Wine Enthusiast (November 2021), 94 pts
La Spinona Sori Gepin Barolo is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo.
Color: Brilliant deep ruby red with garnet reflections.
Bouquet: Rich fruity bouquet with hints of violets , spice and mature berries.
Taste: Densely structured with full, complex flavors of ripened red fruits, wood and earth tones. A Huge wine of elegant proportions that become velvety and graceful with aging.
The Beruttis bought 4 hectares in 1994 in the then relatively unknown zone of Novello which lies on the confines of Monforte and Barolo. A Sorì is an entirely south-facing vineyard. This Sori lies at 230 meters. It is named for the great grandfather that started the Barbaresco vineyards. The vines are an average of 40 years old. The first vintage was the 1996.
The Spinona is a special breed of Piedmontese hunting Dog, which the Berutti’s raise. As the legend goes, this particular dog, Baica, received her place of honor on the label for an act of great heroism. She saved the Berutti’s only son from drowning in the irrigation lake when he was a baby. The son then became a veterinarian to save the dogs and later obtained a degree in agronomy to take care of the vineyards.
Brilliant deep ruby red with garnet reflections. Rich fruity bouquet with hints of violets, spice and mature berries. Densely structured with full, complex flavors of ripened red fruits, wood and earth tones. A huge wine of elegant proportions that becomes velvety and graceful with aging.
Product Description
Prunotto Barolo is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo.
Prunotto’s Barolo is garnet red in color. The nose is complex and generous with pleasing aromas of rose petals, red fruit and spicy notes. The palate is full, well-balanced with velvety tannins.
Review:
Fragrant and refined, this focused red opens with alluring scents of iris, woodland berry, botanical herb and pipe tobacco. It's vibrant and linear, featuring strawberry compote, raspberry and star anise framed in bright acidity and taut, polished tannins. Drink 2022–2028.
-Wine Enthusiast 93 Points
This is elegant, exuding cherry, plum, eucalyptus and mineral flavors. There is a chalky element in the texture that's clean and drying as this tightens up on the finish, with fine intensity and length. Best from 2023 through 2040. 1,000 cases imported.
Wine Spectator 93 Points
Winery: Prunotto
Cantina Sociale Ai Vini delle Langhe, a winemaking co-op, was incorporated in 1904 in the city council room of Serralunga's Town Hall presided by Mr. Giacomo Oddero, a notary public and a youthful Alfredo Prunotto as a witness. Among those present at the ceremony were prominent citizens who made important contributions to the history of Alba and the surrounding communities, as well as many small local producers. The first harvest took place in 1905. Unfortunately the following years were burdened by an uncertain economic trend worsened by the effects of the First World War.
On the deadline for renewal of the Cantina Social’s by-laws in 1922, many of its members changed their minds and no longer delivered their grapes to the co-op. The vintage was exceptional but was not abundant. The winery began to have serious financial difficulties and was put into liquidation. In the middle of this predicament, Alfredo Prunotto met and married Luigina. Together they decided to take over the Ai Vini delle Langhe co-op and gave it their name. Their dedication and passion soon made the winery famous and it began exporting Barolo and Barbaresco all over the globe: first to South America and then to The United States, two markets that had recently opened to foreign trade. Prunotto was one of the few companies that believed in this commercial strategy.
In 1956, Alfredo Prunotto decided to retire and he sold the company to wine technician and friend Beppe Colla who was assisted by Carlo Filiberti and later by his brother Tino Colla. As early as 1961, the owners of Prunotto began to identify specific production areas, well-know vineyards of excellence, and began single vineyard vinification to produce the very best crus such as Barolo Bussia and Barbera d’Alba Pian Romualdo.In 1972, a new winery was designed by architect Ugo della Piana, a native of this northern area of Piedmont. The winery was built near the city of Alba where Prunotto's main offices are still located today.
The Antinori family first became involved with the Prunotto winery in 1989 initially handling distribution and then in 1994, when the Colla brothers decided to retire, they took over production upholding the excellent quality standards that Alfredo Prunotto successfully achieved. The winery's production philosophy, always extremely attentive to details and deeply passionate about wine, brought Prunotto and the Antinori family together to face a new challenge: to explore and develop the potential of this new terroir where both local and international varieties can express the area's remarkable territorial identity. In 1990 this project took shape when Albiera Antinori, Marchese Piero Antinori’s eldest daughter, further defined the winery's personality by concentrating on the vineyards: the first was the Bussia vineyard, one of the most prestigious in the Barolo area followed by Costamiòle in Agliano to produce Nizza, and land in Calliano for research and development for introducing vines new to this area such as Albarossa and Syrah.
A captivating panorama with its beautiful rolling hillsides and small sloping valleys wrapped with rows of vines. A territory that is both fascinating and inviting not only for its natural landscape, distinctive colors and the peace and quiet that prevails but also for its historical heritage and cultural traditions that are part of its unique character. Alba is a charming town with Baroque and Renaissance buildings and a series of medieval towers that were built by the city’s noble families. The entire region, with its vineyards, castles and medieval hamlets, safeguards one of the most important and unique artistic and architectural patrimonies in Piedmont. The estate covers an area of approximately 65 hectares (161 acres) with vineyards in the very best wine producing zones in the region. Careful, attentive vineyard management is the most important fundamental value in winemaking. Only top quality grapes can produce great wines that are able to express the grape variety’s personality and territorial identity.
The winery represents the perfect balance between tradition and innovation using state-of-the-art technology to express and interpret the many nuances of this historic winemaking territory. Prunotto’s vineyards extend over an area of approximately 65 hectares (161 acres) in the territories of The Langhe and Monferrato and are subdivided into smaller parcels of land and single vineyards where great red wines are produced. Respectful of regional traditions, white wines are also crafted such as Moscato d’Asti and Arneis as well as an innovative rosé and two brands of grappa, one from Barolo Bussia and one from Barbera d’Asti Costamiòle. Prunotto conducts studies, research and development and actively carries out experimentation in the vineyards without any pre-planned formulas. Particular attention is given to promoting sustainable agriculture and improving manual techniques. Each year and each harvest are unique and for this reason Prunotto’s winemaking team evaluates the best timing and techniques for vineyard management and for the production of each vintage respecting varietal characteristics while expressing its finest potential. Progress in the cellars is always preceded by developments in the vineyards.
New projects were introduced after detailed soil studies that provided valuable indications for choosing rootstocks and the best clones able to adapt to each parcel, favoring the expression of their vineyard of origin. The most important historical production areas are Bussia, Bussia Vigna Colonnello, Costamiòle, Bansella, Bric Turot, Pian Romualdo and Occhetti. Prunotto’s production philosophy has always been directed towards progress, continuous advancements in our cellars and in aging techniques, a constant challenge to achieve the finest quality. A new winery was built in 1999, adjacent to the historic offices designed by architect Della Piana in the 1970’s, exclusively for vinification and aging. This project was pivotal for expanding and improving the winery's facilities where all stages of production take place. This temperature-controlled facility maintains constant temperatures throughout the year and guarantees perfect storing and aging conditions. For production of Barolo, Barbaresco and Nebbiolo, the older 100-hectoliter Slavonian oak barrels, in use since the 1970's, have been replaced with large Allier and Slavonian oak barrels in 27, 32, 53 and 77 hectoliter sizes, formats that are more suitable to bring out the potential of each individual vineyard and assist each wine to achieve its greatest expression. Over the years, we have also replaced the outdated cement vats with stainless steel tanks that are able to preserve the grapes’ characteristic aromas and fragrances. The new vertical vinification tanks are also stainless steel and are lower in height with a larger diameter allowing for greater contact of the skins with the juice during fermentation.
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Avennia Valery Red Blend is made from 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc
Valery is named for the patron saint of wine in the St. Emilion region that inspired it.
We started with old vine Merlot from a stony block in the heart of the Yakima Valley and added complex, aromatic Cabernet Franc from the Horse Heaven Hills. The result is a balanced, complex wine with the elegance and ethereal perfume that this blend of two of Washington’s best varietals are known for.
The nose on this wine is very perfumed, almost exotic with notes of fresh violets, red plum, winter mint, fresh herbs and crushed limestone qualities. The palate is poised and balanced, with red fruits and mocha powder encapsulated in limestone. The finish lingers delicately, with the Cabernet Franc asserting a light tobacco and herb note, giving depth. A compelling wine that will continue to unwind for 7-10 years in the cellar.
Review:
The Merlot-dominated 2018 Valery (there's 11% Cabernet Franc) comes from two great vineyards, Boushey and Champoux, and spent 20 months in 28% new French oak. Deep ruby/plum-hued, with a great nose of black cherries, plums, dried herbs, and violets, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a round, expansive texture, soft tannins, and a great finish. This ripe, plump, sexy Merlot has loads of character and will keep for a decade. It has a certain Pomerol-like elegance, and I’m a fan.
Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Les Origines is made from 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 20% Syrah
Matured in vats (grenache) and in oak casks (syrah and mourvèdre).
Deep and brilliant, purple-red colour. An exciting nose with aromas of black fruit (blackcurrant, cherry) spices and vanilla. This great aromatic complexity is found on the palate : the spices and ripe fruit appear with an elegant woodiness and harmonious tannins. The finish has good aromatic length and introduces a touch of liquorice and pepper.
A terrific Châteauneuf du Pape with great concentration and finesse.
Best between 2 and 20 years. Best to decant if young (less than 5 years old).
Soil type Extreme north of Châteauneuf du Pape. This plateau is made with a high quantity of red clay mixed with rocks. This area is considerated to be one of the best to produce rich and powerful red wines. By definition, LES ORIGINES will always deliver a great complexity and ageing potential. Winemaking & ageing Harvest is sorted by hand, destemmed and crushed. Fermentation temperature is controlled at 30°C. Vatting period of 18 to 20 days. Matured in vats (grenache) and in oak casks (syrah and mourvèdre).
Review:
"The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Origines is also deep purple-hued and has a classic bouquet of crème de cassis and blackberry fruits intermixed with notions of graphite, chocolate, and spicy wood. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, this is beautifully done and despite its more modern elevage, it has plenty of Provençal character and charm."
- Jeb Dunnuck (October 2020), 94-96+ pts
"Warm in feel, with a gush of plum puree and blackberry paste flavors, liberally laced with black licorice and roasted alder notes. A solidly built, modern version, with a nice tug of warm earth on the back end. Best from 2022 through 2034. —J.M."
- Wine Spectator's Insider (June 9th 2021), 93 pts
"Deep violet. Oak-spice- and mineral-tinged aromas of ripe cherry and black currant are joined by garrigue and floral notes that build in the glass. Alluringly sweet and expansive in the mouth, offering juicy red and blue fruit preserve, succulent herb and licorice flavors braced by an undercurrent of smoky minerality. A vanilla nuance emerges on an impressively long, penetrating finish firmed by gently chewy tannins.
- Josh Raynolds" - Antonio Galloni's Vinous (October 2021), 94 pts
"The 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape les Origines is rich and intense, a full-bodied, velvety wine with wow-level concentration. Blackberries and plums line the palate, finishing long, with hints of salted licorice. As usual, it's a blend of approximately 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah, with the Grenache maturing in tanks and the rest in older barrels."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (May 2022), 95 pts
Antica Vigna Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva is made from 65% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 10% Corvinone, 5% Merlot.
Amarone DOCG has maintained unchanged its typicality, so that “the essence of the territory” of Valle di Mezzane and Cazzano di Tramigna powerfully emerges. Rich in color, firmly structured but with fresh notes.
WINEMAKING AND AGING:
Manual harvest early October with selection of the best bunches.
Drying: natural drying in fruit cellar for 3/4 months with a sharp drop in weight of around 30%.
Vinification: soft crushing of destemmed grapes in the months of January and February.
Fermentation: at a controlled temperature of 18/21°C. Fermentation time: about 30 days
Aging:· 80% in oak barrels for 30 months of which 2/3 in American and French barriques, half of which are used for the second and third time, 1/3 in large
THE TERRITORY:
Geographical location: Tenuta di Mezzane, Tenuta di Cazzano di Tramigna
Height: 350/400 meters asl
Exposure: south
Soil type: limestone
Vineyard training system: guyot and pergola
Vine planting year: from 1972 to 2009
Vine density: 4,000 to 5,400 vines per hectare Vineyard management: sustainable agriculture and great attention to natural
cycles
Pairs well with grilled and roasted meats, as well as cheese.
Timeless Notes:
Rich in color, firmly structured but with fresh notes. Complex with depth and elegance on the palate,. Balanced notes of currant and wild berries that blend well with the complexity of the wine. Touches of tobacco and leather notes merge with ripe fruit flavors that linger on long strain tannin. This one is drinking now, but can handle more time in the cellar with ease.
Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is made from 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot.
Aged for 20 months in 100% French, medium toast; 60% new, 40% one & two year old
The nose leads off with plum, bright blackberry, and dark bing cherries. A touch of dried blueberry rounds out the fruit proï¬le. Floral notes and cocoa, with nuances of cedar and spice, are sprinkled throughout. All of these characters follow through on the palate and, with a pleasant minerality and continuity, weave a tapestry of complexity and youthful exuberance.
"Offers finesse and structure with elegantly expressive blackberry, basil and black olive flavors that build richness towards polished tannins. Drink now through 2028. - TF"
- Wine Spectator (October 2019), 94 pts
Long Shadows Feather Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100 percent Washington State Cabernet.
Acclaimed Napa Valley vintner Randy Dunn has a reputation for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. He brings more than four decades of winemaking experience to the Columbia Valley to produce Feather, his only wine made outside of California.
Tasting Notes: Deep crimson colored with pure and expressive Cabernet Sauvignon character. Generous aromas and flavors of dark fruits, violets, coffee and toasted herbs combine with a textured mid-palate to deliver a big, yet focused, wine with polished tannins and persistent finish.
Winemaking: Grapes were hand-harvested at the peak of ripeness, then lightly crushed and fermented in small stainless steel tanks. Once fermentation was underway, the cap was pumped over aggressively to extract color and structure. As fermentation neared completion, pump overs were handled more gently to further extract color and flavors without imparting harsh tannins. The finished wine was aged 22 months in 90% new Vicard French oak barrels (Randy's cooper of choice at Dunn Vineyards as well).
Alcohol: 14.4%
pH: 3.86
TA: 0.58 grams / 100ml
Review:
I always love this wine, and the 2017 Feather is no exception. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and brought up in 88% new French oak, it has loads of black fruits, dark chocolate, graphite, and charcoal aromatics as well as a full-bodied, concentrated, backward style on the palate. It's terrific, but don't open bottles for at least another 3-4 years.
-Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points
Currently still tight, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Feather has classic Cabernet aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, currant and cassis, plus notes of graphite, pencil shavings and seductive oak tones. Full-bodied, the wine is both juicy and rigid and will need time to settle. The palate is focused and precise, showing an aesthetic frame of fruits before moving toward a compact mid-palate with spices and gripping tannins, ending with a long and thoughtful finish. I recommend cellaring this for a few years. The wine will age for a couple of decades, so be patient. Randy Dunn, ladies and gentlemen! Wow!
-Wine Advocate 95 Points
Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot is made from 82% merlot, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 3% petit verdot.
Michel Rolland, Pomerol vintner and consultant to many of the world's top wineries, teamed with Washington State wine visionary Allen Shoup to produce this limited release wine.
With its intense color and inviting aromas of dark berries, licorice, baking spice and a hint of smoke, the Pedestal is a bold wine that leaves a lasting impression. Dark fruit flavors integrated with sweetness from the barrel and richness from the tannins come together seamlessly, lingering across a structured mid-palate and lengthy finish.
Winemaking: Hand-harvested grapes were double-sorted to remove green material that might impart harsh tannins, then most of the lots were cold soaked to build richness and flavor before undergoing whole-berry fermentation in 55L upright French wood tanks. This, combined with gentle pump-overs throughout fermentation, enhanced the wine’s color, texture and mouthfeel. The finished wine was aged 22 months in 85% new French oak barrels.
Review:
Beautiful cassis, chocolate, leafy herbs, and earth all emerge from the 2017 Pedestal, a ripe, sexy, opulent wine that does everything right. A blend put together by Michel Rolland and aged 22 months in 86% new French oak, it's beautiful today yet is going to cruise in cool cellars for 15 years or more.
-Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points
I like the dark fruit with the tar and black-olive undertones here. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished and soft. Lots of fruit and tension. Nice, dusty texture, too. 82% merlot, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 3% petit verdot.
-James Suckling 94 Points
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Fonseca Vintage Port 1966 has been pulled from a Gentleman's cellar, all wines from this cellar have been purchased by the owner either from the importer or direct from winery. They stayed in his cellar until being moved to the Timeless Wines warehouse.
Argot Simpatico Ranch Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Powerful aromas of key-lime, white flowers, orange blossoms and a fierce, flinty, sauvage note define a wildly complex nose. Once in the mouth, gracefully pronounced textures coat the palate delivering an exotic interpretation of cool-climate Chardonnay character — lime peel, orange blossom, ginger and clove —lingerings deep into a vibrant finish.
Planted 1978. Shallow volcanic soils on the gently-sloped, south-facing foothills of Bennett Peak on Bennett Valley’s floor. One of California’s coolest Chardonnay vineyards. In the final year of 3-year draught cycle, Simpatico Ranch saw its earliest ever harvest and smallest crop, exposing a reserve of exoticism and minerality previously untapped. A watershed vintage for both the vineyard, and appellation. Night harvested by hand on 9/16, whole-cluster pressed direct to barrel; no settling to ensure maximum lees contact. Barrel fermented on heavy lees. Malolactic fermentation. 16 months in French oak, 50% new. Finished 2 months in steel tank, low Sulphur during barrel elevage.
Review:
There are 225 cases of the 2019 Chardonnay Simpatico Ranch, which is from a cooler, higher elevation site in Sonoma. Lots of peach, tangerine, honeyed minerality, and toasted hazelnuts all emerge from the glass, and while I don't think it matches the 2018, it's a brilliant Chardonnay offering medium to full-bodied richness, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's beautifully balanced and is going to keep for at least 5-7 years."
- Jeb Dunnuck (September 2021), 94 pts
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