Dark fruit with hints of blackberry cobbler, graphite, and sandalwood. Mostly grown on warmer sites of the Walla Walla Valley including our estate, Bob Healy Vineyard. Beautiful tannins that are lush and have a strong core that broadens out last minute to an ultra-long finish. A really pleasing and luxurious wine.
Review:
Ripe blue and blackberry notes with floral quality, minty cherries and elegant oak spices undertones. Chocolatey texture on the palate, dense and concentrated, rounded. Dense core of dark plummy fruit supported by a refreshing acidity.
-Decanter 97 Points
Boroli Barolo Brunella is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo.
A clear ruby red color, with very light orange reflections. A net aroma in which liquorice stands out at first, immediately followed by a fruity scent; the aroma makes you scent it again and again to discover different and pleasant facets. The fruity aroma magnificently prevails after a few minutes in the glass. A very enveloping, fresh and harmonious taste, with a delicate and tasty presence of wood. A long lasting taste that invites to sip it slowly again and again.
Tasting Notes
Brunella is distinguished by a careful selection of grapes, perfect destemming, long macerations with submerged cap. The barrels for Brunella are specifically chosen by the winemaker.
Wine Production
Brunella is one of the most historic single vineyard sites of all of Castiglione Falletto, however it hasn’t ever been bottled singularly under the Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva BRUNELLA until 2013. The Brunella vineyard occupies the western crest of the Villero hillside and complete surrounds the Boroli winery. The vineyard is a monopole—owned entirely by Boroli and is the most prestigious wine in the lineup. As it occupies the best exposed section of the Villero hillside, La Brunella expresses power, drive, complexity, and extraordinary length and ageability.
About the Vineyard
The Boroli family is a family of entrepreneurs, with roots in Piedmont dating back to 1831. The family started their winemaking business in1997, when Silvano and Elena Boroli felt an ardent desire to step away from the pressures of their publishing business and reconnect to nature. Silvano and Elena grew the company until their son, Achille, stepped in to run the wine-growing and production business in 2012.
In the 2012 grape harvest Achille decided to radically change the methods used in vineyards and wineries, aiming for the highest quality in Barolo and its crus. He cut production levels, updated the winemaking technology, and focused on low intervention methods to raise the quality of the Boroli wines be on par with the finest Barolo wines.
Review:
Solid and centered, it displays a splendid Mediterranean character reminiscent of rosemary, wild thyme, marjoram, lemons, and red plums. Full body, perfectly extracted tannins of commendable beauty, and a slender yet disturbingly charming finish. Wow! Better from 2024
-WineCritic.com 96 Points
Villero is undoubtedly one of the most important vineyards in Castiglione Falletto in terms of quality and exposure.
The soil is clayey and calcareous, with a south and southwest exposure. The combination of exposure and soil give us a structured and powerful Barolo, with a deep aromatic profile. The tannins are smooth and soft, thanks to long maceration.
Barolo Villero is a long-lasting wine, capable of reaching its full potential even many years after the harvest.
Wine Production
Villero is distinguished by a careful selection of grapes, perfect destemming, long macerations with submerged cap.
Tasting Notes
Clear bright ruby colour 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
Food Pairing
Thanks to its viscosity and body, Barolo is the ideal wine to combine with elaborate dishes such as truffle dishes, meat dishes, pasta with porcini mushrooms, game, and aged cheeses. Villero is also perfect with dry pastries or chocolate.
Review:
This Villero shows sterness and class at the same time. The nose is focused on cherrystone aromas, Parma violets, pomegranates and slightly earthy notes. The attack is dry and austere, with firm, dusty tannins soaked in licorice and tar, enhanced by a bright, juicy and polished blood-orange finish. This is a Barolo to discover over the years, even though it’s ready to drink now.
-James Suckling 95 Points
Boussey Monthelie Blanc Premier Cru Sur La Velle is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
The name Monthelie comes from Mont Lyoei, mountain of Bacchus. The "Sur la Velle" plot is located on the eastern edge of Monthélie. It borders the Volnay Clos des Chênes Premier Cru to the east. The vineyards here lie on broadly southeast facing slopes with just enough gradient to achieve good drainage.
The Monthelie Blanc Premier Cru Sur La Velle has a beautiful pale yellow color with green reflections.
It is complex and rich with delicious aromas of white flowers, fresh almonds, lemon and minerality.
The finish is long with a very good balance between the excellent ripeness and the perfect amount of acidity.
We recommend this wine with white meat, fish and seafood.
Boussey Monthelie Rouge Les Hauts Brins is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
The vineyard for this wine is located in the North-Esat corner of the appellation (not too far away from Volnay) and it has a perfect South sun exposure.
Boussey Monthelie Rouge shows a beautiful light garnet color.
It displays classic aromas for the appellation with dark fruit and peony.
Excellent with beef and grilled vegatables.
Bouysses Cahors is made from 100 percent 100% Malbec.
A beautiful dark brilliant ruby purple color. The nose is complex of black cherry, blackberry with a hint of violet, followed by a buttery and vanilla note. The palate is rich, powerful, with smooth and melted tannins. This wine is fleshy and velvety.
Serve with game meat, red meat, duck confit, and goat cheese.
Brulesecaille Rouge Sans Soufre Ajoute is made from 50% Merlot and 50% Malbec.
Deep purple color, powerful nose of blackcurrant and floral as well. Full on the palate with soft and ripe tannins with a fresh aromatic return.
Aging potential 5 years.
Pairs with boeuf Bourguignon, grilled vegetables and strong cheeses.
The grapes here are coming from a 2-hectare single vineyard, grown organically, with a distinctive stony soil (it is an old quarry).
Looking for the highest harmony with the Environment we have made this red cherry wine with violet shades, structured and fruity. Blackberry and subtle spice. Structured, fullbodied but with smooth tannins.
destemming and light crushing of the grapes.
Fermentation at controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks.
Malolactic fermentation in concrete tanks.
Aged 3 months on the lees with frequent batonnage. (stirring of the lees)
Red meat, pasta dishes, Spanish tapas, medium matured cheeses.
Burgo Viejo Rioja Reserva is made from 85% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha & 5% Carignan.
Burgo Viejo Rioja Reserva presents with red ruby color; black pepper and vanilla flavors and some mature black fruit taste too. Well-balanced, well-structured and elegant in mouth displaying some splendid taste of fruit and bouquet too.
Burgo Viejo Reserva Wine vinification has occurred blending different grape varieties to produce an aged wine that will surely keep maturity and fullness from the vineyard until the very moment of uncorking.
VINIFICATION: Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel vats at controlled temperature; aged in American and French oak barrels -50% each- for 18 months.
Enjoy it with red meat and game.
Review:
"Elegant berries and spiced cherries with a hint of oranges and undergrowth on the nose. Juicy and evenly packed with a fluid, medium-bodied palate and soft tannins. Drink now - Zekun SHUAI (Senior Editor)"
- James Suckling (May 4th 2023), 91 pts
Bydand Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is made from 100% Chardonnay
Aged for 16 months in 30% new French oak, 70% neutral French oak
Farmed by one of California’s most respected and longest operating grape-growing families, the Roberts Road Vineyard is located in the Petaluma Gap. Sitting on well draining gravel soils, coastal winds allow for a long, slow and even growing season. Planted in 1998 these Dijon 95 grapes provide minerality and vibrancy to a full-bodied wine with impressive purity of flavor and mouth-feel. French oak barrels add subtle toast to aromas of pear, stone fruits and white citrus.
Cabrieres Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge L'Esprit is made from 50% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault and 10% remaining: Muscardin, Counoise, Picpoul, Terret noir, Vaccarèse, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Picardan.
The vineyard is situated on the high tablelands, which are characteristic of the northern area of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The terrain consists mainly of alpine diluvium and chalky Miocenian soil, with large flint pebbles covering the surface. These pebbles conserve the heat of the day during the night, thus avoiding too much evaporation.
85-year-old vines. Aged 12 months in French oak. Intense ruby color, with a dominant nose of black fruits (blackcurrant and blackberry) evolving into smoke and grilled notes. Robust tannins on the palate with a long finish.
Pair with choice red meat, prime rib and game, or try with strong cheeses and chocolate dessert.
Carl von Schubert Maximin Grunhaus Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
A concentrated yet elegantly refined Pinot Noir grown in the blue slate soils of the Grosse Lage (grand cru) Abtsberg vineyard.
Review:
Castellare di Castellina 'I Sodi di San Niccolo' Toscana IGT is a blend of Sangioveto (85%-90%) and Malvasia nera (15-10%)
Castellare’s top wine, ranked in the Wine Spectator Top 100 on multiple occasions and recognised with the prestigious Gambero Rosso’s Tre Bicchieri and Bidenda’s Cinque Grappoli ratings. The company takes great pride in demonstrating the greatness of the Sangioveto variety, paired with Malvasia Nera, achieving a worldwide position of sixth place.
Pairs well with cold cuts and meat rich in flavour, cheeses with a strong and aromatic taste, in particular, Pecorino Toscano and Parmigiano.
The masterpiece of Castellare, I Sodi di San Niccolo, has twice placed in the top 100 of Wine Spectator, and has been awarded “Three Glasses” by Il Gambero Rosso.
I Sodi di San Niccolo is produced solely with native varieties: 85-90% of Sangioveto and 10-15% of Malvasia Nera, I Sodi comes from the two best crus of the farm.
The word "I Sodi" was used by the Tuscan farmers to describe those grounds which had to be processed by hand, being too hard (in fact firm) or too steep to allow for the employment of the horses, unlike the "fields" that make the grounds more easily cultivable.
Reviews:
Clear ruby with a fine garnet sheen. Impressive nose, very finely drawn, aromas of juicy cherries, blood orange and dried thyme, some liquorice in the background. Polished and precise from the attack to the finish, finely-meshed, very well-integrated tannins, flows beautifully, finely worked out fruit, long finish.
-Falstaff 97 Points
Complex and deeply embedded aromas of ripe blackberries, spices and aromatic bark. Full-bodied and very firm for now, with impressive concentration of fruit and tannin. Very long, balanced finish. Great to taste now, but this is one for the cellar. Patience will be rewarded. Sangiovese and malvasia nera. This has always been a top Tuscan red. Best from 2027.
- James Suckling 96 Points
Super fragranced nose, patchouli, pot pourri, Turkish Delight, rose with caramelised red berries and a touch of smoke and incense - all quiet forward and expressive. The nose alone you could smell for hours such is its complexity and beguiling nature. Powerful and concentrated on the palate, this is broad and muscular, sinewy with depth and determination. Tannins are well integrated, really giving the support to the fruit and acidity, driving the flavours forward despite the clear weight and hold. Fragranced red berries continue on the palate with a touch of stone, graphite and matchstick. Rich and big on the mid palate, becoming more focussed towards the finish. Cleary well made with lots going on. Acidity is great, it's cool, clean, sleek and packed full of flavour. Almost too much, this is a big wine, so needs time, but has lots of appeal and mouthwatering freshness throughout. Released on the 9th March. Director and winemaker Alessandro Cellai.
- Decanter 96 Points
Cazaux Vacqueyras Rouge Grenat Noble 100% Grenache.
This wine is the result of extraordinary weather conditions. The first cuvée was produced in 1992 when violent storms and floods affected the region (especially Vaison la Romaine). The following days were radiant and accompanied by Mistral winds. We could then continue to harvest or more precisely harvest what remained of a rotten crop - but a noble rotten crop!
Following our first involuntary test of 1992, we wanted to reproduce this wine but we had to wait until 1995 to isolate the parcels that were capable of producing this noble rot. Unfortunately, the "noble" phenomenon does not occur every year despite late harvests (October 15).
The resulting wine is offers aromas of small red berries (cherries, raspberries), liquorice, fig, honey, fruit brandy and plum. It is elegant, supple and smooth on the palate with a firm, generous and suave structure. A beautiful length on spices and cherry.
This Grenache nectar marries will with dishes such as pan-fried foie gras in honey and fig preserve, leg of lamb with preserved fruits accompanied by local cereal "epautre" or other sweet and sour dishes.
Chateau Bourdieu Absolu Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux is made from 79% merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec.
When Luc Schweitzer was joined by his two sons Richard and Ludovic at the estate, he wanted to embrace this new chapter in the family history and launched in 2016 a special cuvée from Château Bourdieu called "Absolu". This top-of-the-range cuvée is the best of what their terroir has to offer. The 35 year-old facing south vines benefit from a meticulous care: regular maintenance of the soil, yield control, manual leaf stripping, sorting of the berries - all practices that ensure the quality of this great Bordeaux wine.
A deep garnet color with magnificent purple highlights. The nose is intense and full, revealing notes of ripe black fruits and subtle hints of vanilla and roasted coffee. Great structure with finesse and tannic density that brings depth and length to the mouth. The aromatic purity of the perfectly ripened grape varieties is magnified by the complex and subtle oak flavors.
Pair: Rib of grilled beef and tournedos Rossini - butter pan-fried beef filet served on a crouton, and topped with a hot slice of fresh foie gras.
Review:
"A rich, opulent wine, this is full of dark tannins and powerful fruit. It's a big wine, with licorice and dense wood flavors that give a smoky character and reflect some serious extraction. The wine needs to smooth out to showcase its concentrated richness. Drink from 2024. - Roger VOSS"
- Wine Enthusiast (May 2021), 91 pts
Under the stewardship of winemaker Lynzee Schatz, Chronos wines are crafted for lovers of the Okanagan Valley terroir. World class quality with depth, complexity, and command of detail. The production of Chronos is precise and unrushed with a connection to the finest winemaking traditions around the world. Raise a glass of Chronos to inspire your most delightful and soul-stirring moments.
This wine shows raspberry, plum and white pepper on the nose. On the palate, the wine offers red plum, cherry and a touch of herbs with a wonderfrul fresh and long finish.
Burgers, grilled portobello mushrooms, smoked chicken or a charcuterie plate.
Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100 percent Sangiovese.
Color: brilliant red with burgundy reflects; Bouquet: penetrating with memories of wild black fruits, black cherry and noble wood; Taste: warm, dry and persistent
Coming from a parcel with 10-15 year old vines planted in sandy clay and marl soils.
Harvest is 100% destemmed with a soft pressing, fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature of 28-30°C, pumping over for the first week of maceration followed by skin-contact maceration for 20-25 days with rack and return technique (delestage).
Malolactic fermentation completed.
Wine is slightly filtered before bottling.
Review:
Attractive aromas of cherries, chocolate, dried cranberries, walnuts and dried flowers with hints of wet stone. Structured and mouth-filling with a firm backbone of tannins and juicy fruit underneath. Characterful and intense with some savory notes in the end. Better after 2026.
-James Suckling 94 Points
Convento Oreja Ribera del Duero Crianza is made from 100 percent Tempranillo.
Bright cherry color. On the nose you will find plenty of fruit aromas, well balanced as well as some reminiscences of spices that are appreciable. The oak presence gives elegant hints of black chocolate and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is very smooth and well balanced with the right amount of acidity. Fresh, long lasting and elegant.
The wine went through malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged 12 Months in French Oak barrels. Before bottling, the wine was slightly filtered.
Review:
A bouquet of Luxardo cherry, blackberry preserves and lavender wafts from the glass. Surprisingly juicy on entry, this wine has flavors of pomegranate, ripe cherry, orange zest, dried thyme, dark chocolate and violet. Opulent tannins build in volume and then recede into a finish that is filled with bright fruit notes. — Mike DeSimone
- Wine Enthusiast (June/July 2023), 94 pts
Arzuaga Gran Reserva 95% Tempranillo, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot.
Presenting a ruby red color, this wine has a wide range of aroma of ripe fruit compote, toast, and leather. Fine, complex, and attractive with a great balance. Silky and pleasant in the mouth with a bit of spice detected in the finish.
Serve with red meats, roasts, or game dishes. Its flavor is enhanced with cured or fatty cheeses.
Review:
Big, bold, and age-worthy, the 2019 Gran Reserva is the biggest production yet from the producer of this wine at 9,423 bottles. Salty and spicy, it’s voluminous, richly layered in concentrated, full-bodied swaths of sweet red berry, toasted oak, balsamic, and tobacco. After 40 months in French oak, the tannins are sweet and melty.
-Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points
Manoir du Carra Bistrot Beaujolais-Villages is made from 100 percent Gamay.
From Granitic and sandy soils, the Beaujolais-Villages Carra Bistrot exhibits intense color, with hints of cherry and garnet, and to reveal aromas of red fruit dominated by cassis and strawberry. This Cuvée was specially made for the Parisian Bistrots willing to offer easy drinking wines, with enough body to withstand local Cuisine from the Beaujolais region.
Produced from a selection of old vines (50-70 years old). Manual harvest; selection of the best grapes using a sorting table; semi-carbonic maceration for 10-12 days. No filtration. Egg white fining.
Great with coq au vin (Chicken cooked in a red wine sauce) or charcuterie (garlic sausage, dry sausage).