GRAPE

Finca las Divas Torrontes Reserve Cafayate is 100% Torrontes.

Named in honor of different divas because of the detailed attention to each varietal and plot, consequence of the terroir, origin of the Andes slopes.

Intense and bright yellow with gold hues. On the nose it offers delicate aromas, floral notes, orange peel and subtle hints of vanilla resulting from it aging on oak. On the palate it is a wine with character, with exotic and intense flavors, good acidity, with good structure and weight; fresh and balanced with a long persistence.

Pairs with fish, seafood, risotto, pasta, sushi, lamb and hard cheeses.

Review:

"The only wine in the Riglos range that doesn’t come from Gualtallary, this is a foudre fermented and aged Torrontés from Salta that’s made in the north of Argentina. Elderflower, tangerine and passion fruit flavours combine appealingly on the palate here, supported by fresh acidity and a touch of wood spices. 2025-27."

Tim Atkin (April 2024), 90 pts

Fortezza Falanghina del Sannio Taburno is made from 100% Falanghina - 25 years old

No oak.

Straw yellow color with greenish reflections. Fresh and floral scents, citrus aromas, apple, pear and mineral notes. Round, smooth and juicy with high acidity, yet well balanced with rich flavors.

Southeastern exposure with an altitude of 300-450 meters above sea level.
Planting density: 3,500 vines per hectare on average.
Training system: espalier with Guyot pruning.
Manual harvest in small crates between the end of September and beginning of October.
Winemaking in white in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature.

Pairs well with seafood, mozzarella cheese, risotto, white meats.

Freemark Abbey Bosche Cabernet Sauvignon is made from  93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot.

G.D. Vajra Bricco Delle Viole Barolo is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo. 

The Barolo Bricco delle Viole shows the signature verticality of its vineyard. The wine is beautifully layered and - while restrained as it’s always the case in the youth of Bricco delle Viole - it also shows a complexity of layers with purple flowers, sweet spices and mineral tones. The palate is noble, with a refined acid spine and profound tannins that promise a long aging potential.

Among the historical vineyards of Barolo, Bricco delle Viole is the highest and the closest to the Alps. It rises from 400 to 480 meters above sea level, on the Western ridge of the village. Its name, “Hill of Violets”, originates from the flowers that blossom early here due to the perfect south exposure. Up above the fogs, Bricco delle Viole enjoys the earliest sunrise and the last sunset every day. Thanks to its vines dating back to 1949 and -now- 1931, a dramatic diuturnal temperature range and this pure light, Bricco delle Viole generates a sophisticated and profound Barolo DOCG of bright aromatics, chiseled tannins and subtle minerality. 2018 is a vintage that shows many nuances of Bricco delle Viole: beyond the signature verticality of this site, the wine offers high tones laced with mineral nuances and plenty of energy and youth.

 Review:

The 2018 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is not super intense, but it is balanced in its own way. The wine is subdued but complete with softly yielding tannins to support an elegantly streamlined mouthfeel. Bricco delle Viole is a high and cool growing site in Barolo at 400 to 480 meters in elevation with characteristic Sant'Agata marl soils with fossils. The wine represents a selection of fruit from over seven hectares. With fermentation in steel tank and aging in large Slavonian oak, you are invited to a silky, lifted and beautifully delicate experience with an accessible personality.

-Wine Advocate 95 Points

- Wine Spectator 95 Points

Gaja Sperss is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo.

Vibrant and intense notes of herbs and spices such as thyme, cloves and black pepper. On the palate the wine is tense, loaded with energy that will need serious ageing to fully develop although extremely approachable in its youth. Impressive fruit concentration, with dark and ripe fruits – prunes and black cherries. Acidity and tannins lift this wine to its freshest expression.

Nebbiolo based wines have not only complexity and structure but also great elegance and finesse. The distinctive silky tannins of the Nebbiolo make it the right wine to drink with meat. Usually a young vintage goes very well with richer dishes because of the stronger tannins; mature Barolos are more suitable with delicate white meat courses or braised meat courses with sauces or concentrated red wines reductions.

Review:

The 2018 Barolo Sperss is a gorgeous, gorgeous wine. The aromatics alone are beguiling. Then again, that's one of the things that makes Barolo such a totally seductive wine. Sweet black cherry, lavender, spice and leather give this unusually translucent Barolo striking layers of dimension. Potent Serralunga tannins are present, but they are beautifully woven into the wine's fabric. Sadly, production is around 11,000 bottles, down sharply from the 18,000 or so that is more typical.
- -- Antonio Galloni 97 Points

Gambellara Soave I Basalti is made from 100 percent Garganega

Soave DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata)

Production area: Soave hills
Vineyard training system: Open pergola

Vinification: Destemming, maceration of the grapes in the must for 12 hours, racking and long fermentation at 18 °C
The color is a brilliant straw yellow with a fresh fruit perfumes, especially apple and pear, and floral notes such as elder and bloom. The taste is very fresh and light, with a very interesting acidity. There is an important presence of mineral salts due to the volcanic origin of the soil. Ideal as aperitif, light main courses such as pasta and risotto, shell fish and fish, soups and vegetables.

Gaudrelle Monmousseau Clos le Vigneau Vouvray is made from 100% Chenin Blanc

Clos Le Vigneau is a single vineyard from an area known as "les Gués d'Amant" or "Lover's Gap". Most of the vines were planted in 1929. 

Off dry in style with honey, earth and apricot notes. Wines from the town of Vouvray have been known to age well for 40 years. This particular bottling should hold for at least 5-7 years. 

The Stone Terraces 2021 Vintage Port has incredibly fresh and lifted aromas with the hallmark tropical fruit character. The wine is concentrated whilst being supremely refined with polished tannins and taut acidity combining to deliver sublime elegance and balance.

 Review:

What a polished and beautifully structured vintage port with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. It’s medium-bodied with a terrific intensity and brightness. Seems slightly drier than normal for a Graham’s vintage. Fantastically fine tannins. Black berries and tangerines with other tropical fruits. Hints of nuts at the end. Racy and muscular.

-James Suckling 95 Points

These are Magnum bottles!

Grand Veneur Chateauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is made from 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah

Matured in concrete vats (40%) and oak casks (60%)

It boasts an inky/purple color in addition to a gorgeous perfume of crushed rocks, jammy black fruits, charcoal and graphite. Blackberry aroma with an air of dates pressed in alongside – this is sweet-noted. It is easy to appreciate, a sleek and stylish start. The palate holds excellent fruit that runs well and has kick. Its tannins move round freely and a minted finale comes forward. Its dark fruit is tasty, darkens on the finish, where tar and char from its oak enter. It is all very much together, a bundle of harmony, and will gain local attributes as it ages.
An outstanding Chateauneuf du Pape which display the best of its terroir.

The vines are 50 to 100+ year old. They are planted on red clay soils covered with pebble stones.

Harvest is destemmed and crushed. Fermentation temperature is controlled at 30°C. Vatting period of 18 to 20 days. Matured in concrete vats (40%) and oak casks (60%).

The vineyards are located in the north of Châteauneuf du Pape. GRAND VENEUR «Vieilles Vignes» cuvee is produced from the older vines. Thanks to time and an organic growing, roots go very deep in the soil. Yields are naturally low and grapes highly concentrated.
The vines are 50 to 100+ year old. They are planted on red clay soils covered with pebble stones.

Winemaking and aging
Harvest is destemmed and crushed. Fermentation temperature is controlled at 30°C. Vatting period of 18 to 20 days. Matured in concrete vats (40%) and oak casks (60%).

Pair with venisson, duck, braised lamb or strong cheese.

Review:

"The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a bigger, richer, more opulent wine. Beautiful notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed violets, all flow to a full-bodied, Châteauneuf Du Pape that has a voluptuous, sexy texture, brilliant depth of fruit, fine tannins, and a purity of fruit that's hard to find in this vintage. It's a thrill a minute, and while it's approachable today, it will keep for 15-20 years. 416 cases."

- Jeb Dunnuck (August 16th 2019),97+ pts

Harney Lane Zinfandel Home Ranch is made from 100 percent 95% Zinfandel and 5% Petite Sirah .

The Home Ranch Zinfandel showcases Lodi’s terroir with distinct character. Dark ruby in color, it offers fragrant aromas of brambly fruit, black cherry and raspberry jam, highlighted with a whisper of savory spices and white pepper. The harmonious, elegant tannins create a warm, plush mouthfeel and silky finish on this rich full bodied wine.

Sub-appellation : Mokelumne River

T.A. : 6g/L
pH : 3.73
R.S. : 0.16%

Pairs with:

Saucy Lasagna
Roasted Beet Salad with Chèvre
Korean Sweet Short Ribs
Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Single vineyard Pinot Noir with a dark red brick color. Lots of ripe raspberries, wild strawberries, forest floor, cedar and a salty whiff of pine on the nose.  The palate adds both herbal and peppery components as well as roasted coffee notes with a bit of caraway seed.  Recommended to serve it slightly chilled in a round glass.

Braised beef with dumplings, lamb crown and brussels sprouts, roasted veal liver with pumpkin squash or tagliatelle with blue cheese.

Review:

"Deep crimson red with a purple hue, a subtle brightening on the rim. Candied violets, a hint of cassis, raspberries, black cherries, subtle notes of vanilla, a floral touch. Juicy, elegant, red cherries, a fresh acidity, a mineral-salty finish, red berry notes in the aftertaste, fresh and mineral, already drinking well, wonderful length, with ageing potential. - Peter MOSER"

- Falstaff (June 24th 2024), 95 pts 

Pinot Noir is clearly the dedication of the Hartl Winery.

Strong garnet red, tending a little more towards brick-colored at the edge. On the nose, a complex abundance of herbs and dark berries, raspberry jam, thyme blossoms, dill, sage, violets and marzipan. Juicy on the palate, aromas of ripe raspberries, blueberries, rosehip tea and Mediterranean herbs, as well as hints of Assam tea. The elegant acidity gives a firm framework for the powerful body and highlights the fine-grained tannins. In addition to its classic ripe, typical Pinot fruit, the wine shows subtle notes of toast and smoked bacon in the long finish.

Pair with veal roast, leg of lamb with thyme and lemon, grilled Mediterranean vegetables, wild fowl like pheasant wrapped in bacon or duck with orange zest, prunes, roasted pumpkin and root vegetables.

Review:

"Deep crimson red with a purple hue, brightening on the rim. Ripe red fruit, floral nuances, a hint of cranberries, raspberry pulp and candied mandarin zest. Juicy, good complexity, red berry fruit, an attractive sweetness, well-integrated tannins, lingers, delicate notes of nougat in the aftertaste, full-bodied, versatile. - Peter MOSER"
- Falstaff (June 24th 2024), 93 pts 

The everyday Pinot Noir, juicy, ripe cherry and berry fruits. Fine tannins and refreshing accidty, supported by dark cherries, raspberries, black pepper, and dark cocolate add drinking fun. A pleasant companion all day long.

Pair with handmade Pasta with game, boar or hare tomato sauce. Lasagna, Parmigana, or a veggie pie. Also delcious with a grilled rack of lamb.

Review:

"Strong carmine garnet, purple reflections, subtle ochre rim. Fine herbal savouriness, red forest berries, preserved cherry, with orange zest in the background. Medium body, red berry texture, fine tannins, mineral and accessible, an uncomplicated companion at the table. - Peter MOSER"
- Falstaff (June 30th 2025), 92 pts

Hartl Rotgipfler Gumpoldskirchen Thermenregion DAC is made from 100% Rotgipfler.

The ancient Rotgipfler grape is packed with subtle fruit aromas of ripe peaches, juicy apricot and fresh pineapple. The inviting fruit aromas on the nose are complemented on the palate by orange zest, tangerine, vanilla and white pepper. Salty minerality supports a delicate structure with refined acidity.

The Rotgipfler grape has its name from the young shoots and veins of its leaves, which show a reddish (rot=red) color. It is indigenous to the Thermenregion and has become a rare variety, planted on about 120 ha only.

Acidity: 5.2 g/l

RS: 2.0 g/l

Excellent with intense spice (curry, chili, ginger, lemongrass) which can be found in Asian, Mexican and Italian cuisine.
Also counters its creamy texture with hollandaise and bechamel sauces, white meats, firm fish, poultry, Waldorff Salad or Eggs Benedict. A compliment also for mature cheeses, fig mustard and roasted nuts. Try Baked Camembert with honey, garlic and rosemary with a fresh baguette and salted butter. 

Review:

"Pale golden yellow colour with silver reflections. Fresh yellow pears, delicate notes of meadow herbs and mango with fresh zest in the background. Medium body, fine nuances of white stone fruits, some melon, fine acidity, a lively food wine. - Peter MOSER"

- Falstaff (June 24th 2024), 92 pts 

Dark crimson in color, with deep garnet hues. A concentrated array of aromas of mulberry, blackberry and dark plum indicate the richness to come, while savory and complex notes of charcuterie, cedar, sage and five spice tease the senses. Plush and velvety on the palate, the wine has intense fruit concentration with plum, red currant, blackberry and anise flavors, yet an enchantingly elegant and refined structure. Layers of silky tannins reveal the impressive depth of the wine before giving way to an incredibly long finish.

Review:

This has a very complex nose, offering so many facets of spices and fragrance with florals and orange peel, as well as crushed stones, ripe black cherries, blackberries and dark cherries, earth, chocolate and more. The intensity and power here is very tightly held and it has a build of such precise tannins, which carry very intense and assertively ripe blackberries, dark cherries, ripe plums and blueberries. So much on offer here. This has a very bold, intense feel. Exceptional vintage. One of their finest. Try from 2028.

-James Suckling 100 Points

Dark crimson in color, with deep garnet hues. A concentrated array of aromas of mulberry, blackberry and dark plum indicate the richness to come, while savory and complex notes of charcuterie, cedar, sage and five spice tease the senses. Plush and velvety on the palate, the wine has intense fruit concentration with plum, red currant, blackberry and anise flavors, yet an enchantingly elegant and refined structure. Layers of silky tannins reveal the impressive depth of the wine before giving way to an incredibly long finish.

Review:

A rather refined Hill of Grace with roasted meat, smoked meat, and juicy plums. Some mushroom and forest-flower character, too. It’s medium- to full-bodied, juicy and savory. Light white pepper at the end. Underlying finesse and elegance to this. The flavor does not go away. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

-James Suckling 99 Points

Heritage School Missiaens Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon. 

A steep, rocky site with red volcanic soils results in our most structured and concentrated wine. Planted in 1998 using 110R rootstock and clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon our Hillside Vineyard produces wines as breathtaking as the views from its slopes. These tiny, dark blue berries ripen near the end of September thanks to cool afternoon temperatures allowing for increased hang time and developed flavors.

Reviews:

"The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Missiaen's Hillside Vineyard is the darkest and richest of these wines, but it also has enough structural breadth to handle all of that intensity. Superripe plum, bittersweet chocolate, tobacco and licorice all flesh out over time. This is an especially rich, seamless style, yet all the elements are in the right place. - Antonio Galloni"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (December 2016), 92 pts