Siegel Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.
Viña Siegel is a family operated winery with a well-established tradition and long history. For generations we have been dedicated to the art of crafting wines with strong identities.
Our Special Reserve wines represent the union of tradition and innovation in two generations. The grapes are sourced through careful selection of our best vineyards. Their ripe and round tannins clearly express the terroir of Colchagua. Siegel Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has been aged for 12 months in french oak barrels, lending it structure and complexity. The wine is deep ruby red and presents aromas of Cassis, red fruits, black pepper, black cherries, tabacco, cinnamon and chocolate. On the palate it is highly concentrated with juicy notes of red fruits and spices.
Serve with red meat, braised stews, grilles pork and flavorful cheeses.
Pre-fermentative cold maceration for 5 days, with alcoholic fermentation occurring at 27-29°C to better extract polyphenols from the wine. Post-fermentative maceration for 2 to 3 weeks. Then part of the wine is decanted into barrels for 10-12 months. The rest of the wine finishes its malolactic fermentation in stainless-steel tanks. Once the wine has been blended it is smoothly clarified.
Siegel Special Reserve Carmenere is made from 100 percent Carmenere.
Viña Siegel is a family operated winery with a well-established tradition and long history. For generations we have been dedicated to the art of crafting wines with strong identities. Our Special Reserve wines represent the union of tradition and innovation in two generations. The grapes are sourced through careful selection of our best vineyards. Their ripe and round tannins clearly express the terroir of Colchagua. Siegel Special Reserve Carmenere has been aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. It has an intense violet-red color, with aromas of black fruits, spices, dark chocolate and dried figs. The palate is balanced and juicy with velvety tannins and a long finish.
Pre-fermentative cold maceration for 5 days, with alcoholic fermentation occurring at 27-29°C for a deeper colour and better structure. Smooth pump overs happen once a day at the winemaker’s discretion. Post-fermentative maceration for 2 weeks. Then the wine is separated from its lees and malolactic fermentation ensues. Once the wine has fermented it is smoothly clarified and cold stabilisation occurs when necessary.
It pairs well with spicy foods, pasta with mushrooms and roasts
Siegel Unique Selection Red is made from 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Carmenere and 20% Syrah
Aged in French oak barrels for 14-16 months.
Viña Siegel Unique Selection is the utmost expression of our best Los Lingues vineyards located in the Alto Colchagua region.
A deep violet color. There are aromas of cassis and cherries with hints of spices, chocolate and violets. This wine is characterised by its complexity and harmony, with a robust tannic structure.
After carefully selecting the optimum harvest date, the grapes are hand selected, then they are de-stemmed and cold macerated for 5-6 days. Alcoholic fermentation occurs at 26-29°C, during this period pump overs are performed daily at the winemaker’s discretion. Post-fermentative maceration occurs for 2 to 3 weeks. The wine is smoothly clarified. Cold stabilisation only occurs when necessary.
Review:
"Blackberry, blackcurrant leaf, rose, peppercorn and chocolate orange. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Concentrated and layered with a flavorful, spicy finish. 45% cabernet sauvignon, 35% carmenere and 20% syrah. Drink or hold."
- James Suckling (June 2021), 91 pts
When the founding fathers of the Napa Valley carved out new sub-AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) in the 1980s, Soda Canyon Ranch was not yet on anyone’s map. The vineyard is neighbored to the northwest and west by the winegrowing districts of Stags Leap District and Oak Knoll District, respectively, which were among the early pioneers of California Cabernet Sauvignon to attain global fame. To the northeast and southeast—and further off the beaten path—were Atlas Peak and Coombsville, thought to be the next frontiers for the emerging wine-producing region.
This opulent wine has a broad and balanced mid-palate, notes of vanilla and blueberry, a dried floral character and chalky tannins. Anise and cherry lift the palate to a beautiful, lingering finish. In both aromatics and palate, this is an elegant vintage worthy of cellaring for years to come.
The winter of 2019 was marked by cold, foggy days in Napa Valley. Well-drained soils of Soda Canyon Ranch and steady, purposeful farming decisions mitigated the rainy and wet conditions as they persisted into spring. After months of ever-shifting weather, the vines were greeted by a consistent, warm and dry summer plus a mild harvest season, resulting in bright and ethereal fruit. Once blended, the 2019 vintage rested in French oak barrels for 16 months.
Smith Story Cabernet Sauvignon Pickberryis made from 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.
This wine is an old soul. I feel closer to it than all of the wines we produce, filled with excitement to show off to the world. A rebel of sorts, a Cabernet Sauvignon that is for the curious wine drinker for sure. The 2016 is going to be a showstopper complete with an standing ovation. I can’t wait to see it on stage. Worth the wait.
Ali’s Notes: This was the vineyard I spent the most time in during the 2016 Harvest. There’s a magical view that just pulls me in mixed with an incredible assortment of vineyard rocks popping up throughout the vines. The end of the vineyard rows always had the most gorgeous blooming red roses too. I often sat under the big shade tree on top of the hillside and took it all in. I was there the morning of the pick, the vineyard workers were full of song and hustle. So much TLC was given during harvest.
Eric’s Notes: Steady and mostly uneventful growing season with a bit of midsummer spikes of heat but nothing maddening. A cool slow end of the growing season led to really pretty and balanced fruit. We did get lucky though… we had some rain come in just a few days after picking. Speaking of… the grapes were hand picked. hand sorted, destemmed and fermented in stainless steel with daily manual punch-downs. Wine was then aged in neutral Bordeaux barrels for 22 months before bottling.
It’s wildly similar to our 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon. If opening right away, decant a few hours. The wine is a little tight out of the gates but showing nice herb and pepper notes - the salty minerality shows up on the back end of the palate as it airs.
LIBRARY WINE/ LIMITED AVAILABILITY: A Cabernet Sauvignon, without question on the nose. A Cabernet true to the Smith Smith story style; cooler and dancing aromatic while having density and layers of texture. Lots of spicy red fruits up front while fresh bramble fruits bounce around the palate which is rounded out by a savory, almost cinnamon-bark spice mouthfiling finish and pretty tannin structure.
Review:
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Pickberry Vineyard is the most convincing and complete of these wines from Smith Story. Deep and inky, yet very much medium in body, the 2016 has a lot to offer. Blueberry, menthol, licorice, lavender and spice meld in this supple, racy Cabernet Sauvignon. The balance of fruit, structure and freshness is terrific. This classically rendered Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon needs bottle age to truly blossom; give it a few years to be at its best. - Vinous 93 Points
Sobrenatural Tinto Organic is amde from 80% Tannat and 20% Malbec from Chakana’s Finca Nuna vineyard, fermented with indigenous yeasts. Sobrenatural is a new line of certified biodymanic and no Sulphur added wines from Chakana’s Nuna vineyard.
Deep, dark fruit aromas. Firm tannins balanced by a juicy, soft texture, good acidity and length.
Pairs with empeñadas, pork chops, Chorizo, spicy food, grilled vegetables.
USDA Organic
Fermented with native yeasts in concrete vats for 6 months (no epoxy sealing). No fining, no filtration, no additives. NO SULFITES ADDED.
Sonoma Bench Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Rich golden in color. Balanced oak and toast aromas transform into layers of vanilla and brioche amid pear and apple. A luscious wine on the palate; flavors progress with lime citrus, white peach and lemon curd. Texture is silky and rich with just enough firm acidity to achieve a balanced wine whose flavors linger on the palate. Enjoy now or cellar for 2 years.
La Spinona Barbaresco Secondine is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo.
This single-vineyard Barbaresco comes from his 3.5 hectares on the cru of Secondine. It is the commune of Barbaresco below the zone of Rabaja Basa and Paje and is where Gaja’s San Lorenzo is located. It is 230 meters above sea level with a southern exposure.
Excellent with game, red meats, truffle dishes and aged cheeses.
Color: Deep ruby red with a hint of garnet in the reflections.
Bouquet: Bright bouquet full of cherries, raspberries, licorice and floral notes.
Taste: Elegant and refined with delicate, soft tannins. It is fresh, velvety and extremely well balanced.
Review:
-James Suckling 94 Points
Spinona Bricco Faset Barbaresco is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo.
This single-vineyard Barbaresco comes from Pietro Berutti's 8 hectares of coveted vineyards on the top of the historic hill, Faset. It is 270 meters above sea level with a south, south-east exposure. The vines are an average of 35 years old. Only organic farming practices are used. The natural fertilizer comes from the 100 head of cattle that they have and no herbicides or pesticides are used.
Barbaresco shows a deep ruby red color with garnet reflections. An intense bouquet with hints of ripe cherries, wild berries and spice. White pepper, licorice and mint blend with enticing floral notes. Mouth-filling and well-structured with a full, velvety body and an austere and long finish.
HARVEST: late October. The grapes are harvested by hand in perforated baskets to allow air to pass through the bunches. The pressing is soft. Cold maceration for 24 hours at 12°C (for certain years).
WINEMAKING: Soft pressing with an initial cold maceration on the skins for 24 hours at 12C. Specially selected yeasts are used. Fermentation takes place for 12 to 14 days in stainless steel at 28-29 °C under temperature controlled conditions. There is a pumping over on the skins. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is racked and goes through a delicate pressing to obtain only the best wine.
AGING : 12-15 months in large 25 hectolitre wooden barrels of Allier and Slavonian oak.
REFINING: in the bottle for 12-15 months in a temperature-controlled environment.
Excellent with game, red meats, truffle dishes and aged cheeses.
This single-vineyard Barbaresco comes from Pietro Berutti's 8 hectares of coveted vineyards on the top of the historic hill, Faset. It is 270 meters above sea level with a south, south-east exposure. The vines are an average of 35 years old. Only organic farming practices are used. The natural fertilizer comes from the 100 head of cattle that they have and no herbicides or pesticides are used.
Barbaresco shows a deep ruby red color with garnet reflections. An intense bouquet with hints of ripe cherries, wild berries and spice. White pepper, licorice and mint blend with enticing floral notes. Mouth-filling and well-structured with a full, velvety body and an austere and long finish.
Review:
Sun Bee evokes warm summer days by infusing natural mango flavors into a blend of California white wines. A strong golden color in the glass leads to a vibrant mango and tropical fruit basket on the nose. The taste is reminiscent of a puree of mango or a juicy, fruity Chardonnay. There are hints of Lychee and Passion Fruit rounding out the bright, inviting flavor.
Pairs remarkably well with spicy foods where many wines struggle. Try it with Savory Curry dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala or Tacos Al Pastor.
Sylvestra wines show typicity, varietal power and careful elaboration from the Bressia family with the character, freshness and rebelliousness of the new generation. Fruity aromas, floral memories and authentic flavors - here is the expression of Sylvestra, with no oak, just fruit.
A very elegant sparkling wine, with red rose and cherry aromas. The wine was fermented in bottle sur lie for 10 months, yielding a more expressive wine with finer texture and bubbles.
Sylvestra Torrontes is made from 100 percent Torrontes.
Sylvestra wines show typicity, varietal power and careful elaboration from the Bressia family with the character, freshness and rebelliousness of the new generation. Fruity aromas, floral memories and authentic flavors - here is the expression of Sylvestra, with no oak, just fruit.
Greenish yellow color with good and brillant intensity. The delicate bouquet reveals white peach, white flower blossom and roses aromas. Well-balanced, elegant, fresh and fruity on the palate, this Torrontes is full-flavored, unctuous and persistent in the mouth.
Ideal with white meats, cheese, salads, appetizers, seafood, fish.
A slope (un talud) leading up to a mountain where centuries of rock falls have left the soil beneath full of large angular rocks, and therefore useless for most agriculture. Deposited hugger-mugger amongst the clay and sand however, they offer perfect drainage and allow vines to grow, forcing their roots ever downwards in search of water, picking up minerals along the way. If you wanted to explain to someone what Cabernet Sauvignon tasted like, you could do a lot worse than showing them this beautiful expression of the variety which demonstrates great purity, concentration and elegance.
Review:
Talud is from the oldest cabernet sauvignon vineyards on Tabalí’s estate in the coastal Maipo zone, 50 kilometers from the Pacific, planted in 1999. The soils are colluvial, which often deliver firm, pointed tannins, and those are present here, but they’re very nicely accompanied by juicy red fruit and bright acidity that allows this wine to put its fresh, vibrant facet in the foreground. Take note, however, there are deep, dense flavors here. It’s still a very young cabernet, so make room in the cellar.
-Patricio Tapia - Descorchados 95 Points
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port.
On the palate, the wine has beautifully ripe tannins, which integrate perfectly into the mid-palate, providing both structure and volume, and then break out on the finish with a firm wiry, grip. The palate closes with a powerful tide of fresh, complex fruit flowing endlessly through the finish. In the 2018, the Taylor traits of fine fruit and inner power combine seamlessly with the ripeness and depth typical of the vintage.
Coleraine derives its name from the Coleraine vineyard, home of John and Wendy Buck of Te Mata Estate. John’s late grandfather was born in Coleraine in Northern Ireland and the name has been maintained through the family home to the wine. Originally a single vineyard wine, from 1989 Coleraine has been an assemblage of the finest wines produced from distinct plots within Te Mata Estate’s oldest vineyards on the Havelock Hills.
Review:
We tasted this a couple of years ago. Aromas of ink, tar, blackberries, blueberries and lead pencil follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate with firm and medium velvety tannins. Solid with great length and beauty. Needs time to soften but a great wine. Try after 2026.
-James Suckling 97 Points
The 2020 Coleraine is seriously structured, dark and spicy, with great concentration and gravitas. The tannins are so integrated and woven that they feel almost imperceptible. This is spicy and resinous and charry, but its fine and graphite and mineral too. Chalky tannins plume through the supple fruit. Very cool. It's exciting, plush, open weave and sensational.
-Wine Advocate 97 Points
This is a 6 pack with 2 bottles each from vintages from 2013, 2015, and 2016.
***Tenimenti Angelini Val di Suga Vigna Spuntali Brunello di Montalcino 2016:
The 2016 Vigna Spuntali Brunello di Montalcino is the most brooding of the lineup from Val di Suga and is sourced from the southwest of the region on sandy soils. There are aromatics of black raspberry, licorice, menthol, sage, cinnamon, and iron-rich earth. Its Mediterranean influence is felt on the palate with ripe black cherry, dried herbs, and sun-baked earth. This is the fullest bodied and most savory of the Val di Suga lineup, with more roundness and grip. Its structure will benefit from cellaring for several years and will be great drinking over the next 20 years or more. 2026-2040.
-Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points
***Tenimenti Angelini Val di Suga Vigna Spuntali Brunello di Montalcino 2015:
The 2015 Vigna Spuntali Brunello di Montalcino is more introverted on first opening, with notes of black plum, licorice, dried Mediterranean herb, and sun-baked earth. On the palate, it offers a tart dried fruit character, with a building tannin structure that finishes with tomato leaf, and bitter herbs. The most rustic and burly of the wines in the lineup of the 2015 Val di Suga vintage, it will benefit from allowing some time in cellar to see how this matures and its tarriness develops. Drink 2026-2036
-Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
***Tenimenti Angelini Val di Suga Vigna Spuntali Brunello di Montalcino 2013:
Plenty of spices and fresh herbs on the nose, such as dried rosemary and nutmeg, to match the underlying dried redcurrants and cranberries. Full-bodied with plenty of concentration, but still shows a very sturdy, tannin backbone and punchy acidity, to drive this through to a long finish. Drink in 2021.
-James Suckling 94 Points
Tenuta di Nozzole La Forra Chianti Classico Riserva is made from 100% Sangiovese.
Located north of the village of Greve in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, the Nozzole estate covers a striking, rugged, mountainous area of about 1,000 acres at 984 feet in elevation. In order to obtain concentration and complexity in the wine, yields are kept low. The grapes are hand harvested, destemmed and crushed. Fermentation is initiated on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by a maceration period to draw out color and tannins. The wine is racked into stainless steel tanks for malolactic fermentation before aging in oak vats and in bottle before release. The wine is bottled on the estate.
The 2020 vintage was characterized by a basically cold period between April and May and by a generally warm and dry climate until July. The initial slight delay of the vegetative cycle has been recovered since the summer. The sudden increase in temperatures, especially for the later varieties where the fruit set had not yet ended, has favored a production characterized by sparse and light bunches. The stable and sunny climate of the months of August and September allowed the grapes to complete ripening in optimal conditions.
Review:
Attractive on the nose with cherries, red berries, dried herbs and baking spices. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Harmonious and poised with a refined character. Weightless and agile. Polished and succulent finish.
-Wine Enthusiast 93 Points
Tenute Mannino Etna Rosso Placo is made from 95% Nerello Mascalese and 5% Nerello Cappuccio. Vines are between 60 and 120 years old.
Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio in this classic blend characterized by volcanic minerality. It is a wine with a brilliant ruby red color, an intense aroma with pleasing floral, pomegranate and graphite hints. Elegant tannins and a good juice give off an elegant and sincere tale of one of the best expressions of Sicilian reds.
Tenute Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100 percent Sangiovese.
Quite intense ruby red color with garnet highlights. Intense and complex aromas at the nose, rich in ripe fruits, spices and toasted notes. Smooth and bodied at the palate, with great persistence, elegant and wide concentration. Tannins are dense and velvety.
Reviews:
Blackberry, black-truffle and black-cherry aromas follow through to a medium body with juicy fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Polished, pretty tannins here. Nicely crafted. Drink after 2026.
-James Suckling 94 Points
In the bottle with the burgundy-colored label, the Tenute Silvio Nardi 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is a layered and generous wine with black fruit, cherry, spice and a hint of Provençal mixed herbs on black olive. There are further hints of underbrush, crushed slate, petrichor from schistic soils, and toasted almond that adds some sweetness from French oak. The tannins are velvety and soft, but this wine is regularly balanced throughout. It's well made in an ample production of 150,000 bottles.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 94 Points
A spicy version, whose black pepper and Szechuan peppercorn notes highlight the core cherry and strawberry flavors. Underbrush and iron accents also enter the mix, while this stays balanced and long as the tannins leave their grip on the finish.
-Wine Spectator 94 Points
Terre dei Buth Frizzante Rose Special Cuvee NV is made from 90% Glera and 10% Raboso.
Fresh, fruity with hints of gooseberry and redcurrant.
On top of being "Certified Organic", this is also "Vegan Approved".
Glera and Raboso are blended before foaming process into what we call "Special Cuvée", for its outstanding drinkability and delicate scents. Glera, which is the variety used to make Prosecco, brings the liveliness of the most famous Italian sparkling wine to this cuvée, which reaches perfection thanks to Raboso, which is an indigenous red grape of the Venetian region, well-known for its hints of red berries and smooth taste.
The grapes are coming from vines planted on gravelly soils.
Average age of the vines is about 10 years old.
Grapes are machine-harvested, so that the grapes are pressed about 10 minutes after picking,allowing to preserve the freshness of the fruit, and avoiding micro-fermentation that would take place by leaving the grapes for too much time in the vineyard after picking.
Each grape variety is harvested and vinified individually.
After picking, grapes are soft-pressed, and the primary fermentation is completed in about 10 days. Then fermentation takes place for 5-6 months, where the cuvée reaches the appropriate level of acidity for foaming, which is performed in stainless steel tanks, thermo-conditioned, for about 20-25 days.
Pasta, pizza and summer salads.
Review:
medium-length finish displaying accents of peach gummi bear, edible flowers, dole fruit cup juice, and gooseberry. A more serious take on Glera with the body and richness to pair with diverse cuisines."
- Beverage Testing Institute 90 pts - Gold Medal - Best Buy
From the most recognized Napa Valley red blend comes a distinct, new wine. Made in the same iconic style as The Prisoner Red Blend, we proudly introduce The Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon. Redefining taste once again.
On the nose, blackberry, currant, and plum are layered with dried, crushed herbs and licorice. On the palate, cedar, vanilla, nutmeg, and toasted coconut lead as plum and dried blackberries culminate in a lush, full mouthfeel and a lengthy, balanced finish.
Chef Brett recommends pairing The Prisoner Cabernet with Grilled Ribeye or Aged Gouda Cheese.
The Prisoner Wine Company The Prisoner Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
The Prisoner Chardonnay has aromas of vanilla, apple pie and pineapple. On the palate, baked apple, crème brûlée and toasted oak.
The Prisoner Wine Company The Prisoner Red Blend is made from a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Charbono.
Bright aromas of ripe raspberry, vanilla, and coconut give way to flavors of fresh and dried blackberry, pomegranate, and vanilla, which linger harmoniously for a smooth and luscious finish.The Prisoner Red Blend was inspired by the wines first made by the Italian immigrants who originally settled in Napa Valley. The Prisoner is now the most recognized red blend, leading the resurgence of interesting blends by incorporating Zinfandel with the unlikely mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Charbono.
On the nose, dried blackberry, dried açai berries, and hints of cedar and tobacco leaf are accented by sweet spices of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Flavors of ripe dark cherry, blackberry coulis, and hints of anise linger harmoniously for a soft, vibrant finish balanced by ripe tannins.
Chef Brett recommends pairing The Prisoner Red Blend with Kalbi Short Ribs or Chicken Mole Tostada.
Vineyards: When you outgrow winemaking tradition, you must forge your own path. And we did. The Prisoner exists because of the collaboration with our growers, many of which have been with us since the very beginning—from the Solari Family Vineyard in Calistoga, where old school sensibilities meet new techniques, to the Korte Ranch in St. Helena, a vineyard whose diligence outlasted the Prohibition and has sustained four generations.
The Walls Curiositas Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Walls Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a variety of vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA providing structure and power on the nose and palate. Extremely aromatic and super silky tannins – loads of freshness, energy, full spectrum and super complex, with that great combination of weightlessness but great texture and length.
Review:
Coming from Red Mountain and 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Cabernet Franc brought up in 80% new French oak, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Curiositas offers more red and black fruits to go with classic Red Mountain minerality, notes of graphite and tobacco, full-bodied richness, and building, firm, yet ripe tannins. It's going to need 3-5 years of bottle age, but it’s a classic expression of this terroir.
- Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 Points
The Walls Stanley Groovy Portuguese Red Blend is made from 37% Touriga Nacional | 16% Cabernet Sauvignon| 13% Tinta Roriz | 13% |Tinta Cao, 9% Souzão | 4% Mourvédre | 4% Grenache | 4% Counoise
The Walls 2021 Stanley Groovy Red Wine Blend was fermented in concrete and open and closed-top stainless steel tanks. Cold soaks for up to 5 days. Maceration ran 18 to 38 days. 100% free-run juice. Aged in 20% new French oak large format vessels. This is a Portuguese-varietal-dominant wine that is currently sourced from the Red Mountain AVA. STANLEY GROOVY is the character displayed on The Walls wines’ labels and the embodiment of our explorative and curious nature.
The Walls Stanley Groovy Portuguese Red Blend is made from 37% Touriga Nacional | 16% Cabernet Sauvignon| 13% Tinta Roriz | 13% |Tinta Cao, 9% Souzão | 4% Mourvédre | 4% Grenache | 4% Counoise
The Walls 2021 Stanley Groovy Red Wine Blend was fermented in concrete and open and closed-top stainless steel tanks. Cold soaks for up to 5 days. Maceration ran 18 to 38 days. 100% free-run juice. Aged in 20% new French oak large format vessels. This is a Portuguese-varietal-dominant wine that is currently sourced from the Red Mountain AVA. STANLEY GROOVY is the character displayed on The Walls wines’ labels and the embodiment of our explorative and curious nature.
This is a Grenache blend coming from Red Heaven Vineyard on Red Mountain. The name refers to the ramparts surround the City of Avignon in Southern France.
Hand harvested, sorted upon arrival, destemmed, concrete fermentation, combination of punch downs and pump overs, no racked often, 20 day maceration, 18 months in neutral French oak, no fining or filtering, free-run juice, no RS.
Pair with pork rillettes, smoked salmon, goat cheese.
Review:
"The Ramparts offers lots of up-front red and black fruits as well as spicy, peppery, underbrush nuances, medium to full body, fine tannins, and a soft, pure, layered, already hard-to-resist style."
92-94 points -Jeb Dunnuck
Thorn Clarke Shotfire Quartage is made from 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot .
The Shotfire range honors a family pioneer who worked the Barossa goldfields in the late 1800's. He had the hazardous job of being a 'Shotfirer'; one who handled the explosives to be used in finding that rich vein of gold.
Shotfire Quartage is based on the five traditional red varieties found in the Bordeaux region of France (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec). The Thorn-Clarke winemakers use at least four of the varieties to create the blend each year (occasionally, they can get over excited and use all five). The blend is a reminder to not only look to the future but also to keep an eye on the past and tradition.
This traditional blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot & Malbec boast a deep inky red - purple color. Aromas of freshly crushed peppercorns, roasted capsicum & blackcurrant fill the glass. On the palate there is a generosity of fruit. The notes of dark cacoa and smokey bacon intertwined with velvety tannins lead to a complex finish.
Ruby in colour with purple hues. Brimming with bright fruit notes of wild strawberries & cherry and backed up by subtle spice of white pepper. On the palate, the fruit continues with further notes of raspberries and plum with a hint of French oak. A juicy medium bodied red that has a delicate and complex finish.
This wine has had partial whole bunch fermentation in 4 tonne open fermenters for a duration of 10 days on skins. The wine was then pressed off to 15% New French oak barrels and matured for 18 months prior to being racked for bottling. This wine has had no filtration.
Thorn Clarke Terra Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
The range is named is named in honor of the rich soils in the region which are a major factor in the Barossa’s reputation as one of the great wine regions of the world.
The wine shows a bright red with a purple hue on release. Lifted blackcurrant balances the fresh herb characters on the nose. A hint of eucalyptus is evident. The palate has bright currant characters throughout. Spice and chocolate add to the complexity of the wine. The tannins are ripe and grainy and give the wine good structure.
Wolfberger Cremant d Alsace Brut NV is made with 90 % Pinot Blanc, 10% Pinot Auxerrois.
The production of sparkling wine was already known in Alsace in the early 1900's. The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (A.O.C.) Crémant d’Alsace began with an official decree in August 1976.
Pale golden color. Fine, persistent bubbles. Floral nose with a hint of spiciness, gentle fruitiness (peach, apricot), and lovely balance. Fruity and lively in the palate, it has a clean and crisp finish. This wine will suit any special occasion.
Review:
""Straw color. Bright, fruity, creamy aromas of green apple pastry, peaches in cream, and lemon chiffon with a supple, tangy, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an effortless, amusing, medium-long white nuts, lime-pineapple sorbet, and minerals finish with no oak. A refreshing, tangy sparkling wine that will shine at the table."
-Beverage Testing Institute, 94 pts (Exceptional)
Bernardins Muscat Beaumes Venise VDN 100% Muscat petits grains (75% Blanc, 25% Red)
Copper/rose hue and ripe soft aromas of orange, spice and flowers. The wine is full bodied with the texture of silk and flavors of orange custard, white peach, pear, apricot, toffee and orange peel.
The vineyards and their terroir are the essence of our wines. This is where everything starts and where we focus our efforts throughout the year. You can’t make great wine without great grapes.
The viticulture is essentially done by hand. Five people work full-time in the vineyards. They are supplemented by seasonal employees who work during bunch thinning and the harvest in order to bring out the very best in our vines. Working by hand and the attention each vine gets are fundamental. Pruning, de-budding, trellising, leaf removal and picking are thus carried out by hand with the utmost care.
We prepare the soil by using good old-fashioned ploughing. Organic compost is made from grape marc (the discarded stalks and skins).
As a way of protecting the plants, we only use phytosanitary products when necessary and within strict guidelines by staggering the treatments appropriately, to minimise the amount of chemicals used. We prefer to use as much as possible manual and organic techniques . Leaving natural grass cover, removing buds and leaves from the vines, preserving biodiversity around the vineyard: olive, almond and cypress trees, wild rosemary and capers.
In the spirit of respecting traditional techniques and the best elements of modern technology, cellar manager Andrew Hall and his winemaker son Romain Hall take family traditions very seriously.
When making our wines, the Muscat de Beaumes de Venise plays a central role and requires great care. After picking the grapes by hand, we press them straightaway to ferment the juice without skins. We don’t add any yeasts and keep the alcoholic fermentation in check by temperature control. Vin Doux Naturel winemaking involves stopping fermentation to preserve the grapes’ natural sweetness. During vinification, we watch the vats day and night and add the fortifying spirit just at the right moment. At this stage, the wine’s final balance is at stake. The wine is then aged in stainless steel tanks for 6 months before bottling.
Review:
"Butterscotch and apricot jam aromas. A lighter vintage of this cuvée, but very fresh and drinkable, and the best Muscat of the vintage by far. 110g/L residual sugar. In conversion to organic. - Matt WALLS"
- Decanter (November 2024), 91 pts