Fullerton Lichtenwalter Pinot Noir is made from 100% Pinot Noir - 10 years old
12 months in 100% neutral French Oak
On the western slope of the south-facing Ribbon Ridge sits the lovely Lichtenwalter Vineyard. Here Willakenzie soils, derived from ancient sedimentary seabed, coax black fruits and concentrated spices out of the wines.
Aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, blackberry, and black cherry with concentrated spices followed by hints of sandalwood, smoke and oolong tea. Depth in the mid-palate pairs with balanced acidity, and so, yet structured tannins. The Willamee Valley’s smallest AVA speaks clearly and compellingly through this wine.
This wine comes from 100% destemmed rotator barrels fermented at ambient temperature reaching a peak temperature of 73° F. The rotator barrel spun twice daily during fermentation yielding a gentle extraction. Aer fermentation, the wine went through a three-week extended maceration, allowing the tannins to polymerize, soening the wine. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels and three months in tank, the wine was then boled aer filtration.
Review:
"Deep, brilliant red. Smoke-accented cherry, blackberry and violet scents show very good clarity and pick up a hint of spiciness with air. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering appealingly sweet dark berry and spicecake flavors that are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Dusty tannins build steadily on an impressively long, penetrating finish that strongly echoes the cherry and floral notes. (all de-stemmed fruit and all neutral French oak, made entirely from the 777 Dijon clone°. - Josh Raynolds"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (June 2019), 92 pts
Georges Cartier Champagne Brut Tradition NV is made from 65% Pinot Meunier, 25% Pinot Noir, and 10% Chardonnay.
This champagne was made to reflect the potential of each grape growing areas of the Champagne region.
The grapes for Georges Cartier Brut Tradition have been carefully selected from the 3 emblematic areas of Champagne. Chardonnay is sourced from the Côte des Blancs, Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims and Pinot Meunier from the Marne Valley.
Each grape variety brings its own character and specific quality to the wine: Pinot Meunier brings fruit and roundness, Pinot Noir brings character, power, structure and balance, while Chardonnay contributes to the finesse, minerality and elegance of the result wine.
The blend in 2022 will be 70% 2018 vintage and 30% of reserve wines (consisting of 2014, 2015 and 2016 vintages).
It will be RD (meaning "Recently Disgorged") to keep freshness, fruitiness, minerality and elegance.
Review:
"A blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Lemon drop and buttercup combine with lime sorbet. Bubbles burst with ease and the wine’s mineral tone keeps the palate cleansed."
- The Tasting Panel (May/June 20022), 93 pts
Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Review:
Stunning, with incredible vibrancy and concentration to the orange sherbet, lemon curd and ruby grapefruit flavors at the core. Features fresh-grated ginger, lemon thyme and salted melon on the finish. Drink now.
-Wine Spectator 94 Points
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
Leindl V Viognier is made from 100 percent Viognier.
Viognier is a variety that is mainly cultivated in the Rhone and produces rather strong white wines with very good aging potential.
For several years now, we have also been cultivating a vineyard with this exciting variety, which produces extremely distinctive wines year after year.
Harvested in mid-October and matured in 300l wooden barrels and stored on the fine lees for several months.
Tobacco spice, great stone fruit, honeydew melon and a strong body.
Long Shadows Chester Kidder is made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah and 15% Petit Verdot
Allen Shoup named this wine in honor of his mother, Elizabeth Chester, and his grandmother, Maggie Kidder. He selected Long Shadows' director of winemaking and viticulture, Gilles Nicault, to craft this New World blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and other classic Bordeaux varieties.
Select Cabernet Sauvignon lots underwent an extended maceration of 40 days to produce supple yet firm tannins that stand up to 30 months of barrel aging in tight-grained French oak barrels (85% new). The extra time in barrel helped to integrate the fruit, enhance the mid-palate with an extra layer of complexity, and provide an appealing earthiness to the finish.
Review:
The Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 2017 Chester Kidder is another more closed, reserved wine that's loaded with potential. Cassis, toasted spices, violets, and leafy herb notes give way to a rich, full-bodied red that has ripe, velvety tannins, a rounded, mouth-filling texture, and one heck of a great finish. Give bottles 3-5 years if you can and it should be very long lived.
-Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points
Bertani Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore Catullo is made from 70% Corvina Veronese, 20% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella. Valpolicella Classica, Tenuta Novare Estate in Arbizzano di Negrar.
Wine of medium structure with elegant spicy notes of vanilla and chocolate accompanied by typical notes of cherry, sour cherry and white pepper. The palate offers the easy drinkability typical of Valpolicella and, at the same time, silky tannic structure and intense, prolonged aromatic persistence. The finish is fresh, soft and savory. A wine in the classic style, elegant, balanced, harmonious.
Review:
If I was forced to choose a number of wines that can steer the anachronistic Ripasso category into a brighter future, this would be among a very few. A mid-weighted, streamlined expression with just enough fruit on the bones. Think strawberries, lilacs, Asian plums, cloves and a hint of licorice. A noble, almost alpine bitterness lifts the finish. Brilliant. Drink or hold.
-James Suckling 95 Points
Palacio del Burgo Crianza is made from 90% Tempranillo & 10% Graciano
Palacio de Burgo's Crianza blends the concept of the intense fruity young wines traditionally made in Rioja and the old world wine making style that has made the region famous. The result is a complex wine that impresses for its intensity right from the moment it is poured in the glass.-Mike Good, Timeless Wines
Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel vats at controlled temperature; aged in American oak barrels for 12 months.
Red ruby colored wine with violet tones; well-balanced, black fruit, vanilla and coconut flavors. Powerful, complex and silky smooth…classic old style Rioja at a bargain price.
Pairs well with aged cheeses and grilled meats