Laurent Veyrat Crozes Hermitage l'ivresse des Voleyses is made from 100% Syrah.
Review:
"Slightly more expensive, the 2020 Crozes-Hermitage L’Ivresse Des Voleyses is similarly purple-hued and has a great nose of ripe red and blue fruits interwoven with plenty of pepper, flowery incense, and spicy nuances. It’s pure, meduim-bodied, and beautifully balanced, with integrated acidity and outstanding length. It’s very much in the style of this classic, balanced vintage and is going to have over a decade of longevity."
-Jeb Dunnuck (2022), 91-93 points
Le Jade Sauvignon Blanc is made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc.
The wine comes from sun-drenched vineyards planted on the best terroir, selected for its physical and geographical characteristics, on clay and limestone hillsides called "costieres" (coastal region), only a few miles away from the Etang de Thau - a coastal lagoon that is situated between the port of Sete and Marseillan.
This Sauvignon Blanc boasts a silvery straw color. Crisp and fragrant white wine with wonderful aromatic intensity, fresh exotic notes, delicious fruity aromas of citrus and gooseberry. A great varietal expression, this is a zesty and refreshing wine that lingers on the palate.
Salmon hue with bright red tints. Fine and energetic bubbles. A ripe, complex and youthful bouquet of slightly tangy red fruit (redcurrants, blackcurrants), ripe citrus (blood orange) and roasted cocoa beans. After some time in the glass, the wine reveals sappier, floral and sweet notes with a saline, almost briny, core. The first impression of the wine is of a generosity, softness and concentration. One has the sensation of biting into juicy, ripe fruit and blood orange, it is a fabulous aromatic explosion with luscious and slightly tangy overtones. The concentrated and dense body takes over and reinforces the impression of substance, of concentrated liqueur on the mid-palate. The finish stretches out, perfectly-honed, gradually revealing umami notes thanks to the precise and crisp mineral freshness.
Reviews:
The 2015 Brut Vintage Rosé is generous and demonstrative, bursting with aromas of peach, orange and pear mingled with hints of red berries, fresh bread and ginger. Full-bodied, layered and vinous, it's rich and enveloping, its textural attack segueing into an ample, fleshy core that's girdled by bright acids and enlivened by a pillowy mousse. Long and expansive, it's more generous and gourmand than its racier 2014 predecessor, but just as good.
-Wine Advocate 94 Points
This shows lots of cotton candy and peach, together with strawberries and cream. But not overpowering. Some cranberry, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with fine bubbles and a lively finish. Dosage 8g/L. Drink now or hold.
-James Suckling 94 Points
Morande Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc is made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc
The grapes for this wine come from Morande's estate located in Casablanca, a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. This valley is well-known for its cool climate that allows to obtain small clusters and grapes that develop colors, aromas, and flavors that are characteristic of a slow ripening process. Of limited production, the vineyard is trellised to the vertical shoot position and grows on clayey, granitic soils of low fertility that give life to remarkable wines.
Bright straw-yellow color, delicate aromas with fresh herbs, honey and orange-blossom, combined with white fruit and citrus fruit. The palate shows complex flavors, with edgy, mineral freshness and outstanding citrusy notes of grapefruit, herbs and white peaches. It is persistent, elegant and with a structure that makes for good aging potential.
The grapes were picked by hand in 10-kilo boxes. A large percentage was whole-bunch pressed and the rest underwent a cold maceration for eight hours in the press. The must fermented mainly in French oak foudres, but a part also in cement eggs. The wine was kept in both its containers during six months before bottling.
Pair with white meat, fish and seafood, fresh cheese.
Ossian Capitel Verdejo is made from 100% Verdejo.
Ossian Capital represents a particular expression of very old Verdejo vines, taking its potential far finesse, elegance and longevity. It is made in selected years with a selection of extraordinary grapes.
Color: Old golden yellow color with greenish reflections.
Aromas: Surprisingly nuanced and profound.
Flavors: Fresh, full and very light.
Review:
"The 2020 Capitel is pure Verdejo from the oldest vines from the Peña Aguda vineyard in the village of Nieva on slate soils. This is the last vineyard to be bottled and has higher alcohol (14%) than the rest of the vineyards despite now harvesting earlier. The wine has a different aromatic profile but getting closer to the style of Ossian, less opulent than in the past, with more energy, quite fruit-driven with some exotic notes reminiscent of banana skin. The whole clusters were pressed and the juice put to ferment in barrel where the wine matured with the lees and, starting this year, without bâtonnage, because they feel the wines have enough volume and stirring the lees can bring more oxidation to the wine. 2,500 bottles produced. - Luis GUTIERREZ"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (January 31st 2023), 93+ pts
A barrel fermented, old vines Verdejo made in a style different from what we typically see in this white varietal. It has a remarkable complexity, resulting in the smoothness and depth of a high-end white. Very suitable for cellaring.
Golden yellow color with greenish reflections. Complex, toasty aromas of nuts & dried fruit. Large, creamy, spicy, balanced and voluminous.
Rice with fish, cooked seafood, grilled seafood, baked white fish.
"The eponymous 2020 Ossian was produced with Verdejo grapes from old, organically farmed vines around the village of Nieva (Segovia), a zone where phylloxera didn't reach. They consider 2020 their finest vintage to date, with a big change from 2018 and when they have achieved a much better understanding of their vineyards. It has notes of pit fruit and sweet spices, with good weight on the palate, moderate alcohol (13.5%) and ripeness and good freshness and balance. It's serious and with potential to develop in bottle. 80,000 bottles produced. - Luis GUTIERREZ"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (January 31st 2023), 94 pts
Pago de Carraovejas Cuesta Liebres is made from 100% Tinto Fino. The plot is located on a terraced hillside located at 900 m above sea level with slopes that range between inclines of 30% and 40%. Red cherry color with purple hues. Ripe fruit aromas, vanilla notes. Suave and unctuous in the mouth. A strong and noble character.
The harvest is carried out by hand using small crates and after passing through a refrigerated container it is transferred into tanks via gravity. The alcoholic and malolatic fermentation is carried out in small French “Haute Futaie” Oak casks with unique and original local yeasts and fermenting bacteria from the vineyard itself, to bring out the very best of the terroir, respecting the uniqueness of each and every vintage. Clarified with egg whites and bottled by gravity with natural cork stoppers.
Review:
A benchmark Ribera del Duero when it comes to quality. Expect the fine integration of high-grade wood, showing notes of peppermint, spices, truffles, dark chocolate, grilled herbs and dark cherry and blackberry fruit. More restrained in oak use compared with the old vintages for sure. Full-bodied and resolved, with seamless, powdery tannins and a juicy, tightly wound finish. Even, polished and effortless for such remarkable balance. It has a high level of concentration, with plush, integrated oak. Drink or hold.
-James Suckling 95 Points
Pago de Carraovejas Ribera Del Duero is made from 92%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5% and Merlot 3%.
The Pago de Carraovejas Ribera del Duero vintage marks a turning point in the history of the winery. From now on, the Crianza and Reserva are unified in this wine that focuses on the terroir and character rather than the time of aging. Its renewed label reflects the three key elements of this red: origin, soul and emotion.
Pago de Carraovejas Ribera Del Duero is made with grapes grown in the Botijas River valley, and planted between 1988 and 2011. Our work over the last 30 years has been geared to handcrafted viniculture, that puts as much care as possible into the microclimate conditions and the details. We have placed particular attention on the maintenance of the soil by plant cover that already grows spontaneously. It allows us to develop the ecosystem of the valley, which we respect scrupulously, using organic fertilizer and sulfur as the sole basis of our viticulture.
Depending on which plot they come from and the time they enter the winery, the grapes may be deposited in cold chambers to prevent oxidation and preserve the aroma. We carry out a two-part selection: first on the vine, where we choose the bunches, and then on a belt in the winery, where we remove the grapes that do meet the necessary conditions. The grapes enter the winery and are transported with the assistance of gravity. The deposits are filled slowly and gently. Depending on the characteristics that we detected when tasting the grapes, we ferment them either in stainless steel deposits or French oak barrels. For years we have worked with our own yeast that has been isolated from the vines by our team. This work is also partly responsible for the Carraovejas character.
The wine was aged in barrels for around twelve months.
Review:
The eponymous 2021 Pago de Carraovejas comes from a cooler year when they consider the grapes had exceptional quality. The bottled wine is composed of Tinto Fino with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot with 15% alcohol but good freshness and integration of the oak after spending 12 months in 226- and 600-liter barrels. It's medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins, a juicy mouthfeel and a tasty finish. This is a more elegant Carraovejas. It was bottled in the spring of 2023.
-Wine Advocate 93+ Points
Grape varieties: Parellada 40%, Macabeo 30% and Xarel·lo 30%.
Harvest: Occurs in 3 stages. Macabeo within the first fortnight of September, Xarello during the second fortnight in September and Parellada within the first fortnight of October.
First fermentation and vinification: This is a "Methode Traditionnelle" with
soft pressing of the grapes to obtain 60% of the must (flower must). It is decanted and fermented with controlled temperatures of 18ºC for 20 days until it fully develops the primary aromas of the grapes.
Secondary fermentation: takes place in the bottle for 40 days at a temperature of 16ºC and final ageing for 20 months. Residual sugar: 7 gr. per litre.
Color: Pale yellow with green tones. Shiny and clear.
Aromas: Powerful in the nose, clean. Ageing aromas.
Taste: Soft and well structured, long aftertaste and good balance of acidity and sugar contents.
Gastronomy: It should be served chilled between 5ºC and 7ºC. A flute type glass is recommended. Excellent with pasta, red and soft meats and white fish.Painous is unique in that it is a Cava-Joven style sparkling wine, meaning, the wine receives the minimum aging of 9 months. This allows crisp, fresh aromas and flavors to be expressed. It is delicious for aperitif.
Review:
"Golden straw color. Aromas and flavors of brown butter poached pear, marzipan, lemon and apple, and floating in the pool with the grill going with a round, crisp, finely carbonated, dry medium body and an interesting, medium-length finish manifesting notes of dried apples, apricot jam, blanched almonds, and jasmine rice with no oak flavor. Layers of flavor from fruit to earth dance on the tongue for a classic expression of sparkling wine from Catalonia."
- Beverage Testing Institute (November 2022), 91 pts - Gold Medal
Mineral and citrus notes.
Parajes del Valle Manchuela Bobal Ecologico Rose is an organic 100% Bobal Rose.
Floral and fresh wine. Excellent option to combine with cheese goat and walnuts salad, or with a platter of smoked salmon.
Philippe Milan Bourgogne Blanc is made from 100% Chardonnay
The wine is produced from vines planted in the commune of Chassey le Camp at high elevation, which brings freshness to this Chardonnay. Ripe fruit is nicely balanced with delicate notes of oak and a hint of citrus on the finish. Full flavored and complex.
Philippe Milan Bourgogne Blanc is made from 100% Chardonnay
The wine is produced from vines planted in the commune of Chassey le Camp at high elevation, which brings freshness to this Chardonnay. Ripe fruit is nicely balanced with delicate notes of oak and a hint of citrus on the finish. Full flavored and complex.
Philippe Milan Pommard AOC is 100% Pinot Noir
This wine has been aged in Oak (25% new Oak)
This is a little more structured and the style goes more toward the
"vin de garde", or wines meant to age. This wine needs some food, or sometime
in the decanter right now. It is well structured and reminds me of a Volnay. As
a matter of fact, the parcel is located right next to Volnay. The finish is
long and still quite juicy with chewy tannins lingering.
Pierinvaletta Barbaresco is made from 100% Nebbiolo
Rich, Full bodied, Intense.
Pierin Valetta is one of the ancestor of the Family and these wines are dedicated to him as we would like to thank him for giving us vineyards that reach up to 70 years old.
Made from 70 years old vines planted on clay soils.
Aged 30 months in French and Slovanian Oak barrels.
Wine wasn't filtered before bottling.
Dry but fruity with a complex nose of tropical fruit and enhancing biscuit flavours. Crisp acid ensures a fresh, clean and verydrinkable sparkling wine.
Serving suggestion: Well chilled to make any occasion festive.
THE LEGEND
Dispatched by Jan van Riebeek in search of the perfect place to grow provisions for the Dutch East India Company, Pieter Cruythoff stumbled upon a beautiful valley. But it was more than just the scenic beauty of this valley that had caught his eye; situated in the lee of the majestic Kasteelberg, the winters were mild, the summers were hot and the soil was uncommonly fertile. What's more, ships spotted from the lookout point on Kasteelberg were just a day away from Cape Town, and so were the wagons that went to meet them, laden with the treasures of the Riebeek Valley.
TIMELESS JEWELS
While he humbly named the valley after his patron, Jan van Riebeek, we feel it is only fitting that our valley's most coveted treasure should carry the name of its founder. So, in honour of Pieter Cruythoff, this range of fine wine bears his name.
From the vibrant whites to the seductive reds, each one is a gem gently coaxed from the fertile soil of that same magical valley. Ironically, much of the valley's bounty still finds its way to Europe, and in particular to the Netherlands, the land of Cruythoff's birth.
Pomerols Picpoul Pinet HB Languedoc is made from 100 percent Picpoul.
Pale yellow color with green tints. Fresh and fine aromas of grapefruit and exotic fruit. Lime flavors, with typical focusing acidity, are hallmarks of Picpoul. Our best value, this wine impresses novices and hardened geeks equally.
Riebeek Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
This unoaked Riebeek Chardonnay displays a brilliant green-gold color. The style is dry but fruity. The nose offers exceptional tropical aromas that follow through in the palate with a well-rounded finish of lingering citrus fruits. It is lovely with most entrees from crisp salads to creamy soups and chicken, whether served grilled or in a creamy sauce.
Free run juice was used. After settling and acid adjustment, juice was inoculated with selected yeast. Fermentation temperature remained between 13-14 degrees Celsius. Wine was left on lees for a few months prior to bottling to enhance the flavour.
It is lovely with most entrees, from crisp salads to creamy soups and chicken, whether served grilled or in a creamy sauce.
Riebeek Cellars Merlot is made from 100% Merlot.
Grapes were cold soaked overnight. Inoculated with selective yeast. Fermentation took place at 24 - 26 degree Celsius. Wine were pressed at
above 2 degree Balling. Malolactic fermentation finished in stainless steel tanks. Oak maturation include French oak chips, French oak staves and 2nd and 3rd fill barrels. All blended together to perfection.
The style is elegant with distinctive red berries and well-integrated wood flavors on the nose. The pallet is velvety and smooth with an aftertaste that lingers with the juicy flavors of abundant berries.
At room temperature or slightly chilled. Enjoy with pasta or light meat dishes.
This unoaked style of Viognier offers an accessible wine with enough body but without wood flavors.
The color is a brilliant green-gold and the style is dry but fruity. The perfume of a floral bouquet greets the nose and follows through with lovely tropical flavors in a light but lingering palate.
Free run juice was used. After settling and acid adjustment, it was inoculated with selected yeast. Fermentation temperature stayed between 13-14 degree Celsius. Wine was left on lees for few months prior to bottling to enhance the flavor. Alcohol: 13.82% Residual Sugar: 3.4 Total Acidity: 5.3 pH: 3.5
Slightly chilled. Lovely with most entrees - from crisp salads to creamy soups. Beautiful with chicken and fish - whether served grilled or in a creamy sauce.
Deep red with a slight purple hue on release. The wine has a rich mix of dark chocolate infused with coffee bean and black liquorice, then scents of tar, aniseed, raw (pure) soy and black olive on the nose. The palate is expansive, and yet balanced and finessed. An amalgam of dark berried flavors and textural sensations. The 100% new oak is completely absorbed, meshed with ripe tannins, completing a palate of impressive length and youthfulness.
Slowly the tide turned, Australians began drinking more wine and Dad with his uncanny ability to select and plant Clifton Park with the grape varieties of the future, saw fortunes change for Clifton Park and the Thorn family. I loved my Dad's wry sense of humor and his work ethic was an inspiration to us all.
"My father, Ron, was born in 1923 at the Angaston Hospital not far from where the Thorn-Clarke Winery is currently located. He was the fourth born of the nine children my grandparents raised at Clifton Park in the Eden Valley Ranges. Dad's great-grandparents took up farming land in the Barossa in the 1840's and purchased Clifton Park, where Dad grew up, in the 1870's. To this day, Clifton Park remains in the Thorn family and the 1870's vineyard still produces quality fruit.
As the family grew, Dad showed tenacity and judgment by pulling out orchards and extending the family vineyards. During the 1950's, 60's, and 70's, times were testing for a family business based on dry land horticulture and mixed farming. Dad's strong work ethic proved an invaluable asset during the tough years on the farm and he traveled widely as a shearer, drove bulldozers and worked at the local cement works to support his family.
Ron Thorn Shiraz is made from the best fruit that we grow and is produced only in exceptional years. This wine is given the benefit of 20 months barrel maturation and 12 months in bottle prior to release. This is our tribute to Dad's life and his contribution to the Thorn-Clarke story." - Cheryl Thorn Clarke
Review:
Guillemot-Michel Vire Clesse (magnum) is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Beautifully expressive, with yellow fruits, orange blossom, smoke & flint. Thick and saline on entry, then seriously deep in the mid-palate, with suggestions of exotic fruits perfectly countered by strong minerality. This wine strikes a perfect balance between sweet and salty elements, and it shows vibrant acidity. It boasts a thickness that few other northern Mâconnais can match.
Enjoy with fish (such as sole meuniere), seafood, roasted chicken, goat cheese.
Holocene The Black Square Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.
There is something ethereal about Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the cobblestone soils of the Walla Walla Valley. This region offers aromatic exuberance, elegance, finesse, a polished texture, layered complexity, and remarkable length. It is a place where one can craft a singular, stand-alone example of this varietal—unique not only in the United States but worldwide—while still echoing some of our favorite wines from Bordeaux.
In 2022, Winemaker Todd Alexander embarked on a new (yet familiar) journey that he had been patiently awaiting the perfect moment to explore. The Black Square is in its inaugural vintage, and this 2022 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, Oregon, which is part of the Walla Walla Valley.
The Black Square embodies elegance and grace framed by great structure, supple texture, and acidity to ensure longevity. It shows ample fruit with complex savory notes. This is not a heavy wine that is monolithic and dull—there are already plenty of those available. This wine offers a unique expression of Cabernet; it may be the most delicious wine Todd Alexander has ever crafted, venturing into new territory for Rocks District Cabernet Sauvignon.
Review:
As black as squid ink, The Black Square is balance personified. A concentrated blackberry aroma seems as dark as the wine's name, with equally dark espresso, olive and charred steak notes joining it in the abyss. A dark plum and ripe boysenberry flavor combo is accompanied by traces of salty Mission olives, wet slate and silky smooth tannins. The one bright feature illuminating the way is the wine's amped-up acidity. None so black
-Wine Enthusiast 98 Points Number 5 in the Top 100