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Vinsacro (Valsacro)( Rioja 2011  is predominately 70yr old 55% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 10% Mazuelo, 10% Graciano and 5% Monastrell aged in American oak. 

Dark cherry color. Intense and elegant sweet spices, chocolate and ripe fruit with suggestive toasty aromas that tell us about the aging in good oak. Tasty, powerful, meaty and structured and at the same time easy to drink, very round.
The slogan of our winemaker "Wine is to enjoy". Vinsacro red wine is a wine to be stored, so that positive developments are expected for at least 15 years.

Wolfberger Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann  is made from 100 percent Pinot Gris

Honey, ripe fruits and sweet spices.
Long and ripe fruit flavors, with apricot and badian hints.

The Rangen Grand Cru is located in Thann, deep in the south of Alsace. Its particular soil is made of volcano-clastic rocks that drink up the heat of the day and send it back out again at night. The composition of the soil allows the roots of the vines to drink deeply from the mineral-rich sub-soil. Its southern exposure has the advantage of refreshing, drying winds in case of dampness. The high slopes are quite steep, reaching 68% in some places, requiring that the harvest be done by abseiling or roping down. Perfect for aging, these wines will reveal even more qualities after several years in the cellar.

Pair with duck honey and balsamic vinegar, foie gras, cheese like vacherin, comte 18 months, pork aigre douce (sweet and sour), dessert with apricot.

Review:

"Smoky hints of both ripe and dried pear have a honeyed edge. The palate comes in with that same honeyed sweetness on a rather concentrated powerful palate. Both lemon notes and lovely phenolic grip give structure. The finish is medium sweet and long. - ANNE KREBIEHL MW."
- Wine Enthusiast Magazine (December 1st 2018), 93 pts

Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Cuvee Anonyme 2019  is made from 60% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah and the rest is "field blend" with the following grapes : grenache, vaccarese, counoise, mourvèdre, terret noir and muscardin.

One of Xavier Vignon's first almost anonymous blends only in MAGNUMS ! 

The grapes come from "collection vines", where many grape varieties are planted together, making it difficult to identify the exact share of each variety: grenache, vaccarese, counoise, mourvèdre, terret noir and muscardin.

Partially destemmed and vinified in a mix of demi-muids and tank, it offers a beautifully pure, vibrant bouquet of black raspberries, white and black pepper, candied orange, and violets. Complex, layered, and nuanced, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, has a seamless texture, and a great finish. It has both elegance and richness, and will keep for 15+ years.

Pairing: Duck in sauce with olives. Ravioli with porcini mushrooms, cream of parsnip and bacon crisps. Partridge leg confit with olive oil.

Review:

"The flagship from Xavier is the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvee Anonyme, and in 2019 it’s 60% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, and the balance a mix of permitted varieties. Partially destemmed and brought up in a mix of demi-muids and tank, it offers a beautifully pure, vibrant bouquet of black raspberries, white and black pepper, candied orange, and violets. Complex, layered, and nuanced, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, has a seamless texture, and a great finish. It has both elegance and richness, and will keep for 15+ years."

- Jeb Dunnuck (October 2020), 95-97 pt

Tenuta di Arceno is a 2,500 acre estate nestled in the rolling hills of the Chianti Classico region in Tuscany.
Once an ancient Etruscan settlement, the estate has 220 acres planted under vine, leaving the rest of the land
to rolling hills of olive groves, open fields, and forests inhabited by wild boar and truffles. Arcanum La Porta
is composed entirely of Sangiovese sourced from the estate’s prized La Porta Vineyard. This single variety,
single vineyard wine holds its head high as a worthy homage to the great tradition of wine in Tuscany.
 

TASTING NOTES
The nose has floral tones reminiscent of rose petals, sweet plums and a hint of
cassis and vanilla. On the palate, the entrance is soft but defined by firm fresh
acidity with flavors of raspberries and our trademark flavor of the La Porta
Vineyard, candied orange peel. The finale is long with notes of cinnamon spice,
and mild cedar on the finish.

FOOD PAIRINGS
Aged Parmigiano Reggiano, Pasta Bolognese, Rack of Lamb

SERVE
Decant one to two hours before enjoying with family, friends and food

WINE STATISTICS
composition: 100% Sangiovese
alcohol: 14.0%
aging: French oak - 12 months
total acidity: 5.1 g/l
ph: 3.59 g/l
bottles produced: 19,464 (3,244 six packs)
Cellar Release

Review:

Solid and radiant in the glass it shows notes of pink grapefruit, flowering geraniums, pressed blueberries, plums and rosemary. There is more in the background in the brightness of the lemon, lime and bergamot notes. Full body, well-polymerized tannins that are decidedly vibrant and tense at the moment and an impressive long finish that will relax over time. Better from 2024.

-Raffaele Vecchione - WinesCritic.com 96 Points

Antica Vigna Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore is made from 50% Corvina, 45% Rondinella and 5% Merlot.

Ripasso Superiore DOC is an elegant and refined wine, showing a beautiful and intense ruby color. Spicy, with cherry hints and wild berries notes, it features great personality and complexity. In the palate it is rich, very fruity, elegant and still young but already very well-orchestrated, with the typical notes of wild berries that blend well with the complexity of the wine.

 20% in steel· 80% in wood for 6 months of which 2/3 in American and French barriques, half of which are used for the second and third time 1/3 in large barrels
Aging:
Fermentation time: about 7/10 days the first and 15 days the second.
Fermentation: at a controlled temperature of 18/20° and second fermentation on the skins of Amarone at 18/20°C.
Vinification: soft crushing of destemmed grapes to obtain Valpolicella.
Drying: the grapes are not dried but vinified fresh.
Harvest: mid-September with manual harvesting of the grapes.
VINIFICATION AND AGENG:

Vineyard management: sustainable agriculture and great attention to natural cycles
Vine density: 4,000 to 5,400 vines per hectare
Vine planting year: from 1972 to 2009
Vineyard training system: guyot and pergola
Soil type: limestone
Exposure: south
Height: 350/400 meters asl
Geographical location: Tenuta di Mezzane, Tenuta di Cazzano di Tramigna
THE TERRITORY:
Pairs well with grilled and roasted meats, as well as cheese.

Production notes:

Review:

If you prefer a thinking person's wine you'll run out of superlatives to describe this Riesling from Dr Loosen's Oregon project with J Christopher Wines. From a personal favourite, the old vines of the Medici Vineyard, the winemaking shows serious patience and determination. Fermented in a 3,000-liter, neutral oak German Fuder cask. It rests on the full lees for two years and is then held in bottle for three to five years before release. Aged, savoury and delicious. Aromas are savoury and saline. Lanolin, dandelion, seafoam, and beeswax with hints of fresh herbs and dried lemon peel. The palate is brilliant, savoury and bright and complex. Energetic flavours of wet slate, savoury bee pollen, white tea and lanolin notes. The finish offers crushed stone vibrancy.

-Decanter 93 Points

Production notes:

Avennia Valery Red Blend is made from 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc

Valery is named for the patron saint of wine in the St. Emilion region that inspired it.
We started with old vine Merlot from a stony block in the heart of the Yakima Valley and added complex, aromatic Cabernet Franc from the Horse Heaven Hills. The result is a balanced, complex wine with the elegance and ethereal perfume that this blend of two of Washington’s best varietals are known for.

The nose on this wine is very perfumed, almost exotic with notes of fresh violets, red plum, winter mint, fresh herbs and crushed limestone qualities. The palate is poised and balanced, with red fruits and mocha powder encapsulated in limestone. The finish lingers delicately, with the Cabernet Franc asserting a light tobacco and herb note, giving depth. A compelling wine that will continue to unwind for 7-10 years in the cellar.

Review:

"Brought up in 30% new French oak, the 2016 Valery (70/30 Merlot and Cabernet Franc) offers more black cherry and earthy, herbal notes as well as a medium-bodied, seamless, beautifully balanced style. It too shows a vibrant, fresh, yet concentrated style that has a Bordeaux feel in its weight and texture."
- Jeb Dunnuck (April 2019), 93 pts

"Good medium-dark red. Aromas of blueberry, mocha, licorice and violet are a bit darker than those of the 2015 version. Dense and penetrating, with wild flavors of dark berries, licorice and game given lift by rocky minerality and a minty nuance. Chris Peterson slightly acidified his Cabernet Franc from Champoux Vineyard, which he added to the wine for richness. This beauty may yet tighten up in the bottle.- Stephen Tanzer"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (November 2018), 92+ pts

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

Chateau Brule Secaille Grande Reserve Cotes de Bourg Rouge  is made from 55% Merlot, 30% Cabernet sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec.

The color is deep dark ruby. limpid and brilliant. The nose is intense and complex with hints of blackberries, sweet spicies, noble plain chocolate and Vanilla. The palate is full bodied, very long with well integrated tannins. The finish is very fresh and luscious with toasted notes in the background.

Average age of the vines is 30 years.
Manual harvest from September 21th to October 7th 2015.
Upon arrival at the winery, only the best grapes were selected using a sorting table.
Skin contact maceration during 2 weeks in temperature controlled vats.
Aged 12 months in Oak barrels. (1/3 new oak, 1/3 1 year old and 1/3 two year old barrels). They use 60% French Oak and 40% American Oak.

Served with red meat (beef filet, sirloin),  pork tenderloin, roasted duck breast with honey&orange sauce, roasted lamb with thyme, poultry and fine cheese.

Review:

  "A purple-colored, young wine dominated by Merlot, this is rich, structured and full of blackberries. With a good balance between the fruit and the tannins already in place, it shows excellent potential. Drink this already delicious but still firm wine from 2022. - ROGER VOSS"
- Wine Enthusiast (December 2018, Best of Year 2018 Issue), 90 pts

Graviere La Rouge Cuvee les Terrasses is made of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep red color with a narrow purple rim. Attractive aromas of ripe, juicy cherry and blackberry over spice, integrated toasted aromas. The palate is balanced and full-bodied with supple tannins, displaying rich cherry flavors combined with gentle toasting characters and a touch of spice. The finish is lasting with a bitter almond aftertaste.

Average age of the vines is 25 years. 
Manual harvest from September 21th to October 7th 2015.
Upon arrival at the winery, only the best grapes were selected using a sorting table.
Skin contact maceration during 2 weeks in temperature controlled vats. 
75% of the final wine was aged in stainless steel tanks with French oak staves and blended with 25% of wine aged in barrels.

Serve with red, white meats, poultry and fine cheeses.

Cortenova Prosecco Spumante NV is 100 percent Prosecco

This Prosecco comes from the highly esteemed area of Valdobbiadene. There are two recognized quality zones for Prosecco, Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Of the two, Valdobbiaden has always been recognized a having the superior quality due to its naturally higher acidity and its more northern location.
The vineyards lie at 350 meters above sea level. The vines are an average of 25 years old.

The grapes are soft pressed and the free run juice is placed in stainless steel. There is a brief maceration period of 4 hours. Specially selected yeast are added and fermentation is controlled at 20° C. There is no malolactic fermentation and the wine is transferred to autoclaves and a second fermentation is induced following the Charmat tradition. When the desired atmospheric pressure is reached (usually 1 month) the wine is bottled.

Light straw colored with greenish reflections. The perlage is fine and continuous. Fragrant bouquet full of flowers and almonds. In the palate it is fresh and clean with a soft body and a pleasing sparkle. The fruit is subtle and reminiscent of apples and pears with a hint of almond in the background. The finish is inviting.
Can be drunk by itself as an aperitif or with seafood and fish, pastas with cream sauces, chicken and fresh cheeses.

Review:

"Pale straw color. Bright, attractive aromas and flavors of roasted lemons and kiwis, green nectarine, nougat, and grass with a soft, vibrant, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, complex, medium-length spiced clementine and delicate herbal honey finish with silky, crunchy, fruit tannins and no oak. A delicious, nicely layered Prosecco with an elegant style." - Beverage Testing Institute (November 23rd 2015), 91 pts, Best Buy

Dominus Napa Valley Red Blend  is made from 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot.

The historic Napanook Vineyard, a 124-acre site west of Yountville, was planted in 1838. This vineyard was the source of fruit for some of the finest Napa Valley wines. Estate-bottled in the spirit of the Bordeaux châteaux, Dominus Estate is dry-farmed to allow natural stress and good concentration of fruit. Grape clusters are crop-thinned to allow sun and air to pass in between, helping to achieve full maturation and soften the tannins. Only 20% to 40% new French oak barrels are used in order to limit the extraction of oak notes. To express the unique terroir, the classic Bordeaux grape varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are planted with different root stocks best suited for the varying soil composition of gravel, heavy clay and loam.

Reviews:

One of the legendary Dominus, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is unquestionably in the same league as the 2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2010, and 1991, and to my mind, wine simply doesn't get any better. Sporting a dense purple hue as well as an incredible perfume of blackcurrants, crushed stone, cedar pencil, smoke tobacco, and baking spices, it s rich, full-bodied, and voluptuously textured, with ripe yet building tannins. It reminds me slightly of the 2010 (maybe the 2013), and I suspect it will have a similar evolution. Hide bottles for 7-8 years, and it will evolve gracefully for 30+ years. Hats off to the team of Christian Moueix and director Tod Mostero.

 Jeb Dunnuck 100 Points

Falletto di Bruno Giacosa Asili Riserva is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo. 

Intense red garnet color with orange highlights. Notes of raspberry and wild strawberry are layered with floral aromas of rose and violet. On the palate, good structure is matched with freshness of fruit and sweet, silky tannins. 

Review:

Sweet and succulent aromas of tangerines, freshly cut ripe strawberries, cherries and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate with sleek and dense tannins that run the length of the wine and then fan out into a dense, vivid finish of fruit. It’s chewy and seriously structured with finesse and energy. Silky texture. This needs at least four or five years to come together and open.

-James Suckling 98 Points

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

Gundián is a local surname & the name of several Galician villages (3 in the area) as well as a famous bridge in Galicia - thus the bridge graphic on the label. The Gundián Bridge, also known as the Gundián Viaduct, is a bridge that spans the Ulla river pass, on the old railway line between Orense and Santiago de Compostela.

Clean and bright wine, straw yellow color with greenish flashes. On the nose, it has fruity and floral aromas of high intensity, especially apple and stone fruits (apricot). In the mouth, the freshness and youth of the Albariño stand out with a well balanced acidity which makes it savory, sweet and glyceric.

Holocene Memorialis Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir. 

Holocene Pinot Noir Memorialis is a blend of 777, Pommard and 115 clones from MonksGate vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, and it saw about 20% new French oak for 16 months prior to bottling. It is always the lighter and more feminine of the two Holocene wines, with red fruits, white flowers, dried herbs, mushroom and forest floor aromatics, bright acidity and a lithe texture, long finish.

By now, everyone knows that the Willamette Valley is an amazing place to grow Pinot Noir. When I relocated from Napa Valley to partner up with Force Majeure Vineyards, I knew I also wanted to start a project where I could focus attention on a varietal and growing region that I loved. Part of the excitement of being in the Pacific Northwest is the ability to have access to so many amazing vineyards and so much diversity, along with the opportunity to push boundaries and try new things – something that is becoming increasingly difficult in other growing regions. 

We partner up with a few very small, diverse and amazing vineyards in the Willamette Valley, sourcing fruit from these dry-farmed sites that emphasize low yields, sustainable practices and produce outstanding fruit.

The wines are crafted in the same way I have been making wine since I was carrying it out at Bryant Family Vineyard in the Napa Valley — utilizing very low-impact, non-industrial techniques, native yeasts, little extraction and little new oak, and never filtering or fining. This allows a real sense of place to show through in the wines that is often dimmed when too much manipulation is undertaken.

Our first vintage was 2015, and was released in early 2017. As production is currently extremely small, the best way to get the wines into your hands is to join our mailing list at the “Mailing List” link above to receive an allocation when we have a release. We release wines once per year, and they will be sold on a first come, first served basis, shipped straight to your door.

Review:

The 2021 Pinot Noir Memorialis is more complete and layered, with beautiful ripe cherry and redcurrant fruit as well as spice box, dried, smoky herbs, and savory flower-like aromas and flavors. Textured, medium to full-bodied, and balanced, it has the fruit and texture to shine even today yet the density and structure to evolve for 10-12 years as well.

 - Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points

Thus, the first Édition of Krug Rosé, a singular Champagne achieving an astonishing balancing act between finesse and substance, came to be. 

The story of Krug Rosé dates back to 1983. With Joseph’s non-conformist spirit at heart, the 5th generation of the Krug family gave birth to a new composition, a bold rosé inspired by the House’s reputed art of blending, to be re-created each year. 

Krug Rosé is an unexpected rosé Champagne combining elegance and boldness – inspired by the dream of the fifth generation of the House of Krug to conceive a rosé Champagne that did not exist, a rosé Champagne that could be re-created every year.

Krug Rosé 27ème Édition is a blend of 38 wines from 9 different years, the youngest of which is from 2015, while the oldest dates back to 2005. ▪ It was completed with 10% traditionally macerated Pinot Noir of the year blended from plots in Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, to add a unique spiciness, colour and structure. Its final composition is 57% Pinot Noir, 23% Chardonnay and 20% Meunier. ▪ A stay of around seven years in Krug’s cellars gives Krug Rosé 27ème Édition its unique expression and elegance.

At first sight, its subtle pale pink colour holds a promise of elegance. On the nose, aromas of rose hips, cured ham, mulberries, redcurrant, peony, pepper and pink grapefruit. On the palate, delicate flavours of honey, citrus and dried fruit with a long finish, enhanced by its fine bubbles complete the experience.

Review:

Thirty-eight wines from nine vintages spanning 2005 to 2015 - 55% of them reserve - went into this blend of 57% Pinot Noir, 23% Chardonnay, and 20% Meunier; a nonpareil of shimmering depth. On the pure, precise nose, raspberries and roses mingle with suggestions of woodsiness, honey-cured ham, and parmesan rind before vibrating with white peach and red currant, honeyed cashew, and a soupcon of tobacco leaf and cucumber on the palate - where the tension between its almost ethereal refinement, thanks not least to the unending mousse, and the luxuriance of its finish is simply (or not so simply) delicious.

-Tasting Panel 99 Points

Krug Grande Cuvée is born from the dream of one man, Joseph Krug, to craft the very best Champagne he could offer, every single year, regardless of annual variations in climate. Since 1843, the House of Krug has honoured this vision with each new Édition of Krug Grande Cuvée: the most generous expression of Champagne.

 Review:

The NV Grande Cuvée 171ème Edition is a delightful blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay and 18% Pinot Meunier and boasts an attractive and captivating aroma of dried fruits, pastry, lemon oil, marzipan, spring flowers and ginger, with hints of almond and vanilla notes that become more pronounced over time. This medium to full-bodied wine is precise and well-structured, with a fleshy core of fruit and a sapid, incisive finish. Crafted around the 2015 vintage, the blend comprises 131 reserve wines from as far back as 2000 (42% of the total blend) and is expected to age beautifully over the next decade.

-James Suckling 99 Points

Maltus Lalande de Pomerol is made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

This is the newest project from Nicolas Lassagne (Chateau des Landes). 
He acquired this 2.5 ha (6.17 acres) parcel in 2015.

Beautiful sustained deep purple color
The Bouquet is rich, generous, complex and reveals notes of black fruits.
The palate is round and powerful with some good integrated tannins. The finish is long and structured.

Origin of the name: 
History tells us that the origin of the Château Maltus goes back to the Middle Ages, in the time of the crusades. The Order of Malt, well implanted on the land named Lalande de Pomerol, cultivated for the first time vines on the grounds of the Château Maltus.

Review:

 "A ripe, spicy and black-fruited wine, this has some dense tannins as well as fine blackberry flavors. The wine's acidity is muted at this stage, masked by the wine's powerful Merlot fruit flavors. Drink the wine from 2025. - Roger VOSS."

 - Wine Enthusiast (December 2022), 90 pts