Luce
Lucente 2016
Toscana IGT
Lucente is the second wine of Luce, a wine with contemporary style, immediate and great pleasure, and like its elder sibling, an authentic interpretation of Montalcino and the Luce estate.
Luce Lucente 2016
James Suckling "Ripeness and intensity here with dark berries, dark chocolate, walnuts and sage on the nose, following through to a full body, round and chewy tannins and a ripe-fruit finish.”
Related Materials: Luce Lucente 2016 Tech Sheet (92 JS)
Finca Decero
The Owl & The Dust Devil 2015
Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina
Finca Decero has become recognized not only for having one of the highest quality vineyards in all of Mendoza, but also for catapulting into an elite group of the most highly regarded producers in Argentina. The wines all come from the single Finca Decero vineyard, and the winery’s focus is entirely quality focused.
The Owl & The Dust Devil 2015 (93 TA)
Tim Atkin, MW “Finca Decero’s evocatively named cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and a little Tannat is now into its second edition. The Petit Verdot provides lots of structure here, giving…
Related Materials: Finca Decero The Owl & The Dust Devil 2015 Shelf Talker (93 TA)
The Owl & The Dust Devil 2015 (90 WE)
Wine Enthusiast “This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Tannat is rich yet well balanced. Its jammy berry aromas are creamy but also a touch reedy. On the palate, dark…
The Owl & The Dust Devil 2015 (92 JD)
Jeb Dunnuck "The 2015 Owl & the Dust Devil is a blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Malbec, 19% Petit Verdot and the rest Tannat that saw 18 months in 40% new…
Related Materials: Finca Decero The Owl & The Dust Devil 2015 Tech Sheet (92 JD)
E. Guigal
Côte-Rôtie Château d’Ampuis 2014
Côte-Rôtie
The Guigal family spent 15 years restoring Château d'Ampuis, a historic property whose oldest sections date to the 11th century. The Château d’Ampuis has been the symbol of the town of Ampuis and the world-renowned Côte-Rôtie vineyard area for ten centuries. When the Guigal family learned that there was at one time a wine produced with the Château d’Ampuis name, they decided to produce an exceptional wine that would showcase the best that Côte-Rôtie has to offer.
“Finishes pure, sweet and focused on the penetrating finish”
Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media "Deep bright-rimmed ruby. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of ripe dark berries, cherry pie, olive and pungent flowers are sharpened by a suggestion of peppery spices. Supple and appealingly sweet, offering…
Masseto 2015 (99 JS)
James Suckling "The aromas are profound here with a deep and vast character of black olives, cedar, chocolate and berries, as well as vanilla essence and light coffee. Flamboyant. Full-bodied, this powerful…
Chateau Montelena
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Napa Valley, California
The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium-bodied wine offering notable raciness up front, compelling freshness and depth of flavor. The earthy, complex and concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon is softened by the judicious addition of Merlot. This is a wine that delivers immediate pleasure upon release.
“one of the best values”
Vinous “Montelena’s 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is gorgeous. Pliant and supple, the 2015 offers notable density and raciness in an up-front style that will drink well upon release. Succulent red/purplish fruit, spice, new…
Related Materials: Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Cabernet 2015 Technical Sheet
Poggio al Tufo Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (94 JS)
James Suckling "A cabernet that flits between black peppers, beautifully fresh elderberries, lavender and violets. Medium to full body, lots of spicy undergrowth flavors and a long, chewy finish. Drink in 2020."
Related Materials: Poggio al Tufo Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Tech Sheet (94 JS)
Errázuriz
MAX Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Aconcagua Costa
It's becoming common knowledge, Errazuriz is one of the most interesting quality areas to grow Sauvignon Blanc, with wines that sit between the fruit of New Zealand and the minerality of the Loire Valley. MAX Sauvignon Blanc grapes come from the Manzanar Vineyard in Chile's newest appellation, Aconcagua Costa. Planted by Errazuriz in 2005 and just 8 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the combination of cool climate and diverse, quality soils creates wines with tremendous freshness and bracing minerality.
Errazuriz MAX Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (92 JS)
James Suckling "Lovely tarte au citron and citrus flowers aromas lead into a ripe and elegant sauvignon. Generous and crisp with a long, polished finish. Drink or hold."
Related Materials: Errazuriz MAX Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Tech Sheet (92 JS) Errazuriz MAX Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Shelf Talker (92 JS)
Errázuriz
MAX Pinot Noir 2017
Aconcagua Costa
Maximiano Errazuriz founded Errazuriz in 1870 in the foothills of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Andes Mountains and the Western Hemisphere. Recognizing that this valley, with its hot, dry summers and cool Pacific Ocean breezes, was ideal for growing grapes, he sent for the finest clones from France and with tenacity and perseverance transformed this barren land into a world-class vineyard. Today, the tradition of quality lives on with Don Maximiano’s descendant, Eduardo Chadwick.
Errazuriz MAX Pinot Noir 2017 (92 JS)
James Suckling “Hibiscus, bright violets, blueberry tea, Chinese spices and herbs. Medium body, tight yet never firm tannins that frame a crunchy core of blue fruit up to a minerally, super-refined finish.”
Related Materials: Errazuriz MAX Pinot Noir 2017 Tech Sheet (92 JS) Errazuriz MAX Pinot Noir 2017 Shelf Talker (92 JS)
Errázuriz
MAX Chardonnay 2016
Aconcagua Costa
Maximiano Errazuriz founded Errazuriz in 1870 in the foothills of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Andes Mountains and the Western Hemisphere. Recognizing that this valley, with its hot, dry summers and cool Pacific Ocean breezes, was ideal for growing grapes, he sent for the finest clones from France and with tenacity and perseverance transformed this barren land into a world-class vineyard. Today, the tradition of quality lives on with Don Maximiano’s descendant, Eduardo Chadwick.
Errazuriz MAX Chardonnay 2016 (91 JS)
James Suckling “A tangy and delicious white with cooked apple, lemon rind and orange zest character. Medium body, bright finish. Very pretty wine. Always a vivid chardonnay."
Errazuriz MAX Chardonnay 2016 (91 WS)
Wine Spectator “Minerally and rich-tasting, with finely crafted flavors of apple, citrus, pear and spice that are supported by fresh acidity. Crunchy dried savory notes power the finish. Drink now through 2021.”
Related Materials: Errazuriz MAX Chardonnay 2016 Tech Sheet (91 WS)
Errazuriz MAX Chardonnay 2016 (91 W&S)
Wine & Spirits “This Chardonnay is from the first vines Errazuriz planted in Manzanar, nine miles off the Pacific Coast. Now ten years old, they produced a wine with vivid white fruit flavors, spice…
Related Materials: Errazuriz MAX Chardonnay 2016 Shelf Talker (91 W&S)
Dog Point Vineyard
Chardonnay 2015
Marlborough
Several influential voices in the wine industry believe that in time Chardonnay may prove New Zealand's single highest achievement. All three of the Dog Point wines fermented in barrel are small in production, but the Chardonnay is the smallest, and at times indeed the most dazzling.
“a compelling example of Marlborough Chardonnay”
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate "The 2015 Chardonnay is a smoky, toasty, medium to full-bodied effort marked by a terrific acid line. That grapefruit note provides the backbone over which riper notions of white peach,…
Related Materials: Dog Point Vineyard Chardonnay 2015 Tech Sheet (93 WA)
Dog Point Vineyard
Pinot Noir 2015
Marlborough
Dog Point's renown as a Sauvignon Blanc producers has done nothing to lessen the enthusiasm around their Pinot Noir, today considered one of the finest in New Zealand. What sets their wine apart is the generosity of the structure, which comes off as rich but not sweet, and the complex mingling of fruit and savory notes.
“Regal pinot with soul and swagger”
James Suckling "Impressive red-cherry aromas precede great depth and structured, handy tannins that pull real flavors out of the wine and coat the palate. This holds fresh and rich darker cherries and…
Related Materials: Dog Point Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015 Tech Sheet (96 JS)
Masciarelli
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2015
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
The first line created by Gianni Masciarelli has become over the years a landmark for the company and its customers, in addition to being the most consistent and known, in Italy and abroad. Its wines, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC, Trebbiano D’Abruzzo DOC, and Rosato IGT Colline Teatine are today “a classic”, which can reflect the genuine taste of tradition and the quality of Abruzzo native vines.
“Cranberries, raspberries, elderberries and fresh herbs”
James Suckling “Cranberries, raspberries, elderberries and fresh herbs dominate on the nose here. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Drink now.”
Related Materials: Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2015 Shelf Talker (90 JS) Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2015 Tech Sheet (90 JS)
“Fruit forward, and incredibly delicious”
Jeb Dunnuck “A terrific value is the 2015 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a little gem of a wine based on Montepulciano brought up all in stainless. Loaded with notions of rich cherry and blackberry fruit, leafy…
Dog Point Vineyard
Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Marlborough
Section 94 is widely regarded as the most distinctive and greatest Sauvignon Blanc being made in New Zealand today. James Healy and Ivan Sutherland were among the first to begin fermenting their Sauvignon in barrel with wild yeasts, a technique that along with the old vines they use, leads to a full-bodied wine that is less fruit-forward, more exotic, and has immense textural complexity.
“medium to full-bodied, with a rich, almost creamy texture”
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate "The flavors are settling into a comfortable range of stone fruit, melon and pink grapefruit. It's medium to full-bodied, with a rich, almost creamy texture and a long, plush finish."
Related Materials: Dog Point Vineyard Section 94 Sauvingnon Blanc 2015 Tech Sheet (93 WA)
Le Macchiole
Scrio 2013
Bolgheri
Scrio was born in 1994, out of Eugenio Campolmi's wish to produce a wine which would best express his vision of Syrah, his favorite grape variety. As all Le Macchiole wines, Scrio has an original personality and stands apart from Syrah grown in France or anywhere else - it is an extraordinarily compelling meld of deep and velvety Mediterranean fruit with cool climate aromatics and detail. Given the extremely limited production, Scrio is decidedly a hidden gem.
“This is the best syrah in Tuscany this year with incredible depth and beauty.”
James Suckling “Wow. This is the best syrah in Tuscany this year with incredible depth and beauty. The texture is so plush yet polished and caressing. Full body. The finish of chocolate, hazelnut, smoked…
Le Macchiole
Paleo Bianco 2016
IGT Toscana
First produced in 1991 in tiny quantities for a local restaurant, Paleo Bianco today is a silky, mineral-driven blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc with loads of savory Mediterranean character.
Le Macchiole Paleo Bianco 2016 (91 JS)
James Suckling "This shows some impressive concentration on the nose with grapefruit rind, apple pie, cream and spices. Full body, layers of intense fruit and a phenolic finish. Drink now."
“Shows great precision and focus.”
Wine Advocate “The 2016 Paleo Bianco is mostly Chardonnay (90%) with a smaller element of Sauvignon Blanc (10%). This is a terrific white blend from the Tuscan coast that delivers loads of intensity,…
E. Guigal
Saint-Joseph 2015
Saint-Joseph
Saint-Joseph today is one of the most exciting appellations in the Rhone Valley, and dare we say all of France. The work by leading producers such as Guigal, energy from young growers, and recognition (really, re-discovery) of sites capable of making wines of extraordinary depth and complexity; of the same family as its famous neighbor in Hermitage, but with a distinct suppleness and elegance.
“Inviting, with a core of warm raspberry, fig and blackberry compote flavors”
James Molesworth, Wine Spectator “Inviting, with a core of warm raspberry, fig and blackberry compote flavors with roasted apple wood and anise notes. Shows brambly grip through the finish.”
Related Materials: E. Guigal Saint-Joseph 2015 Technical Sheet
Ornellaia
Ornellaia 2015
Bolgheri DOC Superiore
Ornellaia is the estate's "Grand Vin", with exceptional balance, power, elegance, and great aging potential. It faithfully reflects, in every vintage, its nature, site, and distinctive Mediterranean personality.
Ornellaia 2015 (98 JS)
James Suckling "The blackberry and blueberry aromas with fresh sage and bay-leaf character are impressive. Stone, graphite and mineral undertones. Full-bodied and silky and refined tannins. Dusty. Elegance and polish. Shows greatness…
“Terrific potential”
Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator "A big, brooding red, packed with blackberry, plum and earth flavors, all wrapped in spicy oak. Monolithic now, finishing with saline mineral elements, a leafy tobacco edge and dense, mouthcoating…
Ornellaia 2015 98 VM
Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media "The 2015 Ornellaia is a dream wine with magnificent balance. All the elements are in the right place. In most vintages, Ornellaia needs time to fully come together, but the…
Related Materials: Ornellaia 2015 Tech Sheet (98 VM)
E. Guigal
Gigondas 2014
Gigondas
Guigal’s Gigondas is an incredible introduction to serious Southern Rhône reds, and a show-stopper at the price. In the hands of Guigal, the rich ripe fruit and savory character of the wine bursts with sheer pleasure, yet the wine displays terrific refinement, complexity, length and ability to age.
“The 2014 Gigondas is a terrific success in the vintage”
Jeb Dunnuck "The 2014 Gigondas is a terrific success in the vintage and has a complex, perfumed style. Blackberries, flowers, peppery garrigue and leather notes, as well as fine tannin, medium to…
Related Materials: E. Guigal Gigondas 2014 Tech Sheet
E. Guigal
Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2016
Crozes-Hermitage
Crozes-Hermitage can be considered the gateway to the red and white wines of the Northern Rhône Valley. Whites make up a small percentage of production in the Rhône, under 2%, but white wines are a little bit of a secret speciality at Guigal and today comprise 25% of their production. And for good reason, as the whites of the Northern Rhône are true discovery wines, immensely appealing and complex.
“pure tangerine and honeysuckle flavors”
Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media "Pale gold. Lively citrus and orchard fruit aromas show very good delineation and a lively mineral overtone. Silky and focused on the palate, offering pure tangerine and honeysuckle flavors and…
Related Materials: E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2016 Technical Sheet
Attems
Pinot Grigio 2017
Friuli DOC
The Attems Pinot Grigio demonstrates all of the amazing qualities of the Collio region in Friuli Venezia-Giulia: it has superb weight and texture, and is mineral-edged, savory, tangy, and lively.
Attems Pinot Grigio 2017 (90 WS)
Wine Spectator "An elegant version that's bright and mouthwatering, with a stony underpinning to the flavors of kiwifruit, nectarine, graphite and spice. Very pure."
Related Materials: Attems Pinot Grigio 2017 Tech Sheet (90 WS)
