Domaine des Baumard
Savennières Clos du Papillon 2014
Savennieres
If Savennières produces some of the most compelling dry white wines in the world, the Clos du Papillon plot within Savennières , so named for its butterfly shape, concentrates and magnifies all the characteristics of this small, distinct appellation. Baumard is the largest owner of this vineyard, with the best holdings, and the wines display a captivating combination of ripe orchard fruit, floral, and mineral notes, within a structure able to age decades.
Domaine des Baumard Savennières Clos de Papillon 2014 (92 WS)
Wine Spectator -August 10, 2018 “Bright and pure, with mirabelle plum, green almond and fig notes streaming through, inlaid with racy mineral and verbena details. This has a creamy feel and a bitter almond hint…
Related Materials: Domaine des Baumard Savennières Clos du Papillon 2014 Tech Sheet (92 WS) Domaine des Baumard Savennières Clos du Papillon 2014 Shelf Talker (92 WS)
Domaine des Baumard Savennières Clos de Papillon 2014 (90 W&S)
Wine & Spirits -August 10, 2018 “Brisk and clear as a bell in its evocation of bright quince and briny green olives, this is impeccably clean. While the critic found it luscious, others considered it overtly…
Domaines des Baumard Savennières 2016 (93 WS)
Wine Spectator -August 10, 2018 “Piercing and pure, with pear, green apple and green almond notes carried by a sleek, minerally edge. Shows juiciness along the edges and flashes of honeysuckle and bitter almond in…
Related Materials: Domaine des Baumard Savennières 2016 Tech Sheet (93 WS) Domaine des Baumard Savennières 2016 Shelf Talker (93 WS)
Masciarelli
Villa Gemma Colline Teatine Bianco 2016
Colline Teatine IGT
While the Villa Gemma Montepulciano was the wine that announced Abruzzo to the world, the Bianco, created just a year later, further defined what the region and grapes of Abruzzo could produce. This wine, first released in 1985, speaks to the white grape varieties specific to the region and has become on of the most exciting wines produced at the estate.
Masciarelli Villa Gemma Colline Teatine Bianco 2016 (91 JS)
James Suckling -August 10, 2018 “This is very tangy and intense with a milk, yogurt and sliced apple character buttressing the ripe apple. Full body. Flavorful and delicious. Drink now.”
Related Materials: Masciarelli Villa Gemma Colline Teatine Bianco 2016 Tech Sheet (91 JS)
Petrolo
Galatrona 2015
Val d'Arno di Sopra
Year after year, Galatrona has quietly been recognized as one of the great wines of Italy and is often referred to as the Petrus of Tuscany. What it truly is, though, is beyond comparison – a wine of utter individuality reflective of the Petrolo estate and its unique location in an all but unknown appellation of Tuscany.
Petrolo Galatrona 2015 (99 JS)
James Suckling -August 09, 2018 “Terrific aromas of violets, roses and raspberries with hints of strawberries and brown sugar. Full body. Phenomenal layers of focused fruit and polished velvety tannins. This is the Galatrona that everyone has…
Related Materials: Petrolo Galatrona 2015 Tech Sheet (99 JS)
Petrolo Galatrona 2015 (96 WA)
Wine Advocate -August 09, 2018 “Galatrona is one of the best Merlots made in Italy (definitely in the top five) and this vintage keeps the banner flying high. The 2015 Galatrona is luscious, soft, soothing and ever-so…
Champagne Bollinger
La Grande Année Rosé 2007
Champagne, France
Lily Bollinger agreed to a Bollinger rosé under one condition, it had to be extraordinary, and that is how La Grande Année Rosé was born. A blend like no other, the wine is as an extension to the House’s prestige cuvée, La Grande Année, as is the subtle marriage between this great vintage Champagne and the addition of red wine from a unique plot, the legendary Côte aux Enfants.
Champagne Bollinger La Grandé Année 2007 (96 WA)
Wine Advocate -August 13, 2018 “Very fresh and elegant on the palate, this is a full-bodied, dense, complex and structured rosé with a long, intense and well-structured finish that reveals the youthful soul of this…
Related Materials: Champange Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé 2007 Tech Sheet (96 WA)
Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé 2007 (93 W&S)
Wine & Spirits -November 20, 2018 "This gains its light pink color from six percent of still pinot noir wine from Bollinger’s Côte aux Enfants vineyard. It’s tight, austere and tannic, still youthfully inaccessible at more…
Château La Fleur-Pétrus
Château La Fleur-Pétrus 2015
Pomerol
From a wine of utter charm, La Fleur-Petrus has through the developments of the last 20 years become a wine of profound depth and complexity, all the while retaining its irresistible, seductive edge. You could even call it the archetype of Pomerol.
Château La Fleur-Pétrus 2015 (99 JS)
James Suckling -August 09, 2018 "The aromas to this are stunning with lavender, rose petals, walnut skin, strawberries and raspberries. Captivating. Full body, layers of polished tannins and perfectly ripe fruit. Dense and very long.…
Château La Fleur-Pétrus 2015 (97 VM)
Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media -August 09, 2018 "The 2015 La Fleur-Pétrus is a magical wine. Soaring aromatics, beautifully layered, translucent fruit and exceptional balance are the signatures. Hints of orange peel, white pepper and rose petal add…
Related Materials: Château La Fleur-Pétrus 2015 Tech Sheet (99 JS)
Champagne Bollinger
La Grande Année 2007
La Grande Année: The Great Year. This Champagne is the embodiment of everything that makes Bollinger the producer that stands apart in Champagne. La Grande Année, or LGA, preserves the traditions of the past and symbolizes the word “hand-crafted” so strongly that an overused word suddenly becomes the only appropriate definition.
Champagne Bollinger La Grandé Année 2007 (94 WA)
Wine Advocate -August 13, 2018 “Bollinger’s white-golden colored 2007 La Grande Année Brut is an assemblage of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from 14 crus (mainly Aÿ and Verzenay for the Pinot Noir and…
Related Materials: Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année 2007 Technical Sheet
Champagne Bollinger La Grandé Année 2007 (94 WS)
Wine Spectator -August 13, 2018 “A bright, lacy Champagne, offering a tapestry of finely woven flavors: graphite and ground spice, crushed blackberry and dried apricot, toast and honeycomb. Firm and focused, with a lasting, chalky…
Champagne Bollinger La Grandé Année 2007 (93 JS)
James Suckling -August 16, 2018 "Super attractive lemon essence and lime pickle on the nose, with toasty warmth and some bright, almost tropical fruits. The palate has a very open and appealing feel. Deep flavors…
Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année 2007 (95 W&S)
Wine & Spirits -November 20, 2018 "While this wine seemed fully mature when we tasted it last year, the latest bottle to come across our tasting table was full of life, feeling concentrated and radiating energy…
Petrolo
Bòggina C 2015
Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC
Bòggina is a Sangiovese cru and a testament to the winemaking foresight of Petrolo’s founder, Gastone Bazzocchi, who planted the vineyard in 1952 and saw the great quality potential of the vineyard early on. Over the years, the vineyard has been replanted little by little with a massale selection to preserve the diversity of the original clones. Bòggina showcases the great expression of a 100% Sangiovese that Petrolo’s unique terroir and microclimate are capable of producing.
Petrolo Bòggina C 2015 (95 JS)
James Suckling -August 09, 2018 “A dense and beautiful young sangiovese with dried cherry, orange rind and flowers. Full body, tight and silky with a long and seamless finish. Tannic and structured. A fantastic sangiovese. Aged in…
Related Materials: Petrolo Bòggina C 2015 Tech Sheet (95 JS)
Petrolo Bòggina C 2015 (90 WA)
Wine Advocate -August 09, 2018 “The 2015 Val d’Arno di Sopra Bòggina C sees fruit sourced from a single vineyard site with 65-year-old Sangiovese vines. The wine offers a light and streamlined expression of the grape that …
Champagne Bollinger
Rosé NV
Champagne, France
In the same way that Special Cuvée stands apart from non-vintage Champagnes, Bollinger Rosé is an exception for Rosé Champagnes. What is more, it is a relative secret, as Bollinger did not release a non-vintage Rosé until 2008 and the quantity produced is quite limited. The wine begins as Special Cuvée and then Bollinger’s specialty as the Pinot Noir producer in Champagne takes center stage, as the red fruits that join the conversation dance vibrantly, the finish has just a hint of perfectly repeat tannin, and the deep complexity of the wine shines through transparently.
Champagne Bollinger Rosé NV (92 JD)
Jeb Dunnuck -November 08, 2022 "The NV Champagne Brut Rosé has a pale pink hue and lifts with a soft bouquet of red raspberry, apricot, bread dough, blood orange, and delicate smoke. The palate is…
Champagne Bollinger Rosé NV (93 JS)
James Suckling -July 25, 2022 "Deep red-berry nose, plus some nectarine, spice and candied-orange notes. Powerful and fresh, the hint of tannin from the red-wine component of the blend neatly balanced by the creaminess. Excellent…
Champagne Bollinger Rosé NV (94 JS)
James Suckling -August 13, 2018 "This marries a dash (5%) of still red wine from the Bollinger vineyards with the house's stalwart, complex non-vintage cuvée to fine effect. It has playful red florals and citrus…
Champagne Bollinger Rosé NV (93 WA)
Wine Advocate -August 16, 2018 "Bollinger's NV Brut Rosé is a beautiful pink Champagne composed of 62% Pinot Noir, 24% Chardonnay and 14% Pinot Meunier. The wine gets its noble rosé color from 6% of…
Champagne Bollinger Rosé NV (94 W&S)
Wine & Spirits -February 26, 2021 "A beautiful, transparent pink-gold rosé, this wine feels effortless. Five percent red wine grown in Verzenay and Aÿ gives the wine its color, and perks up the fresh flavors of…
Champagne Bollinger Rosé NV (93 WS)
Wine Spectator -August 26, 2020 "A polished rosé Champagne, effortlessly layering well-cut acidity, a finely detailed mousse and graphite-laced flavors of raspberry, Marcona almond, kumquat and toast point. Sneakily long and minerally on the finish,…
Petrolo
Bòggina A 2015
Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC
Every year, Petrolo selects a small lot of Bòggina, a wine made purely from their best Sangiovese grapes, to ferment in amphorae. The choice of amphorae has a historical dimension: Terracotta in Tuscany has a history back to the early Etruscan times. The remains of amphorae and other Etruscan relics can be found throughout the Petrolo property, an area that has been settled for thousands of years.
Petrolo Bòggina A 2015 (95 JS)
James Suckling -August 09, 2018 “Very perfumed aromas of plum, dried berry, cedar, and flower. Full body, with velvety tannins and a juicy finish. Love the texture and richness to this wine. Fascinating smoky undertone. Amphora gives…
Related Materials: Petrolo Bòggina A 2015 Tech Sheet (95 JS)
Champagne Bollinger
Special Cuvée NV
Champagne, France
From vineyard to bottling, Special Cuvée sees such an extraordinary level of care and attention, it is difficult to place within the non-vintage or, really, any Champagne category. It is a Champagne that stands apart. Within one bottle, all the complexity of flavour, texture and pleasure that Champagne can offer. Special Cuvée is truly a journey of devotion from Bollinger.
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée NV (93 JS)
James Suckling -August 13, 2018 “Impressive concentration, freshness and purity here. It’s all gently enriched with some savory, autolysis-driven characters. Truly a modern classic! Showing attractive spiced-apple, lemon and pink rose-like florals on the palate,…
Related Materials: Champagne Bollinger Rosé NV Shelf Talker (93 JS)
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée NV (93 W&S)
Wine & Spirits -August 16, 2018 "One of Bollinger’s great assets is a massive stock of reserve wine, including 600,000 magnums held under cork. Gilles Descôtes tends those reserves, working with the blending team to subsume…
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée NV (93 WS)
Wine Spectator -September 13, 2023 "Fine and seamless, with mouthwatering acidity well-meshed with a rich range of crème de cassis, poached apricot, gingerbread and almond extract flavors, plus accents of fleur de sel, Meyer lemon…
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée NV (93 JS)
James Suckling -August 02, 2023 "Lovely density and a fine-bubble texture. Dried apple and apricot with hints of dried flowers. Medium to full body. with medium-rich fruit. Spice, zest and ginger character. Usually 10% in…
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée NV (95 DE)
Decanter -February 16, 2023 "If it’s good enough for James Bond, it’s good enough for you. Bollinger Champagne has made a number of cameos in James Bond films over the year. This non-vintage Special…
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée NV (92 JD)
Jeb Dunnuck -November 08, 2022 "The NV Champagne Special Cuvée is 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and a small amount of Meunier, with the base wine coming from the 2018 vintage and 15% from reserve.…
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée NV (93 WS)
Wine Spectator -September 28, 2022 "A graceful Champagne, with flavors of black cherry, Asian pear, toast point and salted almond dancing across the palate. Bright and buoyant, with a fine, lacy mousse and delicate notes…
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée NV (93 WS)
Wine Spectator -August 05, 2021 "This harmonious Champagne is wonderfully vibrant as it dances across the palate, with the satinlike mousse carrying flavors of white cherry, Marcona almond and ground coffee that show accents of…
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvee NV (92 WE)
Wine Enthusiast -September 03, 2020 "Dominated, as always, by Pinot Noir and with wood fermentation and aging, this Champagne has a great poise between freshness and richness. It is intense and ripe, with apple and…
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvee NV (96 DE)
Decanter -July 08, 2020 "The complexity and richness of Special Cuvée is unparalleled among the entry non-vintage blends of every Champagne house [...] Its grand recipe explains why, built on incredible depth of 50%-60%…
Mitolo
Marsican 2014
McLaren Vale
Named after the rare Marsican bear, native to Frank’s father Bruno’s homeland, Abruzzo. The same bear can be seen in the night sky over Italy forming the Ursa Major – a constellation that has been a navigational reference point for ages. Marsican is a tribute to Frank Mitolo’s heritage and his fathers enduring influence and guidance.
Mitolo Marsican 2014 (96 JD)
Jeb Dunnuck -July 24, 2018 “The tiny production 2014 Shiraz Marsican is a blend of the finest barrels in the winery and spent 14 months all in new oak. This beauty is another rich, concentrated,…
Related Materials: Mitolo Marsican 2014 Tech Sheet (96 JD)
Mitolo Marsican 2014 (95 VM)
Vinous -September 08, 2022 “Brilliant purple. Powerful, spice-accented cassis, cherry liqueur and incense aromas are lifted by a suave floral note and a hint of vanilla. Rich but energetic as well, showing excellent focus…
Mitolo Marsican 2014 (92 WE)
Wine Enthusiast -March 25, 2019 “Mitolo's top wine, made only in the best vintages, is a deep well of blackberries, blueberries, chocolate, coffee and white pepper. It's rich and velvety in texture, with soft edges…
Petrolo
Torrione 2015
Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC
Torrione marks the beginning of the Petrolo’s quality revolution. It is considered to be the true identity of Petrolo, made with a blend of grapes from all of the estate’s vineyards.
Petrolo Torrione 2015 (94 JS)
James Suckling -August 09, 2018 “Lovely aromas of sweet fruit, flowers such as violets and black olives. Sandalwood undertones. Full body and extremely fine tannins. Persistent and sexy. Shows such intensity and finesse. Drink in 2019.”
Related Materials: Petrolo Torrione 2015 Tech Sheet (94 JS)
Petrolo Torrione 2015 (90 WA)
Wine Advocate -August 09, 2018 “On the ripe and sweet side, the 2015 Val d’Arno di Sopra Torrione is a terrific, easy drinking red wine made near Arezzo in Tuscany. The bouquet is soft and sunny…
Petrolo Torrione 2015 (91 WS)
Wine Spectator -May 11, 2020 “This is lean and taut, with cherry, leather, tobacco, earth and iron flavors. Leans to the dry side in the end, but has depth and character. Turns more elegant and…
Petrolo Torrione 2015 (90 VM)
Vinous -May 11, 2020 “The 2015 Torrione is gorgeous. Bright fruit and expressive floral notes give the Torrione striking energy. Hints of smoke, tobacco and game add further shades of complexity as the wine…
Mitolo
G.A.M. 2014
McLaren Vale
G.A.M. represents the first initial of each of the Mitolo children’s first names – Gemma, Alex and Marco. The G.A.M. Shiraz comes from the Chinese Block within the Lopresti Vineyard, located all the way at the southern tip of McLaren Vale and on the coast.
Mitolo G.A.M 2014 (92 WA)
Wine Advocate -August 08, 2018 "Deep garnet in color with a hint of purple, the 2014 Shiraz G A M offers fruitcake, preserved plums and blueberry tart notes with suggestions of mocha, Marmite and bacon fat. Medium…
Related Materials: Mitolo G.A.M. 2014 Tech Sheet (92 WA)
Chateau Montelena
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Napa Valley, California
The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is Chateau Montelena’s flagship wine and a quality icon of Napa Valley. The winemaking team works obsessively and passionately with each vintage to capture the best expression of their historic terroir. This is a show-stopper that reveals the perfect blend of flavors, aromas and textures to reach the pinnacle of balance.
Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (95 VM)
Vinous -August 10, 2018 “A total knock-out, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate captures all the potential of this great site. Powerful, voluptuous and structured, yet very much within the context of classicism that has defined…
Related Materials: Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Tech Sheet (95+ VM)
Rotem and Mounir Saouma
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Omnia 2015
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Omnia, Latin for “all,” is a wine that attempts to encompass the full diversity of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation, both in its terroir and vinification. Fruit comes from vineyards in all 5 of the Chateauneuf communes (Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Courthezon, Sorgues, Bedarrides and Orange) and aged in foudre, cement and 500 liter barrels.
Rotem and Mounir Chateauneuf-du-Pape Omnia 2015 (96 WS)
Wine Spectator -September 26, 2018 “This is sublime, with beguiling rooibos tea, blood orange and sandalwood aromas out front followed by a long and silky display of lightly mulled cherry, damson plum and raspberry fruit…
Rotem & Mounir Saouma Châteauneuf-du-Pape Omnia 2015 (96 VM)
Vinous -January 16, 2020 "Deep brilliant crimson. An expansively perfumed, expressive bouquet evokes ripe cherry and raspberry, incense, lavender and Moroccan spices, and a smoky mineral flourish adds urgency and lift. Shows impressive depth…
Rotem and Mounir Saouma
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2014
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
From his original 5 acres in Pignan, Mounir has one plot, of 100% Grenache planted in the 1930s, which yields naturally at a miniscule 1 ton per acre. From these vines he produces Arioso, a Chateauneuf of astounding depth and finesse.
Rotem and Mounier Saouma Arioso 2014 (95 WS)
Wine Spectator -October 29, 2018 "Alluring, with blood orange, raspberry and bergamot notes that glide through on silky but persistent tannins, while black tea, dried anise and incense notes weave in and around them. A…
Rotem and Mounir Saouma Arioso 2014 (96 W&S)
Wine & Spirits -October 29, 2018 "When Rotem and Mounir Saouma aren’t working in Beaune at Lucien LeMoine, their micro-negociant firm, they are in Châteauneuf, tending the 21 acres of vines they’ve acquired since arriving in…
Mitolo
Angela 2015
McLaren Vale
The Lopresti Family growers have provided fruit for Mitolo from the very beginning. Sourced from Sandra’s Block, matriarch of the Lopresti family, this wine is a tribute to Frank Mitolo’s mother, Angela, matriarch of the Mitolo family.
Mitolo Angela 2015 (91 JD)
Jeb Dunnuck -July 24, 2018 “The 2015 Shiraz Angela comes from the clay soils of Sandra’s Block in the southern end of McLaren Vale and spent 18 months in 10% new French oak. It’s a…
Related Materials: Mitolo Angela 2015 Tech Sheet (91 JD)
Mitolo Angela 2015 (93 WA)
Vinous -September 08, 2022 "Dark ruby. Ripe dark fruit and floral scents pick up licorice and mocha accents with air. Plush and broad on the palate, offering weighty blackberry and cherry-vanilla flavors and a…
Related Materials: Mitolo Angela 2015 Tech Sheet (93 WA)
Mitolo Angela 2015 (93 WA)
Wine Advocate -October 15, 2018 "Made with only 30% new oak, the 2015 Small Batch Series Angela Shiraz is named after Frank Mitolo's mother. It showcases lovely aromas of violets and raspberries, a silky-textured medium…
Related Materials: Mitolo Angela 2015 Tech Sheet (93 WA)
Chateau Montelena
Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015
Napa Valley, California
A true icon. The Napa Valley Chardonnay is the wine that put Chateau Montelena and Napa Valley at the forefront of the wine world in 1976, in what is now memorialized as “The Judgment of Paris.” To great disbelief, the Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay was the top-ranking wine against four white Burgundies and five other California Chardonnays. And as they say, the rest is history.
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015 (92 WA)
Wine Advocate -April 06, 2023 “You'll pay a hefty premium for the extra five years of aging, but the 2015 Chardonnay is showing enticing hints of development in its honeyed pear and melon aromas. It's…
Related Materials: Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2015 Tech Sheet (92 VM)
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015 (92 VM)
Vinous -August 10, 2018 “…2015 Chardonnay is shaping up to be a gorgeous wine. The warmer vintage has resulted in a slightly richer style of Chardonnay, although the house style built on energy and tension…
Related Materials: Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2015 Tech Sheet (92 VM)
Mitolo
Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
McLaren Vale
Jester Cabernet is a “baby” Serpico, the top Mitolo Cabernet produced using an Amarone drying process. For the Jester Cabernet, only a portion of the grapes are left to dry in the traditional Amarone winemaking method. Jester Cabernet is upfront and approachable, delivering excellent quality for the price.
Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (90 JD)
Jeb Dunnuck -August 29, 2018 "Lots of tobacco, chocolaty dark fruits, and a hint of wood smoke all emerge from the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Jester, which hits the palate with a full-bodied, layered, incredibly sexy…
Related Materials: Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Tech Sheet (90 JD) Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Shelf Talker (90 JD)
Mitolo
Jester Shiraz 2015
McLaren Vale
The Jester wines share the pedigree of the top Mitolo wines, but are more accessible and fruit-forward. Jester Shiraz is a blend of several blocks within the Lopresti vineyard in the Willunga district, all the way at the southern tip of McLaren Vale overlooking the coast. Intense, textured and shows pure dark fruit flavors.
Mitolo Shiraz Jester 2015 (93 JS)
James Suckling -August 30, 2018 "Bright and vivid with blueberry, blackberry and licorice. Hints of flowers. Full body, tight and chewy. Linear and racy. This shows strength and structure. Give it two or three years…
Related Materials: Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2015 Tech Sheet (93 JS) Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2015 Shelf Talker (93 JS)
Le Macchiole
Bolgheri Rosso 2016
Bolgheri Rosso DOC
Bolgheri Rosso is a refined, irresistible blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, serving as an introduction to the estate. The wine is, frankly, almost too good at the price. All the intensive artisanal work that Le Macchiole carries out in its vineyards and cellars benefits this wine, and despite more availability than its Paleo Rosso, Messorio and Scrio siblings, it sells out nearly as quickly.
Le Macchiole Bolgheri Rosso 2016 (91 W&S)
Wine & Spirits Magazine -August 08, 2018 “Cinzia Merli’s introductory red is lush and lively in the 2016 vintage. Merlot plays the leading role in its fresh blueberry flavors and velvety texture, while smaller portions of cabernet sauvignon and…
Le Macchiole Bolgheri Rosso 2016 (92 JS)
James Suckling -September 11, 2018 "A deliciously spicy nose with black peppers, dried violets, hyacinth, citrus, blueberries and crushed stones. Full body, medium-chewy tannins, vibrant acidity and a succulent yet fine finish. Drink now. A…
Related Materials: Le Macchiole Bolgheri Rosso 2016 Tech Sheet (92 JS)
Mitolo
Jester Vermentino 2016
McLaren Vale
Frank Mitolo and Ben Glaetzer spent considerable time researching the choice of varietal for Mitolo’s first white wine, and Vermentino was chosen as a grape that matches well with food and that would suit the McLaren Vale region. The maritime climate of McLaren Vale perfectly reflects that of the Mediterranean coastal districts of Corsica and Sardinia from which this varietal is best known. Warm days and cool, breezy nights allow for the grapes to develop balanced acidity and fresh fruit flavors.
Mitolo Jester Vermentino 2016 (94 JH)
James Halliday -August 08, 2018 “Pale, bright straw-green; with considerable attitude and punch. While the dominant flavors are fruity, crisp and bright with some of the same attributes of good Pinot Gris, there is a…
Related Materials: Mitolo Jester Vermentino 2016 Tech Sheet (94 JH)
Le Macchiole
Paleo Rosso 2014
Toscana IGT
Paleo Rosso has been called Italy’s landmark expression of Cabernet Franc. It is named for a type of local wild grass, which once covered the land where its vines are now planted. Originally a blend of several different varieties, the wine has been made from 100% Cabernet Franc since 2001, and was the first mono varietal Cabernet Franc to be produced in Bolgheri. The grapes come from several vineyards on the estate, including Vignone, Madonnina, Puntone and Casa Nuova. Each vineyard is picked separately, and fruit from the same vineyard is often picked more than once at different stages of maturity, resulting in about 20 different pickings.
Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso 2014 (93 WS)
Wine Spectator -August 09, 2018 “Rich yet focused, with flavors of black currant, olive, tobacco and iron. Features a dense grain, yet all the components work together, with balance and light tannins on the fresh, coffee-tinged finish.…
Related Materials: Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso 2014 Tech Sheet (93 WS)
Ponzi Vineyards
Classico Pinot Noir 2015
Willamette Valley
The “classic” representation of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, this wine encapsulates the experience, innovation, top vineyard sources, and expertise of the pioneering Ponzi family. Among the first to make Pinot Noir in Oregon and the United States and, since the start, among the very best.
Ponzi Vineyards Classico Pinot Noir 2015 (92 WE)
Wine Enthusiast (Editors' Choice) -August 09, 2018 "This relatively new mid-level Pinot Noir is a mix of estate and purchased grapes aged for almost a year in one third new oak barrels. It’s firm, compact and juicy, with red…
Related Materials: Ponzi Vineyards Classico Pinot Noir 2015 Tech Sheet (92 WE) Ponzi Vineyards Classico Pinot Noir 2015 Shelf Talker (92 WE)
Ponzi Vineyards Classico Pinot Noir 2015 (90 WA)
Wine Advocate -September 04, 2018 "Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2015 Pinot Noir Classico has an open nose of dried cranberries and black cherries with cardamom, floral perfume and spicy touches. Light to…
Dog Point Vineyard
Pinot Noir
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.
Dog Point Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017 (95 JS)
James Suckling -October 25, 2019 "This is very convincing, complex and downright impressive pinot noir. The intense aromas of ripe cherries and plums are framed in such intensely attractive oak spice and earthy, sous-bois complexity.…
Dog Point Vineyard
Chardonnay
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 and times indeed the most dazzling.
Dog Point Vineyard Chardonnay (95 JS)
James Suckling -October 25, 2019 "This has such complex and rich style to it with a flinty edge to the peach, grilled-lime and lemon-pith aromas. The palate has really rich textural layering and plenty of…
Le Macchiole
Messorio 2014
Toscana IGT
Messorio, a Merlot monovarietal, is the winery’s crown jewel. Its initial vintage was 1994, and since then it has received extraordinary acclaim, including a 100-point score from the Wine Spectator for the 2004 vintage. The name Messorio refers to the ancient Tuscan practice of wheat harvesting, the most important time of the year in the Bolgheri countryside – once it referred to wheat; these days, it is all about grape harvesting.
Le Macchiole Messorio 2014 (93 JS)
James Suckling -August 09, 2018 “A little lean for Messorio but plenty of tobacco, cedar and berry character. Medium body, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Needs two or three years to come together.”
Le Macchiole Messorio 2014 (93 W&S)
Wine & Spirits Magazine -August 09, 2018 “Opens with delicate scents of thyme and lavender that lead into flavors of dark plum and pomegranate infused with bright acidity and cool, polished tannins. Layers of dark chocolate and teriyaki emerge…
Related Materials: Le Macchiole Messorio 2014 Tech Sheet (93 W&S)
Dog Point Vineyard
Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc
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.
Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Section 94 2017 (96 JS)
James Suckling -October 25, 2019 "This is a very tight, complex and concentrated sauvignon with flint, grilled-lemon and struck-match aromas, as well as passion-fruit pastry. The palate has a smooth textural build with pastry-like texture…
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.
E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Château d’Ampuis 2014 (94 VM)
Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media -August 09, 2018 "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…
E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Château d’Ampuis 2014 (95 WS)
Wine Spectator -December 06, 2018 “This is frankly toasted, with mocha and bacon notes leading off. The core of dark currant and cherry preserve flavors has the stuffing to match, while singed bay leaf and…
Related Materials: E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Château d’Ampuis 2014 Tech Sheet (95 WS)
E. Guigal
Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 2014
Côte-Rôtie
Guigal is synonymous with the Côte-Rôtie area, for bringing this great wine region to prominence, and for owning three times as much land as next largest land-owner, vinifying 1/3 of the total appellation, and unquestionably holding the finest sites in this tiny, special area. The incredible Syrah from this area, co-fermented with a touch of Viognier, has tremendously balanced concentration, depth and finesse.
E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 2014 (90 WA)
Wine Advocate -August 07, 2018 Recently bottled, the 2014 Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde spent 36 months in half new and half second-fill oak. It’s a bit lightweight perhaps, but it boasts pretty cherry and…
Related Materials: Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 2014 Technical Sheet
E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 2014 (92 WS)
Wine Spectator -October 30, 2018 "This is bright and high-pitched, with violet, rose petal and lavender notes leading off, followed by red currant and damson plum fruit flavors. They all give way steadily to sage,…
Tommasi
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2013
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
Tommasi’s traditional approach to Amarone favors elegance and balance, with deep fruit complemented by spicy, earthy flavors.
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2013 (94 JS)
James Suckling -September 19, 2018 “Complex and beautiful aromas of blackberry, spice and coffee follow through to a full body and silky and polished tannins. Intense fruit is tied into a firm and polished tannin…
Related Materials: Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2013 Tech Sheet
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2013 (91 WS)
Wine Spectator -July 02, 2020 "Dried strawberry and violet notes are layered with supple tannins in this medium-bodied Amarone, underscored by accents of wild herb, singed orange peel and wood smoke that linger on the…
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2013 (90 VM)
Vinous -July 02, 2020 "Bright dark red with a pale amber tinge at the rim. Ripe aromas and flavors of red cherry and aromatic spices. Offers a decadent, luscious mouthfeel with soft tannins, but…
E. Guigal
Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2013
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Guigal produces an intensely concentrated, inviting and complex Châteauneuf-du-Pape that is almost unique to the region today. Their passion for Châteauneuf, the leading appellation of the Southern Rhône, runs as deeply as that for their home sites in the Northern Rhône.
E. Guigal Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2013 (91 WA)
Wine Advocate -August 08, 2018 "The 2013 Chateauneuf du Pape is the current release, having spent three years in foudres prior to bottling. It’s ready to drink, yet it still has some tannin to offer…
Related Materials: E. Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2013 Tech Sheet
E. Guigal Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2013 (91 JD)
Jeb Dunnuck -August 08, 2018 “Shows the fresh, classic, focused style of the vintage. Peppery herbs, lots of garrigue, saddle leather, and darker fruits emerge from this complex, medium-bodied effort that can be enjoyed anytime…
Related Materials: E. Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2013 Tech Sheet
E. Guigal Chateaunef-du-Pape 2013 (91 WS)
Wine Spectator -October 16, 2018 "This is an old-school version, with bay leaf, cedar and leather notes running in lockstep with dried red currant, cherry and plum fruit flavors. Accents of brick dust, sage and…
E. Guigal
Crozes-Hermitage 2015
Crozes-Hermitage
Crozes-Hermitage can be considered the gateway to the red and white wines of the Northern Rhône Valley. The reds, which are the majority of production, have wonderful warm flavors of red and black fruit, and typical Syrah pepper, spice and savory notes.
E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2015 (96 W&S)
Wine & Spirits Magazine -August 08, 2018 “This is a strapping Crozes-Hermitage, and a terrific example of the combination of power and finesse possible in the 2015 vintage. Culled from parcels in four villages, most of the…
Related Materials: E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2015 Tech Sheet (96 W&S)
E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2015 (92 JD)
Jeb Dunnuck -August 08, 2018 "The deep purple-colored 2015 Crozes Hermitage showed beautifully from barrel, and now from bottle. Black cherries, blueberries, peppery herbs, black olive and lots of rocky minerality all flow to a…
Related Materials: E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2015 Tech Sheet (92 JD) E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2015 Shelf Talker (92 JD)
E. Guigal
Condrieu 2016
Condrieu
Condrieu is the ancestral home of the Viognier vine and is the source of one of the world’s most exotic white wines. In the mid-20th century, only 20 acres of Viognier remained in Condrieu, leaving the grape and the appellation in serious jeopardy. Guigal was instrumental in bringing this appellation back from near extinction, and today supplements the grapes from their own vineyards with grapes purchased from numerous small growers, ultimately vinifying nearly one-third of the entire appellation.
E. Guigal Condrieu 2016 (93 VM)
Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media -August 09, 2018 " Pale green-hued gold. Powerful, mineral-tinged orchard fruit, melon and floral aromas are sharpened by notes of ginger and lemon zest. Concentrated pear, Meyer lemon and violet pastille flavors show a…
Related Materials: E. Guigal Condrieu 2016 Tech Sheet
