
The Calvados Morin Estate
The history of Calvados Morin began in 1889 in La Haye de Calleville in the Risle Valley, before Pierre Morin succeeded his father and transferred their small family business to Brionne, and from there finally to Ivry la Bataille, a charming small Norman town in the Eure Valley. Calvados Morin was set up in 1945 in the former facilities of the Theleme Distillery, a famous liquor at that time. The main advantage of the establishment is its ageing facilities, which are unique in Normandy, particularly its large underground cellars, where several hundred small oak barrels containing the precious Brandy can be stored. Today, the company is run by Mr. Viry, father and son, who succeeded Pierre Morin, and continue to work in the footsteps of their founder. The company has been exporting its products since 1950s, and now exports almost half of its production to the European Community, Switzerland, Eastern Europe and Asia. In addition, it was one of the first to send Calvados to the United States.
The Calvados Morin Environment
The unique environment of the cellars plays an important role in the development of the Calvados. Dug into the chalky hills of the Eure Valley, the long galleries go deep into the cliff. The extremely humid atmosphere of these places is perfect for the Calvados ageing process, maturing in silence, away from the vibrations of the city. The relative humidity of the air (almost 100%) allows the alcohol content to decrease naturally, resulting in the smoothest, most harmonious brandy. Calvados Morin offers a broad range of quality levels, ranging from 3-year old to over 30-year old brandies.
The Fournier Family cider story started in 1943. Located in South Normandy in the middle of Dukes of Alençon province, the landscape is offering a mix between green valley and strong hills. Apples and pear trees are growing up on the hills. It is in this typical and original environment that Fournier Cider is cultivating their orchard. The fruit variety selected is giving character, authenticity and quality. The Cidre Fournier Spirit is having under control quality in their growth over: love of the land, the orchards, qualitative fruits and product well made.
perfect with savory dishes like meat and buckwheat pancake. It can be mixed with fruit liquor for cocktail.
Pommeau de Normandie a mistel type of beverage. Same process as Floc de Gascogne, Pineau des Charentes and Ratafia de Champagne.
It is made with 2/3 Unfermented sweet fruit juice (apple and pear) with 1/3 distilled alcohol at 51% ABV (Calvados).
Excellent with desert, such as French crepes (very thin pancakes).
Far Niente Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 92.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.4% Petit Verdot
The 2023 Far Niente Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with vibrant aromas of black cherry, black currant, and dark plum, layered with notes of rose petal, caramel, and toasted oak. On the palate, the wine is coating and expansive, unfolding in waves of ripe blackberry, spiced cherry, and cassis. Fine-grained tannins and juicy acidity create balance and lift, while hints of bay leaf, cocoa, and sweet oak weave through the long, supple finish of juicy, spiced cherry.
Review:
"The 2023 Far Niente Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a deep ruby color and an inviting nose of blackberries, black currants, purple flowers, and subtle black tea nuances. On the palate, it is brightly vibrant and fresh, with highly focused, concentrated, and penetrating black fruit flavors supported by restrained oak integration. The texture is full yet elegant, with ripe tannins providing structure without heaviness. It gains complexity and appeal with each sip, culminating in a long, lingering, and intense finish. This is a beautifully balanced, complete Cabernet Sauvignon that exemplifies the finesse possible in the 2023 vintage.”
-Kevin Vogt - Master Sommelier 97 Points