Domaine de la Salette Estate
This family owned and operated winery has been producing wine since 1971. The estate is located near the town of Condom, in the Armagnac area of southwest France. Current owner Michel Duffour started in 1982 and was joined by his son Nicolas in 2005. They continue the traditional winemaking of the family while using new techniques such as skin contact maceration and cold stabilization. They also make use of enologists from Bordeaux to create their cuvees. They export 80% of the total production.
The Domaine de la Salette Vineyard
The estate measures 32 hectares (79.04 acres) with 30 hectares of white grapes and 2 hectares of red. The soil is clay and limestone based. The average age of the vines is 20 years. The continental climate ensures optimum ripening of the grapes.
Salette Floc Gascogne Blanc NV is made from 1/3 of Armagnac and 2/3 Colombard fruit juice
Intense fruity and floral aromas. Round, fresh and fruity in the mouth. Almond, jasmine, roses, honey, black fruit and condiments are characteristic notes.
The alcohol percentage is between 16–18 % vol. After blending, the Floc is kept for 10 months in the cellar of the producer and must be approved by a committee of experts before it can be sold under the appellation Floc de Gascogne.
It is used as an aperitif most often, but also as a dessert drink. It should be consumed while cool, and is suberb on ice.
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Flowers Sea View Ridge Estate Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Pungent, coastal aromas pin the source of this Pinot Noir — high elevation ridges juxtaposed to the mossy, rocky shoreline of the Pacific Ocean. Bright, salty notes on the nose conjure a fresh sea breeze, while cool loam and the scent of wild botanicals embody the evergreen forest nearby. Red cherry and vivid wild strawberry pop on a singularly expressive palate, filling the mouth with firm but fine textures. A distinct vein of iron-rich minerality unspools under intriguing layers of orange peel and bergamot tea, all coming together in a vibrant, lingering finish.
Review:
What an amazing nose of grilled dried seaweed, oyster shell, dried strawberry and iron. Full to medium body with linear tannins that give it drive and length. Iron shavings. Tight at the end. Superb. Drink after 2025.
-James Suckling 97 Points