Michel Thomas Sancerre Blanc is 100% Sauvignon Blanc (40% Caillottes, 40% Grosses Terres, 20% Silex)
The wine displays an exotic nose with a touch of smoke and licorice. On the palate, peach and watermelon dominate with citrus zest and chalk notes.
Thorn Clarke Shotfire GSM is made from 51% Grenache, 39% Shiraz, 10% Mourvedre.
The Shotfire range honors a family pioneer who worked the Barossa goldfields in the late 1800's. He had the hazardous job of being a 'Shotfirer'; one who handled the explosives to be used in finding that rich vein of gold.
A classic blend of the traditional stalwarts from the Barossa, this blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre is sourced from older low yielding vines.
Bright crimson in color with purple highlights at the edge of the glass. The nose is lifted and draws you in with ripe plum, mulberry and white pepper. The palate is plush and vibrant with cherries, forest fruits and enticing spice. As silky and smooth as it is complex and savory - the wine is beautifully balanced and juicy with great structure and generous mouthfeel. This classic GSM finishes with long, velvety tannins.
Each variety was destemmed and fermented separately - in small 6 tonne open fermenters - to allow full expression of varietal character. To ensure optimum extraction of tannins, color and flavor the Grenache was pumped over twice daily for a duration of 10 days and both the Shiraz and Mourvedre spent 7 days on skins with pump overs twice daily. Fermentation temperatures were maintained between 22-25 degrees to retain fruit purity. All batches were pressed off and once both primary alcoholic fermentation and secondary malolactic fermentation were complete the wines were then racked to new (10%) and 10 year old French hogsheads where the wines matured for a period of 18 months. Bench blends were created to ensure a harmonious final wine.
Pairs best with slow Cooked Lamb or Roasted Vegetable Medley.
Review:
"A generous Barossa red, this is gentle to the touch, impressive in the 2020 vintage. Blending grenache and shiraz with a little mataro, this starts of in the grip of the tarry tannins, then opens to floral fruit, the tannins and fruit seamlessly melted, like the taste of peppery strawberries. Pour it with lamb burgers. - Joshua GREENE"
- Wine & Spirits (Spring 2024), 93 pts , Best Buy
Ruby in colour with purple hues. Brimming with bright fruit notes of wild strawberries & cherry and backed up by subtle spice of white pepper. On the palate, the fruit continues with further notes of raspberries and plum with a hint of French oak. A juicy medium bodied red that has a delicate and complex finish.
This wine has had partial whole bunch fermentation in 4 tonne open fermenters for a duration of 10 days on skins. The wine was then pressed off to 15% New French oak barrels and matured for 18 months prior to being racked for bottling. This wine has had no filtration.
The 2018 growing season had all the hallmarks of a classic vintage. Consistent warm temperatures produced perfect conditions for our red varieties to ripen. This along with good winter rains and a dry harvest period resulted in wines with great depth of varietal flavours, excellent tannin structure and colour along with a long balanced finish. Reds from 2018 will age well due to their intense concentration and power.
Review:
"A grower-sourced grenache from older-vine material (two parcels, 70 and 90-year-old) on the Nuriootpa sands, this has a very attractive nose with blood-orange and red-berry fruit, as well as plum and some gently earthy elements. A little sappy edge adds interest. The palate has a deliciously detailed feel with concentrated, supple red-plum and cherry flavors on offer. So delicious now. Screw cap."
- James Suckling (November 2021), 93 pts
Thorn Clarke William Randell Cabernet is made from 100 percent Cabernet
The William Randell range of wines were created in honor of the family ancestor - the esteemed pioneer William Richard Randell (1824 - 1911). The wines are sourced solely from grapes grown on the family estate vineyards. Wines in this range are only made in exceptional vintages.
The deep red color with purple hues of this wine draw you in. The nose is brimming with notes of fresh blackcurrant intertwined with complexing savory spice. The palate has an integrated French oak influence with notes of toasty cedar accompanied by further notes of briary fruits. A wine with great depth and drive.
Review:
"Plums and beeswax meld in this succulent cabernet, selected from Thorn-Clarke’s Milton Park estate vineyard, 250 acres of vines in the Eden Valley hills between Angaston and Keyneton. The wine holds its herbal notes to a fine complexity at the edges of ripe, gentle tannins. The cool altitude of the vines produce black-currant flavors last and last. Subtle, dark-fruited and supple cabernet joy. - Joshua GREENE"
- Wine & Spirits Magazine (Spring 2024), 94 pts
Winemaking: This wine is a classic Bordeaux blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 8% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot.
. The 2010 growing season was moderate, thus promoting slow ripening and full flavor development. We hand-harvested and fermented each variety separately, then moved the wines to barrel, where they aged twelve months. Once we determined our blend, we returned the wine to barrel for an additional twelve months, to 'marry' the varietals. We used tight-grained French oak barrels (45% new) from coopers Taransaud, Vicard and Bossuet.
Winemaker Notes:
Complex, rich aromas foretell rich flavors of black currants, allspice and a hint of clove. The wine is full bodied, with velvety texture, smooth tannins and an extensive finish. Beautifully balanced, this Cabernet will age for ten more years.
Alcohol: 14.25 percent by volume
Review:
"Savory, dried red capsicum with cedar, cocoa powder and dried mushrooms on top of black cherries. Juicy and layered with some currants and savory earthy spices on the palate. Not quite deep, but a very elegant and savory expression of cabernet with a very long, subtle finish. A little sweet-sour, but quite refined and approachable, too. Drink now."
- James Suckling (June 2022), 93 pts
Verite Le Desir Red is made from 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, 6% Malbec.
The 2018 Le Désir has a dark inky appearance with a violet hue that extends to the rim. The compelling characteristics of Cabernet Franc are expressed on the nose and palate with flavors of crunchy cranberry, ripe raspberry, red currant, dried sage, crushed mint, and cinnamon bark; followed by spice cake, subtle vanilla liquor, and singed toast. The persistent finish and bright acidity suggest the wine will continue to evolve in the cellar for many years to come.
Review:
The Cabernet Franc blend of the trio, the 2018 Le Desir is 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and 6% Malbec, and as with all these wines, it was brought up in new barrels. Ruby/purple and not completely opaque, it offers up a classic Cabernet Franc nose of mostly red fruits, spring flowers, damp earth, cedary spices, and truffle. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it shines for its incredible elegance and purity more than outright power, yet it still brings plenty of richness. With ultra-fine tannins, perfect balance, and one heck of a great finish, it's another great, great wine from this estate.
Jeb Dunnuck 98+ Points
Vina La Ronciere 'Piedras Magicas' Idahue Estate Carignan is made from 100 percent Carignan.
Piedras Mágicas is hand-selected from small blocks in the Idahue vineyard based on specific soil compositions and microclimate characteristics. The final blend is comprised mainly of Carignan and complemented by other varieties in small proportions determined by vintage.
Located 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean, La Ronciere’s ambitious 500 acre Idahue Estate is their vision for the future. Prevailing coastal breezes, abundant sunshine, and rolling hills of ancient soils culminate in a privileged climatic and geological landscape. Years of research and a forward-looking approach drove the successful effort that saw Licanten granted D.O. status in 2018.
This wine displays a deep red color and offers aromas of black- berry, plum and floral notes. A complex palate of black fruits combine with pleasing notes of vanilla. Its volume and silkiness stand out. Juicy tannins and persistent acidity retains balance and elegance.
Review:
This wine displays a deep red color and offers aromas of black-berry, plum and floral notes. A complex palate of black fruits combine with pleasing notes of vanilla. Its volume and silkiness stand out. Juicy tannins and persistent acidity retains balance and elegance
-Tim Atkin MW 94 Points
Volker Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot.
Volker Eisele Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of vineyard blocks from throughout the entire estate. Varying terrain, different clones, and different rootstocks produce a patchwork of flavor identities between the vineyard blocks and their resulting cuvees, brought together in a blend that is essentially a snapshot in time of a dynamic, ever-changing vineyard.
The 2015 Volker Eisele Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a brilliant garnet color in the glass. The nose is extroverted and effusive with bright red aromas of ripe cherries and plums, with a touch of peach and hint of anise and white pepper. In the mouth, the wine shows excellent oak integration, with prominent flavors of juicy huckleberries, milk chocolate, and sweet barrel spices. The lengthy finish carries nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla through to the end. ~Molly Lippitt, Winemaker.
Walt La Brisa Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
This 2021 vintage wine opens with luscious red fruits accented with an earthy note of freshly tilled soil. The rich texture is brightened with juicy raspberry and cherry flavors, while toasty barrel notes carry through to a fresh, savory finish.
Review:
An arresting fruit quality and complex layering of flavors lend great interest to this appealing, well-balanced wine. Rhubarb, sour cherry and orange pekoe tea aromas lead to vivid black cherries and warm, subtle spices like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
-Wine Enthusiast 95 Points
This Chardonnay features bright, concentrated citrus, pear, green apple and nectarine fruit, with just a touch of oak to add richness to the palate. The wine lingers on the palate, and has the structure and acidity to provide for good longevity.
fter whole-cluster pressing, the Chardonnay juice was barrel-fermented in French oak barrels and aged sur lie for 8 months. During this period, the barrels were routinely stirred to increase yeast contact and add richness; 30% of the wine underwent secondary malo-lactic fermentation. One- and two-year-old French oak barrels were used. Prior to bottling, the wine received minimal filtration and fining to preserve the fresh fruit flavors.
Waypoint Lowrey Vineyard Homestead Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.
We are pleased to bring you for the first time a stunning vineyard, planted high above the valley floor between Rutherford and Pritchard Hill by the Bettinellis, the Lowrey Vineyard. The Homestead piece faces the old 19th century home of the land’s first resident, one Mister Lowrey. The rare hillside site bends slightly downward to give a perfect exposure, and the tight spacing creates tension and concentration in the wine. It is ripe, airy, and medium-full. Extremely expressive terroir is on full display and gorgeous black cherries, cedar, and fine grain tannins create a new Napa Cabernet experience you’ve probably never had before.
Review:
A chewy grip of leather, tobacco and black currant highlight this robust, full-bodied red. Structured and cohesive, it retains an enduring richness of vanilla and oak amidst more complex elements of graphite and crushed rock. Enjoy from 2028–2035.
-Wine Enthusiast 93 Points
Wolfberger Alsace Riesling is 100 percent Riesling.
Riesling is the most popular grape variety in Alsace. Racy yet slightly fruity, Wolfberger Riesling is a subtle fine wine of citrus and mineral aromas, good acidity and freshness. It has been known for being the perfect "food wine" - great with traditional Alsatian dishes such as sauerkraut, but also, thanks to their vivacity, with fish and shellfish.
A very slow-growing variety, Riesling ripens with chilly nights. The leaves are round and thick with sharp teeth.
The berries – small, green or yellow, with thick skin – grow on a short-stemmed, cylindrical, compact cluster.
The Reisling grows best in soil that isn’t too rich, with a preference for light terroirs with lots of sunshine.
After the harvest, the grapes are put into horizontal pneumatic presses where the juice is slowly extracted. After crushing the grapes, the juice (actually the must, which includes the skins, stems and seeds) is stored in different vats, then it is carefully clarified.
Fermenting in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for 3-4 weeks.
Racking. Fining (3-4 months). Filtration and stabilization, then aging in the bottle.
Excellent with grilled fish or cooked in a sauce, and shellfish.
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 is made from 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah.
A clear and very expressive nose with notes of black fruits, spices and licorice. The mouth reveals tanins that are already supple with a great balance.
The finish is long, on black fruits, licorice and a slight salinity.
Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge is made from grilled rib of beef, roasted duck with figs, boar stew.
Review:
"Starting off the 2019s, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape (75% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Clairette) was partially destemmed and brought up in a mix of foudre, demi-muids, amphora, and stainless steel. It’s a rock-solid effort and has lots of mulled black cherry and plum fruits, notes of licorice and peppery garrigue, full-bodied richness, and a rounded, beautifully textured style on the palate. I’m a fan and it’s going to evolve gracefully for over a decade."
- Jeb Dunnuck (October 2020), 91-93 pts
Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf du Pape XV Rouge is made from 50% Grenache, 45% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah. From 100 year old vines.
It shows a bit of toasty oak up front but balances that with ample black cherry fruit and soft, dusty tannins. Long and harmonious on the finish, it should drink well on release in 2019 and for a decade or more after that.
Pairs with beef with mustard sauce - Pork tenderloin with winter vegetables - Roasted duck - Malaysian pork chop and spice tea.
Review:
Checking in as equal parts Syrah and Mourvèdre, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape XV will certainly be an outstanding wine. It sports a deep purple color as well as lots of black and blue fruits, leafy herbs, cracked pepper, and a touch of minerality. Medium to full-bodied, it has good balance, terrific purity, and outstanding length.
-Jeb Dunnuck 90-93 Points
Xavier Vignon Gigondas Rouge is made from 85% Grenache and 15% Mourvèdre.
A purple color with violet tints. On the nose, the beautiful ripeness offers everything an array of black fruits (cherries, blackberries) and toasted spices.
On the palate, fine and concentrated tannins are balanced by a nice salinity. Delicious peppery notes complete the long finish.
Pairs with grilled lamb - Roasted Quails with raisins -Venison with cranberries - Risotto with mushrooms.
Review:
"Swirls of black raspberry ice cream and dark chocolate combine in Vignon's 2019 Gigondas, a blend of 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre from numerous small parcels dotted around the appellation. Matured in a large wooden vat, there's no apparent oak aromas or flavors, just the purity of old-vine fruit, creamy tannins, ample concentration and a bright, vibrant—and long—finish. With its combination of intensity and tension, it should drink well for a decade or more. - Joe Czerwinski"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (September 2020), 93 pts
Xavier Vignon Ventoux Rouge is made from 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah.
Deep dark ruby color with crimson reflects, the wine offers on the nose some hints of black fruits, Provencal spices and garrigue. The mouth is ample with a great freshness yet some concentration. Medium finish with hints of red and black fruits.
The rest of the blend was aged in concrete to preserve the fruit purity.Some grapes (Grenache & Syrah) are co-fermented for more complexity. A small batch of extremely old Syrah has been aged in barrel.
Most of the time, Ventoux offers superb climatic conditions especially in the higher altitude parcels. In 2016 for instance, grapes were harvested in a perfect sanitary state. Both technological and polyphenolic ripeness were close to perfect.
Spicy Pork ribs - Satay chicken skewers - Valencian style Paella - Steamed sea eel with black soya and garlic
Elton Bay Sauvignon Blanc is made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc.
Strung between serene beaches, sculpted coves and wild, rugged mountains, the coastline of South Africa stretches for thousands of miles from east to the west. Drawn to its wild beauty, many a leisure adventurers discover the pristine serenity of unnamed, secluded bays to claim as their own.
Elton Bay Sauvignon Blanc offers tropical fruit and delicate pear drop aromatics with subtle green notes and a hint of minerality on a refreshing, crisp finish.
Kasteelberg Chenin Blanc is made from 100 percent Chenin Blanc.
The Kasteelberg range of wines celebrates the discovery of the Riebeek Valley and the Kasteelberg mountains in 1661. Kasteelberg stands sentinel over the fertile valley below. From the slopes of the mountains, hand-selected grapes are expertly crafted with care to produce rare and expressive wines.
Limited release, single-vineyard Chenin Blanc from hand-selected grapes from the foothills of the majestic Kasteelberg Mountain, Kasteelberg Chenin Blanc embodies excellent craftsmanship that transforms the harsh Swartland terroir into the pinnacle of our winemakers’ art.
Together with the age-old tradition of Dry Land viticulture, it resulted in an elegant, aromatic and richly textured wine, with characteristics typical to Chenin Blanc grown under these conditions. Citrus, lemon zest, ripe apple and tropical flavors are only some of the flavors that charm the nose. The palate follows through with flavors of melon, a touch of spice and well-integrated wood for exceptional balance and a luxurious, lingering finish.
Once harvested, the grapes are hand-sorted, de-stemmed & crushed into temperature-controlled gravitational drainers. Only the free-run juice is chilled and settled overnight. The juice is then racked off into new, 300 L, oak barrels (50% French oak, 50% Hungarian oak) and wild yeast fermented in the barrels. Fermentation is temperature controlled and lasted around 22 days. The wine is then matured in the oak barrel on the gross lees for 12 months before being racked off, filtered and bottled. After bottling the wine is further bottle-matured for at least 6 months before release.
Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc
20 months in French oak (only about a third of that is new oak) and for 20 more months in bottle before release
Our winemaking "style" is solely determined by this place or terrior we call "Paradigm." Winemaking is agriculture when you own your vineyards and are able to farm them to promote the very best Earth will give you. All of our selections of wines are made from five varietals on the estate. Every wine is 100% farmed and grown by us.
Complexity in our wines supported by luscious fruit and acidity is our hallmark. Our efforts during harvest and barrel cellaring concentrate on maintaining the freshness from the first day we handpicked each vineyard block. Simple winemaking protocols are employed while crucial “timing” oriented winemaking decisions rule each day.
Dark Cabernet color with beautiful aromas of black cherry, cassis, plus 5-spice, vanilla. Big, ripe and mouthcoating across the palate. The flavors are similar to the aromas with ripe fruit, berry/cherry pie, moderate tannins, and nice length. This wine shows enough structure to be age-worth, yet soft and balanced enough to enjoy upon release. Flavors linger in this tasty, dense wine. Tastes like Oakville. -Heidi Barrett
Pearmund Cellars Ameritage Red is made from 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 17% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot.
Cherry, currant, and herbaceous flavors. Balanced tannins with a lingering finish. Full-bodied and complex. Limited production.
The Grade Cellar Kingly Project Cabernet Sauvignon is made from Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
"This is a noble expression of Cabernet Sauvignon" in full regalia, with decadent aromas and a mouthfeel viscous and sleek. "This vintage of the Kingly Project Cabernet Sauvignon enters the scene" -- Thomas Rivers Brown
Review:
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Kingly Vineyard is endowed with tremendous richness and concentration. It emerges from the best spots within Block 5, which is a bit more protected from the elements. The 2018 is a bit closed today, but it has a lot of promise. Time in the glass brings out layers of inky dark fruit and the savory, minerally notes that are such signatures. This potent Calistoga Cabernet needs time to shine, but it is impressive today just the same.
-Vinous 96 Points
Mascot is a small-production label founded by Will Harlan in Napa Valley. The wines under this label are made from the younger vines of Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory, but The Mascot bottles share an exclusive preview at the development of their estates. Founded as an initial experiment to see what the young vines were capable of producing, the wines were initially only shared with close friends and family. By 2008, Will officially released the first vintage to the public since production had increased significantly. They create just one wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon, and the bottle is aged for five years before release. Assembled into a single, youthful expression, this wine shares a glimpse into the evolution and pedigree of its parent estates.
Tasting Notes:
A mild winter with scant rainfall introduced the 2020 growing season. Conditions remained pleasantly even-keeled throughout the spring, except for some light precipitation in March. It is worth noting that decades of research and steady viticultural progress have enabled our vines to begin achieving tannin and textural ripeness earlier in the season, and this fact—along with the drought conditions experienced in preceding years—led to one of the earliest picking windows in our history. This development proved crucial to the 2020 vintage, when we were fortunate to have fully completed our harvest before the Glass Fire began in late September. A vibrant purity manifests within this vintage’s generosity, which advances without excess of weight or volume. Aromas of gentle red fruit give way, eventually, to a savory darkness and finely wrought core. An effortless, structural tension transforms into a silky softness on the palate that envelopes The Mascot’s inner depth and dimension. The 2020 vintage resonates rather than roars: its intricate threads of tannin, acidity, and nuance interweave to form a complete expression that shimmers with sensory detail.