La Jota Howell Mountain Cabernet Franc is made from 100% Cabernet Franc.
The 2019 Cabernet Franc opens with aromas of cassis and graphite when poured in the glass. The firm tannins set the stage on the palate melded with rich flavors of boysenberry and pain de grille with a silky mouthfeel and lingering finish.
Review:
Savory in black pepper, smoked meat and cigar box, this wine is high-toned aromatically, with lovely hints of violet and dried herb, sage and bay leaf. Mountain-sturdy tannins give it structure, power and room to age, with lasting acidity to keep it fresh. Enjoy best from 2029–2039
.-Wine Enthusiast 95 Points
La Jota Vineyard Merlot Howell Mountain is made from 100 percent Merlot.
Sourced from vineyards with pedigrees dating back to the 1800s, this wine continues to carry the torch of Howell Mountain’s greatness. e aromatics are lifted with plum, huckleberry and minerality leading the way. Bittersweet chocolate and dried herbs add the punctuation to an incredibly long balanced finish.
-Wine Spectator 95 Points
In general, 2018 was a great vintage for this variety, and the deep purple-hued 2018 Merlot is stunning stuff. Lots of cassis, candied violets, scorched earth, and graphite notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, elegant 2018 with polished tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It’s going to evolve for 15 years or more.
- Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points
- James Suckling 95 Points
Brunello di Montalcino comes from a careful selection of Sangiovese grapes. Every stage of production, from the vineyard to the cellar, follows the regulations of the Consortium of Producers.
Type: D.O.C.G.
Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese (Brunello)
Barrel Aging: 24 months in Oak barrels of 20/40hl.
Bottle aging: 6 months
Production: 28.000 bottles
Colour:Ruby red
Nose: fruits and spices
Palate: robust and persistent flavour
Pair with: red meats, games, roasts, salumi and aged cheeses
Wine service:It’s a meditation wine, that to be tasted in the best conditions must be opened with two hours in advance in order to favor a good oxygenation.
Review:
A firm, velvety-textured wine and not overbearing, offering red cherries and hints of cedar and mushrooms. Chewy and structured. Excellent structure and a savory finish. Cool, structured red. From organically grown grapes. Best in three to four years and beyond. Try in 2026.
-James Suckling 95 Points
La Spinona Barbaresco Secondine is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo.
This single-vineyard Barbaresco comes from his 3.5 hectares on the cru of Secondine. It is the commune of Barbaresco below the zone of Rabaja Basa and Paje and is where Gaja’s San Lorenzo is located. It is 230 meters above sea level with a southern exposure.
Excellent with game, red meats, truffle dishes and aged cheeses.
Color: Deep ruby red with a hint of garnet in the reflections.
Bouquet: Bright bouquet full of cherries, raspberries, licorice and floral notes.
Taste: Elegant and refined with delicate, soft tannins. It is fresh, velvety and extremely well balanced.
Review:
Aromas of wild red berry, blue flower, crushed mint and oak-driven spice come to the forefront. Reflecting the nose, the full-bodied, polished palate features juicy Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and spearmint alongside lithe tannins. It's balanced, with bright acidity and closes on a note of bitter almond.
-Wine Enthusiast 93 Points
La Spinona Cru Bergera Barolo is made from 100 percent 100% Nebbiolo Lampia
The Beruttis bought 4 hectares in 1994 in the then relatively unknown zone of Novello which lies on the confines of Monforte and Barolo. A Sorì is an entirely south-facing vineyard. This Sori lies at 230 meters. It is named for the great grandfather that started the Barbaresco vineyards. The vines are an average of 40 years old. Bergera comes from the mid part of the vineyard and is dedicated to Pietro's grandfather who started the estate.
Brilliant deep ruby red with garnet reflections. Rich fruity bouquet with hints of cherries, violets liquorice and mint. Good structure with full, cherry-ripe flavors. The tannins are gentle and the spice subtle. It is an elegant wine of great finesse and drinkability. Excellent with wild game, roast, braised or stewed red meats, truffle dishes and aged cheeses.
Review:
"Underbrush, violet and new leather aromas come to the forefront on this fragrant red. The bright, linear, elegantly structured palate offers pomegranate, cranberry and star anise framed in taut, fine-grained tannins. It has an almost salty finish. Drink 2026–2036. - KERIN O’KEEFE"
- Wine Enthusiast (November 2021), 94 pts
La Spinona Sori Gepin Barolo is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo.
Color: Brilliant deep ruby red with garnet reflections.
Bouquet: Rich fruity bouquet with hints of violets , spice and mature berries.
Taste: Densely structured with full, complex flavors of ripened red fruits, wood and earth tones. A Huge wine of elegant proportions that become velvety and graceful with aging.
The Beruttis bought 4 hectares in 1994 in the then relatively unknown zone of Novello which lies on the confines of Monforte and Barolo. A Sorì is an entirely south-facing vineyard. This Sori lies at 230 meters. It is named for the great grandfather that started the Barbaresco vineyards. The vines are an average of 40 years old. The first vintage was the 1996.
The Spinona is a special breed of Piedmontese hunting Dog, which the Berutti’s raise. As the legend goes, this particular dog, Baica, received her place of honor on the label for an act of great heroism. She saved the Berutti’s only son from drowning in the irrigation lake when he was a baby. The son then became a veterinarian to save the dogs and later obtained a degree in agronomy to take care of the vineyards.
Brilliant deep ruby red with garnet reflections. Rich fruity bouquet with hints of violets, spice and mature berries. Densely structured with full, complex flavors of ripened red fruits, wood and earth tones. A huge wine of elegant proportions that becomes velvety and graceful with aging.
Landes Cuvee Prestige Lussac Saint Emilion is made from 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc
Color: deep dark ruby intense color
Aroma: racy and aromatic nose with aromas of ripe red fruit, floral notes, wood and spice with a touch of vanilla.
Taste: this wine has a good structure and some powerful aromas of raspberries, blackcurrant, vanilla and it is powerful with a complex finish. The oak is present but not dominant. The tannins are quite well integrated already.
Average age of the Vines: 60 years Yield : 50 hectoliters / hectare. Grape picking: harvest by machine. Vats: Stainless steel thermoregulated and computerized. Fermentation: 45 to 50 days with a final 35°C warm steeping. Winemaking: Malolactic fermentation in new oak barrel. Ageing: 16 months in new French Oak barrels from Allier and Limousin. Annual production: 10,000 bottles. (833 cases)
Review:
"This shows aromas of ripe blackcurrants and blackberries with walnuts, spices and cocoa. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a bright, succulent character. Racy finish. Drink or hold."
- James Suckling (December 2022), 92 pts
Landes Cuvee Tradition Lussac Saint Emilion is made from 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc
Color: deep ruby intense color.
Aroma: racy and aromatic nose with aromas of ripe red fruit.
Taste: this wine is silky, round and smooth first taste, with aromas of raspberries, and blackcurrant, powerful and complex finish.
Landes Grand Heritage Lussac Saint Emilion is made from 100 percent Merlot.
First vintage of this wine was 2010 to pay tribute to the founding father of Chateau des Landes - Paul Lassagne. He gave the family a great legacy of terroir, passion and know-how to craft this great cuvee produced from a selection of the finest grapes that are vinified and aged in 600 liter French oak foudres, just like it was done in the old days. The resulting wine is complex and aromatic offering bold aromas and flavors of dark berries, floral tones, spice, oak and vanilla. The palate is onctuous and powerful, well structured with ripe tannins. Well balanced and a complex finish.
Average age of the Vines: 60 years Yield : 50 hectoliters / hectare. Grape picking: harvest by machine. Vats: Stainless steel thermoregulated and computerized. Fermentation: 45 to 50 days with a final 35°C warm steeping. Winemaking: Malolactic fermentation in new oak barrel. Ageing: 16 months in new French Oak barrels from Allier and Limousin. Annual production: 10,000 bottles. (833 cases)
Larroque Bordeaux Blanc is made from 73% Sauvignon Blanc and 27% Colombard.
No oak.
Color : Pale yellow with green tints.
Nose : Complex aromas of white flowers, exotic fruits, citrus and boxwood, with a touch of minerality.
Mouth : Aromatic, with a nice richness and freshness. Predominant flavors of tart, crisp fruit.
Marie-Christine, the daughter of Henri Ducourt, purchased this prestigious left-bank property in 1979, which lies on the border of the Graves appellation.
The 60-hectare vineyard was rapidly replanted and the château building, which dates from 1348, was restored.
Our family now produces three different-colored wines there: red, white and rosé.
Grown on loamy-clay soil.
Harvest : Machine harvesting in the cool, early morning
Maceration : Skin-contact maceration for several hours, depending on ripeness, and pressing
Fermentation : Beginning of the cold alcoholic fermentation (12°C / 53°F) then an increase in temperature to finish the fermentation at 20°C / 68°F.
Enjoy this wine as an aperitif or during the meal with fish, seafood or chicken salad.
Larroque Bordeaux Blanc is made from 73% Sauvignon Blanc and 27% Colombard.
No oak.
Color : Pale yellow with green tints.
Nose : Complex aromas of white flowers, exotic fruits, citrus and boxwood, with a touch of minerality.
Mouth : Aromatic, with a nice richness and freshness. Predominant flavors of tart, crisp fruit.
Marie-Christine, the daughter of Henri Ducourt, purchased this prestigious left-bank property in 1979, which lies on the border of the Graves appellation.
The 60-hectare vineyard was rapidly replanted and the château building, which dates from 1348, was restored.
Our family now produces three different-colored wines there: red, white and rosé.
Grown on loamy-clay soil.
Harvest : Machine harvesting in the cool, early morning
Maceration : Skin-contact maceration for several hours, depending on ripeness, and pressing
Fermentation : Beginning of the cold alcoholic fermentation (12°C / 53°F) then an increase in temperature to finish the fermentation at 20°C / 68°F.
Enjoy this wine as an aperitif or during the meal with fish, seafood or chicken salad.
Wine Gift Set Includes:
Review:
"The brioche and cooked-apple and cream character really comes through here. Full-bodied and round with fine bubbles. Flavorful and intense. Vivid, bread-dough finish. This is four years on lees. 55% Chardonnay and the rest Pinot."
- James Suckling 93 Points
Le Blanc du Chateau des Landes Bordeaux Blanc is made from 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Semillion.
Le Blanc du Chateau des Landes Bordeaux Blanc is a very fruity style of Bordeaux Blanc AOC. It has great aromatic intensity with white peach and citrus aromas.
No oak for this wine. The wine was aged on the lees for a few month in stainless steel tank.
Malolactic fermentation was completed as well in the process .
Excellent as an aperitif, it also goes very well with poultry and salads. If you have a chance to have access to fresh oyters, it is a great match as well.
The first vintage of this wine was made in 2018 as Nicolas Lassagne wanted to create an easy drinking wine that will be perfect as an aperitif in the summer time or to compliment salads and seafood in the winter time.
Le Blanc du Chateau des Landes Bordeaux Blanc is made from 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Semillion.
Le Blanc du Chateau des Landes Bordeaux Blanc is a very fruity style of Bordeaux Blanc AOC. It has great aromatic intensity with white peach and citrus aromas.
No oak for this wine. The wine was aged on the lees for a few month in stainless steel tank.
Malolactic fermentation was completed as well in the process .
Excellent as an aperitif, it also goes very well with poultry and salads. If you have a chance to have access to fresh oyters, it is a great match as well.
The first vintage of this wine was made in 2018 as Nicolas Lassagne wanted to create an easy drinking wine that will be perfect as an aperitif in the summer time or to compliment salads and seafood in the winter time.
Le Jade Viognier is made from 100 percent Viognier
The wine comes from sun-drenched vineyards planted on the best terroir - specially selected for its physical and geographical characteristics - on clay and limestone hillsides called "costières" (coastal region). The vineyards are only a few miles away from the Etang de Thau, a coastal lagoon that is situated between the port of Sète and Marseillan.
The color is a wonderful brilliant yellow with pearl tints. Intense and seductive aromas of ripe fruits, especially apricot, and floral notes with a hint of rose petals. The texture is very harmonious, generous, round and long. The finish is long and balanced with a good freshness.
Perfect as an aperitif, or great with richer dishes like langoustines, smoked or marinated salmon. Great too with guinea fowl in creamy or curry sauce. Serve it also with a broccoli and Roquefort soup or for dessert with a mango and pineapple tarte Tatin. An extremely versatile wine!
Review:
"This 100% Viognier comes from some of the region’s best vineyards, whose clay and limestone soils lend mineral and chalky notes. Night-picked fruit receives extended skin contact prior to partial cold fermentation in tanks (with a small percentage fermented in oak) and subsequent aging on the lees in large vats. No malolactic is done, which helps the wine retain its freshness as it presents the ripe tropical fruit, citrus, and apricot that define its profile along with a round, harmonious texture and floral notes such as rose petal. Pour it by the glass as an apéritif, or pair it with seafood dishes or a good blue cheese like Roquefort."
- The Somm Journal (April/May 2022)
Le Jade Viognier is made from 100 percent Viognier
The wine comes from sun-drenched vineyards planted on the best terroir - specially selected for its physical and geographical characteristics - on clay and limestone hillsides called "costières" (coastal region). The vineyards are only a few miles away from the Etang de Thau, a coastal lagoon that is situated between the port of Sète and Marseillan.
The color is a wonderful brilliant yellow with pearl tints. Intense and seductive aromas of ripe fruits, especially apricot, and floral notes with a hint of rose petals. The texture is very harmonious, generous, round and long. The finish is long and balanced with a good freshness.
Perfect as an aperitif, or great with richer dishes like langoustines, smoked or marinated salmon. Great too with guinea fowl in creamy or curry sauce. Serve it also with a broccoli and Roquefort soup or for dessert with a mango and pineapple tarte Tatin. An extremely versatile wine!
Le Macioche Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is made from 100 percent Sangiovese.
Sitting at 450 metres, Le Macioche is located just southeast of the town of Montalcino. Half of the estate’s six hectares of vineyards are registered for Brunello production. The 2017 vintage represents the first under ownership of the Cotarella family. An appealing mix of cocoa and balsamic herbs greets the nose. Mid-weight and juicy, the palate takes on accents of underbrush and there is great fruit purity and firmness of structure. The finish is savoury with just a hint of those drying tannins that mark the vintage.
-Decanter 93 Points
Leindl Gruner Veltliner Langenlois is made from 100 percent Gruner Veltliner.
This classic Gruner Veltliner comes from the famous wine-growing region of Langenlois. A very typical fruity and fresh Gruner Veltliner offering green apples, juicy, minerality, a pleasant body and a good length. It is ideal with a wide range of dishes.
Cold Fermentation.
Aged on the lees for 6 months in Stainless Steel tank. No Oak. No ML.
Produced from vines of 5-20 years old on slate soils.
Leindl Riesling Zobinger Heiligenstein Kamptal is made from 100 percent Riesling.
Medium yellow green. Fine nuances of ripe apricot, a hint of yellow apple, delicate herbs and spices, mineral Touch, hints of candied orange zest. Juicy, elegant, fine stone fruit, touch of finesse acidity, salty minerality in the finish, remains long, already well to drink.
Cold Fermentation.
Aged on the lees for 12 months in Stainless Steel tank. No Oak.
No ML
Review:
"This excellent expression of the Heiligenstein site has a wonderful youthful tension. The sleek, medium-bodied palate features understated power, great precision and Amalfi lemon freshness. Very long, focused finish with a cascade of dry flowers. Sustainable. Drink or hold. - Stuart PIGOTT"
- James Suckling (September 12th 2024), 95 pts
Leindl Riesling Zobinger Heiligenstein Kamptal is made from 100 percent Riesling.
Medium yellow green. Fine nuances of ripe apricot, a hint of yellow apple, delicate herbs and spices, mineral Touch, hints of candied orange zest. Juicy, elegant, fine stone fruit, touch of finesse acidity, salty minerality in the finish, remains long, already well to drink.
Cold Fermentation.
Aged on the lees for 12 months in Stainless Steel tank. No Oak.
No ML
Review:
"Aged on the lees for 12 months in stainless steel, this wine saw no oak. Its original name – Hellenstein -- referred to hell stone, as the vineyards are on a mountain where the “sun burns like hell.” It was later renamed Heiligenstein, which translates as holy rock, and is a geological island of desert sandstone, with volcanic matter. Its earthy slate character lends out scents and flavors of honeyed apricot, salty pears, and stone fruit pith."
-The Tasting Panel (May/June 2022), 94 pts
Lima Vinho Verde Rose is made from 75% Souzao, 15% Borraçal and 10% Espadeiro.
It is a blend of 75% Souzao (same as Vinhao), 15% Borraçal (which is also known as Caino Tinto) and 10% Espadeiro:
Souzão (or Sousão or Vinhão) is a Portuguese wine grape that is used in the production of port wine. While originating in the Minho regions, it is used primarily in Australia, California and South Africa. In Portugal, it is also an authorized planting in the Douro, and Dão-Lafões area (Vinho do Dão). The grape is known for the deep color it produces in a wine as well as its coarse and raisiny taste.
Caiño tinto (also known as Borraçal) is a red Galician wine grape variety that is also grown in Portugal's Vinho Verde wine region where it is known as Borraçal. In Spain, it is a permitted variety in the Denominación de Origens (DOs) of Rías Baixas and Ribeiro where it produces highly perfumed wines with noticeable tartness and high acidity.
Espadeiro is a red Portuguese wine grape planted primarily in the Minho region for making Vinho Verde. It is also grown across the border, in Spain, in Galicia where it is used to make light bodied wines.
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
The Tempest was one of the first wines, and the first Proprietary Blend, we produced. At the time, it seemed almost uncanny that we were able to access three grape varietals at the same time from the same vineyard; it was blind luck or perhaps the proverbial “perfect storm.” The resulting wine reflected a fierce determination to brave the storm as well as a new desire to realize the possibilities of Merlot. The Tempest is still made with outstanding grapes, from vineyards such as Blair in Calistoga and cooler sites like Farella and Orchard. Predominantly Merlot with lesser amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon depending on vintage, The Tempest is a roiling cauldron of fresh red and blue fruit and silky tannins – a wine that shows what Merlot can be in the right hands, from the right vineyards.
Red fruit; silky tannins; more approachable in its youth