The Walls Stanley Groovy Portuguese Red Blend is made from 37% Touriga Nacional | 16% Cabernet Sauvignon| 13% Tinta Roriz | 13% |Tinta Cao, 9% Souzão | 4% Mourvédre | 4% Grenache | 4% Counoise
The Walls 2021 Stanley Groovy Red Wine Blend was fermented in concrete and open and closed-top stainless steel tanks. Cold soaks for up to 5 days. Maceration ran 18 to 38 days. 100% free-run juice. Aged in 20% new French oak large format vessels. This is a Portuguese-varietal-dominant wine that is currently sourced from the Red Mountain AVA. STANLEY GROOVY is the character displayed on The Walls wines’ labels and the embodiment of our explorative and curious nature.
This is a Grenache blend coming from Red Heaven Vineyard on Red Mountain. The name refers to the ramparts surround the City of Avignon in Southern France.
Hand harvested, sorted upon arrival, destemmed, concrete fermentation, combination of punch downs and pump overs, no racked often, 20 day maceration, 18 months in neutral French oak, no fining or filtering, free-run juice, no RS.
Pair with pork rillettes, smoked salmon, goat cheese.
Review:
"The Ramparts offers lots of up-front red and black fruits as well as spicy, peppery, underbrush nuances, medium to full body, fine tannins, and a soft, pure, layered, already hard-to-resist style."
92-94 points -Jeb Dunnuck
Thibeaud-Maillet Pomerol is made from 100 percent Merlot
Deep ruby with black rim. The nose is spicy, with blackberry, cherry, vanilla, chocolate and a delicate oak presence.
The wine is balanced, the tannins are present, but well integrated and round.
The finish is long and pleasant.
Harvest is done manually and the berries are selected with optical sorting before entering the cellar. Fermentations are carried out at controlled temperature with 3 to 4 weeks of skin contact. Once the malolactic fermentation is completed; the wines are put into barrels (50% new) and aged for 12 months. The estate uses three barrels from three different coopers: Vicard (Charentes)supplying most of the barrels with medium toast and a fine grain, Cadius from Burgundy supplies also fine grain/ medium toasts barrels and last but not least Sylvain, a local cooper is used for three barriques a year, those bring a bit more austerity but also a certain backbone to the blend.
Aged in French oak barrels for 15 months (50% new oak).
Delicious with grilled meat and grilled vegetables.
Thierry Mortet Gevrey Chambertin Vigne Belle is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
The wine is produced from 20 different parcels (3 hectares total). The soils are a mix of clay and silt.
The age of wines varies between 15 to 60 years.
Yield: 45 hl/ha
Production: 15,000 bottles on average.
Manual harvest with a selection of the grapes; sorting table; 100% destemming; maceration for 15 days, cold stabilization for 4-5 days; M-L.; racking twice a day. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 4 months. Aging in oak barrels for 12 months (new and 1 or 2 year old barrels). Kieselguhr filtration before bottling.
The wine offers a subtle and complex nose. It displays a sweet and delicate mouthfeel. Very nice wine with black fruit aromas. Dense, good concentration. Good length and well integrated oak.
Thierry Mortet Gevrey-Chambertin is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
The wine is produced from 20 different parcels (3 hectares total). The soils are a mix of clay and silt.
The age of wines varies between 15 to 60 years.
Yield: 45 hl/ha
Production: 15,000 bottles on average.
Manual harvest with a selection of the grapes; sorting table; 100% destemming; maceration for 15 days, cold stabilization for 4-5 days; M-L.; racking twice a day. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 4 months. Aging in oak barrels for 12 months (new and 1 or 2 year old barrels). Kieselguhr filtration before bottling.
Liquorice, blackberry, red fruits flavors.
Excellent with meat, game and cheeses.
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
Thorn Clarke Shotfire Quartage is made from 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot .
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.
Shotfire Quartage is based on the five traditional red varieties found in the Bordeaux region of France (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec). The Thorn-Clarke winemakers use at least four of the varieties to create the blend each year (occasionally, they can get over excited and use all five). The blend is a reminder to not only look to the future but also to keep an eye on the past and tradition.
This traditional blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot & Malbec boast a deep inky red - purple color. Aromas of freshly crushed peppercorns, roasted capsicum & blackcurrant fill the glass. On the palate there is a generosity of fruit. The notes of dark cacoa and smokey bacon intertwined with velvety tannins lead to a complex finish.
SALE!
Thorn Clarke Shotfire Shiraz is made from 100% Shiraz.
Striking deep red-purple in color. A rich, voluptuous wine with aromas of blackcurrant and mulberries accompanied by notes of smokey oak and hints of cloves. The palate is filled with dark fruits and chocolate backed up by taut tannins and lingering oak.
Story:
When the Clarke forebearers discovered gold in 1870 at the Lady Alice mine in the Barossa goldfields, so began a family dynasty intrigued by geology. A fine legacy that is reflected today in the terroir of our vineyards. The Shotfire range immortalizes the Shotfirer's hazardous job of setting and lighting the charges in the mines.
Fran shares his story on how he discovered Thorn-Clarke:
"It was October 2001 and I was searching for and sourcing for Australian wines, as it was clear that Australia was going to become the "next big thing." After tasting about 100 assorted wines, I decided I liked the style of Barossa, Shiraz best - chocolate, cherries, mint and eucalyptus - so I started focusing on Barossa growers (years later, Barossa Shiraz would develop its reputation as the Icon Shiraz for Australia).
Late on a Thursday afternoon, the carrier delivered a beat-up box of 12 bottles from Australia, 10 of which were leaking. The box was from a guy named Steve Machin, who had just left Hardy's and was beginning work with the Clarke family on setting up a possible new brand. The samples were sticky and messy, but I popped the corks anyway ..... and I was glad that I did. The wine inside tasted like Christmas - mint, eucalyptus, camphor, and evergreen aromas. Great acidity, color, flavor and length of finish - very tasty. These samples were so good and so exciting, especially compared to what I had tasted prior, that I immediately called the number on the card. I didn't realize that it was a Perth number (Western Australia) and it was actually 3:00 in the morning. It turned out I was calling the residence of David and Cheryl Clarke, where a sleepy Cheryl answered the phone. I told her, you don't know who I am, but we are going to be doing business together very soon, and lots of it! After a few months of talking, faxing (yes, faxing) and sorting out the details, I began importing their wines.
That super-star wine from the busted box of samples is the wine we know today as Shotfire Shiraz. It was originally called Stone Jar, but fortunately we came up with a better name. Many years and vintages later, I'm still glad to be importing Shotfire Shiraz and other Thorn-Clarke selections .... and I'm still glad that Cheryl Clarke woke up for that phone call."
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
It is the purest example of tempranillo grapes from Rioja Alavesa. Coming from a vineyard over a hundred years old with an extremely low production. You can taste a high concentration of ripe fruit, well-bodied, with a final touch of toffee and lime soil plus a perfect acidity which makes this wine fresh and very tempting.
VINEYARD From the Cuba Negra Vineyard in southern Labastida, the El Belisario bottling comes from Tempranillo vines planted in 1910.
ALCOHOL 14.5%
PROCESS Fermented naturally in oak foudre. Malolactic fermentation and aging occur in 100% new French oak barriques over two years.
TASTING Along with its brilliant garnet color, aromas of cherries, dried plums, black pepper, and savory mushroom leap from the glass. The palate is fresh and concentrated with mixed red and black fruit, chocolate, menthol, and coffee. Displays a surprisingly elegant nature. Pair with game, red meat and dark chocolate.
Review:
One of those wines that makes you belief in the special magic of old vines, El Belisario hails from La Greña, parcel planted on limestone rich soils in 1910. Aged in older French barrels, it's a focused, nuanced, wonderfully expressive Tempranillo with raspberry, pomegranate and red cherry fruit, filigree tannins, energetic acidity and sweet, caressing oak spices.
96 Points - Top Rated Single Vineyard in Tim Atkin's 2023 Rioja report
Tinel Blondelet Pouilly-Fume Genetin is made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc.
The soil is made of "caillottes" (limestone stones).
"Genetin" is a name given in homage to the original name for Sauvignon Blanc: Muscat Genetin. The Genetin bottling is normally reserved for the most powerful Cuvées in the winery. No oak.
Produced from 25 year-old vines coming from the Villiers limestone terroir, situated in Bouchot.
Traditional vinification in thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks. Following a gentle pressing the juice is then fermented at controlled temperatures before being left to mature on its fine lees to gain extra depth and concentration before bottling in the next spring.
Matured on fine lees bringing finesse to the wine and bottled late in order to let all its roundness evolve.
Yield: 55 hl/ha
A golden colored and mineral wine with elegance and finesse. Can be cellared for 2-3 years.
A mineral-laced smoky accent and citrus aromas. Elegant and powerful on the palate.
Food pairing: shellfish, goat cheese such as “Crottin de Chavignol”. Perfect also as an aperitif.
Review:
- Wine & Spirits (Regional Tasting Report, Spring 2022), 91 pts
Torello Corpinnat Finca Can Marti Brut 32% Chardonnay, 32% Xarel.lo, 22% Macabeo and 14% Parellada.
The Can Martí estate soils have been formed from sediments from the Garraf Massis, deposited thousands of years ago. One of the most characteristic features of the estate’s soils is the presence of accumulations of calcium carbonate.The movement of water through the soil dissolves the carbonates present and takes them to a certain depth. The continuous repetition of this process has ended up producing the accumulation of these deposits.When these become massive, after thousands of years, they bind together and and form a hard stratum called a petrocalcic horizon. This hard stratum limits the availbility of water to the vine and the production, but is a factor that gives the grape quality.
Straw yellow color, fine and constant bubbles, clean and bright, with golden reflections. The nose reveals a subtle aromatic intensity with fresh and sweet aromas. Honey flowers, citrus notes, white fruit, and balsamic herbs such as fennel.
In the mouth the acidity is well balanced, with delicate bitter notes to the finish and a set of ripe fruits and balsamic nuances.
Torello Corpinnat Special Edition Brut Reserve is made from 44% Xarel.lo, 37% Macabeo, 11% Chardonnay, 8% Parellada.
The estate soils have been formed from sediments from the Garraf Massis, deposited thousands of years ago. One of the most characteristic features of the estate’s soils is the presence of accumulations of calcium carbonate. The movement of water through the soil dissolves the carbonates and takes them to a certain depth. The continuous repetition of this process has ended up producing the accumulation of these deposits. When these become massive, after thousands of years, they bind together and form a hard stratum called a petrocalcic horizon. This hard stratum limits the availability of water to the vine and the production, but is a factor that gives the grape quality
The wine offers a straw yellow color, clean, transparent, fine, and persistent bubbles with a rosary formation. In the nose fresh pear aromas stand out along with delicious notes of pastry cream, white flowers, and candied fruits. On the palate, good balance and acidity. Powerful and flavorful with white flowers and notes of brioche, almond and great length.
Special Edition is very versatile and matches with many different kinds of dishes; pasta, pork, chicken, fish, seafood, rice, cold cuts, desserts.
Mas la Plana is graceful and balanced despite its firm and dominant tannin profile. Bright crunchy acidity ensures a wine that will develop in the cellar for years to come. This polished red displays hints of its Mediterranean heritage with herbaceous bramble while holding true to brooding currant and loamy earth, reminiscent of old-world Cabernet Sauvignon.
Review:
Inviting mint, floral, cassis, clove and cinnamon nose. Juicy, lively and fresh on entry, with densely-packed soft black fruits, blackcurrant jam and spice. Textural and long with fine silky tannins and tidily-integrated acidity. Superb overall length and finish.
Decanter 97 Points
Toso Asti Spumante is made with 100 percent Moscato d' Asti
Sweet, aromatic, fruity and floral sparkling wine, moderate in alcohol, with fine sparkle and long lasting perlage. Of yellow straw color, it is a fine and elegant wine, ideal to celebrate every joyful event.
Toso Asti Spumante is made from Moscato grapes grown on hills in the South of Piedmont An early picking insures a higher acidity and a more floral bouquet. The grapes are crushed immediately to avoid any oxidation which might detract from the wine's aromas. The grapes are gently crushed and the juice is settled, centrifuged and filtered. The purified musts are placed in stainless steel tanks and held at near freezing temperatures which blocks completely any fermentation. This enables the producers to draw batches of fresh must whenever they decide to bottle. The batch of must is then inoculated with special yeast and fermented in an autoclave to retain the naturally produced carbon dioxide. The fermentation is stopped by a rapid chilling when the wine reaches the desired ratio of alcohol (standardly 7%) to residual sugar ( 3-5% ). The wine is then filtered, bottled and, at Toso, immediately shipped to ensure the freshest product possible.
Fresh, a floral bouquet, a sweet, fruity taste, Excellent as aperitif, best enjoyed with fruit, dried pastries and desserts in general.
Trapiche Terroir Series Finca Orellana is made from 100 percent Malbec.
The history of Trapiche begins in 1883, in a small vineyard called El Trapiche, in the district of Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, where the grapes for the first fine wines were grown. With more than 130 years of experience, Trapiche has earned its place as a pioneering brand in the introduction of French vines, the production of varietal wines, the import of French oak barrels and the use of stainless steel tanks. True to its origins, today Trapiche is in a continuous quest for the latest best practices .Led by Daniel Pi, Director of Winemaking, Trapiche's winemaking team permanently strives to improve winemaking practices by exchanging experience and knowledge with winemakers from other wine producing countries such as France, the US, Australia and New Zealand.
With a deep garnet red color, this Malbec expresses aromas of red fruits such as cherries and currants, and intense balsamic notes with hints of fresh herbs. In the mouth, it is sweet and broad with a great concentration of fruit and soft, ripe tannins. It has a long, persistent and elegant finish.
Review:
El Peral may not be on the radar of many Argentine Malbec lovers. But if you take a look at Descorchados, you will realize that here we are fans of this area, a place of gentle hills, streams and trees. This vineyard was planted in 1946, and today it delivers deliciously liquefied fruit, with hints of cherries and cassis, but above all violets and blackberries in a long and deep body. Give it at least ten years in the bottle.
-Patricio Tapia - Descorchados 95 Points
-Tim Atkin 95 Points
Tres Ojos Garnacha Calatayud is made from 100 percent 85% Old Vine Garnacha (40-50 year old vines) and 15% Tempranillo.
The wine has a brick red color with a bouquet of red raspberries, spice and white pepper. The palate is incredibly concentrated and rich. The modern styles of Garnacha in Spain are continuously being perceived worldwide as wines of extraordinarily good quality. This wine is fruity, juicy and shows a great depth, ripe tannins, length but yet with wonderful elegance and lightness.
The wine ferments for 7 days at 30ºC, followed by 14 days maceration on the skins. Aged 12 months in large stainless steel vats. Cold stabilized and lightly filtered before bottling
Enjoy with sausages, roasted meats, aged cheeses etc.
Tres Ojos Garnacha Calatayud is made from 100 percent 85% Old Vine Garnacha (40-50 year old vines) and 15% Tempranillo.
The wine has a brick red color with a bouquet of red raspberries, spice and white pepper. The palate is incredibly concentrated and rich. The modern styles of Garnacha in Spain are continuously being perceived worldwide as wines of extraordinarily good quality. This wine is fruity, juicy and shows a great depth, ripe tannins, length but yet with wonderful elegance and lightness.
The wine ferments for 7 days at 30ºC, followed by 14 days maceration on the skins. Aged 12 months in large stainless steel vats. Cold stabilized and lightly filtered before bottling
Enjoy with sausages, roasted meats, aged cheeses etc.
is made from 74% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot
Vineyard Notes
The House of Trouillard has incredible holdings on the Côtes de Blancs. The vineyard's rating average 94-95, just one of the reasons the Blanc de Blancs has such incredible raciness and elegance. It is a Cuvée of eleven different Crus in the Reims Mountain, the Côtes de Blancs and the Sézannaise region and is the specialty of the house.
Trouillard Blanc de Blancs Brut NV is made of 100% Chardonnay with a green-gold color, characteristic of Chardonnay, and with fine persistent bubbles. This wine has an aroma that jumps out of the glass and is very inviting. On the nose there are seductive scents of warm almond croissant and honey, lightened by some floral notes. Crisp and refreshing in the mouth and lively with a very refined fruitiness and a touch of smokiness typical of wines from the Côtes des Blancs. The elegance and subtlety of the Chardonnay are to be especially appreciated as an aperitif, and nicely accompanies shellfish and fish.
It has become the favorite of those who know Champagne Trouillard.
Reviews:
"A blend of grapes from the Aube and the Marne Valley, this ripe wine shows the structure of Pinot Noir. The fruit's richness balances the low dosage to give an almost bone-dry wine that is full, fruity and that could age further in bottle. - ROGER VOSS"
- Wine Enthusiast (December 2019), 91 pts
"Aromatic, offering ripe fruit and yeast notes, this is backed by firm acidity, with a lively bead and flavors of Golden Delicious apple, white peach, ginger and whole-grain toast. Drink now through 2018. 2,500 cases made. –AN"
Wine Spectator (Web Only 2013), 90 pts
- Chardonnay du Monde 2012, SILVER MEDAL
This all Chardonnay Champagne is sourced from eleven different crus. It offers a fragrant bouquet of orchard fruit with hints of toasted grain and lemon zest. On the palate, there’s good textural richness and attractive apple and pear complemented by a smoky mineral note. But what we like most about this Blanc de Blancs is its outstanding sense of freshness. 100% Chardonnay aged 2+ years on the lees; 7-8 g/L RS" - - I-WineReview (Champagne: Diversity and Change, January 2020), 91 pts
Trouillard Blanc de Noir Extra Brut NV is made from 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier.
Aged "sur lattes" for 2 years
Color: Golden, fine bubbles.
Nose: Deep, vinous with red berries notes
Mouth: Ample. Sugar dosage gives it wilderness. You will be seduced by its stout, its structure and its vinosity. You will be invaded by a sensation of freshness.
This sparkling wine is only vinified with white juice of black grapes hence its name "Blanc de Noirs", which litterally translate to "White from Black". The exact varietal breakdown is 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier.
It is aged sur lattes, in the bottle, on the lees for 24 months minimum.
Its low sugar dosage makes it an extra dry.
Its full bodied and power features designate it to go with sweetbread, giblet, “bouchée à la reine” and whites meats
Review:
"A blend of grapes from the Aube and the Marne Valley, this ripe wine shows the structure of Pinot Noir. The fruit's richness balances the low dosage to give an almost bone-dry wine that is full, fruity and that could age further in bottle. - ROGER VOSS"
- Wine Enthusiast (December 2019), 91 pts
"Light yellow-bronze hue. Showing toasty lees aromas and a bright, energetic attack, the Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut offers good balance and complexity in a Champagne meant to be consumed with food. Ripe orchard fruit and brioche like flavors show on a plump, rich palate and persist on the finish. 100% Pinot Noir from the Marne and the Aube aged on the lees for 2+ years; 3-4 g/L RS"
- I-WineReview (Champagne: Diversity and Change, January 2020), 91 pts
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Mordoree Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Reine des Bois is made from Grenache 75 %, Mourvèdre 10%, Syrah 10 % , Counoise 3% & Vaccarese 2%.
This premium cuvee - whose name means "Queen of the Woods" - is from 65-year-old vines, planted on Villafranchian-era terrasses. Yield is 30 hl/ha.
Deep ruby red; opaque. Aromas of red fruits change to wooden touches of leather, black truffles and coffee. Fat, concentrated and full flavored with a very long liquoriced and fruity finish.
Pairs with red meats, sauce dishes, game animals (woodcock, wild boar) and semi mature cheeses.
Review:
"Huge and powerful, but so fresh. This has great driving intensity, with even bigger, more structural tannins than the domaine’s other cuvée. A rampaging Châteauneuf that will take time to settle, and will always be wild. Long, vibrant and chiselled. An absolute beast. Mordorée has been massive but overripe in the past; it's still massive but with this vintage the ripeness is more controlled, and it has transformed into something extraordinary. Fermented and aged 80% in stainless steel, the rest in old barrels. - Matt WALLS"
- Decanter Magazine (September 17th 2023, Part of Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022: Report and top-scoring wines), 98 pts