James Suckling (JS)

Wine Information:Seghesio’s Barolo is concentrated, big and muscular with pure Nebbiolo aromas, cassis, black cherry, licorice and spicy oak on the nose. Clean, with fresh, soft tannins.Grape: Nebbiolo 100%Vineyard age (year of planting):Nebbiolo: 1950, 1956, 1980, 1983, 2000Soil type: Tufa, clayey, poor in organic substancesExposure: South-EastVinification and ageing: Maceration on the skins in steel rotary fermentors for 5-8 days, ageing in French oak barriques and tonneaux for 24 months....

The result of the Allegrini family’s expertise and a true classic of the appellation, this red wine embraces tradition, territory and the know-how of this spectacular region. Corvina, Rondinella and Oseleta are carefully air dried on racks 90-120 days and checked daily to ensure perfectly healthy skins. In this natural drying, or appassimento, the grapes lose 40-45% of their weight. This meticulous refining and lengthy aging yields a red wine that has become emblematic of Italian winemaking....

Tasting Notes:Ruby-red with a garnet rim, this wine's bouquet displays ample aromas of violet, wild berries, tobacco, chocolate, and vanilla. On the palate, Altesino Brunello is rich, full-bodied, and velvety. Food Pairing:With velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and supple body, this Brunello is the wine of choice for rich dishes such as osso bucco, pot roasts, barbecues, and beef stew. ** Only 9 in Stock ** ...

Notes: The rigorous selection process undergone by the grand vin results in the creation of its younger brother, Amiral de Beychevelle.Despite being made from young vines, Amiral de Beychevelle benefits from the same growing techniques, meticulous sorting, and traditional barrel ageing.It has the same elegance and finesse as its older brother, but reveals its character more quickly, offering wine-enthusiasts the full vivacity of its youth. It can be kept for up to fifteen years, depending on...

Notes: Aromas of ripe berry and dark chocolate with some coffee bean, following through to a full body with round, creamy tannins. Stone and walnut undertones. Slightly woody finish.

Tasting Notes: Room-filing aromas of black currant, mandarin and grapefruit rise from the glass to be joined by complexing tropical notes and sweet herbs. The entry is fresh and juicy with layers of lime, passionfruit , rock melon, blackcurrant and a touch of red bell-pepper on the finish. Sweet ripeness rides through the palate complimented perfectly by a zesty drive and real focus. Medium weight and good breadth. Winemaker Notes: Grapes from our own estates and select growers were picked,...

VINEYARDS: A classic blend of mountain and valley fruit yields both structure and richness. The tufa-rich Bancroft Ranch and volcanic Steinhauer Ranch vineyards atop Howell Mountain provide the foundation (62%) for the 2015 blend. A significant portion also comes from the iron-rich Home and Chabot vineyards (28%) in the St. Helena AVA. Spring Mountain’s Marston Ranch and Mt. Veeder’s Derr Family vineyards (10%) round out the final blend. Harvest occurred between September 10th and October...

Grapes and Vineyard: Made with 100% Barbera grapes grown in estate-owned vineyards in Rocchetta Tanaro. In the Cellar: Temperature controlled maceration on skins lasts 20 days. The wine is then transferred to oak barrels where it ages for 12 months, before ageing for another 12 months in the bottle. Tasting: Very deep ruby red colour with garnet highlights. Rich and complex bouquet with outstanding concentration and density; scents of red berries and forest fruits are particularly evident,...

VINTAGE NOTES: 2015 will be remembered as a truly textbook year. Winter was essentially mild with temperatures within the average and abundant rainfall in January and February. The budding occurred in the second week of April. The second part of April and the entire month of May were rich in rainfall and sunny days; all this led to a regular development of the vegetative cycle, to an excellent accumulation of water in the soil and a regular and prosperous flowering that ended around the end of...

THE WINE: First produced in 1944, Vintage Selection is the ultimate expression of the Charles Krug portfolio, an elegant, artfully balanced wine what has stood the test of time.. Our 2016 release incorporates pristine fruit from three flagship vineyards: Voltz (39%) and Slinsen (32%) in Yountville and Cold Napa Valley’s 2016 Vintage was what some might call “typical”, with well-timed rain prior to and during the early growing season. The January rains left good moisture in the soil, bud-break...

Notes: Chateau Barde Haut is a 17 hectare estate located at the extreme east of the village of Saint-Emilion. The vineyard forms an natural amphitheatre and is particularly well exposed to the south. The soil is very typical of Saint Emilion being mainly composed of clay which is found on a layer of chalk. There has been significant investment in renovating the cellar so that all work is completely done by gravity to ensure that the precious grapes of the Chateau are well respected. The cellar...

Tasting Notes:A splendid nose with subtle complexity. Very refined fruit with mineral and floral touches and perfectly integrated oak. Above all, aromatic complexity and rare elegance with a deep, richness in the mouth and beautiful ripe, delicate tannins. Tight but gentle with a very fine acidity and immensely long finish. Vintage Summary:05 + 10 = 15. In 2015, nature treated us with a cross between 2 other exceptional vintages. Climatic conditions were ideal throughout the entire cycle in...

Vintage Report: “An atypical and outstanding vintage!” – Fabrice Darmaillacq, Technical Directo 2016 was a year of contrasts at Chateau Clarke, with extreme weather conditions (a very rainy winter and an extremely dry summer), the major threat from fungal diseases and, above all, an Indian summer beyond our wildest dreams that produced exceptional fruit suitable for making great wine. Vinification: Fermentation: The grapes are put into vats via gravity flow, followed by cold soaking and...

Tasting notes: Aiguilhe is a wine that seduces from the very beginning with its sumptuous aromas. Brilliantly expressing notes of red plum and black cherry, the nose seems to develop a more floral character over time. The entry is both lively and soothing. The mid-palate is juicy upon remarkably silky tannins, all enriched with plenty of fruit. The finish is delicious and the wine is overall a perfect testament to the quality sought after by the team of Stephan von Neipperg. Food pairing: We...

Weather Conditions: The beginning of the year was rainy and wet. The weather conditions became perfect again at the end of August. Then an Indian summer stretched until the end of October and allowed us to optimize the maturity of the three grape varieties. The year was particularly successful for the Cabernets Francs. Blend:70% Merlot25% Cabernet Franc5% Cabernet SauvignonAlcohol: 14%**  Only 2 in Stock ** ...

Grape varieties: 75% Merlot 24% Cabernet-Franc 1% Cabernet-Sauvignon Average age of the vines: 38 years old Terroir: Siliceous-clay over iron deposits and ancient sands over clay Number of vines planted: Between 6 000 and 8 000 / hectare Vine growing methods: ploughing or a grass cover crop without any use of weedkillers. From 1996 the vines were grown according to integrated and sustainable farming principles (with AFAQAFNOR certification since 2005) as part of a sustainable economy approach...

Vineyard: 16,54 Ha (40,87 acres) with soil of medium grain with good levels of marl dating to the Eocene period. The altitude of the vineyards varies from 240 to 360 meters above sea level. Grape varietal: 100% Sangiovese Fermentation and refinement: In stainless steel and glass concrete vats, temperature-controlled via cooling plates and jackets. Ageing: More than 24 months in 20-85 hl Slavonian oak barrels, followed by over 8 months of bottle refinement. Colour: Ruby red verging on garnet....

Vineyard: The Pianrosso vineyard covers 11,69 hectares (29,22 acres). The soil is medium grain with good levels of marl, dating from the Eocene period. The altitude of this large vineyard varies from 240 to 360 metres above sea level. Grape varietal: 100% Sangiovese Fermentation and refinement: In stainless steel and glass concrete vats, temperature-controlled via cooling plates and jackets. Ageing: Roughly 36 months in 20 - 62 hl Slavonian oak barrels, followed by over 8 months of bottle...

Tasting Notes: Deep cherry red in color. Don Melchor 2017 is a wine with extraordinary elegance. Full of aromas and flavors and a marked presence of red berries. On the palate, there are strong notes of Cabernet Sauvignon from Puente Alto, with fine and delicate tannins, while also providing a good density and long-lasting finish. Food Pairing: Red meats, especially lamb and different preparations of game meats, such as roasted or braised with red wine sauce, mushrooms, rosemary, and...

Tasting Notes:Marques de Casa Concha, is dark ruby red in color with luscious aromas of cherry and blackberries intertwined with cedar and smoke. These notes follow through to the palate. Tremendously concentrated flavors are revealed in firm tannins with a soft, silky texture and a lingering finish. - WineryVineyards:Puente Alto Vineyard in Chile's Maipo Valley. River bench associated soils, alluvial, stony, poor in nutrients and highly permeable due to the gravel sub-soil.Winemaking:The...

Summary:Domaine Faiveley combines the principles of modern winemaking methods with the time honored traditions that have been practiced for centuries within their 19th century cellars. Each terroir and each vintage, benefits from special attention which makes the cuvées unique. Each bottle therefore becomes the faithful reflection of its terroir.Terroir: Domaine Faiveley Gevrey Chambertin AC is sourced from multiple parcels spread throughout the appellation. Soils are made up primarily of clay...

Wine Description: Winemaking is spread between the Catena family winery in the Uco Valley and Alejandro's own barrel room in his garden of Chachingo - The Republic - where his young son rides a horse among olive trees and where dogs and chickens share the grounds with the Vigil family and the winery. Tasting Notes: El Gran Enemigo SV Agrelo is deep purple with red highlights. Its aromas are intense and elegant. Cabernet Franc brings light notes of eucalyptus and thyme. Malbec brings notes of...

Wine Description: Winemaking is spread between the Catena family winery in the Uco Valley and Alejandro's own barrel room in his garden of Chachingo - The Republic - where his young son rides a horse among olive trees and where dogs and chickens share the grounds with the Vigil family and the winery. Tasting Notes: El Gran Enemigo SV Gualtallary shows a deep purple color with red highlights. Its aromas are intense and elegant. Cabernet Franc brings sweet spices, black pepper and light notes of...

Tasting Notes: Ruby red in color with light garnet highlights. Great finesse on the nose, harmonious and complex. Sensations of ripe red fruit and violet, with spicy undertones. Enveloping tannins, great elegance, sapidity and persistence on the palate.

Introduction: Merli is the name of the hill where this vineyard is located; Bricco (meaning “hill”) indicates that this vineyard is located at the very top of the hill. Vintage Report: The 2018 harvest was quite late and arduous; yet, the crop shows immense promise after a long and engaging growing season. The beginning of spring was quite difficult due to the heavy rain, and the summer was considerably warm and quite dry. The conditions allowed the vines to catch up upon a quite slow start....

Notes: The defining characteristics of Faust come from the backbone of fruit sourced from our own Coombsville Estate, complemented by grapes from hillside and cooler regions of the Napa Valley. This combination of fruit sourcing delivers the unmistakable richness and fruit intensity of our Cabernet Sauvignon. Through relentless exploration, our winemakers are always in pursuit of the undeniable quality and unique style, fitting of a modern Napa Valley classic. Intense yet fresh with juicy blue...

2016 TRILOGY WINEMAKER NOTES: Trilogy is Flora Springs’ flagship wine, one that dates back to 1984 when our family decided to make the nest wine possible by selecting the highest quality wine lots culled from our estate vineyards in Napa Valley. Back then it was one of Napa Valley’s rst proprietary red blends, and today this Bordeaux-style wine continues to be sourced from our own Komes-Garvey estate vineyards. In 2016 this iconic wine brings together Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and...

Winemaking Notes: The 2018 vintage proved nearly ideal. Ample winter rains were followed by lots of spring and early summer sunshine. Bud break and flowering were slightly later than usual, but coincided with ideal weather conditions for healthy fruit set. Summer brought more balance in the form of sunshine and cooling marine influences at night. The mild summer was followed by an equally ideal fall; allowing fruit to ripen with ample flavor and complexity with moderate sugar levels. After...

The 2019 Insignia opens with heady aromatics of red fruit, crème de cassis, leafy tobacco and delicate dried rose petals. The palate is juicy and dense with expressive layers of blackberry, raspberry, black currant, and dark chocolate. A dynamic wine offering captivating energy, length, complexity and refinement. The 2019 Insignia marks the first vintage to include fruit from the new Joseph Phelps vineyard named El Venadito, located in the Oak Knoll District, just south of the winery's...

AROMATIC PROFILE: The Merlot offers up black fruit aromas such as black cherry and blackberry, all with wonderful freshness on the palate. The Cabernet Sauvignon, in particular from old pre-phylloxera vines, offers up aromas of red fruit (raspberry) and black fruit (blackcurrant, blueberry) with some ripe bell pepper and black olive notes. As it matures it develops pepper, crème de cassis, leather and charred notes (smoke, toast and chocolate). The Carmenère, brightly coloured with hints of...

Notes: Our 2018 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is an approachable, fruit-driven wine. It offers a welcomingly round mouthfeel with ripe notes of red fruit and cherry. Delicate hints of dark chocolate and oak spice on the finish add layers of elegance and freshness, offering a rich yet balanced expression of the varietal.

Vinification: Maceration in contact with the grape skins for a duration of 12 days, alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in steel tanks, ageing in large French oak barrels for 18 months. In the glass: An intense bouquet with hints of ripe fruit and rose petals. Persistent in taste, thanks to its fine and enveloping tannins that give an elegant pleasantness to this wine.

Tortoniano is named for the tortonian-era soils in which the vines are planted, which contain a high percentage of magnesium and manganese. Grape clusters are thinned and harvested up to 15 days later than usual so that the fruit attains higher concentration. Temperatures are strictly controlled during vinification and the wine is aged for two years in large oak casks and one year in bottle before release. TASTING NOTE: The wine shows layered aromas of mint, fennel, plum and spices before rich...

2017: The winter of 2017 ended a five-year drought with January recording the most rainfall in over 20 years. The abundant rainfall continued into March, causing a modest delay in budbreak, and pushing bloom back by two weeks. Increased soil moisture allowed for healthy vine growth and development. The summer, in turn, was warm and punctuated by occasional heat waves. Despite Mother Nature’s variability, favorable weather in August provided optimal conditions for fruit development and...

The story behind the label... This wine was introduced as a one-time bottling in 2002 after a wild fire struck the vineyard’s surrounding hillsides. The residual ash and smoke resonated in the Syrah grapes, creating a very memorable wine. Year after year, we are asked to develop a Syrah to keep the story of this wine alive! Now, 10 vintages later, we hope you will enjoy this bold Syrah comprised from several exceptional vineyards in the Columbia, Yakima and Walla Walla Valleys. STAFF NOTES:...

Variety: Nebbiolo 1st vintage: 1965 Harvesting period: October Vinification:Destemmed and crushedThermo-controlled fermentation at a temperature of 30°C (85°F)Average time of maceration: 7-10 daysMalolactic Fermentation in November in oak barrels Aging: two years in oak barrels of 25hl and 50 hl Longevity media of wine: over 20 years Tasting notesColor: garnet red.A bouquet with traces of licorice and tobacco.Full flavored, full-bodied and elegant. Notes on wine and food pairing:Noble and...

Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2018: The grapes for the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon come from the finest vineyard sites in the best appellations of Napa Valley, including the Sequoia Grove Estate and Tonella Estate Vineyards in Rutherford, as well as select parcels from top growers, including Morisoli and Beckstoffer in Rutherford, Stagecoach in Atlas Peak, Lamoreaux in the Oak Knoll District and Healy in St. Helena. All fruit is hand sorted before undergoing a cold soak followed by...

One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon: One Point Five is an elegant. Silky Cabernet Sauvignon with soft tannins and abundant fruit that is approachable when young, yet capable of aging gracefully. This wine reflects the climate and soils of our Stags Leap District vineyard sites and Shafer’s commitment to meticulous, sustainable farming and quality winemaking. Winemaker’s Comments: “In your glass the wine introduces itself with enticing aromas of red and black fruit, baking spice, dark violets,...

VINTAGE NOTES:Textbook conditions saw near-ideal bud break, steady flowering, even fruit set, and a lengthy stretch of warm days and cool and often foggy nights during the long summer months. Late and light rain held off until grapes found optimal ripeness, bringing exceptional quality with a smooth balance of acids and sugars. WINEMAKING NOTES:Average 19 days of maceration.18 months of barrel age in 45% new oak, of which 93% was French and 7% was American. Overall blend: 85% French oak, 15%...

PS is made from the grapes grown in a single vineyard planted by Siro Pacenti on the north side of Montalcino at the beginning of the Seventies. Bottled only in exceptional vintages. It is not filtered and requires long ageing. PS is well structured, elegant and potent, possessing the unique character of the land where it is born. Grapes: Sangiovese 100% coming from 1,50 ha in the Northern area (Pelagrilli) of over 40 years oldHarvesting: Only by hand on a production for strain of 800/1000 g.,...

Structured and elegant, with silky tannins and a long finish.This wine comes from two vineyards with vines over 35 years old; annual production is around 30,000 bottles. - Winery

Winemaker’s Notes: Deep garnet in color with a vibrant nose. Lively aromas of bing cherry and candied plum entice the nose while the soft mouthfeel gives way to avors of dark fruit with elements of bramble and tar, baking spice and cola. The Vintage: For the third consecutive year, the Willamette Valley was treated to a near-perfect vintage. With higher spring temperatures leading to the earliest bud-break on record, it looked to be a challenging run ahead. But with cool and consistent...

Vintage:The 2019 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon delivers expressive aromas of mocha, chocolate covered cherry, crushed raspberry, olive and thyme. Rich and flavorful, the wine is well-structured with fine grained tannins. The palate has a pleasing brambleberry note that leads to a long finish with a hint of oak spice. Blend: 99.5% Cabernet Sauvignon.5% Cabernet FrancBarrel Aging: 15 months; 42% new French oak, 6% new American oak, balance in older French oak barrelsAlcohol: 14.5%TA: 0.50 g/100ml ...

ESTATE: Ornellaia has established itself among the iconic wine estates in Italy (and beyond). The estate is dedicated to producing charming and opulent wines, full of Mediterranean character and finesse, reflecting the estate’s unique terroir in Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast. The combination of Bolgheri’s unique soils and growing conditions, and what can only be characterized as a total obsession with excellence, result in the world-class wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon...

WINEMAKER’S TASTING NOTES: With its usual deep ruby-red colour, Ornellaia 2018 features a lively and intense aromatic expression, a distinctive mark of the vintage. Red fruits, citrus notes, hints of liquorice and Mediterranean scrub combine to form its profile. With the first taste it is enveloping and all its components well-balanced: the tannins, both dense and silky in texture, fill the palate with elegance and precision. The finish is lifted by a distinct tangy vein that enhances the...

ESTATE: Today, Luce goes so much further than was originally envisioned when started as a project over 20 years ago. The estate now has some of the most exceptional vineyards in Montalcino and, as of 2018, a state of the art winery to nurture every step of the winemaking process. The original vision, however, remains the same: to produce a bold and ambitious Super Tuscan that reflects the culture of Montalcino. WINE: Luce is a singular and irresistible expression of Montalcino, a Super Tuscan...

TASTING NOTES:Intense, concentrated and deep ruby-colored, this wine offers elegant, complex aromas of red fruit. In the mouth it is rich and dense, yet harmonious, with sweet, balanced tannins. The wine has a long finish with a depth and structure that ensure its extraordinary longevity.REGION: Italy / Tuscany / BolgheriSassicaia means “the place of many stones,” and refers to the region’s gravel soil. The original vineyards have a southwest exposure with extensive sun and maritime breezes...

Wine Description: A deep pomegranate red wine; medium-bodied wine shows good depth in its red fruit. Soft silky tannins, with a good structure and intense mineral fragrance. - WineryVarietal composition: 100% NebbioloSoil: Rocky and abundant minerals of iron which give the tipical reddish colour to the indigenous rock.Climate: Typical of the piedmont area, in respect to that of the plain. It permits an even distribution of precipitation between both spring and autumn, and a ventilation of the...