This wine is truly exciting showcasing the incredible potential of McLaren Vale Grenache.

Tasting Notes 

Forgotten IDA Grenache is light crimson in colour, generous raspberry and rhubarb tart bouquet with subtle fruit sweetness and creamy but textured palate.

History

The closest vineyard to the sea in Australia, the Lost Buoy vines grow within 50 meters of the cliff edge, high above the rolling waves of the Great Southern Ocean. The maritime influence refreshes the vines to create a naturally healthy growing environment.

The Lost Buoy vineyard is planted with eight acres of Grenache and seven acres of Shiraz vines. With an average age of 15 years, the vines’ roots are anchored deep into the Pliocene Hallett Cove Sandstone and Burnham Limestone of the cliff head, bringing an intricate minerality to the wines. The elemental growing conditions and shallow soils produce a humble yield of perfectly balanced fruit, on average just 1.5 to 2 tonnes per acre.

Winemaker, Matt O’Leary, is on deck to steer the fruit through the winemaking process, producing a fleet of wines to showcase and respect the distinctive characters of the grapes and where they are grown.

Now that the Lost Buoy vineyard has been found again, the vines speak clearly of the ocean they overlook, producing wines with elegance, vitality, crisp maritime acidity and earthy mineral complexity.

Specifications

 Château Bonnet is one of Bordeaux's consistently reliable wines. Vignobles André Lurton are committed to making wines that are both full-bodied and balanced, like this Reserve cuvee, which typifies classic Bordeaux. Its faultless pedigree is revealed in its elegant balance, depth and charm.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Deep ruby-red colour.

Nose

The nose is intense, dominated by aromas of black fruit (blackberry, blackcurrant), mingled with delicious chocolate notes.

Palate

The attack is very supple. Round and fresh on the palate. Delightful notes of black fruit accompany us throughout the tasting. This is a well-balanced, easy-drinking wine. The finish has a lovely tannic structure that melts perfectly

Production

Specifications

Tasting Notes 

Aromas of raspberry, cherry and a hint of eucalyptus. The palate is full, fresh and lively with a subtle and well-balanced tannin structure.

History

Dornier is a family owned winery situated in The Golden Triangle area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention which are expressive of the unique terroir of The Golden Triangle whilst showcasing the complexity and finesse of the noble grape varieties planted at Dornier. Reverence for tradition is salient at Dornier as is difference where it leads to improvement.

Dornier Wine Estate is located on 3 different farms in the Upper Blaauwklippen Valley namely Groenkloof, Heldemeer and Stellenrust (Homestead) the latter of which includes a historic Sir Herbert Baker designed homestead and one of the first wine cellars ever built in Stellenbosch in the late 1600s.

Dornier proudly boasts an A rating with IPW (Integrity and Sustainability) given its ongoing efforts incorporated and devotion towards sustainable farming practises with integrity. 

Dornier also holds an A Rating with WIETA - a pro-active world-class and sustainable ethical trade programme for the South African wine industry and aligned sectors. given its efforts incorporated and devotion towards facilitating fair working conditions and sustainable ethical trade within the wine industry and its aligned sectors.

Fermentation & Aging

All components of this blend were fermented separately in vineyard specific batches with pump-overs for colour and tannin extraction being performed five times daily. The wine was barrel matured for 12 months in French oak barrels and a small un-oaked component was used to provide a fresh and lively character.

Vintage Conditions

The vines are planted on our Groenkloof farm on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain. The soil is composed of coffee coloured decomposed granite. The vines get full sun which allows for optimum development of rich berry characters in the grapes.

Accolades

• 4.5 John Platter Stars
• TOP 100 SA Wines
• Veritas Silver Outstanding

Specifications

Tasting Notes 

Intense black cherry colour with a full bouquet of cassis, blackberries, cigar box, pencil shavings and subtle oak with a hint of mint to ensure freshness. The palate has density and concentrated flavours of dark fruit with elegant tannins to create a well-balanced wine with a long finish. Concentrated fruit, great structure and the ability to age well.

About the Harvest

Although very dry, the ripening season leading up to the 2018 harvest provided exce lent conditions for optimal ripeness and flavour development that resulted in exceptional fruit concentration and elegance in the wines of this vintage.

In the Cellar

This wine was fermented in open tanks with pump overs and punch downs being performed four times daily to extract all possible flavours from the berries. After alcoholic fermentation the wines underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel followed by 18 months ageing in 30% new French oak barrels.

History

Dornier is a family owned winery situated in The Golden Triangle area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention which are expressive of the unique terroir of The Golden Triangle whilst showcasing the complexity and finesse of the noble grape varieties planted at Dornier. Reverence for tradition is salient at Dornier as is difference where it leads to improvement.

Dornier Wine Estate is located on 3 different farms in the Upper Blaauwklippen Valley namely Groenkloof, Heldemeer and Stellenrust (Homestead) the latter of which includes a historic Sir Herbert Baker designed homestead and one of the first wine cellars ever built in Stellenbosch in the late 1600s.

Dornier proudly boasts an A rating with IPW (Integrity and Sustainability) given its ongoing efforts incorporated and devotion towards sustainable farming practises with integrity. 

Dornier also holds an A Rating with WIETA - a pro-active world-class and sustainable ethical trade programme for the South African wine industry and aligned sectors. given its efforts incorporated and devotion towards facilitating fair working conditions and sustainable ethical trade within the wine industry and its aligned sectors.

Accolades

• Dornier Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 TOP 100 SA Wine

• 91 Points Winemag | "This is a gorgeous cabernet sauvignon from Dornier in South Africa. Located in the 'Golden Triangle' area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention. Their Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon has an exuberance of concentrated fruit, intense black cherry colour with a full bouquet of cassis, black berries, cigar box, pencil shavings and subtle oak and a hint of mint to ensure freshness. Stunning value at under £20."
• The 2018 vintage of Dornier Equanimity Cabernet has received abundant local and international recognition having thus far received a Gold Medal from Mundus Vini Germany in 2022, 93 Points & Double Gold from Gilbert & Gaillard and now Top 100 Wine Status from the National Wine Challenge.

Specifications

A fine, distinctive blend of 90% Syrah with 10% Cabernet Franc, each from a single vineyard parcel in the Franschhoek valley. A natural approach to winemaking gives a fresh, expressive style with attractively wild berry fruit characters.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Warm and spicy on the nose, aromas of fresh crushed raspberries and black cherry mingle with black pepper, allspice and woodsmoke. 

Palate

The palate has breadth and natural juiciness combining fresh cranberry and red berry fruit with spicy, peppercorn flavours. Best served at cool room temperature.

Production

Wildeberg is our small farm in Franschhoek. Only 10ha can be planted to vines, the rest is wild. The fruit for the Wildeberg wines comes from the Franschhoek Valley only, hand-harvested, naturally-fermented and gently matured in our mountain barrel hall on the farm. A blend of roughly 90% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Franc, both parcels of fruit were hand-harvested then allowed to macerate carbonically without press. These wild ferments were left to themselves with just one daily manual punchdown followed by 12 months ageing in 600 ltr French oak barrels.

Producer

The Earth’s mantle thrusts up above the gentle town of Franschhoek, a wild slice of untamed mountain on which sits a farm named Wildeberg. An established wine region for some 350 years, sensible generations never thought to plant a vine here until a happy band of idealists recently craned their necks up at this hillside and, dizzy with hope, decided to give it a go. Franschhoek is on the very edge of the south-eastern corner of the Cape’s venerable Coastal Region, indeed Wildeberg’s property border runs over the top of the mountain where the Coastal Region gives way to the baboon-strewn road to Grabouw and the wider Western Cape.

The Wildeberg wines express the most captivating Franschhoek Valley fruit. In our Wildeberg Terroirs bottlings we look beyond our home to a clutch of exceptional sites of other origin.

A mountain rich in metaphor with the visual heft to flatter any wine, releases of Wildeberg and Terroirs express our continued purpose – exceptional wines of place, however humble the origin. If the abiding memory of our wines remains a textural sense of place then we are portraying the Cape as hoped.

Sustainability

Wildeberg is a 144ha wine farm set against the backdrop of the dramatic Franschhoek mountains, on the very edge of viticultural possibilities. To farm here you have to be in tune with nature, respecting the earth and the elements, creating wines which truly express the terroir with minimal intervention.

This special area is home to 4 endangered Fynbos species, and a key mission of Wildeberg is to conserve this vegetation type as they are critical to the biodiversity of the Western Cape. This work entails clearing invasive alien trees which can overwhelm the Fynbos and contribute to the threat of forest fires. Fynbos covered mountains like those at Wildeberg are thought to be responsible for delivering one glass of water in five in South Africa, due to the plants allowing up to 80% of rainwater to run off into rivers and reservoirs rather than being absorbed into the soil.

Water is precious in South Africa, and waste water from the winery passes through a natural wetland with indigenous reeds and plants before being pumped into our irrigation dam. We then use this water to irrigate the vines.

All Wildeberg wines are certified as part of South Africa’s sustainability accreditation, the ‘Integrated Production of Wine’ (IPW) system. The IPW scheme, started in 1998, consists of a set of audited guidelines specifying agricultural practices, manufacturing practices and bottling activities.

Wildeberg is also a proud member of the Cape’s Old Vine Project (OVP), which preserves blocks of vines which are 35 years and older. The project encourages producers to farm as close to nature as possible whilst raising awareness of the inherent potential of old vines to produce outstanding and expressive wines.

Specifications

When they created Senia, they took their inspiration from traditional fermentation techniques. For this reason the Nero d’Avola is fermented in open top barriques, in small quantities of around 150 litres. Senia has a extremely limited production of about 8.000 bottles per year.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Palate

A very full-bodied wine, with a refreshing acidity, and a long finish showing soft and intense tannins.

Vineyards & Vinification

We ferment the grapes in open top barriques in small lots of around 150 litres. Using this method, it’s not possible to control the temperature during fermentation, but it never exceeds 18-24C°. The small volume allows it to adjust itself naturally.

The grapes undergo fermentation for 10-12 days. The use of open top barrels allows us to carry out “follatura” (manually pushing down the skins) as often as is necessary for the natural and delicate extraction of colour and tannins from the skins.

We leave the wine in contact with the skins for about 20 days after the fermentation and then for a total of 30-35 days.

Once the maceration on the skins has ended, the wine is placed in barriques for the malolactic fermentation, after which it remains in barrel for 12 months before bottling. The wine stays a further 6 months in bottle before being released on to the market.

Accolades

91 pts points | James Suckling
I like the dried-spice, tobacco and ash character to the black plum and black cherry fruit. It’s medium- to full-bodied with plenty of spicy and smoky flavours. Soft tannins. Delicious now.

17/20 points | Jancis Robinson

Specifications

 Thanks to expressive fruit – but without excessive concentration – Château Bonnet's red wine is unquestionably charming. In fact, it is a benchmark in Bordeaux. The wine is best enjoyed on the young side, although the quality tannin ensures good ageing for several year. With its fresh red cherry notes, this wine makes a great pairing for grilled meats and cheese platters.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Deep ruby-red color scattered with purple highlights. 

Nose

The nose is very attractive and fruity, revealing a delicious array of fresh fruit notes (cherry), underpinned by subtle hints of spice.

Palate

This beautiful Bonnet starts out straightforward on the palate, becoming very round, delicious and sweet. Fresh red fruit aromas (cherry) follow through to the palate.

Production

Grapes come from clay-limestone hilltop vineyards of Grézillac in the Entre-deux-Mers. Aged 12 months in 20% new oak barrels.

Specifications

Juicy, fresh and approachable - just what you want from Beaujolais Villages.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Juicy, super ripe and softly perfumed on the nose

Palate

Full of flavours of summer compote, with ripe tannins and vibrant acidity.  Presenting an easy drinking wine with a soft, approachable finish.

Production

Gamay vines grown on the slopes of the rolling Beaujolais hills. Whole bunch Gamay is fermented using traditional carbonic maceration techniques. A short cuvaison is used in order to keep the up-front, juicy, fruit characters.

Producer

Like all good stories, that of Boutinot France is both long and a little bit complicated! Boutinot began as a tiny importer in 1980, specialising in French wines. Paul Boutinot himself began by personally selecting the wines from France, back in the UK he would unload the trailer by hand. And deliver the crates of wines to customers himself. But good things grow and by the end of the decade we had become a bigger and better company. A company that not only sought out great wines but made them too. After 10 years later, Boutinot France started in January 1990. The first office was in the middle of the vines in Julienas; perfectly located to navigate the Beaujolais and Macon regions on the quest to make beautiful wines.

Samantha Bailey, who started as a wine enthusiast, was there at the beginning of this adventure. Since then, she has grown into our Master Blender and has key responsibilities: building long-standing relationships, tasting, understanding the terroir and appellations, and pushing the boundaries. She is at the heart of the whole process from blending to quality assessment, making sure there is always a Boutinot touch in every cuvée. We are proud to also count Guillaume Letang and Julien Dugas in our winemaking team. Guillaume oversees the South of France and Languedoc, whilst Julien looks after our property in Cairanne. Together they have the local knowledge to select and blend the very best wines from throughout. Eric Monnin oversees every aspect of production and makes sure everything our winemakers blend and source is top quality.

Today, Boutinot’s French office has recently relocated to Macon, and has over 20 employees who take care of production across the whole of France, covering fresh whites and rosés from Gascony, mineral wines from Burgundy, and joyful varietal wines from Languedoc among others. We don’t use any single model to source our wines; instead, a combination of sources are used, from large-scale, high-quality co-ops to small, family growers and single domaines, as well as our own vineyards in Cairanne and Saint-Vérand. Drawing on the expertise of our four winemakers and a network of partner growers, we seek to deliver the highest quality-to-price ratio possible for every wine.

Specifications

Pietrin, a wine dedicated to the winery’s founding great-grandfather, is a true traditional Barolo whose grapes come from the best cru located in the communes of Castiglione Falletto, Monforte d’Alba and Novello.

This is a wine for those in the know - the wine experts, a gift for the boss or to mark a special occasion. 

Tasting Notes

It shows a rich bouquet that ranges from ripe fruit notes to sweet spices, while at the sip it is elegant, harmonious and with great power

Vineyards

It is quite possible that the Franco Conterno estate has one of the most enviable views of any winery. In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, the farm sits alone atop a tiny hill overlooking La Morra, Fontanafredda and Castiglione Falletto. 

Franco Conterno comprises 28 hectares of vineyards, located in the territories of Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Novello and Madonna di Como.

The labels bear the names of the most prestigious vineyards: Bussia and Panerole. The hectares of land are dedicated to the cultivation of Lampia and Michet Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Merlot, Freisa and Chardonnay. Bussia is the first cru to have been declared a member of the "modern" era.

As always, our growing techniques are specially chosen to bring together respect for the environment and agricultural work, as required by the Regional Rural Development Plan to which Franco Conterno first subscribed in 1996. All this is possible thanks to the extraordinary nature of the soil, made up of sand, silt and clay. The elevation above sea level ranges from 250 to 400 metres.

The soil, the extraordinary microclimate, and the excellent south/south-west exposure allow for the creation of wines with unique and valuable characteristics.

From 2015, Franco Conterno has been a certified organic company, dedicated to a production philosophy based on natural ​​vineyard cultivation and a completely wholesome vinification process.

History

In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, is Cascina Sciulun, a typical historic farmhouse, constructed according to Piedmont architectural traditions. Built in the mid-nineteenth century and extended in the 1940s, the house has always belonged to the Conterno family.

The company Franco Conterno has deep roots, and has been a part of the family for many decades. It was nonno Pietro who allocated 18 hectares of land to Nebbiolo vineyards, initially to sell to other wineries for vinification, later destined for the creation of prestigious wines.

The business passed to his son Giacomo, and then to his grandson Franco, who took the helm of the winery in 1995 with his wife Vilma, bringing his own name and identity to the company.

In recent years, Franco’s two sons—Daniele and Andrea—joined the company, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, bringing fresh insight and innovation to the winery and vineyards, continuing the family business with passion and dedication.

Cascina Sciulun now includes a farmhouse where you can stay, for a relaxing visit immersed in the peace and tranquility of the green hills of the Langhe.

Specifications

This fine wine is born from the areas of Monforte d'Alba, Novello and Madonna di Como with their steep, plastic soils, rich in clay and sand.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant grenade red in colour with soft orange notes, it is rich, complex, tannic and pleasant on the nose with hints of raspberry.

Vineyards

It is quite possible that the Franco Conterno estate has one of the most enviable views of any winery. In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, the farm sits alone atop a tiny hill overlooking La Morra, Fontanafredda and Castiglione Falletto. 

Franco Conterno comprises 28 hectares of vineyards, located in the territories of Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Novello and Madonna di Como.

The labels bear the names of the most prestigious vineyards: Bussia and Panerole. The hectares of land are dedicated to the cultivation of Lampia and Michet Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Merlot, Freisa and Chardonnay. Bussia is the first cru to have been declared a member of the "modern" era.

As always, our growing techniques are specially chosen to bring together respect for the environment and agricultural work, as required by the Regional Rural Development Plan to which Franco Conterno first subscribed in 1996. All this is possible thanks to the extraordinary nature of the soil, made up of sand, silt and clay. The elevation above sea level ranges from 250 to 400 metres.

The soil, the extraordinary microclimate, and the excellent south/south-west exposure allow for the creation of wines with unique and valuable characteristics.

From 2015, Franco Conterno has been a certified organic company, dedicated to a production philosophy based on natural ​​vineyard cultivation and a completely wholesome vinification process.

History

In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, is Cascina Sciulun, a typical historic farmhouse, constructed according to Piedmont architectural traditions. Built in the mid-nineteenth century and extended in the 1940s, the house has always belonged to the Conterno family.

The company Franco Conterno has deep roots, and has been a part of the family for many decades. It was nonno Pietro who allocated 18 hectares of land to Nebbiolo vineyards, initially to sell to other wineries for vinification, later destined for the creation of prestigious wines.

The business passed to his son Giacomo, and then to his grandson Franco, who took the helm of the winery in 1995 with his wife Vilma, bringing his own name and identity to the company.

In recent years, Franco’s two sons—Daniele and Andrea—joined the company, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, bringing fresh insight and innovation to the winery and vineyards, continuing the family business with passion and dedication.

Cascina Sciulun now includes a farmhouse where you can stay, for a relaxing visit immersed in the peace and tranquility of the green hills of the Langhe.

Specifications

A lively red wine perfect to enjoy with Salami!

Serve chilled in the summer months (5-7C)

Tasting Notes

Colour

Deep purple red colour with purple undertones, has a lovely foam when poured into the glass.

Nose

Notes of cherry, raspberries and sweet spices

Palate

Medium intensity and texture - fresh and harmonious with a beautifully persistent finish.

Vineyards

It is quite possible that the Franco Conterno estate has one of the most enviable views of any winery. In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, the farm sits alone atop a tiny hill overlooking La Morra, Fontanafredda and Castiglione Falletto. 

Franco Conterno comprises 28 hectares of vineyards, located in the territories of Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Novello and Madonna di Como.

The labels bear the names of the most prestigious vineyards: Bussia and Panerole. The hectares of land are dedicated to the cultivation of Lampia and Michet Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Merlot, Freisa and Chardonnay. Bussia is the first cru to have been declared a member of the "modern" era.

As always, our growing techniques are specially chosen to bring together respect for the environment and agricultural work, as required by the Regional Rural Development Plan to which Franco Conterno first subscribed in 1996. All this is possible thanks to the extraordinary nature of the soil, made up of sand, silt and clay. The elevation above sea level ranges from 250 to 400 metres.

The soil, the extraordinary microclimate, and the excellent south/south-west exposure allow for the creation of wines with unique and valuable characteristics.

From 2015, Franco Conterno has been a certified organic company, dedicated to a production philosophy based on natural ​​vineyard cultivation and a completely wholesome vinification process.

History

In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, is Cascina Sciulun, a typical historic farmhouse, constructed according to Piedmont architectural traditions. Built in the mid-nineteenth century and extended in the 1940s, the house has always belonged to the Conterno family.

The company Franco Conterno has deep roots, and has been a part of the family for many decades. It was nonno Pietro who allocated 18 hectares of land to Nebbiolo vineyards, initially to sell to other wineries for vinification, later destined for the creation of prestigious wines.

The business passed to his son Giacomo, and then to his grandson Franco, who took the helm of the winery in 1995 with his wife Vilma, bringing his own name and identity to the company.

In recent years, Franco’s two sons—Daniele and Andrea—joined the company, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, bringing fresh insight and innovation to the winery and vineyards, continuing the family business with passion and dedication.

Cascina Sciulun now includes a farmhouse where you can stay, for a relaxing visit immersed in the peace and tranquility of the green hills of the Langhe.

Specifications

Twelve years after arriving in America, in 1924, Gaspare Indelicato planted a vineyard in Manteca, California. With it, he planted the foundation of his eventual success in the California wine trade. Since that first vineyard flourished, Gaspare’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have honored his legacy through dedication to his steadfast values of family, hard work and integrity.

Tasting Notes

Our 2013 Transcendent Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of true depth and sophistication. It exhibits pronounced aromas of tobacco, black currant and violet. Flavors of mocha, cassis and allspice intermingle perfectly on the palate. The 2013 Transcendent is a full-bodied wine with the perfect oak to fruit balance, elegant tannins and a long rich finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon from the higher altitude mountain AVAs brings an incredible complexity and elegance to the palate. Atlas Peak has rocky, volcanic soil which allows the grapevines to focus on producing concentrated and flavorful grapes. The grapes sourced from Diamond Mountain’s volcanic soil results in fruit with great structure, texture and black fruit flavors. Howell Mountain has soils that are lean which naturally limits the vigor of the grapevines, concentrating the flavors and contributing to the intensity of the grapes. Mt. Veeder Cabernet adds an ethereal violet note to the blend that lifts and elevates the rich and ripe aromas.

Producer

More than a century ago, Gaspare and Caterina Indelicato immigrated from Sicily to the United States. With little to draw on but a long family history of grapegrowing and an entreprenuer’s gift for seizing opportunity, Gaspare entered the wine trade by planting a single vineyard in Manteca, California, where the climate reminded the couple of their homeland.

Occupying a privileged position at the southern foot of the trail, the winery grounds eventually became the site of the Silverado Western Center, a major equestrian center that opened in September 1963.

The original riding area now houses prized wines, instead of prize-winning horses. However Black Stallion Estate Winery carries its heritage forward. The estate’s legacy honors the world-class terroir of Napa Valley, the pioneering spirit of the Silverado Trail, and the Indelicato family’s warm hospitality and generations of wine expertise.

Winemaking Philosophy

To make great wine, a winemaker must have a deep familiarity with each lot of freshly pressed juice. At Black Stallion, the search for greatness means boots in the vineyard, checking on vine growth and grape development all year long. It means tasting grapes rather than looking at lab reports to determine the perfect moment to pick. It means harvesting and sorting fruit by hand. Black Stallion Winery’s small scale means that each lot of grapes that arrives at harvest is treated individually, and receives a unique upbringing to bring out its full potential for excellence.

Once crushed at the winery, micro-lots may be fermented in small tanks made of wood, concrete or steel. These choices of aging vessel give winemaker Ralf Holdenried exceptional flexibility to match a batch of grapes with the material best suited to bring out its greatness—key in a region as diverse as Napa Valley.
 
After fermentation, wine is drained using gravity (not pumps) and aged in the finest oak barrels. The gentle handling of the wine prevents the extraction of harsh components that could impart bitterness.

There’s no set recipe for a Black Stallion blend, just the finely honed palates of winemaker Ralf Holdenried and his team. It’s not uncommon for Holdenried to try dozens of trial blends before deciding on a final cuvée. The goal is always the same: To create a seamless, harmonious wine that captures the varietal’s best expression of that vintage in Napa Valley.

Specifications

A rich and polished Portuguese red, crafted for lovers of bold flavour and finesse.

Tasting Notes. 

Duris Reserva has an intense ruby color with violet hues. Aromas of red fruits, with floral and spicy nuances. In the mouth, it is a balanced wine with round tannins and a long and pleasant aftertaste.

Production

Producer

Founded in 1917 in the Vinho Verde region, Calçada Wines is one of the oldest producers in the region focused especially on the production of still white and rosé wines and sparkling wines and is now the 3rd generation of the family to lead the business. In addition to producing high quality wines, Calçada brand is also synonymous with the art of hospitality - Casa da Calçada is a XVI palace converted into a luxurious hotel - it is a reference in hospitality and within the property we still proudly have what is considered the oldest vineyard in the region.

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Aromas of vanilla, cracked black pepper and dark damson fruit. On the palate this wine is round and fleshy, beautifully balanced and packed full with robust red fruit flavours and a lick of oak.

Production

The grapes are selected from old vine Zinfandel vineyards in the Lodi region of central California. Vinified in stainless steel tanks and sees a little oak ageing.

Producer

Boutinot has been working with growers in California for over 10 years, finessing our offering from vintage to vintage, increasingly with specific estates sourcing old vine material and site-specific fruit. The current range of wines are sourced from the warm region of Lodi in Central California, to which Samantha Bailey brings her esteemed palate and decades experience to hone these elements into the brightest wines of The Golden State.

Specifications

The 2015 La Dame de Montrose produced by the prestigious Château Montrose, represents the second wine of this renowned estate situated the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux.

Tasting Notes 

An intense deep red colour, the second selection of Château Montrose is marked by the terroir: a powerful and expressive nose with complex aromas of black fruit, fine oak, toasty and smoky. The attack on the palate is rich and full. The mid palate, round and completely in harmony, reveals supple and silky tannins. Good length, with aromas of very ripe fruit on the finish. 

Production

2015 started with a colder winter than in previous years. The start of the season, mild and quite sunny, favoured early bud burst. Quick and uniform flowering took place at the start of June thanks to the exceptional climatic conditions. June and July were dry, marked by water stress leading to a clear slow-down in the development of the vine.  Véraison took place early and in a very uniform way between 21 July and 10 August.  The showers in September gave us the measure, once again, of the qualities of our terroir: drainage was perfect, and the Cabernet Sauvignon on the plateau bordering the estuary 
benefited from a very beneficial drying wind.  Harvest started from15 September with an increased team of pickers and continued at a sustained pace until 8 October when picking finished.  The grapes were of very good quality, and we further strengthened our ultra-precise plot selection, which sometimes involved several passes through a plot in the search for optimum 
ripeness.  In the cellar, the reception line allowed for precision work: 3 sorting tables for bunches preceded double sorting of the berries, optical then by hand.  The vinification, respectful of the identity of our terroir, was tailor-made in tanks of sizes adapted to each of the 55 batches that make up our blending palette. To these were added 7 batches resulting from the precision work carried out at the press.  At the time of blending, the richness of the batches allowed us to be extremely precise in the selection for the grand vin, the most drastic in 15 years.  The first tastings put this vintage among the great years of Château Montrose. 

Producer

The producer of the 2015 La Dame de Montrose Saint-Estèphe is Château Montrose, a prestigious Second Growth estate located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux. La Dame de Montrose is the château’s second wine, crafted with the same care and terroir expression as the Grand Vin but designed to be more approachable in its youth.

Château Montrose has a long-standing reputation for producing structured, age-worthy wines and is currently owned by the Bouygues family, who have invested significantly in sustainability and precision winemaking.

Specifications

Tasting Notes 

Intense aromas of blackcurrant jelly, black raspberries, and Black Forest cake are intertwined with subtle hints of cedar, lilac, pencil shavings, and crushed rocks. On the palate, it presents a medium to full-bodied profile, featuring ripe, finely grained tannins and a vibrant core of crunchy black fruits, in a lingering mineral finish.

Production

From September 19th to October 7th. Hand harvesting in several passes, according to the level of maturity of the plots. Meticulous sorting in 
the vines and in the vatroom.  Gentle vinification by infusion. Cold maceration. 
Maceration period from 30 to 35 days decided by daily tastings.  Aged in barrels and casks.

Producer

The producer of Chevalier de Lascombes Margaux is Château Lascombes, a historic Second Growth estate located in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux. The wine is crafted as the château’s second label, offering a more approachable expression of the estate’s terroir while maintaining the elegance and structure typical of Margaux wines.

Château Lascombes itself dates back to the 17th century and is currently owned by Lawrence Family Wine Estates, with Axel Heinz—formerly of Ornellaia and Masseto—at the helm as CEO and winemake

Specifications

Fresh, vibrant fruit! The Chevalier immediately presents a captivating expression of the Estate. It embodies all the charm and silkiness one would anticipate from a great Margaux. The tannins are structured yet supple, making it delightful to enjoy young or after a few years of aging in the cellar for the discerning enthusiast.

Tasting Notes 

Expect ripe black cherry, plum, and red currant on the nose, layered with hints of spice, chocolate, and tobacco. The palate is rich and velvety, with a generous fruit core and supple tannins. There's a touch of oak spice and floral lift, and the finish is smooth, with lingering notes of dark berries and a whisper of cedar.

Production

From September 19th to October 16th.   Hand harvesting in several passes, according to the level of maturity of the plots. Meticulous sorting in 
the vines and in the vatroom. Gentle vinification by infusion. Cold maceration. 
Maceration period from 30 to 35 days decided by 
daily tastings. Aged in barrels and casks

Producer

The producer of Chevalier de Lascombes Margaux is Château Lascombes, a historic Second Growth estate located in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux. The wine is crafted as the château’s second label, offering a more approachable expression of the estate’s terroir while maintaining the elegance and structure typical of Margaux wines.

Château Lascombes itself dates back to the 17th century and is currently owned by Lawrence Family Wine Estates, with Axel Heinz—formerly of Ornellaia and Masseto—at the helm as CEO and winemake

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Masses of black fruit aromas with subtle tobacco and chocolate notes. Rich and concentrated, the tannins are smooth and well integrated and leads to a long lingering finish.

Producer

Ever since 1983, when Principe de Viana opened its doors in Murchante, the company has plotted a path of stunning success and in only 25 years has become one of the principle and most prestigious wineries in Navarra. Carlos III of Navarra gave four thousand gold pieces to the messenger who announced to him the birth of his grandson, Carlos. Such was his joy and so great were the hopes he pinned on this child that would one day merit the crown. And before the child was two years old, in a bid to distinguish him with a majestic and previously unknown title, he was crowned Principe de Viana. “Bestowed in Tudela on the twentieth of January from the birth of our Lord 1423. To the King.” History wanted it another way, and the Noble King soon died and Blanca, his daughter, and her husband rose to the throne with the young Prince spending time either with his head in the classics or at court. But his mother’s death which should have meant his imminent coronation, in fact revealed his fathers grand ambitions. The all-powerful Juan, refused the crown to his son, the legitimate heir, and started a civil war against him. Carlos was forced to flee on a journey which took him to París, Rome, Naples and Barcelona, where he ended up living out his life without his true rights. His remains were transferred to Poblet and he has always been revered as a hero and a saint and even now is referred to in history as a defender of law and human rights. The legend was born in 1423. The Principe de Viana. Ever since, the title has been bestowed on all heirs to the throne of Navarra, first, and then to Spain, latterly, until the appointment today of his Royal Majesty, don Felipe de Borbón, the King. In this way, over the course of five centuries the title of Principe de Viana has become a symbol of tradition, continuity and renovation. The winery is proud to still carry the name and spirit.

Vinification

Aged for 14 months in 225 litre barrels, 50% French and 50% American oak.

Specifications

This is an intense , complex Primitivo Wine

Tasting Notes

A bright ruby red colour with garnet nuances, this is an intense and complex Primitivo wine. Aromas of ripe raspberry and blackberry as well as plum jam combined with clean, spicy, vanilla and balsamic notes. Dry, warm, soft, tannic and persistent in the mouth, all rounded out by the toasted oak notes.

Producer

Moreish and delicious in equal doses!

Tasting Notes

An intense purple appearance offers up aromas of raspberry, pomegranate, black cherry, purple plum, chocolate and spice.  Layered beneath this are hints of barbequed meats, grilled mushrooms and black olive tapenade.  On the palate the wine is richly textured and mouth filling with powerful, but fine grained tannins that give a silky finish with exceptional length.

The Season

A mild spring was followed by a warm summer and early autumn.  Meticulous vineyard management meant our crops achieved optimum ripeness and were able to be harvested in excellent condition, in advance of the inclement weather that affected the second half of April.   

The Vineyard & The Vines

The vineyard is located within the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury, on free draining, north facing terraces carved out of New Zealand’s Southern Alps by an ice-age glacier.  It benefits from being in the lee of the Teviotdale Range, giving maximum protection from the Pacific’s easterly breezes and thus creating a unique mesoclimate.  The vines are over 30 years old, with a large proportion planted on their own roots.  The soil is free draining and of low fertility, resulting in naturally reduced vine vigour.  This produces low yields of optimally ripened, high quality, flavourful grapes, which fully express the qualities of this unique terroir.  The vineyard has warm days, but the nights are amongst the coolest in the Waipara Valley, drawing out the ripening period of the grapes, while still retaining good natural acidity.

Harvest & Wine Making

Traditional Burgundian winemaking methods were used to make this wine.  We picked the various blocks at different stages, depending on their maturity, aiming for a range of red and dark fruit flavours.  Approximately one third of the grapes were put at the bottom of the fermentation vats as whole bunches, with the balance being destemmed on top, retaining as many whole berries as possible. The vats were kept cool over the next few days to help extract the soft, silky tannins from the pinot noir skins.  After approximately a week the must started to ferment naturally.  During fermentation, the floating cap of grape skins was gently plunged twice daily.  When the fermentation finished, the grape remnants were left to steep in the wine for up to a week to help extract a different range of tannins that add structure and depth.  The exact duration of this period was determined by daily tasting.  Subsequently the wine was gently pressed off and put into oak barriques (30% new) from selected artisan Burgundian coopers.  In the summer after harvest, when the weather warmed, the wine underwent a natural malo-lactic (secondary) fermentation.  After maturing for 18mths in these barriques, the batches made from the many different plots and clones of pinot were carefully blended in varying portions to produce the most complex and balanced wine possible.   

Accolades

• " ... Full body, with firm and polished tannins and a juicy finish. It’s quite ripe and opulent with a softness and plushness.”

  - James Suckling Wine Reviews, www.jamessuckling.com, USA
• 95/100

  “… Youthful, powerful, enticing … . A quality wine from start to finish … ”

  - Cameron Douglas MS, camdouglasms.com, NZ

Specifications

Both the style, quality and winemaking reflect a youthful Gran Reserva. This is a top quality field blend from Gómez Cruzado's oldest vineyards, labelled without any age statement to give a contemporary apoproach to the classic Rioja categories.

Tasting Notes 

Wow! A fruit-packed nose with flavours of dark plums, black cherry and fresh figs. This is balanced by creamy oak notes and Christmas spices. On the palate the 2019 is approachable now with a huge amount of richness and tannin, but a rounded mouthfeel shows this wine is perfectly in its drinking window. However, the immense concentration on display and elegance from the bright acidity suggests this wine will develop for at least another 10 years in bottle.

Production

This 'field blend' is produced from the fruit of Gomez Cruzado's oldest vineyards (over 50 year old vines) - south-east facing, in the foothills of the Sierra Cantabria. The vines planted here are predominantly Tempranillo, but also Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuela and Viura. Soils are poor, chalky clay and white in colour, with slabs of calcareous rock beneath. The grapes are hand-picked into 15kg crates, and are sorted further by hand at the winery. The grapes undergo 4 days pre-fermentative maceration at low temperature, then temperature-controlled fermentation with daily remontage and delestage. Malolactic fermentation takes place in new oak barriques with weekly batonnage, followed by 18 months maturation in new French, thin-grained, oak

Producer

The Gómez Cruzado winery dates back to 1886 when Angel Gómez de Arteche started to produce and bottle his own wine in Haro, at the very heart of Rioja Alta. This was in the day when the wine trade between Rioja and France passed along the Tudela-Bilbao line, and the key Rioja wineries were located around the station of Haro. The winery sits just 100m from the station to this day.

Subsequently bought by Angel and Jesus Gomez Cruzado in 1916, and more recently by the Baños family, winemaker Juan Bautista Sáenz crafts wines from vineyards of old bush vines in the most elevated areas of Rioja Alta and Alavesa. He sources from almost a hundred different plots across 3 distinct regions: Alto Najerilla, Bajo Najerilla and Sierra Cantabria. Sierra Cantabria (Rioja Alta and Alavesa). Vines grow in poor, white, chalky-clay soils, on sunny slopes at the highest part of the sierra (up to 750m altitude) - where the Mediterranean and Atlantic climates meet. The area produces wines with freshness and elegance. Bajo Najerilla (Rioja Alta): in the triangle formed by the villages of Uruñuela, Cenicero and Torremontalbo, where the Najerilla river flows into the River Ebro. Tempranillo vines grown in alluvial soils at an average altitude of 500m – in a warmer, more temperate continental climate with a notable Mediterranean influence. Wines have high maturity and excellent ageing capacity. Alto Najerilla (Rioja Alta): Garnacha vines over 80 years old, planted in ferrous clay soil at around 750m altitude, on north-facing slopes near the Sierra de la Demanda. The continental climate confers strong fruitiness and marked acidity on the resulting wines.

Sustainability

In the winery, Gómez Cruzado is constantly making incremental improvements such as reducing its use of sulphur, using more recycled and recyclable materials, and reducing its energy and water waste through investment in energy-efficient practices and implementation of water conservation programmes. Gómez Cruzado’s vineyard efforts are centred around preserving its old bush-trained vines from which it can create great wines, strongly rooted in their terroir. Historical practices of sustainable and thoughtful viticulture and winemaking are also continued as they are both a part of the estate’s cultural legacy and a part of its commitment to respecting and protecting the environment in the future. All vineyard work is done manually. The estate is also examining the possibility of a move towards gaining organic certification and certification under the Decalogue of Integral Sustainability for the Agri-Food Industry.

Awards

• 2016 Vintage - Wines from Spain 2022 = Winner

Specifications

Precision wine making at its best!

Tasting Notes

2014 Château La Louvière is very attractive, with a beautiful dark red colour featuring multiple purple highlights. Above all, this 2014 La Louvière reflects precision winemaking to obtain the very best from the grapes. Its freshness contributes to a long aftertaste, as well as excellent ageing potential.

Production

Specifications

Sabuci is the name of the contrada or hamlet where Cortese has been situated since 1930. It is an historical area, perfectly suited to the production of Cerasuolo di Vittoria, which is the reason why we have given the name “Sabuci” to this wine.

Sabuci has a very limited production of about 7.000 bottles per year.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Palate

The palate is elegant and complex. Hugely concentrated, the tannins are at the same time firm and persistent.

Vineyards& Vinification

The area around Cortese, in the region of Vittoria, was strongly influenced by Greek culture and the very important ancient Greek site of Kamarina is located nearby.

We have been inspired by ancient Greek culture in the way we have chosen to make our Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico.

Sabuci is made with the best selection of grapes – Nero d’Avola (60%) and Frappato (40%). The grapes carefully hand-harvested at the end of September and beginning of October. The grapes are put into small containers and we lower the temperature to around 10°C.

The two grape varieties are vinified separately, in different ways: the Nero d’Avola is fermented in open top barriques, enabling us to follow a really scrupulous process. We carry out “follatura” (immersion of the skins) by hand and extremely delicately. The Frappato, on the other hand, is fermented in 7hl terracotta amphorae. The natural porosity of terracotta allows the ideal oxygen exchange during the fermentation process. At the same time it also allows the wine to remain in contact with the skins for an extended period of up to 12 months. The wines are blended together and are aged for six months in barriques and botti of various sizes. The wine remains in bottle for at least 3 months before being introduced to the market

Awards

• 17/20 points - Jancis Robinson

Specifications

Tasting Notes 

Megan van der Merwe, the brilliant young winemaker at Beau Constantia, set out to make the Stella with ‘the absolute intention to preserve the site that grew the fruit’. The Syrah and Viognier for this wine grow side by side on one of the farm’s lower lying slopes – both varietals are picked together, when the Syrah is ripe, meaning that the Viognier hangs on the vine until it is a little raisined, adding a rich honey-like component to the wine. 18 months in French oak (only 28% new) adds complexity to the wine.

Floral notes of violet, spicy black pepper, dried herbs and fresh red fruit – cherry and pomegranate – are held together by savoury fine tannin. Epic! 

Winery

Some two decades ago, raging wildfires swept through an area of forest high up on Constantia Nek, leaving the slopes scorched and bare. When the fire had subsided, what was left was a brilliant and unique spot for planting a vineyard; 350 metres above sea level, with cooling ocean breezes and steep sun-bathed hills and so, like a phoenix, Beau Constantia rose from the ashes.

Sensing opportunity, Pierre and Cecily Du Preez acquired the 22-hectare property in 2002. With thorough soil analysis guiding their efforts, the inaugural vineyards were planted in 2003 under the careful guidance of farm manager, Japie Bronn.

The journey to establish vineyards on these challenging slopes demanded patience and unwavering commitment. Today, Beau Constantia proudly boasts 11.47 hectares under vine, a testament to the perseverance and dedication of all involved. Within these vineyards thrive a diverse range of varietals, including Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz, and Petit Verdot, each meticulously nurtured to capture the unique essence of this extraordinary landscape.

This boutique wine farm with just over 11 hectares under vine has utterly spectacular views over the peninsula. Megan van der Merwe is the Head Winemaker, having taken over from Justin Van Wyk in 2021, after serving as Assistant Winemaker during his successful tenure. Megan believes in 'farming to perfection - just don't stuff it up in the cellar!'. This very talented winemaker is certainly one to watch.

Each of their releases is a tribute to a member of the family.

Accolades & Awards

• 93pts | Platter's 2023
• Tim Atkin 90pts

“Stella is a Côte Rôtie style co-fermentation of Syrah with 0.05% (yes, really) Viognier and 52% whole bunches. Very much a cool climate style, it has aromas of dried herbs and white pepper, savoury tannins, perfumed 28% new wood and bright red cherry and pomegranate fruit.”

Specifications

A very fruity, velvety, rich Pessac-Léognan , with well-balanced tannins.

Tasting Notes 

Colour

Garnet red

Nose

Intense, with notes of fresh red fruits, slightly spicy

Palate

Elegant and balanced, with notes of red fruits, round and harmonious tannins

Estate

Château de Rochemorin belonged in the 18th century to the philosopher, Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu, author of the famous Persian Letters. The latter willingly became the ambassador of Rochemorin red wines to his friends, men of letters and other notables, during his numerous trips to Europe, never forgetting to praise the beautiful complexity and the mineral notes on the nose and on the palate balanced and fine, their melted and fine tannins in the finish make them a sure value of the appellation.

The vines of Château de Rochemorin which give rise to this Pessac-Léognan red occupy no less than 87 hectares on a gravel terroir typical of the appellation. Two grape varieties are represented: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, from vines with an average age of 20 years. The result is a very fruity, velvety, rich wine, with well-balanced tannins.

This vast vineyard is harvested by hand and machine with mechanical sorting for plot vinification in thermoregulated stainless steel vats, before aging for 12 months in barrels comprising 30 to 40% new wood.

Specifications

Bin 707 is Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Grange equivalent: ripe, intensely-flavoured fruit; completing fermentation and matured in new American oak; and expressing the Penfolds' policy of multi-vineyard, multi-region fruit-sourcing.

Named by an exQantas marketing man, Bin 707 was first vintaged in 1964. The wine was not made from 1970 to 1975 (when the focus shifted to Bin 389) nor in 1981, 1995 or 2000 (when fruit of the required style and quality was not available). Full bodied and with good cellaring potential, Bin 707 has a secure place among the ranks of Australia's finest Cabernets. Packaged in laser-etched bottles from the 1997 vintage.

Tasting Notes

Colour 

Deep red with a dense core.

Nose

An immediate, intense lift of pure ripe blackcurrant fruit, laced with mint and the faintest suggestion of violet. Cigar box and fresh tobacco oak notes showcase the sheer fruit quality. Although youthful, the nose already shows true 707 character.

Palate

Powerful and complete. Saturated fruits have soaked up the new oak culminating in a rich, sweet mid-palate and long stylish finish. The depth of fruit and defined structure, coupled with obvious muscular tannins, suggest that this wine is built for the long haul.

Vintage Conditions

Good winter rains gave South Australian regions a solid start to the growing season. Fruit set was excellent and careful vineyard management to reduce crop loads ensured the vines were in good shape to continue ripening throughout the season. Summer rains brought relief and the ensuing fine conditions towards vintage resulted in fruit reaching full ripeness and was picked in optimal condition.

Please Note

A collector's item! We believe this wine to be wonderful - however, as with all aged wines, it comes with a 'Buyers be aware' clause, and some labels may not be perfect. If you have any queries, please just drop us an email or give us a call!

Specifications

Please contact Alan directly if you are interested in these wines - as En Primeur they are currently in barrel and not in stock.

A fine, harmonious, first-class wine.

LL’ Amor De’ Santi

This  is  the  title  of  a  15th-century  prayer  in  the  Tuscan language that the farmer,  together with the parish priest,  used to recite in the fields,  invoking the protection of the saints against misfortunes and to have a good harvest.

Introducing Fattorie dei Dolfi

Born from ancient family vineyards and the infectious passion of a career-change winemaker, Fattorie dei Dolfi is a relatively young estate with a remarkably bright future. Giovanni Dolfi initially pursued a very successful career as a horse trainer during which he had the opportunity to meet the Queen Mother and began working for Marchese Incisa della Rocchetta, the owner of the legendary Tenuta San Guido which produces Sassicaia. Through this connection he was introduced to the estate’s winemaker, Giacomo Tachis, who is regarded as the father of Sassicaia and was named Decanter’s Man of the Year in 2011. From then on Giovanni’s fate was sealed and it was only a matter of time before he and Giacomo began exploring how to unlock the potential of his family’s century-old vineyards close to the city of Pisa. Oeno Director and Co-founder Daniel Carnio describes Giovanni’s project as “a small paradise” thanks to his relentless commitment to quality in his vineyards. Most of Fattorie dei Dolfi’s plots are surrounded by woodland which helps to shield the vines from contamination from other forms of agriculture and preserves a high degree of biodiversity. As well as creating a very low incidence of disease, this also means the estate does not need to use any chemicals on the vines. To allow the remarkable quality of the fruit to shine through, Giovanni uses a light touch in the winery as well with his wines ageing in oak barrels previously used for Sassicaia. The estate’s top wines will be produced in tiny quantities of a few thousand bottles a year, making them highly attractive for investors and collectors of fine and rare Italian wines.

The Artorius and Imeneus red wines are both crafted using the Prugnolo Gentile grape which is the Sangiovese clone typically used in Montalcino. The former is an easy-going style ideal for enjoying with family and friends alongside a simple, wholesome meal. Imeneus, which is named after the beautiful son of Aphrodite and Bacchus in Greek mythology, is a more serious red which ages in oak barrels for up to 36 months. This bottling is a true collector’s wine with a remarkably complex flavour profile and high investment potential.

Finally, Bianco Per Amore is Giovanni’s personal project, created to be a wine that he himself would like to drink. Reminiscent of fine white Burgundy, this generous and full bodied white is made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot grapes. Giovanni only produces around 150 bottles of this very special wine of which he retains a significant proportion for his own drinking pleasure!

Tasting Notes

LL’ Amor De’ Santi named after a 15th century Tuscan prayer, but is modern is style. Red currants and cranberry come through with hints of spice. There is a rich texture, with an elegant and unique taste of medium tannins.

Colour

Full ruby-red tending to garnet, balanced and brilliant.

Fragrance

Full, noble and developed bouquet with intense notes of black fruits and hints of plum and blackberry.

Flavour

Also full, of great finesse and authority. Rich texture, elegant and unique, deep and soft with a long and pleasantly tannic closing.

Specifications

Please contact Alan directly if you are interested in these wines - as En Primeur they are currently in barrel and not in stock.

A unique and elegant wine.

L'Bruno de' Venti

The  story  is  told  that  many  years  ago, the  woods  surrounding  this vineyard were  the  refuge  of  a  dark  skinned reclusive  with  piercing  eyes, very  attractive  to  women. He  lived  by  poaching  game and  doing  whatever  he could. No  one  knew  exactly  where he  lived,  but  from  time  to  time he  appeared  near  Poggio  ai  Venti vineyard,  and  so  the  people hereabouts  called  him “’l  Bruno de’  Venti ” (the  Dark  Fellow  of  the  Winds).

Introducing Fattorie dei Dolfi

Born from ancient family vineyards and the infectious passion of a career-change winemaker, Fattorie dei Dolfi is a relatively young estate with a remarkably bright future. Giovanni Dolfi initially pursued a very successful career as a horse trainer during which he had the opportunity to meet the Queen Mother and began working for Marchese Incisa della Rocchetta, the owner of the legendary Tenuta San Guido which produces Sassicaia. Through this connection he was introduced to the estate’s winemaker, Giacomo Tachis, who is regarded as the father of Sassicaia and was named Decanter’s Man of the Year in 2011. From then on Giovanni’s fate was sealed and it was only a matter of time before he and Giacomo began exploring how to unlock the potential of his family’s century-old vineyards close to the city of Pisa. Oeno Director and Co-founder Daniel Carnio describes Giovanni’s project as “a small paradise” thanks to his relentless commitment to quality in his vineyards. Most of Fattorie dei Dolfi’s plots are surrounded by woodland which helps to shield the vines from contamination from other forms of agriculture and preserves a high degree of biodiversity. As well as creating a very low incidence of disease, this also means the estate does not need to use any chemicals on the vines. To allow the remarkable quality of the fruit to shine through, Giovanni uses a light touch in the winery as well with his wines ageing in oak barrels previously used for Sassicaia. The estate’s top wines will be produced in tiny quantities of a few thousand bottles a year, making them highly attractive for investors and collectors of fine and rare Italian wines.

The Artorius and Imeneus red wines are both crafted using the Prugnolo Gentile grape which is the Sangiovese clone typically used in Montalcino. The former is an easy-going style ideal for enjoying with family and friends alongside a simple, wholesome meal. Imeneus, which is named after the beautiful son of Aphrodite and Bacchus in Greek mythology, is a more serious red which ages in oak barrels for up to 36 months. This bottling is a true collector’s wine with a remarkably complex flavour profile and high investment potential.

Finally, Bianco Per Amore is Giovanni’s personal project, created to be a wine that he himself would like to drink. Reminiscent of fine white Burgundy, this generous and full bodied white is made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot grapes. Giovanni only produces around 150 bottles of this very special wine of which he retains a significant proportion for his own drinking pleasure!

Tasting Notes

‘L Bruno De’ Venti is a Bordeaux blend. Dark currents pervade with a muscular back bone. Pure of fruit, the tannins are well rounded. Merlot vines from massal selection or between 50-70 years old. Cabernet Franc vines from massal selection of old vines.

Colour

Ruby red tending to garnet, velvety yet brilliant.

Fragrance

Very fragrant and rich with intense notes of cherry, plums and hints of toasted spices.

Flavour

Authoritarian and persistent, with soft and elegant tannins.

Bottles Produced

• Vintage 2008: 1743 (non more available).    
• Vintage 2009: 1790 (non more available).    
• Vintage 2010: 1696 (non more available).
• Vintage 2011: 1811 (non more available).
• Vintage 2012: 1432 

Specifications

 Please contact Alan directly if you are interested in these wines - as En Primeur they are currently in barrel and not in stock. 

An unparalleled and unique wine.

Imeneus

The myth says that Imeneus, offspring of Aphrodite and Bacchus, was a young Athenian of modest social standing but of extraordinary beauty. ​He fell in love with a  young noble girl. While she was travelling to Eleusis, she was captured by pirates with her handmaids; among them was also  Imeneus,  who was mistaken for a  girl. While the captors were sleeping, he slew them all and brought the girls back safe to Athens. For his courageous deed,  he was awarded the hand of his beloved. For this reason, the ancient Greeks invoked Imeneus as a bringer of happiness in marriage.

Introducing Fattorie dei Dolfi

Born from ancient family vineyards and the infectious passion of a career-change winemaker, Fattorie dei Dolfi is a relatively young estate with a remarkably bright future. Giovanni Dolfi initially pursued a very successful career as a horse trainer during which he had the opportunity to meet the Queen Mother and began working for Marchese Incisa della Rocchetta, the owner of the legendary Tenuta San Guido which produces Sassicaia. Through this connection, he was introduced to the estate’s winemaker, Giacomo Tachis, who is regarded as the father of Sassicaia and was named Decanter’s Man of the Year in 2011. From then on Giovanni’s fate was sealed and it was only a matter of time before he and Giacomo began exploring how to unlock the potential of his family’s century-old vineyards close to the city of Pisa. 

Most of Fattorie dei Dolfi’s plots are surrounded by woodland which helps to shield the vines from contamination from other forms of agriculture and preserves a high degree of biodiversity. As well as creating a very low incidence of disease, this also means the estate does not need to use any chemicals on the vines. To allow the remarkable quality of the fruit to shine through, Giovanni uses a light touch in the winery as well with his wines ageing in oak barrels previously used for Sassicaia. The estate’s top wines will be produced in tiny quantities of a few thousand bottles a year, making them highly attractive for investors and collectors of fine and rare Italian wines.

The Imeneus red is crafted using the Prugnolo Gentile grape which is the Sangiovese clone typically used in Montalcino. Imeneus is a more serious red that ages in oak barrels for up to 36 months. This bottling is a true collector’s wine with a remarkably complex flavour profile and high investment potential.

Tasting Notes

Imeneus is an earthy, spicy wine. Smooth and mellow with hints of iron. The tannins are quite crunchy with this wine. 

Colour

Joyous ruby red, velvety and brilliant.

Fragrance

Full, rich and persistent with hints of fragrant fruit in perfect harmony with sweet spices that give it complexity.

Flavour

It has exceptional skills of elegance in order to be truly unique, aristocratic and with a closing of great length and cleanliness.

Giovanni explains it best: ‘I hope that my drinkers could imagine themselves standing on the hills of Poggio ai Venti with me, feeling the warmth of sunshine, the mild sea breeze on their faces, hear the chirping of the birds in the quiet woods around and see a grey hare rush through the vineyards. All these feelings of harmony and equilibrium are inside my wines.’

Bottles Produced

• Vintage 2008: 1419 (no more available).    
• Vintage 2009: 1452 (no more available).    
• Vintage 2010: 1709 (no more available).
• Vintage 2011: 1450 (no more available).
• Vintage 2012: 1452.

Specifications

Bin 707 is Penfolds' Cabernet Sauvignon version of Grange: ripe, intensely flavoured fruit; completing fermentation and maturation in new oak; fully expressing a Penfolds understanding of multi-vineyard, multi-region fruit sourcing. Named by an ex-Qantas marketer, Bin 707 was first vintaged in 1964. The wine was not made from 1970 to 1975 when fruit was directed to other wines, nor in 1981, 1995, 2000 or 2003 (when fruit of the required style and quality was not available). Full-bodied and with proven cellaring potential, Bin 707 has a secure place among the ranks of Australia's finest Cabernets.

"Twenty vintages after winning the inaugural Adelaide Trophy with the 1987 Bin 707, this new 2007 Bin 707 release continues to demonstrate the advantage & wisdom of multi-regional blending in difficult years. Boldly Bin 707. Unmistakable!" Peter Gago - Penfolds Chief Winemaker

Tasting Notes

Colour 

Dense, deep-red, with a dark purple / black core.

Nose

Brooding, with a selective & slow aromatic release - firstly wafts of black olive (tapenade), then the faintest suggestion of sardine/anchovy - or maybe soy / Worcestershire - or could it be...? More confidently, familial barrel-ferment, cedary oak, and formic notes share the stage with blackcurrant & blackberry fruits. Inviting, tempting.

Palate

Cassis/blackcurrant varietal fruits and savoury oak stake an immediate (style) claim. Sarsaparilla and choco-mint flavours mould together to create the next layer, followed by a more savoury (Chinese mushroom/oyster sauce mix) immersion structurally impregnating any layering. Gripping tannins complete the offer.

Please Note

A collector's item! We believe this wine to be wonderful - however, as with all aged wines, it comes with a 'Buyers be aware' clause, and some labels may not be perfect. If you have any queries, please just drop us an email or give us a call!

Specifications

Penfolds Bin 707 is the quintessential Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemaking philosophy of Bin 707 is similar to that of Grange, that is ripe full flavoured grapes, completion of fermentation in barrel and new American oak maturation. The result is a wine of great richness, power, harmony and concentration with the structure and strength to age for the long term.

Tasting Notes

Colour 

Opaque, deep red.

Nose

Ripe red berries together with varietal, leafy cassis fruits. Stylish integrated oak, hints of smokiness and subtle cedar aromas.

Palate

Rich and ripe with dark cherry and raspberry fruit flavours, some dark chocolate and integrated smoky oak.

Please Note

A collector's item! We believe this wine to be wonderful - however, as with all aged wines, it comes with a 'Buyers be aware' clause, and some labels may not be perfect. If you have any queries, please just drop us an email or give us a call!

Specifications