December 2013

Domaine Huet is well known among collectors for their extremely long-lived Chenin Blancs, sourced entirely from three small estate vineyards.  Currently at auction, one may still find Huets from the 1930's and 1940's in pristine condition. "Le Haut Lieu" Sec is their dry wine from the vineyard which produces the supplest most early-drinking Chenin Blancs.

If you're part of the ABC "Anything but Chardonnay" movement, you may like to consider this.  A full bodied white that's barrel fermented and aged for for an additional 6 months in barrel.  It presents a similar mouthfeel to Chardonnay, but with higher acidity and a more floral flavour spectrum.

"An attractive and floral nose here. This seems to be in a very classic, clean and expressive style, although it should be noted that this is still in the very primary stage, showing varietal, floral-pear fruit. The palate is very attractive, gentle, restrained, not overly exuberant and with what feels like a gentle acid backbone (although it has the higher acidity of the three sec cuvées). An attractive but easy-going style. "

 

 

As far as bang-for-your-buck wines go, it's difficult to find better values than the wines of Cannonball Wine Company.

In addition to this full bodied and round Cabernet we offer three Sonoma County appellation wines, a rich fruity Merlot; a pretty, gentle Chardonnay; and a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc.

 

 

 

 

Although Riccardo Falchini passed away in 2010, today his sons Michael and Christopher carry on his legacy by producing the finest wines in Chianti Colli Senesi. 

Falchini's consulting enologist is Giacomo Tachis, the man integral to the development of Tignanello, Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Solaia, and other great Italian wines.  Falchini is a member of the "Titolati" (the word means "The Selected"), an association of enlightened producers that reinforce the highest of standards that must be adhered to in the identified vineyards and the demanding norms of vinification that will result in the optimum achievement in the wine offered.

"Falchini's 2009 Paretaio (Sangiovese 95% and 5% Merlot) is rich, deep and powerful. Layers of black fruit, grilled herbs, tobacco, smoke and graphite emerge from a big, broad-shouldered frame as the wine opens up in the glass. Sweet floral notes appear later, adding an element of lift that complements the generally dark aromas and flavours. The 2009 can be enjoyed today with some air, but it is best cellared for another few years."

Grown in the exciting Maremma region of coastal Tuscany, "Mongrana" delivers an energetic, vibrant Super-Tuscan meant for immediate consumption.  The biodynamic farming principals of Querciabella are employed here as well as at the estate in Greve.  The effort that this style of winegrowing demands shows in the quality of the wines.  In fact the 2010 vintage of Mongrana was named #80 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2013.

"Clear aromas of blueberry and light jam. Full bodied, with silky tannins and a citrus, plum and berry character. Rich yet balanced and very pretty. Drink now or hold."