Tiefenbrunner has consistently crafted this Pinot Grigio vintage to vintage, which has lead to it becoming our most popular wine!

This pale straw wine shows pretty aromas of honeysuckle and white peach which delight the nose. Zingy aromas of fresh apple, pineapple and orange zest are offered on the palate, with an element of bitter almond layered into the long finish. The fruit exhibits a wonderful impression of ripeness throughout. A fragrant, mouthwatering, rich wine that maintains good poise.

 

 

 

 

Château de Maligny is owned by the Durup family who have lived in the village of Maligny since the 15th century. The Durup's properties cover more than 50 hectares in the commune of Maligny and more than 100 in other parts of Chablis. It is now the largest estate in the appellation.

 

 

A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignane, and Cinsault. It is remarkably appealing. This surprisingly rich, round, warm, medium bodied Côtes du Rhône also shows moderate tannin and good balancing acidity with a long, dry finish. Enjoyable now, it will sustain over the next five to six years.  Definitely a find and a little gem at the price, this has been my "house red" for many years.

The 2014 is not yet rated, but the 2013 received the following:

 

 

Why not look to one of the world's most respected wineries to craft your "every day" wine?  This gorgeous red is made from 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that are hand-harvested from the Altesino, Pianezzine, and Castelnuovo dell'Abate vineyards.  

 

Angeline wines are made by Martin Ray winery from fruit sourced throughout California's prime Pinot Noir producing regions, predominantly Russian River Valley, Sonoma County and Central California.  The same talented winemakers that produce Martin Ray's wines are in control here, and the polish, silkiness and bright clean flavours they want the wine to show are evident.

 

 

You've had the "Province" Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from Astrolabe, now try something new!  The "Valley" series of wines from Astrolabe provide focus and clarity on Marlborough's fast-emerging sub-regions.

The dry Awatere Valley has a more extreme climate than most of the Marlborough region which surrounds it. It is a much drier region with a variety of soils, very little water and a long growing season. As a result the vines struggle more than in Marlborough and because of this the grapes are generally smaller and flavours are more intense.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vilmart excels in less-than-perfect vintages.  Their 2001, a much maligned year, is to this day one of my "top 5 wines" that I have ever drank.  An absolutely magical wine that I remember vividly to this day and this 2007 may prove to be another vintage to fall in love with. 

"Another gorgeous wine, the 2007 Coeur de Cuvée is rich, ample and totally seductive. In 2007, the Coeur de Cuvée is intensely aromatic and highly expressive, with striking textural resonance throughout. Creamy and spherical through to the finish, the 2007 is a model of elegance and sumptuousness. The 2007 can be enjoyed today for its generous personality or cellared for another decade-plus. Disgorged March 2014. 2016 - 2027."

 

 

Flaccianello seems annually to be listed in Wine Spectator's Top 25 Wines of the Year - #14 in 2014, #25 in 2012, #8 in 2010, #8 in 2009 and #10 in 2004.

 

 

A truly artisan wine, Patrick Jasmin farms his family's 5 hectares of almost 60-year old Syrah and Viognier on some of the Côte Rôtie's most precarious slopes.  This is back-breaking labour, but he loves it. 

Following the harvest by hand, a long maceration of the skins and juice is aided by pressing by foot.  Once fermented the wines are racked into barrique for malolactic fermentation and then blended.  They mature in a selection of both Burgundian barrels (228, 300 and 400 litres) and in 600 litre demi-muids. 25-30% of the oak is new, depending on the year.  These vessels are use for 10 years before replacement.  The wines are unfiltered, unfined and age for 2 years in bottle.

 

 

 

 

In the world of Napa Cabernet, Cain stands apart. The Cain Vineyard especially stands alone, thus the Cain Five is unlike anything else. What are the hallmarks of the unique character of the Cain Five? Undoubtedly, they are the complex herbal-floral bouquet (most unusual for Cabernet), and the firm structure wrapped in exceptionally fine tannins.

 

 

 

 

Quintessa sits on 280 acres in the heart of Rutherford, 170 acres are planted to grapes, but the property encompasses 26 contiguous vineyard blocks on such diverse terroir that 40 different lots are produced. 

The wine is a Bordeaux varietal blend, principally Cabernet Sauvignon, but the composition changes each year to ensure the best possible Quintessa is made.  The estate has been farmed biodynamically since day one.  This truly is special terroir.

Winemaker Charles Thomas' career includes 15 years as oenologist and assistant winemaker at Opus One, 8 years directing the winemaking and viticulture at Cardinale and 5 years at Rudd.  He joined Quintessa in 2007.

"Fabulous aromas of blackberry, tile and clay. Porcini undertones. Full-bodied, tight and polished with refined tannins and a long, long finish. Racy and beautiful. So long and linear. Goes on for minutes."
96 points, JamesSuckling.com, July 2015