Domaine Huet is widely considered the greatest producer in Vouvray, where they work with Chenin Blanc and produce every style of wine from this dry, full bodied version to sparkling and botrytis-affected dessert wines.

If you are looking for an alternative to Chardonnay, but still want a fruity, full bodied white, look no further.  It makes a great accompaniment to grilled fish, seafoods and salads. It can be cellared for 10 to 15 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The name Mer Soleil is synonymous with the complex, oaky, toasty, buttery style of California Chardonnay that we adore, but what would the wine be like without that layer of oak flavour? Well, this is it. A pure concrete-fermented un-oaked version of the famous Chardonnay. It shows a pure, minerally Monterey style, with vibrant fruit and acidity.

 

 

The 2013 Chardonnay which is grown at the estate in Okanagan Falls displays complex flavours of orchard fruit, mineral, citrus and toast with a fresh yet rich lemony character, as well as complexing anise notes on the finish. The structure of the wine will allow it to age beautifully for 4-6 years.

The 2013 is not yet reviewed, but the 2012 received the following:

 

 

 

 

If you're looking for a rich, savoury red with excellent vivid fruit flavours and food-affinity, look no further.  You'll find blackberries in the aroma and a hint of toasted tobacco. It ages quite well.

The juice sees 15 days of skin contact in stainless steel temperature controlled fermenters.  Following fermentation the wine is moved into French oak for 18 months.  30% of the wine goes into medium-toasted barriques and 70% of the wine into 20 to 50 hectoliter casks.

Though the 2013 is not yet reviewed, the 2012 received 90 points from Antonio Galloni at vinous.com and the following note,

 

 

San Gimignano is one of the most enchanting cities in Tuscany. It is called the "City of the Beautiful Towers".  One of the most respected winemakers there, in particular because of the world class quality of his wines, was the late Riccardo Falchini.  His first vineyard was planted in 1968 and today Falchini can boast the finest and most modern equipment and techniques in the area.

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.

 

 

Alain Graillot has proved beyond doubt that it is possible to make rich wines from the flat lands surrounding Hermitage. His wines are difficult to resist young, but patient cellaring for at least 5 years is well-rewarded.

"One of the reference points for top-flight Crozes Hermitage, as well as a small amount of St. Joseph, these wines are all aged in small oak. They represent exceptional bargains in top vintages."
Robert Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide #7

 

When he's not busy producing amazing Cabernets for O'Shaughnessy Estate Sean Capiaux, who also serves as COO, produces single-vineyard expressions of some of California's top vineyards under his own eponymous label.  "Chimera" is his only blend, and in 2013 it is predominantly from vineyards in the Russian River Valley.

"Bright cranberry, spice, red cherry, mint and cinnamon lift from the glass in the 2013 Chimera. The flavours are bright, high-toned and lifted throughout, with lovely energy and tension throughout. This is a terrific introduction to Sean Capiaux's wines. The Chimera is raised in 350 litre, thick-staved barrels, which naturally allows for less exchange with oxygen than standard barrels. 2015-2020."

 

 

 

 

One of Calistoga's legendary vineyards, Three Palms is revered for its history and its benchmark wines. The team at Duckhorn has crafted a vineyard-designated Merlot from this property since the inaugural vintage in 1978. Throughout the years, the Cabernet Sauvignon from Three Palms has always played an integral role in the final blend, adding richness and depth. For the first time ever we have been allocated a small amount for the Ontario market.

The 2012 growing season offered near-perfect growing conditions. Though spring was rainy, late spring and summer were warm and dry with very few heat spikes.  Slightly cooler than average weather in September and October allowed for greatly extended hang time. Harvest was 2-3 weeks later than average, and the grapes arrived at the winery in pristine condition.

From its layered aromas of mahogany, marionberry, garam masala and flint to its flavours of blackberry, dark chocolate, wet stone and anise, this is a fascinating wine, with a rich, fleshy midpalate and a long thought provoking finish.