Rogers & Company Chateau, Villa and Estate Wines

Judgment of Paris 40th Anniversary

May 2016

On May 2nd, 2016 the LCBO is hosting at George Restaurant in Toronto a 40th anniversary celebratory re-tasting of the famed 1976 Paris Tasting. This was an historic victory for California wines over some of France's best and has been celebrated and recreated every decade since.

We are extremely proud to represent Ridge Vineyards who came 5th at the time with their 1971 Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon, but won the 30th anniversary recreation with the same wine and same vintage; and Chateau Montelena which won the Chardonnay tasting with their 1973 Napa Valley Chardonnay, one of which rests in the Smithsonian to this day.

The gentleman who made that Chardonnay at Chateau Montelena was Mike Grgich. Following his victory in Paris, Mike sat down with Austin Hills and his sister, Mary Lee Strebl, from the Hills Brothers Coffee family, and on Independence Day 1977, they gave birth to Grgich Hills in Rutherford, Napa Valley.

We have the new vintages of both Chardonnays available now and both come in cases of six bottles each.

What makes these Chardonnays special is that they are both in the style that the 1973 was, non-malolactic. This means the sharp malic acid is not converted to the softer-feeling lactic acid while the wine rests in barrel. The resulting wine is full bodied and vibrant with both barrel notes and bright acidity which makes the wine more lively on the palate and also benefits it's ageability.

Let me know if you would like to order. My website lists over 300 other wines as well and our newest catalogues.

Here are the links to our winery pages for Grgich Hills, Chateau Montelena and Ridge. We have more of their wines available and I would be happy to chat with you about any and all.

Most sincerely,

Chris.

Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2013
$78.95 per bottle, cases of 6

In the glass, the aromatics of the 2013 lean toward the floral and citrus families with rose petals, lemon blossom, and just a hint of ripe melon sneaking through. While the palate is opulent, full of lemon meringue, peach pie, and ripe strawberry, the vibrancy of the acidity reliably lays the foundation for food pairing and ageing for many years to come. In classic Montelena fashion, the minerality steps into the spotlight on the finish, coupled with just enough orange zest, and the lingering richness of crème brûlée.

"The just-bottled 2013 Chardonnay is vibrant and fresh, with a little more cut than is typically the case, the result of a year in which acidities are higher. Lemon peel, white flowers and crushed rocks are wonderfully expressive in this finely-sculpted Chardonnay from Montelena. There is plenty to look forward to here. 2015-2021"

92 points, Antonio Galloni vinous.com, Dec 2014

Grgich Hills
Napa Valley Chardonnay 2012
$69.95 per bottle, cases of 6

The winery's Chardonnay thrives in their American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Pablo Bay, which spills into the San Francisco Bay. The cool maritime breezes and morning fog allow the grapes to slowly ripen to develop complex flavours while maintaining a pleasing natural acidity that is impossible to achieve in warmer areas. They farm all of their vineyards naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and they are certified organic.

"Medium-light golden yellow; attractive, slightly toasty, green apple and honeydew melon aroma; medium to medium-full body; nicely balanced, apple and white peach flavours with a slightly creamy mouthfeel; lingering aftertaste."

90 points and Very Highly Recommended, California Grapevine, Dec 2014

Chris McLean

direct: 647 955 8872
office: 416 961 2294 x 29