Very solid center palate of fruit with blueberries, blackberries, and dark chocolate. Medium body and a linear finish. Excellent value, too. ~90 James Suckling
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About the Wine
Looking for that perfect quaffer to bring you back to the Mediterranean Sea? Look no further. The key here is that the wine is sourced from 30+ year old vines. You get a graceful wine that would normally sell for much more. Since BHW is a direct importer, our price here is unbeatable.
This wine has only four months in French oak barrels, and it is light, uplifting, and a joy to drink with tapas, light to medium weighted foods. It's perfect with B-B-Q too.
Tasting Notes: Very intense red-violet color. Aroma: notes of red and black fruit and spicy touches. On the palate: very fresh, complex and soft wine, with a long finish.
Blend: 60% Carignan, 35% Grenache Noir, 5% Syrah
Serve this wine with a light chill.
About the Wine
Viña Tabalí is located in the Limarí Valley in Chile, known to be one of the most promising Valleys in all of Chile. It’s worth noting that although BHW staff have tasted thousands of wine from Chile, we feature only a small handful that pass our stringent tasting panel.
This property originally founded by Guillermo Luksic is currently managed by his son Nicolás Luksic, and is constantly improving with new growth and innovation. “What we seek is to produce high-quality wines that demonstrate their origin, that when tasted, transfer the person to the soil and climate that characterizes the Tabalí vineyards. That was what my father always wanted to convey”, says Nicolás.
Tabalí has a strong focus on quality. The Winery is a small-scale, exclusive, family winery focused on details. It is built in such a way that the fruit and wine are transported by gravity. The winery aims to avoid any unnecessary pumping and relies on nature to do the work wherever possible.
Felipe Müller, Tabalí’s winemaker since 2006, was born and raised in Santiago, Chile’s capital. Today, at the age of 41, he is considered one of the country´s most influential and important winemakers.
In 2001 he joined Viña De Martino as the second winemaker, in charge of viticulture as well as the vinification for red and white wines. In this winery, he worked with winemaker Marcelo Retamal, and formed a bold and renowned "Wine Dupla". Together they discovered new wines, studied various valleys, regions of Chile, and vinify around 350 vineyards throughout the country.
Felipe harvested two famous Chateaux Grand Cru Classé in Saint Emilion, France: Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere and Chateau La Mondotte.
Felipe Müller was named ‘Best Winemaker of the Year’ in the sixteenth version of “Guía de Vinos de Chile 2010”, Chile’s oldest and most prestigious wine industry publication. This distinction was an important recognition for the enthusiasm, passion, and dedication he puts in crafting wines. “Wine is my passion and an important part of my life. I feel capable of leveraging the knowledge I’ve built throughout these many years", says Felipe.
In the year 2011, Felipe was appointed Manager Director, keeping his position as Chief Winemaker. From then Felipe was not only responsible for the quality of the wines but also for the global strategy of the company.
In January 2014 Felipe Müller was chosen ‘Best Young Winemaker’ (next to Aurelio Montes who was chosen Best Senior Winemaker).
The grape to produce 2017 Tabali Malbec-Cabernet Franc Vetas Blancas comes from El Espinal vineyard, in the coastal area of the Valley. This vineyard is located in the oldest alluvial terrace in the coastal sector of the Limarí Valley. With a cool climate, alluvial soils, and volcanic rock compounds, the terroir of this area is ideal for producing high-end wines.
2017 Tabali Malbec-Cabernet Franc Vetas Blancas is aged in 100% French Oak Barrels for 14 months.
Tasting Notes: 60% Malbec, 40% Cabernet Franc. Deep red color. Elegant on the nose, with aromas of red fruits such as blueberries, cherries, floral and spicy notes. Great structure on the palate, firm tannins, and perfect balance. Pair this wine with a nice grilled burger or pasta.
Reviews
The 2017 Vetas Blancas Malbec-Cabernet Franc is a new red blend in the Vetas Blancas range that is made with a combination of grapes that is getting very popular across the Andes in Argentina. It was produced with grapes from their El Espinal vineyard in Limarí, a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Franc. It's very impressive and really integrated, with the two grapes complementing each other and coming through as harmonious and with very good freshness, combining power and elegance. It's floral and spicy, with fine tannins and a dry, serious finish. It seems to transcend the vintage and the price point. Great value. 9,000 bottles were filled in August 2019. ~ 92 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
Violet-like flowers and forest leaves shroud fresh red berries in attractive and fragrant style, leading to a smooth, supple palate with glossy dark berries and a very smooth, finely chalky tannin texture. This is very drinkable! ~ 92 James Suckling
About the Wine
The winemaking tradition of the Brunel family dates back to the 17th century. Gaston Brunel, a famous négociant, acquired the Château de la Gardine in Châteauneuf du Pape in 1945. The estate is now run by his two sons, Patrick and Maxime with the help of their wives Eve and Maryse and their children Marie-Odile and Philippe. The estate spreads over 52 ha of vineyards (48 ha of red and 4 ha of white) and 20 ha of forests, all gathered around the property. The Domaine is famous for the quality of its wines and for the unique Gardine bottle. Today around 70% of the production is exported in about 30 countries.
The Gardine bottle, both original and elegant, is the result of a happy coincidence. When he first wanted to expand his cellar, while digging in the ground, Gaston Brunel found a mouth-blown bottle. He loved it and decided to use a similar shape for all his wine. In the beginning, he had to go all the way to Italy to find a glass supplier that was able to make it. Since 1964 all the wines have been bottled in the unique La Gardine shaped-bottle.
Tasting Notes: Red wine. From 90+ year old vines. Very long drinking window. See details below.
Reviews
The dense inky ruby/purple-colored 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Generations is backward for a 2004, and should be one of the longer-lived wines of the vintage. It exhibits notes of creme de cassis, smoke, toast, and plenty of licorice and chocolate. It is full-bodied, powerful, and unusually tannic and structured for a 2004. Give it 5-7 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 15+ years. A decidedly modern take on Chateauneuf du Pape, but wine built for long-term aging is the rule of thumb from this estate tucked away in the very western reaches of Chateauneuf du Pape. I have cellared their Cuvee des Generations as far back as 1978. It’s a wine that does behave more like a Bordeaux than many Chateauneuf du Papes, requiring a good decade of cellaring, and it may be one of the few wines that takes that long to shed some tannin. Of course it sees aging in new oak barrels, as La Gardine was one of the first to use new oak for its Chateauneuf du Pape, and while the wine can be somewhat internationally styled and oaky in its youth, the wood does get absorbed as the wine ages, and after a decade there is no doubt it is a southern Rhone wine with plenty of Provencal typicity in it. At about age 7-8, the aromas of black cherries and other black fruits intermixed with smoky garrigue notes come to the forefront. ~91+ Robert Parker, WA Drink 2012-2027
About the Wine
Pax Mahle landed in Napa Valley in 1997. Following a stint as a wine buyer at Dean & Deluca, he started producing wines. He particularly focused on cool climate Syrah. With the launch of Wind Gap in Petaluma, he began to focus on lower alcohol Pinot Noir sourced from organic and low-intervention vineyards.
Woodruff Vineyard is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The vines are 30+ years-old, deeply rooted, dry farmed Pinot Noir on sandy soils. The personality and intensity of the site and the warm, dry vintage is on full display. Bright, tangy purple fruit and florals combine with wild herbs, bright acidity, and warm, spicy earth in this poised, structured, deeply flavorful and invigorating wine.
Reviews
The 2013 Pinot Noir Woodruff Vineyard is intensely floral, savory and punchy, with tons of bright red fruit supported by veins of underlying acidity and minerality. Lifted, floral and precise, with plenty of character from this sandy, terraced site, the 2013 is another stand out from Wind Gap and Pax Mahle. The 100% whole clusters seem quite well-suited to the perfumed style here. ~94VM
About the Wine
Crafted with painstaking care, from hand-harvested grapes to the pitch perfect aging in oak barrels, this is a masterclass in balance. It undulates effortlessly between velvety softness, moderate acidity and structural tannins, showcasing the elegance of Sangiovese with the force of Cabernet. Fresh berries and a refined finish make Nesios Toscana 2018 the perfect match for just about any Italian dish.
Blend: Sangiovese 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 50%
About Corte de Medicea
Corte Medicea winery was born from a passion for the Tuscan winemaking tradition. From its desire to follow the footsteps of the region’s greatest winemakers, Corte Medicea creates wines that express their vision of life as simple and pleasant but also intriguing and mysterious. The Corte Medicea vineyards are situated on picturesque rolling hills at an altitude of 380/400 meters, with clay/loam soils in the south of Tuscany.
Winemaker, Andrea Bernardini, has previously worked with Poggio Bonelli and Ruffino in Tuscany, and beyond in South Africa, Romania and Greece. This flying winemaker blends traditional and modern techniques to craft high-quality wines that express the full flavor profile of the grape and terroir with which he works.
Reviews
Chosen by Luca Maroni in his annual guide, "The Best Wines of Italy" as one of the year's best from Tuscany. ~98 points Luca Maroni
About the Wine
If you love Cabernet Franc, this wine will make you want to sing arias.
Château Petit Gravet is located on the “Right Bank” of Bordeaux and it happens to be a neighbor of Chateau Canon and La Gaffeliere, with a beautiful terroir with deep, sand and clay soils and an extension of 6.1 acres planted with 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot. Actually, one of the highest Cab Franc concentrations in all of Bordeaux is right here in this Château! The estate has old vines, some up to 70 years old.
Catherine Papon-Nouvelle, the owner and winemaker of Château Petit Gravet also own Clos St. Julien and Chateau Gaillard in St. Emilion. The wine and the vineyard are certified as organic; No pesticides, herbicides or any other chemicals are used.
The 2015 vintage of Petit Gravet Ainé is considered one of the best of this Château. This wine is made from 70-year-old vines and is aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months.
Tasting Notes: Deep garnet-purple color. Aromas of mature fruit, more like jam, mocha, espresso, white pepper, and mint. The palate is intense and very firm, with a long finish. Pair this wine with veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Best enjoyed in the first 5-20 years of life.
Reviews
From a great, yet tiny, sandy/clay terroir near Canon-la-Gaffelière and a unique Cabernet Franc-dominated blend mixed with 20% Merlot aged in new barrels, the 2015 Château Petit Gravet Aîné boasts a complex, exotic bouquet of incense, spring flowers, and dried herbs, with a beautiful core of black cherry and plum fruit. The palate is where this gem shines, however, and it’s sensationally pure, layered, and elegant, with a full-bodied, sexy style that just begs to be drunk. Give bottles a few years and enjoy over the following 15-20 years. This is an awesome wine brought to the US by American merchant Jeffrey Davies. ~95 Jeb Dunnuck
Catherine Papon-Nouvel's 2015 Petit Gravet Ainé boasts serious richness and intensity from start to finish. Mocha, espresso, raspberry jam, white pepper and mint are some of the many notes that are pushed forward in this unctuous, super-ripe St.-Émilion. The summer heat appears to have baked out the Cabernet Franc aromatics that are such a signature here. Today, the 2015 is incredibly tightly wound. It will be interesting to see where things ultimately shake out. For now, the 2015 is an embryonic wine built on intensity and ripeness. I would like to see a little more of the finesse this site is capable of. Petit Gravet Ainé is 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot done in 100% new oak. Tasted two times. ~ 93 Antonio Galloni
Composed of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot matured in 100% new French oak barrels for 18 months, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Petit Gravet Aine is provocatively scented of red currant jelly, raspberry tart, and blackberry preserves with hints of dried roses, stewed tea, and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, very firm, and grainy with a lovely perfumed red fruit expression, it finishes long and minerally. This needs 2 to 3 years, at least! ~ 93 Wine Advocate
About the Wine
Chateau Saint Pierre dates back to the 17th century. Henri Martin purchased the classified Fourth Growth Medoc estate in 1982. Henri Martin's family has a long history in the Bordeaux region, dating back more than 300 years. Today Chateau Saint Pierre is managed by Jean-Louis Triaud, who also manages Chateau Gloria and owns the Girondins de Bordeaux, the professional football team of Bordeaux.
The majority of their vines are located near the village of Saint Julien not far from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou which retails for $200 a bottle. On average their vines are 50 years old. Saint-Julien has the highest concentration of cru classés with 11 over 900 hectares.
Chateau Saint Pierre is one of the few classified growths that does not produce a second wine. With complete focus on the Grand Vin and leading the use of technology in winemaking, it is no surprise this Grand Vin hailed a 'Bravo!' from multiple critics. Chateau Saint Pierre Saint-Julien was one of the first estates to use satellite imagery to help identify when parcels are ready to pick.
Aging: 14 to 16 months in French Oak
Tasting Notes: Red Wine. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Merlot 10% Cabernet Franc. Full-bodied, round, and refined. The nose shows espresso, blackberry, and floral notes.
Reviews
This 17-hectare estate has been rejuvenated by owner Jean-Louis Triaud and is certainly producing some of the top wines from the appellation today. I tasted the deep, inky-colored 2015 Château Saint-Pierre twice and it’s reminiscent of the 2010, only with more elegance. In 2015 the wine is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc and it spent 14 months in 50% new and 50% once used barrels. Chocolate-covered dark fruits, damp earth, tobacco leaf, and lead pencil shaving-like notes emerge from this huge, concentrated beauty that has building tannin and a huge mid-palate. It’s an incredible wine that builds with time in the glass, has no hard edges, and is going to 3-4 decades of life. Bravo! ~97 Jeb Dunnuck
The 2015 Saint-Pierre offers more fruit on the nose than the Gruaud Larose with quite fabulous blackberry laced with pencil lead and tobacco. There is real joie de vivre and intensity here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine but quite firm tannin, very well balanced and pure with a gentle but insistent, mineral-driven, quite sinewy finish that is an absolute treat. This comes highly recommended. Tasted twice both in London and Bordeaux at the property. Bravo. ~94 Wine Advocate
This wine has a very toasty style, with spice and wood tannins that give an extracted character with some bitterness. That contrasts with the fruit that is developing, and it seems that the wood will integrate over time. Drink from 2025. ~92 Wine Enthusiast
About the Wine
“It has always been classed at the top of the second growths of Saint-Emilion. Exceptionally well maintained, it produces an average of 50 tonneaux of a delicate, soft, perfumed wine, perfectly preserved” wrote Edouard Féret of Badette in 1898. Certainly, much wine has flowed through the Chateau since then, but with the command of the new owner, the comments made in the 19th century perfectly apply to the wine of today!
“Badette is surrounded by classified growths on all sides. I want the wine to express the terroir. With power, but also with elegance, finesse." -Marc-Andre Vandenbogaerde
The Estates vineyards are located next to Chateau Figeac and Troplong Mondot. The Chateau is under the guidance of the Belgian-born Marc-Andre Vandenbogaerde who aims to restore this Chateau to its former glory. Armed with an uncapped budget, the new regime has completely renovated the vineyards and Chateau. Marc-Andre has made it his mission to vault Chateau Badette back amongst the classified growths.
“Start from zero and build, that’s what I like. If I wasn’t a wine lover, I would never have got into all that. Start with nothing and end up doing the best possible, that is my objective.” -Marc-Andre Vandenbogaerde
Tasting Notes: Château Badette has a black and brilliant color, floral on the nose, flesh, fruit, and lots of clarity, an appreciable length, and a soft finish.
Reviews
A straight-up thrill ride of a Saint-Emilion, the 2016 Château Badette comes from a complex mix of clay and sandstone soils and checks in as a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot that was raised in 85% new French oak. A big blast of crème de cassis, crushed flowers, white truffle, and spice flows to a powerful, full-bodied Saint-Emilion that has beautiful ripeness and depth as well as balance. It has the purity and texture to shine today, yet I suspect it will have two decades of life. Bravo! ~95 Jeb Dunnuck
This offers succulent and ripe dark plum and berry aromas with a wealth of assertive tannins that deliver in quite classic style. Good and powerful, assertive finish here. A blend of 85 percent Merlot, 15 percent Cabernet Franc, and five percent Petit Verdot. ~93 James Suckling
About the Wine
From the birthplace of pizza, San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, and so many more gastronomic treasures comes this regional red wine in Campania.
This wine is 100% Aglianico, produced by La Bollina. Andrea Bernardini is the passionate consultant winemaker who has hit numerous home runs. He graduated from Pisa, one of the best schools of oenology in Italy, in 2007. He earned his chops at Poggio Bonelli and Ruffino in Tuscany and trained in South Africa, Romania and Greece. After several years of experiences he is now a flying winemaker blending tradition and modern techniques to obtain high quality wines with respect to the expression of the different grapes and terroir in which he works.
Tasting Notes: Red wine. Berries, cherries and black cherries are perfectly blended with the soft notes of wood that give this wine the pleasantness typical of the area from which the grapes come. Fruity notes are mixed with the vanilla and mocha sensations coming from aging, good palate, full body and roundness gives this wine an excellent drinkability.
If you're looking for an any time wine, rich with blueberry fruit, a touch of herbs and mocha, this is the wine for you. Very little oak on this wine makes it a perfect match for a variety of foods or on its own.
Reviews
98pts, Luca Maroni's Annual Guide, "I Migliori Vini Italiani"
About the wine
Meet your new best friend from Southern Italy: Zenas.
Year after year, this wine is one of the most popular Southern Italian regional wines offered at BHW. It arrives and before we know, it's gone. Grab a case while you can.
Primitivo Puglia lgt 'ZENAS', 2018 is wowing European critics all over again, and now it's Stateside so you can finally taste it for yourself. Bold but refined on the palate, this delightful ruby-colored red has a heady plummy perfume, a profusion of cherry and spice, and a whisper of herbaceous rosemary softened by vanilla. Drink alone or with tomato-y meat sauces, this is a wine made for food. Those in the know will be snatching up this little known gem by the caseload…
Aged for six months in French oak barrels, this wine soft and supremely well balanced. The gentle tannins make 2018 Primitivo Puglia lgt "ZENAS" the perfect partner for tomato-based dishes like a hearty meat sauce or lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, chicken cacciatore, and provides the perfect balance to a spicy sausage pizza. This wine loves blue cheeses (Gorgonzola and figs, perhaps), and dry, firm cheeses like Pecorino and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Reviews
Chosen as one of the year's best wines and one of the top wines from Puglia and all of Italy! ~ 98 points Luca Maroni "I Migliori Vini Italiani"
About the Wine
The innovative blend combines equal parts of the indigenous grapes Nero d'Avola and Nerello Mascalese with two Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Layers of flavors with blueberry, chocolate, mocha, and baked cherry are topped off with a deft touch of oak, vanilla, and Mediterranean herbs in the finish. The result is a spectacular wine that screams "Delizioso!"
Blend: 25% Nero d'Avola, 25% Nerello Mascalese, 25% Merlot, and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes: Red Wine. Typical and varietal notes of cherry, mulberry, and raspberry, blended with nuances of elegant spices such as vanilla, coffee, and cocoa. The palate is wide, warm and envelopes the mouth with grip, elegant and velvety tannins. Fruity and rich aftertaste. Enjoy on its own or comfortably pair with any tomato dish, pasta, puttanesca, or grilled meat.
Bring home a taste of Sicily today!
Reviews
98pts: "One of the year's best wines in Italy" ~Luca Maroni "I Migliori Vini Italiani 2019"
About the Wine
Chateau Marojallia was the first small boutique property in the Medoc. Created in 1998 by owner Philippe Porcheron with winemaking team Muriel Andraud and Jean-Luc Thunevin. World-renowned consultant, Michel Rolland, joined the winemaking team in 2001.
Chateau Marojallia (Latin for Margaux) is a rare, small production chateau. The Grand Vin and second label are both made from only 4 hectares of 25-year-old vines with painstaking care and in such small quantities, all the production equipment can easily fit in a garage.
The Grand Vin retails for over $70 a bottle and BHW is excited to be able to offer the second label at half the cost while still showing the exceptional quality expected from the Margaux appellation.
Upon the first vintage release in 1999 Chateau Marojallia was immediately hailed by critics and Robert Parker ranked them among the very finest wines from Margaux. Close to Chateau Margaux and Chateau Rauzan Segla not far from the village of Margaux. 2015 garnered a 94 point rating from Wine Advocate.
Tasting Notes: Red Wine. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Merlot. Aromas of spiced plum, blueberry, and blackcurrant. impeccably balanced with juicy tannins and a gorgeous texture.
Reviews
Aromas of blackcurrants and spices with blueberry undertones. Full body and round and juicy tannins. Layered and very pretty. Gorgeous texture. Needs two or three years to come around. A beauty. ~93 James Suckling
A magnificent second wine, the 2015 Clos Margalaine is yet another example of how strong the vintage is in Margaux. Today, the Clos Margalaine is open-knit, powerful, and totally seductive. A rush of dark red cherry, plum, spice, menthol, and licorice builds to the sumptuous, racy finish. Even with all of its obvious intensity and large-scaled voluptuousness, the 2015 remains impeccably balanced and vivid throughout. What a gorgeous wine this is. Clos Margalaine is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot aged in about a third new oak. Christophe Coupez and Michel Rolland consult. ~90-93 Vinous
Run by Philippe Porcheron, who purchased this estate in 1999, Clos Margalaine consists of four hectares of deep, gravelly soils located between the estates of Le Tertre and Monbrison, and they receive consulting advice from Christophe Coupez and Michel Rolland. The 2015 Clos Margalaine is another beautiful Margaux and is a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It boasts medium-bodied, elegant, perfumed notes of black raspberries (maybe even some strawberry), spring flowers, toasted spices, and forest floor. About as fine and elegant as they come, yet with plenty of balance and length, it’s a gem from one of the top appellations in 2015. It will keep for 10-15 years. ~91 Jeb Dunnuck
About the Wine
Chateau Marojallia was the first small boutique property in the Medoc. Created in 1998 by owner Philippe Porcheron with winemaking team Muriel Andraud and Jean-Luc Thunevin. World-renowned consultant, Michel Rolland, joined the winemaking team in 2001.
Chateau Marojallia (Latin for Margaux) is a rare, small production chateau. The Grand Vin and second label are both made from only 4 hectares of 25-year-old vines with painstaking care and in such small quantities, all the production equipment can easily fit in a garage.
The Grand Vin retails for over $70 a bottle and BHW is excited to be able to offer the second label at half the cost while still showing the exceptional quality expected from the Margaux appellation.
Upon the first vintage release in 1999 Chateau Marojallia was immediately hailed by critics and Robert Parker ranked them among the very finest wines from Margaux. Close to Chateau Margaux and Chateau Rauzan Segla not far from the village of Margaux. 2015 garnered a 94 point rating from Wine Advocate.
Tasting Notes: Red Wine. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Merlot. Aromas of spiced plum, blueberry, and blackcurrant. impeccably balanced with juicy tannins and a gorgeous texture.
Reviews
Aromas of blackcurrants and spices with blueberry undertones. Full body and round and juicy tannins. Layered and very pretty. Gorgeous texture. Needs two or three years to come around. A beauty. ~93 James Suckling
A magnificent second wine, the 2015 Clos Margalaine is yet another example of how strong the vintage is in Margaux. Today, the Clos Margalaine is open-knit, powerful, and totally seductive. A rush of dark red cherry, plum, spice, menthol, and licorice builds to the sumptuous, racy finish. Even with all of its obvious intensity and large-scaled voluptuousness, the 2015 remains impeccably balanced and vivid throughout. What a gorgeous wine this is. Clos Margalaine is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot aged in about a third new oak. Christophe Coupez and Michel Rolland consult. ~90-93 Vinous
Run by Philippe Porcheron, who purchased this estate in 1999, Clos Margalaine consists of four hectares of deep, gravelly soils located between the estates of Le Tertre and Monbrison, and they receive consulting advice from Christophe Coupez and Michel Rolland. The 2015 Clos Margalaine is another beautiful Margaux and is a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It boasts medium-bodied, elegant, perfumed notes of black raspberries (maybe even some strawberry), spring flowers, toasted spices, and forest floor. About as fine and elegant as they come, yet with plenty of balance and length, it’s a gem from one of the top appellations in 2015. It will keep for 10-15 years. ~91 Jeb Dunnuck
About the Wine
Château Lafont Fourcat is located in the Entre-Deux-Mers region, near the village of Castillon la Bataille and not far from Saint-Émilion. In 1993 the Chateau was acquired by Paul-Marie Morillon, who is also a consultant for Châteaux Ausone, Mondotte, and Yquem. The wines of Lafont Fourcat are produced with the help of Bordeaux's bad boy winemaker, Jean-Luc Thunevin, founder of highly sought-after Chateau Valandraud. Two Bordeaux mavericks have joined forces to cultivate one of the best Bordeaux values of the century. The 2018 Lafont Fourcat A Nos Amours is the ultimate definition of a wine that punches well above its weight class. What are you waiting for?
Here's what wine critic Jeb Dunnuck says about 2018 Bordeaux:
"In short, 2018 is a thrilling vintage with no shortage of legendary wines and I cannot imagine anyone who purchases these wines will be disappointed...It’s possible to find attractive, well-made, even outstanding, wines that punch well above their price points."
Jean Luc Thunevin became a well-known figure in the wine world in less than a decade, thanks to its successful garage wine, Château Valandraud. Jean Luc aims to harvest at full maturity, he also copied the Burgundy vinification ways (pigeage…) to reach an optimum concentration. The wine is produced with a constant commitment to excellence.
Like this wine.
A Nos Amours (which means "To Our Loves" is a special cuvée from Château Lafont Fourcat. Château Lafont-Fourcat is located in the Entre-Deux-Mers region, near Castillon la Bataille village and not far from Saint-Émilion. The Chateau owner is Paul-Marie Morillon, who is also a consultant for Châteaux Ausone, Mondotte and Yquem.
Reviews
Blackcurrant, spiced-cherry, charred-bark, black-olive, and chocolate aromas. It’s medium-bodied with firm, fine tannins. Creamy layers of ripe fruit and spice. Already delicious. Drink or hold. ~90 James Suckling
Lots of spiced red and black fruits, cedarwood, dried flowers, and saddle leather notes emerge from the 2018 Château Lafont-Fourcat A Nos Amours. Medium-bodied, it has terrific complexity, light tannins, and a balanced, undeniably delicious, charming style that's ideal for enjoying over the coming 5-7 years. Readers looking for a great value for near-term drinking should snatch this beauty up. ~90 Jeb Dunnuck
About the Wine
A classic Bordeaux rouge from a classic vintage. Jean Luc Thunevin is the winemaker here, the original "Bad Boy" of St. Emilion and garagiste winemaker. He has consistently raised the bar at Ch. Valandraud, a St. Emilion Grand Cru Classe B estate.
This wine shines as an excellent example of what a Right Bank blend can be in the capable hands of a top winemaker in an excellent vintage that was particularly stellar for merlot. If you love classy St. Emilon at an affordable price, this will be your new favorite Tuesday night wine.
The BHW direct import model sourced and landed this wine at a real steal. With 35-year-old vines, this wine sees about 15% new French oak with another 15% in 1-year oak. The combination of oak and vanilla with fresh, bright fruit makes for a wine that is delicious now and will have aging potential.
Blend: 75% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Reviews
Fragrant and elegant in spite of its firm tannic core, this has some real complexity, too. Good now, but just wait to see where this goes from 2020! ~92JS
About the Wine
Produced by La Bollina Winery. This wine comes from Puglia in Italy, a region located in the southern peninsula of the country, bordering the Adriatic Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the southeast, and the Strait of Otranto and Gulf of Taranto to the south. This is a very fertile region, known for the cultivation of olives, figs, almonds, wheat, and of course grapevines.
Puglia is an important wine region in the world with dozens of DOC. The wines were once known as “inexpensive bulk wines” because they were more focused on quantity over quality. Much has changed in Puglia over the last two decades and wines from the “heel of the boot” now represent very high quality and some of the best values in the world, with a particular focus on the indigenous varietals like Primitivo, Uva di Troia, Malvasia Nera, and Negroamaro.
Nowadays, the wine from this region is considered of high quality at an affordable price, loved by the most demanding palates.
Cazzaro is a tiny production that was rated 98 points in the "Annuario dei Migliori Vini Italiani 2020" which is an annual guide from Luca Maroni that is dedicated to wine criticism. It is one of the most comprehensive references for Italian wine in the world.
This wine has a cold maceration for a week and 10 days of fermentation in controlled temperatures of 20º to 22º C. Aged for 6 months in French and American barrels.
Tasting Notes: Ruby Red color. Fruity aromas like berries, cherries, and blackberries are in perfect combination with the soft notes that come from the oak, such as mocha, chocolate, and vanilla. Gentle entrance on the palate, well-balanced tannins, rounded body that makes this wine very easy to drink. This wine pairs great with grilled meat and medium-aged cheeses.
Blend: Primitivo, Negroamaro, Uva di Troia, Malvasia Nera.
Reviews
98 points, Luca Maroni, "Annuario dei Migliori Vini Italiani 2020"
About the Wine
Syrah quickly became one of the most popular grapes to plant in Chile. The Chilean Syrah is known to give us spicy and beautifully fruity wines.
This beautiful region, located in South America is recognized worldwide for its superb wines! With great diversity throughout the region's terroirs, unique characteristics are often reflected in each bottle. Chile offers various expressions and styles of wine that will captivate any wine lovers palate!
Tabalí, has an enormous focus on quality over quantity. The Winery is a small-scale, exclusive, family winery focused on detail. It is built in such a way that the fruit and wine are transported by gravity. The winery aims to avoid any unnecessary pumping and relies on nature to do the work wherever possible.
Felipe Müller, Tabalí’s winemaker since 2006, was born and raised in Santiago, Chile’s capital. Today, at the age of 41, he is considered one of the country´s most influential and important winemakers.
In 2001 he joined Viña De Martino as the second winemaker, in charge of viticulture as well as the vinification for red and white wines. In this winery, he worked with winemaker Marcelo Retamal, and formed a bold and renowned "Wine Dupla". Together they discovered new wines, studied various valleys and regions of Chile and vinificated around 350 vineyards throughout the country.
Felipe harvested two famous Chateaux Grand Cru Classé in Saint Emilion, France: Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere and Chateau La Mondotte.
Felipe Müller was named ‘Best Winemaker of the Year’ in the sixteenth version of “Guía de Vinos de Chile 2010”, Chile’s oldest and most prestigious wine industry publication. This distinction was an important recognition for the enthusiasm, passion and dedication he puts in crafting wines. “Wine is my passion and an important part of my life. I feel capable of leveraging the knowledge I’ve built throughout these many years", says Felipe.
In the year 2011, Felipe was appointed Manager Director, keeping his position as Chief Winemaker. From then Felipe was not only responsible for the quality of the wines but also for the global strategy of the company.
In January 2014 Felipe Müller was chosen ‘Best Young Winemaker’ (next to Aurelio Montes who was chosen Best Senior Winemaker).
2015 Tabali Syrah Vetas Blancas has a careful process in its process from the vineyard to the bottle. The grapes are harvested and selected manually. Fermented in small stainless-steel tanks and aged in 100% French Oak barrels for 12 months.
Tasting Notes: 100% Syrah. Intense and deep color. Aromas of black cherry, pepper, spices and woody and smoked notes. On the palate it is balanced, with velvety tannins and a fruity aftertaste.Pair this wine with beef, lamb and game, and perfect for spicy food.
Reviews
This shows granite and dark berry character with lots of black licorice and hints of orange peel. Full body, tight and silky with integrated tannins and a long and flavorful finish. ~ 93 James Suckling
~ 93 Tim Atkin
About the winery
A classic château property, the charming Château Roc de Candale is located east of Saint-Emilion’s celebrated limestone plateau in one of the region’s most desirable districts. The recently modernized estate shares its premium terroir with nearby Château Tertre Roteboeuf and La Mondotte; note these wines sell for well over $100 per bottle!
Château Roc de Candale probably owes its origins to Marguerite de Suffolk Kendall, a descendent of Edward III, King of England and Duke of Aquitaine. When she married Count Jean of Foix, he added the Count of Candale name to his other titles. At their table, the Count and Countess of Foix-Candale would serve wines from their lands in Saint-Emilion, already widely renowned at the time thanks to the strict quality rules set down by the Jurade of Saint-Emilion.
Jean-Louis Vicard, President of the well-known Vicard Cooperage, purchased Château Roc de Candale in 2010 and this is the first vintage since significant upgrades were made here. Stéphane Derenoncourt is the winemaker.
Derenoncourt is one of France's premier wine consultants and his specific expertise is in the Right Bank. His clients include Domaine de Chevalier, Clos Fourtet, Clos de l'Oratoire, Chateau Pavie-Macquin, Canon-la-Gaffeliere, Smith Haut Lafitte, Brown, as well as Francis Ford Coppola's Rubicon Estate in Napa.
Farming practices: sustainable. No herbicide or pesticide is used. Only contact treatments are applied with copper and sulfur.
2009 is regarded as one of the finest vintages ever in Bordeaux. Savvy readers know to buy this cellar wine from this exceptional vintage. This is one of the few remaining wines we’ve uncovered and is only available as a result of restaurant closures in 2020.
Why pay $80-120 in a restaurant for this wine when you can stock up today at BHW?
Tasting Notes: Red Wine. 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. The château is using state-of-the-art wooden upright tanks. The wine is aged 12 to 18 months in new French oak barrels. Only 1,200 cases produced. 14% Alcohol. Deep purple color, lush aromas of cherry and vanillin oak. Good tannic structure and a long, well-balanced finish. The prime drinking window is now through 2026.
**Note This Product is a pre-arrival and will ship the week of 4/26
About the Wine
Superbly located on a knoll overlooking the Gironde estuary, the château lies at the center of a single block vineyard of 126 acres. The estate was founded in the 17th century, the first vines were planted by the monks that owned the property at the time. Large improvements have been made to the estate since its purchase in 2004 by the CA Grand Crus. The ownership brought on Hubert de Bouard, the winemaker of Chateau Angelus, to consult. With new leadership, Chateau Meyney is now producing the best wine it ever has.
Château Meyney looks down onto the Gironde and the presence of the estuary protects the estate from frosts. The vineyard is planted on Garonne gravels. The vines are an average age of 35 to 40 years, divided between typical Bordeaux varieties. The vines climb to an altitude of 20 meters up, quite a steep slope, ensuring good natural drainage of the soil. Similar to “Pétrus”, a layer of blue clay about 10 feet thick lies at a depth of 8 feet below the surface. These remarkable natural factors give the wine an exceptional richness.
Tasting Notes: Red wine. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30%Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. The wine is intensely aromatic with dark fruit and a gamey earthy quality. The palate is big without being overwhelming.
**Note This Product is a pre-arrival and will ship the week of 7/1
Reviews
Blueberry, blackcurrant, clove, dark chocolate, praline, and gravel on the nose. It’s full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Focused, chewy, and layered. Fantastic effort here. Try from 2025. ~95 James Suckling
The 2018 Meyney is powerful, dense, and super-expressive. Gravel, game, scorched earth, smoke, licorice, incense, and spice infuse this potent, virile Saint-Estèphe. The fruit profile and oak integration point to a transition towards a less extracted style. Even so, there is plenty of richness readers have come to expect from Meyney. Tasted two times. ~91-94 Antonio Galloni
Certified by the USDA
About the Wine
More frequently, people seek to consume healthier products, and little by little people have begun to think about what they’re putting into their bodies.
2019 V2G Languedoc Organic is a wine produced in Languedoc-Roussillon, in southern France. Languedoc is characterized by its beautiful Mediterranean climate and varied soils ranging from rocky sand to clay, thanks to its ideal conditions and terroir, wine has existed in this region for many years.
Today, Languedoc-Roussillon is recognized as one of the fastest-growing wine regions in France. They are known for being extremely committed to the quality of the wine. Languedoc is also the largest organic wine producer in France.
This 2019 V2G Languedoc organic wine is owned by Biagio Cru Wines & Spirits, an importer of fine wines and spirits from around the world, they are globally known for their flagship wine: Rosé All Day.
V2G is the acronym for “Vine 2 Glass” and as its name indicates, it is a wine produced with respectful practices for health and the environment and is certified by the USDA. The vineyard uses sustainable agricultural practices, free of chemicals, insecticides, pesticides, and sulfites. From the Vine to Your Glass!
"V2G takes the growing trend for organic wines and goes further with their exceptional taste, great value and sustainable production," said Darren Restivo, director of Biagio Cru Wines & Spirits.
Tasting Notes: 80% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of fresh red fruits. A spectacular acidity that reflects great freshness on the palate. This wine pairs great with spicy and salty food.
About The Wine
Château Lafont Fourcat is located in the Entre-Deux-Mers region, near the village of Castillon la Bataille and not far from Saint-Émilion. In 1993 the Chateau was acquired by Paul-Marie Morillon, who is also a consultant for Châteaux Ausone, Mondotte, and Yquem. The wines of Lafont Fourcat are produced with the help of Bordeaux's bad boy winemaker, Jean-Luc Thunevin, founder of highly sought-after Chateau Valandraud. Two Bordeaux mavericks have joined forces to cultivate one of the best Bordeaux values of the century. The 2016 Lafont Fourcat is the ultimate definition of a wine that punches well above its weight class. What are you waiting for?
2016 is a can't miss vintage in Bordeaux. A marvelous vintage with full ripeness, and integrated tannins, this vintage delivered wines that are available now and built to last for many years to come. Here is an opportunity to stock up on some quality Bordeaux that has hit its stride. If you love mushroomy terroir, wet stone, Cabernet, and gravel, this is a wine for you!
Jean Luc Thunevin become a well-known figure in the wine world in less than a decade, thanks to its successful garage wine, Château Valandraud. Jean Luc aims to harvest at full maturity, he also copied the Burgundy vinification ways (pigeage…) to reach an optimum concentration. The wine is produced with a constant commitment to excellence.
Tasting Notes: 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 5% Malbec. The 2016 Chateau Lafont Fourcat is filled with dark fruits, blackberries, boysenberries, and plum. Followed by an herbal lift and a touch of brown spices. The wine has a lasting finish rounding out the palate with a perfect crescendo. Enjoy alongside perfectly grilled skirt steak.
Reviews
Very solid center palate of fruit with blueberries, blackberries, and dark chocolate. Medium body and a linear finish. Excellent value, too. ~90 James Suckling
Piedra Creek Winery is owned by a WWII veteran, Romo Zuech, Italian by nationality, American by heart. Romeo was a successful and passionate aerospace engineer who made great contributions to NASA. Later, he transferred that passion to the wine business.
In 1983, Piedra Creek Winery began as a small winery in the Edna Valley of San Luis Obispo, California. Little by little, its small productions started gaining popularity thanks to its demanding work philosophy: Only the best fruit to make the best wines.
After 30 years of experience in the wine industry, years and years of hard work as a winemaker and vine grower, Romeo has achieved the growth and recognition of this estate. "Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to make a great wine… but it certainly doesn’t hurt." Romeo says. He is passionate and obsessive about wine production starting in the vineyard with a controlled fermentation and under a watchful eye until the wine is bottled.
In 1999 the San Floriano vineyard was planted. It is a meticulously worked and cared vineyard, where quality is the priority. The combination of the climate, soil and location have made it a paradise for the vine. Situated in one of the coolest parts of Edna Valley AVA, this vineyard has become a great terroir for the varieties that they planted: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Lagrein.
In addition to their special care regarding the quality of the vine, Romeo uses sustainable practices that are sustainable and with careful attention to the environment.
San Floriano Vineyard Pinot Noir is made in Burgundian classic style and it is a limited production, typically only available from the winery direct.
Tasting notes: Layered aromas of Bing cherries and ripe, spiced strawberries are supported by focused tannins and a full, balanced body. This is an Estate wine with superb balance of forward fruit, oak, and a sense of place amongst the typical Burgundian style characteristics.
About the Wine
Are you a Zin lover? Wrap your palate around this delicious wine from one of the oldest Zinfandel vineyards in California.
Piedra Creek Winery is owned by a WWII veteran, Romeo Zuech, Italian by nationality, American by heart. Romeo was a successful and passionate aerospace engineer who made great contributions to NASA. Later, he transferred that passion to the wine business.
In 1983, Piedra Creek Winery began as a small winery in the Edna Valley of San Luis Obispo, California. Little by little, its small productions started gaining popularity thanks to a demanding work philosophy: Only the best fruit to make the best wines.
After 30 years of experience in the wine industry, years and years of hard work as a winemaker and vine grower, Romeo has achieved the growth and recognition of this estate. "Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to make a great wine… but it certainly doesn’t hurt." Romeo says. He is passionate and obsessive about wine production starting in the vineyard followed by clean fermentations under a watchful until the wine is bottled.
San Floriano is the 2.5 acre Pinot Noir vineyard owned by Piedra Creek Winery in Edna Valley. And, given their long-term relationships, they're one of only two commercial wine producers to have access to the Benito Dusi ancient vines.
Benito Dusi is one of the most famous vineyards in Paso Robles. Here, the Zinfandel thrives with 90-year old vines. Actually, it is one of the oldest and most exclusive Zinfandel vineyards!
Tasting notes: Red Wine. 100% Zinfandel. Elegant layers of wild berry and raspberry make up this fruit-forward Zinfandel. Just the right hint of white pepper rounds out the experience, a balance that can only be provided from the famous Benito Dusi 90-year-old dry-farmed, head-pruned, ancient Zinfandel vines.
Reviews
This is balanced Zinfandel. It is not high alcohol, overly extracted, or syrupy sweet. There is core fruit that is pure joy, bing cherry, dried plum, fig, and a deft touch of oak and vanilla. The wine is perfect for BBQ or drinking on its own. This Zinfandel is the envy of many Zinfandel producers in CA.
About the Wine
2016 is one of the best vintages Bordeaux has seen in the last two decades. There is good reason for this, the vintage was warm and the fruit ripened perfectly. Wine Advocate gave the vintage 97 points in Margaux.
The allure of Prieure Lichine has been on an upward trend since the middle of the last century and is currently producing some of the greatest wines the estate has ever seen. The estate has built a wonderful reputation thanks to the incredible growing conditions of 2016, and produce high-quality wine time after time.
In 1951, Alexis Lichine, who was often referred to as “the Pope of Wine”, took over the estate and added his name two years later. Thanks to his patient determination, he was able to add more vineyard plots, modernize the cellars, and renovate the monks’ former living quarters. Château Prieuré-Lichine’s fate was linked to that of the Lichine family for nearly half a century.
This new approach to managing widely distributed vineyard plots turned this diversity into advantage, enabling Prieuré- Lichine to express the full complexity of its terroir thanks to an experienced and devoted winemaking team.
Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels, 50% new.
Tasting Notes: Red Wine. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Black and red raspberry fruit flavors with hints of cassis and lifted aromatics of dried roses and violets. Pure and pristine in style. Focused and approachable in the balanced finish.
***This wine is a pre-arrival scheduled to arrive the week of June 14.
Reviews
The 2016 Prieuré-Lichine is all class. Floral, silky and nuanced to the core, the 2016 is a wine of pure and total seduction. Freshly cut flowers, vibrant red fruit and creamy tannins all add to the wine's undeniable allure. In 2016, Prieuré-Lichine is all class, not to mention one of the sleepers of the vintage. Don't miss it! Tasted two times. ~96 Antonio Galloni
With vineyards in the southern Margaux village of Cantenac, this estate has produced a deliciously juicy wine. The structure follows a straight line between the tannins and the intense fruit and acidity. The wine should age well, ready to drink from 2024. ~94 Wine Enthusiast
A very suave, polished Margaux that delivers iodine and dark-stone aromas and a wealth of ripe, plush dark fruit that follows through to the palate in attractive, fleshy and juicy mode. Try from 2022. ~93 James Suckling
About the Wine
Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains in the best subzone of Mendoza, Uco Valley, the winery is named for life’s Great Adventure. The wines are unique as a result of growing grapes that drink pristine snowmelt and sunbathe under the blue sky at high altitude. This estate Malbec is a taste of this magical place. Finca Buenaventura made this wine to share with you, as you create your own journey.
Established in the Uco Valley at 1174 meters of altitude with 100 hectares, it is a project that aims to produce wines with their own identity, of high quality, and eminently accessible. Finca Buenaventura is a fusion of the best terroir of Argentina with people committed to a project of excellence, respect for nature, teamwork, honesty, and values.
Uco’s higher-altitude at the foot of the Andes Mountains combines with a dramatic diurnal shift that allows the grapes to retain balanced sugars and acidity while achieving phenolic ripeness. The dry continental climate brings little rain. Soils in the Uco Valley are alluvial and fairly uniform: clay and rock base with a stony, sandy surface. These free-draining soils are excellent for quality viticulture as they stress the vines, leading to decreased vigor and lower yields, and consequently wines with a higher concentration of flavor.
For more insight on this winery and an update from Argentina, read this article.
Ageing: 20% new oak in French and American oak for 12 months.
Tasting Notes: Red Wine. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. In the glass, the wine shows violet-black, red colors. On the nose, the wine is bold, fruit-forward with hints of chocolate and vanilla. On the palate, different layers of fruits lead the way. The wine is smooth, vibrant, with a lingering finish.
About the Wine
Celestino Gaspari may not be a name you recognize from the Valpolicella, but his hand has touched some of the most important wines to ever come out of the region. After marrying Giuseppe Quintarelli's daughter, Celestino apprenticed with the master for a dozen years until 1997. Celestino then ventured off on his own and consulted at several top properties in the region including Bertani and Romano dal Forno. In 1999, he launched Zyme, his own project from his garage.
Zyme is Greek for "yeast". The logo for the winery and the winery itself is a pentagon, which mirrors the grape leaf. If you're ever in the area, the winery must be seen to be believed as it's an incredible dichotomy of modernity and natural winemaking built above a 15th-century sandstone quarry. There is literally an underground stream running in between the huge boulders in the cellar that help maintain natural humidity. It is a contemporary winery that oozes eco-sustainability.
Everything about Celestino and Zyme is like peeling an onion. Layer upon layer is gradually revealed in the label, the symbols, the names, the blends, and in the wines he crafts too. From the first scent of the nose on the wine, you'll be drawn in, wanting to know more about the wine, the man, and the place. The winemaker is a philosopher and a competitive person striving to experiment and tinker until he can produce the perfect wine.
If you love aged Italian wines, this wine over-delivers. Celestino's top wine is Harlequin and it's priced similar to the top Amarone of the region (>$300/btl) Kairos is the second wine, made similar to Harlequin. It's an experimental blend that with age has transformed into a true experience that must be tasted to be appreciated.
The label shows the link of Kairos to the Harlequin project: Harlequinʼs costume is composed of pieces of many colors, just as the wine is composed of 15 different grapes, each with its own characteristics. In ancient Greek, Kairos means “opportune, at the right moment.” The addition of the sundial and the clock express the idea of exact time.
Aging: 24 Months in 100% New French Oak
Tasting notes: Red Wine. 15 Different Varietals (4 white, 11 red: Garganega, Trebbiano toscano, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syraz, Teroldego, Croatina, Oseleta, Sangiovese, Marzemino) with some air drying of grapes prior to fermentation.
In the glass, the wine is a dense ruby red, with garnet highlights. The nose explodes with rich and complex fruit. Driven by fruit, spices, marmalade, and forest floor, followed by pipe tobacco, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. A kiss of minerality following the complex palate put the tremendous depth of this wine on display. Pairs with elaborate dishes of all meats with hearty and spicy sauces. Excellent with aged and full-flavored cheeses and with game.
Run, don't walk to purchase this wine. This wine delivers the joy we all need.
**Special Note Regarding Older, Vintage Wines like this: Red wines lose color with age. Unfiltered red wines like this have sediment and this has nothing to do with the quality of the wine. The cork may be moist or even crumble, but this doesn't effect the quality of the wine either, as long as the bottle isn't leaking. This particular wine benefits from 30 minutes of aeration prior to service.
Reviews
The 2004 Kairos is conceived as the second selection of the estate’s flagship Harlequin. It is a deep, super-ripe wine loaded with dark fruit. The French oak is a touch overbearing here, which keeps the score from going higher. Kairos is made from a variety of red grapes which are dried prior to vinification. The wine spends 24 months in French oak prior to being bottled. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018. ~90 Antonio Galloni
Proprietor Celestino Gaspari boasts one of the most extensive resumes in Valpolicella. Once widely considered the heir-apparent at Quintarelli, where he worked for a number of years, Gaspari subsequently consulted for a number of local wineries, helping launch some of the most exciting young properties on the scene. More recently Gaspari has scaled back his consulting activities to focus on his own project. The dramatic Zyme cellars are carved out of rock and hold some of the most dramatic wines being made in Veneto today. Zyme is still a young property, and I am curious to see what happens here over the coming years. Gaspari is highly ambitious and technically very proficient, as these wines clearly show. The open question is whether he will allow the wines to express more personality over the coming years. Given his track record elsewhere, there is every reason to think that will indeed be the case. There is a very clear struggle here in trying to acknowledge tradition on one hand, while not being excessively bound by convention on the other hand. As a result, the top wine here is not Amarone, but Harlequin, a blend of various grapes given a short time of air-drying and aged in 100% new French oak. All of these wines required considerable aeration for some of the SO2 to blow off. ~90 Wine Advocate
Gambero Rosso ~Due Bicchieri
About the Wine
Chateau Pontet-Caillou is a small little know estate in Pessac-Leognan that shares a namesake with the prestigious Chateau Pontet-Canet. The dominate Gravel based soils here are perfect for the production of Cabernet Sauvignon. Many of the top Chateaus in Bordeaux are based in this appellation; Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, Laville Haut-Brion, and Pape-Cement. Pessac-Leognan lies just outside of the city limits of Bordeaux and is one of the most historic appellations on the left bank.
2012 was an above-average vintage in Pessac-Leognan, earning 91 points from the acclaimed wine critic, Robert Parker. The 2012 Pontet-Caillou goes above and beyond in this modest vintage and delivers a wine that's complex and full of character.
We taste thousands of wines every year. And, every year, we return to Bordeaux for some of the best value wines anywhere in the world. Don't miss this classic Pessac.
Tasting Notes: Red Wine. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot. The 2012 Pontet-Caillou showcases aromas of black currant, black cherry, fresh plum, black tea, tobacco leaf, and leather. The palate is full and rich, medium-plus tannin, rich structured fruits with a smooth finish. Pair this wine with a roast chicken, a lamb cassoulet, or a burger.
About the Wine
Flechas de Los Andes is the brainchild of Benjamin de Rothschild (of Ch Clarke) and Laurent Dassault (Ch Lafleur) who have sought out exemplary terroir quintessential for Malbec cultivation. Together the duo has transformed selected plots at the base of the Andes mountains into pristine vineyards perfectly suited for viticultural development. The 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte showcases the technical winemaking abilities of established Chateau like Clarke and Lafleur with a mindblowing value that redefines quality wine at an affordable price. Taste the excellence of this high-quality Bordeaux Argentino before it's gone!
The name Punta de Flechas or “spike of the arrows” refers to the 5 arrows, emblem of the Rothschild family (symbolizing the 5 brothers from this dynasty of entrepreneurs).
Wine consultant, Michel Rolland is not only a pioneering winemaker with an unrivaled pedigree within the famed region of Bordeaux but a fearless leader and champion of Argentina viticulture. After traveling to Argentina in 1988, he recognized that all the conditions were right to grow exceptional wine and partnered with other Bordeaux families to develop 7 vineyards in the Uco Valley of Mendoza. Michel has become an Andes viticultural guru singlehandedly transforming the wine-producing pedigree of South America's leading wine producer!
"There are good places to grow wine everywhere, but Argentina is especially blessed. Its position in relation to the Andes Mountains means you can play with altitude and benefit from milder weather in a very sunny country. The soil types made up of gravel and stones that have washed down from the mountains are also particularly conducive." ~Michel Rolland
Tasting Notes: Red Wine. 50% Malbec, 9% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 8% Petit Verdot. This wine has a deep purple color, with intense fruit concentration. An elegant wine with mature tannins and excellent aging potential.
Reviews
A dense yet linear red with blackberry and currant aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, layered and ripe with new wood and a flavorful finish. On the riper side but remains fresh. Drink or hold. ~91 James Suckling
About the Wine
The Vetas Blancas Pinot Noir is sourced from two of the estates Vineyards, The Talinay and the Espinal vineyards. The Espinal is slightly further inland than Talinay, but both are considered cool climate regions. Pinot Noir thrives in cooler climates, where it is allowed to ripen slowly and develop all of the nuances that the variety is known for. Tabali handles their Pinot Noir in a style that is somewhere between modern and classic and the result is stunning.
Felipe Müller was born and raised in Chile’s capital, Santiago. Today, at the age of 41, he is considered one of the country´s most influential and important winemakers. In 2006 he joined Tabalí as Chief Winemaker. According to Felipe Müller “Tabalí, though relatively young, has enormous potential, as shown by its outstanding Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Syrah wines”. The winery’s goal is to make the finest wines of the Limari Valley and ultimately become a reference at a national level, by exploring new terroir, new plantations and new selections of clones.
Felipe Müller was named ‘Best Winemaker of the Year’ in the sixteenth version of “Guía de Vinos de Chile 2010”, Chile’s oldest and most prestigious wine industry publication. This distinction was an important recognition for the enthusiasm, passion and dedication he puts in crafting wines.
Tasting Notes: 100% Pinot Noir.Deep, shiny, ruby red colour. The nose displays complex, fresh aromas with outstanding fruity intensity, full of cherries, strawberries and spices, all perfectly integrated with the French oak. In the mouth, this wine is fresh, delicate and well-balanced with good acidity. The 2017 Tabali 'Vetas Blancas' Pinot Noir has seductive wine with an elegant and pronounced finish.
Reviews
70% of the grapes for this wine come from the alluvial, clayey and calcareous soils of the El Espinal vineyard, about 24 kilometers from the sea, in Limarí. The rest is complemented by the almost pure calcareous soils of Talinay, much closer to the sea, some 12 kilometers away. According to winemaker Felipe Müller, Espinal's clay ingredient gives volume and fruit flavors to this pinot, something kinder than the fruit that comes from Talinay and which is much more severe and austere. Here is a layer of delicious red fruits, but what commands is the firm structure and salinity of that 30% of Talinay, defining the tannins, giving them a lot of strength, a lot of grip.. ~93 Descorchados
About the Wine
The Pedregoso Cabernet Sauvignon is a single vineyard wine that is grown at high elevations overlooking the Maipo Valley. The vineyard is south facing, which in Chile, provides for a cooler growing climate. This gives the wine a slow ripening period that allows the grapes to fully mature with lots of complexity in the finished wine. Slow ripening in a cooler growing area helps provide this wine with exceptional balance that can easily be enjoyed today.
Felipe Müller was born and raised in Chile’s capital, Santiago. Today, at the age of 41, he is considered one of the country´s most influential and important winemakers. In 2006 he joined Tabalí as Chief Winemaker. According to Felipe Müller, “Tabalí, though relatively young, has enormous potential, as shown by its outstanding Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Syrah wines”. The winery’s goal is to make the finest wines of the Limari Valley and ultimately become a reference at a national level, by exploring new terroir, new plantations, and new selections of clones.
Felipe Müller was named ‘Best Winemaker of the Year’ in the sixteenth version of “Guía de Vinos de Chile 2010”, Chile’s oldest and most prestigious wine industry publication. This distinction was an important recognition for the enthusiasm, passion, and dedication he puts in crafting wines.
Tasting Notes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense ruby in color, this Cabernet Sauvignon is notable for its good body and structure. It has upfront aromas of cherries, violets, cassis, and smoke, complemented by hints of toast. Well-rounded on the palate, with balanced, silky tannins and great structure, it achieves a good balance between fresh acidity and abundant fruit.
Reviews
The 2019 Pedregoso Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is the entry-level Cabernet Sauvignon from their coastal DOM vineyard with colluvial soils, which has more similarities with Alto Maipo, slightly cooler. It was planted with a massal selection they got from the old Santa Rita vineyards. This has a little more clay, and the wine is rounder and more approachable. It's harmonious and balanced and was matured in neutral, well-seasoned oak barrels, so they respect the fruit. They have produced 216,000 bottles of this wine, their largest volume. It was bottled in December 2019. ~90 Points Robert Parker
About the Wine
Chateau Vermont is a charming 19th Century Château surrounded by 40 hectares of vines. Fourth Generation wine cultivators David and Elisabeth Labat have carried the torch and built upon the foundation laid by previous generations. In 2011, the couple made major renovations to the estate by modernizing the winery, increased vine density, and replaced old vines with sustainable rootstock. Thanks to the qualitative efforts and investments put into the property, the Château Vermont is well on the way to regaining the high rank it once held in the 19th century.
This lovely wine is a testament to why some of the best value wines in the world are produced in Bordeaux. We recommend to all of our private clients: Buy petite chateau in high-quality vintages and stock up on everyday value wines like this. With no oak, there is a purity and delicious snap to this wine that makes you want to drink more. Share it with friends and they will be shocked at what you paid for this.
Tasting Notes: Red Wine. This wine is remarkably balanced and harmonious. The nose releases a pleasant bouquet. It is a mix of red berries, and plums highlighting the merits of the dominant Merlot. The palate reveals concentration and roundness with a harmonious balance between the aromatic structure and a toasted finish. To enjoy immediately, but can be aged between 5 and 7 years.
Reviews
NYR
About this Wine
**Note This Product is a pre-arrival and will ship the week of 7/1
Here's what wine critic Jeb Dunnuck says about 2018 Bordeaux:
"In short, 2018 is a thrilling vintage with no shortage of legendary wines and I cannot imagine anyone who purchases these wines will be disappointed...It’s possible to find attractive, well-made, even outstanding, wines that punch well above their price points."
This is the very first vintage of this new label coming from the cellars of Ducru Beaucaillou. The new wine comes from vineyards located in the Haut-Médoc; plots brought by Madame Eugène-Borie on her marriage and more recently by the acquisition of plots from Madame Fort-Pradère. The wine was created as a homage to the woman who chaired the Supervisory Board from 1998 to today, but also to an attentive and loving mother. Under the Haut Medoc appellation, this wine offers Borie quality at an entry-level price.
Vinified in the cellars by the Ducru-Beaucaillou team, this wine receives the best care: the technical winemaking process, very selective blending, and careful ageing for 12 months in barrel (including 20% new oak). Technique at the service of purity of expression. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon rub shoulders without ever competing; one brings opulence, the other brings structure. In blends, as in marriage, it is complementarity, the mutual exaltation that counts. Madame de Beaucaillou is an invitation but also an introduction to the Borie signature, to the philosophy of the house.
Tasting Notes: 39% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. deep, dark garnet with a seductive, very fruity with a beautifully aromatic nose. This is a very indulgent wine. Well balanced with a nice finish.
Reviews
Pretty aromas of blackcurrant, violet and graphite follow through to a medium to full body with firm, silky tannins and a delicious finish. I like the precision here. Try after 2022.~91 JS
About the Wine
In 2002 Jean Chanfreau and his wife, Marie-Helene set out to make high-quality, affordable Bordeaux, with passion and care. Harvest is all done by hand and they do not employ the use of any harmful herbicides or pesticides. They are unique in their bold choice to feature Merlot as the predominant varietal. Despite being on the left bank Jean and Marie-Helene knew Merlot was best for expertly highlighting the finesse and the balance of their terroir not found anywhere else in the Medoc. The result is a well-balanced red that develops charm and richness early in the bottle. Allowing this wine to be approachable young and ready to drink now.
Jean and Marie-Helene acquired their 4-hectare vineyard in 2002, taking over the for family that had owned this site since 1820. Clos des Demoiselles' old vine Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is located on the south side of the Puy de Menjon, the highest point of the Medoc. Ensuring proper ripening of the grape's tannic structure, while still maintaining balance and acidity.
2015 was an extremely dry vintage with Mother Nature smiling down at exactly the right moment. Bringing rains and leading to an immaculate harvest of ripe and lush reds. 2015 earned a vintage rating of 94 points from Wine Spectator.
Aging: 14 months in French oak barrels
Tasting Notes: Red Wine. 62% Merlot 38% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine shows a deep garnet color. The nose is very elegant with black currant, blueberry, and fresh raspberry. Notes of rose petal and crushed stone emerge as this wine opens up in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with balanced acidity, chewy tannins, and a beautiful lingering finish.
Reviews
NYR
About the Wine
Domaine du Bouscat has a long history that began in 1870 established by the Dubernard family. Today the estate is overseen by François Dubernard who took over the Domaine in 1998. They consult with world-renowned oenologist Claude Gros who works with a number of estates worldwide, helping them maximize the quality of their wine. They focus on producing three different Bordeaux wines that exemplify the quality and value obtainable in one of the world's most acclaimed wine regions.
Born from 38-year-old vines, the grapes are fermented in concrete-lined vats with malolactic fermentation taking place in barrel. The wine sees 95% new French oak This small production Bordeaux displays great structure with otherworldly balance.
Tasting Notes: Red Wine. 60% Merlot, 20% Malbec, 18% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense and brilliant red. Aromas of ripe plums, goji berry, black currants, tobacco leaf, nutmeg, and rose petal blanket the nose. This full-bodied dark fruit-driven Bordeaux is accompanied by firm tannins and is a perfect depiction of power and balance.
Reviews
This 2016 Domaine du Bouscat Cuvee La Gargone is slightly deeper colored and brought up in 70% new oak, the 2016 La Gargone (60% Merlot, 20% Malbec, 18% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon) offers more blue and black fruits, with subtle chocolate and scorched earth aromatics. It’s another ripe, powerful yet pure and beautifully balanced effort from this estate that’s well worth seeking out. ~92 Jeb Dunnuck
Produced from a single south-facing, hillside vineyard of just 3.3 hectares situated just west of the Fronsac appellation and composed of 60% Merlot, 20% Malbec, 18% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 La Gargone gives up notes of crushed black cherries, preserved plums and baking spices with potpourri and violets hints. The palate is full-bodied, firm, and chewy with loads of spicy black fruit and a perfumed finish. Production is about 700 cases ~91 Robert Parker
About the Wine
Loosely translated from Cajun French, the name of Greg Martellotto’s latest Pinot phenom means “Let the Good Times Roll.” It’s an appropriate phrase; this elegant limited-production expression of some of California’s most sought-after Pinot grapes brings the party, at a price that won’t crush a wine lover’s wallet. Sensual notes of oak, lavender and raspberry seamlessly transition from the nose to the palate, where they’re accompanied by a voluptuous structure and sublime balance.
The 2017 vintage is sourced from the exciting new project at Spear Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. The grapes are farmed organically. Located just over a hill from the Seasmoke vineyard and south of Highway 246, these are some very lovingly and attentively farmed vines.
The wine aged in 100% French oak, 10% new. It was bottled after 11 months to maintain a freshness and vivacity. Like all great Pinots, this wine is a bit of a seductress. It allures with notes of spice, light cedar, and a bright raspberry. Slowly, it reveals itself with aeration.
Reviews
Awarded Double Gold Medal at New Orleans International Blind Wine Competition 2019
Awarded 94 pts & Double Gold Medal at Las Vegas Global Wine Competition 2019
Awarded 92 pts from Dr. Rusty Gaffney at PinotFile
Awarded Silver Medal by TheFiftyBest.com
Martellotto's "Evening Red' Bordeaux blend Steals the Spotlight. One of the best value and high quality red blends from the Happy Canyon in Santa Barbara.
Greg Martellotto believes blends are better and this wine highlights the symphonic harmony of three Bordeaux varietals: 40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Cab. Franc.
Aromas of luxardo cherry, cedar, and fresh Med. herbs entice. Flavors of ripe plum, blueberry, and oak dance on the tongue.
Reviews
Already bottled, the 2017 Rosso di Sera is a plump, rounded, sexy wine that has loads of ripe cherries, blackberries, toasted spices, and earth. With medium to full-bodied richness and ample fruit, it's a delicious, fun wine to drink over the coming 4-5 years. The blend is 40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Cabernet Franc, all aged 10 months in 20% new oak. ~90 points, Jeb Dunnuck
