Weekend Vinopolpick – August 30th

August 30, 2014

Vinopolis will be open on Labor Day!
10am – 6pm

Sottimano Barbaresco Cotta 2009 ($59.95) $49 special 12+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “Playing very much true to type, the 2009 Barbaresco Cotta is the richest and roundest of these 2009s. As always, it has the most overt fruit to match its generally supple personality. Here, too the richness of the fruit goes head to head with the formidable tannins all the way through to the finish. This dark, fleshy Barbaresco should enter its sweet spot in another five years or so. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.”

Sottimano Barbaresco Cotta 2010 ($69.95) $59 special 12+ bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 93 (+?) points “(from classic clay-and-limestone soil; aged in 15% new oak; Sottimano gets all his barriques from Francois Freres):  Bright, saturated medium red.  Raspberry, brown spices and earth on the nose, accented by a note of wild sage.  At once silky and bright, showing tangy floral lift to the intense, tightly coiled red berry and earth flavors.  Juicy, sharply delineated wine with a sexy topnote of blood orange.  Finishes with fine tannins and terrific persistence and lift.  Barbaresco for the Burgundy lover. ”

Sottimano Barbaresco Curra 2007 ($74.95) $69 special 9 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2007 Barbaresco Curra is a touch more austere and reserved than the Fausoni, but equally compelling. A wall of tannin hides a core of bright red berries, flowers, sweet herbs and licorice that will need at least several years of cellaring to fully emerge. This, too, possesses exceptional length and fabulous overall balance in a textured, captivating style for the year. With time in the glass, this positively explodes on the palate with layers of ripe fruit and structure, resulting in a fabulous wine that represents the epitome of finesse. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.”

Sottimano Barbaresco Curra 2009 ($79.95) $69 special 11 bottles available
Wine Advocate & Stephen Tanzer 92+ points “Sottimano’s 2009 Barbaresco Curra is striking in this vintage. The Curra is often hard when it is young, but in 2009 the wine has a little more volume and richness, which serves to cover the tannins. Bright red berries, flowers, mint and sweet spices flesh out in this radiant, textured Barbaresco. High-toned floral notes flow through to the inviting close. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.” WA

Sottimano Barbaresco Fausoni 2007 ($84.95) $59 special 8 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “The Fausoni is usually one of the lighter-weight Barbarescos here, but not in 2007. Dark red fruit, crushed flowers, licorice and sweet baking spices come together beautifully in this ripe, sensual Barbaresco. There is a wonderful richness to the fruit that virtually covers the tannins, all while avoiding any sense of heaviness. Simply put, the Fausoni is an overachiever in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027.”

Sottimano Barbaresco Fausoni 2009 ($59.95) $49 special 12+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “A sweet, floral bouquet infused with a note of mint announces the 2009 Barbaresco Fausoni. This mid-weight, gracious Barbaresco is all about finesse, detail and nuance. I very much like the sense of energy here. Firm yet well-balanced tannins frame the long finish. The balance of fruit, acidity and structure is about as harmonious as it gets in 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.”

Sottimano Barbaresco Fausoni 2010 ($69.95) $59 special 12 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “(aged in 25% new oak; from sandy soil):  Good medium red.  Highly perfumed aromas of redcurrant, red plum, licorice, incense and dried herbs.  Juicy and fairly light, with lovely rose petal lift to the pure flavors of red fruits, dry spices and herbs.  Finishes with fine-grained tannins and excellent length and lift.”

Sottimano Barbaresco Pajore 2009 ($64.95) $51.90 special 12+ bottles available
Stephen Tanzer & Wine Advocate 93 points “(from a high-altitude, limestone-rich vineyard in Treiso):  Good bright red.  Sexy, elegant nose offers strawberry, raspberry, tobacco and spices.  Juicy and primary for the vintage, with excellent mineral and spicy cut giving precision to the middle palate.  Very Treiso in character, and the highest in acidity of these 2009 Barbarescos (6 grams, vs. 5.5 for the others).  Finishes energetic and long, with chewy, firm tannins and terrific lift.  This really transcends the vintage.  “But not the best style of wine for a blind tasting,” notes Sottimano.” ST

Sottimano Barbaresco Pajore 2010 ($69.95) $59 special 12 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92(+?) points “(from a limestone-based vineyard in Treiso, planted at an altitude of 380 meters; vinified with 15% whole clusters):  Good bright dark red.  Slightly balsamic aromas of cherry cola, dried spices, cedar and cigar box, with some suggestions of very ripe fruit.  Lush, round and silky but less showy and aromatic today than the Cotta.  Less primary fruit and more soil and tobacco here, supported by firm limestone-driven acidity.  Finishes with dusty tannins that reach the front teeth, and a building sweetness that leaves behind nuances of herbs and spices.”

Sottimano Barbaresco Riserva 2005 ($119.95) $89 special 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva is a dense, powerful, fruit-driven Barbaresco that is virtually impenetrable at this stage. This old-vines selection from Cotta and Pajore remains incredibly primary and youthful. Dark fruit, smoke, leather and tar are just some of the notes that linger on the massive yet impressively round, harmonious close. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. “

Araujo estate

The Araujo Estate Winery was founded by Bart and Daphne Araujo in the 1990s around the esteemed Eisele vineyard.  The vineyard dates to the 1880s, when Jackson G Randall planted it with Zinfandel and Riesling.  The Eisele family, for which it is now named, replanted it with Cabernet Sauvignon in 1964.  Such well-respected winemakers as Paul Draper of Ridge Vineyards and Joseph Phelps were some of the first to produce single-vineyard bottlings from the Eisele vineyard.  The Araujos built the winery, renovated the vineyard and converted it to organic and biodynamic.  While redesigning, they discovered a block of Syrah vines among the Cab that was grafted in 1978.  The vineyard is mostly well-draining alluvial soil studded with large pebbles. In 2013, Araujo Estate Wines and the Eisele Vineyard were acquired by French businessman Francois Pinault through his holding group, Artemis. Since the famed Chateau Latour is held by the same ownership we have now in effect a marriage of Araujo and Chateau.

Araujo Estate Altagracia Red, Napa Valley 2011 ($149.95) $119 special 23 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2011 Altagracia is round, sexy, supple and beautiful, especially within the context of the year. Sweet red berries, mint, tobacco, savory herbs and anise meld together in a distinctive wine long on personality. With time in the glass the wine fleshes out nicely, as the flavors become darker, richer and layered. Altagracia is a blend of mostly Eisele fruit, plus a bit of Vine Hill Ranch, a well-draining site in Oakville that is among Napa Valley’s very best. The blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec.”

Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2010 ($449.95) $379 special 35 bottles available
Robert Parker 98 points “Araujo’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is a picture perfect example of the year. Vibrant, precise and beautifully chiseled, the 2010 boasts serious depth and concentration. The aromas and flavors are incredibly vivid in this textured, dazzling Cabernet Sauvignon. Hints of dark blue and black fruit, mocha, espresso and grilled herbs flesh out on the huge finish. Today the 2010 is unusually open, but it is almost certain to shut down in bottle over the next 6-12 months. The 2010 is a super-classic Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon from Araujo. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2035”

Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard Syrah, Napa Valley 2004 ($179.95) $149 special 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “Syrah has done well in this climate, and the 2004 Syrah Eisele Vineyard is a more elegant, lighter-styled wine than I thought from tasting it last year. It is still well-delineated with a dark ruby/purple color, floral and blackberry notes, a subtle peppery touch and a hint of meat. The wine is pretty and does include a small percentage of Viognier in the blend (usually around 3-4%). Unfortunately, the production of this wine is only around 300-400 cases.”

Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard Syrah, Napa Valley 2010 ($249.95) $189 special 10 bottles available
Robert Parker 96 points “Another standout, the 2010 Syrah Eisele Vineyard is drop-dead gorgeous. A bevy of black olives and plums burst from the glass in an explosive wine loaded with varietal nuance and sheer power. The cooler vintage brought out the best. This is a marvelous, totally compelling wine endowed with massive concentration and depth. The addition of 3% Viognier and a small amount of stems add complexity. Black fruit, tobacco, savory herbs, licorice and menthol are layered into the brooding finish.”

 

Domaine Didier Dagueneau
Arriving Late September

The story of Domaine Didier Dagueneau is one of triumph, transcendence, and more recently, tragedy. Didier Dagueneau started his winery with nothing and turned it into one of the most revered estates in the Loire Valley, producing top of the line Sauvignon Blanc that could only be described as ethereal. After his death in 2008, his son Louis Benjamin, has taken over the helm, continuing to produce the one of a kind Dagueneau wines under his father’s name. Louis-Benjamin is finding a harmony of his own, cherishing the stylistic legacy of his father while also embracing the Dagueneau spirit of innovation and experimentation. Pouilly Fume is at the heart of the Dagueneau estate, their flagship wine their Blanc Fume de Pouilly, followed by their superstar single vineyard wines Silex and Pur Sang. It was not until 2002, before Didiers death, that the estate was expanded to include small parcels in Jurancon, from which they produce sweet and dry whites made from the Petit Manseng varietal. 

Didier Dagueneau Blanc Fume De Pouilly 2012 ($79.95) $59 special
Importer notes “This is Dagueneau’s “entry level” cuvée. The aim is to produce the most direct, pure expression of Sauvignon from a typical Pouilly Fumé vineyard. Packed full of chalky minerality and citrus notes.”

Didier Dagueneau Pur Sang 2012 ($109.95) $89 special
Importer notes “Arguably the domaine’s most popular cuvée. Aged mostly in 450 and 600 liter barrels, as well as some of Dagueneau’s famous cigar barrels. Designed by the late Didier, these barrels are 350 liters and agressively elongated.”

Didier Dagueneau Silex 2012 ($139.95) $119 special
Importer notes “This is Dagueneau’s Grand Cru,if you will. Because of the lower clay content in the soil, this wine tends to be more austere in its youth than the Pur Sang , which explains why it often receives lower scores wine journals that rate how a wine is currently drinking. Do not be fooled! Those familiar with older vintages of Silex will attest to the fact that if given the time in bottle, it will always rise above the rest.”

Didier Dagueneau Jardin Babylone Jurancon Moelleux 2010 ($69.95) $59 special
Importer notes “Dagueneau’s approach is to produce wines that bring out the natural minerality of the soil and have balance, harmony and longevity. The relative sweetness of each vintage is secondary to the balance of acidity, texture and richness of fruit and the wines will never be chaptalised.”

Didier Dagueneau Jardins Babylone Jurancon Sec 2012 ($79.95) $66 special
Importer notes “Dagueneau’s makes a limited number of bottles of dry wine from these beloved Jurancon hectares. The aim is to produce a wine that brings out the natural minerality of the soil and have balance, harmony and longevity. Concentrated, racy and extremely memorable.”

Nicolas & Virginie Joly
Arriving in October

Today, Nicolas Joly is not only a maker of some of the most sought after Loire Valley wines, but also the spearhead of biodynamic viticulture. He has written many books on the subject, and is widely considered a pioneer and leader of the biodynamic wine movement, starting the Renaissance des Appellations (Rebirth of Appellations) in order to promote biodynamic principles in 2001. Working from the famed Coulée de Serrant estate, he works to produce bold Savennieres with a sense of time and place. Planted in the 12th century by the Cistercian monks, the Coulée de Serrant domaine experienced successive owners until it was bought by the Joly family in 1962 and cultivated by Denise Joly. Nicolas Joly returned to his family’s estate to take over in 1977, leaving behind a career in finance, and has recently passed over much of the domaine responsibility to his daughter Virginie. Rapidly convinced by the results of biodynamic practices, the estate has been Demeter and Ecocert certified since 1984. The domaine produces 3 wines: La Coulée de Serrant, Les Vieux Clos and Le Clos de la Bergerie. The soils are mainly made of schist and the vineyards of Chenin Blanc are separated by walls like in Burgundy (thus the names Clos). With Joly’s strict commitment to biodynamic practices, the result is gorgeous grapes that will genuinely express the identity of the terroir through the wines and which are harvested in several sessions to ensure perfect ripeness.

Nicolas Joly Savennieres Les Vieux Clos 2012 ($44.95) $36 special
Nicolas Joly Savennieres La Roche Aux Moines Clos De La Bergerie 2012 ($69.95) $59 special
Nicolas Joly Savennieres Clos de la Coulee de Serrant 2012 ($119.95) $89 special

 

2012 Rhone Wines
Arriving Sept 12

Le Vieux Donjon was created in 1979 with the marriage of Lucien and Marie José Michel. Both Lucien and Marie José’s parents owned vineyards in the region, and those holding were combined to form Le Vieux Donjon. Their daughter Claire Michel has the reins today, and continues to produce wines true to the classic Donjon style. With fourteen hectares, all farmed organically, a key to Donjon’s succes is their old vines, averaging 80 years old, some reaching well over 100 years old. From all of this, only one red is produced each, a 75% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah and 5% Cinsault, along with various other grape varieties added in small amounts.All the grape varieties are fermented together,with the exception of the Mourvedre, and are fermented in concrete vats and aged for 18 months in foudres, producing a lush and concentrated wine.

Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf du Pape 2012 ($69.95) $49 special
Stephen Tanzer 92-94 points “(75% grenache, 10% syrah, 10% mourvedre and 5% cinsault):  Vivid ruby.  Sexy, expansive aromas of raspberry preserves, potpourri and Asian spices show impressive clarity.  Sweet, seamless and pure, offering intense red fruit and floral pastille flavors and notes of allspice and anise.  The velvety, focused finish shows superb length and harmonious tannins.”

Chateau Fortia is one of the older estates in Chateauneuf du Pape. In fact Chateau Fortia can date itself all the way back to its humble beginnings as a farm in 1763. Taking its name from the founder of the estate, the Marquis de Fortia, Chateau Fortia was a working winery starting in at least the early 1800′s, though the first label displaying the Chateau Fortia name was not produced until 1930. During that time, Chateau Fortia increased its size with additional purchases, expanding their beautiful estate to its current state.  Today Chateau Fortia is owned and managed by the Le Roy family, who have been in charge of the property since the early part of the 20th century.Located not far from the Chateauneuf du Pape village the 30 hectare vineyard is planted to produce both red and white wine.Chateau Fortia Tradition is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah,while the Cuvee du Baron, which made its debut in 2001, is a blend of 50% Grenache, 45% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre. Both wines are aged for an average of 16 months in old foudres to produce these classic Chateauneufs.

Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition 2012 ($37.95) $29 special
Stephen Tanzer 89-91 points “Deep ruby.  Pungent aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice and floral pastilles.  Taut and focused, with bright acidity enlivening the dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors.  Finishes spicy and long, with chewy tannins and lingering notes of licorice and smoky minerals.”

Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Baron 2012 ($41.95) $31.90 special
Stephen Tanzer 89-91 points “Inky ruby.  Blackcurrant, incense and dark chocolate aromas, with a meaty topnote.  Juicy, firm flavors of dark berries and bitter cherry are complicated by nuances of smoke and succulent herbs.  Youthfully taut and gripping on the finish, trailing notes of licorice and bitter chocolate.  Pretty serious, even brooding in character right now.”

Les Bosquets des Papes has been a working vineyard in Chateauneuf du Pape since 1860. Founded by the Boiron family, the domaine has been owned by the same family for 6 generations, operating originally as Clos Chantemerle in 1936 before the name was changed to Les Bosquets des Papes in 1966.With over forty plots located throughout Chateauneuf du Pape, Bosquet works with vines averaging around 50 years of age to produce their very traditional Chateauneufs, their special cuvee Chante le Merle made from vines averaging 100 years. The la Gloire de mon Grand-Pere, offered here today, is a field blend that the Boiron family first began producing in 1998. Made from close to 100% Grenache, with a small percentage of Cinsault and Clairette, the wine is aged in a combination of tank, vat, foudres and demi-muids.

Bosquet Des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape a la Gloire de Mon Grand Pere 2012 ($79.95) $59 special
Robert Parker 94-96 points “Looking just as good, with a slightly more approachable profile, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape A La Gloire de Mon Grand-Pere is a field blend of close to 100% Grenache that comes from the Gardiole lieu-dit. Aged all in demi-muid, it is an awesomely textured, seamless effort that boasts knockout aromas and flavors of kirsch, wild strawberries, herbs de Provence and red licorice. Not quite as backwards or concentrated as the Chante Le Merle, it should be approachable at an earlier age and drink brilliantly for 15 years or more. Drink 2015-2027.” 

In 2006, after working at Domaine des Relanges for many years, Olivier Hillaire decided to branch out on his own when his former father-in-law, Henri Boiron, decided to retire. Olivier purchased a mere 20% of the vineyard and since then has used his experience to produce great wines, and his charisma to become a major member of the community. In 2007 Olivier also purchased a brasserie in Chateaunuef du Pape, where at lunch time you can see him serving the guests with the same engagement he shows talking about his wines. Blessed with some of the very best plots in the region, Hillaire continues to produce stellar wines every vintage, most notably this ‘Les Petit Pieds d’Armand, Olivier’s top cuvee made from old vine Grenache planted as far back as 1899.

Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf du Pape 2012 ($59.95) $44 special
Robert Parker 93-95 points “Looking at his traditional cuvee, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape (a blend of mostly Grenache) is a thick, massive effort that got a big ‘wow!’ in the notes. Showing spectacular aromas and flavors of raspberry, spice, licorice and Provencal herbs, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, layers of sweet tannin and fantastic mid-palate depth. Fruit loaded and a hedonistic dream, it should dish out tons of pleasure over the coming decade. Drink 2014-2023.”

Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf du Pape Les Petits Pieds d’Armand 2012 ($119.95) $99 special
Robert Parker 95-98 points “Even better, and possibly the wine of the vintage, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Petits d’Armand is about as fabulous an expression of old vine Grenache as you’re likely to find. Massive and decadent, yet lively and fresh, it offers up a sweet bouquet of berry fruits, licorice, incense, flowers, garrigue to go with full-bodied richness and depth, thrilling purity, good freshness and blockbuster length. Gorgeous all around, it should drink well on release, yet last for 15+ years. Don’t miss it! Drink 2014-2027.” 

Domaine Lafond “Roc-Epine”, established by Jean-Pierre Lafon in 1970, produces wine in 4 of the Rhône Valley river appellations: Tavel, Lirac, Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf du Pape. It was Jean-Pierre’s great uncle, who was the governor in Tavel, who began growing grapes on his property in 1780.Fond of horses, Jean Pierre named the winery after a famous horse he loved, Roquepine.Today, Jean Pierre and his son Pascal run the estate, located in Tavel, providing refined and finely concentrated Cotes du Rhone and Chateauneuf du Pape at some of the most impressive values from the region.

Domaine Lafond Roc Epine Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2012 ($17.95) $14 special

Domaine Lafond Roc Epine Chateauneuf du Pape Roc Epine 2012 ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Advocate 91-94 points “The 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Roc-Epine should surpass the 2011 and be up there with the 2010 in terms of quality. Rich and layered, with plenty of black raspberry fruit, licorice, pepper and tobacco leaf aromas and flavors, this medium to full-bodied wine has fantastic purity, good overall freshness and ample richness and texture. Drink 2014-2022. ” 

At only eight hectares in size, Clos des Brusquieres was founded in 1900 by owner Claude Cortil’s great-grandfather. Bottling under the Brusquieres label as of 1996, Courtil has proven with every vintage that Clos des Brusquieres is deserving of any Rhone- lovers’ attention. Claude, godson of none other than the celebrated Henri Bonneau, has a deeply held commitment to natural winemaking: manual vineyard work, traditional aging in large foudres, and bottling without intrusive fining and filtration. Traditional in every sense of the word, Clos des Brusquieres produces just one wine; no luxury cuvee, no specialty blend. Just a stunningly pure and complex Chateauneuf-du-Pape, consisting of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre.

Clos Des Brusquieres Chateauneuf du Pape 2012 ($49.95) $39 special
Stephen Tanzer 92-94 points “Tasted in three components. #1:  Intensely perfumed in a distinctly pinot way, offering intense red berry and floral scents and a strong mineral component.  Weightless and pure, with superb focus and depth.  #2:  Deeper cherry and dark berry character, with notes of licorice and black tea.  Shows serious depth and power, with strong finishing grip.  #3:  Even richer than #2, offering bitter cherry and dark chocolate aromas and flavors and a hint of candied violet.  The ultimate wine should be richer than usual for this estate, whose wines are always among the purest and most delineated of the Chateauneufs that I taste every year.” 

Located in the north of Chateauneuf du Pape, not far from the ancient Roman city of Orange, Mas de Boislauzon is managed by Daniel and Christine Chaussy. Daniel and Christine, brother and sister are the sixth generation in their family to manage Mas de Boislauzon.With 9 hectares in Chateauneuf du Pape, and several more throughout Rhone, Mas de Boislauzon’s vineyards are farmed entirely by bio-dynamic practices, officially certified in 2012. Like many Chateauneuf du Pape growers, the vines of Mas de Boislauzon are located in different sectors spread across the appellation, all grapes are fermented serperately before blending and aging.The Le Quet cuvee, which made its debut in 1996, is a blend of 80% old vine Grenache, averaging around 80 years old, and 20% Mourvedre that is aged partially in steel tanks and neutral barrels.

Mas De Boislauzon Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Quet 2012 ($119.95) $89 special
Wine Advocate 94-96+ points “Even more impressive and a candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Quet (pronounced “kay”) is a blend of 80% tank-aged Grenache and 20% barrel-aged Mourvedre. A big, massive wine, with decadent roasted herbs, black and red fruits, licorice and scorched earth, this full-bodied, mouth-filling and brilliantly concentrated effort doesn’t lack for texture or richness, yet remains fresh and very drinkable. It should drink well for 15-20 years. Drink 2014-2032. Run by the brother and sister team of Daniel and Christine Chaussy, this brilliant estate covers just over 20 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape, most of which are in the northern part. They produce up to three Chateauneufs in top vintages and one white. In addition, their Vin de France and Cotes du Rhone Villages are always superb and sell for a song. Note: there was no Cuvee du Quet or le Tinto produced in 2011″ 

Founded in the mid-19th century, Domaine Boisson is made up of vineyards in the two communes of the Vaucluse: Lagarde Pareol and Cairanne, with a number of the Grenache vines over 100 years old.The roots of the property go back to the mid-nineteenth century when the great and great grandfather Boisson bought the land as a farm, cultivating cereals, olives and vines. Regis Boisson took over the domaine in 1971, deciding to produce his own wines rather than supplying the local co-operative with grapes, and, in 1986, Domaine Boisson bottled their first wine. Regis was joined by his son Bruno in 1999, with the help of star wine consultant Philippe Cambie the father-son team works to produce wines of finesse and intensity, while respecting the terroir and the environment of their vines.

Domaine Boisson Cairanne Cuvee L’Exigence 2012 ($34.95) $28 special
Robert Parker 91-93 points “Even better and getting a “Wow” in the notes, the 2012 Cairanne l’Exigence (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre aged in concrete and older barrels) is a serious effort that readers should snatch up. Deep, dark and layered, with thrilling purity of fruit, integrated acidity and fine tannin, it shows the vintage purity and freshness with it dark berry, cassis, spice and tinges of wood on the nose. It’s gorgeous stuff and will age gracefully for upwards of a decade.”