2010 - Present Wine

Producer Description 

A blend of five of our favorite Russian River Valley vineyard sites, this Chardonnay captures the fantastic character of the 2021 vintage. Fusing fresh lemon and white floral aromas with a throughline of minerality, this versatile Chardonnay is simultaneously easygoing and complex.  

Peak Drinking Window: 2023 – 2029. 

98 Points, James Suckling
​94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck 
90 Points, Wine Spectator

Expert Review

James Suckling 98 Points | Extremely focused and energetic nose of sliced limes and Meyer lemons with lemongrass. Some stone and hints of flint. Full-bodied with superb density and structure and phenolics that you can feel. It goes on for minutes. Slightly chewy at the end. From Wente clones planted in 1974. (v.2021). 

Winery Notes

Sindicat La Figuera is the recovery of an illusion, a project of 6 farmers from La Figuera. A unique village in Montsant, with a very special characteristics: located in the highest point of the region - 550m-, their garnatxa vines –the only varietal– planted in goblet and ages between 30 and 80 years old stand out for their personality and particularity.

The freshness of the altitude gives its wines hints of citrus and flowers that are not found in other wines in the area. If we add their traditional way of making wine in underground concrete tanks, here is the result: a light and fresh wine.

Winery Notes

This wine is a remarkable example of the Noval style. Treated exactly like a Vintage Port with only noble grape varieties from the Quinta, trodden by foot and unfiltered. Its main difference is that it is aged for five years in casks instead of the two years typical of Vintage Ports. Definitely an LBV with a difference, with fine structured tannins, great freshness and purity of fruit. It is delicious to drink today but will age beautifully in its bottle.

OUR DIFFERENCE
An unfiltered Late Bottled Vintage made only with grapes from our vineyard, trodden by foot in the Quinta do Noval "lagares".

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VINTAGE

2016 was a year of extremes: a warm winter with high rainfall, at 618 mm twice as much as in an average year. After a wet spring, summer was very hot and dry, with some peaks of heat in August and September. By the end of August, the harvest looked extremely good, in excellent sanitary condition, but ripening began to slow down due to the very hot and dry conditions.

Fortunately 17 mm of much needed rain fell on 13th September, and maturation continued in ideal conditions from this point onwards. The main part of the harvest began on 19th September in dry and sunny weather, and the fruit continued to ripen throughout the harvest period. We were able to harvest each plot in ideal conditions as ripening continued.

In spite of the unusual and extreme climatic conditions of the year, the end result is of an excellent quality. The Port wines are exceptional, with excellent structure, very intense bright fruit, and aromatically very expressive.

TASTING NOTES

This 2016 LBV Unfiltered is a delicious Port, rich and complex with gorgeous notes of blackberry and blackcurrant fruits and hints of spice as well. A minty freshness and dark chocolate add to the mix. This concentrated wine presents a broad, rounded texture that leads to a long aftertaste.

Carlos Agrellos, Technical Director

GRAPE VARIETIES

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Sousão

Producer Description 

Like the rest of Quinta do Noval, the Nacional parcel ripened early in 2020 and was harvested in one day on 17th September. Deepest inky crimson-black colour; sullen and dense on the nose but with underlying opulence; amazing depth and concentration, nothing raw about this despite its youth. Broad, ripe, gravelly tannins, focused with glorious spice and richness. Big and broad on the finish but with remarkable freshness and finesse for a hot year. A ‘wow’ of a wine with a lifetime or more in bottle ahead.

Expert Review

Wine Spectator 99 Points | A bird of a different feather, this shows remarkable purity for the vintage, along with a rippling tension that sets it completely apart. Delivers a mix of cassis, plum sauce and açaí berry compote on the fruit side, along with bramble, salted licorice, cast iron and bittersweet chocolate notes filling in throughout. Massively structured, too, and there's even a flash of violet at the very end—which takes a while to get to. A special wine. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Cão, Sousão and Tinta Roriz. Best from 2040 through 2070.

Decanter 99 Points | Like the rest of Quinta do Noval, the Nacional parcel ripened early in 2020 and was harvested in one day on 17th September. Deepest inky crimson-black colour; sullen and dense on the nose but with underlying opulence; amazing depth and concentration, nothing raw about this despite its youth. Broad, ripe, gravelly tannins, focused with glorious spice and richness. Big and broad on the finish but with remarkable freshness and finesse for a hot year. A ‘wow’ of a wine with a lifetime or more in bottle ahead.

Vinous 99 Points | The 2020 Nacional was picked from 1 to 22 September, a relatively short harvest. It has a magnificent, exquisitely defined bouquet with a purity that bowls you over, perhaps even more intense than the 2019 Nacional tasted alongside. The palate is extraordinarily pure and intense, slightly viscous in texture, with layers of cassis, black cherries, blood orange and a dab of spice. Seamless on the finish. This is a worthy follow-up to the stellar 2019 Nacional. The two will fight between themselves for supremacy. Tasted at the Quinta do Noval tasting at Spring restaurant in London.

Producer Description 

Dry Chenin blanc. Bright yellow with green/grey hues. 

This cuvée reveals a smoked and mineral ensemble, paired with white or yellow fruit notes (pear, peach, apple), enhenced by aromas of smoked buts (hazelnut).

Smooth and fresh, flavours of white fruit and citrus, good acidity and interesting bitterness on the finish. Elegant finale, reminding of a white fruit purée.

Producer Description 

The 2020 Petite Sirah has lovely floral aromatic intensity showcasing notes of fresh violet, candied floral blossom and black raspberry. On the palate, these notes are echoed, with layers of creamy blueberry, ripe Bing cherry, raspberry gelato, and black cherry liquor.

There is a richness and opulence to this wine, with intriguing power and intensity while the tannins come across fresh and chewy adding structure, finesse, and complexity. Secondary notes of roasted coffee bean, dark chocolate, and cocoa-nibs harken to the well-integrated subtle oak character that leads to a lengthy mouthwatering finish.

This is a perfect example of classic Petite Sirah from Napa Valley, certain to age and provide enjoyment for many years to come.

Expert Review

James Suckling 94 Points | A very fine-tannined red with blackberry, chocolate, dried chili, ink pot, and oyster shell aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very structured, with a flavorful and lightly austere finish. Top petite sirah. Drink or hold. (v.2020).

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Oak char and black pepper aromas lead to drenching blackberry and blueberry flavors in this rich and intensely tannic wine. The color is black to a reddish rim, the texture is thick and a bit drying, and the body is full. This wine needs time and/or a good decanting to loosen up. Best from 2027.(v:2020). 

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Aged entirely in American oak (19% new), the 2020 Petite Sirah pairs an interesting mix of garrigue-like notions with mocha and cigar box, plus notes of blueberries, licorice and dark chocolate. It's full-bodied and a bit chewy on the palate but ripe, juicy and long.

This affordably hedonistic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is brimming with delicious flavor. Dark fruits fill the bouquet with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, violets, ripe plums and creme de cassis. Full bodied in the mouth, smooth and velvety in texture with unfolding layers of toasty oak, espresso roast, licorice and dark chocolate. Silky tannins add structure with a  lovely touch of vanilla on the long finish. Drinking perfectly.

Bart Hopkins

Expert Reviews

Allen Meadows of Burghoud writes 94-96 Points | As with several wines in the range, there is a subtle touch of wood evident on the ripe and ultra-pure floral-inflected nose of violet, lavender, rose petal, exotic tea and red cherry scents. There is impressive concentration to the middleweight plus flavors that brim with dry extract that imparts a seductive mouthfeel as well as buffers the borderline robust tannins shaping the hugely persistent and strikingly powerful finish. This is brilliant but it's also very much built-to-age so buy it and forget it.

Critic Notes

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 92-94 Points | Sweet Spot: A slightly more elegant nose combines notes of red cherry and raspberry with discreet touches of earth and discreet wood. The slightly finer and succulent middleweight flavors possess very good verve while exhibiting very fine depth and persistence on the first, dusty, youthfully austere and built-to-age finale. Once again, patience strongly suggested as this should make for a beautiful bottle in time. 

Winemaker Description

The 2021 Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc is initially closed on the nose but unfurls with notes of subtle tropicality, honey and graphite. The palate is extraordinarily complete, with complex layers of peach, preserved citrus and toasted nuts. A fine line of acidity and an enticing saline minerality balance the intense core of fruit and provide a fresh, palate-cleansing finish. 

Expert Review

Robert Parker 95+ Points | Te Koko is arguably the wine that launched the concept of premium Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand in the 1980s—no mean feat. On the nose, this 2021 Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc leads with pink grapefruit, nashi pear, white pepper, layers of crushed shells and brine, with hints of vanilla pod and star anise. In the mouth, all of the above with additional cut fennel, suggestions of marzipan, graphite and white pepper. There is a gentle lees texture and brilliant length of flavor. Excellent wine. The only reason you could possibly not like this wine is if you don't like Sauvignon Blanc, and even then, I'd insist that you try it.

Winemaker Description 

The wine bursts with bright fruit aromas of cherry and red plum, with notes of vanilla, holiday spices, and lavender all jumping out on the nose. Plum flavors continue to the palate, joined by layers of raspberry jam, mocha, clove, and white pepper. The mid-palate is soft and creamy, framed by fine tannins and ending with a long, lush finish that will leave you wanting another sip.

Winemaker Description

Carignan with a small amount of Mataró. Sourced from 11 rows at one end of the Truquilemu vineyard, 75+ year old vines. Ancestral farming by hand and horse.

Granitic soils. Hand harvested. Fermented with indigenous yeast. Pressed whole cluster. Aged in old barrels over one winter— barrels fourth use or more.

Critic Notes

Joaquin Hidalgo writes:  The 2021 Nicolò Brunetto is a blend of 80% Sangiovese co-fermented with equal portions of Syrah and Merlot from the Uco Valley. Aged for 12 months in French barrels (one-fifth new), it's garnet-red with a cherry sheen. The nose offers faint oaky notes, mushrooms and undergrowth against a sour cherry backdrop. Tart and dry in the mouth, it establishes a delicate tension between the reactive tannins and high acidity, resulting in a layered palate in which the oak plays a supporting role. This is a long-lasting red wine that pays homage to Tuscany.  Drinking 2023 to 2033.  Vinous 93

James Suckling writes:  A fragrant nose with wild berries, currants, dried herbs, potpourri and nutmeg. It’s medium-bodied with finely grained tannins. Poised and layered with bright acidity bringing a succulent, sour cherry character to the palate. Long and developing finish. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 93

Aaron Romano writes:  Compact and built on structure and acidity, this could benefit from time to develop. Still, the potential is there, and there's a measure of elegance underneath the muscle. With subtle dried floral and mushroom tones to the tart cherry core, this offers baking spice details that dance in. Plenty of fresh thyme and mineral notes fill out the finish. Sangiovese, Syrah and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2038.  - Wine Spectator 92

Winemaker Description

Brilliant appearance with a dark purple rim and concentrated depth of colour. The aroma is fine and subdued with only a hint of primary dark fruits and some spice. The true potential and style of this wine really comes together on the palate with wonderful integration of dark fruits with a grainy tannic structure, pairing volume with amazing balance and elegance and an impressive finish. In conclusion, the primary fruit on the palate is appealing at this stage, but it's the balanced tannic structure which indicates great ageing potential for the future. 

Winemaker Description 

The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is the new top-level typology of Chianti Classico wine’s appellations, making up only about 6% of the total Chianti Classico wine production. For regulation, this wine is produced only from a selection of the estate’s best grapes and must be aged for a minimum of 30 months, including 3 months of bottle aging. To be a Gran Selezione, this Chianti Classico follows the strictest standards of chemical parameters, reaching outstanding organoleptic characteristics, recognized and approved only after a blind tasting by a special committee of expert winemakers.

From the organoleptic viewpoint, in general, the Gran Selezione has a great structure that, for its provenience, gives superior balance and harmony, depth of flavor, and aromatic complexity, all under the unmistakable “Sangiovese” signature. On the palate, it combines the immediacy of fruit with the fascinating nuances, typical of wines that take a long to evolve.

As an excellent expression of a wine made only with Sangiovese grapes, ASSAI is a full-bodied wine with an intense ruby color. During aging in French oak barrels, it reached richness, complexity, and the right balance of taste and smell. It is a pleasantly intense wine, fruity and spicy, slightly balsamic on the nose, smooth, consistent, and persistent in the mouth.

Serving suggestions:

This wine combines perfectly with elaborate meat and game dishes or aged cheeses. This wine can be preserved in the bottle for years, then it is recommended to aerate it before being served.

Terroir:

U.G.A. Vagliagli, Municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga (Siena).

Mediterranean climate, windy and sunny, stony soil on Macigno, with portions of ‘Galestro’ and ‘Alberese’.

Grapes:

Sangiovese 100 %. 

Organic grapes. From a single, estate vineyard, fifteen years old.

Average production:
4.500 bottles (750 ml).

Consultan:
Agronomist Ruggero Mazzilli

Winemaker Description 

Barons Edmond and Benjamin de Rothschild are proud to present their Haut-Medoc, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (40%). From harvest to bottling, this wine was produced with the utmost commitment to quality. This wine was aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, according to the tradition established by the great wines of Bordeaux. The wine offers attractive spicy notes, with rich fruit flavors.

This classic left-bank Bordeaux is complex, full-bodied, and earthy with lovely mouth-coating tannin. The palate features blueberry, plum, prune, leather, tobacco, cassis, ginger, and oak flavors that caress the palate.

Pair with a rack of lamb, chicken, and veal.

You will enjoy the round and velvety tannic structure that's characteristic of this great wine.

Winemaker Description

Bright and fresh, with signature limestone minerality and bright acidity all wrapped around a core of lemon citrus notes. This wine is ideal paired with fish, shellfish or goat cheese, or as an aperitif.

This Sancerre Blanc was formally called Sancerre "Côtes des Embouffants".  Brothers Éric and Jean-Philippe Neveu produce a fresh-cut-grass-and-citrus-inflected Sauvignon Blanc of incredible precision from this site. They ferment and age it only in tank and rack by gravity to preserve all the juicy, sun-ripened fruit and lively mineral snap conferred by this steep, limestone-covered hillside. Luminous gold in color, the bouquet offers fresh lively citrus aromas as well as a touch of white flowers. Generously perfumed and incredibly refreshing. 

This is unoaked and comes in at 11% alcohol. The purity and the modest ripeness both allow the freshness to have a more prominent place. This is a lot of fun to drink.

Light in colour. Aroma of red fruits, some spice and a mineral undertone. Fresh, truly enticing and full of precision.

Winemaker Description 

Brilliant crimson in color, Raeburn Sonoma County Pinot Noir leads with pleasing aromas of berry pie, lavender and vanilla. The palate is marked with fresh fruit flavors of lush wild blueberry, raspberry, and cherry with undertones of roasted hazelnut. The finish is graceful and sophisticated.

Winemaker Description

The various plots were harvested at the optimal ripening stage and fermented separately, after the fermentations the wines were combined into a white blend. Psagot Sinai White is a refreshing, aromatic, elegant and fruity wine, with rich aromas and flavors of melons and pears, with supportive acidic structure.

Winemaker Description 

Ruby red with garnet shades, beautiful clarity. The nose is delicate and complex: the essence of Nebbiolo. The underlying structure is vibrant, and elegant with soft tannins and harmonious acidity.

Winemaker Description 

The Barolo DOCG of Riva Del Bric signed by P. Conterno is a wine that fully expresses the distinctive character of the Langhe area. Produced with Nebbiolo grapes, ripened among the hilly vineyards of the region, this Barolo stands out for its complexity and elegance. On the nose it offers an intriguing bouquet of aromas of ripe berries, dried plum and a touch of dried rose, enriched by notes of sweet spices, licorice and a light hint of to

Winemaker Description 

55% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Chardonnay. This wine is made from the grapes grown in top quality vineyards located in the Judean Hills. The must was fermented in controlled cold temperature stainless steel tanks for 4 weeks. This process enhances maximum extraction of fruity and citrus aromas.

This Blanc boasts scents of soft pink peony and orange blossom against a gooseberry and white strawberry fruit backbone.

Winemaker Notes

Beautiful minerality shining through it, alongside touches of honeymelon and stone fruit. 

Very experienced natural wine drinkers may experience a small note of sulphur on the finish, but it does not distract from the uniqueness of this special wine.

Growing up in Agrigento on Sicily’s southern coast, Filippo Mangione had winemaking in his blood. For generations his family tended vines and made wine in their palmento until his grandfather passed away in the sixties. The vineyards and building were sold off; leaving his family without an estate.

After university, he dove headfirst into the world of wine: working as a waiter, sommelier, journalist, and sales/export in both the US and the UK. The more he worked selling other peoples’ wines, the more he felt the pull to revive his family’s legacy and re-establish an estate of his own. In 2011, after months of visiting and walking the slopes of Etna, Filippo happened to meet the old owner of a nearly abandoned vineyard in Calderara Sottana planted in the early 1900s behind a grove of chesnut trees. Too old to work the vineyards any longer, he was thrilled that Filippo wanted to continue his work, telling him “Take it. Don’t let this vineyard die.” Filippo spent his life savings to buy that vineyard and Ayunta was born.

The vineyards of Ayunta, now several parcels spread throughout the top terroirs (namely the contrada of Calderara Sottana) around Randazzo on northern Etna, total 2.8 ha. The vineyards are populated mainly by very old vines. Every vine is different which is why Filippo does all his farming either by hand or small machine. He doesn’t use any chemicals in his vineyards, preferring to allow the natural vitality of
the soil shine through in the wines.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This classic Timorasso showcases a distinctive herbal edge, with layers of aromas and flavors. The nose offers crisp green apple and lemon pith, hinting at the wine's vibrant character. On the palate, the green-apple notes become more pronounced, with a tart quality that adds to the freshness. The lemon pith brings a bitter, zesty dimension, complementing the wine's herbal undertones, which evoke sensations of freshly crushed thyme and sage. These flavors intertwine seamlessly, creating a complex and textured experience that highlights the unique attributes of the Timorasso grape. Drink now–2035. (2022). 

Winemaker Description

Discover the vibrant Gilgal Sauvignon Blanc from Golan Heights Winery. Crafted from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the unique volcanic soil and high altitude of the Golan Heights, this light to medium-bodied wine offers a symphony of guava, pineapple, lemon, peach, and melon, balanced with a subtle grassiness.

Enjoy its delightful aromas of pear and vanilla, complemented by tropical pineapple flavors, Gala apple, and refreshing mint notes. Perfectly paired with grilled seafood, light salads, or goat cheese, it promises a fresh, lingering finish. Ideal for enhancing any dining experience.

Winemaker Description

Gilgal Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot fruit grown in the cold climate and high altitude unique to the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee. This attractive blend displays characters of both classic varieties. More than anything, the wine's distinctive style and personality express the Golan growing regionand the people who created it.

Aromas of raspberry and cherry are balanced by notes of orange peel and chocolate with hints of flowers and French oak. This medium-to-fullbodied blend is flavorful and complex. 

Winemaker Description

Ronan by Clinet is an approachable wine that reflects the style and savoir-faire of a prestigious Pomerol winery. It is a fresh, fruit-forward and delicately spiced wine, ready to drink now or age for several years – the perfect choice for a spontaneous after-work treat or a dinner party with friends.

Expert Review

Decanter 88 Points | Very fresh and peachy aromas on the nose. Broad and oily, lively and delicious, rich finish. (Bronze). (2022).

Winemaker Description

Kith & Kin, Old English for “Friends & Family”, is a Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from all corners of the Napa Valley but with its heart rooted in Rutherford. This wine is approachable in its youth, with balanced tannins and a fruit-forward character. The vast majority of fruit comes from our estate, supplemented by a limited amount from Napa Valley growers.

Beautifully complex and rich aromatics of bright cassis and ripe red fruit jump out of the glass upon the first encounter. This wine opens with bright raspberry, softening through the mid-palate with notes of toffee, cocoa, and crème brulee. The soft and smooth mouth feel paired with fine-grained tannins effortlessly round out this young and serious, yet remarkably approachable Cabernet.

Expert Reviews