Half Bottles

Producer Description 

Laurent Cazottes is considered the king of artisan distillation in France when it comes to eau de vie and liqueurs. Every part of the production process is focused on quality. His fruits are grown biodynamically, they're all hand-picked, they only use the finest parts of the fruit, and their products maintain more freshness and purity than perhaps any other producer in the business.

For this reason they are not inexpensive. They are proudly displayed on the menus of the finest restaurants in France and have become almost mythical in their status. When our pal Nicolas Palazzi decided to be the American importer for Cazottes, he was in a bit of a pickle.

On one hand he had the chance to represent one of his true heroes for artisan spirits. On the other hand, the Cazottes products are nearly triple the price of their American counterparts. Always up for a challenge, Nicolas decided to make it his duty to spread the word. 

Our Professional Review

Debra 67Wine.com | A stunning wine with a provactive nose of rose petals, herbs, violets, red berries and cedar. A fuller style with purity and complex flavors of licorice,  strawberry, red berry fruits, and mushroom  Beautifully balanced structure and finesse with minerality and  firm tannins.  

Pair with roasted meats, boar, bolognese , truffle dishes,   and heartier pasta dishes.

Winemaker Desccription

The Sorì Paitin belongs to the Pasquero-Elia heirs since 1796. It is the Serraboella warmest slope, graced with unique soils that since ages is planted with Nebbiolo. Sorì means the first place where the snow melts with the first winter sun rays. Ancient rule to select the best plots for Nebbiolo. Serraboella is the most famous cru in the Southern Neive. A long hill exposed to West that gently bends towards South getting steeper. On this very side: the steepest and the warmest, the Barbaresco has a unique expression. Power, volume are laced by a elegant texture.

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 95 Points | Alluring aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry, leafy underbrush, tar, iron and hay mark this luscious red, which is fresh and firm at once, with a chalky, minerally essence on the long finish. Best from 2026 through 2042. (2020). 

James Suckling 94 Points | This offers a broad spectrum of aromas, from toasted spices and walnut shell to vibrant red fruit and rose petals. Hints of earth and undergrowth, too. Very dynamic and meaty on the palate with a full body and beautiful tannins. It’s velvety and compact and evenly distributed. Crunchy, too. Better after 2026. (2020). 

Robert Parker 94+ Points | In the local dialect, a "sorì" refers to the top of a hill that gets the most sunlight. The 2020 Barbaresco Serraboella Sorì Paitin is a special selection of fruit from a pinpoint area within this greater cru site in the village of Neive. Certified for organics, it does indeed show slightly riper and sweeter fruit, which is expected given the very warm temperatures seen during this growing season. This wine does not have the same austerity that we get in the wider selection from Serraboella. Instead, this bottle offers a softly layered expression with cassis, red rose, peony, apricot, spice and iodine. (2020). 

Winemaker Description

Exhibiting complex layers of raspberry, plum, and black cherry, accented by crushed roses, pencil shavings, and smoky cedar nuances, this full-bodied, vigorous Merlot bursts with flavors of macerated berries, coffee, and kirsch. Charming and ripe, it firms up to finish with a satisfying longevity.

Laurent makes four eaux-de-vie: – two from rare, almost extinct grape varieties: Prunelard and Mauzac Rose – a Pear Williams – a Greengage Each eau-de-vie is made from organic fruits, harvested ripe then dried on mats to concentrate sugars/flavors. The dried fruits are then pealed one by one, cut in half, the pit/seeds/stalk are removed as to keep only the flesh of the ripe fruit. Only then are they crushed into a juice and fermented. On average the wine obtained is about 11% alc./ vol.

This wine is distilled in a pot still to 66% alc./vol. Laurent bottles each eau-de-vie at 45% alc./vol after reducing the proof slowly by adjunction of demineralized water.

An indigenous grape to the Tarn region of Southwest France, the Laurent Cazottes Goutte de Mauzac Rose Eau-de-vie is one of Laurent Cazottes’ true passions. This is not a fine nor a marc, but the wine and the pomace are left together during the distillation.

Hence, this is an Eau de Vie de Raisin. Laurent Cazottes is committed to reviving these heritage varietals and the resulting spirits are pure expressions of the fruit from which they are made. Biodynamic and organic viticulture are practiced. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Decanter 94 Points | Winemaker Mike Grgich turned 100 on April 1, 2023. That's no April Fool's joke. It would be almost unthinkable that even in a challenging vintage, after innumerable challenging vintages, that Miljenko Grgich, the immigrant from Croatia who crafted the Chardonnay that took top honors at the 1976 Paris Tasting, would not bottle a wine in 2020. It's a good thing he did. Grgich's 2020 Napa Cabernet is a bright, energetic, savory-styled Napa classic. Its effusive black fruits and spearmint aromas give way to a medium to full-bodied red with a dusty tannin backbone framed by almost electric acidity. This impressive, tightly-knit, lovely structured Cabernet will prove a standout of the vintage.

James Suckling 90 Points | Aromas of sweet red and purple berries, dried hibiscus, moss and thyme. Full-bodied with firm tannins. The aromas continue onto the palate, with the sweet fruit as the star of the show.

Winemaker Description 

This elegant, graceful wine opens with aromas of blackberries, blueberries, sweet blackcurrant and ripe black cherry, supported by hints of vanilla and sandalwood. The flavors on the palate are of fresh, red and black berry fruit accompanied by hints of rosemary and violets. The richness of the fruit is balanced with a bright acidity and soft, smooth tannins leading to a long and vibrant finish.

Pair with Gorgonzola gnocchi, beef bourguignon, seared steak and ratatouille.

Winemaker Description 

The Bandol Rouge is composed of 85% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache and 5% Cinsault and grown on soils of limestone pebbles in brown clay, limestone and marl.

A complex nose of opulent Mourvèdre fruit and a whisper of animal/barnyard and turned earth.

On the palette fleshy raspberry melds with tea-leaf and currants around a core of chewy tannins.

Organic viticulture with absolutely no chemical herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers. Soil is worked regularly by plow and hand-hoes. Buds are trimmed and a green harvest is practice to purposefully limit yields; the average yield is between 35-38 hl/ha. All grapes are harvested by hand, and selection takes place in the vineyards instead of on a sorting table. Grapes are de-stemmed and then gently pressed by pneumatic press. Wines ferment for 15-21 days in underground, temperature-controlled, gravity-fed cuves. Wine ages in oak foudres for 18 months.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Before acquiring vineyards, Georges Delille trained as a sommelier in Paris. In 1963, he bought what would become Domaine de Terrebrune, a property in Ollioules, just east of Bandol, framed by the Mediterranean and the mountain called Gros-Cerveau (Big Brain), dotted with olive groves and scenic views—an idyllic spot. During the years following the declaration of A.O.C. Bandol (1941), mass overhauling and reconstruction of vineyards were commonplace, and vignerons were eager to revive the noble Mourvèdre grape. Georges spent ten years just renovating the property; he terraced hillsides, refashioned the masonry, replanted vineyards following the advice of Lucien Peyraud, designated soils to lie dormant and regenerate, and built a new cellar. In 1980, his son Reynald joined him after finishing winemaking school, and together they launched their first bottled vintage of Domaine de Terrebrune, which Reynald named in honor of the rich, brown soils they farm. Reynald’s credo of “Philosophy, Rigor, and Respect” is not a catch-phrase. He believes that the hard work and extra attention to the vines is worth it, and, as they say, the proof’s in the pudding—a glass of Terrebrune!

Producer Description 

This Chardonnay entices you with aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb. The flavors are just as complex with delightful undertones of red pepper and Madagascar vanilla, followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a hint of lavender. The rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to great minerality and a long, satisfying finish.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 92 Points | Attractive crunchy character with spiced pears, lemon pith, white tea, lemongrass and orange peel. It is full-bodied with creamy texture, vivid acidity and juicy crunchiness. It is both rich and fresh with a polished, mineral finish. From organically grown grapes. (v.2021).

Wine & Spirits 92 Points | Zesty reduction gives the meatier aspects of this wine a run for their money. This is generous, dynamic and cool, needing some bottle age to shed the reductive scallion notes and reveal more of its underlying complexities.(v.2021).

Producer Description 

Gilbey's Gin is a delicate blend of 12 natural ingredients to achieve the ideal mix of complexity and balance to deliver a smoother, tangy, refreshingly dry gin with a hint of citrus that's the perfect choice anywhere, anytime. The key botanicals are; juniper, coriander, lemongrass, orange peel, kalamansi, angelica root, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Appearance is a pine-forward juniper, bitter orange rind, coriander mid-Taste, surprisingly obvious for a second and then quickly vanishing from consciousness. Aroma is classic with plenty of juniper, with orange zest and angelica present as well.

The lower notes have the bright, sappy, angelica still accompanied by the orange. The Nose is simple, but familiar and inviting. It’s fresh and generally quite positive. The Taste is assertive and sharp, with lots of classic gin botanicals making an— the Finish is sharply citrus with a mineral-tinged, calciferous/slightly chalky astringency.

Quite dry, with a roar of heat that is more expected at this price point. The Finish is moderately long, with that orange/citrus note enduring.

Producer Description 

Don Julio Anejo is 100% Blue Weber Agave that's double distilled. This smooth tequila is rested and barrel aged in American white-oak bourbon barrels in small batches for 18 months to maintain its high quality. 

Grown in Jalisco, Mexico, hand selected agave is picked at its maturity and only the heart of the distillation is used, as this is the purest part of agave, allowing it to be free from most impurities. This tequila is best enjoyed neat or can be sipped on the rocks.

Producer Description 

Pale yellow color with hints of green. You get on the nose a touch of oak, lots of finesse and minerality with white flowers, lemon and apple scents. On the mouth, the wine is fresh, round and fruity with aromas of melon, kiwi, peaches and apricot and a nice minerality. Overall, the wine is nicely balanced and fresh with a great length.

Expert Review

Wine Spectator 91 Points | A rich version, bordering on creamy, this peach-, apple- and stone-inflected white is complex and long, with fine balance and a long aftertaste that resonates with fruit and mineral notes.(V.2022). 

Producer Description 

Crisp aromatic and complex, with hints of passion fruit, grapefruit, and white pepper.

Producer Description 

Our unaged Tequila Blanco is created using 100% Blue Weber agave. It delivers a perfectly smooth and balanced taste that you can enjoy neat, shaken over ice, or in your favorite cocktail. 

The 2022 DAOU Chardonnay displays a rich, ample nose of pineapple, vanilla bean, mango, hazelnut and nutmeg spice. Floral tones of honeysuckle and star jasmine are accented by sweet ginger and lemon zest. The palate is weighty and mouth-filling, delivering round, silky flavors of Bartlett pear, Crenshaw melon, kiwi and fresh pineapple.

Notes of Golden Delicious apple and papaya are complemented with lemon cream pie and crushed almonds, while hints of white peach, citrus peel and cinnamon linger on a long, graceful finish. Winemaker Description. 

Deep garnet red in color. On the nose it is serious and elegant. The evolution in the glass translates into an increase in intensity and aromatic complexity where fruit continues to be the backbone of the wine. On the palate it has a well-structured body with ripe, silky tannins. Easy to drink with a persistent aftertaste. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

The flagship red, Ampodium (formerly known as “Classique”), is assembled from parcels throughout Côte Rôtie. It is a terrific expression of the appellation, and by itself rivals the appellation’s best. 

Expert Review

90 - 91 Points Jeb Dunnuck | Leading off the Côte Rôties from barrel, the 2021 Côte Rôtie Ampodium is rock solid and most likely outstanding. Its healthy ruby/purple color is followed by plenty of red and black fruits as well as notes of spring flowers, forest floor, and pepper. It has a terrific sense of elegant and purity and should drink nicely right out of the gate. (2021). 

Winemaker Description

Since its inception, Claret has been the crown jewel of the Diamond Collection. This year’s Claret reflects a diversity of varietals and vineyards whose soils contribute to the wine’s complexity.

Diamond Collection wines are made from grapes grown across California and are carefully combined to create wines perfect for all occasions – including those special just because ones. 

Expert Rating

92 Points Tasting Panel | Packaged in a bottle wrapped in gold netting, this Cabernet Sauvignon-based red possesses an Old World essence with aromas of boysenberry and balsamic. But California sunshine douses the palate lined in slate, black pepper, and fennel, adding to the wine's character with ripe black plum, dark chocolate, and mulling spices. A creamy texture arises midway and melts across the mouth.

Aromas of black cherry, blueberry, black currant, allspice and loam are followed by flavors of wild raspberries, dark berries and a crushed rock minerality. The dense entry is followed by a sweet and juicy mouth feel, supported by acidity, silky tannins and a subtle earthy finish. Winemaker Description. 

Rich and intense, Inniskillin Cabernet Franc Icewine is a luxurious bottle of sweet and complex flavors. With aromas of ripe blackberry, raspberry and cherry, this Icewine is balanced with a hint of spice and a smooth finish. Enjoy this unique and special treat!

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description

A beautiful violet color atypical of Nebbiolo but reflective of the 2021 vintage where fullness and richness are even present to the eye. The wine has bold notes of blackberry, cherry, blood orange, and bergamot with a touch of flintiness. Medium-structured with lots of juiciness and harmony on the palate all lead to well-balanced acidity and tannin structure with a long finish. 

Winemaker Description

We create the conditions for making Late Harvest Zinfandel by allowing the grapes to hang on the vine approximately 3--4 weeks after they normally would be picked for a dry wine. These grapes were picked on October 30th on a beautiful Fall day, and the grapes arrived at the winery at 40° Brix of sugar. We crushed the grapes into a small 1,500-gallon tank and as is our tradition at Dashe Cellars, we fermented the grapes naturally, using the native yeasts that naturally live on the skins of the grapes. We let the grapes macerate to gain color and flavor, and then allowed the tank to warm.

The fermentation took off quickly, and then naturally halted when the alcohol had reached about 15.5% and the sugar level was about 9%. We always allow the wine to achieve its balance of sweetness and alcohol naturally, by letting the fermentation finish on its own.

The wine was aged in older French oak barrels so as to not overpower the intensity of the fruit. We bottled the wine as soon as possible to maintain its fresh fruit flavors and conserve its sweet concentration and purity. The wine is unfined and received minimal handling to the bottle.

Winemaker Description

Ruby red color with rich and intense tones. Variety of aromatic herbs accentuated with generous notes of tobacco and wet earth (dry earth, as well), black currant and licorice. 

The palate manifests good consistency of medium-smooth tannins to ensure the lengthy ageing. Rich structure and weight and elegant breed on the finish. Optimum cellar life in all vintages. 

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate 95 Points: To my palate, the 2018 vintage sometimes feels a little too ripe or baked. I was reminded of those characteristics when tasting the Fèlsina 2018 Fontalloro. There is plenty of dark fruit at its core, but this wine also reveals dry tones of jarred oregano, grilled Mediterranean herb, crushed aspirin and graham cracker. The mouthfeel is pleasantly lean and silky, and perhaps the wine delivers more in terms of length than it does weight or texture. A little more bottle age should help flesh out and soften these results.

James Suckling 94 Points: A tight and intense, pure sangiovese with density in the center palate and a linear and racy tannin texture. Bright and long. Balanced and harmonious.

Vinous 95 Points: The 2018 Fontalloro is bright, floral and full of energy. In most vintages, Fontalloro is quite open, but the 2018 is especially nervy and taut. That won't be an issue in time, of course, but readers should plan on being patient. Sangiovese is so expressive here. A whole range of floral and savory accents lingers on the close. 

Producer Description 

In the Creme de Cassis de Dijon tradition, the Creme de fruits range is dedicated to lovers of variety and different flavours. They are all produced using the same methods as the original creme, a guarantee of quality and the commitment of Maison Boudier.

This raspberry liqueur adds subtle embellishments to your aperitifs, wines and Champagnes, and a more colorful taste. 

Winemaker Description 

Leonor is a 12 year old Palo Cortado Sherry and described as the wild child of Jerez. It shows a light mahogany color with golden tones and a slight orange rim. On the nose intense and complex with notes of hazlenut perfectly balanced with aromas of bitter orange and mature oak. On the palate powerful and intense with toasted notes yet smooth and silky. Due to its power and structure this wine is perfect with mature cheeses and stong meats such as venison. Serve chilled.

Expert Reviews 

93 Points James Suckling | A very elegant example of this rare type of Sherry, which combines the best of Fino freshness with Oloroso richness. Long finish with delicate dried-fruit and toasted-nut character. Drink now. Aged for 12 years in cask. Drink now.

92 Points Wine Spectator | Bright, with fennel seed, Brazil nut, green tea, ginger and hazelnut husk notes that are racy and dry from start to finish. Dried green fig accents add a subtle seduction on the finish.

91 Points Decanter | Aromas of caramel and curry spices. Milk chocolate on the palate with a soft texture and delicate body. A very harmonious wine with a long and spicy finish.

91 Points Wine & Spirits | Elegant and refined, with soft touches of candied cherries, walnuts and almonds, this is a textbook Palo Cortado. Aged 12 years in botas, it falls halfway between Amontillado and Oloroso in flavor, but much closer to the former. It needs only smoked trout.

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | This dry Sherry is a touch hot, with alcohol swirling around the glass, but there’s also complex, welcoming aromas of almond, apricot and toffee. The palate is appropriately rich, with flavors of caramel, toasted nuts and buttered toast. A finish with walnut, truffle and mushroom flavors urges contemplation.

Producer Description 

The life of the party, the Don Julio Silver Tequila combines sweet earth with mouth searing minerality; this is a rather formidable and bright Tequila.

The treasures of El Maestro Sierra are many. From the back of their building they have a clear view of the Atlantic Ocean.

In 1832 the master carpenter José Antonio Sierra founded El Maestro Sierra. As one of the top coopers in the area, José Antonio was the person who made the barrels for all of the big Sherry houses. After years of making barrels for everyone else, he came to the conclusion that he could produce Sherries that were better than what the big Sherry houses were cranking out, so he went about opening up his own little winery.

This little up-start Sherry producer was not welcomed in the world of nobility-owned Sherry houses and so the local gentry did everything they could to stop him. Fortunately the quality of his sherry prevailed over their efforts and José Antonio Sierra became one of the top Almacenistas (stockholders) of high-quality Sherries. Poking fun at his struggle, the label depicts an allegorical fox hunt with the nobles hunting El Maestro Sierra’s fox.

This Amontillado is aged for a total of 12 years under flor and oxidatively in American oak casks. Very explosive aromas of salts and almonds. The palate offers similar flavors in a very elegant framework.