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Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Robert Parker 91+ Points | Another comparatively structured wine is the 2019 Santenay 1er Cru Passetemps. Opening in the glass with notions of cherries, sweet red berries, petals and orange oil, it's medium to full-bodied, lively and fleshy, with a rich chassis of powdery tannin that will reward a bit of bottle age. 

Expert Reviews

Vinous 88 Points | The 2020 Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge offers lilting red cherry and wildstrawberry scents on the nose, hints of rose petal coming through with aeration. The palate is well balanced with fine definition, lightly spiced, quite energetic on the finish. This is very elegant for Chassagne Rouge. 

Winemaker Description

Wife & Husband Winemaker 

Barbaresco Riserva Rose delle Casasse is one of the most distinctive wines in all of Piedmont. It emerges from a tiny parcel in Neive first planted in 1913 with the Rose clone of Nebbiolo known for its aromatic intensity, that is rarely seen these days. Deeply bright and perfumed, offers up an exotic mélange of sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint, spice, rose petal and kirsch. 

The hills on which Cascina Baricchi stands are formed by a background of light earth, ideal for the production of high quality wines and for aging. The ideal terroir is completed by the conformation of the morphology of the hills which creates a truly unique microclimate; in particular the vineyards face south so as to be kissed by the sun for most of the day and undergo high temperature changes during the night which allow to obtain wines with elegant aromas and perfect maturity of the tannins. 

The company's approach is absolutely respectful of the environment, in fact it prefers to intervene as little as possible, and always in a natural way, to help the plant when it really needs it and make it grow strong; same basic ideology in the cellar, where fermentations are spontaneous. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2016

Vinous 94 Points | The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Rose delle Casasse is a fine follow up to the stellar 2015. A bit more austere than its older sibling, the 2016 presents a distinctly savory profile redolent of crushed flowers, herbs, mint, spice, leather and tobacco, while the fruit is pushed into the background. Naturally, it will be interesting to see if some of that inner sweetness emerges in time. A few months separating two tastings suggest that may very well happen. This is such a gorgeous wine. 

This plot was acquired in 2002 by Axelle’s family. Les Barreaux is located at the top of the slope, surrounded by 3 premier crus and 1 grand cru - Cros Parentoux, Les Petits Monts, Aux Brulées and Richebourg. Average Age of the Vines: 35-40 years old. -- Tasting Notes:

Deep purple to the rim, vibrant, with a fresh, lively nose of blackcurrant, juicy, crunchy and fresh. On the palate lovely velvety black fruits, supple, lightly spiced, rich and deliciously approachable with a long, fresh finish. 

Winemaker Description

This producer makes a number of other wines including this one from Pinot Noir in addition to those from the grape Aligote.

In the less expensive category for Vosne-Romanee wines. The price has been stable over the past year.

Winemaker Description

Francesco Rinaldi’s estate was first founded back in 1870, when he inherited a plot of land and vineyard house in the heart of Barolo. Though Francesco’s family wasn’t new to the winemaking game-- his cousin, Giuseppe RInaldi, was also producing great Piemontese reds that were completely shaking up the scene. Today, F. Rinaldi wines are produced only from organic fruit and are some of the best deals coming out of the region’s top growing sites.

Expert Review

Wine Advocate 97 Points | The Francesco Rinaldi & Figli 2016 Barolo Riserva Cannubi is a classic beauty with thin, delicate lines that frame a core of profound and very elegant fruit. You can attribute many descriptors to the bouquet, from wild berry, pressed rose, earth, rust, crushed rock and light spice. But no one aroma out-powers the next, and together they work in careful harmony. It's also important to point out the quality of the tannins in this Riserva, which remain elegant and firm. This bottle is a great candidate for long cellar aging. 97+ (ML) (8/2022).

Winemaker Notes

Expert Review

Burghound 91 Points | This is also relatively cool and restrained with its nicely layered nose of ripe red currant, game and whiffs of spice and earth. The caressing and gorgeously textured larger-scaled flavors that are quite finely balanced and more mineral-driven on the sneaky long finish. In contrast to the typical example of Corton, the mouthfeel is almost delicate and overall, this is lovely. 

Expert Review

Burghound 93 Points | Ultra-spicy red and black berry aromas combine with those of jasmine tea, violet, star anise and discreet oak. The succulent, rich and delicious flavors possess excellent volume and mid-palate density while exhibiting a subtle minerality on the firm, serious and built-to-age finale that also flashes a touch of warmth. This is terrific and in 2019 it is a bit more elegant than usual. 

Winemaker Description

Generous aromas of boysenberry, black cherry and fig accented with earthy notes. Robust, concentrated flavors on the palate, the wine offers blackberry and boysenberry notes layered with hints of minerality. Structured and opulent tannins fill the palate with a deep, powerful black fruit finish. Dancing Bear, despite its intensity, displays a charming elegance. Delicious upon release but will more than reward another decade of aging. Enjoy with rosemary braised lamb shanks, filet mignon, or grilled portabello mushrooms.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018 

97+ Points Robert Parker | The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Dancing Bear Ranch is composed of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the gate with bold crème de cassis, blackberry pie and plum preserves scents, followed by touches of star anise, bouquet garni and tar with a waft of crushed rocks. Full-bodied and packed with juicy black fruits, the palate is beautifully framed by plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long with loads of fragrant earth and exotic spice accents. 

90 Points James Suckling | concentrated cabernet with aromas of baked blackberries, dark cherries, chocolate, coffee, toast and sweet spices. Full body with firm, creamy tannins. Rich and chewy. A blend of 98% cabernet sauvignon and 2% cabernet franc. Drink or hold.

Producer Description 

The undisputable leader in the quality grappa market, derived from the distillation of the grape pomace of Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot and Friulano grapes from the Friuli Region.

It is transparent and crystalline in color with pronounced, refreshing aromas. Dry and crisp on the palate, this grappa has a long, clean finish. 

Winemaker Description 

Ruby-garnet color. Very vibrant, well-balanced aromas with hints of Mediterranean scrubland and eucalyptus, and nuances of black berry fruit and pipe tobacco. The palate shows full, tangy, mineral flavor, velvety though, rounded and beautifully structured.

Perfect with stewed horsemeat in sauce; highly recommended with pasta (sagne ‘ncannulate), meatballs with sauce, chick pea soup, roasted or stewed red meats (lamb and goat).

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

A gentle burst of peach, apricot, nectarine, melon and tropical fruit graces the bouquet of this plump and juicy white. The texture has a honey like richness that is balanced poignantly with a streak of refreshing acidity. A great match to seafood, poultry and vegetarian dishes, it also makes a great aperitif and a nice wine to sip on its own.
- Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description

Wife & Husband Winemaker 

The Rose delle Casasse is likely, the only Barbaresco made from Nebbiolo Rose. Some believe Nebbiolo Rose to be a clone of Nebbiolo though in Ian d'Agata's book, "The Grapes of Italy," he writes that it has been proven that Nebbiolo Rose is genetically different from Nebbiolo, though related. 

Expert Reviews 

Vinous 94 Points | The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Rose delle Casasse is a fine follow up to the stellar 2015. A bit more austere than its older sibling, the 2016 presents a distinctly savory profile redolent of crushed flowers, herbs, mint, spice, leather and tobacco, while the fruit is pushed into the background. Naturally, it will be interesting to see if some of that inner sweetness emerges in time. A few months separating two tastings suggest that may very well happen. This is such a gorgeous wine. 

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Rose Delle Casasse is made entirely from the Rose clone of Nebbiolo and is fresh with wild raspberry, pine, and dark earth. Carrying to the palate with medium body and good concentration, it offers fine tannins and a good finish, with peppery spice and red cherry. Perfectly pairing with salumi and hard cheese, it is refreshing and cleanses the palate nicely. 

Producer Description 

This traditional grappa has a bright, crystal clear color. The aroma is fresh clean, well-balanced and delicately fruity with notes of just-picked Pinot Grigio grapes, ripe pears, small berries, peach , citrus fruits, vanilla , chamomile and some floral hints. The fruit comes through on the smooth, well-rounded palate, with white currants and apple dominant. 

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 93 Points | This is a balanced red, showing blackberry and bark with chili and some herbs. It’s medium-to full-bodied with nice drinkability and a succulent, flavorful finish. Iodine, pine needles, slate and graphite undertones. Subtle. 

Vinous 93 Points | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Fission emerges from Alta Vista, on Moon Mountain. A dark, potent wine, the 2019 captures plenty of mountain energy in its savory, earthy flavor profile. Dark cherry, mocha, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate all flesh out. My impression is that less new oak and longer élevage might bring out even more character. This is certainly an impressive debut from Mai Errazuriz and Rodrigo Soto. (AG)  

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

Burghound | A perfumed and exuberantly spicy nose offers up a blend of both red and dark cherry along with floral nuances. The wonderfully sleek, refined and punchy medium weight flavors possess a gorgeous texture thanks to the very fine-grained tannins supported the firm, youthfully austere and mineral-driven finish. This is textbook Fuées. Outstanding.

Winemaker Description

The 2017 is brighter and less brooding than typical Kronos vintages in their youth, with luscious, juicy cassis, luxardo cherry, blueberry and raspberry fruit. Signature blackberry pie flavors, complete with baking spices, proclaim a sense of place. Approachable now, the tannins provide a velvet grip. Grace notes include toasted almonds and hints of peppermint. Firm acidity and mineral verve keep it lively. Violets and dried rose petals are already perfuming the aromas. 

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Focused, with slightly high-toned vanilla and red licorice notes running along the edges of a red currant and plum preserve-filled core. A late flurry of sweet spice, black tea and incense on the finish adds a distinctive edge. Relies on freshness and acidity, more than outright grip. Cellar this for a bit. Best from 2023 through 2034. 

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Tangy in red fruit, tangerine, grapefruit and a hint of iron, this vineyard-designate imparts bold, concentrated intensity within a restrained and balanced package of brightness and verve. From a relatively warm vintage and warm location, it retains nuance, elegance and length, with structure to age. Enjoy this impressively made wine best from 2027–2037 Cellar Selection.

Wine Advocate 95 Points | Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Kronos Vineyard needs a little coaxing to reveal enticing notes of freshly crushed black cherries, redcurrant jelly and wild blueberries with a undercurrent of cassis, allspice, sandalwood and rose oil plus a touch of garrigue. The medium-bodied palate has a real skip in its step, with delicately played, bright, energetic black and red berry layers, supported by fine-grained tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and perfumed. 

James Suckling 96 Points |  Beautiful blueberry and lavender aromas. Violets, too. So perfumed. Medium to full body and very fine, focused tannins. Purity and beauty to the wine. Pretty length. Drinkable now, but much better after 2024. 

Expert Review

Vinous 95 Points | The 2017 Clos-de-la-Roche Grand Cru has an expressive bouquet that is a dead ringer for a Dujac, conveying plenty of energy and earthy black fruit laced with undergrowth and sea cave scents. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and quite a firm backbone. Fresh from the start to the refreshing, elegant, saline finish that gets the saliva flowing. Excellent."

Winemaker Description

Bordeaux's most intensely concentrated, richly flavored and unique red wine. An incredible power, depth and richness yet a remarkable balance with penetrating aromas of ripe mulberry, black currant and fruit and spicy vanilla oak, setting it apart from all Bordeaux's finest wines. 

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 96 points | Reserved right now, but there is a well of blackberry, boysenberry and plum coulis flavors in reserve here, infused with black tea, anise and singed spice elements. Remarkably silky, elegant and extremely long, this unfurls ever so slowly in the glass, beguiling with texture and fruit purity. Best from 2022 through 2042.

Wine Enthusiast 100 points  | This is like drinking liquid black currants and blackberries. The wine has great intensity and richness from the superbly generous Merlot. The wood aging is still there as a hint in the background although the fruit and acidity dominate. Drink from 2026. 

Wine Advocate 100 points | Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Petrus (bottled in mid-July 2017) opens in its own time to reveal crushed black cherries, warm plums, mulberries and cedar chest suggestions with touches of anise, lavender, beef drippings and wild thyme plus a waft of crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with generous, exuberant, wonderfully layered red, black and perfumed blue fruits contrasted beautifully by very ripe, very fine-grained and very firm tannins plus an ethereal line of seamless acid, finishing long and minerally. Olivier Berrouet and his team have knocked it out of the park in 2015. Look for this Pétrus to build and unfold over the next 20 years and confidently cellar this legend for 40+ years.

Decanter 100 points | There is so much going on with Petrus in 2015 that you should just pull up a chair and relax, don't expect to be going anywhere soon. Aromatic persistency keeps reaching in, pulling you further alongside. There is a soft quality to the tannins that allows the black fruit to be both juicy and sweet. High alcohol is balanced by freshness - a pH of 3.5 is relatively rare on these sticky clay soils - unleashing waves of flavour, including bergamot, smoky tea, black olives and rich cherry. The persistency is crazy - I had to get my notes back out two or three times to take down additional flavours because it just kept giving something more. And it makes you smile! What more do you want? Bottled in June, but will not be sent out to customers until April 2018. 50% new oak.

Jeb Dunnuck 99 points | The 2015 Petrus is undoubtedly one of the gems in the vintage and will probably merit a perfect score in another decade. Even so, it has the sexy, exotic nature of the vintage front and center and offers a huge perfume of black currants, kirsch liqueur, Asian spices, and incense. As always, this beauty is 100% Merlot that was brought up in 50% new wood in 2015. A wine that opens up beautifully with time in the glass, it has beautiful mid-palate depth, sweet, sweet tannins, and voluptuous yet weightless texture that needs to be tasted to be believed. Hide bottles for 4-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 3-4 decades.James Suckling 100 points The aromas to this are a reference for Pomerol with truffles, black olives, black licorice and dark fruit. Even brown sugar. Full-bodied, layered and multi-dimensional. Chocolate underlines the character above. The perfect tannin texture, length and balance make you think you're dreaming. All about harmony and beauty. Love to taste it now but needs at least five or six years.

Expert Review

Decanter 94 Points | Starts soft and gentle, then the sparkling, bright acidity spreads over the palate. Great purity, balance and roundness; very satisfying. A mix of 60-year-old and seven-year-old vines, vinified in oak. Drinking Window 2022 - 2030. 

Producer Description 

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

James Suckling 95 Points | This has a rather reserved nose with dried-herb, rosehip, potpourri and light cedary aromas, ahead of fragrant dried cherries. The palate has quite dense and smoothly rendered, ripe tannins that deliver a long, composed and approachable Barolo. Drink or hold. 

Winemaker Description

Ruby red. Aromas of cherries, plums, raspberries, and black pepper. Refined, light tannins and bright acidity make this a lifting, fruity wine. Pair with salumi, tomato and meat-based sauces and pizza Margherita.

Winemaker Description 

Nuance and intrigue characterize the wine, starting with a dark crimson and a ruby rim but manifested by the aromatics: white pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, pine resin and crème de menthe. An entry dominated by a bright acidity, the mid-palate explores characteristics of rhubarb, savory and a hint of wild strawberry with a long finish indicative of graceful aging.

Winemaker Description 

Sitting just above the wine’s surface, a layer of complex aromas evolves: fresh cranberry, pomegranate and raspberry that turns into crushed gravel, coast redwood forest floor, lemon zest and shiitake mushroom. In the mouth, the wine shows itself as indulgent with a pleasing depth and slight heft; similar cranberry, a touch of blue fruits and hints of lavender combine for a satiating richness. The wine loses with notes of brioche and strawberry tart, with very little tannin and a quenching, balanced acidity.

Winemaker Description 

Kozlovic is family winery that started in 1904 in the Valle Valley of Istria, Croatia. The estate has been passed down from generation to generation, and the importance of family is at the center of what Kozlovic does. The vineyards are planted to the local varietals Malvazija, Muscat Momiano, Muscat Rose and Teran and grown on the hills of Valle, Santa Lucia and Kontarini in clay soils known locally as "Terra Bianca" (a mix of flysch, limestone and white clay). The vines are grown sustainably with minimal spraying and all grapes are hand-harvested. 

The Kozlovic Malvazija is made from 100% Malvasia Istriana, fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks for a few months and then aged in bottle for another two months. A small percentage of Malvazija is fermented and aged in oak barrels, then added back to the wine. Highly aromatic, the wine displays notes of acacia flowers, peaches, apples and herbs. On the palate, the wine features a bold, refreshing acidity that is mouth-watering. There is a wonderful mineral complexity with a subtle salinity on the palate and finish. This is an incredibly food-friendly wine that can pair with scampi risotto, scallops, white fish or pasta.

Winemaker Description 

Boasts fresh, fragrant, apple, melon and pear aromas with a hint of oak spice. Rich and mouthfilling on the palate, its smooth, beautifully balanced, yellow apple, nectarine and honeydew melon flavors segue into a long, succulent finish enhanced by refreshing mineral and spicy oak tones. Released soon after bottling, our Napa Valley Chardonnay hits its stride after 6-8 months in the bottle and rewards 5-7 years of aging.

This is a versatile pairing wine—enjoy it with grilled seafood and nearly any selection of cheeses.