1004 products
Camus Cognac VSOP 80 Proof 750ml
Expert Review
Forbes Magazine: This is an exceptionally smooth Cognac. Matured for four years. On the nose, it offers up rich floral aromas of violet, jasmine, roses, white flowers and peonies, along with intense fruity notes of sweet caramel apples, honey and both fresh and dried fruit, especially prune, peach and apricot, along with Sauterne like notes of golden raisin and fig, as well as some passion fruit and a touch of vanilla. There is also an earthy, black tea like quality in the background, and a hint of waxiness.
Recently, Camus, the largest of the family owned Cognac producers, released a new addition to its core range of Cognacs—labeled Intensely Aromatic. The Cognacs were the culmination of a two-decade long effort to craft Cognacs that are notably more aromatic and flavorful than the norm.
Camus’ Cognacs have always had a reputation for being particularly aromatic. To further enhance that character Camus developed a proprietary distillation protocol, which it calls “Intensity,” that measurably increases the concentration of terpenes and esters in their Cognac, producing what the company describes as an “instant of intensity.”
Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds, produced by a variety of plants. They are closely associated with floral aromas. Esters are chemicals produced by the interaction of alcohols and fatty acids, and are closely associated with fruity aromas.
In crafting Intensely Aromatic, the firm utilized older casks made from lightly toasted, fine grained oak. The age and toasting of the casks minimized the aroma and flavor components that were contributed by the cask wood and further enhanced the prominence of fruit and floral aromas.
Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana Wellington Palo Cortado VOS 20yrs Jerez-Xeres-Sherry 500 ml
Producer Description
Palo Cortado is unusual, in that it first ages under a film of yeast ‘flor’ which protects it from oxygen, but unexpectedly loses its flor and ultimately ages oxidatively. Only 1-2% of all sherries produced ultimately become a Palo Cortado. Thus, the freshness of Manzanilla and Oloroso and the complexity of dry Amontillado are combined. When aged over twenty years it is entitled to the designation VOS (Very Old Sherry). This sherry was once sold to British troops under the name ‘Wellington’, and the 1st Duke of Wellington’s portrait is still used on the label today.
The palate is full rich and rounded. A very light amber color given its advanced age, and a bouquet that demands attention. Delicate and pure on the nose. Penetrating aromas, nutty yet with tangy freshness. Completely dry, but notes of butterscotch and walnuts. A clean, racy style, with almond and hazelnut husk notes backed by toasted corn, walnut and singed sandalwood accents. A touch of dried persimmon echoes on the very dry finish. One of the great dry sherries. 17.5% ABV.
Marolo Milla Grappa and Camomile 750ml
Producer Description
Paolo Marolo is the inspired orchestrator of grappa distillation, arranging harmonies of aroma and flavor through a sensitive balancing of technique and passion.
Delightful and floral on the nose, evoking aromas of Chamomile tea and honey. Light, smooth and delicate on the palate, this is a perfect liqueur for dessert pairing.
Honey, beeswax, and floral on the nose, evoking aromas of chamomile tea and honey. Light, smooth and delicate on the palate, this is a perfect liqueur for dessert pairing.
Milla is a liqueur made from the infusion of Camomile flowers in the grappa. The Camomile flowers are picked when fully ripened then left to steep for eleven months in the grappa. This liqueur is obtained from a traditional and easy recipe, typical in the Langhe territory, the land of Barolo and Barbaresco.
Using his nose, his hands and his palate, he creates elegant variations on the theme of grappa, ensuring that each bottling-- from each year's harvests of grapes from various renowned wine regions of italy--is original and unique.
The grappas of Paolo Marolo are essentially the fruit of his great love for his work as a "Mestro Grappaiolo".
Domaine Hoffmann Jayer Cotes de Nuits Villages 2019 750ml
Expert Review - Vintage 2019
Allen Meadows of Burghound writes | Discreet wood frames earthier and more sauvage-inflected aromas of spiced plum and dark currant. There is both fine volume and concentration to the medium-bodied flavors that exhibit surprisingly good power on the serious, rustic and youthfully austere finale. This isn't a refined effort, but it offers very good quality for its level.
Franck Pascal Champagne Fluence Brut Nature NV 750ml
Expert Review
92 Points Robert Parker | The intensely yellow colored NV Brut Nature Fluence assembles 60% Pinot Meunier and 34% Pinot Noir with 6% Chardonnay. The most recent issue is based on the vintages 2012 (30%) and 2013 (70%) and was disgorged in June 2017. The wine opens with an intense and ripe fruit aroma on the nose that has a lot of Chardonnay features. On the palate, this is a beautifully pure, precise and fine yet very intense Brut Nature with a firm, tight structure and a long and complex finish. A stunning, great Champagne with a mineral finish and lots of pineapple and terroir flavors.
Badia a Coltibuono Sangioveto Toscana Organic 2020 750ml
Winemaker Description
The "Sangioveto" of Badia a Coltibuono comes from the vinification of Sangiovese grapes aged in barrique. The place of origin is that of Monti in Chianti, in the province of Siena, where there are the vineyards of the Stucchi family that since 1846 is the owner of the company Badia a Coltibuono: always linked to tradition, The Stucchi family is also particularly attentive to everything related to the protection of the environment; all the wines of Badia a Coltibuono in fact have the BIO Certification. After the manual harvest, natural fermentation begins with autochthonous yeasts and subsequent maceration on the marc for 5 weeks. The aging takes 12 to 16 months and takes place in oak barrels. Finally, aging in bottle for a minimum of 6 months.
A wine with an intense ruby color, with floral aromas, red fruit and spicy notes. In the mouth it has a good body, harmonious and full-bodied. Good freshness and flavor and an enviable persistence.
