Red Wine

Winemaker Description

Glazter’s vineyards are predominately South-facing and are all around the village of Göttlesbrunn, where the Pannonian microclimate and loess-rich soils were already used to cultivate wine in Roman times. Here you will find a combination of sandy loam, gravel with clay and sand. 

Winemaker Description

Guillaume d'Angerville's interest in the Jura wine region was awakened by a Parisian sommelier who served him a Chardonnay from this area "blind" a few years ago. Angerville was convinced that he had a Burgundy in his glass, and the surprise was great when the wine was unveiled.

This experience sparked the idea of ​​running a second winery next to his famous domaine in Volnay. Together with his long-time oenologist François Duvivier, with the advice of a geologist, he searched and investigated very specifically and found a 10-hectare winery in Montigny-les-Arsures in the Arbois appellation and presented the first wines with the 2012 vintage, which immediately caused great interest in the international wine scene.

The Domaine du Pélican, named after the heraldic animal of Arbois, produces only three wines, a mineral Chardonnay, a characterful, non-oxidative (“ouillé”) Savagnin and a regionally typical red wine cuvée made from approx. 2/3 Pinot Noir as well as parts of Trousseau and Pulsard.

Winemaker Description

The red wine "Trio" by Berthet-Bondet consists of the three common red grapes of the Jura, Trousseau, Poulsard and Pinot Noir. This elegant red wine smells of spices and pepper, a slight wild animal note, typical of the poulsard, can also be perceived. 

A completely independent wine, somewhat comparable in structure and fullness to neighboring Burgundy, but not aromatic. A characterful red for friends of the unusual.

In 1985, Chantal and Jean Berthet-Bondet took over a domaine that had not been producing wine for 50 years, and brought it back to life. In 2017, their daughter Hélène succeeded them, helped by her husband and two children. The vineyards spread on 15 hectares, 4.5ha of Savagnin in Château-Chalon and 10.5ha of Chardonnay, Savagnin, Trousseau, Poulsard and Pinot Noir in Côtes-du-Jura appellation. A new plot of Chardonnay was planted in 2022, using for the first time massal selection and young plants from the Bérillon nurseries. The vineyard is off to a magnificient start. Château-Chalon possesses the noblest terroir in the Jura region. A composition of limestone and red and gray marl confers both power and great finesse to these wines. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews

98 Points Wine Enthusiast | This firmly structured wine with its high percentage of Merlot is powerful and dense. The bold black fruits and perfumed density are impressive.

97+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | A clear step up over the 2019, the 2020 Château Troplong Mondot is mostly Merlot yet includes 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, all of which was raised in 65% new French oak, with the balance in once-used barrels. The level of purity and finesse here is remarkable, and it reveals a deep ruby/purple hue as well as incredible aromatics of cassis, ripe black cherries, graphite, gunpowder, and spring flowers. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has building, perfectly ripe tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. Certainly light years away from the riper, more opulent style of the 2000's, the wines today under consultant Thomas Duclos are much more about finesse and elegance. While I certainly miss the sexy, riper style of the past, there is no denying the incredible quality from this château today. 

97 Points Robert Parker | The 2020 Troplong Mondot is composed of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, harvested from 4th September and lasting for about three weeks. The pH is 3.53, the IPT (tannin index) is 75 and the alcohol is 14.5%. Opaque purple-black colored, it opens with a vivacious burst of black fruits—stewed plums, baked blackberries and boysenberries—giving way to a fragrant undercurrent of licorice, ground cloves, cinnamon stick and lilacs, with a touch of bouquet garni. The full-bodied palate is chock-full of plump, juicy black fruits and savory sparks, framed by fantastically ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and opulent. 

97 Points James Suckling | A soft and round red with plum and milk chocolate. Hazelnuts. Full-bodied and layered. Juicy. Hints of sea salt. Power is there. Turns firm and vivid. So attractive now. Savory. Needs three to four years to open.

93 Points Decanter | This sets out its stall as a wine from a specific plot of pure limestone soils straight away, and this is a second wine to savour. As with last year, this is a masterclass in the impact of this particular soil type, with a bright violet colour, juicy blueberry fruits and touches of redcurrant. It has a tingling finish with a whoosh of salinity that gives tension and balance. 30% aged in barrels, the rest stays in stainless steel. 3.53pH. Still 100% Merlot as last year, but that will probably change in 2021 when some Cabernet Franc should be added. Not sold as an En Primeur, the 2018 has just been released onto the market. September 4 was the first day of picking.

Winemaker Description

Trousseau Noir, Mondeuse, Zinfandel, Barbera, and Grenache

Winemaker Description 

This full and round bright-red wine with crimson hues give way to a subtle sweetness on the palate. The criminally intense vanilla aromatics are balanced with ripe raspberry and plum fruits. The vanilla aromatics carry through on the palate and complement subtle flavors of raspberries, dark plums and chocolate. Red berry fruit and plush tannins provide a lingering finish perfect for any evening.

Producer Description 

Anne Pichon harvests their Vieilles Vignes Grenache Noir late, giving the wine excellent ripeness and dense concentration. Its powerful black-fruit flavors give way to intricacies of cocoa, sweet chocolate, and licorice.

The grenache vielles vignes is harvested late at an optimal ripeness. This cuvee is very concentrated and powerful with notes of black cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, cocoa, sweet chocolate and licorice. 

Ecocert Certified Organic.

Winemaker Description

A rich bright red to crimson color, this wine has an intense nose with lifted vanilla aromatics balanced with red currants, violets, and mulberry fruits. It is a wine that is firm and full on the palate with a subtle sweetness giving a rich mouth feel. The vanilla aromatics carry through on the palate and compliment subtle flavors of red currants, dark cherries, and chocolate. The palate is filled with dark berry fruit and the soft tannins provide a lingering finish.

Winemaker Description

Full of spice and red and black fruit notes of cherry and blackberry. Round and complex on your palate, you will find in this wine a richness that belies the wine’s healthy attributes.

A great choice for salmon or swordfish, poultry or pork. It also pairs well with many vegetables and legumes, including: mushrooms, lentils, broccoli or turnips. Excellent with a soy-based vegetable stir fry.

Sustainable, zero-sugar, low carb, vegan-friendly, gluten free.

Winemaker Description

Vivid deep ruby red wine, with aromatic intensity, pepper, licorice and cocoa notes on black fruit background and balsamic notes.  On the palate it is round, well structured, balanced with every nuances of the grape and the oak.

Ideal match to vegetables and juicy meat: lamb, roasts, game, and aged cheese.

Winemaker Description

Medium body with red berry and spice notes. 

Jeb Dunncuk 90-92 Points | Based on equal parts Grenache and Syrah brought up in tank, the 2021 Gigondas has an old school vibe in its red fruits, Christmas spice, flower, and white pepper-driven aromatics. Medium-bodied, pure, and silky on the palate, it should drink nicely right out of the gate.

Winemaker Description

The blend is dominated by the Estate Vineyard, yet the significant percentage of Walker—Kanzler's Green Valley vineyard—bends the wine in an exciting red-note direction: hibiscus, rhubarb and red licorice. The aromatics deliver fresh berries, cola, white pepper and pine sap. Fig notes emerge on the palate with a spicy, black tea finish. Modest whole cluster and slightly more new oak make the wine soft and approachable, while bright acid keeps it fresh, juicy, and well-knit.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Wine Enthusiast 97 Points | This seamless, polished but also firm and well-structured wine achieves power with grace. Wonderful black fig, black olive and plump blackberry flavors ride a full body backed by good, well-integrated tannins. This classic from Ridge’s Sonoma County property consists of 79% Zinfandel plus 11% Petite Sirah and 10% Carignan. 

James Suckling 95 Points | This has lots of horizontal tannins that provide fine muscle and form. It's medium- to full-bodied with freshness and brightness. Red berries, crushed cloves and other spices. Grapey, for a better word. Sophisticated. Chewy, Needs time to soften. Zinfandel with petite sirah and carignan. Drinkable now, but better with two or three years of bottle age.

Decanter 95 Points | Committed to both sustainable and organic farming practices, Ridge’s pre-industrial approach lends its sensibility to field blends made from old, time-honored vines. Leading the Sonoma County blend is Zinfandel, California’s quintessential heritage grape, along with Petite Sirah, Carignan and Alicante Bouschet. Hand-harvest, co-fermented, then thoughtfully aged in American oak, the ruby hues with purple reflections follow with a bramble of wild berries, violet, sarsaparilla, fennel, and mint on the nose. An energised mouthfeel of blackberries, cherry cola, dried herbs, and cocoa-covered coffee beans, drive this lush and juicy field blend to a long, lifted finish. 

Vinous 93 Points | The 2020 Lytton Springs is a very pretty wine. Bright floral and spice accents open first. Silky and medium in body, with plenty of persistence and fine balance, the 2020 is pretty impressive, especially for the year. Zinfandel character really drives the feel in 2020. A burst of red/purplish fruit, rose petal, cinnamon and dried herbs lingers on the open-knit, intensely perfumed finish.

Winemaker Description

Rich blackberry and plum on the nose with notes of aniseed. Full-bodied with dark bramble fruit and well-coated tannins on the palate. The long finish reveals layers of black licorice and dried sage. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 91 Points The juicy and young 2021 Catena Malbec has a nice combination of spice, berry and herbs to make it balanced, expressive and attractive. It's round, velvety and nicely crafted in an easy to understand and highly drinkable style and a commercial profile. A champion in drinkability.

James Suckling 91 Points | Aromas of plums, dark cherries, blueberries, tar and crushed stones. It’s medium-bodied with round, velvety tannins. Dark-fruited and smooth. 

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

The Pinot Project Pinot Noir offers notes of dark cherry, blackberry, and cacao with a smooth, lingering finish. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins. 

Winemaker Description

Overall goals and philosophy of wine: Syrah is a beguiling grape with many expressions in the vinous world, from the gamey classics of France to the inkiness of Australia. In the Finger Lakes, it takes a special site to nurture these beautiful vines to full maturity, but in Glacier Ridge we have found just such a vineyard. With intense Vietnamese peppercorn aromatics, bright red cherry flavors, and a brooding minerality underneath, this Syrah is a pure expression of what can be achieved with one of our favorite grapes in a cool climate. Put simply, think northern Rhone rather than Barossa. 

Notable vineyard management details: Glacier Ridge takes a studied minimalist approach in the vineyard; all weed control is manual and allows for some non-grape vegetation for competition as well as insect biodiversity. Crop size are subsequently lower as a result, with a notable difference in increased ripening capability of the grapes. 

Winemaker Description

100% Cabernet Franc. Les Picasses is the most famous Chinon lieu-dit, close to the village of Beaumont-En-Vron on the north bank of the Vienne River. It is a slope with full southern exposure and chalky clay-limestone soils. Raffault's mid-slope vines are at least 50 years old and are worked organically and harvested by hand.

The fruit is destemmed with the berries left whole; they are fermented with indigenous yeasts in tank with a maceration of 25-30 days. The wine is aged for one to two years in 30-hectoliter oak and chestnut foudres; it is then aged in bottle for several years before release. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Very aromatic, fruity notes stand out over the wood ones. We perceive black fruits such as blackberries and plums alongside with spiced notes, obtained during its time in oak barrels, that bestow elegance. Roasted notes appear gradually as well.  The wine has a great structure and body. It is well-balance and velvety on the mouth. It has a pleasant and long lasting finish.

18 months in French oak barrels. The wine is then finely-tuned in the bottle for a period of six months. For the purpose of preserving every characteristic of the wine, before being bottled, the wine goes through a clarification and stabilization process, followed by a filtration process. Nevertheless, over time, due to the use of very gentle techniques, some natural sediments might appear. 

Winemaker Description

Domaine Zafeirakis’s 12 ha (30 acres) of vines are planted in Tyrnavos, in the foothills of Mount Olympos (seen in the image below) in Thessaly in the east of central mainland Greece. The winery is marked near the town of Larissa on this World Atlas of Wine map of Greece. This is a perfect spot for Limniona, a thick-skinned and high-acid grape which loves hot days and cool nights.

Expert Review

Jancis Robinson states as follows: The 50 Great Greek Wines. Zafeirakis Limniona 2019 was one of my favourite reds in the selection I tasted. It was already showing some signs of the interactions that happen between the many components in a wine when it ages in bottle (in those wines not made for immediate consumption), so that while all that lovely dark and dark-red fruit and the gentle spice notes provide delicious intensity and freshness – more blackberry and cherry than blackcurrant or strawberry – there’s now also the first signs of complexity, flavours that are much harder to describe because they are so special to high-quality, maturing red wine. 
The tannins are starting to soften though not yet silky, and while there is no rush to drink this, it is perfect now: a tantalising array of aromas and flavours to capture your attention even if you have indulged in a late-December flavour-fest or have opened one or two expensive bottles saved for special occasions. The last two lines in my tasting note read: ‘A sophisticated wine that still packs a punch. Seriously moreish.

Expert Reviews 

Wine Spectator 97 Points | Expressive and alluring aromas of warm plum reduction and boysenberry puree lead off here, followed by fleshy, seamlessly layered notes of blackberry, black currant, melted black licorice and smoldering tobacco. Shows a lovely tug of dark earth through the finish without sacrificing a sense of polish or giving ground to the waves of fruit. Displays terrific latent energy through the finish. Best from 2023 through 2040.Wine Enthusiast 97 points This is a beautifully fragrant wine that has power along with an elegant acidity. It has wonderful juiciness that cuts through any of the tannins to give great freshness, a silky texture and fruitiness at the end. Perfumed and stylish, this is a very fine wine. Barrel Sample: 97-99 (2015).

Wine Advocate 98 Points | Blended of 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Vieux Chateau Certan opens with profound notes of blueberry compote, dried mulberries, black forest cake, licorice, violets and garrigue with wafts of black truffles, sandalwood and rose hips. Medium to full-bodied, very earthy/savory and beautifully layered with very plush yet present tannins, it offers lovely freshness and a very long minerally finish. So very Pomerol! 

Decanter 97 Points | This is a really complete wine with aromatic complexity, ripe fruit, beautifully suave texture and freshness and persistence on the finish. The tannins are abundant but fine, allowing the wine to build majestically on the palate. Harmonious as well. ‘It’s like 2010 with more Cabernet Franc (19%),’ says Alexandre Thienpont.

Jeb Dunnuck 100 points | I was able to taste both the 2015 and 2016 grand vins, and these are heavenly, magical wines that could not be any better. Starting with the 2015 Vieux Château Certan, it shows the opulent, flamboyant style of the vintage to a T and reveals a saturated purple/ruby color, a monster bouquet of blackberries, tobacco, kirsch, dried spices, and loamy earth, full-bodied richness, sweet tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. A thrill a minute, wine doesn’t get any better, and I only wish every reader could taste this beauty. Drink it any time over the coming 30 years or more.

James Suckling 100 points | The blackberries, blueberries, oyster shell and violets are so mesmerizing. Full-bodied, focused and deep. It takes you to another space and plane. Dried flowers and dark fruit. The tannins are perfectly crafted. Keeps going as you taste it. Drink in 2023 but why wait?

Winemaker Description

The Gratavinum winery is located in the Priorat D.O.Q. of Spain was founded by the Cusiné family as a project to craft the most traditional wines from Penedés. This family also owns the Parés Baltà winery in Penedés and the Dominio Romano winery in the Ribera del Duero.

Following the Cusiné family philosophy of winemaking, all of the wines by the Gratavinum winery have been certified organic since 2004 and this winery pays the utmost respect to the environment and biodiversity of the region.

The Gratavinum winery crafts wines from the classic grapes of this region, Grenache and Cariñena, along with two very well adapted foreign grape varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

The enologists at Gratavinum have adapted their winemaking to include new techniques and systems to craft organic wines that present the maximum expression of their grapes.

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description

Chansélus is a unique, minuscule production red (112 cases total!!!) from the prestigious Ribeiro D.O. which is more known for its world-class whites. Bernardo Estevez makes this field blend of Brancellao, Souson, Caino da Terra, Carabuneira, Trincadeira, Ferrol, Tinta Amarela, Caino Bravo, Caino Longo, Mencia, etc... from the 3 hectares of vines that he owns in 5 different sub-regions. 

He manages his vineyards personally following organic and biodynamic practices as laid out by Masanobu Fukuoka and he even brews his own natural treatments in his kitchen.

The wine is herbaceous and balanced with crisp acid, moderate tannins, fresh wild berry flavors and pronounced minerality from the sandy, granitic soils of Ribeiro. Pairs wonderfully with Galician pork sausages, smoked ham or sheep's milk cheese from the Pyrenees to the North.

Winemaker Description

Appearance: Intense bigarreau cherry color, clean and vivid from the high level and variation with evolution.

Aromatic intensity and complexity, where mainly black fruits appear which develop high roasts and tobaccos, with underlying balsamic notes.
taste    

In the mouth, it is fleshy and round, well structured, balanced, tannic, and with a persistent aftertaste. A very special wine with a singular character.

Pairing recommendation: Ideal for vegetables, juicy meats (roasts, lamb, game, etc) and cured cheeses.

Expert Reviews

92 Pts James Suckling: “concentrated, mature-berry character, generous tannins and a discreet hint of sweetness that make this an appealing wine with along, fresh finish.”

96 Pts Decanter Magazine: A nose of mature fruit and fruitcake, with balsamic hints, the palate is concentrated and complex with layers of lovely sweet black cherry fruit and velvety tannin.

Winemaker Description 

This historic estate, situated in the hills just south of Aix-en-Provence, has been in the hands of the Rougier family for two centuries and holds a virtual monopoly on the appellation of Palette. Château Simone encompasses twenty hectares of vineyards that sit on limestone soils at elevations between 500 and 750 feet above sea level on the slopes of Montaiguet. The special mesoclimate of this appellation is influenced by the encircling pine forests, the mass of Mont Sainte-Victoire, and the Arc River. 

The vineyards were reconstituted after the invasion of phylloxera but many vines are over a century old. The Rougiers maintain the particular vinification methods developed and cherished over many decades. All of the grapes are hand harvested, destemmed, lightly pressed and fermented for 15 to 20 days in small wooden vats with only wild yeast, then put into small foudre to rest on the lees. 

The red from Simone is an elegant yet well-constituted wine of great depth. It is primarily composed of Grenache and Mourvèdre but its special character reflects the presence of a mélange other grape varieties, albeit in small proportion, including Cinsault, Syrah, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Castet, Manosquin, Théoulier, Tibouren, Picpoul Noir, and Muscat de Hambourg. 

Winemaker Description

In the glass, bright strawberry and cranberry mix with hints of plum and citrus. Fresh fruit flavors are inviting and complex with a touch of spice and earthy notes on the finish. Silky tannins and balanced acids combine seamlessly to produce a luxurious mouthfeel. Aged on French Oak.

Enjoy with dishes such as grilled salmon or roasted pork loin.

Malbec in the Loire Valley is called Cot as it is in Cahor.  This is an inky dark wine that is dense, mouthfilling, with black fruit, raspberry, pepper, and rustic flavors.  This big red calls out barbecue!  We heartily recommend this special wine that rarely comes to the U.S.

Winemaker Notes

The nose on the powerfully built organic Malbec offers notes sweet and sour cherry, fresh blackberry, and country herbs. Concentrated and intense, presenting a silky texture and an elegant finish. A gorgeous Malbec from the banks of the Loire river. 

Winemaker Description

The Gattinara spends a minimum of 3 years in large oak whereas both crus see at least four years in large oak.

Expert Review

Vinous 95 Vinous | The 2018 Gattinara is a stunning wine in the making. Extraordinary in its complexity and nuance, the 2018 dazzles with a kaleidoscope of aromas, flavors and textures. Kirsch, hard candy, flowers and lively acids captivate the senses. The 2018 is elegant, weightless and full of character. It is, quite frankly, everything Gattinara can and should be. This is a great place to start for readers who want to know why the 2018 vintage is so magical at Nervi-Conterno. If it weren't for the single-vineyard wines, I would have said the 2018 is one of the very best wines that have ever been made here! (2018). 

Robert Parker 94 Points | Roberto Conterno acquired Nervi in 2018, and this is the first vintage in which the brand name is listed as Conterno Nervi (as opposed to Nervi Conterno, or just Nervi). Fully under his winemaking watch, the 2018 Gattinara comes from a vintage that performed well in this part of Alto Piemonte. Roberto had the confidence to produce his two single-vineyard expressions (Vigne Molsino and Valferana) in 2018, which is not exactly intuitive, as the growing season proved more challenging in other parts of Piedmont. But Roberto interprets each vintage with a keen eye and deft approach that is often contrary to his peers. I think what stands out here is the freshness, the balance of acidity that plays nicely into the minerality of the wine and the brightness of its wild rose and redcurrant flavors. This Gattinara carries a lot of fruit and primary intensity, all backed by subtle touches of balsam herb and soft tarry end notes. This 2018 underlines the elegance in Nebbiolo. (2018). 

Winemaker Description

Taste of black fruits, well-integrated tannins without aggressiveness. To be enjoyed with grilled or braised meats.

Winemaker Description

This small winery is the project of Sandrino Quadraroli, the owner of one of the finest restaurants in central Marche, Osteria del Borgia. Always a champion of the wines of his region, starting in 2012 he was finally able to crown his dream of producing wine. 

The 4 hectares estate was planted in 1999, upside down Guyot system, on clay, sandy and calcareous soil 500 meters above sea level on the south-facing hills right above lake Caccamo in the township of Serrapetrona located in the mountainous central part of the Marche region. 

The focus of the winery is the grape varietal indigenous to this sub-region: Vernaccia Nera, not found anywhere else in the world. This grape has a long history, however it was traditionally vinified sparkling and semi-sweet, possibly in order to tame the bold characteristics that this varietal has: crushed white and black pepper. Over the past two decades or so, a new generation of wineries in the area is concentrating on exalting the unique character of Vernaccia Nera and are bottling still, dry wines. The results are fascinating: the wines are distinctive, aromatic, full-bodied but elegant and vibrant, with good minerality and refreshing acidity. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2015

Mike DeSimone of the Wine Enthusiast writes 95 Points | Dark ruby in color, this wine has a nose of black cherry, cedar chest and violet candy. A pleasant floral note is a constant companion to blackberry, anisette, clove and dark-chocolate flavors that are enclosed in a shell of muscular tannins. A soft note of pomegranate permeates the grippy finish. Drink through 2035. 

Winemaker Description 

A 1er Cru RBD from Yolanda and Carolina García Viadero whose mission is to place the Tinto Fino varietal among the world’s best.  Bursts of blackberry and cassis, relaxed opulence and richness.

Winemaker Description

Intense color with purple reflections. The aromas of violets and Mediterranean herbs complement the delicate notes of chocolate and toast from the subtle aging.

Elegant on the palate, with fresh notes that combine with round and sweet tannins. In perfect balance with natural acidity, it is a pleasant and long-lasting finish.