![]() Cullen Wines is one of the oldest and most renowned wineries in Australia's Margaret River region, famed for its eco-conscious winemaking philosophy and exceptional quality wines. The winery was established in 1971 by Kevin and Diana Cullen, whose pioneering efforts helped shape the future of winemaking in Margaret River. Today, under the stewardship of their daughter Vanya Cullen, the winery remains at the forefront of the Australian wine industry. Vanya Cullen, the current winemaker and managing director, has been a driving force behind the winery's commitment to biodynamic viticulture and sustainable practices. She is one of Australia's most respected winemakers and has garnered numerous awards and accolades for her work. Margaret River is located in the southwest corner of Australia, a region blessed with a maritime climate due to its proximity to the Indian Ocean. This temperate weather pattern, coupled with well-drained gravel soils, provides an ideal environment for viticulture. The region is best known for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, along with significant plantings of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Shiraz. Wilyabrup, where Cullen Wines is situated, is considered one of the finest terroirs within Margaret River. It boasts well-draining soils of gravel and loam over a clay sub-soil. These conditions, combined with the region's maritime climate, allow for the slow, even ripening of grapes, resulting in wines of exceptional concentration and balance. Diana Madeline is Cullen Wines' flagship red wine, named in honor of co-founder Diana Cullen. The 2020 Diana Madeline is a blend of classic Bordeaux varieties, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. The exact composition can vary from year to year, but the wine is always dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, expressing the very best of the Wilyabrup terroir. The 2020 is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon with 4% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. In terms of winemaking, the emphasis is on minimal intervention. The fruit is hand-harvested, naturally fermented, and the wine is matured in French oak for an extended period before release. The Diana Madeline 2020 is a wine of remarkable depth, complexity, and elegance. The nose offers an enticing array of dark fruit aromas, cassis, and subtle earthy and herbal nuances, with hints of quality oak. The palate is rich yet beautifully balanced, with layers of blackcurrant, plum, and spice flavors underpinned by well-integrated tannins and a refreshing acidity. The finish is long and satisfying, indicating the wine's potential for aging. Cullen's Diana Madeline consistently ranks among Australia's most prestigious wines and is widely considered a benchmark for Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon. It stands as a testament to Cullen Wines' unwavering commitment to quality and their dedication to expressing the unique character of their exceptional Wilyabrup terroir.
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![]() 4 Gatos Locos is a unique wine project in the Uco Valley, Argentina, focusing on the expression of the high-altitude terroir through a passionate devotion to the Malbec varietal. As the name suggests (which translates to "Four Crazy Cats"), the winery was established by four friends – Mariano Di Paola, Jean-Philippe Pellet, Marcelo Casazza, and Tiziano Siviero – each one bringing a unique perspective and expertise to the table. The vineyards of 4 Gatos Locos are located in the Gualtallary region within the Uco Valley, one of the most prestigious wine regions in Argentina. Gualtallary is notable for its high elevation vineyards, reaching up to 1400 meters above sea level, leading to a cooler microclimate. This high altitude not only provides the grapes with plenty of sunlight for photosynthesis and ripening but also cools the temperatures down at night, preserving the grapes' natural acidity and promoting slow, balanced ripening of the fruit. The region's soils are primarily alluvial, featuring a mix of gravel, limestone, and sand, which contribute to the excellent drainage of the area. These rocky soils stress the vines, causing them to send their roots deeper in search of water and nutrients, which, in turn, leads to smaller, more concentrated berries. In terms of aspect and slope, the vineyards enjoy a combination of flat and gently sloping land, providing different sun exposures for various parcels. The vine training systems are primarily vertical shoot positioning, which allows for better sunlight exposure and air circulation among the vines. When it comes to winemaking philosophy, 4 Gatos Locos embraces a minimal intervention approach. This begins in the vineyard with sustainable practices and extends to the winery where traditional vinification methods are used. The grapes are hand-harvested, fermentation occurs with native yeasts, and the wines are aged in a combination of concrete eggs and oak barrels to preserve the varietal's natural characteristics while adding complexity and structure. The 2018 vintage of 4 Gatos Locos Malbec is an excellent representation of Gualtallary's distinctive terroir. This vintage had a longer growing season due to cooler temperatures, resulting in a more elegant and structured Malbec. The wine shows concentrated dark fruit flavors, underpinned by nuances of violets, minerality, and well-integrated tannins, reflecting the character and complexity of high-elevation Malbec. In summary: 1. 4 Gatos Locos is a unique project established by four friends in the high-altitude vineyards of the Gualtallary region within the Uco Valley, Argentina, focusing on expressing the region's terroir through the Malbec varietal. 2. The winery uses sustainable vineyard practices and minimal intervention winemaking, combining traditional methods with modern technology to create wines that truly reflect their origin. 3. The 2018 vintage of 4 Gatos Locos Malbec showcases the elegance and structure of high-elevation Malbec, with dark fruit flavors, floral nuances, and a distinct minerality derived from the alluvial soils of Gualtallary. The 2018 4 Gatos Locos Malbec captures the essence of high-altitude Malbec from Gualtallary, with its elegant fruit profile, floral notes, and mineral undertones, delivering a wine of exceptional balance and complexity that truly speaks of its place of origin. ![]() Cesare Bussolo is a venerable name in the winemaking tradition of Barolo. This small, family-run estate is nestled within the hills of La Morra, a sub-region within the Barolo DOCG that is revered for its elegance, aromatic complexity, and refined structure in the wines. Bussolo's winemaking philosophy is rooted in tradition, with a strong focus on the expression of terroir. The Bussolo family treats each vineyard as a separate entity, valuing the distinctiveness that each site brings to their wines. Their aim is to create wines that reflect the vineyard's unique characteristics, and they strive to interfere as little as possible in the winemaking process, maintaining minimal intervention to allow nature to take its course. The wines are created in a traditional style, with extended maceration periods and ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels, which imparts structure and complexity without overpowering the innate flavors of the Nebbiolo grape. The reputation of Cesare Bussolo is one of high regard among Barolo enthusiasts and critics alike. The wines consistently receive high ratings and are praised for their purity, complexity, and their ability to age gracefully over many years. They are sought after by collectors and wine lovers, particularly because of the limited production. The 2018 Bussolo Fossati Barolo is a shining example of the winery's dedication to creating expressive, terroir-driven wines. Fossati is a renowned vineyard site within the Barolo region, notable for its calcareous-clay soils and south-east facing slopes, providing optimal conditions for the cultivation of Nebbiolo. The 2018 vintage was marked by a warm growing season with balanced rainfall, allowing for optimal ripening and the development of intense flavors in the grapes. In the glass, the 2018 Fossati Barolo displays the quintessential characteristics of a finely crafted Barolo. It's noted for its elegance and aromatic complexity, with scents of red fruit, rose petal, spice, and underlying mineral notes that echo the vineyard's unique terroir. On the palate, it is structured and full-bodied, with high acidity and robust tannins that promise longevity. Despite its structure, the wine retains a certain finesse, with layers of flavors that unfold gracefully over time. Given its very limited production, this wine is a gem for wine lovers and collectors alike, offering not just a taste of finely crafted Barolo, but also a snapshot of the Fossati vineyard's unique expression of Nebbiolo. The Fossati vineyard is indeed situated at a higher elevation compared to Brunate and Cerequio, perched at around 300-350 meters above sea level. This elevated position allows the vines to benefit from cooler temperatures, promoting slower ripening and a resulting balance of sugar and acidity in the grapes. You're correct in pointing out that the vineyard is shared between the Barolo and La Morra subregions, which has historically influenced perceptions of its quality. Previously, the slightly cooler microclimate of Fossati was considered less ideal for the late-ripening Nebbiolo grape, which requires ample warmth to fully develop its flavors and tannic structure. However, as global temperatures rise due to climate change, these once 'lesser' sites are becoming more suited to Nebbiolo, striking a balance between ripeness and acidity that's crucial for Barolo's signature style. The Fossati vineyard boasts a southeasterly aspect, ensuring maximum sun exposure for the vines, particularly during the crucial ripening period in the morning. The site's inclination facilitates excellent water drainage, preventing waterlogging in the vineyard and promoting the growth of deeply rooted, healthy vines. The soil composition in Fossati is a mix of calcareous clay and limestone, typical of the region. This type of soil is perfect for Nebbiolo, as it encourages the grape to develop its distinctive aromatic complexity while retaining high acidity. The calcareous component in the soil also contributes to the grape's high tannic structure, a characteristic trait of Barolo wines. In terms of viticulture, the Fossati vineyard, under the care of the Bussolo family, is managed with a focus on sustainable practices, ensuring the health and longevity of the vineyard and promoting the best expression of the terroir. The Nebbiolo grapes are carefully hand-harvested, typically in mid-October when they've reached optimal ripeness. The vinification process for the 2018 Bussolo Fossati Barolo involves fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with regular pump-overs to extract color, flavor, and tannin from the grape skins. The wine is then aged for at least two years in large Slavonian oak casks, as per Barolo regulations. This traditional method of ageing contributes structure and complexity to the wine while maintaining the Nebbiolo grape's inherent fruit characteristics. Style-wise, the 2018 Bussolo Fossati Barolo is an excellent representation of how the Fossati vineyard and Nebbiolo can beautifully intersect. It possesses an elegant power, with structured tannins and high acidity framing layers of red fruit, floral notes, and earthy undertones. The wine shows the unique potential of Fossati to produce wines of great complexity and elegance, holding its own against those from more renowned Barolo sites. This is a Barolo that eloquently speaks of its terroir, showcasing the increasingly recognized quality of the Fossati vineyard. Instagram post: "Cooking up a storm in the kitchen tonight with homemade sausage and ricotta ravioli, dressed in a heavenly butter sage sauce. The perfect partner? A glass of the 2018 Bussolo Fossati Barolo. Its structured tannins and bright acidity cut through the rich, creamy ricotta, while its earthy undertones complement the sausage beautifully. Each sip is a journey to the elevated vineyards of Fossati, where Nebbiolo finds its elegant power. Swipe ➡️ to see the magic unfold from pan to plate. 🍷🍽️🇮🇹 #Barolo #ItalianWine #FoodAndWine #HomeCooking #Ravioli #ItalianFood #PastaLovers #WineLovers #WinePairing #BussoloFossati #PiedmontWine #Nebbiolo #WineTasting #WineTime @cesarebussolobarolo @foodandwine @winewankers @italianwineunplugged" ![]() Last night's culinary adventure was a true delight! 🌿✨ I prepared a delectable fresh squash pasta using ingredients straight from my garden – the vibrant squash and fragrant sage added a burst of flavor. With a touch of garlic and a sprinkle of Parmigiano, the dish achieved a perfect balance that danced on my palate. 🍝❤️ To elevate the experience, I chose the 2021 Bergstrom Pinot Noir from the esteemed Dundee Hills AVA. 🍷🌿 This wine is an absolute gem, showcasing intense red fruit flavors with a subtle hint of earthiness, balanced oak, and enticing spice notes. The acidity and balance were simply superb, leaving me craving for more. 😍🍇 #FreshFromTheGarden #SquashPastaLove #FlavorfulDelights #HomegrownGoodness #PerfectPairing #BergstromPinotNoir #DundeeHillsAVA #WineLoversUnite #FoodandWineExperience #CheersToGoodTimes #GastronomicDelights @BergstromWines Bergstrom Wines, the producer behind this spectacular 2021 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, is renowned for their commitment to crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of Oregon's Willamette Valley. With a passion for sustainable viticulture and meticulous winemaking practices, they consistently deliver wines of exceptional quality and character.
At Bergstrom, the winemaking philosophy revolves around a deep respect for the land and an unwavering dedication to expressing the distinct qualities of each vineyard site. They embrace a hands-on approach, ensuring that every step of the winemaking process is executed with precision and care. Now, let's delve into the Dundee Hills AVA, which sets the stage for the wine's style, flavor, and reputation. Situated within the larger Willamette Valley, the Dundee Hills AVA holds a special place in Oregon's winemaking landscape. Its unique characteristics shape the grapes and contribute to the overall expression of the wines produced there. One notable aspect of the Dundee Hills AVA is its volcanic Jory soil, which lends distinctiveness to the wines. This well-drained soil, composed of basaltic volcanic material, imparts a remarkable mineral quality and excellent drainage, which in turn influences the wine's structure and flavor profile. The AVA's mesoclimate is another defining feature. The Dundee Hills benefit from their position on the leeward side of the Coast Range, providing a rain shadow effect and protecting the vineyards from excessive rainfall. This drier climate, combined with the cooling influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean, allows for longer, slower ripening periods, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity, complexity, and finesse. Moreover, the Dundee Hills AVA boasts a range of elevations and aspects, contributing to the diversity of microclimates within the region. These variations in sun exposure, temperature, and air circulation create nuanced flavor profiles in the grapes, adding depth and complexity to the resulting wines. The Bergstrom 2021 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir showcases the essence of this exceptional terroir. Expect a wine that beautifully balances elegance and power, with expressive red fruit flavors, harmonious acidity, and refined tannins. The volcanic soil contributes to its mineral-driven character, while the extended growing season nurtures the development of complex aromatics and a remarkable sense of place. In summary, the combination of Bergstrom's meticulous winemaking approach and the unique characteristics of the Dundee Hills AVA yields a truly outstanding wine. Its style, flavor, and reputation are a testament to the winery's commitment to showcasing the terroir-driven potential of this remarkable region. ![]() Albert Mann winery, located in Alsace, France, has a rich history that dates back several centuries. It is the result of the merger of two longstanding Alsace wine-growing families, the Manns and the Barthelmés, with the Mann family having grown grapes in the region since the early 17th century and the Barthelmés family since the mid-16th century. The name "Albert Mann" is a tribute to one of the Mann ancestors who was particularly influential in the family's winemaking history. Today, the winery is managed by brothers Maurice and Jacky Barthelmé, who took over in 1984 and have since elevated the reputation of Albert Mann to become one of Alsace's leading estates. The winery cultivates 23 hectares of vines, including parcels in several Grand Cru sites. They've committed to organic and biodynamic viticulture since the late 1990s, earning both organic and biodynamic certifications. Alsace is a unique wine region, located in northeastern France, bordering Germany. It is nestled between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River, with a climate characterized by a semi-continental influence, creating a mix of warm, sunny days and cool, long nights. Due to the rain shadow effect of the Vosges Mountains, Alsace is one of the driest wine regions of France. This climate, along with the region's diverse soils, allows Alsace to cultivate a variety of grapes, including Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir, among others. The region is known for its high-quality white wines, but in recent years, Pinot Noir has gained recognition for its quality and potential in Alsace. The Albert Mann 2019 Grand H Vin D'Alsace Pinot Noir reflects the winery's commitment to preserving the natural balance of the vines and their environment. The vines for this wine are grown organically and biodynamically, promoting soil health and biodiversity. The grapes are hand-harvested, ensuring only the best quality grapes make it into the wine. The winemaking approach is minimal intervention, seeking to express the true character of the Pinot Noir grape and its Alsatian terroir. In terms of vinification, the grapes undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration, which helps extract color and aromatic complexity. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts to preserve the unique characteristics of the vineyard. The wine is then aged in a combination of large old oak foudres and smaller barrels, which adds complexity and structure without overpowering the delicate Pinot Noir fruit. The resulting 2019 Grand H Vin D'Alsace Pinot Noir showcases the elegance and finesse of Alsatian Pinot Noir. It offers a harmonious balance of fruit, acidity, and subtle oak influence, reflecting both the winery's commitment to quality and the unique climatic and geological influences of Alsace. Tasting Note: **Appearance:** The 2019 Grand H Vin D'Alsace Pinot Noir from Albert Mann is clear and bright, with a medium ruby color. **Nose:** On the nose, it's clean with pronounced intensity. It exhibits vibrant aromas of ripe red cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, complemented by subtle floral notes of rose petals. The use of oak is evident but well-integrated, adding layers of complexity with delicate hints of baking spices, toast, and vanilla. There are also earthy undertones, reminiscent of forest floor and wet leaves. **Palate:** Dry on the palate, this Pinot Noir has medium-plus acidity, medium tannins, and a medium body. The alcohol is medium and well-balanced, giving the wine a sense of warmth without being overwhelming. The flavor intensity is pronounced, mirroring the nose with ripe red fruits, floral notes, oak influence, and earthy nuances. There's a notable minerality on the palate, likely a reflection of the vineyard's terroir. The tannins are medium, fruit wrapped and well integrated. **Finish:** The finish is long, with the interplay of fruit, oak, and earthy flavors lingering in the mouth, showcasing the wine's complexity and balance. **Conclusions:** This is an outstanding wine. It is exceptionally well-balanced, with a harmonious interplay of fruit, acidity, tannins, and oak. It displays a high level of complexity, revealing multiple layers of flavors and aromas that evolve and unfold in the glass. The wine has a great intensity and a long, satisfying finish, indicating a high-quality winemaking process. The 2019 Grand H Vin D'Alsace Pinot Noir is ready to be enjoyed now but has the structure and balance to age and develop further complexity over time. Pairing: Tonight’s culinary adventure took us on a journey through the beautiful Alsace region, all from the comfort of our own kitchen. We indulged in homemade ricotta and herb ravioli, fresh from the pot and gently tossed in a golden, garden-fresh sage butter sauce. To accompany this delightful dish, we chose the 2019 Grand H Vin D'Alsace Pinot Noir from the renowned Albert Mann winery. This outstanding Pinot Noir, with its bright red fruit notes and subtle earthy undertones, harmoniously interplayed with the creamy ricotta and aromatic sage, adding an extra layer of complexity to our meal. Who said you need a dry white with pasta? Sometimes, all it takes is to think outside the box! 🍷🍝 #PinotNoir #AlbertMann #WineLover #AlsaceWine #HomeCooking #PastaLovers #Ravioli #WinePairing #ThinkOutsideTheBox #CulinaryAdventures #HomeChef #WineLife #FromScratch #FreshFromTheGarden #SageButterSauce #Winestagram #WineOClock #SipSavorRepeat" ![]() Situated in the heart of the Barolo DOCG, the Arborina vineyard enjoys a prestigious location within the La Morra subregion. This vineyard is located on a gentle slope on the southern side of the town, positioned at an elevation between 250 and 300 meters. The combination of this elevation and the vineyard's south-eastern exposure makes it one of the more advantageous sites in La Morra, capturing ample sunlight throughout the day, essential for the Nebbiolo grape's slow and steady ripening. The slope also aids in natural drainage, helping to prevent water stagnation and encouraging deep root growth, further enhancing the vines' resilience and the complexity of the resulting wine. The soils in Arborina are predominantly calcareous marl with traces of clay and sand. This composition differs significantly from the heavier clay soils found in other parts of the Barolo DOCG, like Serralunga d'Alba. The lighter, more friable soils of Arborina are known to produce wines of exceptional elegance, finesse, and aromatic complexity, differing from the more structured and tannic expressions of Nebbiolo found elsewhere in Barolo. This terroir's unique characteristics impart a distinctive profile to wines produced from the Arborina vineyard. They are typically marked by a perfumed bouquet of red fruits, floral notes of rose and violet, and a hint of spice. On the palate, they show a remarkable balance between intensity and elegance, with the high acidity and tannic structure of Nebbiolo framed by a certain delicacy and finesse. This profile sets Arborina apart, even within the diverse landscape of La Morra's crus, making it a benchmark for the refined and aromatic style of Barolo that the subregion is renowned for. 1. Climate and weather: Barolo, located in the Piedmont region of Italy, has a continental climate with significant diurnal temperature variation, especially during the growing season. These conditions contribute to the development of Nebbiolo's complex flavors and high acidity. The 2017 vintage was characterized by a warm and dry growing season, which led to an early harvest and wines with more concentrated flavors and less acidity than typical vintages. 2. Soils, aspect, and elevation: The Arborina vineyard is situated in the La Morra subregion, at an altitude of 250-300 meters. It is known for its south-east facing slopes, which provide ample sunlight exposure for Nebbiolo. The soils in Arborina are primarily calcareous marl, which contributes to the wine's elegance, finesse, and longevity. 3. Grape varieties: Nebbiolo is the only variety permitted for Barolo. It's a late-ripening grape with thick skins, contributing to the wine's high tannins, acidity, and potential for aging. 4. Viticultural practices and harvest: Renato Corino practices sustainable viticulture and emphasizes manual labor in the vineyard. They are known to thin the fruit in the summer to concentrate flavors in the remaining grapes. The warm 2017 vintage led to an early harvest, and the grapes were hand-picked to ensure only the best quality fruit was used. 5. Vinification options: The Nebbiolo grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature, with daily pumping over to extract color, tannins, and flavors. 6. Maturation length and type: The 2017 Renato Corino Barolo Arborina was aged for 24 months in French oak barrels. This provides additional complexity and structure to the wine, while allowing it to soften and integrate over time. 7. Bottling practices: After aging, the wine was bottled without fining or filtering, which can add additional complexity and allow the true character of the Arborina terroir to shine through. 8. Business aspect: Renato Corino is a small, family-run winery known for producing high-quality, terroir-driven Barolos. Their wines, including the single cru Arborina, are highly regarded and sought after in the market. The 2017 vintage, despite the warmer conditions, is still expected to show the elegance and structure that this winery is known for. Tasting Note: 2017 Renato Corino Arborina Barolo My top observation about this wine is that the graphite tones in Arborina wines resembles this found in Serralunga or Monforte wines but the wine lacks the structural intensity of those areas and is a great balance of elegance, complexity and structure. The intricacy of Arborina's flavor profile, coupled with its distinct structure, can pose a challenge in a blind tasting setting. However, with careful analysis and understanding of the vineyard's terroir, it's possible to pinpoint its origins. Now, let's proceed with the tasting note for the 2017 Renato Corino Arborina Barolo. **Appearance**: The wine shows a clear, medium garnet color with a slight orange tinge at the rim. **Nose**: The nose is pronounced and complex, unveiling layers of red cherry, dried raspberry, and ripe plum, intertwined with delicate floral notes of rose and violet. The expected graphite undertone is present, adding a mineral edge to the aromatic profile. Subtle hints of clove, star anise, and tar provide further complexity. **Palate**: On the palate, the wine is dry with high acidity and high, yet well-integrated , chalky tannins. It has a full body and displays an excellent balance between fruit concentration, pronounced flavor intensity and structural cohesiveness. The red fruit flavors mirror the nose, enriched by nuances of licorice, leather, and that signature graphite note. A whisper of well-integrated oak adds a touch of vanilla and sweet spice. The wine has high alcohol. There is the usual, tea leaf, rose petal and dominant red fruit as with Barolos of this area. **Finish**: The finish is long and persistent, with a lingering sense of the wine's complex flavor profile and its impressive structure. **Quality Assessment**: This Barolo is outstanding. The balance between the wine's high acidity, firm tannic structure, and concentrated fruit flavors is excellent, indicating a wine made with skill and intention. The pronounced intensity on both the nose and palate, along with the long finish, speak to its high quality. There is a great complexity, with primary, secondary, and tertiary flavors in harmony. Given its structure and complexity, this wine has the potential to age and evolve positively for many years. **Justification**: 1. **Balance**: The harmony between acidity, tannin, fruit, and alcohol is striking, demonstrating the winemaker's skillful hand. 2. **Length**: The lingering finish leaves a lasting impression, a hallmark of high-quality wine. 3. **Intensity**: The pronounced intensity on the nose and palate ensures this wine leaves a strong impression. 4. **Complexity**: With a mix of primary, secondary, and tertiary flavors, this wine exhibits significant complexity, indicative of quality winemaking and maturation. 5. **Development**: The presence of tertiary notes suggests some development, and given its structure and concentration, it has the potential to continue aging gracefully. ![]() Ribera del Duero, a prestigious wine region in Spain, is renowned for its exceptional red wines, predominantly produced from the Tempranillo grape variety. The region's unique terroir, viticulture practices, and winemaking techniques contribute to the distinct character and style of these wines. Isaac Fernandez, a highly regarded producer, crafts exceptional wines that embody the essence of Ribera del Duero. Here, we will explore the five most important factors that influence the wine style, quality, and price of Isaac Fernandez wines from Ribera del Duero. 1. Climate and Weather: Ribera del Duero experiences a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters. The region's high elevation, coupled with significant diurnal temperature variations, allows the grapes to develop intense color, concentrated flavors, and balanced acidity, contributing to the quality and aging potential of the wines. Tempranillo generally needs some cooling influence and it finds here at elevation and cool nighttime temperatures. 2. Soils, Slope, and Aspect: The diverse soils of Ribera del Duero consist mainly of limestone, clay, and sand, with varying amounts of gravel and pebbles. These soils offer excellent drainage, encouraging the vines to grow deep roots and allowing for the production of highly concentrated wines with well-defined structure and complexity. 3. Grape Variety and Key Characteristics: Tempranillo, locally known as Tinto Fino or Tinta del País, is the dominant grape variety in Ribera del Duero. This grape variety is relatively early ripening and prefers warm sites with some cooling influence. It can support a wide range of quality levels with higher quality wines, such as this, being made with controlled yields, old vines and at elevation. The resulting wines are full-bodied with high tannins, complex fruit flavors, and a natural affinity for oak aging. 4. Viticulture Practices: Isaac Fernandez places significant emphasis on sustainable viticulture practices, such as canopy management, green harvesting, and dry farming, to optimize the quality and concentration of the grapes. These practices help to manage the vigor of the vines and balance the fruit concentration with acidity and tannin structure. 5. Vinification Practices and Aging: Isaac Fernandez employs a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques, including temperature-controlled fermentation, gentle extraction methods, and careful use of oak aging. The wines are aged in a mix of French and American oak barrels, which imparts additional complexity and structure, enhancing the wines' potential for long-term aging. Tasting Note: Appearance: The 2014 Isaac Fernandez Ribera del Duero presents a deep garnet color with a slight brick hue, indicating some bottle age. Nose: The nose is pronounced and complex, displaying layers of ripe black cherry, blackcurrant, and dried plum, intermingled with maturing notes of leather, tobacco, and forest floor, dried blossom, earth, smoke, toast and dried herbs. The influence of American oak is evident through the integration of vanilla, coconut, and sweet spice aromas. Palate: On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a rich, velvety texture. High tannins are well-integrated, providing structure and balance to the concentrated flavors of black fruit, accompanied by tertiary characteristics of dried plums/figs, leather, and earthiness. The American oak adds further complexity with notes of baking spices, vanilla, and a hint of dill and coconut. The wine exhibits a refreshing acidity that lifts the flavors and carries through to a long, harmonious finish. The wine has high alcohol. Conclusion: The 2014 Isaac Fernandez Ribera del Duero is an outstanding wine that showcases the exceptional quality of the Tempranillo grape in Ribera del Duero. Its pronounced and complex nose, rich palate, and well-integrated tannins demonstrate the wine's ability to age gracefully. The clear evidence of American oak enhances the wine's complexity, and the maturing flavors are testament to its evolution in the bottle. This wine has the potential to continue developing tertiary notes, and it can be enjoyed now or cellared for further aging. Pairing: For Cinco De Mayo we paired this wine with a simple but delicious "Spanish Chicken Bowl". Using lettuces and herbs from the garden, we added black beans, spiced chicken, avocado, pickled onions, a touch of cheese and a lot of cilantro. ![]() Climate and weather: Rioja experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, tempered by Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. La Rioja Alta, located in the western part of the region, is influenced more by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in cooler temperatures and higher rainfall, which contributes to the elegance and acidity in the wines. Bodegas La Rioja Alta's Viña Ardanza vineyards benefit from this cooler climate, leading to the production of elegant and age-worthy wines. Soils, slope, and aspect: The soils in Rioja are diverse, including clay, limestone, alluvial, and iron-rich ferrous clay (particularly in La Rioja Alta). Viña Ardanza vineyards are planted on a mix of these soil types, which contributes to the wine's complexity and depth of flavor. The slopes and aspects of the vineyards ensure optimal sunlight exposure and drainage, crucial for achieving balanced ripeness and complexity in the grapes. Grape varieties and key characteristics: The dominant grape variety in Viña Ardanza is Tempranillo, known for its medium to full body, moderate acidity, and fine tannins. A smaller proportion of Garnacha is also used, adding fruity and spicy notes, and enhancing the overall complexity of the wine. Vinification practices: Traditional Rioja winemaking involves extended oak aging, particularly for Reserva wines. Viña Ardanza Reserva wines require a minimum of 36 months aging, including at least 12 months in oak barrels (often American oak). Bodegas La Rioja Alta is known for its meticulous selection of oak barrels, with a preference for new American oak to impart signature aromas of vanilla, dill, and coconut. The wines may also undergo longer oak aging periods to enhance their complexity and structure. Blending, maturation, and business: Viña Ardanza wines are blended from selected Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes, carefully chosen to achieve balance, complexity, and aging potential. After the required oak aging, the wines are matured in the bottle for an additional period to further develop their flavors and smooth out their tannins. Bodegas La Rioja Alta is renowned for its high-quality Reserva wines, which are valued for their aging potential, elegance, and consistency across vintages. Viña Ardanza Reserva is one of the flagship wines of the winery, representing the essence of traditional Rioja winemaking. Tasting Note: Vina Ardanza Reserva Rioja 2015 - Outstanding Quality: Appearance: Deep garnet. Nose: Pronounced intensity aromas of ripe black cherries, black plums, dried figs, tobacco, leather, cedar, and sweet baking spices like cinnamon and clove, earth, smoke, pepper spices. . Palate: Dry, full-bodied, with high tannins and medium+ acidity. Rich flavors of ripe black cherries, black plums (fresh and baked), figs, earth, smoke, pepper spices. tobacco, leather, cedar, sweet baking spices, and a hint of dark chocolate. The wine has high alcohol at 14%. Finish: Long and persistent, with layers of ripe fruit, spice, and tertiary notes. Complexity: This wine displays a high level of complexity, showcasing a wide range of fruit, spice, and tertiary notes, with a backbone of earthy and toasty notes as evidence of oak. . Balance: The balance between the fruit, oak, acidity, and tannins is well-executed, allowing all components to complement one another harmoniously. The wine is further balanced between still fresh red fruit and developing fig and baked plum. Intensity: The pronounced intensity of flavors on the nose and palate is indicative of an outstanding wine. Length: The long finish provides a lasting impression and allows the wine's flavors to linger, further contributing to its outstanding quality. The wine remains integrated and the flavors retain their precision through the long finish. Development potential: The wine has reached a stage of maturity with fully developed aromas and flavors, but still possesses the structure and balance to age gracefully for several more years. The fresher fruit tone will develop and the already developing notes will further develop for greater interest. Pairing: This wine is very food friendly and paired perfectly with Cous Cous, Brisket, picked onion and avocado. For a second night, I took the same ingredients but made pizza with them... a great way to play with the flavors and discover the possibilities.... ![]() The Non-Vintage Antoine Derigny Grand Cru Mesnil Sur Oger wine originates from the esteemed Champagne region of France, celebrated for its exceptional sparkling wines. The Mesnil Sur Oger village, situated in the Côte des Blancs, is one of the five subregions within the Champagne AOC. The Côte des Blancs is renowned for its Chardonnay grapes, which thrive in the area's unique terroir and lend their singular character to the region's sophisticated and polished sparkling wines. Antoine Derigny is a boutique Champagne producer with a focus on crafting high-quality, terroir-driven wines that reflect the essence of the Mesnil Sur Oger vineyards. By employing meticulous viticulture practices and adhering to traditional winemaking methods, Derigny ensures that the wines showcase the distinct qualities of the region. The soil in the Côte des Blancs primarily consists of chalk, a porous and lightweight limestone that offers excellent drainage and water retention. This soil composition provides the vines with an ideal balance of moisture throughout the growing season and imparts a distinct mineral quality to the wines, contributing to their extraordinary complexity and finesse. The vineyards in the Côte des Blancs benefit from their south-facing aspect and gentle slopes, which provide optimal sun exposure for the grapes, ensuring full ripening and development of their delicate flavors. The climate in the region is cool and continental, with the Marne River and surrounding forests helping to moderate temperatures and provide a unique microclimate conducive to the cultivation of high-quality Chardonnay grapes. Hand harvesting is the norm at Antoine Derigny, and the focus on quality is paramount. Precise viticulture practices, such as pruning and green harvesting, ensure that only the finest grapes make it into the final cuvée. The winemaking process, involves a traditional method called méthode champenoise, which includes a secondary fermentation in the bottle - the same bottle in which the wine is purchased. This results in the production of fine, persistent bubbles that are a hallmark of Champagne and the autolytic flavors of outstanding quality champagne. Time on lees, or the period during which the wine remains in contact with the spent yeast cells, is crucial for the development of rich, toasty, and biscuity flavors in the wine. Non-vintage Champagnes typically age on lees for at least 15 months, but Antoine Derigny chose to extend this period to five years to further enhance the wine's complexity and depth of flavor. The wine is dry with 6 g dosage. The resulting wine style from the Mesnil Sur Oger vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, such as the Non-Vintage Antoine Derigny Grand Cru, is characterized by its elegance, finesse, and vibrant acidity. The Chardonnay grapes lend their bright citrus, green apple, and white floral notes to the wine, while the extended time on lees imparts a rich, creamy texture and delicate brioche nuances. The unique terroir, careful viticulture, and traditional winemaking techniques all come together to create an exceptional and unforgettable Champagne experience. The "NM" on the back label stands for "Négociant-Manipulant." It indicates that the producer of this Champagne purchased grapes or grape must from growers and is responsible for the production and bottling of the Champagne. Négociant-Manipulants may also have their own vineyards but supplement their production with grapes bought from other growers to meet their requirements. With this wine, we paired caviar... delicious every time!! Tasting Note: Wine Name: Non-Vintage Antoine Derigny Grand Cru Mesnil Sur Oger Champagne Appearance: The wine exhibits a pale gold color with a persistent stream of fine bubbles, demonstrating the traditional method used in its production. Nose: The nose is pronounced, displaying a harmonious blend of citrus fruit, such as lemon and grapefruit, ripe green apple, and delicate white floral aromas. There are also secondary notes of freshly baked brioche, toasted almonds, and a chalky minerality, suggesting a complex bouquet developed through extended lees aging and the influence of the chalky terroir. Palate: On the palate, this Champagne is dry with high acidity, a fine mousse, and a medium-plus body. The flavors echo the nose, showcasing a lively citrus character, green apple, and white florals, complemented by the rich and toasty brioche notes. The wine also displays a pronounced minerality, adding to the overall complexity and depth of flavor. The finish is long and lingering, with the vibrant fruit and elegant brioche notes persisting well after the last sip. Conclusion: This Non-Vintage Antoine Derigny Grand Cru Mesnil Sur Oger Champagne is outstanding, 1. The pronounced and complex nose demonstrates the high-quality Chardonnay grapes used in the wine's production and the extended time on lees, resulting in a rich bouquet of primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas. 2. The wine's high acidity and fine mousse contribute to a refreshing and elegant mouthfeel, balancing the rich flavors and in a well integrated and defined structure. 3. The long, lingering finish indicates the exceptional quality of the wine as the finish remains integrated with all the flavors present throughout for a pleasing and lengthy expression. 4. The pronounced minerality, derived from the chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs, adds another layer of complexity and intrigue to the wine. 5. The harmony and balance of fruit, toasty notes, and minerality suggest that this Champagne has been skillfully crafted, highlighting the terroir and the expertise of the winemaker. The wine's outstanding quality and the harmony of its components suggest that it has the potential to age gracefully, developing even more complexity and depth over time. ![]() Viticulture: The vineyards are located in the cool-climate Willamette Valley, Oregon, where the vines benefit from the region's moderate temperatures and maritime influence. The area's diurnal temperature swings allow the Pinot Noir grapes to ripen slowly, developing intense flavors while retaining good acidity. Vineyard practices include careful canopy management, green harvesting, and hand-harvesting at optimal ripeness. This wine is a blend from vineyards in Ella-Amith, Ribbon Ridge, and Yamhill Carlton. From the Spec Sheet: THE VINTAGE. The 2021 vintage had all the ingredients to make incredible wines: hot and dry weather, modest yields, and low disease pressure, critical in our consistently damp growing region. Oregon broke records when in June, a normally wet and fickle month, brought a heat dome to the state blanketing the Willamette Valley in extreme temperatures. And all before there were even grapes on the vine! The trend continued throughout summer and finally cooled off in October, allowing the grapes vital hang-time to develop complex, mature tannins. The Pinot noirs from this vintage are darkly colored and concentrated, with flavors of marionberry and blueberry. Delicate aromatics lift out of the glass and tease of violets and herbs. Expect these wines to age gorgeously. At harvest, the grapes are hand-sorted and then de-stemmed, followed by a cold soak to extract color and flavor. 20% whole cluster fermentation is also performed adding to the lifted fruit flavor and spiciness. Fermentation is carried out in small open-top fermenters, using a combination of wild and selected yeasts. Gentle punch-downs or pump-overs are performed to manage extraction, and the wine is aged in French oak barrels (with a mix of new and used oak 30% new) for a period of 10 months. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation to soften the acidity, and it is bottled with minimal filtration to preserve its character. Tasting Note: Appearance: Deep ruby. Nose: Pronounced intensity with primary aromas of red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, and cranberry. Notes of Ping cherry and cedar. Fresh floral notes of rose petals and violets, accompanied by secondary hints of vanilla and baking spices. Palate: Dry, with medium (+) acidity, medium body, and medium, fruit wrapped and soft tannins. The flavor intensity is pronounced, showcasing red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, and cranberry, along with fresh rose petals, violets, vanilla, and baking spice. The bright red fruit outweighs the more subtle floral and secondary notes with bing cherry and red cherry dominating. The wine has a medium (+) finish. Conclusion: The 2021 Soter Estate Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley is a very good wine, displaying a pronounced intensity of primary fruit and floral flavors. However, the red fruit intensity lacks integration, resulting in a slightly imbalanced wine. The absence of earthy or "animal" notes, which are often found in outstanding examples of Pinot Noir, prevents this wine from being rated as outstanding however, the wine is well made and expresses the winemaker intent for a rich, fruit driven Pinot Noir, well appreciated in the market and perfect for Pizza Night! The wine can be enjoyed now or aged for a few years to allow for further development and integration. The acidity is adequate for the bottle and there is some room for flavor development with the deep fruit concentration, however this is not a wine that will go much beyond 3-5 years. Pairing: This wine was paired with two vegetable pizzas, made from scratch at home. Both with olive oil and garlic base, fresh tomatoes, herbs from the garden and one with caramelized onion and fresh garden arugula. ![]()
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Dennis SmithCertifications: |