Winemaker Notes The 2019 Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon is an Oakville, Napa Valley wine known for its linear intensity, bright acidity, and persistence, featuring a blend of red- and black-fruited aromatics alongside forest undergrowth, chocolate, and mineral notes, with fine tannins and a lingering finish. A challenging vintage marked by heavy spring rains and late-summer heat spikes, 2019 required careful vineyard management and resulted in a wine of both power and finesse, with significant aging potential.  About Winery Ulysses winery was established in 2008 when Christian Moueix, a prominent figure in Bordeaux winemaking, acquired a historic vineyard in the Oakville appellation of Napa Valley. This acquisition involved the meticulous restoration of a property on the Oakville bench, formerly part of Charles Hopper's ranch, with a focus on dry farming and sustainable agricultural practices. Today, Ulysses produces a single Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine, made with a minimalist approach and matured at the neighboring Dominus Estate, reflecting the exceptional terroir of its unique, gravelly soil. 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2019 Valserrano Reserva red wine has an intense and elegant aroma with hints of ripe red fruit, mineral notes, and toasted oak. On the palate, it is potent and appetizing, offering flavors of red fruits and toasted notes with a balanced oak influence. Made primarily from Tempranillo and Graciano grapes from the Rioja Alavesa region, the wine is characterized by its good structure and intense color, reflecting the "Excellent" 2019 vintage in Rioja.  About Winery Valserrano, also known as Viñedos y Bodegas de la Marquesa, is a family-owned winery with a long history in Rioja Alavesa. Founded in 1880, it has been continuously managed by the same family for five generations. The winery's roots trace back to Francisco Javier Solano y Eulate, Marqués de la Solana, who, inspired by French winemaking techniques, began producing Médoc-style wines in the late 19th century. Today, Juan Pablo de Simón, his great-grandson, leads the winery, and his children are actively involved in the business. 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2020 Antinori Tignanello is an intense ruby red wine with exceptional aromatic complexity. It opens with vibrant notes of ripe red fruits—especially cherries, strawberries, and blackberries—accompanied by delicate floral hints of violets, mallow blossoms, and roses. The bouquet is further enriched by subtle layers of roasted coffee, cocoa powder, and spices like pepper, licorice, and herbs. On the palate, it is vibrant and layered, with a silky tannin structure and a fresh, lengthy finish, showcasing both finesse and power About Winery Antinori Tignanello is a groundbreaking Italian wine first produced in 1971 by the historic Antinori family, whose winemaking roots date back to 1385. Tignanello marked a major shift in Tuscan winemaking—it was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques (small oak barrels), the first red wine in Tuscany to be blended with non-traditional varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, and among the first from the Chianti Classico region to be made without white grapes. Originally labeled as a Chianti Classico Riserva, it became a Tuscan red table wine in 1971 and helped define the Super Tuscan category. Tignanello is produced exclusively from the Tignanello vineyard, located in the Tenuta Tignanello estate in San Casciano in Val di Pesa, with limestone-rich soils and a southwest exposure.  

Read more less

About Winery Vega Sicilia is one of Spain’s most iconic and prestigious wineries, with a rich history dating back to 1864. Here's a brief overview: Founded by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, a Spanish winemaker trained in Bordeaux, who brought with him French grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. He planted these alongside the native Tempranillo (then called Tinto del País) in the Ribera del Duero region. The winery gained fame in the 20th century for producing some of Spain’s most celebrated wines, especially its flagship wine, Único, known for its complexity and extraordinary aging potential. In 1982, the Álvarez family acquired Vega Sicilia, marking a new era of modernization and expansion. Under Pablo Álvarez’s leadership, the winery has maintained its legendary status while also expanding into other regions like Toro (with Pintia) and Rioja. Despite its name, Vega Sicilia has no connection to the island of Sicily. “Vega” refers to fertile river plains, and “Sicilia” is believed to reference Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music. Tasting Notes The 2020 Tempos Vega Sicilia Alión from Ribera del Duero is a refined and expressive Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) wine, showcasing aromas of black cherry, rose petal, and anisette, which lead into flavors of cassis, cocoa bean, clove, and lavender on the palate. The wine is marked by plush tannins and a lingering finish with a touch of candied orange. Despite a challenging harvest with September rains, the grapes achieved excellent concentration, resulting in a wine that is balanced, fresh, and vertical, with a slightly increased use of American oak and concrete to enhance structure and finesse. It is suitable for drinking now and can be cellared for up to 20 years under optimal conditions.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Bibi Graetz has long been tinkering with his formula for this wine, and this vintage represents a new chapter. The 2020 Testamatta is a blend of Sangiovese from old and new vines, with a priority on cooler growing conditions (and even a few northern exposures). In the wake of climate change, and in the pursuit of elegance, Bibi is changing his approach. He also has a new vineyard property near Fiesole, and the introduction of these grapes (from a breezy, high-elevation site) are what gives Testamatta its beautiful clarity, sharpness and lifted bouquet. The new Fiesole fruit makes up about 30% to 35% of this wine. The results are vibrant, transparent and fresh both in terms of acidity and aromatic intensity. This is a wine in transformation and a wine to watch. About Winery From a medieval castle, Castello di Vincigliata, acquired by his parents over 60 years ago, winemaker Bibi Graetz crafts his wines on a hillside overlooking the great city of Florence. Beginning initially with only a small, 5-acre vineyard on this hillside in Fiesole, in little under two decades, Bibi has become one of Italy's most ingenious winemakers adding "cult winemaker" in addition to "talented abstract artist" to his dossier. Since the release of his first wines in 2000 and without any formal training, Bibi Graetz has managed to stir-up the Tuscan wine scene, and with the creation of Testamatta and Colore, has made his name eponymous with great Tuscan wines. Regularly scoring in the high 90’s with wine publications like Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, and James Suckling, coupled with his unique and artisanal winemaking approach, Bibi Graetz’s wines have garnered a loyal following among wine collectors and wine trade. Sourcing grapes from parcels of old vines around Tuscany give the Bibi reds great depth and soul; while grapes from vines on the Isola del Giglio have provided proof that Tuscany can be known for beautiful white wines as well. This affinity for old vines allows for the concentrated yet elegant wines of Bibi Graetz making this portfolio a collectible from Tuscan producers. His passion for producing his flagship wines exclusively from traditional varieties of Sangiovese, Colorino, and Canaiolo for the reds and the indigenous varieties of Ansonica and Vermentino for his whites have resulted in very distinctive wines that consistently set his wines apart from those from the rest of Tuscany, and Italy.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2020 Chapelle d'Ausone is a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is shut down to begin, soon giving way to profound notes of wild blueberries, black raspberries, and boysenberry preserves, plus suggestions of Indian spices, licorice, and lilacs. About Winery Chapelle d'Ausone, produced at the Château Ausone in Saint-Émilion, is a second wine that showcases the estate's winemaking skills and terroir. It's made from younger vines and some declassified Ausone, offering a unique expression of Bordeaux. Chapelle d'Ausone is known for its elegant and flavorful profile, often featuring notes of red and black fruits, spices, and violets. 

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes An attractive, brilliant, dark ruby color. Wild red berry fruit aromas mingle with notes of cherry stones, with pepper and spices coming through. Smooth, velvety tannins on the palate with a pleasant tang which in the finish provides length of flavor and amazing sapidity. About Winery Carillon d'Angélus highlight its identity as a second wine from Château Angélus, emphasizing the wine's characteristics derived from its terroir. At the origin of Angelus is an exceptionally well-situated vineyard, at the gates to the village of Saint-Émilion, on the famous south-facing "foot of the slope". Since 1782, over the generations, the passion and determination of the de Boüard de Laforest family have built a destiny worthy of the Estate. At 131 hectares including 62 hectares in Saint-Émilion, of which 31 hectares from the historic heart of the Estate, Angelus is now one of the largest vineyards in the appellation. In 2012, after more than thirty years at the helm of Angelus, Hubert de Boüard de Laforest passed the baton to his daughter, Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal. She became the third woman in the family's nearly 250-year history to preside over the destiny of this emblematic Estate, ensuring its legacy continues to thrive. Today, Angelus employs 170 people, produces 8 cuvées and owns restaurants and hotels, in particular, the Logis de la Cadène in Saint-Émilion and Le Gabriel in Bordeaux. In 2023, diversification continued with the creation of La Ferme 1544, forming a link between Château Angelus wine business and its restaurants.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The Grand Vin of Calon Ségur mirrors its terroir. It is rare, authentic and stirs the soul. In the most natural way, it reveals both great delicacy and outstanding intensity. All the magic of Calon is in this balance. The wine is aged in new oak barrels for 20 months, the tannins of the oak integrating harmoniously over time with the tannins of the grapes. The style is brought by a Cabernet Sauvignon which expresses its finesse without arrogance. Elegance is to be found everywhere, in the purity of the wine’s flavors, in the delicacy of its texture, while its depth and length are also superb. The wine’s extraordinary ability to age many years in bottle is another feature of the estate. The 1947, 1953 and 1982 vintages, by way of example, still display astonishing signs of youth. About Winery Château Calon Ségur, located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, boasts a rich history spanning centuries. The estate, known for its red wine, was once part of the vast Ségur family holdings, including Château Lafite, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild. The heart-shaped label, a symbol of the estate's enduring legacy, is a direct result of the Marquis de Ségur's famous declaration: "I make wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is in Calon". 

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The ripeness is outstanding, dark in color, the aromas are refined, complex and spicy, the tannins are elegant and sexy, with the sensation of a balanced power. It stands up the challenge of the 2018 and 2019 vintages, with a pretty dash of supplementary freshness. 2020 is also and open window to the future. About Winery Château Cantenac Brown is a 1855 classified third growth. The vineyard was founded over 200 years ago by a Scotsman, John Lewis Brown In 2020, Tristan Le Lous and José Sanfins launched the construction of a new wine cellar in line with their shared standards and their perpetual quest for excellence. This project was conceived in tribute to the land and the bonds that tie Cantenac Brown to nature. It is driven by the desire to build on what already exists, with what nature offers this land. This philosophy is embodied through this eco-construction project to build a cellar entirely of raw earth. A one-of-a-kind wine cellar in which environmental quality standards are set at today’s highest possible level, while guaranteeing thermal inertia and the perfect humidity for aging thanks to the power of the earth. The project retains the old historical buildings while laying new surfaces without distorting the site, using only natural, untreated materials: raw earth and solid wood from the Aquitaine region. Simple, pure and authentic biosourced materials without any use of cement.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The aromas are typical of a warm vintage. Black fruit mingles with notes of garrigue and pepper. The minty freshness holds the aromatic ensemble well. The attack is opulent. The power and density of the wine are remarkable, and the mouth lingers thanks to a rich and full tannin structure. The wine lengthens as it tightens to an impressive finish. About Winery The present-day Cheval Blanc vineyards had vines at least as far back as the 18th century, as shown by Belleyme's map of the region dated 1764. Nearly a century later, the estate was acquired by the Fourcaud-Laussac family who owned it until 1998, when it was sold to Mr Bernard Arnault and Baron Albert Frère. The vineyard is in a single block, and borders on the Pomerol appellation. An outstanding terror and unusual proportions of Cabernet Franc and Merlot give this great wine an absolutely unique flavor. Chateau Cheval Blanc has had a greater number of outstanding vintages than any other classified great growth over the past century. Another unusual characteristic of Cheval Blanc is that once it reaches its peak, it maintains it for a very long time. This admirable wine is powerful, soft, rich, round and silky. It has tremendous fruit and elegance as well as exceptional quality from year to year.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The wine is a deep, crimson-hued red.The full and expressive nose opens on black fruit aromas with refined touches of roasted coffee-bean. The bouquet becomes more intense with airing, revealing morello cherry aromas and more succulent notes of confectionery. The rich and structured attack shows perfectly ripe fruit, while the packed and generous mid-palate combines blackcurrant and liquorice flavours, set off by abundant and remarkably well-constructed tannins. Unfailing freshness underlines the long and harmonious finish. About Winery Château d'Armailhac's history is deeply intertwined with the Armailhacq family, who first purchased the estate in the late 1600s and established a vineyard in Pauillac, Bordeaux. The name "Armailhac" originates from one of the family's members, Dominique d'Armailhacq, who was a riverboat captain on the Gironde estuary. The vineyard was originally part of a larger estate that eventually became Château Mouton Rothschild. In 1855, Château Mouton d'Armailhacq (as it was then known) was classified as a Fifth Growth in the Bordeaux wine classification. The estate later passed into the hands of Baron Philippe de Rothschild in 1933, and his descendants continue to own and operate it today. 

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes Deep ruby red with its subtle aromas and moreish fruit, the 2020 vintage is a fine expression of the quintessential Margaux terroir. Precision combines with elegance to reveal an explosion of flavour. Its harmonious and delicate tannins envelop the palate, then give way to a long, hedonistic finish. About Winery Château d’Issan is in the heart of the Margaux appellation, a truly privileged location, which explains the outstanding quality of its wines. The mild weather, regulated by being close to the sea and the Gironde Estuary, provides ideal conditions for vine growth. The vines at Château d’Issan benefit from close, on-going care designed to produce perfectly ripe grapes. Everything is organized so that each individual plot can be tended independently in order to get the very best out of its fruit. Château d’Issan is a Third Growth of the 1855 Imperial Classification. The wine is made from the old vines in the Château d’Issan enclosure in the middle of the Margaux appellation. The soil here is mainly made up of surface gravel on top of a clay subsoil, which contributes to optimal ripeness and freshness in our two grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon 65% and Merlot 35%. Château d’Issan expresses the exquisite bouquet so characteristic of Margaux, and stands out with its suppleness, subtlety, elegance and long keeping potential that come from its unique terroir.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes Figeac: a name that shines brightly and echoes among lovers of fine Saint-Emilion wines all over the world. Two syllables which tell the story of one of the brightest stars in the wine firmament. As it slides into the glass, Figeac murmurs like the most outstanding voice of its appellation, with exactly the right tessitura if you know how to pitch it, and a touch of graphite to give it an edge; the energy infused with elegance becomes persistent, reflecting Figeac's desire to be enjoyed again and again. The true dimension of the wine appears with time, as notes of subtly spiced cedarwood offer the absolute quintessence of what a great wine is all about. About Winery Figeac is a very ancient property. In the 2nd century, the Figeacus family gave its name to the estate. Traces of this Gallo-Roman villa still exist today. In the 15th century, FIGEAC was one of five noble houses in Saint-Emilion and passed from the Lescours family, who at that time also owned Ausone, into the hands of the Cazes family, who transmitted it through marriage to the Carles in the 17th century. After the Manoncourt family acquired the property in 1892, FIGEAC was mainly managed by agricultural engineers. However, in 1943, the year in which Thierry Manoncourt made his first vintage, a period of resurgencebegan for Figeac. Thierry Manoncourt realised in that year the huge potential of FIGEAC’s terroir and urged his mother, a Parisian, to hold on to the estate. In 1955 CHATEAU-FIGEAC became a First Great Classified Growth. Today, Madame Manoncourt and her daughters are ably supported by highly skilled wine-growing teams and are as eager as ever to guarantee the long-term continuity of FIGEAC.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes Chateau Giscours is very proud of the 2020 vintage. The team's in-depth knowledge of the terroir and their risk-taking have produced a voluptuous wine. It is generous, with great personality. It has all the power and fleshiness of Chateau Giscours, and evokes a taffeta texture with silky tannins. It is a vintage that reflects the meticulous and bold approach that guided the team during this atypical year. About Winery Located on a beautiful 300 hectare estate, the 83 hectare Giscours vineyard is located in the famous Margaux appellation. Though the estate was first mentioned in a document dating back to 1330, it was not until 1847 that Count de Pescatore laid the cornerstone of the remarkable chateau that now overlooks the vines. Giscours' quality was confirmed by its inclusion as a Third Growth in the 1855 classification. The estate was purchased by Nicolas Tari after World War II. He made major investments in modernizing Giscours. In 1995, Eric Albada Jelgersma acquired the right to grow vines and make wine on the estate. He continues to lavish the care and attention that are necessary to maintain Giscours' standing as a world-famous great growth.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes This delightful red wine hails from Bordeaux, France, where centuries of winemaking tradition have shaped some truly remarkable blends. you’ll encounter rich, dark fruit notes—perhaps blackberries and plums—alongside a touch of spice. The tannins provide structure, making it a well-rounded choice. About Winery Owned by the Cardarelli family since 1949. The Cardarelli brothers, 3rd generation, have never stopped, like their parents and grandparents, developing and modernizing, in order to improve the quality of the wines. Today they still continue in this approach, but we place as much importance on the ecological and respectful aspect of production to achieve the High Environmental Value (HVE) standard. The Cardarelli vineyards' motto: "Produce well, good, and in respect with nature".

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The wine is a deep, dark, garnet-hued cherry red. The refined and complex nose opens on remarkably ripe black fruit aromas, going on with airing to reveal blackcurrant and aniseed notes combined with touches of graphite and a subtle hint of blond tobacco. From a smooth yet full-bodied attack, the palate displays highly precise tannins which sustain an expansion of flavors in harmonious, succulent balance. Nuanced refinements evident in touches of mint and mineral, smoky notes. About Winery Chateau Mouton Rothschild, a Premier Cru Classé from the Bordeaux region and one of the world's greatest wines, is owned by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild. The estate includes 205 acres of vines at Pauillac planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Merlot (11%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Petit Verdot (2%). In 1853, Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild bought Chateau Brane-Mouton. In 1922, his great-grandson Baron Philippe de Rothschild (1902-1988) decided to take the future of the estate into his own hands. His 65 years at Mouton bear witness to the strength of his personality, his spirit of enterprise and his sense of innovation. In 1922, he was the first to introduce chateau bottling. In 1926, he built the famous Grand Chai, the majestic 100-meter first year cellar, which has become a major attraction for visitors to Mouton. 1945 marked the start of a fascinating collection of works of art, created every year for the Mouton label by famous painters. In 1973, after a twenty-year battle, Baron Philippe obtained a revision of the 1855 classification and Mouton was officially recognized as a First Growth. In 1988, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild succeeded her father Baron Philippe. She has become the guarantor of the quality of an illustrious wine whose motto proudly proclaims, "First I am, second I was, I Mouton do not change."

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes Spontaneity. That sudden desire to indulge without delay, Château Palmer wished to gratify. Thus, while remaining true to its philosophy, another expression of its terroir came to be. Since the 1998 vintage, a new approach to selection and blending has yielded this supple and rounded wine, distinguished by its freshness of fruit, crisp intensity and richness…from the moment out of barrel, it's all that’s natural, bottled. About Winery Château Palmer was established in the first half of the nineteenth century by the English general, Charles Palmer. In 1814, on his way back from the Peninsular War where he had fought with Wellington against Napoleon, General Palmer acquired Château de Gascq and gave it his own name.In 1938, the Sichel family joined forces with a group of wine merchant friends to purchase the property. Today, the vines of Château Palmer (AOC Margaux) cover a surface of 52 hectares of croupes (knolls) of Garonne gravel and are made up of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot. This combination of soil and grape varieties has been the greatest asset of Château Palmer (3ème Cru Classé) from its earliest beginnings. At Château Palmer, tradition and evolving techniques have always gone hand in hand, and always with respect for the typical characteristics of this outstanding terroir. Highly reputed worldwide, the wines of Château Palmer rank among the most prestigious of Bordeaux and are coveted by keen wine enthusiasts the world over.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Tannic heft from the get-go, though this does have a lovely fresh, clean and precise core with a narrow, focused frame so the elements come across as quite tight and severe right now but well worked. It has class, no doubt, on the high-toned scale, potent and upfront but there's gorgeous detail and precision to the fruit, acidity and tannins. Slick and classy with lots of glamour that plays to the strengths of the vintage. About WineryChateau Pape Clément owes its name to its most illustrious owner. A man of the cloth born in 1264, Bertrand de Goth became Bishop of Comminges, in the Pyrenees Mountains, at the age of 31; he later became Archbishop of Bordeaux in 1299. He then received as a gift the property in Pessac, the Vineyard de La Mothe. Taken by a passion for the vine, he continually took part personally in equipping, organizing and managing the domain in accordance with the most modern and rational practices. Nevertheless, on 5 June 1305 the cardinals met in a conclave in Pérouse and appointed him to succeed Pope Benedict XI, who had passed away prematurely after only eleven months of reign. Bertrand de Goth took the name of Clement V. Supported by Philip IV, it was he who decided in 1309 to move the papal court to Avignon, thus breaking with Rome and its battles of influence. During this same period, the weight of his responsibilities led him to relinquish his property, giving it to the Archbishop of Bordeaux. Henceforward, the vineyard was to be known to posterity under the name of this enlightened pope. Management under the clergy brings modernity The grateful Church perpetuated Pope Clement's work. Each archbishop in turn turned to modernity and technical progress, to the point of the wine estate becoming a model vineyard. In addition to especially early harvests, which remain one of its special characteristics, Chateau Pape Clément is without a doubt the first vineyard in France to align vine stock to facilitate labour. At the end of the 18th century, the Archbishop of Bordeaux was dispossessed of his property. The papal vineyard became part of the public domain. 8 June 1937 was a dark day in the vineyard's history, when a violent hailstorm destroyed virtually the entirety of the estate. Two years later, Paul Montagne bought it and gradually brought it back to life. Thanks to his efforts, the vineyard returned to its former rank and stood up to the surge in urbanization. His descendents, Léo Montagne and Bernard Magrez, perpetuate this secular tradition so that Chateau Pape Clément wines continue to delight the wine-lovers of today and tomorrow.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2020 Chateau Rauzan Segla is a highly-rated Bordeaux red blend, known for its elegant and complex flavor profile. It's described as a deep purple-black color with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, chocolate, licorice, smoke, and incense. The palate features a medium to full-bodied richness, with vibrant fruit, refined tannins, and a long finish.  About Winery The wines here have delighted many well-know figures, most famously Thomas Jefferson who came across this wine during his visit to the vineyards of Bordeaux, placing an order for several cases of it. He thus became a fervent admirer or Rauzan-Segla wines. Some decades later, the 1855 Classification ranked Chateau Rauzan-Segla as a Second Growth. The current chateau was built in 1903, designed by architect Louis Garros, who drew inspiriation from the original Perigord-style buildings in the the chateau, as well as G. LeBreton who designed the park and green spaces. Then time went by and the chateau gradually fell into a slumber. Then, CHANEL purchased Chateau Rauzan-Ségla in April 1994 and immediately started a full renovation programme. The vineyard has been drained – a 15-kilometer network is now in place, 2 parcels of Petit Verdot were planted and 3 hectares of vines were grafted over with Merlot. Today, 51 hectares are in production for an average total production of 200 000 bottles – Chateau Rauzan- Ségla and its second wine Ségla. The winery has been adapted and large vats progressively replaced by smaller capacities – matching the parcels' sizes. From the 2004 picking on, grapes will be sorted on two 10-meter long vibrating tables, so that each single berry is checked before entering the vats. Maturation cellars have been completely renovated and a new room built for the bottling-labelling machines – making Chateau Rauzan-Ségla fully independent for the entire production process.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The Connétable de Talbot 2020 is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 15% new oak. Winemaker notes describe it as a round, easy-to-drink wine with balanced flavors, soft tannins, and a fruity, fresh profile. It exhibits notes of black fruits, blackcurrant, and cherry, with hints of vanilla and wood. The palate offers a frank, fruity attack with good length and freshness.  About Winery Château Talbot Connétable de Talbot, the second wine of the famed Château Talbot, tells a story of rigorous selection and meticulous vineyard management, all while offering a more accessible price point than the estate's flagship wine. The narrative centers around the estate's renowned terroir in St. Julien, Bordeaux, and its history, tracing back to the Battle of Castillon and the Cordier family's legacy. 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2022 Pessimist presents intense aromas of blueberry, cherry, plum and strawberry with undercurrents of lavender and kirsch. The nose evolves with layers of warm leather, truffle, pipe tobacco, black pepper and allspice. Rich and weighty on the palate, this wine delivers a no-holds-barred generosity of bold fruit flavors—boysenberry, blackberry, cassis and plum, underlain by notes of rhubarb, pomegranate and damp forest floor. Subtle hints of black olives, mushroom and tamarind spice concisely complement the balanced and well-rounded flavor profile. A persistent, elegant finish lingers with red cherry and cranberry tones highlighted by hints of dark chocolate. About Winery In the golden, oak-studded hills of Paso Robles' fabled west side, not far from William Randolph Hearst's magnificent castle, there is a man with a Homeric vision. His name is Daniel Daou and he is devoting his life and every imaginable resource to creating, first and foremost, a Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals the very best in the world. Gracefully perched atop a stunning promontory at 2,200 feet, the DAOU Spanish Colonial style winery is embraced by a tangible serenity. Hawks wheel and bank while the all-day sun caresses close planted rows of lush, emerald green vines. The 100 percent calcareous soil makes no sound as it passes out nourishment and only a gentle breeze flows up through the Templeton Gap from the Pacific. The quiet is bewitching; you want to lay down roots here, just as the four-year-old vines have done. But the sense of peace belies the serious industry at work on this 100 acre estate. No effort is spared to create the luscious varietals and blends that flow from this limited production winery. This kind of synergy happens rarely: superlative climate and terroir, super intensive vineyard culture, and cutting edge viticultural practice. You're more likely to find it in Bordeaux than Central California. Coupled with the infectious passion and gracious, family style hospitality of the Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, the result is pure magic. The kind of magic that comes in a bottle.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2023 DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon is described as powerful, complex, and layered, with a rich and weighty palate and a structured finish. It features aromas of black cherry, cassis, plum, and desert sage, with notes of cigar box, leather, and bay leaf. The palate offers flavors of black raspberry, spicy currant, and blueberry compote, with hints of Bing cherry and baking spices. The wine is well-structured with fine-grained tannins and a lingering finish of cherry, espresso, and vanilla.  About Winery In the golden, oak-studded hills of Paso Robles' fabled west side, not far from William Randolph Hearst's magnificent castle, there is a man with a Homeric vision. His name is Daniel Daou and he is devoting his life and every imaginable resource to creating, first and foremost, a Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals the very best in the world. Gracefully perched atop a stunning promontory at 2,200 feet, the DAOU Spanish Colonial style winery is embraced by a tangible serenity. Hawks wheel and bank while the all-day sun caresses close planted rows of lush, emerald green vines. The 100 percent calcareous soil makes no sound as it passes out nourishment and only a gentle breeze flows up through the Templeton Gap from the Pacific. The quiet is bewitching; you want to lay down roots here, just as the four-year-old vines have done. But the sense of peace belies the serious industry at work on this 100 acre estate. No effort is spared to create the luscious varietals and blends that flow from this limited production winery. This kind of synergy happens rarely: superlative climate and terroir, super intensive vineyard culture, and cutting edge viticultural practice. You're more likely to find it in Bordeaux than Central California. Coupled with the infectious passion and gracious, family style hospitality of the Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, the result is pure magic. The kind of magic that comes in a bottle.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2020 Soul of a Lion is a blockbuster vintage that showcases how Bordeaux varieties are remarkably suited to the terroir of DAOU Mountain. This wine explodes from the glass with a kaleidoscope of aromas and flavors, including blackberry, blueberry, black currant, dark cherry, sweet tobacco, and licorice. An added floral dimension imparts an integrated sense of elegance and freshness. While full-bodied with ultra-high phenolic levels, this wine maintains its evenness and poise through an extraordinarily long finish. Structured, balanced, and powerful, the 2020 Soul of a Lion will reveal its full magnitude after several years of careful cellaring. About Winery In the golden, oak-studded hills of Paso Robles' fabled west side, not far from William Randolph Hearst's magnificent castle, there is a man with a Homeric vision. His name is Daniel Daou and he is devoting his life and every imaginable resource to creating, first and foremost, a Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals the very best in the world. Gracefully perched atop a stunning promontory at 2,200 feet, the DAOU Spanish Colonial style winery is embraced by a tangible serenity. Hawks wheel and bank while the all-day sun caresses close planted rows of lush, emerald green vines. The 100 percent calcareous soil makes no sound as it passes out nourishment and only a gentle breeze flows up through the Templeton Gap from the Pacific. The quiet is bewitching; you want to lay down roots here, just as the four-year-old vines have done. But the sense of peace belies the serious industry at work on this 100 acre estate. No effort is spared to create the luscious varietals and blends that flow from this limited production winery. This kind of synergy happens rarely: superlative climate and terroir, super intensive vineyard culture, and cutting edge viticultural practice. You're more likely to find it in Bordeaux than Central California. Coupled with the infectious passion and gracious, family style hospitality of the Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, the result is pure magic. The kind of magic that comes in a bottle.

Read more less