2015 dominus estate christian moueix Rich Color & AromasDeep ruby-purple in the glass. Aromas burst with red and black fruits—wild blueberries, blackberries, red currant—layered with black cherry, limestone soil, graphite, anise, warm citrus, marzipan, and hints of forest floor . Complex BouquetIt teases with crème de cassis, damp earth, tobacco leaf, smoke, spring flowers, sandalwood, roses, dried violets, and savory notes of capsicum, sage, bay leaf, cocoa nibs, black olive, licorice, and cured meat . Elegant Structure & PalateFull-bodied yet weightless, with polished, grain‑fine tannins and vibrant acidity. The palate unfolds with pure, concentrated fruit—the hallmark of its impeccable balance. Oak influence is subtle—just 40% new French—to allow terroir expression . Long, Layered FinishSeamless transition to a lingering finish, marked by depth, freshness, and savory-mineral elegance. Built for both pleasure now and long-term aging—expect evolution over the next 25–30 years . 🌟 Accolades & Insights 100 pts – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “leaps from the glass… incredible energy and vivacity… firm, pixelated tannins… wonderful length and depth” . 100 pts – Jeb Dunnuck: “flawless… a legend in the making… elegance and power… awesome length” . Dominus EstateRooted in Napa Valley history, Dominus Estate occupies the famed Napanook vineyard—first cultivated in the mid-1800s and known for producing legendary wines of the 1940s and ’50s. In 1981, Bordeaux vintner Christian Moueix—son of Jean-Pierre Moueix of Château Pétrus—discovered the historic 124-acre site while honoring a passion for Napa first sparked at UC Davis. By 1995, he became sole owner, naming it Dominus ("Lord of the Estate") to reflect his deep commitment to the land. Today, Moueix's fusion of Bordeaux tradition and Napa terroir continues to craft some of the region’s most iconic and age-worthy wines.  

Read more less

2015 dominus estate christian moueix Rich Color & AromasDeep ruby-purple in the glass. Aromas burst with red and black fruits—wild blueberries, blackberries, red currant—layered with black cherry, limestone soil, graphite, anise, warm citrus, marzipan, and hints of forest floor . Complex BouquetIt teases with crème de cassis, damp earth, tobacco leaf, smoke, spring flowers, sandalwood, roses, dried violets, and savory notes of capsicum, sage, bay leaf, cocoa nibs, black olive, licorice, and cured meat . Elegant Structure & PalateFull-bodied yet weightless, with polished, grain‑fine tannins and vibrant acidity. The palate unfolds with pure, concentrated fruit—the hallmark of its impeccable balance. Oak influence is subtle—just 40% new French—to allow terroir expression . Long, Layered FinishSeamless transition to a lingering finish, marked by depth, freshness, and savory-mineral elegance. Built for both pleasure now and long-term aging—expect evolution over the next 25–30 years . 🌟 Accolades & Insights 100 pts – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “leaps from the glass… incredible energy and vivacity… firm, pixelated tannins… wonderful length and depth” . 100 pts – Jeb Dunnuck: “flawless… a legend in the making… elegance and power… awesome length” . Dominus EstateRooted in Napa Valley history, Dominus Estate occupies the famed Napanook vineyard—first cultivated in the mid-1800s and known for producing legendary wines of the 1940s and ’50s. In 1981, Bordeaux vintner Christian Moueix—son of Jean-Pierre Moueix of Château Pétrus—discovered the historic 124-acre site while honoring a passion for Napa first sparked at UC Davis. By 1995, he became sole owner, naming it Dominus ("Lord of the Estate") to reflect his deep commitment to the land. Today, Moueix's fusion of Bordeaux tradition and Napa terroir continues to craft some of the region’s most iconic and age-worthy wines.  

Read more less

2015 Fisher Wedding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Explore rare, premium wines curated for collectors and enthusiasts. 1976 Wine Hours offers fine wine delivery with elegance and expertise. The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Wedding Vineyard is a selection of the best four blocks within Fisher's Estate vineyard on the Sonoma side of Spring Mountain Fisher Vineyards – Legacy in the MakingFounded in 1973 during Napa and Sonoma’s renaissance, Fisher Vineyards began with Fred and Juelle Fisher’s purchase of 100 rugged acres atop Spring Mountain. Once a cattle ranch, the land was cleared, planted, and transformed into an estate winery—constructed with timber harvested from the property—completed in 1978. The first wine, Wedding Vineyard, honors the couple’s marriage on the estate. By 1976, Fisher expanded with 57 additional acres near the iconic Eisele Vineyard along the Silverado Trail. Their debut vintage was released in 1979, with underground caves added in 1998 to elevate wine aging

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Bottled in early 2018, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Proprietary Red Wine is a little closed, slowly unfurling to reveal black cherries, crème de cassis and plum pudding with nuances of potpourri, baking spices and tilled soil plus wafts of garrigue and wild sage. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated with exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and fantastic poise and depth with a long, decadently fruited finish. About Winery For over two decades, Harlan Estate has been committed to creating a California "first growth" wine estate. Founded in 1984, Harlan Estate is set in the western hills of Oakville, rising above the fabled Napa Valley benchlands. Carved from the raw land and built for generations, the estate is over 240 acres of natural spendor, 15% of which are under vine, planted to the classic varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The wine presents a deep, brilliant red hue with a nose of dark cherry, fruit stones, and licorice, showing a "striking fruity lift" for a young Clos Vougeot. About Winery Domaine Henri Boillot, based in Meursault, is a prestigious, family-run Burgundy estate with roots dating back to 1885. Known for elite Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the domaine was re-established in 2005 by Henri Boillot after separating from his brother, focusing on high-end, precise wines. Today, Henri and his son Guillaume manage the estate, with 2011 acquisitions strengthening their holdings in Bâtard-Montrachet. 

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The wine opens with a fragrant bouquet of acacia blossom, citrus, and pear, often accompanied by a "sexy note of reduction" and hints of linden flower.  About Winery Domaine Henri Boillot, based in Meursault, is a prestigious, family-run Burgundy estate with roots dating back to 1885. Known for elite Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the domaine was re-established in 2005 by Henri Boillot after separating from his brother, focusing on high-end, precise wines. Today, Henri and his son Guillaume manage the estate, with 2011 acquisitions strengthening their holdings in Bâtard-Montrachet. 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2015 Joseph Drouhin Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru displays a deep ruby hue and opens with an expressive, aromatic bouquet of ripe red and dark cherries, wild strawberry, and subtle red plums, accented by delicate nuances of cigar leaf, exotic wood, and crushed rose petals. Capitalizing on the ripe, high-energy profile of the 2019 vintage, the palate is silky, supple, and exceptionally harmonious, where a lush core of sweet fruit seamlessly intertwines with a velvety texture (gras) and bright structuring acidity. Refined and ethereal yet supported by fine-grained tannins, it finishes remarkably long with persistent notes of candied fruit and subtle spice, showcasing the supreme elegance, balance, and aging potential of this iconic Morey-Saint-Denis Grand Cru.   About Winery Maison Joseph Drouhin was founded in 1880 in Beaune, Burgundy, by Joseph Drouhin, and has since grown into one of the region’s most respected wine producers. Over the generations, the family expanded its holdings to include vineyards across Burgundy—such as Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Côte Chalonnaise—and later established Domaine Drouhin Oregon in the Willamette Valley. Today, the estate remains family-run by Joseph’s great-grandchildren, who continue the tradition of producing elegant wines with a focus on terroir and sustainable practices, including organic certification for their Burgundy vineyards since 2009

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2015 Kistler Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is a highly regarded, medium-to-full-bodied California white wine from the Carneros region, known for its vibrant citrus, stone fruit, and mineral complexity. About Winery Kistler Vineyards is a small winery in the Russian River Valley specializing in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Founded in 1978 on the notion that compelling wines of site can and should be made in California. Kistler has been working with their own heritage selection of Chardonnay since the mid-1980s and is known the world over as a single clone Chardonnay house. They plant one heritage selection of Chardonnay across fifteen vineyards, giving rise to eleven vineyard designate Chardonnays. Similarly, Kistler produces four Pinot Noirs; each of these wines is crafted from the two small-clustered, low-yielding clones that were imported from a Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy, which they began propagating over 20 years ago. Geoff Labitzke, MW, is the National Director of Sales for Kistler Vineyards and will be our guide as we explore five distinct bottlings of Kistler’s highly sought-after wines.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Frenchtown shows aromas of wild berries, red cherry, black currant, and anise.  The generous, fresh fruit flavors remain focused through an integrated finish. About Winery Founded in 1983 in the Walla Walla Valley, L'Ecole No 41 is one of Washington State's most iconic and oldest family-owned wineries. Housed in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on our label, we have earned international acclaim for producing distinctive wines of the highest quality. We craft ultra-premium wines that reflect the unmistakable typicity of Washington State and the unique terroir of our Walla Walla Valley vineyards. Growing and making 100% of our wines, each bottle is handcrafted with a commitment to quality in the vineyards and the winery. More than three decades of winemaking experience, ongoing investments in our Walla Walla Estate Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyards, and long term relationships with many of the most prominent vineyards in Washington State are central to our well-known reputation for quality and consistency across our wine portfolio. These tenets will continue to sustain L'Ecole well into the future.  L'Ecole is one of the most honored wineries in Washington State. We are proud to be recognized by Wine & Spirits Magazine as a Top 100 Winery of the Year for fourteen consecutive years. In 2014, Decanter awarded our 2011 Estate Ferguson the International Trophy for Best Bordeaux Blend in the World! In 2016, the 2013 Ferguson won the International Trophy for Best New World Bordeaux Blend from the Six Nations Wine Challenge.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Rich with vibrant fruit and balanced acidity, this wine shows pretty orange blossom, apple and melon aromas, with layers of lemon custard, fresh apricot and honeysuckle flavors expanding on a balanced finish. Few Semillons show their richness and complexity as those produced in Washington State. Our cool harvest nights help to ensure crisp natural acidity, making this a wonderful food pairing wine. About Winery Founded in 1983 in the Walla Walla Valley, L'Ecole No 41 is one of Washington State's most iconic and oldest family-owned wineries. Housed in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on our label, we have earned international acclaim for producing distinctive wines of the highest quality. We craft ultra-premium wines that reflect the unmistakable typicity of Washington State and the unique terroir of our Walla Walla Valley vineyards. Growing and making 100% of our wines, each bottle is handcrafted with a commitment to quality in the vineyards and the winery. More than three decades of winemaking experience, ongoing investments in our Walla Walla Estate Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyards, and long term relationships with many of the most prominent vineyards in Washington State are central to our well-known reputation for quality and consistency across our wine portfolio. These tenets will continue to sustain L'Ecole well into the future.  L'Ecole is one of the most honored wineries in Washington State. We are proud to be recognized by Wine & Spirits Magazine as a Top 100 Winery of the Year for fourteen consecutive years. In 2014, Decanter awarded our 2011 Estate Ferguson the International Trophy for Best Bordeaux Blend in the World! In 2016, the 2013 Ferguson won the International Trophy for Best New World Bordeaux Blend from the Six Nations Wine Challenge.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Dark, robust and spicy this full bodied Syrah shows rich flavors of boysenberry fruit de pate, peppercorn, and licorice through an earthy finish. The growing region in Washington State is ideally suited to maximize the full expression of Syrah. Spicy, rich and complex, with soft tannins and bright acidity, this Columbia Valley Syrah is the perfect food pairing wine. About Winery Founded in 1983 in the Walla Walla Valley, L'Ecole No 41 is one of Washington State's most iconic and oldest family-owned wineries. Housed in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on our label, we have earned international acclaim for producing distinctive wines of the highest quality. We craft ultra-premium wines that reflect the unmistakable typicity of Washington State and the unique terroir of our Walla Walla Valley vineyards. Growing and making 100% of our wines, each bottle is handcrafted with a commitment to quality in the vineyards and the winery. More than three decades of winemaking experience, ongoing investments in our Walla Walla Estate Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyards, and long term relationships with many of the most prominent vineyards in Washington State are central to our well-known reputation for quality and consistency across our wine portfolio. These tenets will continue to sustain L'Ecole well into the future.  L'Ecole is one of the most honored wineries in Washington State. We are proud to be recognized by Wine & Spirits Magazine as a Top 100 Winery of the Year for fourteen consecutive years. In 2014, Decanter awarded our 2011 Estate Ferguson the International Trophy for Best Bordeaux Blend in the World! In 2016, the 2013 Ferguson won the International Trophy for Best New World Bordeaux Blend from the Six Nations Wine Challenge.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2015 Les Forts de Latour is characterized by a deep ruby color, a nose of intense dark fruits like cassis and blackberry, and floral hints of peony and violets. On the palate, it's full-bodied with silky, plush tannins and flavors of ripe blackcurrant, spice, and minerality, leading to a long, focused, and elegant finish. The wine is considered very pure and balanced, with excellent potential for aging.  About Winery Château Latour, a renowned Bordeaux winery, has a rich history spanning centuries. Its name comes from a fortress tower built in the 14th century, used for defense during the Hundred Years' War. The estate, known for its powerful and complex red wines, has seen various owners throughout its history, including the Segur family, who held it for almost 300 years.  Today, his daughter Saskia de Rothschild represents the 6th generation of the family at the head of the winemaking properties.   

Read more less

Winemaker Notes (WS | 94) A firm, focused Champagne, with a pleasing crunchiness to the fine mousse. Reveals a toasty edge, with notes of smoke, brioche and vanilla showing up front, before transitioning to underscore and enrich flavors of nectarine and plum fruit, salted almond, lemon curd and anise as they expand through the creamy finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.  About Winery Moët & Chandon, based in the so-called "Champagne capital" of Épernay, is easily the most famous house in the Champagne region. It is one of the largest too, comprising 1150 hectares (2850 acres) of estate vineyards plus more from growers, 28km (17 miles) of cellars and a production capacity of 60 million bottles a year. The house was founded by Claude Moët in 1743. However, his grandson, Jean-Remy Moët, is credited with having brought Champagne to a wider audience and, by the 19th Century, the house was recognized both domestically and internationally. In the 1970s and '80s, Moët & Chandon expanded its empire beyond Champagne, partnering first with Cognac house Hennessy and then with fashion giant Louis Vuitton, forming the well-known luxury conglomerate Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy –often referred to simply as LVMH. Today, the group owns several other famous wine brands, including Krug and Veuve Clicquot in Champagne, Château Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux, and Cloudy Bay in New Zealand and Cape Mentelle in Western Australia. Moët's house style is fresh and fruit-forward, and the non-vintage Brut is dominated by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, with a smaller amount of Chardonnay. Grapes are drawn from 800 different parcels from 230 of the villages in Champagne. This wide range of terroirs to draw from means that blenders have more control over the finished wine, and despite the massive output every year, Moët's wines are remarkably consistent. The majority of processes in the winery are controlled by machine – unsurprising given the scale of production. Moët & Chandon's range is straightforward, comprising of non vintage brut, rosé and demi sec, as well as vintage brut and rosé offerings. Their prestige cuvée is the iconic Dom Pérignon, although over time this has come to be seen as a separate entity, in much the same spirit as Napa Valley icon Opus One. The house has expanded far outside of Champagne, and is currently making sparkling wines in California, Argentina, Brazil and Australia under the Chandon label. Most recently, Moët & Chandon has acquired vineyards in India and China, where they are also finding new markets. 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Initial aromas of dark berries. Hints of fig and wild strawberry combine with spicy notes of pink and aromatic peppercorn, and allspice. The fruit is concentrated, dark and deep. The tannins create angles, revealing facets like a jewel in the rough. A mouthwatering bitterness of sloe and cranberry with notes of mint and aniseed refreshes the finish.   About Winery Moët & Chandon, based in the so-called "Champagne capital" of Épernay, is easily the most famous house in the Champagne region. It is one of the largest too, comprising 1150 hectares (2850 acres) of estate vineyards plus more from growers, 28km (17 miles) of cellars and a production capacity of 60 million bottles a year. The house was founded by Claude Moët in 1743. However, his grandson, Jean-Remy Moët, is credited with having brought Champagne to a wider audience and, by the 19th Century, the house was recognized both domestically and internationally. In the 1970s and '80s, Moët & Chandon expanded its empire beyond Champagne, partnering first with Cognac house Hennessy and then with fashion giant Louis Vuitton, forming the well-known luxury conglomerate Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy –often referred to simply as LVMH. Today, the group owns several other famous wine brands, including Krug and Veuve Clicquot in Champagne, Château Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux, and Cloudy Bay in New Zealand and Cape Mentelle in Western Australia. Moët's house style is fresh and fruit-forward, and the non-vintage Brut is dominated by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, with a smaller amount of Chardonnay. Grapes are drawn from 800 different parcels from 230 of the villages in Champagne. This wide range of terroirs to draw from means that blenders have more control over the finished wine, and despite the massive output every year, Moët's wines are remarkably consistent. The majority of processes in the winery are controlled by machine – unsurprising given the scale of production. Moët & Chandon's range is straightforward, comprising of non vintage brut, rosé and demi sec, as well as vintage brut and rosé offerings. Their prestige cuvée is the iconic Dom Pérignon, although over time this has come to be seen as a separate entity, in much the same spirit as Napa Valley icon Opus One. The house has expanded far outside of Champagne, and is currently making sparkling wines in California, Argentina, Brazil and Australia under the Chandon label. Most recently, Moët & Chandon has acquired vineyards in India and China, where they are also finding new markets. 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes "With just the right maturity, this Champagne has a toasty character. It is dry, fresh with an orange-zest edge. Drink this poised wine now." About Winery Moët & Chandon, based in the so-called "Champagne capital" of Épernay, is easily the most famous house in the Champagne region. It is one of the largest too, comprising 1150 hectares (2850 acres) of estate vineyards plus more from growers, 28km (17 miles) of cellars and a production capacity of 60 million bottles a year. The house was founded by Claude Moët in 1743. However, his grandson, Jean-Remy Moët, is credited with having brought Champagne to a wider audience and, by the 19th Century, the house was recognized both domestically and internationally. In the 1970s and '80s, Moët & Chandon expanded its empire beyond Champagne, partnering first with Cognac house Hennessy and then with fashion giant Louis Vuitton, forming the well-known luxury conglomerate Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy –often referred to simply as LVMH. Today, the group owns several other famous wine brands, including Krug and Veuve Clicquot in Champagne, Château Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux, and Cloudy Bay in New Zealand and Cape Mentelle in Western Australia. Moët's house style is fresh and fruit-forward, and the non-vintage Brut is dominated by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, with a smaller amount of Chardonnay. Grapes are drawn from 800 different parcels from 230 of the villages in Champagne. This wide range of terroirs to draw from means that blenders have more control over the finished wine, and despite the massive output every year, Moët's wines are remarkably consistent. The majority of processes in the winery are controlled by machine – unsurprising given the scale of production. Moët & Chandon's range is straightforward, comprising of non vintage brut, rosé and demi sec, as well as vintage brut and rosé offerings. Their prestige cuvée is the iconic Dom Pérignon, although over time this has come to be seen as a separate entity, in much the same spirit as Napa Valley icon Opus One. The house has expanded far outside of Champagne, and is currently making sparkling wines in California, Argentina, Brazil and Australia under the Chandon label. Most recently, Moët & Chandon has acquired vineyards in India and China, where they are also finding new markets. 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes (JS | 94) Harvested from over 30 years old vines, this wine fully expresses the fruit's liveliness. Fresh and fruity on the nose with aromas of cherries in alcohol, fresh figs, raspberries, and plums. These perfectly integrate with hints of aromatics such as thyme and eucalyptus in addition to subtle notes of hazelnuts, tobacco, and cinnamon. The mouthfeel is fresh and balanced, with a predominance of fruit flavors. About Winery Numanthia is located in the Toro region of Spain. Its four vineyards are located along the south bank of the Duero River. The wine is named after a legendary Spanish city that was destroyed (after 20 yrs of resistance) by Roman legions. It is to Spain what the hilltop village of Masada is to Israel: a monument of history. Its 40 hectares of land are covered with an abundance of elements derived from the disintegration of Pliocene grit, clay and limestone. Numanthia's first vintage was produced in 1998 and received a 95-point rating from Robert Parker. Since then, the Toro region has been producing wines that have begun to rival those of Spain's richest wine-producing regions of Ribera del Duero, Rioja and Priorat.  

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The robe of Sir Winston Churchill's 21st vintage features a beautiful shiny gold and a bead of very fine bubbles, both characteristic of the long aging lavished on this cuvée. The nose is of a beautiful expression and opens immediately on notes of spices and pepper accompanied by menthol nuances. The complexity is obvious: aromas of candied fruit and dried fruit complemented by hazelnut are mixed with notes of exotic fruits such as papaya or mango. The nose is particularly open and generous. The palate is also very generous, where the aromas of candied fruit are supported by notes of pastries, brioche and cocoa. It presents a beautiful structure and the large proportion of Pinot Noir gives it the roundness and the shoulders that one expects from the cuvée. The mouth is also marked by a very good length which makes you want to associate it with moments of great gastronomy. About Winery Champagne Pol Roger was founded in 1849 in Épernay, France, by a 17-year-old Pol Roger, who began by selling wine and soon focused on producing drier, brut styles favored in Britain. The independent, family-run house survived major historical crises and became famously known as the favorite champagne of Winston Churchill.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2015 Résonance Vineyard Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA is a deeply expressive wine that reflects both the site’s old ungrafted vines (planted in 1981) and Burgundian winemaking finesse. It shows a deep garnet color with an elegant nose of black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, and delicate spice, accented by a touch of fine oak. On the palate, it is supple, full-bodied, and well-balanced, with polished tannins and a signature minerality from the vineyard’s marine sedimentary soils. The finish is long, harmonious, and fresh, highlighting both concentration and finesse. Critics consistently rated it highly (92–94 points), praising its aromatic intensity and refined structure, making it a standout Pinot Noir with excellent aging potential. About Winery  Résonance Winery was founded in 2013 when Maison Louis Jadot, the historic Burgundy producer, made its first venture outside of France. The project began when Jacques Lardière, Jadot’s legendary winemaker for 42 years, and Thibault Gagey, son of Jadot’s president Pierre-Henry Gagey, discovered the Résonance Vineyard in Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA. They were immediately struck by the site’s potential, with its marine sedimentary soils and cool-climate conditions ideal for Pinot Noir. Deciding to keep the vineyard’s original name, they established Résonance as Jadot’s Oregon estate, blending Burgundian tradition with Oregon terroir. Today, Résonance produces acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, crafted with minimal intervention to highlight purity, elegance, and a sense of place, while symbolizing the “resonance” between Burgundy and Oregon.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Intense, concentrated and deep ruby-colored, this wine offers elegant, complex aromas of red fruit. In the mouth it is rich and dense, yet harmonious, with sweet, balanced tannins. The wine has a long finish with a depth and structure that ensure its extraordinary longevity. About Winery The Tenuta San Guido is a 7,500-acre estate located in the province of Livorno on the western coastal outskirts of Tuscany near the village of Bolgheri. Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta acquired it through his marriage to Clarice della Gherardesca in 1940. The legacy of Sassicaia began in 1944, when Mario Incisa acquired a number of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc vine cuttings and planted them on a sloping hillside of the San Guido estate, called Castiglioncello after the 11th-century castle at the vineyard's upper edge. This tiny, 3.75-acre vineyard stood alone until 1965, when a second Cabernet vineyard was planted with cuttings from the Castiglioncello parcel; the gravelly, 30-acre plot would give the wine its name: Sassicaia, "the place of many stones". With the radical changes in the D.O.C. system of regulations as of the 1994 vintage, Sassicaia's extraordinary reputation was acknowledged through the Italian government's granting the wine its own appellation. Sassicaia is today considered to be the new plus ultra of Italy's great red wines for its consistent excellence and its intuitive spirit. Acclaimed by the wine world's most respected voices, Sassicaia remains the legacy of its creator, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, and his son, Marchese Nicolò Incisa della Rocchetta.  

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Since the inaugural Skipstone vintage of 2005, our annual approach with Oliver’s Blend is to create a blend of Cabernet Sauvignons from up to 20 individual small lots. Each lot has a unique profile (based on soil type, exposure and clonal selection) and blended they create a foundation. This Cabernet Sauvignon is then embellished with small amounts of our other blending varietals to best showcase the vintage. With so many pockets of soil differentiation and exposures, Oliver’s Blend is a symphonic compilation of aroma and flavor. This, coupled with clonal diversity of multiple Cabernet clones throughout our hillside plantings, creates an exceptionally complex wine. Year after year, this is a wine of profound power and elegance. Oliver’s Blend is aged for two years in barrel and another year in bottle prior to our release. This highly-structured Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent candidate for further cellaring, with potential to age for decades. About Winery Skipstone is tucked between two stunning hillsides in the mountains above Alexander Valley. We aspire to perfection in every aspect of our wine growing and estate farming, drawing inspiration from the unparalleled potential and promise of the earth. Uncompromising in our standards of sustainability and treatment of the land, we are committed to nurturing the precious resource that is our 200 acre estate. Blessed by nature, we listen intently to the terroir of our vineyards, and in turn, our wines speak eloquently of their origin.

Read more less