PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2019 Chateau Larcis Ducasse, a Grand Cru Classé Saint-Émilion from Bordeaux, is a rich, full-bodied red wine made from a blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. The wine is noted for its deep garnet-purple color and aromas of redcurrant jelly, blackberry preserves, and black raspberries, with hints of licorice and pencil shavings. The palate is full-bodied, with a savory-laced fruit profile, supported by grainy tannins and a lingering mineral note. The wine is also described as having a classical style, with notes of tobacco and cedar infusing the black fruit, and a slightly austere yet stately character.  About Winery Château Larcis Ducasse's story is one of long family ownership, dedicated stewardship, and ultimately, elevated wine quality, culminating in its 2012 promotion to Premier Grand Cru Classé status within Saint-Émilion. The estate has been in the hands of the Gratiot Alphandéry family since 1893, and since 2002, under the management of Nicolas Thienpont, the vineyard has been undergoing significant improvements, focusing on precision viticulture and innovative winemaking. 

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The profile of the 2019 vintage is one that is balanced, quite atypical, already very pleasant, a high level of tannins whilst being silky, a wonderful freshness, and persistent black fruit characteristics. About Winery With origins dating back to 1638, Léoville was the largest vineyard in the Médoc region at the time of the French Revolution. Léoville Poyferré springs from various divisions and successions in 1840. Its outstanding quality wines gained early recognition when it was ranked 2nd Growth in the 1855 classification. Château Léoville Poyferré was acquired in 1920 by the Cuvelier family. Château Léoville Poyferré was the Léoville that got left in the starting blocks in terms of reputation and in the quality of its wines. Léoville Poyferré has been owned by the Cuvelier family (who also own Château Le Crock) since 1921, yet it was not until the 1970s, when Didier Cuvelier took control at the château, that quality began to improve. In the last 20 years, Didier, with the assistance of Michel Rolland since 1995, has turned Léoville-Poyferré into one of StJulien's finest estates. Now up with the best of the St-Juliens but still selling at nonscary prices. Léoville Poyferré is classified as a 2ème Cru Classé

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes For this great vintage, Bordeaux and its climate imposed an important technical effort in the aesthetic quest for balance, in a context where the need for intervention was an important key to success. 2019 is thus proving to be a typical balanced A quit in vintage, rich, dense and elegant, despite the extreme conditions incurred. About Winery Château les Carmes Haut Brion, the only Bordeaux property in the city of Bordeaux. It’s tiny vineyard, called the Clos des Carmes, is located in the heart of Bordeaux and date back from the 16th century. This is in 1584 that the Carmelite, Reverend Fathers inherit the Crespiac mill where they stayed for around 2 centuries. We’ve then to wait 1855 to see the Colin family being the new owner, which then by branch comes under the Chantecaille family. In 2010, Patrice Pichet and its family acquires the estate, called by a few merchants and negociants the “sleeping beauty of Bordeaux”. The arrival of the Pichet family marked the beginning of a transformative chapter for this historic Bordeaux estate, where the Château underwent significant modernization and investments. This renewal started with the vineyard itself: missing elements were replanted, slopes were corrected, and the mix of grape varieties was updated to bring back Cabernet Franc which is now, since 2013, always the main variety in the blend. Also, vine cultivation is guided by an environmentally friendly approach: horses are used for all the works of the soils. Nature is not constrained here, it is revealed

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Winemaker Notes The attack is forthright, round and suave, soothing even. The intense aromas initially recall the complexity of the nose. There is leather and lightly charred wood, and roasted notes. The beauty of the vintage is revealed by its elegance rather than its full-flavor. The wine has an attractive aromatic range with a finish of remarkable elegance. 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.

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Winemaker Notes The wine displays a very attractive, intensely dark colour with purple glints. The nose adds to the appeal, offering a magical array of aromatics ranging from graphite and cedar-wood notes to aromas of wild fruit. The depth of flavour on the palate is underpinned by soft tannins and lovely acidity. The finish, which reveals subtle smoky notes, is amazingly long. In this vintage,  Pontet-Canet shows once again that natural refinement is its finest jewel. 2019, without doubt, is a promise of voluptuousness for all wine lovers. About Winery Chateau Pontet Canet Pauillac 5th Grand Cru Classé, has enjoyed an irresistible rise to become one of the Médoc's most emblematic names. Managed by Justine and Alfred Tesseron, Château Pontet-Canet has established itself as one of the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in the Pauillac appellation, with results that exceed all expectations. Vintage after vintage, the estate has established itself as one of the finest references on Bordeaux's Left Bank.

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes A rather "approachable" wine, powerful, broad-based, and concentrated with a smooth texture that caresses the palate. The mid-palate is full-bodied and equally concentrated, paving the way for a lovely long aftertaste. A decidedly delicious and lively wine combining power, concentration, and smoothness! The aftertaste is very long, showcasing great complexity where spices and empyreumatic notes typical of the terroir nicely balance out fruity overtones. About Winery Château Smith Haut Lafitte's history spans centuries, starting in 1365 with the Verrier Du Boscq family planting vines on a gravelly plateau named Lafitte. In the 18th century, the Scottish merchant George Smith acquired the property, adding his name and building the Carthusian monastery. Later, Lodi Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux, elevated the estate to Grand Cru Exceptionnel status in 1842. The Louis Eschenauer company purchased the estate in 1958, and in 1990, Daniel and Florence Cathiard bought it, investing heavily in both the property and the wines. 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.

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2019 Château Taillefer is a Pomerol red wine known for its rich, full-bodied character with notes of dark fruit, spices, and a touch of vanilla. The wine features a deep garnet-purple color and aromas of baked blackberries, plum, and oolong tea, alongside hints of black olives and truffles. It offers a balanced palate with a long, savory finish.  About Winery Château Taillefer in Pomerol, Bordeaux, has a history dating back to at least 1785. It was one of the first properties acquired by the Moueix family, a prominent Bordeaux wine dynasty, in 1923. Antoine Moueix, a wine merchant, purchased the estate, which remained in the family's hands until today. 

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Winemaker Notes Ruby in colour. Floral yet rich with dark fruit. Aromas of blackberries, anise, spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, and juicy dark fruits. The palate is lush and structured, detailed and layered. A balanced and long finish. About Winery Château Troplong Mondot, located in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, boasts a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Initially part of the estate of Abbe Raymond de Seze, the iconic château was built in 1745. The estate was later named after Raymond Troplong, who expanded the vineyards to their current size in the mid-1800s. The property has seen various owners, including Georges Thienpont and Alexandre Valette, before becoming family-owned in 1936. In 2017, the estate was acquired by SCOR insurance company. 

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes Purplish purple. Finesse and elegance are the first two adjectives that come to mind when smelling the bouquet of Clos Fourtet 2019. Inviting notes of raspberries and cherries as well as floral nuances. Touch of black pepper and liquorice. On the palate the wine is marked by freshness. It has finesse, length and displays a beautiful tannic structure. The tannins are tight, perfectly integrated and in phase with the acid structure. A Clos Fourtet built on finesse and persistence. Very nice success.  About Winery Clos Fourtet is a story of terroir and legacy, a narrative woven through generations of viticulture and winemaking. Its history stretches back to the Middle Ages, when the site was a defensive settlement, and its wines were known as "Camp Fourtet," guarding Saint-Emilion. The estate's reputation grew under the Rulleau and De Carles families, Lords of Figeac, and later the Lurton family, who increased the Merlot ratio and modernized the winery. In 2001, Philippe Cuvelier purchased the property, further investing in its potential and elevating the wines to new heights. Today, Clos Fourtet, managed by the heirs of Vincent Cuvelier, continues to refine its traditional and modern techniques to produce exceptional vintages, embodying the refinement and elegance of Saint-Emilion. 

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine Coche-Dury, based in Meursault, Burgundy, is one of the most revered producers of white Burgundy. The estate was founded in the 1920s by Léon Coche, who purchased vineyard plots and initially sold grapes to négociants while bottling a small amount himself. In 1964, his son Georges Coche took over his share of the vineyards, expanding holdings and strengthening the domaine. Georges’s son Jean-François Coche assumed control in 1973, and with his wife (whose surname, Dury, was added to the domaine’s name), he transformed Coche-Dury into a cult estate. Known for meticulous vineyard work, low yields, and precise winemaking, Jean-François elevated the domaine’s reputation to global acclaim, especially for its Chardonnay from Meursault, Corton-Charlemagne, and other Côte de Beaune sites. In 1999, the domaine suffered a notable setback when a helicopter crash damaged part of its Corton-Charlemagne vines, but it continued to thrive. Today, Jean-François’s son Raphaël Coche has joined the estate, ensuring continuity of its legendary style and status as one of Burgundy’s most sought-after producers.

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2019 Domaine Coquard Loison-Fleurot Grands Echézeaux Grand Cru is a superb, high-toned expression that masterfully balances "luxury in the best sense" with a powerful, saline-inflected structure. According to Neal Martin of Vinous, the wine features an enticing and well-defined bouquet of mulberry and pressed iris flower, with subtle traces of sea spray in the background. Winemaker Thomas Colladot matured this cuvée with 25% whole bunches, resulting in a medium-bodied palate that exhibits grippy tannins and a distinctive iodine-laced bitter cherry finish.  About Winery Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot (CLF) is a respected Burgundy producer based in Flagey-Échezeaux, at the bottom of the Côte de Nuits, with a history rooted in the intermingling of several, long-standing Burgundian wine dynasties. Known for high-quality, old-vine parcels, the domaine gained significant modern prestige after hiring winemaker Thomas Colladot in 2010. 

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Winemaker Notes The 2019 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 2019 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.

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine Desaunay-Bissey is a family-run Burgundy estate located in Flagey-Échezeaux, with about six hectares of vineyards including prized parcels in Échezeaux and Grands Échezeaux. Known for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines, the domaine gained recognition under Bruno Desaunay-Bissey, who was admired for his meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to expressing the character of Burgundy’s finest terroirs. Despite its relatively low profile compared to larger houses, the winery built a strong reputation among collectors and enthusiasts for the quality and authenticity of its wines, and Bruno’s passing in April 2023 marked a significant moment in its history.

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes Offering up aromas of plums, raspberries and spices, the 2019 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Gruenchers is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and gourmand, with a ripe core of fruit, succulent acids and fine, youthfully chalky tannins that assert themselves on the finish. William Kelley - The Wine Advocate About Winery Domaine Anne et Hervé Sigaut is a highly regarded, family-run estate in Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy, known for producing elegant, terroir-driven Pinot Noir from 7 hectares of old vines, including several premier cru sites. Managed by Anne and Hervé since 1990, the winery emphasizes organic,, low-intervention, and biodynamic-influenced methods, focusing on refined, long-lived wines. 

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Winemaker Notes The vineyard extends between 250 and 330 meters above sea level and borders the Languettes plot. Corton Grand Cru Les Perrières is an east-facing climate located in the middle of the hillside where there was an old stone quarry which gave its name “Perrières”. It is a wine for laying down par excellence, of great power and well-structured. About Winery The Chapuis family has no less than 170 years of experience making wine in Burgundy. It all started with Pierre Pavelot who bought 1.6 hectares on the Charlemagne field in 1850, his daughter married Antoine Chapuis, and the rest is history. Season after season, they have learned to read the climate, and they know every nook and cranny of their terroir - this has meant that they create unheard of high quality in all vintages. The 6th generation is taking over, the two siblings Pierre and Claire Chapuis. This is a smooth transition with parents Maurice and Anne-Marie. The house owns 11 hectares of vineyards in the Cotes de Beaune around the Corton hill. It is primarily red wines (obviously Pinot Noir in Burgundy) but also 2 different places with Chardonnay. Domaine Chapuis is not organically certified, but they have an HVE3 which stands for (high environmental value) with a focus on creating biodiversity in the field with limited use of pesticides etc. They use traditional French casks with approx. 12 months for white wine and 18 months for red wine, but they only use approx. 10% new casks, so that they retain the purest expression – mineral and full of carat.

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Winemaker Notes The 2019 Tempranillo with 30 months of barrel age shows great balance and tilts its hat to its Spanish homeland in Rioja with notes of red cherry, red plum, vanilla, cigar box spices, tobacco, leather, and dried fig. - Jordan Fiorentini  About Winery Founded in 2004 by geologists, Bill and Liz Armstrong, Epoch has quickly developed a big reputation for handcrafted, small-production wines with abundant personalities. Under the careful care of Winemaker, Jordan Fiorentini, Epoch is committed to producing world-class wines from Rhône, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo varieties grown on their three west Paso Robles vineyards – Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain. Epoch’s Tasting Room and Winery are located on the storied York Mountain which was once home to the first bonded winery on the central coast. Preserving the rich history found on this property as well as Paderewski Vineyard, a sight once owned and cherished by the late Polish Prime Minister and pianist, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Epoch strives to carry on these legacies through their wines and the unique Epoch experience. Through carefully managed, non-invasive farming, Epoch aims to bring the complex character of their vineyards into each bottle of wine they craft. All of Epoch's fruit comes from their three specific and unique sites: Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain Vineyard.

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