Winemaker Notes The 2019 Joseph Drouhin Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru "Clos Prieur" opens with a beautiful deep garnet hue and an expressive, seductive bouquet of dark red plums, candied black cherries, and blood orange, layered over subtle notes of rose petals, earthy forest floor, and a touch of warm baking spice. Capitalizing on the ripe, high-energy 2019 vintage, the palate is fleshy, layered, and medium-to-full-bodied, showing a vibrant core of Morello cherry and crushed berries framed by supple, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Refined yet possessing surprising weight and structure for this vineyard, it finishes long and silky with a persistent, pepper-and-mineral flourish.   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

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Winemaker Notes The 2019 Joseph Drouhin Meursault 1er Cru "Charmes" Blanc beautifully reflects a warm, low-yielding Burgundy vintage that yielded exceptional concentration balanced by a vibrant thread of freshness. In the glass, it displays a brilliant golden color without leaning overly yellow, introducing a concentrated and elegant nose rich with aromas of ripe stone fruit, sweet almond, warm croissants, and a delicate touch of white flowers and hazelnut. On the palate, the wine showcases the classic, generous breadth of the Charmes vineyard, offering a layered profile of juicy peach, pear, and lemon curd. Despite its voluptuous, silky texture and round body, the wine never feels heavy or dominant in alcohol; rather, it is anchored by a seamlessly integrated, refreshing acidity and a kiss of gentle oak spice. It expands beautifully across the palate and culminates in a remarkably long, nutty aftertaste that echoes notes of hot brioche and almond paste, signaling a white Burgundy that is already drinking wonderfully but possesses the depth to age gracefully for another decade. 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

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Winemaker Notes The 2019 Joseph Drouhin Musigny Grand Cru Rouge is a highly acclaimed, rare Pinot Noir from Burgundy, France. Renowned for its beguiling bouquet of wild berries, truffles, and spice, it balances weightless intensity with gravelly minerality. This exceptional red wine offers immense aging potential for up to 4 decades. About Winery Joseph Drouhin established his négociant house in Beaune in 1880, laying the foundation for what would become one of Burgundy’s most influential wine families. Over the following decades, the Drouhin family expanded vineyard holdings across Chablis, Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, and Côte Chalonnaise, while also sourcing grapes from trusted growers. In 1957, Robert Drouhin, Joseph’s grandson, took over and introduced estate bottling, elevating quality and reputation. He also spearheaded the family’s international expansion by founding Domaine Drouhin Oregon in the Willamette Valley in 1987, making them one of the first Burgundian families to invest in the U.S. Today, the estate spans more than 90 hectares in Burgundy and is fully certified organic since 2009, producing wines that emphasize elegance, finesse, and terroir expression. The domaine remains family-run, with Joseph’s great-grandchildren at the helm, ensuring continuity of tradition while embracing modern sustainability.  

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Winemaker Notes Rocking spiced herbs, red and black fruits along with some meaty, exotic notes all emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills, a complex, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir with a round, expansive, seamless texture that's already a joy to drink. 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.

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Winemaker Notes The 2019 Optimus is a blend of 57% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot. It has a medium ruby-purple color and pure aromas of red and black berries with earthy, autumnal accents and a streak of spice. The medium-bodied palate is grainy and fresh, with pretty floral perfume on the long finish. About Winery L'Aventure was founded in 1998 by a French winemaker, Stephan Asseo. After Stephan graduated enology school in Burgundy, the Asseo family bought their first estate, Domaine de Courteillac, in the Bordeaux area in 1982. Later, the family purchased additional properties: Chateau Robin and Chateau Fleur-Cardinale in Saint-Emilion. Stephan raised these properties to a level of great quality, while managing some other well-established domaines such as Chateau Guillot-Clauzel in Pomerol and Chateau Corbin in St Emilion. Stephan saw in the New World a unique opportunity to expand his experience, while gaining more freedom in viticulture and vinification. He began by looking all over California for land, including Napa/Sonoma and Santa Barbara counties, but it was the terroir and climate of Paso Robles that impressed him the most. L'Aventure is located on the west side of Paso Robles in the Willow Creek District. The 127-acre property with 57 acres planted, is comprised of multiple hills of various elevation and complex soils. Because of its proximity to the ocean, the vineyard has clear warm days and drastic cool nighttime temperatures which increases the time of the grape’s maturation cycle providing fruit that creates a more complex and balanced wine. Stephan’s choice of this lean terroir provides him with the fruit necessary to create wine with a good balance between alcohol and acidity. The resulting wines are full and rich yet well balanced and elegant. 

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Winemaker Notes The 2019 Estate Cuvée, a blend of 50% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot, has a deep ruby-purple color and fragrant aromas of cassis, licorice, dried roses, leather and youthful new oak spice. The full-bodied palate is silky and uplifted, with fine, savory accents and a very long, mineral-driven finish. About Winery L'Aventure was founded in 1998 by a French winemaker, Stephan Asseo. After Stephan graduated enology school in Burgundy, the Asseo family bought their first estate, Domaine de Courteillac, in the Bordeaux area in 1982. Later, the family purchased additional properties: Chateau Robin and Chateau Fleur-Cardinale in Saint-Emilion. Stephan raised these properties to a level of great quality, while managing some other well-established domaines such as Chateau Guillot-Clauzel in Pomerol and Chateau Corbin in St Emilion. Stephan saw in the New World a unique opportunity to expand his experience, while gaining more freedom in viticulture and vinification. He began by looking all over California for land, including Napa/Sonoma and Santa Barbara counties, but it was the terroir and climate of Paso Robles that impressed him the most. L'Aventure is located on the west side of Paso Robles in the Willow Creek District. The 127-acre property with 57 acres planted, is comprised of multiple hills of various elevation and complex soils. Because of its proximity to the ocean, the vineyard has clear warm days and drastic cool nighttime temperatures which increases the time of the grape’s maturation cycle providing fruit that creates a more complex and balanced wine. Stephan’s choice of this lean terroir provides him with the fruit necessary to create wine with a good balance between alcohol and acidity. The resulting wines are full and rich yet well balanced and elegant. 

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Winemaker Notes This single-vineyard Bordeaux blend presents intense aromas of both black and red currants, classic peonies, and earth with subtle hints of graphite and mint. Flavors of mocha, nutmeg, and thyme are featured prominently on the elegantly structured frame. The palate is adorned with baking spices, wild berries, and fine-grained tannins that carry through to a robust and perfectly balanced 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.

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Winemaker Notes With a flavor profile distinctly influenced by its volcanic basalt soil, Ferguson is a richly structured and energetic wine offering complex, mineral-laced aromas of cassis, blackberries, fragrant violet, tobacco, and sandalwood. Layers of dark fruit and espresso are framed by expressive tannins integrated with crushed rocks and graphite on the palate. Intense, racy, and structured, Ferguson’s pronounced natural acidity carries through to a compelling and enduring 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.

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Winemaker Notes "2nd Wine of Ch Laroque, Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé. Made of 96% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc from vines more than 50 years old, the medium to deep garnet-purple coloured 2019 Les Tours de Laroque opens with pretty raspberry coulis, black cherries and warm plums scents with underlying fungi, black loam and cracked pepper hints plus a touch of beef drippings. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and fresh, with a firm line of grainy tannins, it delivers a graceful, earthy finish." About Winery Château Laroque is situated close to St Christophe des Bardes in St Emilion on a plateau of limestone rock. Its history dates back to the 12th century, with a tower from that time still dominating the estate. It has passed through several families since and is now owned by the Beaumartin family and is the largest estate in St Emilion with 61 hectares and was promoted to grand cru classé in 1996. More recently well known St Emilion winemaker David Suire has been bought in and the property has achieved new heights. Although planted in one block the make up of the limestone varies as does the exposition around the château, on slopes or on terraces. Merlot is the pre-dominant grape variety with a small amount of Cabernet Franc and the vines are about 50 years old on average. Wine making is traditional with maturation in oak, the length of which depends on the vintage conditions. There is also a second wine produced, Tours de Laroque for more immediate drinking.

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2019 Louis Jadot Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Feusselottes is an "excellent" and "harmonious" expression of the appellation, characterized by a sophisticated aromatic profile and a silky texture that reflects the solar warmth of the 2019 vintage. Expert reviewer Neal Martin of Vinous describes the wine as having a perfumed nose of kirsch, orange zest, and Indian ink, leading to a medium-bodied palate of fleshy ripe red fruit, dark plum, and boysenberry.  About Winery Founded in 1859 by Louis Henry Denis Jadot, Maison Louis Jadot is a premier Burgundy producer with roots dating back to 1794. The house focuses on expressing terroir, holding over 60 hectares of vines. Their Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru "Les Baudes" is a structured, long-aging Pinot Noir sourced from vines near Morey-Saint-Denis. 

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Founded in 1859 by Louis Henry Denis Jadot, Maison Louis Jadot is a premier Burgundy producer with roots dating back to 1794. The house focuses on expressing terroir, holding over 60 hectares of vines. Their Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru "Les Baudes" is a structured, long-aging Pinot Noir sourced from vines near Morey-Saint-Denis. 

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The wine features a fine, complex nose of cherry, raspberry, and blackcurrant mingled with delicate nuances of oak and subtle hints of spices. About Winery Founded in 1831 by Bernard Bichot in Monthélie, France, Maison Albert Bichot began as a Burgundy wine trading house before establishing its Beaune headquarters in 1912. The family, present in Burgundy since 1350, transitioned to domaine ownership, and today, under 6th-generation leader Albéric Bichot (since 1996), it manages 100+ hectares of organic-certified vineyards. 

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2019 Marchand-Tawse (Pascal Marchand) Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru "Les Fuées" is a highly concentrated and energetic wine that reflects the solar warmth of the 2019 vintage while maintaining the elegant, "feminine" character typical of its terroir. About Winery Founded in 2011 by Québécois winemaker Pascal Marchand and Ontario winery owner Moray Tawse, Marchand & Tawse is a Beaune-based producer specializing in biodynamically farmed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The collaboration blends top-tier negociant sourcing with estate holdings, notably after acquiring Domaine Maume in 2012, to produce refined, expressive Burgundy. 

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Winemaker Notes The 2019 Marchesi Antinori Guado al Tasso is a masterclass in Bolgheri elegance, characterized by its refined energy and a distinct aromatic lift thanks to a significant 25% Cabernet Franc component. On the nose, it offers an alluring mix of black plums, licorice, and mocha, accented by sophisticated notes of dried mint and crushed graphite. The palate is full-bodied and seamless, trading raw power for a velvety, linear structure and a savory, mineral-driven finish that lingers with hints of toasted spice. Currently entering its ideal drinking window, this vintage is celebrated by critics as a benchmark for its precision and "cool" Mediterranean character, though it still benefits from a two-hour decant to fully unfurl its complex layers. Winery History While the Antinori family’s winemaking legacy spans 26 generations and over 600 years, the Tenuta Guado al Tasso estate entered their portfolio in 1932 as part of the dowry of Carlotta della Gherardesca upon her marriage to Niccolò Antinori. This noble property in Bolgheri, which had been in the della Gherardesca family since the 17th century, sits within a natural "amphitheater" between the hills and the sea, creating a unique microclimate that the family spent decades researching. It wasn't until 1990 that the flagship Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore was first produced, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the "Super Tuscan" movement by blending traditional Bordeaux varieties with a distinct coastal Mediterranean identity.

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Wine Enthusiast , 93 Pts Winemaker NotesAs full bodied as the two stars of the label, Petite Petit is a grandiose, booming, larger-than-life type of wine! Opening the show with aromas of dark fruit, summer strawberries and fig, this wine showcases rich flavors of blackberry, espresso and vanilla bean on the palate. Dark, robust and deeply satisfying!About Winery“Michael” and “David” are Michael and David Phillips, brothers whose family has farmed fruits and vegetables in the Lodi region since the 1850s and cultivated wine grapes for nearly a century. Michael and David constitute the 5th generation of grape growers in the Phillips family, with the 6th generation now joining the family business.The Phillips family likes to emphasize the importance of quality wines with unique and fun labels. Wine makers Adam Mettler, Derek DeVries and Jeff Farthing specialize in producing Lodi’s famous Old Vine Zinfandels, as well as Rhone varietals such as Ancient Vine Cinsault and Syrah for Michael David Winery. Farming with future generations in mind, the Phillips have adopted some of the most progressive sustainable farming practices in the state. All 800 acres of the family’s vineyards are third party certified, and the state’s first per ton bonus was issued for contracted growers to follow in the family’s footsteps. 

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Winemaker Notes The Napanook 2019 is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, featuring bold, ripe red berry and dark chocolate notes with hints of spicebush and an earthy complexity. The wine offers a medium to full-bodied, vibrant, and juicy palate with a well-structured, silken feel and fine tannins. Picked before the Glass Fire and after heatwaves, the 2020 vintage required critical selection to ensure fruit purity and avoid smoke taint, resulting in a balanced wine with excellent structure and a long, fresh finish.  About Winery The vineyards of Dominus Estate have connections to the original history of the Napa Valley as they date back to the mid 1850’s, or even earlier, when it was first cultivated. At the time, it was known as the Napanook vineyard.  In the late 1960s, while attending the University of California at Davis, Christian Moueix fell in love with the Napa Valley and its wines. Son of Jean-Pierre Moueix, the famed wine merchant and producer from Libourne, France, Moueix returned home in 1970 to manage the family vineyards, including Chateaux Petrus, La Fleur-Petrus, Trotanoy in Pomerol and Magdelaine in St. Emilion. His love of Napa Valley lingered and in 1981, he discovered the historic Napanook vineyard, a 124-acre site west of Yountville that had been the source of fruit for some of the finest Napa Valley wines of the 1940s and 1950s. In 1982, Moueix entered into a partnership with Robin Lail and Marcia Smith, the daughters of John Daniels who owned the vineyard. In 1995, he became the sole owner of the estate and chose the name Dominus, or “Lord of the Estate” in Latin to underscore his longstanding commitment to stewardship of the land. One of the most respected wine producers in the world, Christian Moueix is on a personal quest for perfection in grape growing and winemaking. It is a journey that began in Bordeaux and continues today at Dominus Estate.

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Winemaker Notes The 2019 Numanthia is a Spanish red wine from the Toro region, produced by Bodega Numanthia, made from 100% Tinta de Toro grapes. It is a full-bodied, powerful wine with notes of ripe black fruits, vanilla, and spice, aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. The wine is known for its structure, firm tannins, and long finish.  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.

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Winemaker Notes The nose blends fruity (black plum, blueberry, blackcurrant) and floral (dried rose petals) fragrances with a subtle minerality. The lively and creamy palate reveals a subtle acidity as well as very fine tannins. Throughout the tasting experience, the palate exudes aromas of black fruits, fresh herbs, espresso and cocoa. The finish is persistent and seductive due to its dark chocolate aromas. About Winery Rising gracefully from the vineyards, Opus One winery stands in subtle celebration of the land and the open space that surrounds the estate. It remains an ongoing testament to the founders’ vision of a singular wine that transcends generations. The estate vineyards of Opus One, comprised of four parcels, sit in the western portion of the famed Oakville AVA in Napa Valley. Two parcels, totaling 100 acres, are within the renowned To Kalon Vineyard. These are complemented by the combined 70 acres of the Ballestra and River parcels, which envelop the winery. In the vineyards, hand-harvesting and other traditional approaches are taken wherever they work best. When modern techniques benefit the winegrowing process, they are researched, evaluated and integrated into practice.

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Winemaker Notes With an intense ruby-red colour, Ornellaia 2019 has a bouquet full of intriguing spicy and balsamic notes, including aromas of black pepper, sage, and aromatic herbs. The wine is both full-bodied and vibrant in the mouth, filling the palate with its dense and elegant tannic texture and ending with a persistent and beautifully crisp finish. About Winery In 1981, Marchese Lodovico Antinori breathed new life into Tenuta dell' Ornellaia, an estate whose potential had been ignored for decades. With the help of Andre Tchelistcheff, the famous agronomist, Antinori planted the first French vines in Bolgheri, which lies in the heart of Tuscany's coastal region, Maremma. The estate yields some of the finest Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc in Tuscany. In 2002, Marchesi de' Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi became owners of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, which is now owned exclusively by Marchesi de' Frescobaldi. Ornellaia has established itself among the iconic wine estates in Italy (and beyond). The estate is dedicated to producing charming and opulent wines, full of Mediterranean character and finesse, reflecting the estate’s unique terroir in Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast. The combination of Bolgheri’s unique soils and growing conditions, and what can only be characterized as a total obsession with excellence, result in the world-class wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc that so many wine lovers across the world have come to cherish. Ornellaia employs a full time team of 80 people whose passion and motivation make Ornellaia what it is today. No shortcuts in the part of the production are allowed and the details literally come down to a grape by grape basis. Wines are intently crafted to capture the character of each vintage, in all its complexity and facets. In fact, the character and intricacies of each individual vintage are so important to the estate that since vintage 2006, Winemaker and Estate Director Axel Heinz has identified a single word that captures the character of each vintage, and that word is interpreted by a contemporary artist who produces special labels and a site-specific work of art that remains part of the estate’s permanent collection. In addition to its place among Italy’s iconic wines, Ornellaia is also an ambassador for the Bolgheri region, leading it to be recognized as one of Italy’s greatest winegrowing regions. It is their belief, and it is hard to argue, that Bogheri’s mild maritime climate and diversity of soils create wines as distinct, complex and pleasurable as any in the world.  

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Winemaker Notes Shy at first, the 2019 Palmaz Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that takes its time to show its true characteristics.  Dark fruit and toasted oak explode from the glass to invite you in.  Once the wine opens up, currants, smoky oak and bold tannins round out a luscious mid-palate. About us Palmaz Vineyards’ winemaking takes place in a flawlessly engineered maze of tunnels and domes carved into rock at the base of Napa’s Mount George. The winery is built into an 18-story cavern in the flank of Mount George, providing it with not only all the benefits of gravity-flow winemaking but also the natural temperature control of a cave. By eliminating mechanical pumps from the winemaking process, gravity-flow design minimizes the turbulence that damages wines’ molecular structure. In 1881, gold rush pioneer Henry Hagan founded the Cedar Knoll Winery. His wines would go on to be served at the San Francisco Opera House and could be found on the dining room tables of San Francisco's high society. The winery was abandoned after the death of Henry Hagan and the onset of Prohibition. The Palmaz family purchased the Hagan property in the late 1990s and promptly set about crafting premium wines from their 45 distinct vineyard blocks, while also restoring the once grand estate to its former glory. The 2013 Cabernet bottling is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc aged 20 months in 89% new French oak. Jerry’s instincts led him to two regions located about 75 miles apart. In the early 1970s, he chose Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco district for its cool, windy climate and rocky soils as ideal for Chardonnay. In the 1980s, he recognized the potential of Paso Robles for growing Bordeaux varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon – given the area’s rich soils and dramatic diurnal temperature swings between warm days and cool nights. After Jerry Lohr’s nearly decade-long search for the right place to plant his first vineyard, he chose a site in Monterey County that was to become the heart of the Arroyo Seco appellation. Jerry originally planted 280 acres in 1972 and 1973 near Greenfield. Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco appellation has proved ideal for growing layered, complex Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Brisk winds and fog off Monterey Bay, stony, well-drained soils, and a lack of damaging fall rains all combine to produce grapes with trademark fruit intensity and balancing acidity. In 1974, Jerry unveiled the first J. Lohr winery in San Jose. In the early 1980s, Jerry Lohr saw the potential for great Cabernet Sauvignon further south. Borrowing a lesson from the French—that great Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon excel in very different growing conditions—Jerry began planting Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties in San Luis Obispo County’s little-known Paso Robles region in 1986. With the hands-on devotion of an artisan farmer, Jerry tended to the vines while diligently working toward the creation and development of an adjacent winery and barreling cellars; J. Lohr’s Paso Robles production facility was opened in 1988.

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