PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2019 Chateau Figeac is a highly acclaimed vintage, praised for its deep color, intense aroma, and exceptional balance. The winemaker notes highlight a deep, brilliant, amaranthine red hue with bright purple glints, indicating the fruit's ripeness. The nose is intensely aromatic, revealing notes of blueberries, Mara Des Bois strawberries, redcurrant jelly, blackcurrants, and blackberries, with underlying hints of chocolate box, lavender, and crushed rocks. The palate is described as delicious and dense, with a gentle, enveloping texture from the Merlot, leading to a long, balanced finish that showcases the fine, mineral texture of the Cabernets. 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.

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Winemaker NotesGrand-Puy-Lacoste 2019 is once again remarkable by the high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in its blend: 83% which expresses all the character and typicity of the fine gravel soils of Pauillac. This wine has an intense purple colour; deep yet bright. The aromas of powerful black fruits, in particular the bigarreau cherry, explode on the nose, underlining the characteristics of very ripe grapes whilst retaining good freshness. The whole is enhanced with a hint of spice and menthol. On the palate, the attack is very dense, precise, and complex long; an extremely aromatic and balanced mid-palate and finish paired with a bright freshness. The whole is supported by tannins which combine power and elegance already in great harmony. Once again, we find in this splendid vintage the expression of the great terroir of Grand-Puy-Lacoste expressed in all its richness and complexity. It will undoubtedly be one of the great successes of the property adding to the collection of the great vintages produced here. About Winery5th classified growth in 1855. The name of Grand-Puy comes from the old expression "puy" which means "hill, little hill", and this land is mentioned in documents dating from the Middle Ages. Indeed, the vineyard extends on one of the ridges of land which were made the first wines of the Medoc. Since the sixteenth century, the thought has passed from generation to generation and, by way of alliances between families, he stayed within the same descent until 1920, before resuming a destiny with Borie family in 1978. Under the leadership of François-Xavier Borie (Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou), GP Lacoste is the perfect example of a classic Pauillac, tannic and full bodied. A wine for keeping, which makes part of the top of the Medoc wines.  

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2019 Château La Lagune, a 3ème Cru Classé wine from Haut-Médoc, is known for its medium-bodied, balanced style with notes of black fruit, baking spice, and minerality. It features a deep garnet-purple color with a bouquet of blackcurrants, raspberries, and other fruit notes. The palate offers a combination of black fruit, spice, and mineral layers, with a firm but elegant structure About Winery Château La Lagune, a prestigious Bordeaux winery, is a captivating story of enduring heritage and revitalized tradition. From its 16th-century beginnings, the estate evolved through various hands, including the Seze family and the Frey family, who continue to nurture its reputation. 

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The character of our unique terroir and our technical team’s expertise have allowed this vintage to surpass itself. It boasts both phenolic richness and freshness in the fruit. This is a powerful, creamy, smooth wine. With a record 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Lagrange 2019 blend will go down in history. The expressive, aromatic nose opens with black cherry, blackcurrant, and licorice. In the palate, the entry is silky and plump with powerful, velvety tannins. This distinguished and elegant 2019 will take its place among our iconic vintages. The ageing potential is simply remarkable! About Winery Château Lagrange's story is one of enduring quality and resilience, stretching back to the Middle Ages. It began as the Noble House of Lagrange Monteil, a large estate with a church, hospital, and housing. Over the centuries, it saw ownership shifts, including the Branne family from Bordeaux, who expanded the vineyard significantly. The estate was also known for its innovative approaches, like Count Duchatel's introduction of a drainage system. While facing challenges in the 20th century, including periods of decline, Château Lagrange was purchased by Japanese liquor giant Suntory in 1983, ushering in a new era of investment and revitalized quality. Suntory's commitment led to significant renovations and improvements, ultimately leading to the successful revival of the estate and its wines. 

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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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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes A delicate Malescot which makes it a gourmet wine despite a tight tannic structure. We will have to wait for this vintage to fully express the freshness of its cabernets supported by a body full of merlots. As for the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, they are like salt and pepper which densify and reveal this wine.  About Winery The estate already produced wine in 1608. In 1697, it was sold by Louise Simon Ecoisses Malescot, consul of King Louis XIV at the Parliament of Bordeaux. He gave his name to the property, and his descendants took good care of Malescot and added a large dwelling house and numerous outbuildings, but after the revolution, the property was divided several times between different descendants and sold to different buyers before becoming the property of Count Jean-Baptiste Saint-Exupéry in 1827 who added his name to that of Malescot. In 1855 Chateau Malescot Saint Exupéry was ranked third grand cru before being sold to a banker from Bordeaux named Fourcade, who renovated the winery and enlarged the vineyard. The chateau passed again through the hands of various owners including Mr. Boissac who built the current castle in 1885 but sold it again in 1901. Many owners succeeded again, and the estate slowly declined until, on 1st June 1955, Paul and Roger Zuger bought it with only seven hectares of vines left. After nearly 30 years of sustained efforts and attention, the blason of Malescot regained its rank and its desire to go ever higher. Today, the son of Roger, Jean-Luc Zuger, is at the head of the estate that was extended to 23.5 hectares, and he continues the work begun by his grandfather and his father.

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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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PRE-ORDER Winemaker NotesChâteau Pichon Baron 2019 reveals a beautiful dark garnet colour with purple hues. The bouquet is precise and very intense, revealing a wide aromatic palette of ripe black fruits and spices. The body is fleshy, creamy, and powerful. The tannins are present and plentiful, without astringency, silky and sleek. It has a beautiful fleshy tension in the mouth, with a sunny and charming style. The finish is elegant, distinguished, with a bright fruitiness. A great wine for ageing as it develops a generous, rich, and elegant fullness. About Winery The Estate was founded in the late 17th Century. This period was known as the Grand Siecle, or "great century", in reference to Louis XIV's 1661 accession to the French throne. In 1689 Pierre Desmezures de Rauzan, an influential wine merchant and steward of the prestigious Latour and and Margaux estates, bought plots of vines close to the Latour estate to create Enclos Rauzan. These vines were part of his daughter Therese's dowry when she married Baron Jacques Pichon de Longueville in 1694, the year in which the Pichon Baron estate was founded. An illustrious estate, with an enduring reputation, was born. It remained in the same family for generations. In 1850 the property was divided in two. Baron Raoul Pichon de Longueville's section became the Pichon Baron estate. The second section, belonging to his three sisters, became Pichon Comtesse. Baron Raoul was proud of his prestigious property, and in 1851 he commissioned the imposing chateau inspired by Renaissance architecture that we know today. This uniquely charming and romantic chateau, with its two emblematic turrets, has stood proudly at the vineyard's heart ever since. During the Universal Exhibition of 1855, the wine was classed as a Second Grand Cru Classe according to the ranking system requested by Emperor Napoleon III, who wished to showcase Bordeaux's great wines. In 1933, the Pichon de Longueville family sold the property to the Bouteiller family, who managed the chateau for over 50 years.  In 1987 the estate was bought by AXA Millesimes, whose aim is to enable great wines from the vineyards with a glorious past to achieve their full potential. An architectural competition was launched in collaboration with the Paris Pompidou Centre to provide the estate with new operational buildings. The comprehensive reconstruction of the fermenting room and cellar, and renovation of the chateau, began in 1988. Since then, the 19th century chateau's image has been reflected in an ornamental pool stretching majestically before it.. And since 2008, its silvery expanse conceals an underground cellar, reminiscent of Jules Verne's Nautilus, with view of both the water and sky. The barrel cellar complements a production process in which excellence is paramount, in the finest tradition of great Pauillac wines.

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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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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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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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Winemaker Notes The 2019 HdV Belle Cousine is a 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot blend, noted for its bright, focused, and energetic character with notes of black cherry, black currant, dried rose petal, and graphite. This mid-weight red blend offers a balance of power and finesse, with a smooth, elegant finish featuring hints of spices, basil, and a touch of coffee.  About Winery HDV Winery, or Hyde de Villaine, was founded in 2000 through a partnership between the Hyde family of Napa Valley and the de Villaine family of Burgundy, brought together by the marriage of Pamela de Villaine (Larry Hyde's cousin) to Aubert de Villaine. The venture produces single-vineyard wines from the esteemed Hyde Vineyards in Napa's Carneros region, blending Old World Burgundian techniques with New World Californian fruit through a philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for terroir. 

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Winemaker Notes The winemaker notes for the 2019 HdV Californio Syrah highlight its balance and concentration from a cool vintage, describing a wine with rich black cherry, plum, and lavender cream notes, complemented by savory flavors of smoked meat, graphite, dark caramel, and spices like black pepper. It also shows a beautiful depth of black fruit, such as blueberry and blackberry, alongside notes of fresh fig, flowers, and mint.  About Winery HDV Winery, or Hyde de Villaine, was founded in 2000 through a partnership between the Hyde family of Napa Valley and the de Villaine family of Burgundy, brought together by the marriage of Pamela de Villaine (Larry Hyde's cousin) to Aubert de Villaine. The venture produces single-vineyard wines from the esteemed Hyde Vineyards in Napa's Carneros region, blending Old World Burgundian techniques with New World Californian fruit through a philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for terroir. 

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Winemaker Notes The winemaker notes for the 2019 HdV Californio Syrah highlight its balance and concentration from a cool vintage, describing a wine with rich black cherry, plum, and lavender cream notes, complemented by savory flavors of smoked meat, graphite, dark caramel, and spices like black pepper. It also shows a beautiful depth of black fruit, such as blueberry and blackberry, alongside notes of fresh fig, flowers, and mint.  About Winery HDV Winery, or Hyde de Villaine, was founded in 2000 through a partnership between the Hyde family of Napa Valley and the de Villaine family of Burgundy, brought together by the marriage of Pamela de Villaine (Larry Hyde's cousin) to Aubert de Villaine. The venture produces single-vineyard wines from the esteemed Hyde Vineyards in Napa's Carneros region, blending Old World Burgundian techniques with New World Californian fruit through a philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for terroir. 

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Winemaker Notes The 2019 J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon is exceptionally dark in color with aromas of blackberry, black currant, and toasted pastry crust. Dense and soft on the palate, with elegant layers of black and red currants leaving a bright finish. THE J LOHR STORY Fifty years ago, Jerry Lohr embarked on a career change. What followed would reshape the landscape of the California wine industry and create one of the country’s most popular wine brands. In the late 1960s, Jerry Lohr began an extensive investigation of California grape growing regions – searching for the ideal location for his first vineyard. Jerry was raised on a South Dakota farm; his agricultural roots armed him with an innate sense for the relationship between climate, soil, and location. His research and instincts led him to the Central Coast, an area just beginning to explore its potential for winegrowing. Four decades ago, the California Central Coast had not yet emerged as one of North America’s world-class winegrowing regions. With little history or viticultural precedent, planting on the Central Coast was a gamble. One of a handful of early pioneers, Jerry Lohr was among the first to realize the inherent potential of Monterey and Paso Robles for producing high quality grapes and superb wines. PIONEERING MONTEREY AND PASO ROBLES -JERRY LOHR LEGACY-It’s no coincidence that the Central Coast’s emergence as a world class winegrowing region runs parallel with the establishment and growth of J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery. Founder Jerry Lohr is one of the region’s pioneers and has played a larger-than-life role in bringing the area to prominence. 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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Winemaker Notes The 2019 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon is described as a classic Napa Valley Cabernet, showcasing inviting aromas of violet, dark fruits, tobacco, subtle baking spice, and earthy dried herbs. The palate is filled with expressive black cherry, blackberry, and dark plum flavors, complemented by hints of spice box and sweet vanilla bean. It's noted for its youthful energy and freshness, balanced by supple tannins and a focused, concentrated structure.  About Winery Joseph Phelps Vineyards is a family-owned and operated wine estate with vineyards and wineries in Napa Valley and on the western Sonoma Coast. The winery was founded in 1973 by Joseph Phelps, a successful construction executive and entrepreneur whose early interest in wine led him to establish vineyards on a 670-acre former cattle ranch in Napa Valley. Over the next 42 years Joe became one of the most respected figures in the California wine industry, building Joseph Phelps Vineyards into a critically-acclaimed winery internationally known for its iconic wines and unwavering commitment to quality. Joe’s son, Bill Phelps, joined the family business in 1998 after a successful career in law, and as Executive Chairman now oversees Joseph Phelps Vineyards with a continued dedication to excellence. Family owns and farms 425 acres of vines in Napa Valley on nine estate vineyards in St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, Stags Leap District, Oak Knoll District, South Napa and Carneros, as well as 100 acres over two vineyards on the western Sonoma Coast. Strategically chosen over many decades, each vineyard has its own personality and brings a different characteristic to our wines. Our commitment to an estate-based model is our way of ensuring consistency and the highest quality we can possibly achieve. Our estate vineyards, paired with select long-term grower relationships, give our winemaking teams unparalleled depth and diversity when it comes to producing Joseph Phelps wines.

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Winemaker Notes Pale yellow. Piercing lifted scents of ripe orchard fruits and floral nuances with its classic marine aromatic base layers framing the higher pitched tones. Conveys a sense of weight without heaviness. Supportive and integrated natural acids buoy the forward presence of the wine. Finishes with great length, depth and persistence with a quiet verve. A compelling example of Durell. 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.

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