PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2018 Château Canon is vibrant from the first nose thanks to its brilliant fruit. An aromatic explosion that mingles aromas of cherries with delicious notes of marzipan. Minty notes of cedar and rose provide a burst of freshness. Carried by this ethereal balance, the wine then reveals its depth and density. It is full-blooded and full-bodied, yet always elegant. The palate is broad, the tannins refined and silky. It possesses the delectable tangy sweetness of a Bakewell tart. This 2018 shows all the power and grace of a prima ballerina, lost in her art. About Winery The different plots of vines total 54 acres of very uniform soil types, which is the first hint that Chateau Caonon is unusual with respect to the rest of the Saint Emilion area. The Subltle combination of limestone containing fossilized starfish covered by a thin layer of clay left behind by a prehistoric lake, constitute an ideal environment for the grape varieties, highlighting the expression of their characteristics. Fresh, yet not very rich, this type of soil is a perfectly balanced medium for the vines that keeps yields down while enhancing quality. The different steps in the vineyard management calendar are scrupulously respected throughout the year. Chateau Canon manages its plots sustainably, ensuring perfect ripeness and making it easier to identify the best batches of fruit, which are vinified separately. The policy is clearly to foster environmental preservation.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Elegance and perfection, two of Joseph Drouhin's tenets. The colour is bright and intense. A full palette of aromas reminiscent of stone fruit (cherry, peach, apricot), cocoa, exotic wood (cedar). On the palate, the texture is like silk and velvet. In the aftertaste, the same touch of dark chocolate is in evidence. Extremely long aftertaste About Winery Maison Joseph Drouhin's short story is one of a family's long and successful journey in Burgundy, starting in 1880 with Joseph Drouhin, a 22-year-old négociant. He established a wine trading house, and the business was later expanded by his son, Maurice, who focused on building a domain with its own vineyards. Robert Drouhin, the third generation, further developed the estate by acquiring Grand Cru vineyards and expanding into Chablis and even Oregon in 1987. Today, the fourth generation, Véronique Drouhin-Boss, is in charge of winemaking in both France and Oregon. 

Read more less

PRE-ORDER About Winery Château Saint-Pierre's history traces back to the 17th century, with archives indicating a wine-growing property called "Serançan" owned by the Marquis de Cheverry in 1693. In 1767, the estate was acquired by the Baron de Saint-Pierre, who renamed it after himself. After his death, the property was split, and the two halves were cultivated separately before being reunited in 1922 by Pierre and Charles Van den Bussche. Further consolidation occurred in 1981 when Henri Martin purchased the property, bringing the entire domain under his ownership. 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The work in the plots of Clos is the equal to the actions in the parcels for the first label : pruning, cover, de-leafing, green harvest, hand-picking. In the cellar, the same technical gestures pace the successive stages of vinification. Licorice, earth and dark, fresh plums, this wine is silky, limber and sweet with freshness and finesse in the finish. It is a “wine for pleasure” with a 10 years ‘potential of ageing. Clos La Gaffelière has now a firm and recognized identity . First, it was exclusively proposed to private customers. Bordeaux negociants start to be interested in the vintage since 2000. About Winery Château La Gaffelière is owned by Léo de Malet Roquefort. Located in the centre of the St. Emilion appellation, due south of St. Emilion town, the property shares a similar climate to that enjoyed by both St.Emilion and Pomerol: more continental than the maritime Médoc, with generally more spring rainfall, though less in summer and winter. La Gaffeliere’s vineyards (Cabernet Sauvignon 5%, Merlot 65%, Cabernet Franc 30%) lie on a sloped sandy/clay-limestone topsoil and limestone subsoil (a mix of Côtes and Pieds de Côtes). La Gaffeliere is classified as a 1er grand cru classé(B). Clos La Gaffeliere is their Second wine. Born in 1985, Clos is produced mainly from the young vines.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes A well-balanced wine: notes of liquorice and fruits (blackcurrant, strawberry, black cherry) on the nose. The same in the mouth, very expressive and full of flavor; blackberry, raspberry, also tobacco and cedar. A fullbodied wine, long, intense and velvety tannins. A desirable pleasure to finish. 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

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker NotesChâteau Pichon Baron 2017 reveals a deep, intense, and very dark color. The nose offers a broad aromatic range, revealing notes of vanilla, coconut, and a bouquet of black fruits, combined with subtle nuances of spices and cigar box. The attack is full, with richness and sweetness. The precise tannins are fine and enveloping. The length is beautiful and voluminous. The elegant structure of this great 2017 wine is linked to the particular attention paid to the aging process. While the wine's class is evident, finesse and distinction define the style in this vintage where balance is the key. 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.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The bewitching bouquet springs from the glass, releasing tasty notes of creme de cassis, lavender and cedar, while the nose also reveals fresh white flowers and a powerful minerality. Intense purple color with a bright nose of black fruit, graphite and toast. In a sublime  burst of generosity and flavor, the wine coats the palate with its juicy texture and silky tannins. Meanwhile, discreet notes of oak underline the generous  fruit. Persistent and elegant, the end of the mouth unfolds a long, chocolatey finish, punctuated with notes of licorice. Concentrated, elegant and generous, a fabulous Leoville Barton promising a beautiful evolution. About Winery In 1826, Hugh Barton, already proprietor of Chateau Langoa, purchased part of the big Leoville estate. His part then became known as Léoville Barton. Six generations of Bartons have since followed, and continued to preserve the quality of the wine, classified as a Second Growth in 1855. In 1983, Anthony Barton, the present owner, was given the property by his uncle Ronald Barton who had himself inherited it in 1929. Anthony Barton's daughter Lilian Barton Sartorius now helps her father in managing the estate. Together, they maintain the traditional methods of winemaking, producing a typical Saint-Julien of elegance and distinction. The Château Léoville Barton is the property of the Barton’s family and Lilian Barton Sartorius manages it with her two children, Mélanie and Damien.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes An intense colour for this vintage, that was produced in very limited quantity. The nose presents notes of blackcurrant, cherry and raspberry. Surprisingly fresh, the wine shows silky tannins, and a certain ageing potential. This vintage will amaze you with its elegance and its accessibility. 2017 was early and contrasted. The total rainfall is lower than the average of the last twenty years. The month of April was particularly dry. The cool nights culminated in severe frost on the 27th April. Spring was warm with average rainfall. Flowering occurred early, quickly and in ideal conditions. The summer was warm and dry until September 8th. A tremendous work carried out to mark 250 000 vine stocks during colour change made the intra­plot selection process easier at harvest­time About Winery Les Fiefs de Lagrange is the second wine of Château Lagrange, a renowned estate in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux. The vineyard, encompassing 118 hectares, sits on two gravelly hilltops within a single block, facing north and south. The estate's history dates back to Gallo-Roman times, with the Knights Templar later initiating winegrowing activities. 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2017 vintage with its deep garnet red colour and purplish-blue hues reflects the ripeness of the grape varieties in the blend. It offers a pleasant nose and a wonderful freshness, characteristic of the vintage. The attack is supple, rich, with a good volume. It expresses an aromatic palette of black and red fruit (blackcurrant, morello cherry, etc.) with spicy notes. Its perfectly smooth tannins strengthen its aromatic persistence. About Winery 1855 Grand Cru Classe – 5th Growth The chateau was founded in the 18th century by the Liberal family. Most of the wines produced here were exported to the Netherlands and Belgium. Half of the wines of the chateau are planted just next to the First Growth Chateau Latour. Overlooking the Gironde estuary at the entrance to Pauillac, the vines of Lynch-Bages are located on the Bages plateau, on one of the finest gravelly rises in the appellation. The estate once belonged to the famous Lynch family, of Irish origin, and was acquired by Jean-Charles Cazes in 1934. His grandson, Jean-Michel Cazes restructured the estate in 1974, adding state-of-the-art winemaking equipment, while keeping the former wooden vats as a reminder of the 19th century.The grapes are all hand picked and then carefully sorted before crushing. A very strict selection is made prior to blending and the wine is traditionally aged in oak barrels before bottling. Today, the winery is managed by Claire Villars Lurton. Under her management the estate has undergone complete renovation to organic and biodynamic vineyard management. The grounds of the chateau were fully renovated in 2018.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes Echo de Lynch-Bages 2017 has a brilliant robe with pretty purplish-blue garnet hues. On the nose, its fruit is gourmet and expressive. On tasting, there are notes of fresh red fruit (redcurrant and raspberry). It is a well-rounded, elegant wine with a hint of acidity in the finish. About Winery Echo de Château Lynch-Bages is a second wine, or second cru, from the iconic Pauillac estate, Château Lynch-Bages. It's a relatively recent addition to the estate's lineup, renamed from Haut-Bages Averous in 2008 to reflect its connection to the Grand Cru Classé. The name "Echo" is inspired by the Greek myth of the nymph Echo, who was deprived of speech. 

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes Deep, dark purple. A stunning and tight bouquet, very compact, which opens with airing to give a fine fruit with floral notes and a touch of violet. Later, after swirling, there is a touch of graphite. The palate is juicy, tasty, and supported by a fine freshness. A captivating wine; a lot of body, very high standard, remarkable length. A very academic construction. About Winery Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou is named after the beautiful, large stones found in its unique wine-growing terroir. This exceptional ecosystem produces fine, elegant, tasty wines with a long finish - in short, archetypical Saint-Julien wines. Perched on an exceptional site with incomparable views over the Gironde estuary, in the center of a hundred-year-old park, Ducru-Beaucaillou is a majestic, Victorian-style castle, which has, over time, become one of the great symbols of the Médoc. Unusual for Bordeaux, it is built directly above the barrel cellars, enveloping its owners, who have lived here for over sixty years. Today, the estate is managed by the company Jean Eugène Borie SA, which is owned by Mrs Borie, her daughter Sabine Coiffe and her son Bruno-Eugène, CEO since 2003, the third generation of the Borie family to head the estate. There are very close links between this estate and the five families who have been its successive owners.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER 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. 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2017 Château Le Gay Pomerol is a medium to full-bodied wine with notes of black cherry, cassis, toasted spice, spring flowers, and damp earth. The wine also exhibits aromas of plum preserves, mulberries, and baked black cherries, along with hints of tilled soil, cloves, cedar chest, and tobacco About Winery Originally called Domaine du Gay, Château Le Gay takes its name from the lieu-dit Le Gay, part of which was sold to the Greloud family that eventually became Château Lafleur. Coincidentally, Château Le Gay was inherited by the Robin sisters in 1946, who also happened to own Château Lafleur. Over the next few decades, under the ownership of the Robin sisters, Château Le Gay was managed by Jean-Pierre Moueix, who also purchased portions of the vineyard to add to the acreage of Château La Fleur-Pétrus. After the passing of the Robin sisters, Château Le Gay was acquired by Catherine Péré Vergé in 2002, who quickly increased the acreage and brought Michel Rolland on board as a consultant.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2017 Calon Ségur is a medium-bodied, elegant wine with a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. It is aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 20 months. The wine features notes of cassis, redcurrants, kirsch, camphor, crushed rocks, and wild thyme.  About Winery Château Calon Ségur, located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, boasts a rich history spanning centuries. The estate, known for its red wine, was once part of the vast Ségur family holdings, including Château Lafite, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild. The heart-shaped label, a symbol of the estate's enduring legacy, is a direct result of the Marquis de Ségur's famous declaration: "I make wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is in Calon". 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes With their smoky and spicy bouquet, the red wines are of an admirable quality and a very characteristic softness. The wine is both concentrated, fine and harmonious, with an aromatic palette as wide as it is precise. The depth and length in the mouth are exceptional. Quality of the terroir, sustained efforts and dynamism have borne fruit bringing Pape Clément to a level very close to that of the premiers crus. About WineryChateau Pape Clément owes its name to its most illustrious owner. A man of the cloth born in 1264, Bertrand de Goth became Bishop of Comminges, in the Pyrenees Mountains, at the age of 31; he later became Archbishop of Bordeaux in 1299. He then received as a gift the property in Pessac, the Vineyard de La Mothe. Taken by a passion for the vine, he continually took part personally in equipping, organizing and managing the domain in accordance with the most modern and rational practices. Nevertheless, on 5 June 1305 the cardinals met in a conclave in Pérouse and appointed him to succeed Pope Benedict XI, who had passed away prematurely after only eleven months of reign. Bertrand de Goth took the name of Clement V. Supported by Philip IV, it was he who decided in 1309 to move the papal court to Avignon, thus breaking with Rome and its battles of influence. During this same period, the weight of his responsibilities led him to relinquish his property, giving it to the Archbishop of Bordeaux. Henceforward, the vineyard was to be known to posterity under the name of this enlightened pope. Management under the clergy brings modernity The grateful Church perpetuated Pope Clement's work. Each archbishop in turn turned to modernity and technical progress, to the point of the wine estate becoming a model vineyard. In addition to especially early harvests, which remain one of its special characteristics, Chateau Pape Clément is without a doubt the first vineyard in France to align vine stock to facilitate labour. At the end of the 18th century, the Archbishop of Bordeaux was dispossessed of his property. The papal vineyard became part of the public domain. 8 June 1937 was a dark day in the vineyard's history, when a violent hailstorm destroyed virtually the entirety of the estate. Two years later, Paul Montagne bought it and gradually brought it back to life. Thanks to his efforts, the vineyard returned to its former rank and stood up to the surge in urbanization. His descendents, Léo Montagne and Bernard Magrez, perpetuate this secular tradition so that Chateau Pape Clément wines continue to delight the wine-lovers of today and tomorrow.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes Château Beychevelle 2017 has a very deep purple color. The nose is dominated by ripe red fruit. The purity of the fruit, the finesse of the tannins and elegant oaky notes come together to offer a silky palate. Château Beychevelle 2017 is a harmonious marriage between the elegance and precision of our CabernetSauvignon and the generosity and roundness of our Merlot. About Winery Chateau Beychevelle, A prestigious Cru Classe whose character has been forged by three centuries of history. Nowhere does the word Chateau in its noblest sense ring as true as it does at Beychevelle. The elegance of its classical architecture makes it a jewel in the crown of the Médoc, coveted since its creation by the powerful families who have successively marked the economic, political and cultural life of Bordeaux and the region.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Ruby / purple color, the intense and complex nose reveals hints of black fruit, brioche bread. The attack is vivid and velvety. The mid-palate enhanced the black fruit notes, unveiled firstly on the nose and some toasty notes. The wine is juicy and fleshy with elegant tannins. Final on the length. About Winery In 1826, Hugh Barton, already proprietor of Chateau Langoa, purchased part of the big Leoville estate. His part then became known as Léoville Barton. Six generations of Bartons have since followed, and continued to preserve the quality of the wine, classified as a Second Growth in 1855. In 1983, Anthony Barton, the present owner, was given the property by his uncle Ronald Barton who had himself inherited it in 1929. Anthony Barton's daughter Lilian Barton Sartorius now helps her father in managing the estate. Together, they maintain the traditional methods of winemaking, producing a typical Saint-Julien of elegance and distinction. The Château Léoville Barton is the property of the Barton’s family and Lilian Barton Sartorius manages it with her two children, Mélanie and Damien.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Ruby / purple color, the intense and complex nose reveals hints of black fruit, brioche bread. The attack is vivid and velvety. The mid-palate enhanced the black fruit notes, unveiled firstly on the nose and some toasty notes. The wine is juicy and fleshy with elegant tannins. Final on the length. About Winery Chateau Langoa-Barton, 3rd Classified Growth, was the first of the two Bordeaux wine estates bought by Hugh Barton in the 1820s, the other being Leoville-Barton, 2nd Classified Growth. Hugh Barton was a descendant of an Irish family which settled in Bordeaux in the 18th century and which has a long and distinguished history in the region's wine trade. Both properties are still family-owned and run and together represent the longest tradition of unchanged ownership in the Medoc. Anthony Barton is the current proprietor but is gradually passing the reins to his daughter Lillian. Langoa Barton has 20 hectares of vineyards (Cabernet Sauvignon 71%, Merlot 21% and Cabernet Franc 8%) lie on gravelly-clay soils. Vinification includes 18 months' maturation in oak barriques (50% new). Langoa Barton is vinified and matured in exactly the same way as Leoville-Barton and any difference between them must be put down to variations in the soils and exposure of their respective vineyard blocks. Both Langoa and Leoville wines are models of typical St Julien restraint and elegance, and Anthony's fair pricing policy, always with an eye to the long term has won him many loyal friends amongst his customers. For years, Langoa Barton was considered slightly lighter and more forward than Leoville. However, in the last decade it has become noticeably deeper in colour and richer and more concentrated on the palate. Langoa Barton is now often the equal of Leoville.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Dark, dense ruby color. Nose with concentrated ripe cherry fruit. On the palate, dense and opulent, beautiful sweetness, slightly oriental spice, very noticeable acidity, fine tannins. Has bite and pressure, good finish.  About Winery Chateau Gracia is produces garage-style (aka "vins de garage") St-Emilion wines from a 4.4-acre vineyard with microscopic yields of 18-22 hectoliters per hectare (400-550 cases). Michel Gracia the proprietor is good friends with Ausone’s Alain Vauthier, produces wines that have much in common with the lushness and concentration of Ausone. Founded in 1997, Michel is a first-generation immigrant, originating from Spain. After less then a decade since his first crush, Michel was already recognized by Robert Parker as one of the twenty best wine estates in France in 2006. Vineyards Vines cover just 1.9-hectares of clayey/limestone soil, planted with 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and an average age of vine at just under thirty years. Yields are kept low, down to a paltry 21hl/ha. There is another 1.26- hectares parcel on more sandy soil planted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc which is the source of "Les Angelots de Gracia".  

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The blackcurrants and blueberries with violets on the nose are fascinating. Full-bodied and very tightly wound with gorgeous tannins and a linear and bright finish. Needs two to four years to come together. About Winery Château Haut-Batailley, Fifth Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 Official Classification, is a benchmark in the Pauillac appellation. Its name is derived from the word "bataille" (battle), in memory of the fighting that is said to have taken place on the estate at the end of the Hundred Years' War in the 15th century. Since 2017, Château Haut-Batailley has been run by the Cazes family, who are continuing the work begun by the Borie family in 1930 while carrying forward the style and quality of this key Médoc cru on the Left Bank of the Bordeaux region.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Very intense, remarkable, garnet-red colour. The nose shows impressively ripe fruit, concentration, and complexity. This is the epitome of a wine made from grapes with just the right degree of maturity. The wine starts out generous, sweet, and broad-based on the palate, going on seamlessly to reveal increasing body and power. The class, breeding, and sophistication of the tannin are obvious. 2016 La Mission Haut-Brion is certainly the most complete and charming the château has made in a long time.   Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Château La Mission Haut-Brion is a world-renowned winery located in the prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation in the Bordeaux region of France. It holds a special place in the history of Bordeaux wines due to its exceptional quality and long-standing heritage. The estate is known for producing top-tier red wines, and its wine is often regarded as one of the most sought-after in the region.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2015 winegrowing year was marked by striking contrasts in climate, starting with a particularly cold spring, followed by a prolonged period of hot, dry weather that lasted until the end of August. When the harvest began on 7 September, in brilliant sunshine, the vines were impeccably healthy, revealing the exceptional generosity and balance of the grapes. This vintage aromatic wine promises a remarkable aromatic richness, capturing the unique essence of the year. About Winery Dom Pierre Pérignon, a French Benedictine monk, set out his vision to "create the best wine in the world" when he became Cellar Master at the sacred Abbey of Hautvillers in 1668. Dom Pérignon dedicated over 40 years to this mission, employing a visionary spirit and daring approach to the wine making process. Over that time, he became known as the "father of champagne" for laying down the fundamental rules for the traditional Champagne production method (La Methode Champenoise or Traditionelle). A favored wine of the Sun King Louis XIV, Dom Pérignon himself compared his wine to "drinking stars". Dom Pérignon: an absolute commitment to VintageDom Pérignon's commitment to vintage is absolute. Each Dom Pérignon is a true act of creation, made from only the best grapes. The champagne's intensity is based in precision, so inviting, so mysterious. Each Vintage has three Plénitudes, and embodies the total faith in the creation that is constantly renewed by Chef de Cave Vincent Chaperon. Coupled with a bold sense of playfulness, Dom Pérignon inspires the greatest creators in the world.Made only from the best grapes grown in one single year, each Dom Perignon's Vintage represents a harmonic balance between the nature of the year and the signature of Dom Pérignon. After no fewer than 8 years of elaboration, each vintage emerges complete, seamless and tactile. Dom Pérignon Champagne is made through an assemblage of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, created by using only the best grapes harvested from the 17 Grands Crus in Champagne and the Premier Cru of Hautvillers.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Dark purple, almost black. On the nose, concentrated scent of cooked berries and plums with hints of cedar wood and smoky notes. Full and dense on the palate with massive ripe tannins and a long finish.The 8.5 hectare winery is planted with 80% Merlot and 10% each Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It belongs to the Peres family, which owns, among other things, the Top Saint Emillion Château Pavi. The wine is aged for 18-24 months in new barriques. About Winery Purchased in 2001 by Gérard Perse - Château Pavie, Pavie-Decesse, Monbousquet, Bellevue-Mondotte - Clos Lunelles shines with its vision of excellence, anchored to a first-class terroir composed of clay and limestone, in the natural extension of the Saint-Emilion limestone plateau. With state-of-the-art viticulture and ambitious technical means, the wines are a perfect example of concentrated yet elegant Bordeaux. The Clos Lunelles vineyard covers 8.5 hectares of vines, composed of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. As at Gérard Perse’s other properties, everything has been done in the vineyard to obtain low yields and perfect maturity. Traditional and precise vinification and long maturation followed by 18 months in French oak barrels (50% new) without fining or filtering give a complex bouquet of black fruits and a rich, deep and substantial structure. Tended by Robert Parker himself, Clos Lunelles expresses without reserve the style of a straightforward wine, built for immediate pleasure. 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes A wine of good density ruby red, with brown, mahogany, biscuit hints. It has maintained its luster and clarity. The rim is fairly thick. The tears are fine, clear, abundant and regular. At once expressive, forthright and complex. There are notes of all families of fragrance: fruit, flowers, and spices. Taste: 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.

Read more less