Winemaker Notes The freshness of color, a rather dense purple makes one think  of a year both vigorous and full-flavoured. In the mouth the structure of the wine reveals itself at once. The ripe tannins are immediately noticeable quickly giving way to sensations of smooth full-flavour. This is a well-balanced wine within a rather rigid framework. The wood is present though not in excess. Progressively the delicate and silky richness emerges but without blotting out the bittersweet trace of the well dissolved tannins. 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.

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2002 | RP 92 A restrained, classic Bordeaux with cedar, graphite, and cassis. Solid but overshadowed by stronger vintages. Best for near-term drinking. 2005 | WE 96 Universally acclaimed, with deep cassis, graphite, and licorice notes. Dense tannins, superb delineation, and long finish. A wine for decades of aging. 2012 | WE 92 Elegant, mid-weight, with cassis, pencil shavings, and fine tannins. Approachable now, not a blockbuster but enjoyable. 2017 | WE 97 Impressive balance of plush fruit and firm tannins. Black fruits, graphite, cassis, and plum. Elegant, concentrated, and age-worthy. 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.

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About Winery Vega Sicilia is one of Spain’s most iconic and prestigious wineries, with a rich history dating back to 1864. Here's a brief overview: Founded by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, a Spanish winemaker trained in Bordeaux, who brought with him French grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. He planted these alongside the native Tempranillo (then called Tinto del País) in the Ribera del Duero region. The winery gained fame in the 20th century for producing some of Spain’s most celebrated wines, especially its flagship wine, Único, known for its complexity and extraordinary aging potential. In 1982, the Álvarez family acquired Vega Sicilia, marking a new era of modernization and expansion. Under Pablo Álvarez’s leadership, the winery has maintained its legendary status while also expanding into other regions like Toro (with Pintia) and Rioja. Despite its name, Vega Sicilia has no connection to the island of Sicily. “Vega” refers to fertile river plains, and “Sicilia” is believed to reference Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music. Tasting Notes Pintia lies on the banks of the Duero River, within the DO Toro. The extremely cold winters and hot summers have an effect on the complex soils, which are rich in pebbles. It is therefore essential to pick the grapes at the right moment to preserve the fresh aromas and acidity of the wine. The vintage was hot and dry. It rained just before the harvest, which helped us to tame the powerful, concentrated and rustic skins. We gave the skins time to polymerise, but the priority was always to pick fresh grapes. This vintage was more about infusion than extraction. 15% of the wine was aged in large containers to preserve its fruitiness and freshness. It was a vintage of great concentration, so we had to limit the influence of the toasted oak in favour of freshness. Pintia 2019 is energetic, bold and full-bodied, but it is also silky. We had to work really hard to tame it, but we are proud of the result

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Winemaker Notes The Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino shows a saturated dark violet color with ruby reflections; the nose offers cassis, blueberries and violets, along with a strong suggestion of soil tones. It combines density and sweetness on the one hand, with gripping, lightly saline flavors of mocha, dark berries, spice, and minerals; a palate-staining finish dominated by sweet black and blue fruits.   About Winery Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina's high-altitude Malbec pioneers. The Catena family began making wine in Mendoza in 1902. Nicolas Catena, third generation family vintner, was one of the first to see the potential of Mendoza's mountain vineyards for producing high quality Malbec. In 1994, he became the first Argentine to export a world-class bottling of Malbec under the Catena label. Nicolas is joined by his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, in their relentless pursuit of world-class quality from the family's high-altitude vineyards. Laura has done extensive work in introducing Malbec and other varietal plant selections, soil and climate analysis, and sustainable practices throughout Mendoza. Head winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, has been at Catena Zapata since 2002 and works with Laura and Nicolas to make wines that express the family's vineyards and palate.

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Château Ausone, a Saint-Émilion estate with a rich history, is renowned as one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Bordeaux. Its history is intertwined with the Roman poet Ausonius, whose villa is believed to have stood on the site. The estate, now owned by the Vauthier family, has been producing exceptional wines for centuries, maintaining a reputation for density, complexity, and longevity. 

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Winemaker Notes Deep and inky purple red robe with dark blue edges. The nose is intense, spicy overlapping with layers of red and black fruit, and cedar notes. Elegant tannins open towards a mid-palate that combines finesse and concentration, round and fresh. Exceptionally long finish. Blend: 64% Carmenère, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot About Winery Everything starts in 1994 when Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet first arrived in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. They quickly realized its potential for producing world-class wines. This ideal setting, which was revitalized in 1995, was home to vines originating from pre-phylloxera rootstock brought from Bordeaux in the middle of XIX century. Member of a renowned family that has been dedicated for several generations to the production of high-quality spirits and wines, Alexandra with legendary wine expertise, brought exceptional French winemaking practices to Chile and pioneered the development of fine quality wines from the region. Today it is Charles de Bournet Marnier Lapostolle, seventh generation of the family, who holds the reins of the Winery. Together with him is Jacques Begarie, Technical Director & Winemaker, under the advice of the famous winemaker Michel Rolland, who is personally involved in the whole production of Clos Apalta. In its short history, Clos Apalta wines have consistently ranked highly (90+ points) among reputable wine trade publications, a testament of the rigorous standards implemented at the winery to produce outstanding wines. Clos Apalta's philosophy is as simple as it is ambitious: to express terroir in the wines, looking for excellence, elegance and character in a handcrafted wine that can talk about the amazing place that is the Apalta Valley.  

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Winemaker Notes The wine is a deep, dazzling purple. Initially rather closed, the nose opens with airing to reveal elegant fresh fruit, blackcurrant bud and eucalyptus aromas. A fresh, clean attack leads into a full, powerful and silky mid-palate, building to an incredibly long finish on notes of brioche and liquorice. An intense and stylish vintage to come back to in a few years’ time. About Winery Second growth classified in 1855. With its terroir of big gravels located by the river Gironde, its classic and powerful style, Montrose is often called the Latour of Saint Estephe. Montrose needs time to express its incomparable delicacy. In the first decade, its fantastic potential is hidden behind a certain austerity. In the second decade, the wines open themselves. In the third decade, they explode, and the terroir expresses itself. In the hands of the family Charmolle from 1896 to 2006, it is now run by Martin and Olivier Bouygues.

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Winemaker Notes Deep garnet colored, the 2013 Opus One needs a little swirling before exploding with preserved black and blue fruits—blueberry compote, blackberry pie and blackcurrant cordial—giving way to notes of unsmoked cigars, new leather, beef drippings and menthol with wafts of roasted rosemary and rose oil. 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 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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Winemaker Notes The 2005 Chateau Figeac is known for its elegant, restrained style with notes of dark fruit, tobacco, and leather. It is a medium-bodied wine with racy tannins, built on finesse and delicacy rather than power and concentration. The blend typically includes Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.  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 Notes This delightful red wine hails from Bordeaux, France, where centuries of winemaking tradition have shaped some truly remarkable blends. you’ll encounter rich, dark fruit notes—perhaps blackberries and plums—alongside a touch of spice. The tannins provide structure, making it a well-rounded choice. About Winery Owned by the Cardarelli family since 1949. The Cardarelli brothers, 3rd generation, have never stopped, like their parents and grandparents, developing and modernizing, in order to improve the quality of the wines. Today they still continue in this approach, but we place as much importance on the ecological and respectful aspect of production to achieve the High Environmental Value (HVE) standard. The Cardarelli vineyards' motto: "Produce well, good, and in respect with nature".

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Winemaker Notes The Cuvelier family's flagship estate has been on fine form in recent years. Their style is sumptuous, velvety, quite modern St Julien, but with the underlying structure to age for many many years. There is a beautiful bouquet of decadent dark berries, gravelly minerality, humidor, cedar and flowers. It is quite heady and perfumed with a lovely seductive core of opulent fruit and large scale tannic structure.  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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Winemaker Notes (JS | 93) The 2016 Numanthia Termanthia is a powerful, full-bodied red wine from Toro, Spain, known for its intense flavors and elegant structure. Winemaker notes describe it as having a deep, ripe cherry color with ruby reflections. The nose is complex, featuring layers of ripe red and black fruits, sweet spices like clove and nutmeg, and floral hints of violet and carnation alongside aromatic herbs like lavender and rosemary. The palate offers a sweet, fresh attack with velvety tannins and a long finish characterized by black fruit, sweet spices, and earthy nuances.  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 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 (JS | 94) Harvested from over 30 years old vines, this wine fully expresses the fruit's liveliness. Fresh and fruity on the nose with aromas of cherries in alcohol, fresh figs, raspberries, and plums. These perfectly integrate with hints of aromatics such as thyme and eucalyptus in addition to subtle notes of hazelnuts, tobacco, and cinnamon. The mouthfeel is fresh and balanced, with a predominance of fruit flavors. About Winery Numanthia is located in the Toro region of Spain. Its four vineyards are located along the south bank of the Duero River. The wine is named after a legendary Spanish city that was destroyed (after 20 yrs of resistance) by Roman legions. It is to Spain what the hilltop village of Masada is to Israel: a monument of history. Its 40 hectares of land are covered with an abundance of elements derived from the disintegration of Pliocene grit, clay and limestone. Numanthia's first vintage was produced in 1998 and received a 95-point rating from Robert Parker. Since then, the Toro region has been producing wines that have begun to rival those of Spain's richest wine-producing regions of Ribera del Duero, Rioja and Priorat.  

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Winemaker Notes (JS | 94) Termes is a red wine from the Toro region, reflecting the vibrant spirit of this area. It stands out for its fruitiness, freshness, and complexity. With balanced balanced, it is perfect to enjoy young. 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  (JS | 94) For this vintage they included Cabernet growing in the Uco Valley, an area considered to be too cold for a variety which enjoys warm temperatures. Once again, nature defied the odds and they achieved a remarkable ripeness and great natural acidity. This wine is always welcome on my table, it is without a doubt the beginning of great stories.   About Winery At the end of the 1950s, the famous French Champagne house, Moët & Chandon, realized there was an enormous potential for growth in South America. They sent their wine analyst, Renaud Poirier, to study the possibility of expansion. Monsieur Poirier finally proved that Luján de Cuyo, a region within the province of Mendoza, was the best place for the birth of fine wines. In 1960, Chandon Argentina was established, the first subsidiary of Moët & Chandon outside France. To make the Terrazas de los Andes wines, Chandon Argentina took the initiative to restore this building, located in the heart of Perdriel and at the foot of the imposing Cordón del Plata (a section of the Andes Mountain Range). In the past, Chandon Argentina made only sparkling and generic still wines, however at the beginning of the '90s fueled by a political system more orientated towards an international market, a varietal wines project was born, to which Terrazas has now become the reality. Situated in Perdriel there is an old Spanish style winery that was used by Pedro Domecq to create his brandy. Renaud Poirier asked Domecq if he could use his equipment to make the first experimental vintages, between 1957 and 1959. Thirty years later Terrazas de los Andes was born, a tributary of Chandon Argentina dedicated exclusively to the production of varietal wines.

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Winemaker Notes  (JS | 93) Highly diverse aromatic palette. Notes of plums, and cherries from Las Compuertas blend with the aromas of violets and thyme from Paraje Altamira, and the hints of blackberries, blueberries and rosemary from Los Chacayes Velvety tannins and silky texture. Good acidity, wide volume in the mouth with a subtle Layer of typical toasting aromas.   About Winery At the end of the 1950s, the famous French Champagne house, Moët & Chandon, realized there was an enormous potential for growth in South America. They sent their wine analyst, Renaud Poirier, to study the possibility of expansion. Monsieur Poirier finally proved that Luján de Cuyo, a region within the province of Mendoza, was the best place for the birth of fine wines. In 1960, Chandon Argentina was established, the first subsidiary of Moët & Chandon outside France. To make the Terrazas de los Andes wines, Chandon Argentina took the initiative to restore this building, located in the heart of Perdriel and at the foot of the imposing Cordón del Plata (a section of the Andes Mountain Range). In the past, Chandon Argentina made only sparkling and generic still wines, however at the beginning of the '90s fueled by a political system more orientated towards an international market, a varietal wines project was born, to which Terrazas has now become the reality. Situated in Perdriel there is an old Spanish style winery that was used by Pedro Domecq to create his brandy. Renaud Poirier asked Domecq if he could use his equipment to make the first experimental vintages, between 1957 and 1959. Thirty years later Terrazas de los Andes was born, a tributary of Chandon Argentina dedicated exclusively to the production of varietal wines.

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Winemaker Notes Bright red color with purple shades. Intense floral and fruity notes on the nose with the presence of violets, ripe black cherry and plum aromas. This wine reveals a toasty and spicy character of black pepper and chocolate. Its sweet and juicy mouthfeel delivers finesse, delicate tannins and an elegant finish of black fruits.   About Winery At the end of the 1950s, the famous French Champagne house, Moët & Chandon, realized there was an enormous potential for growth in South America. They sent their wine analyst, Renaud Poirier, to study the possibility of expansion. Monsieur Poirier finally proved that Luján de Cuyo, a region within the province of Mendoza, was the best place for the birth of fine wines. In 1960, Chandon Argentina was established, the first subsidiary of Moët & Chandon outside France. To make the Terrazas de los Andes wines, Chandon Argentina took the initiative to restore this building, located in the heart of Perdriel and at the foot of the imposing Cordón del Plata (a section of the Andes Mountain Range). In the past, Chandon Argentina made only sparkling and generic still wines, however at the beginning of the '90s fueled by a political system more orientated towards an international market, a varietal wines project was born, to which Terrazas has now become the reality. Situated in Perdriel there is an old Spanish style winery that was used by Pedro Domecq to create his brandy. Renaud Poirier asked Domecq if he could use his equipment to make the first experimental vintages, between 1957 and 1959. Thirty years later Terrazas de los Andes was born, a tributary of Chandon Argentina dedicated exclusively to the production of varietal wines.

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Winemaker Notes Light notes of lemon curd show on the nose of this Uco Valley Chardonnay. A blend of white fruit and delicate spices is complemented by refreshing acidity on the tasty palate.    About Winery At the end of the 1950s, the famous French Champagne house, Moët & Chandon, realized there was an enormous potential for growth in South America. They sent their wine analyst, Renaud Poirier, to study the possibility of expansion. Monsieur Poirier finally proved that Luján de Cuyo, a region within the province of Mendoza, was the best place for the birth of fine wines. In 1960, Chandon Argentina was established, the first subsidiary of Moët & Chandon outside France. To make the Terrazas de los Andes wines, Chandon Argentina took the initiative to restore this building, located in the heart of Perdriel and at the foot of the imposing Cordón del Plata (a section of the Andes Mountain Range). In the past, Chandon Argentina made only sparkling and generic still wines, however at the beginning of the '90s fueled by a political system more orientated towards an international market, a varietal wines project was born, to which Terrazas has now become the reality. Situated in Perdriel there is an old Spanish style winery that was used by Pedro Domecq to create his brandy. Renaud Poirier asked Domecq if he could use his equipment to make the first experimental vintages, between 1957 and 1959. Thirty years later Terrazas de los Andes was born, a tributary of Chandon Argentina dedicated exclusively to the production of varietal wines.

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Winemaker Notes Fresh red and black fruit scents of redcurrant and blueberries are framed with spicy thyme, rosemary and cardamom notes, all leading to a luscious finish of hazelnut cream, vanilla and caramel. The balanced acidity and fruitiness opens with a juicy mouthfeel, rounded by redcurrant flavors and sweet, complex and vibrant tannins. About Winery At the end of the 1950s, the famous French Champagne house, Moët & Chandon, realized there was an enormous potential for growth in South America. They sent their wine analyst, Renaud Poirier, to study the possibility of expansion. Monsieur Poirier finally proved that Luján de Cuyo, a region within the province of Mendoza, was the best place for the birth of fine wines. In 1960, Chandon Argentina was established, the first subsidiary of Moët & Chandon outside France. To make the Terrazas de los Andes wines, Chandon Argentina took the initiative to restore this building, located in the heart of Perdriel and at the foot of the imposing Cordón del Plata (a section of the Andes Mountain Range). In the past, Chandon Argentina made only sparkling and generic still wines, however at the beginning of the '90s fueled by a political system more orientated towards an international market, a varietal wines project was born, to which Terrazas has now become the reality. Situated in Perdriel there is an old Spanish style winery that was used by Pedro Domecq to create his brandy. Renaud Poirier asked Domecq if he could use his equipment to make the first experimental vintages, between 1957 and 1959. Thirty years later Terrazas de los Andes was born, a tributary of Chandon Argentina dedicated exclusively to the production of varietal wines.

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Winemaker Notes Tannic heft from the get-go, though this does have a lovely fresh, clean and precise core with a narrow, focused frame so the elements come across as quite tight and severe right now but well worked. It has class, no doubt, on the high-toned scale, potent and upfront but there's gorgeous detail and precision to the fruit, acidity and tannins. Slick and classy with lots of glamour that plays to the strengths of the vintage. About WineryChateau Pape Clément owes its name to its most illustrious owner. A man of the cloth born in 1264, Bertrand de Goth became Bishop of Comminges, in the Pyrenees Mountains, at the age of 31; he later became Archbishop of Bordeaux in 1299. He then received as a gift the property in Pessac, the Vineyard de La Mothe. Taken by a passion for the vine, he continually took part personally in equipping, organizing and managing the domain in accordance with the most modern and rational practices. Nevertheless, on 5 June 1305 the cardinals met in a conclave in Pérouse and appointed him to succeed Pope Benedict XI, who had passed away prematurely after only eleven months of reign. Bertrand de Goth took the name of Clement V. Supported by Philip IV, it was he who decided in 1309 to move the papal court to Avignon, thus breaking with Rome and its battles of influence. During this same period, the weight of his responsibilities led him to relinquish his property, giving it to the Archbishop of Bordeaux. Henceforward, the vineyard was to be known to posterity under the name of this enlightened pope. Management under the clergy brings modernity The grateful Church perpetuated Pope Clement's work. Each archbishop in turn turned to modernity and technical progress, to the point of the wine estate becoming a model vineyard. In addition to especially early harvests, which remain one of its special characteristics, Chateau Pape Clément is without a doubt the first vineyard in France to align vine stock to facilitate labour. At the end of the 18th century, the Archbishop of Bordeaux was dispossessed of his property. The papal vineyard became part of the public domain. 8 June 1937 was a dark day in the vineyard's history, when a violent hailstorm destroyed virtually the entirety of the estate. Two years later, Paul Montagne bought it and gradually brought it back to life. Thanks to his efforts, the vineyard returned to its former rank and stood up to the surge in urbanization. His descendents, Léo Montagne and Bernard Magrez, perpetuate this secular tradition so that Chateau Pape Clément wines continue to delight the wine-lovers of today and tomorrow.

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Winemaker Notes (WE | 95) In its first vintage as a Cabernet Sauvignon, TD-9 fills the glass with irresistible aromas and flavors of fresh black cherries, black currant, red plum, thyme, rose petal, and cocoa. Lush and mouth-filling, this 2021 offers the kind of complexity and structure that ensures many years of enjoyment ahead. About Winery Shafer Vineyards has produced classic Napa Valley wines for more than 40 years. Shafer’s wines, including its signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Hillside Select, are found in collectors’ cellars and on wine lists in top luxury hotels and restaurants throughout the world. The vineyard and cellar teams, led by winemaker Elias Fernandez, cultivate more than 200 acres of Shafer-owned vineyards, sources for the winery's celebrated Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, TD-9, One Point Five, Relentless, and Hillside Select. The winery has a decades-long commitment to sustainability. Beginning in the 1980s Shafer embraced farming techniques that eliminate insecticides and herbicides, and carefully conserve water resources. In 2004 Shafer became the first winery in the U.S. to go 100% solar.

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