Winemaker Notes
The 2020 HdV Ygnacia Pinot Noir offers a complex aroma of French plums, black cherry, cola, menthol, and bergamot tea, intertwined with rose petal and savory spice notes like white pepper. The wine is characterized by its precision, concentration, and minerality, with smooth, fine tannins providing structure and leading to a balanced palate with flavors of red and black fruit, spice, and a refreshing acidity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Winemaker Notes
The 2018 HdV Belle Cousine is a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend from the Hyde Vineyard, characterized by aromas and flavors of cassis, black cherry, graphite, and florals, with high-toned acidity, granular tannins, and a long mineral-driven finish. The blend is medium to full-bodied, described as elegant, fresh, and savory, showing excellent vibrancy and balance, with notes of spices and dried herbs rounding out the palate.
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.
Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Napanook offers expressive notes of blackcurrant, blueberry, and Morello cherry, with hints of rosebud tea, cinnamon, and soil on the nose. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, displaying waves of black and blue fruit preserves supported by velvety tannins and a fresh, long, and spicy finish. The wine is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot.
About Winery
The vineyards of Dominus Estate have connections to the original history of the Napa Valley as they date back to the mid 1850’s, or even earlier, when it was first cultivated. At the time, it was known as the Napanook vineyard.
In the late 1960s, while attending the University of California at Davis, Christian Moueix fell in love with the Napa Valley and its wines. Son of Jean-Pierre Moueix, the famed wine merchant and producer from Libourne, France, Moueix returned home in 1970 to manage the family vineyards, including Chateaux Petrus, La Fleur-Petrus, Trotanoy in Pomerol and Magdelaine in St. Emilion.
His love of Napa Valley lingered and in 1981, he discovered the historic Napanook vineyard, a 124-acre site west of Yountville that had been the source of fruit for some of the finest Napa Valley wines of the 1940s and 1950s.
In 1982, Moueix entered into a partnership with Robin Lail and Marcia Smith, the daughters of John Daniels who owned the vineyard. In 1995, he became the sole owner of the estate and chose the name Dominus, or “Lord of the Estate” in Latin to underscore his longstanding commitment to stewardship of the land.
One of the most respected wine producers in the world, Christian Moueix is on a personal quest for perfection in grape growing and winemaking. It is a journey that began in Bordeaux and continues today at Dominus Estate.
Winemaker Notes
The Napanook 2020 is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, featuring bold, ripe red berry and dark chocolate notes with hints of spicebush and an earthy complexity. The wine offers a medium to full-bodied, vibrant, and juicy palate with a well-structured, silken feel and fine tannins. Picked before the Glass Fire and after heatwaves, the 2020 vintage required critical selection to ensure fruit purity and avoid smoke taint, resulting in a balanced wine with excellent structure and a long, fresh finish.
About Winery
The vineyards of Dominus Estate have connections to the original history of the Napa Valley as they date back to the mid 1850’s, or even earlier, when it was first cultivated. At the time, it was known as the Napanook vineyard.
In the late 1960s, while attending the University of California at Davis, Christian Moueix fell in love with the Napa Valley and its wines. Son of Jean-Pierre Moueix, the famed wine merchant and producer from Libourne, France, Moueix returned home in 1970 to manage the family vineyards, including Chateaux Petrus, La Fleur-Petrus, Trotanoy in Pomerol and Magdelaine in St. Emilion.
His love of Napa Valley lingered and in 1981, he discovered the historic Napanook vineyard, a 124-acre site west of Yountville that had been the source of fruit for some of the finest Napa Valley wines of the 1940s and 1950s.
In 1982, Moueix entered into a partnership with Robin Lail and Marcia Smith, the daughters of John Daniels who owned the vineyard. In 1995, he became the sole owner of the estate and chose the name Dominus, or “Lord of the Estate” in Latin to underscore his longstanding commitment to stewardship of the land.
One of the most respected wine producers in the world, Christian Moueix is on a personal quest for perfection in grape growing and winemaking. It is a journey that began in Bordeaux and continues today at Dominus Estate.
Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon is an Oakville, Napa Valley wine known for its linear intensity, bright acidity, and persistence, featuring a blend of red- and black-fruited aromatics alongside forest undergrowth, chocolate, and mineral notes, with fine tannins and a lingering finish. A challenging vintage marked by heavy spring rains and late-summer heat spikes, 2019 required careful vineyard management and resulted in a wine of both power and finesse, with significant aging potential.
About Winery
Ulysses winery was established in 2008 when Christian Moueix, a prominent figure in Bordeaux winemaking, acquired a historic vineyard in the Oakville appellation of Napa Valley. This acquisition involved the meticulous restoration of a property on the Oakville bench, formerly part of Charles Hopper's ranch, with a focus on dry farming and sustainable agricultural practices. Today, Ulysses produces a single Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine, made with a minimalist approach and matured at the neighboring Dominus Estate, reflecting the exceptional terroir of its unique, gravelly soil.
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About Winery
Established as a Second Growth in the 1855 classification, Chateau Montrose enjoys an exceptional geographical situation in Saint-Estèphe, facing the Gironde estuary. Its 95-hectare (235-acre) vineyard thus benefits from the moderating influence of the vast water mass nearby during very hot summers and harsh winters. The vineyard is in a single sweep, a rare and priceless advantage in the region. The soil, consisting of deep gravel over clay, favours natural drainage and ensures that the vines benefit from a slow and regular water supply from the water reserves in the subsoil.An extensive renovation program with very strict environmental objectives has been carried out at the estate since it was acquired by Martin and Olivier Bouygues in 2006, reflecting the new owners’ determination to perpetuate the quality of the wine and make Chateau Montrose a model of skilled winemaking and sustainable development.
Under the direction of Hervé Berland since 2012, the estate has 68 employees in the vineyard and winery, all of whom share the same philosophy: respect for the terroir and a constant quest for excellence. That philosophy is manifested in meticulous vineyard practices, very precise parcel selection and use of only the best grapes to make the premium wine, Chateau Montrose.
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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".
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About Winery
Château Tronquoy-Lalande, now known as Château Tronquoy, boasts a rich history dating back to the 18th century in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux. Founded by François Tronquoy, the estate's name also references the "Lalande" (heath) where the vineyards are located. The estate was notably modernized in 2006 after being purchased by Martin and Olivier Bouygues, who also own Château Montrose.
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
The 2018 Tempos Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5° is a refined and expressive red wine from Ribera del Duero, crafted primarily from 96% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and 4% Merlot. It presents a deep ruby red color and an intense, complex, and seductive nose with aromas of floral notes, cassis, spice, pepper, and vanilla. On the palate, it is round, fresh, and elegant, with medium tannins, high acidity, and a silky texture. The wine is full-bodied, harmonious, and well-integrated, offering flavors of earth, balsamic, toasty oak, and new wood, finishing with a long, lingering, and flavorful aftertaste
Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Antinori Marchese Chianti Classico Riserva is a vibrant and elegant wine with an intense ruby red color. On the nose, it reveals layered aromas of black cherries, red fruit, and floral hints, complemented by sweet impressions of powdered sugar, cinnamon, and dill, adding a pleasantly spicy nuance. The palate is taut and mouthfilling, with supple tannins and a lengthy, savory finish. Additional tasting notes highlight flavors of black plums, ripe red cherries, spices, and tobacco, supported by a salty mineral edge and a touch of earthy dried herbs, making it a standout wine from a vintage considered one of the best in Chianti Classico history.
About Winery
Antinori Tignanello is a groundbreaking Italian wine first produced in 1971 by the historic Antinori family, whose winemaking roots date back to 1385. Tignanello marked a major shift in Tuscan winemaking—it was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques (small oak barrels), the first red wine in Tuscany to be blended with non-traditional varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, and among the first from the Chianti Classico region to be made without white grapes. Originally labeled as a Chianti Classico Riserva, it became a Tuscan red table wine in 1971 and helped define the Super Tuscan category. Tignanello is produced exclusively from the Tignanello vineyard, located in the Tenuta Tignanello estate in San Casciano in Val di Pesa, with limestone-rich soils and a southwest exposure.
Winemaker Notes
The 2020 Antinori Tignanello is an intense ruby red wine with exceptional aromatic complexity. It opens with vibrant notes of ripe red fruits—especially cherries, strawberries, and blackberries—accompanied by delicate floral hints of violets, mallow blossoms, and roses. The bouquet is further enriched by subtle layers of roasted coffee, cocoa powder, and spices like pepper, licorice, and herbs. On the palate, it is vibrant and layered, with a silky tannin structure and a fresh, lengthy finish, showcasing both finesse and power
About Winery
Antinori Tignanello is a groundbreaking Italian wine first produced in 1971 by the historic Antinori family, whose winemaking roots date back to 1385. Tignanello marked a major shift in Tuscan winemaking—it was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques (small oak barrels), the first red wine in Tuscany to be blended with non-traditional varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, and among the first from the Chianti Classico region to be made without white grapes. Originally labeled as a Chianti Classico Riserva, it became a Tuscan red table wine in 1971 and helped define the Super Tuscan category. Tignanello is produced exclusively from the Tignanello vineyard, located in the Tenuta Tignanello estate in San Casciano in Val di Pesa, with limestone-rich soils and a southwest exposure.
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
The 2020 Tempos Vega Sicilia Alión from Ribera del Duero is a refined and expressive Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) wine, showcasing aromas of black cherry, rose petal, and anisette, which lead into flavors of cassis, cocoa bean, clove, and lavender on the palate. The wine is marked by plush tannins and a lingering finish with a touch of candied orange. Despite a challenging harvest with September rains, the grapes achieved excellent concentration, resulting in a wine that is balanced, fresh, and vertical, with a slightly increased use of American oak and concrete to enhance structure and finesse. It is suitable for drinking now and can be cellared for up to 20 years under optimal conditions.
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
Tasting
NoseIntense and aromatic, the nose releases fruity and balsamic scents.
Palate
The palate delights with its structure and complexity. Scents of blackberries, blackcurrant jelly, plum jam and cherries mingle harmoniously with vanilla, spice and grilled notes. Throughout the tasting the palate unveils subtle notes of freshly ground coffee, dried Mediterranean herbs and a delicious graphite hint at the finish.
Macán 2018, a vibrant, elegant, and subtle vintage. A vintage with nuances, definition, and a trendsetting feeling.
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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About Winery
Château Phélan Ségur is a historic winery in Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France, with roots tracing back to the 18th century. It was established by Irishman Bernard Phelan, who merged two estates, Clos de Garramey and Ségur de Cabanac, to form the foundation of the property. His son, Frank Phelan, further developed the estate, which was later renamed Phélan Ségur in the early 20th century. The winery has seen multiple ownership changes, including the Gardinier family in 1985, and is currently owned by Philippe Van de Vyvere, who acquired it in 2018.
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About Winery
Château Ormes de Pez, located in Saint-Estèphe, has a history dating back to the 18th century, with its name derived from the elm trees (ormes) and the hamlet of Pez. The Cazes family, also owners of Château Lynch-Bages, acquired the estate in 1940. Significant modernization and renovation efforts, particularly in the early 1980s, have helped improve the quality and consistency of their wines.
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About Winery
Château Meyney, a historic Saint-Estèphe estate, boasts a rich history dating back to the 17th century, originally established as a convent. It's one of the oldest properties in the Médoc region. The modern era of Château Meyney began in 1917 when it was acquired by the Cordier family. Today, the estate is owned by CA Grands Crus, a subsidiary of Crédit Agricole.
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About Winery
Château Lafon Rochet, a Fourth Growth in the 1855 Classification, boasts a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Originally known as Domaine de Rochet, it was renamed after Antoinette Guillemotes married Étienne de Lafon. The estate underwent a significant transformation in 1960 when Guy Tesseron purchased it and initiated a complete restructuring of the vineyard and rebuilding of the château. In 2021, the estate was acquired by the Lorenzetti family.
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About Winery
Château Haut-Marbuzet, a Saint-Estèphe estate, is renowned for its transformation from a relatively unknown property to a celebrated winery. While its origins trace back to the 18th century, its modern success is largely attributed to Hervé Duboscq's acquisition in 1952. The Duboscq family, particularly Hervé and his son Henri, revitalized the estate, earning it recognition and praise, including Robert Parker calling it "the most sensual Bordeaux wine".
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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.