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.
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".
2016 | Vivino 4.2
Aromas suggest ripe black berry fruit with a floral hint. The richness of mid palate, balanced acidity and gentle tannin linger in a long finish.
About Winery
Robert (Bob) Foley began his wine making career in the Napa Valley in 1977, having just graduated from UC Davis with degrees in both Viticulture and Enology. He spent his first year working for Heitz Cellars, followed by 15 years as the founding winemaker for Markham Vineyards.
In 1992, Bob began another 15 years as the founding winemaker for Pride Mountain Vineyards. During this period, he also created the highly acclaimed Switchback Ridge, Hourglass, Paloma, and School House wines. He now focuses mostly on Robert Foley Vineyards wines, but also creates the offerings of Shelter, Padis Vineyards, Herson Family Vineyards, and JennaMarise Wines in the Napa Valley.
In 1998 Robert Foley Vineyards bottled its flagship Claret and has since expanded and diversified its production to offer more of the big reds Bob is famous for – Petite Sirah, Merlot, Charbono, the limited-release Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Howell Mountain Merlot from our estate property, a Carneros Pinot Noir, a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, an Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon called Kelly's Mountain Cuvée, a Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, and The Griffin (a blend of the best in the red cellar). Bob has also bottled three of his favorites: a medium-bodied Chardonnay, a Syrah that we call Kelly's Cuvée, and a Port-style dessert wine named Conclusão.
Bob’s reputation for producing very expressive wines that finish gracefully continues to develop at his winery facility on Napa County’s Howell Mountain, where more than 1,500 barrels are housed in an extensive cave system (completed in 2008) for the production of Robert Foley wines.
Robert Foley Vineyards is a full-time staff of three that handcrafts the wines (Bob) and run the office (Kelly and Shannon). In the tasting room, Kelly's dad Jerry helps out from time to time.
Mina, Spike, and Magoo are the feline Office Interns in charge of treats, naps, and distraction, while Princess Bella presides as our official Winery Cat.
When Bob's not making wine, he spends time with his wife (and RFV's business manager) Kelly Kehoe, and his children and granddaughters. You can also find him singing and playing guitar in The Robert Foley Band or SCUBA diving.
2020 | JS 93
Vivid notes of tart cherry and underripe black raspberry and chappa- ral. Currants and olive leaf with fleshy tannins and white pepper offer a savory finish that contrasts the hints of vanilla.
About Winery
The name Martin Ray resonates deeply in the history of California Winemaking. Martin Ray was a pioneer, dedicated to crafting single varietal, region specific wine from 1943 through 1972 in Saratoga, in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Mentored by Paul Masson, he took a Burgundian approach to his winemaking, and developed what is now one of the most historical properties in California, known as Mount Eden.Nearly twenty years later, Courtney Benham stumbled upon 1500 cases of Martin Ray wine in a San Jose warehouse. Recognizing his good fortune, and his intent and drive to produce terroir driven wines, Ray’s historical significance and philosophy resonated with him. Courtney purchased the brand, and since 1990 has been committed to the production of artisanal wines worthy of the Martin Ray name.In 2003, Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery made its home in the Russian River Valley, one of the oldest continually working wineries in California. Today, Courtney and his winemaking team devote themselves to Ray’s ideology of making “wines of place”. They are relentlessat telling the story of wine. The depth of the portfolio offers those seeking a unique experience the chance to explore some of the most revered regionsin California. Fromthe Russian River Valley to Napa Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains, there is an abundance of phenomenal growing regions, great farming, and meticulous detail to vintages.
Winemaker Notes
This native-yeast-fermented Chardonnay features bright, zesty lemon aromas complemented by charming white flower notes. On the palate, it offers fresh and mouthwatering flavors of ripe pear, apple, quince, and hints of baking spice and chalky minerality
About Winery
Sojourn Cellars was founded in 2001 by two tennis friends, Craig Haserot and Erich Bradley, who shared a passion for great wine and tennis. They started with small bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon from exceptional vineyard sources. Over the years, Sojourn Cellars has grown into a boutique winery producing highly acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their hands-off winemaking style allows the character of the vineyard sites to shine through in the wines.
Winemaker Notes
Spotlights aromas of honeysuckle, lime, sweet herbs, and fig. These aromas are complemented on the palate by the bright flavors of grapefruit, kiwi, key lime, and passionfruit, with the rich texture and long finish provided by acacia barrels.
THE J LOHR STORY
Fifty years ago, Jerry Lohr embarked on a career change. What followed would reshape the landscape of the California wine industry and create one of the country’s most popular wine brands.
In the late 1960s, Jerry Lohr began an extensive investigation of California grape growing regions – searching for the ideal location for his first vineyard. Jerry was raised on a South Dakota farm; his agricultural roots armed him with an innate sense for the relationship between climate, soil, and location. His research and instincts led him to the Central Coast, an area just beginning to explore its potential for winegrowing.
Four decades ago, the California Central Coast had not yet emerged as one of North America’s world-class winegrowing regions. With little history or viticultural precedent, planting on the Central Coast was a gamble. One of a handful of early pioneers, Jerry Lohr was among the first to realize the inherent potential of Monterey and Paso Robles for producing high quality grapes and superb wines.
PIONEERING MONTEREY AND PASO ROBLES -JERRY LOHR LEGACY-It’s no coincidence that the Central Coast’s emergence as a world class winegrowing region runs parallel with the establishment and growth of J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery. Founder Jerry Lohr is one of the region’s pioneers and has played a larger-than-life role in bringing the area to prominence.
Jerry’s instincts led him to two regions located about 75 miles apart. In the early 1970s, he chose Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco district for its cool, windy climate and rocky soils as ideal for Chardonnay. In the 1980s, he recognized the potential of Paso Robles for growing Bordeaux varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon – given the area’s rich soils and dramatic diurnal temperature swings between warm days and cool nights.
After Jerry Lohr’s nearly decade-long search for the right place to plant his first vineyard, he chose a site in Monterey County that was to become the heart of the Arroyo Seco appellation. Jerry originally planted 280 acres in 1972 and 1973 near Greenfield. Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco appellation has proved ideal for growing layered, complex Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Brisk winds and fog off Monterey Bay, stony, well-drained soils, and a lack of damaging fall rains all combine to produce grapes with trademark fruit intensity and balancing acidity. In 1974, Jerry unveiled the first J. Lohr winery in San Jose.
In the early 1980s, Jerry Lohr saw the potential for great Cabernet Sauvignon further south. Borrowing a lesson from the French—that great Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon excel in very different growing conditions—Jerry began planting Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties in San Luis Obispo County’s little-known Paso Robles region in 1986. With the hands-on devotion of an artisan farmer, Jerry tended to the vines while diligently working toward the creation and development of an adjacent winery and barreling cellars; J. Lohr’s Paso Robles production facility was opened in 1988.
Winemaker Notes
The wine gracefully incorporates blonde tones with lucidity in the glass. Aromas of guava, passion fruit and honeysuckle balance with a natural minerality from the local terroir. The fresh flavors of golden apple, pear and melon invite the consumer to experience both aroma and taste in tandem. The perceived sweetness and natural acidity show a balance to the wine with a rich, mid-palate, lingering finish.
Enjoy this refreshing dry white wine as an aperitif or with various food pairings including Oregon Dungeness crab, grilled salmon and baked white fish with basil tapenade. Seasonal salads and medium cheeses.
About Winery
What makes this wine so special is that it’s a true expression of small-lot Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley. It’s not mass-produced, it’s something that we make less than 200 cases of to really focus on bringing the best possible blend we can make.
We’re fortunate to have this sweet spot for Chardonnay in the Pacific Northwest that is a bridge between the rich, opulent wines of California and the racy, acidic wines of Burgundy that need to be heavily oaked and sit for years before they’re drinkable.
With our Kudos Chardonnay, we make a sensible, partially oaked wine and intertwine it with stainless steel during fermentation to bring a balanced, cool-climate wine with body and structure as well as some of the tasty butterscotch and vanilla notes that we love in Chardonnay.
2022 | JS 93
A lovely deep saturated ruby color, this Cabernet opens with a vibrant nose of black raspberry, blackcurrant and blackberry preserves alongside delicate hints of violet. On the palate, ripe dark plum, black cherry, classic redcurrant and hibiscus flower support savory Chaparral sagebrush notes of lavender and Bay Laurel, while the fruit remains bright and boisterous, enveloping the mouth with a medium to full body and lip-smacking appeal. The texture is soft and silky with velvety-rich tannins that provide a nice grip and firmness with good depth and balance. Concluding with a refined and polished character, the finish is long and sumptuous with an enchanting seductive character.
About Winery
A fashionable country resort in the mid-twentieth century, popular with Hollywood due to its 1892 stone Manor House and historic gardens, legends of bootleggers and gangsters, ghosts and gypsies, Stags' Leap has been home to three major family groups up through the modern revitalization of the winery that began in the 1970s.
Stags Leap Manor, as it was called in the 1920s, was known as one of the prominent country retreats in the Napa Valley at a time when resort and spa business was big. In addition to lodging and dining, amenities included lawn tennis, swimming, horseback riding, children's activities, golf, music, cards, a library, and Napa Valley wines and liquors (prior to and after Prohibition).
An intimate valley within the greater Napa Valley, Stags Leap is a place of natural beauty, storied buildings and gardens, a lively history, and a reputation for elegant wines showing finesse and intensity.
2021 | WE 91
firm tension to the palate, where melon flavors are cut by wet stone elements
2022 | WE 91
Soft strawberry and watermelon aromas are cut by tangerine peel on the nose of this bottling. The palate has earthy tones of wet rocks and chalk, with well-integrated acidity pumping into the finish.
About Winery
In the golden, oak-studded hills of Paso Robles' fabled west side, not far from William Randolph Hearst's magnificent castle, there is a man with a Homeric vision. His name is Daniel Daou and he is devoting his life and every imaginable resource to creating, first and foremost, a Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals the very best in the world.
Gracefully perched atop a stunning promontory at 2,200 feet, the DAOU Spanish Colonial style winery is embraced by a tangible serenity. Hawks wheel and bank while the all-day sun caresses close planted rows of lush, emerald green vines. The 100 percent calcareous soil makes no sound as it passes out nourishment and only a gentle breeze flows up through the Templeton Gap from the Pacific. The quiet is bewitching; you want to lay down roots here, just as the four-year-old vines have done. But the sense of peace belies the serious industry at work on this 100 acre estate. No effort is spared to create the luscious varietals and blends that flow from this limited production winery. This kind of synergy happens rarely: superlative climate and terroir, super intensive vineyard culture, and cutting edge viticultural practice. You're more likely to find it in Bordeaux than Central California. Coupled with the infectious passion and gracious, family style hospitality of the Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, the result is pure magic. The kind of magic that comes in a bottle.
Winemaker Notes
This elegant Merlot reveals aromas of clove, dark fruit, cedar, and earth. The rich texture of this wine is elevated by dense flavors of black cherry and pomegranate on a complex mineral finish.
About Winery
Founded in 1983 in the Walla Walla Valley, L'Ecole No 41 is one of Washington State's most iconic and oldest family-owned wineries. Housed in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on our label, we have earned international acclaim for producing distinctive wines of the highest quality. We craft ultra-premium wines that reflect the unmistakable typicity of Washington State and the unique terroir of our Walla Walla Valley vineyards.
Growing and making 100% of our wines, each bottle is handcrafted with a commitment to quality in the vineyards and the winery. More than three decades of winemaking experience, ongoing investments in our Walla Walla Estate Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyards, and long term relationships with many of the most prominent vineyards in Washington State are central to our well-known reputation for quality and consistency across our wine portfolio. These tenets will continue to sustain L'Ecole well into the future.
L'Ecole is one of the most honored wineries in Washington State. We are proud to be recognized by Wine & Spirits Magazine as a Top 100 Winery of the Year for fourteen consecutive years. In 2014, Decanter awarded our 2011 Estate Ferguson the International Trophy for Best Bordeaux Blend in the World! In 2016, the 2013 Ferguson won the International Trophy for Best New World Bordeaux Blend from the Six Nations Wine Challenge.
Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Tempranillo with 30 months of barrel age shows great balance and tilts its hat to its Spanish homeland in Rioja with notes of red cherry, red plum, vanilla, cigar box spices, tobacco, leather, and dried fig. - Jordan Fiorentini
About Winery
Founded in 2004 by geologists, Bill and Liz Armstrong, Epoch has quickly developed a big reputation for handcrafted, small-production wines with abundant personalities. Under the careful care of Winemaker, Jordan Fiorentini, Epoch is committed to producing world-class wines from Rhône, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo varieties grown on their three west Paso Robles vineyards – Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain. Epoch’s Tasting Room and Winery are located on the storied York Mountain which was once home to the first bonded winery on the central coast. Preserving the rich history found on this property as well as Paderewski Vineyard, a sight once owned and cherished by the late Polish Prime Minister and pianist, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Epoch strives to carry on these legacies through their wines and the unique Epoch experience.
Through carefully managed, non-invasive farming, Epoch aims to bring the complex character of their vineyards into each bottle of wine they craft. All of Epoch's fruit comes from their three specific and unique sites: Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain Vineyard.
Winemaker Notes
Epoch's nod to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this Grenache-based blend embraces its status as a GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) with elegance, panache, and a consistent sunny-ness that reminds Owner, Bill Armstrong, of the wines from the Southern Rhone – wines that inspired him to start this crazy Epoch journey in the first place.
About Winery
Founded in 2004 by geologists, Bill and Liz Armstrong, Epoch has quickly developed a big reputation for handcrafted, small-production wines with abundant personalities. Under the careful care of Winemaker, Jordan Fiorentini, Epoch is committed to producing world-class wines from Rhône, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo varieties grown on their three west Paso Robles vineyards – Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain. Epoch’s Tasting Room and Winery are located on the storied York Mountain which was once home to the first bonded winery on the central coast. Preserving the rich history found on this property as well as Paderewski Vineyard, a sight once owned and cherished by the late Polish Prime Minister and pianist, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Epoch strives to carry on these legacies through their wines and the unique Epoch experience.
Through carefully managed, non-invasive farming, Epoch aims to bring the complex character of their vineyards into each bottle of wine they craft. All of Epoch's fruit comes from their three specific and unique sites: Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain Vineyard.
Winemaker Notes
Always 100% Syrah. Always 100% Paderewski. Always 100% Block 13. The fruit for this wine hails from clone 174 vines grown on the east-facing Block 13, known as Block B, within our Paderewski Vineyard.
About Winery
Founded in 2004 by geologists, Bill and Liz Armstrong, Epoch has quickly developed a big reputation for handcrafted, small-production wines with abundant personalities. Under the careful care of Winemaker, Jordan Fiorentini, Epoch is committed to producing world-class wines from Rhône, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo varieties grown on their three west Paso Robles vineyards – Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain. Epoch’s Tasting Room and Winery are located on the storied York Mountain which was once home to the first bonded winery on the central coast. Preserving the rich history found on this property as well as Paderewski Vineyard, a sight once owned and cherished by the late Polish Prime Minister and pianist, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Epoch strives to carry on these legacies through their wines and the unique Epoch experience.
Through carefully managed, non-invasive farming, Epoch aims to bring the complex character of their vineyards into each bottle of wine they craft. All of Epoch's fruit comes from their three specific and unique sites: Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain Vineyard.
About Winery
Discover the all new Cuvée from Maison De Venoge : Champagne Princes Blanc de Blancs.This House resurrects the legendary Cuvée des Princes created in 1864 by Joseph de Venoge, in honor of the Princes of Orange. Its elegant bottles recalls the characteristic patterns of the great European aristocracy of the early 20th century, who decant Champagne in crystal bottles.
Exclusively elaborared with Premier and Grand Cru, Champagne Blanc de Blancs Princes has a beautiful minerality and a great aging potential. Subtle aromas of white flowers and citrus emphasize its freshness and elegance that will appeale specially during aperitif or with light starters.
A beautiful Cuvée de Prestige presented in a free gift box.
Winemaker Notes
This non-vintage Rose is the end result of a desire to create a Rose champagne with a delightfully luscious, fruit-based charm. Jacques Peters, the cellarmaster, and his team wanted a champagne that would be accessible and naturally engaging while conserving Veuve Clicquot's essential values in terms of style.
The wine has a luminous color with attractive pink glints. The nose is generous and elegant, with initial aromas of fresh red fruit (raspberry, wild strawberry, cherry, blackberry), leading to biscuity notes of dried fruits and Viennese pastries (almonds, apricots and brioche).
The fresh attack is followed by a fruity harmonious sensation on the palate. The wine is perfectly balanced in the best Veuve Clicquot style of pink champagnes, combining elegance and flair. The wine works its magic—this delectably full champagne can be enjoyed as a true delicacy. A deliciously fruity wine in earlybloom, this is a wonderful aperitif to be shared as a twosome or simply with friends.
Made using 50 to 60 different crus, the cuvee is based on Brut Yellow Label's traditional blend: 50 to 55% Pinot Noir, 15 to 20% Pinot Meunier, and 28 to 33% Chardonnay.
About Winery
Veuve Clicquot, now one of the largest Champagne Houses, was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot under the label "Clicquot". After establishing the brand throughout Europe, Russia and the United States, Philippe was joined by his son, François Clicquot, at the head of the House in 1798. Seven years later, following his untimely death, François’ young widow, Barbe Ponsardin, took over the family business at just 27 years old. The House would subsequently be renamed in her honor: ‘Veuve Clicquot’ means ‘The Widow Clicquot.’
Winemaker Notes
"The Ice Imperial Rosé cuvée by Moët & Chandon is the first and only Rosé Champagne specifically created to be served with ice cubes. Its dosage is 38 g/liter. This cuvée is to be discovered in magnum format for even more sharing and festivity!"
About Winery
Moët & Chandon, based in the so-called "Champagne capital" of Épernay, is easily the most famous house in the Champagne region. It is one of the largest too, comprising 1150 hectares (2850 acres) of estate vineyards plus more from growers, 28km (17 miles) of cellars and a production capacity of 60 million bottles a year.
The house was founded by Claude Moët in 1743. However, his grandson, Jean-Remy Moët, is credited with having brought Champagne to a wider audience and, by the 19th Century, the house was recognized both domestically and internationally.
In the 1970s and '80s, Moët & Chandon expanded its empire beyond Champagne, partnering first with Cognac house Hennessy and then with fashion giant Louis Vuitton, forming the well-known luxury conglomerate Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy –often referred to simply as LVMH.
Today, the group owns several other famous wine brands, including Krug and Veuve Clicquot in Champagne, Château Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux, and Cloudy Bay in New Zealand and Cape Mentelle in Western Australia.
Moët's house style is fresh and fruit-forward, and the non-vintage Brut is dominated by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, with a smaller amount of Chardonnay. Grapes are drawn from 800 different parcels from 230 of the villages in Champagne.
This wide range of terroirs to draw from means that blenders have more control over the finished wine, and despite the massive output every year, Moët's wines are remarkably consistent. The majority of processes in the winery are controlled by machine – unsurprising given the scale of production.
Moët & Chandon's range is straightforward, comprising of non vintage brut, rosé and demi sec, as well as vintage brut and rosé offerings. Their prestige cuvée is the iconic Dom Pérignon, although over time this has come to be seen as a separate entity, in much the same spirit as Napa Valley icon Opus One.
The house has expanded far outside of Champagne, and is currently making sparkling wines in California, Argentina, Brazil and Australia under the Chandon label. Most recently, Moët & Chandon has acquired vineyards in India and China, where they are also finding new markets.
Winemaker Notes
"This Champagne Experience Combines Fun, Fresh, Free Sensation While Remaining True To The Moet & Chandron Style. Distinguished By Its Bright Fruitiness, Seductive Palate And Elegant Maturity."
About Winery
Moët & Chandon, based in the so-called "Champagne capital" of Épernay, is easily the most famous house in the Champagne region. It is one of the largest too, comprising 1150 hectares (2850 acres) of estate vineyards plus more from growers, 28km (17 miles) of cellars and a production capacity of 60 million bottles a year.
The house was founded by Claude Moët in 1743. However, his grandson, Jean-Remy Moët, is credited with having brought Champagne to a wider audience and, by the 19th Century, the house was recognized both domestically and internationally.
In the 1970s and '80s, Moët & Chandon expanded its empire beyond Champagne, partnering first with Cognac house Hennessy and then with fashion giant Louis Vuitton, forming the well-known luxury conglomerate Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy –often referred to simply as LVMH.
Today, the group owns several other famous wine brands, including Krug and Veuve Clicquot in Champagne, Château Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux, and Cloudy Bay in New Zealand and Cape Mentelle in Western Australia.
Moët's house style is fresh and fruit-forward, and the non-vintage Brut is dominated by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, with a smaller amount of Chardonnay. Grapes are drawn from 800 different parcels from 230 of the villages in Champagne.
This wide range of terroirs to draw from means that blenders have more control over the finished wine, and despite the massive output every year, Moët's wines are remarkably consistent. The majority of processes in the winery are controlled by machine – unsurprising given the scale of production.
Moët & Chandon's range is straightforward, comprising of non vintage brut, rosé and demi sec, as well as vintage brut and rosé offerings. Their prestige cuvée is the iconic Dom Pérignon, although over time this has come to be seen as a separate entity, in much the same spirit as Napa Valley icon Opus One.
The house has expanded far outside of Champagne, and is currently making sparkling wines in California, Argentina, Brazil and Australia under the Chandon label. Most recently, Moët & Chandon has acquired vineyards in India and China, where they are also finding new markets.
Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Optimus is a blend of 57% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot. It has a medium ruby-purple color and pure aromas of red and black berries with earthy, autumnal accents and a streak of spice. The medium-bodied palate is grainy and fresh, with pretty floral perfume on the long finish.
About Winery
L'Aventure was founded in 1998 by a French winemaker, Stephan Asseo. After Stephan graduated enology school in Burgundy, the Asseo family bought their first estate, Domaine de Courteillac, in the Bordeaux area in 1982. Later, the family purchased additional properties: Chateau Robin and Chateau Fleur-Cardinale in Saint-Emilion. Stephan raised these properties to a level of great quality, while managing some other well-established domaines such as Chateau Guillot-Clauzel in Pomerol and Chateau Corbin in St Emilion.
Stephan saw in the New World a unique opportunity to expand his experience, while gaining more freedom in viticulture and vinification. He began by looking all over California for land, including Napa/Sonoma and Santa Barbara counties, but it was the terroir and climate of Paso Robles that impressed him the most.
L'Aventure is located on the west side of Paso Robles in the Willow Creek District. The 127-acre property with 57 acres planted, is comprised of multiple hills of various elevation and complex soils. Because of its proximity to the ocean, the vineyard has clear warm days and drastic cool nighttime temperatures which increases the time of the grape’s maturation cycle providing fruit that creates a more complex and balanced wine. Stephan’s choice of this lean terroir provides him with the fruit necessary to create wine with a good balance between alcohol and acidity. The resulting wines are full and rich yet well balanced and elegant.
Winemaker Notes
Bottega Gold is a Prosecco DOC, obtained by the vinification of Glera grapes. The elegance, freshness and liveliness of its bubbles stem from the beauty and tradition of its territory, where unmistakable panoramas are shaped by vineyards. The cultivation area of Glera grapes is located in the hilly area of the province of Treviso up to the slopes of Valdobbiadene, which is close to the Venetian Prealps. This area is characterised by long but not excessively cold winters and by hot but not sultry summers. The vines in this region grow on different types of land, each characterised by a variety of soils, exposures and slopes that make this Prosecco a wine with many nuances. The hilly terrain is subject to high temperature ranges between day and night. This variation in temperature enables the development of finer, more elegant and at the same time more intense aromas.
About Winery
Bottega has a history of four centuries in the world of wine and grappa. Since the 17th century, when our ancestors cultivated the vine as tenant farmers, up to now, with Bottega wines, grappa and liquors being appreciated all over the world. TodayBottega wines and liqueurs have won more than 450 awards and accolades, and can be found in more than 160 countries around the world, in major duty free shops and airlines. As of 2022, Bottega Gold is the top-selling sparkling wine in travel retail according to IWSR rankings.
Winemaker Notes
A sustainable luxury innovation from the first house of Champagne, made entirely from recyclable paper, preserves the quality of the wine, while reducing the carbon footprint by 60% vs the traditional gift box. A supple, harmonious attack on the palate, firm but rounded. A voluptuous texture and vinosity that is not excessive, supported by excellent freshness. A very refreshing mineral finish. At first very intense on the nose, giving way to fresh fruit notes, particularly ripe citrus and exotic fruits (pineapple). A highly refined floral second nose with notes of linden and white fruits (white peach). Beautiful pale yellow colour with glints of gold and green, a vibrant, luminous color. Active effervescence with a fine, persistent release of bubbles.
About Winery
Founded in 1729, Ruinart is the first established champagne house in the world, born from the ambition of Dom Ruinart’s true enlightened mind. His vision made him perceive before anyone else the potential of sparkling wines from the Champagne region. Each of Ruinart’s cuvées bears the distinctive signature of Chardonnay, the House’s emblematic grape variety. Elegance, refinement, purity, light and distinctive taste make Ruinart a timeless and modern icon.
Winemaker Notes
"The champagne is composed of 50% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, and 30% Chardonnay. The predominance of Pinot Noir provides structure, while Meunier rounds out the blend and Chardonnay adds elegance and finesse. Up to 45% of the blend consists of reserve wines, which are aged up to 30 years. This ensures consistency and quality across vintages
About Winery
Veuve Clicquot, now one of the largest Champagne Houses, was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot under the label "Clicquot". After establishing the brand throughout Europe, Russia and the United States, Philippe was joined by his son, François Clicquot, at the head of the House in 1798. Seven years later, following his untimely death, François’ young widow, Barbe Ponsardin, took over the family business at just 27 years old. The House would subsequently be renamed in her honor: ‘Veuve Clicquot’ means ‘The Widow Clicquot.’
*Vintage is subject to change without notice.
Winemaker Notes
A beautifully pale pink, which is pleasing to the eye and draws one in. Fresh red berry fruit characteristics with floral notes. Ripe and fleshy feel on the palate. Great concentration. Smooth and round finish.
About Winery
Château d’Esclans, a magical property, is situated in the heart of Provence, northeast of St. Tropez overlooking La Vallée d’Esclans (the Esclans Valley) with the Mediterranean coast in the faint distance. The vision of Sacha Lichine (Founder) with his acquisition of the Château in 2006 was to create the greatest rosés in the world igniting the “Rosé Renaissance”.
Patrick Léon (Founding Winemaker) became an essential part of the project bringing his many years of international winemaking experience to Château d’Esclans. He introduced new and innovative winemaking techniques to Provence which revolutionized the styles of rosés being produced from this appellation. This led to the creation of a world class rosé portfolio from Château d’Esclans including Whispering Angel, Rock Angel, Les Clans, and Garrus: a new generation of rosés characterized by elegance, depth, richness and complexity. Today, Patrick’s son Bertrand currently leads the winemaking team following in the footsteps of his father.
Sold in over 100 countries, these rosés are enjoyed globally from London to the Hamptons, and from St. Barth’s to the Swiss Alps. Whether you are relaxing by the beach, on a yacht, or in the mountains during “après ski”, Château d’Esclans rosés are a light and refreshing accompaniment to any destination. Whispering Angel is today’s worldwide reference for Provence rosé.
Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec is floral, exuberant, lengthy smooth tannins, metallic. Malbec is the ideal partner to a grilled meat dish or platter.
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.
Winemaker Notes
Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec is a dark violet Malbec. Ripe black-and-red currant, raspberries and an elegant touch of french oak are some of the aromas that we can appreciate from this special Malbec from one of the Catena´s highest family vineyards. Very complex and expressive palate, with a creamy violet flavor with ripe blueberries, cassis, vanilla and spice cake.
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.