Winemaker Notes
The 2020 Joseph Drouhin Savigny-lès-Beaune "Clos des Godeaux" is a 100% Pinot Noir with a ruby hue. Winemaker notes highlight an elegant, feminine profile featuring aromas of red berries, spice, and roses. The palate delivers blackcurrant and raspberry flavors with silky, delicate tannins and a prolonged finish.
About Winery
Maison Joseph Drouhin was founded in 1880 in Beaune, Burgundy, by Joseph Drouhin, and has since grown into one of the region’s most respected wine producers. Over the generations, the family expanded its holdings to include vineyards across Burgundy—such as Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Côte Chalonnaise—and later established Domaine Drouhin Oregon in the Willamette Valley. Today, the estate remains family-run by Joseph’s great-grandchildren, who continue the tradition of producing elegant wines with a focus on terroir and sustainable practices, including organic certification for their Burgundy vineyards since 2009
2022 | JS 92
A dark-fruited, fleshy red with ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, licorice and hints of wet stones on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with a lively pace, showing silky tannins and a smooth, lingering finish.
About Winery
Founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has been crafting classic Napa Valley wines for nearly 40 years. This winemaking tradition has grown to include seven meticulously farmed Estate vineyards, located throughout the various microclimates of the Napa Valley. Focused on quality and consistency, these Estate vineyards are an essential element in making wines of distinction. Pioneering and perfecting Merlot as a premium varietal, Duckhorn Vineyards now makes several elegant Merlot and distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings that showcase its premium vineyard sites. Duckhorn Vineyards has been named one of the “Top 100 Wineries” in the world eight times by Wine & Spirits, and the 2014 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot Three Palms Vineyard was named the “2017 Wine of the Year,” topping Wine Spectator’s annual list of the world’s “Top 100 Wines.”
PRE-ORDER
2003 | WS 92
Known for its soft, refined tannins, it is very approachable with savory notes, redcurrant, raspberry, and a hint of tobacco.
2009 | JS 95
A full-bodied, rich, and "sexy" wine with strong Cabernet Sauvignon influence, providing intense cassis, violet, and blackberry fruit.
2010 | JS 96
Powerful yet elegant with silky tannins, offering flavors of velvety plum, graphite, raspberry, and smoke.
2012 | JS 94
Powerful yet delicate, featuring dark fruit, spices, blackcurrant, and a structured, tannic finish.
2015 | JS 96
Highlighted as a tight, compact, and long-finished vintage.
2016 | WE 94
Elegant and floral, featuring cassis, red berries, and refined tannins.
2021 | JS 96
Racy, focused, and "Burgundy-like" with notes of red currants, raspberry, violet, dark chocolate, and a stony, mineral finish.
About Winery
Chateau Margaux, a Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux, is one of the most famous wines in the world. Care has been lavished on the property by a line of owners with an abiding concern for the reputation of the estate.
For more than five hundred years, season after season, generations of vineyard-workers, grapeharvesters, cellar-workers, coopers and many other craftsmen have all played a part in making Chateau Margaux what it is today: a wine with an incomparable personality, reflected in the elegant Palladian building which adorns its label. In 1977, the estate was purchased by the late André Mentzelopoulos, and it is now run by his daughter, Corinne Mentzelopoulos.
PRE-ORDER
Winemaker Notes
The 2020 Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune-Villages Rouge is a classic, fruit-driven expression of a warm, sunny vintage that brought excellent concentration and structure to Burgundy’s reds. Pouring a vibrant, intense ruby-purple hue, the wine opens with an expressive and welcoming nose defined by succulent red cherry, wild raspberry, and a delicate touch of undergrowth, violet, and soft licorice spice. On the palate, the influence of the 2020 growing season is instantly clear; it reveals a fleshy, juicy texture packed with ripe red berry fruits that carry notable depth. Balanced by a bright vein of natural acidity and framed by refined, ripe tannins, this Pinot Noir maintains a lovely lightness on its feet despite its structural core. It concludes with a medium-long, clean finish accented by a gentle touch of toasty wood and earth, offering a highly elegant and beautifully balanced introduction to the region that is drinking brilliantly now but can easily be cellared over the next three to five years.
About Winery
Maison Joseph Drouhin was founded in 1880 in Beaune, Burgundy, by Joseph Drouhin, and has since grown into one of the region’s most respected wine producers. Over the generations, the family expanded its holdings to include vineyards across Burgundy—such as Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Côte Chalonnaise—and later established Domaine Drouhin Oregon in the Willamette Valley. Today, the estate remains family-run by Joseph’s great-grandchildren, who continue the tradition of producing elegant wines with a focus on terroir and sustainable practices, including organic certification for their Burgundy vineyards since 2009
PRE-ORDER
2012 | WA 90
Wonderful sweet, ripe tannins... a beautiful deep ruby/purple color
2016 | D 92
Described as having a beautiful, graphite-driven nose and juicy, precise black fruit.
2017 | JS 93
Features aromas of cedar, blackcurrant, and graphite, with a firm, slightly "chewy" tannin structure.
About Winery
Château Sociando-Mallet, a winery in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, has a history dating back to the 17th century. Originally owned by a Basque nobleman named Sossiondo, the name was later modified to Sociando due to phonetic changes.
The estate experienced various owners, including the Cabarrus family and a naval captain, who added his name "Mallet" to the property, thus establishing it as Château Sociando-Mallet. In the 1960s, Jean Gautreau, a négociant, purchased the property and began modernizing the estate, leading to its current recognition as a quality wine producer.
Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Joseph Drouhin Meursault 1er Cru "Charmes" Blanc beautifully reflects a warm, low-yielding Burgundy vintage that yielded exceptional concentration balanced by a vibrant thread of freshness. In the glass, it displays a brilliant golden color without leaning overly yellow, introducing a concentrated and elegant nose rich with aromas of ripe stone fruit, sweet almond, warm croissants, and a delicate touch of white flowers and hazelnut. On the palate, the wine showcases the classic, generous breadth of the Charmes vineyard, offering a layered profile of juicy peach, pear, and lemon curd. Despite its voluptuous, silky texture and round body, the wine never feels heavy or dominant in alcohol; rather, it is anchored by a seamlessly integrated, refreshing acidity and a kiss of gentle oak spice. It expands beautifully across the palate and culminates in a remarkably long, nutty aftertaste that echoes notes of hot brioche and almond paste, signaling a white Burgundy that is already drinking wonderfully but possesses the depth to age gracefully for another decade.
About Winery
Maison Joseph Drouhin was founded in 1880 in Beaune, Burgundy, by Joseph Drouhin, and has since grown into one of the region’s most respected wine producers. Over the generations, the family expanded its holdings to include vineyards across Burgundy—such as Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Côte Chalonnaise—and later established Domaine Drouhin Oregon in the Willamette Valley. Today, the estate remains family-run by Joseph’s great-grandchildren, who continue the tradition of producing elegant wines with a focus on terroir and sustainable practices, including organic certification for their Burgundy vineyards since 2009
Winemaker Notes
In a subtle, joyful effervescence, the intense crystalline golden robe evokes yellow diamonds. The initial nose shines by the pure vivacity of this vintage. As Rare Millésime 2008 gradually warms in the glass, a vast range of orange blossom, hyacinth and white flowers is released. This leads to the delicacy of vanilla blossoms, a touch of fresh coconut, aromas of just ripe Williams pear and fresh almond, enhanced by notes of tangerine and blackcurrant buds. The second nose reveals the saline minerality, abundant and refined, an iodine-smoky harmony and a touch of licorice. On the palate the crispy, precise attack is followed by exuberant aromas of fresh pineapple, freshly cut and crisp, passion fruit, kiwi and coconut, nuanced with tangy citrus notes. These combine with plush springlike flavours with unparalleled length. The finish, with remarkable saline and iodine notes, perpetuates the journey into an endless spring.
About Winery
Piper-Heidsieck's roots trace back to Florens-Louis Heidsieck, who created the original company of Heidsieck & Co. Christian Heidsieck joined the venture alongside Guillaume Piper and once Florens-Louis died in 1828, the duo decided to continue the adventure side by side, founding Champagne Piper-Heidsieck.In 2011 both Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck were bought by EPI Group headed by Christopher Descours, he has added significant finance into the companies allowing them to grow their vineyard holdings, grape purchasing and production. The brands are now growing their sales fast after many decades of decline. Today, production occurs alongside sister company Charles Heidsieck in an ultra-modern functional wine-making facility on the southern outskirts of Reims. Their characteristics differ quite considerably, with Piper opting for a fruitier and lighter style of base wines.Piper-Heidsieck Rare is a truly unique prestige cuvée. In the summer of 1976, an unprecedented heatwave struck France, the likes of which the Champagne region had never experienced before. Piper-Heidsieck's winemaking team began to wonder: could it be possible to create a cuvée given the remarkable conditions? Taming the natural forces was no easy task and when assemblage was complete and the final blend bottled, the team were so proud of the final product, they called it Rare. The brand started as Piper-Heidsieck Rare and in 2019 this became simply Rare. These cuvées are only produced in these exceptional years: 1976, 1979, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2006, 2007 & 2008. In 2018 a new rose cuvee was released with 2007, now followed with 2008 and 2012.
Winemaker Notes
This is very floral with blueberry, fresh-currant and currant-bush aromas. Crushed stones. Medium body and creamy, lightly chewy tannins with citrus and blueberries. Tangy and pretty. From biodynamically grown grapes.
About Winery
Château Haut-Bages Libéral, a Fifth Growth estate from the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, was founded in the 18th century by the Libéral family on the Bages plateau in Pauillac. Over time, its vineyards came to border prestigious neighbors like Château Latour and Château Pichon Baron, and much of its wine was historically exported to Belgium and the Netherlands. Today, under Claire Villars-Lurton’s management, the estate is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon–driven wines and commitment to organic and biodynamic practices.
PRE-ORDER
2011 | D 94
The 2011 vintage was challenging, yet Saint-Pierre, a Fourth Growth estate, produced a standout wine with high Cabernet Sauvignon content
2013 | JS 91
The wine shows good acidity and refined tannins but is lighter, reflecting the tougher 2013 growing season.
2014 | WE 93
Profile: A classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc with a medium-bodied, complex profile.
2015 | V 95
Medium-bodied with ripe, grainy tannins, a lively backbone, and a savory finish. Cedar, black currant, tobacco leaf, and mineral touches.
2016 | D 96
This 4eme Cru Classe from Saint-Julien is praised for its immense depth, fine-grained tannins, and ability to balance power with refinement.
2017 | WA 95
It is praised for its complexity, balance, and aromatic profile, featuring cassis, black pepper, and fine tannins. Often considered a top performer of the vintage, it offers immediate appeal with longevity for 20-25 years.
2018 | WA 95
The 2018 is composed of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot, offering a rich bouquet of blackcurrant, red roses, and cedar, with a long, perfumed finish. It needs, and benefits from, significant cellar time to fully mature.
2019 | JS 96
Fresh blackcurrants, violets, sandalwood, and hints of chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, with velvety texture, cassis flavors, and polished,, soft tannins.
2020 | JS 96
Medium to full-bodied with a luxurious, "broad and fleshy" feel. It is noted for having "fiercely powerful tannins" that require cellaring, but it retains a beautiful, fresh balance.
2021 | JS 94
A cooler, more delicate year requiring careful selection, leading to high acidity and firm tannins.
About Winery
Château Saint-Pierre's history traces back to the 17th century, with archives indicating a wine-growing property called "Serançan" owned by the Marquis de Cheverry in 1693. In 1767, the estate was acquired by the Baron de Saint-Pierre, who renamed it after himself. After his death, the property was split, and the two halves were cultivated separately before being reunited in 1922 by Pierre and Charles Van den Bussche. Further consolidation occurred in 1981 when Henri Martin purchased the property, bringing the entire domain under his ownership.
Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Hans Family Estate “Spirit of Marlborough” is a handcrafted Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, created to rival the world’s finest examples. The vintage benefited from a long, warm ripening season in Marlborough, producing fruit of exceptional purity and concentration. Aromatically, it offers dark berries, cassis, and plum, layered with notes of spice, cedar, and subtle floral tones. On the palate, it is powerful yet harmonious, with rich fruit depth balanced by fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity, leading to a long, graceful finish. With 13.5% alcohol, this wine embodies elegance and structure, making it both approachable now and capable of aging beautifully for many years.
About Winery
Hans Family Estate, also known as Hans Herzog Estate, is a boutique, family-owned winery located in Marlborough, New Zealand. Founded by Swiss-born winemaker Hans Herzog, the estate reflects his philosophy of producing wines with uncompromising quality and individuality. Herzog brought decades of winemaking experience from Europe to New Zealand, establishing the estate as one of the country’s most respected artisanal wineries. What makes Hans Family Estate distinctive is its organic, hands-on approach: every step from vineyard to bottle is carried out onsite, with meticulous attention to detail. Herzog is known for his experimental spirit, cultivating an unusually wide range of grape varieties—over 29, including classics like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well as rarities such as Viognier, Arneis, Grüner Veltliner, and Nebbiolo. This diversity, combined with a focus on small-scale production and age-worthy wines, has earned the estate international acclaim for its eclectic yet consistently high-quality portfolio.
Winemaker Notes
The 2020 Joseph Drouhin Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru is a generous Pinot Noir offering bright, intense color and a silky texture. It features aromas of cherry, woody, and fine spicy notes, leading into a rich, harmonious palate structured by fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and an elegant finish.
About Winery
Maison Joseph Drouhin was founded in 1880 in Beaune, Burgundy, by Joseph Drouhin, and has since grown into one of the region’s most respected wine producers. Over the generations, the family expanded its holdings to include vineyards across Burgundy—such as Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Côte Chalonnaise—and later established Domaine Drouhin Oregon in the Willamette Valley. Today, the estate remains family-run by Joseph’s great-grandchildren, who continue the tradition of producing elegant wines with a focus on terroir and sustainable practices, including organic certification for their Burgundy vineyards since 2009
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.
