Fine Wines & Spirits Since 1978
Well for starters, we love this because Lustau is the platinum standard in the production of fine dry Sheries. This is a reference point for what dry Oloroso Sherry is supposed to taste like – rich aged flavours and aromas of hazelnut, brown butter, caramelized apple, raisin, wood smoke and more.
[ 2010 Montecastro Ribera del Duero “Alconte” ] PRODUCER PROFILE | Bodegas Montecastro SHOP NOW | Store Locator — [ Why We Love It: ] Bodegas Monetecastro does a magnificent job of marrying the best of old and new. Production is carried out under the watchful eye of … Read More
If you’ve been following our newsletters for any period of time, you’ll know that I’ve got a bit of a thing for old vines – and the impact they can have on wine quality: low yields, stunning complexity and breathtaking concentration.
This style of Sherry can’t be created on-demand, but rather occurs in a small percentage of the wines that begin their life destined to become Fino Sherry, but along the way, the naturally occurring layer of yeast – which grows on top of Fino and protects it from oxidizing – dies and leaves the Sherry suddenly exposed to the open air.
“Telegramme” is the “2nd wine” of Vieux Telegraphe – one of the noble names of France’s southern Rhone Valley and one of the great wine estates of France. Vieux Telgraphe produces serious wines that are a must-have for serious wine collectors. Their flagship bottling from at Vieux Telegraphe comes from the famous “La Crau” site – a vineyard that would undoubtedly be amongst the very top “Grand Crus” if the Rhone used the same vineyard designation system found in Burgundy.
This wine is produced employing methods meant to mimic the style of 17th century wines that faced transatlantic voyages to reach various Spanish colonies. During these long journeys, casks of Sherry would be used as ballast in the ships. Demand for these Sherries grew as wine drinkers around the world discovered that this process imparted distinct complexity and smoothness in the wines. Today, Lustau celebrates and acknowledges this important piece of Sherry heritage through the production of their East India Solera.
The 2009 Excelsus was awarded a rating of 93 points and was ranked #39 on the Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2013. This is a winery to watch. This blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha is sourced from vineyards planted at altitudes of 700 metres on the foothills of the low-lying Sierra de Yerga mountains. Viña Herminia is emerging as a real leader in the Rioja, and the value and quality of their wines have attracted increased international acclaim.
93/100 Points: “Red fruits dominate the palate, underpinned by richer black fruits, a touch of blackberry and black cherry. There is a lot happening on the finish – juniper, some walnut and lots of black and red cherry.” (Derek Smedley, MW – International Wine Challenge)
93/100 Points: “How lovely. Amber-coloured and silky, this is technically dry but with a faint trace of sweetness. Imagine toasted hazelnuts, caramel and orange peel energized by a salty tang, with a long, harmonious finish.” (Beppi Crosariol / Globe & Mail)
94/100 Points: “Silky smooth with just enough attitude to set it apart. Flavours are in the cherry-plum and cola realm, though notes of peppercorn and chocolate, as modest as they are, are important aspects of the wine’s personality. Ultra fine-grained tannin, edges of mineral and finesse through the finish are all quality markers. Medium-weight but it h has presence.”
Ernest Burn Pinot Gris Grand Cru Goldert STORE LOCATOR – BUY THIS WINE — Why We Love It: Across the John Hanna & Sons portfolio of wine and spirits producers you will see a strong emphasis on family businesses with extensive histories – and there … Read More
[ 2014 Vignobles Brunier Megaphone ] PROFILE | Vignobles Brunier / Vieux Telegraphe PRIVATE IMPORT | ORDER ONLINE — [ Why We Love It: ] Megaphone (a new addition to the line-up from Vignobles Brunier) is created with the same love, care and attention to detail that has made global icons of … Read More