Search results for: 'grape de note'

Domaine de I’R runs along the picturesque Vienne river in the region of Chinon, the heart of Cabernet Franc country. Founded in 2007 by Frédéric Sigonneau, the young winery quickly climbed the ranks to become a top producer of Cabernet Franc. The popularity of his wines is no surprise, as the estate has raised the bar for what Carnet Franc can offer through its sincere attention to taste and quality. The vineyard is managed as naturally as possible, working in harmony with the natural elements to produce a red wine with exceptional flavor and utmost purity. Throughout the entire winemaking process, there are no compromises, and the wines undergo frequent tastings during vinification. Healthy grapes are fermented in raw cement tanks, the porosity of which allows for a smooth, controlled, and gradual fermentation producing an incredibly rich and flavorful red wine.

93 Points!-“Creamy and well-knit, with good focus to the baked white cherry, honeycomb and ginger biscuit flavors. A harmonious version, framed by sleek acidity and a chalky underpinning, this is long and mouthwatering on the lightly spiced finish. Disgorged July 2019. Drink now through 2028. 375 cases made.”-Wine Spectator, December, 2019

94+ Points! Disgorged in May 2022, the Paillard NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is superbly fresh, offering up aromas of orchard fruit, lemon, spring flowers and menthol touches. Medium to full-bodied, expressive and precise with a delicate mousse, it’s seamless, vinous, chalky and harmonious with a clean and precise finish. - Yohan Castaing, robertparker.com

94 Points! Freshly squeezed lemon, green apples, oyster shell and white apricots with subtle brioche and exquisite yeastiness. A fruity entry followed by a medium to full body where you find the fine perlage carrying the intense chalky flavors to a nicely dry but approachable finish. Lovely length with spot-on balance between chalky fruit and autolysis. Disgorged in March 2022. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

Rolle, Sauvignon, Grenache Blanc, Clairette. Founded on organic farming principles, Domaine de la Mongestine stands apart as a true rarity in Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, a region known for mass-produced and standardized wines. Rows are planted on clay and limestone soils of some of the highest North facing slopes in the appellation, reaching up to 450 meters. The nutritious soils allow for a longer maturation process that preserves the freshness of the grapes and their acidity. The vineyard is further breaking the mold for Provence winemaking as it transitions to biodynamic viticulture, producing its wines with the least intervention possible and allowing natural processes to extract the fullness of the terroir. Aging takes place in inert tanks and amphora (traditional clay containers), where micro-oxygenation results in a fresh and fruit-forward white wine.

PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE

100 Points! One of the greats in the vintage, the 2022 Château Montrose is deep ruby/purple-hued and has a massive perfume of sweet crème de cassis, sappy tobacco, and freshly sharpened pencils. With incredible purity and precision in its aromatics, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, powerful, yet still somehow elegant mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. Based on a classic blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, it spent 18 months in 60% new French oak. As I wrote during En Primeur, it has the essence of a Montrose-like character. While it’s not a massively backward or austere example of the château, it nevertheless deserves 10-12 years of bottle age and should have at least half a century of longevity. It is, without a doubt, in the same league as the 1989, 1990, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2016, 2018, and 2020. - Jeb Dunnuck

100 Points! From barrel, I wrote that 2022 Montrose was so compelling that assigning it a bracketed score seemed a mere formality, and so it has proven. Unwinding in the glass with a deep and brooding bouquet of cassis, wild blueberries, violets, pencil shavings and burning embers, it's full-bodied, deep and dense, somehow marrying all the tannic authority that has long been such a signature of Montrose with a suavity and purity that represents the quintessence of contemporary Bordeaux. The broad, palate-staining finish lasts for more than a minute. This is a profound young wine that readers aren't going to want to miss. - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

100 Points! The 2022 Montrose is insanely beautiful. That much is obvious. When it might be ready to drink is another question. In recent years, Montrose has acquired notable finesse in its tannins, so that is not an issue. But the 2022 is packed with tremendous density and concentration that will need time to soften. Blackberry, graphite, licorice, lavender and chocolate stain the palate in a stunning, riveting wine of the very highest level. I can only hope to be around when the 2022 starts to drink well! Montrose is without question one of the wines of the vintage. Unforgettable. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

100 Points! Deep garnet-purple colored, it charges out with powerful notes of crème de cassis, preserved plums, and garrigue, giving way to nuances of candied violets, Sichuan pepper, and mossy tree bark, plus a touch of iron ore. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with black fruit preserves layers, supported by super-firm, super-ripe tannins and bags of freshness, finishing on a lingering ferrous note. Epic. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW

99 Points! Great depth in the nose, taking you into its core of blackcurrants, pencil shavings, graphite, tar, inkpot and cassis. Full-bodied and very tight, this flexes its polished muscles, showing form and tension. Compacted. From organically grown grapes. 66% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. - JamesSuckling.com

98 Points! The 2022 Montrose was picked 2 to 22 September comprising all four grape varieties and all the Cabernet Franc, with 13% pressed wine, matured in 60% new oak. There is 14.5% alcohol this year, which is less than 2018. It has an extremely pure nose with black cherries and blueberry. Quite floral in style with hints of blood orange percolating through with time. The palate is very precise with exceptional mineralité and tension. Very focused, superb concentration, with what is becoming Montrose's trademark sense of symmetry and sustained aftertaste, this could be the finest Saint-Estèphe in 2022. – Neal Martin, Vinous Media

92 Points! Light, green-tinged yellow. Mineral-accented aromas and flavors of candied orange, pear, white flowers and ginger. Juicy and precise, presenting lively citrus and orchard fruit flavors underscored by chalky minerality. Dry and incisive on the finish, which shows outstanding clarity and persistence. - Josh Raynolds, Vinous

Amazignly rare due to frost, only bottled in Magnum in 2016...

Dark red-ruby. The brooding, medicinal scents of black cherry and licorice suggest an extremely concentrated wine. At once sweeter and even more tannic than the Echézeaux, conveying a powerful impression of extract but also uncanny cut to its dark fruit and saline mineral flavors. Finishes with explosive length. The impression of chewiness and solidity verges on extreme, and this wine is likely to need a minimum of a decade of bottle aging. Incidentally, both this wine and the Echézeaux will be bottled entirely in magnums. - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media

99 Points! Decadent and rich aromas of black cherries and plums with wet earth and sandalwood. Turns to dried mushrooms. Full-bodied, tight and closed with big, polished tannins, yet this is very closed and shy right now. Despite this, underneath it shows such depth and beauty. Tangy acidity. This is a combination of 2005 and 2009. - James Suckling

99 Points! The crème de la crème from the northern Médoc is the 2015 Mouton Rothschild and this incredible wine flirts with perfection. Made from 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, this inky purple-colored effort offers sensational Cabernet flare in its crème de cassis, graphite, lead pencil shavings, floral, and Asian spice aromas and flavors. It is full-bodied, dense, and incredibly concentrated, yet still has the sexy, opulent, seductive style of the vintage front and center. It will be a candidate for perfection in 10-12 years and is going to be one of the longest-lived wines in the vintage. Hats off to Philippe Dhalluim and his team for this incredible effort that’s a step up over just about every other northern Médoc out there! - Jeb Dunnuck

The 2004 Proprietary Red represents a natural evolution of Scott Palazzo’s early winemaking vision, building on the foundation laid by the inaugural 2003 vintage. Crafted during the formative years of the estate, this wine reflects Palazzo’s deep admiration for Bordeaux-inspired blends that prioritize balance, structure, and longevity. Produced in very limited quantities, the magnum format was set aside exclusively for Palazzo’s private members and carefully cellared for two decades. This release marks the first time these mature library magnums have been made available to the public, offering collectors a rare opportunity to experience an early Palazzo blend at full maturity in its most age-worthy format.

Tasting Note:
Now beautifully resolved, the 2004 opens with layered aromas of dried red cherry, plum, and fig, accented by notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and warm baking spice. On the palate, the wine is supple and integrated, with softened tannins supporting savory red and dark fruit flavors. Subtle notes of leather, cocoa, and earthy complexity emerge as the wine unfolds, adding depth without heaviness. The finish is long, smooth, and harmonious, with the magnum format preserving freshness and cohesion, underscoring the wine’s graceful evolution over time.

The 2014 Proprietary White Cuvée Blanc comes from a warm, consistent Napa Valley vintage and reflects a confident expression of Scott Palazzo’s Bordeaux-inspired approach to white wine. Built around Sauvignon Blanc and supported by complementary Bordeaux varieties such as Sémillon, the blend emphasizes texture, balance, and long-term aging potential. Produced in very limited quantities, the magnum format was reserved exclusively for Palazzo’s private members and carefully cellared from release. This marks the first time these mature library magnums have been made available to the public, offering a rare opportunity to experience a Napa Valley white designed to evolve with grace and depth.

Tasting Note:
The wine opens with expressive aromatics of ripe citrus, white peach, and pear, layered with subtle floral notes and a hint of honeyed richness. On the palate, it is generous yet composed, showing stone fruit and citrus flavors carried by bright acidity and a smooth, rounded texture. Notes of almond, soft spice, and gentle mineral nuance add complexity. The finish is long, polished, and harmonious, with the magnum format preserving freshness while allowing the wine’s richness and structure to unfold seamlessly.

The 2012 Proprietary White Cuvée Blanc comes from a warmer, more generous Napa Valley vintage and represents a richer yet still finely balanced expression of Scott Palazzo’s Bordeaux-inspired white wine philosophy. Built around Sauvignon Blanc and supported by complementary Bordeaux varieties such as Sémillon, the blend emphasizes texture, harmony, and the ability to evolve gracefully with age. Produced in very limited quantities, the magnum format was reserved exclusively for Palazzo’s private members and carefully cellared from release. This marks the first time these mature library magnums have been made available to the public, offering a rare opportunity to experience a Napa Valley white designed with longevity in mind.

Tasting Note:
The wine opens with inviting aromatics of ripe citrus, white peach, and pear, layered with subtle floral notes and a hint of honeyed richness. On the palate, it is broader and more generous than the 2011, showing stone fruit and citrus flavors carried by bright acidity and a smooth, rounded texture. Gentle notes of almond, soft spice, and mineral nuance add complexity. The finish is long, balanced, and polished, with the magnum format preserving freshness while allowing the wine’s richness and depth to unfold seamlessly.

The 2018 Proprietary White Cuvée Blanc Reserve comes from a generous and well-balanced Napa Valley vintage and represents a confident continuation of Scott Palazzo’s Bordeaux-inspired white wine program. Drawn from the finest lots of the year, this Reserve bottling emphasizes depth, texture, and precision while maintaining freshness and long-term aging potential. Built around Sauvignon Blanc and supported by complementary Bordeaux varieties such as Sémillon, the blend was produced in very limited quantities and bottled in magnum exclusively for Palazzo’s private members. This marks the first time these Reserve magnums have been offered to the public, providing collectors a rare opportunity to experience a later-era Palazzo white at a compelling stage of evolution.

Tasting Note:
The wine opens with expressive aromatics of ripe citrus, white peach, and pear, layered with subtle floral notes and a hint of honeyed richness. On the palate, it is generous yet refined, delivering stone fruit and citrus flavors carried by vibrant acidity and a smooth, integrated texture. Gentle notes of almond, soft spice, and mineral nuance add complexity. The finish is long, polished, and harmonious, with the magnum format preserving freshness while allowing the wine’s richness and structure to unfold gracefully.

The 2011 Proprietary White Cuvée Blanc is a rare and distinctive wine within the Palazzo portfolio, reflecting Scott Palazzo’s long-standing inspiration from the great white blends of Bordeaux. Crafted in very limited quantities, the wine is built around Sauvignon Blanc, supported by complementary Bordeaux varieties such as Sémillon, selected for their ability to bring texture, balance, and age-worthiness rather than overt aromatic intensity. As with the estate’s red wines, the magnum format was reserved exclusively for Palazzo’s private members and carefully cellared from release. This marks the first time these mature library magnums have been offered to the public, providing a rare opportunity to experience a Napa Valley white designed for graceful evolution.

Tasting Note:
With more than a decade of bottle age, the wine opens with layered aromatics of preserved citrus, white peach, and subtle floral notes, accented by hints of almond, honey, and gentle spice. On the palate, it is textured and refined, showing stone fruit and citrus flavors carried by lively acidity and a creamy, integrated mouthfeel. Subtle mineral and savory notes add complexity, while the finish is long, poised, and quietly powerful. In magnum, the wine retains remarkable freshness and cohesion, highlighting both its aging potential and its unique place within the Palazzo lineup.

Discover a rare gem. It’s not every day that you come across a pure carignan wine from low-yield 100-year-old vines grown on the distinct terroir of a limestone plateau. Hand harvested, organic, and biodynamic, this medium-bodied wine is a real crowd-pleaser. Concentrated notes of red fruit meld with licorice and spice to create an incredibly silky and refined finish. Rich in umami and with an approachable earthiness.

91+ Points! More of a long distance runner is the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Leonardini Vineyard. This wine still shows plenty of oak and notes of new saddle leather intermixed with graphite and black currants in a structured, full-bodied, youthful, almost infantile stage of development. I can’t imagine this wine has moved much from its post-bottling days. It still needs another 5-6 years of cellaring, and should keep for at least 20+ years. - Robert Parker, robertparker.com 2011

100 Points! The 2021 Few and Far Between Cabernet Sauvignon includes 10% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes barreling out of the glass with notes of blueberry compote, juicy black plums, and warm cassis, giving way to hints of candied violets, cinnamon stick, and iron ore. The full-bodied palate is decadently rich yet with remarkable energy, framed by velvety tannins and seamless acidity, finishing long and opulent. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent