Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Our 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a layered wine with notes of black cherry, blackberry and plum are complemented by hits of toasted oak, dried currant and baking spice. Fine grained tannins and ample brightness on the palate give way to a polished mouthfeel and exceptionally long finish.
Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were carefully destemmed and transferred to upright tanks for a two-day cold soak. To build its round, elegant mouthfeel, the wine saw 15 to 20 days of maceration time and was pumped over two to three times daily. Each lot was aged and meticulously evaluated separately, with the final blend taking place in May 2019. In total, the wine aged for 16 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels (40% new).
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
"A slightly high-toned red with walnut, berry, chocolate and spice on the nose and palate. Medium-to full-bodied with chewy tannins and a rich finish. A little firmer and tighter than in the past, which equates to a more serious red. A touch of petit sirah in this. Drink or hold." - 93 points, James Suckling
Gonzalez Byass Nectar PX
Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe Fino Sherry
A crisp and dry fino sherry from Gonzalez Byass. This is made using Palomino grapes and the wine is aged for around 5 years. Best served chilled.
Serve ice cold in a small wine glass to accompany all kinds of food, particularly nuts, olives, cured ham and sushi. Or serve as they do on hot days in Jerez, over ice or even 'Rebujito'; a generous splash of Tio Pepe served in a tall ice-filled glass topped with 7-Up.
"This is the prototypical fino sherry with all the salty and yeasty character you expect. Also dried-apple, pear and lemon-zest character. Generous, but very dry and salty on the palate with a refreshing touch of austerity. Where are the olives? Drink now, if possible from a freshly opened bottle." - 90 points, James Suckling
Locations CA4 California Red Wine
Geographic diversity is what Locations – CA is all about. Provided with a wide assortment of microclimates and soil profiles to exploit, it can be a winemakers dream. With a goal in mind to create a blend that showcases the best of the Golden State, we navigated the famed appellations of Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, and the Sierra Foothills for prized fruit. Once secured, we were able to apply some creativity with the blending components to ultimately settle on a wine worthy of Locations Veiled in dark ruby red, the wine bursts with a tempting perfume of red and black fruits, dried rose petals, and a peppery note which offers some lift. Dense and ripe upon first pass, it evolves into a savory compote of raspberry, kirsch, and bitter cherry balanced out with mineral and herbal notes. The finish is substantial with tangy acidity, yet buffered with polished tannins that please the palate.
Blend of Petite Sirah, Barbera, Tempranillo, Syrah, and Grenache
Barrel aged 10 months in French oak barrels.
"If you like big, rich reds with lots of dried-fruit and bark character, then this is for you. Full body. Chewy tannins. More like a dry port, but I like its historical sensibility. A blend of petite sirah, barbera, tempranillo, syrah, and grenache. Drink now." - James Suckling, 90 points
Tsukiyoshino – Junmai Ginjo-Shu
Recommended serving temperature for this sake with gentle and mellow tasting sake is from room temperature to cold. Due its characteristics, it does not overpower flavour of dishes and is hence suitable for most occasions both as aperitif and pairing with dishes. This sake has mild melon aroma and slight sweetness in taste.
- Rice Type : Miyamanishiki
- Rice Polishing Ratio : 55%
- Sake Meter Value : -8
- Acidity : 1.6
Locations E Spanish Red Wine
The interplay of provenance, artistry, freedom, and creativity is what inspires us at Locations. With the Iberian Peninsula serving as a backdrop, this fertile ground allowed us to incorporate these attributes into the fourth release of our Spanish offering. Much like generations of craftsmen before us, we were intent to capture the nobility of Spain through its geographic diversity. Fruit with Mediterranean and Continental influences was sourced from five regions in particular: Priorat, Jumilla, Toro, Rioja, and Ribera del Duero. Old vines, low yields, and a palate attuned to excellence, work in harmony and enable us to reach our goal of producing a great wine, from the best locations in the world.
The wine presents a dark, polished amethyst with aromatic notes of white pepper, tobacco, and black currant emerging from the glass. A silky mouthfeel with a palate of dark plums, black raspberry, and hints of French vanilla closes with subtle tart black cherry and a lengthy, structural finish.
A blend of Grenache/Garnacha, Tempranillo, Monastrell, and Carignan/Cariñena
Barrel aged 10 months prior to release.
"Aromas of sweet strawberries with citrus and floral undertones, as well as blueberries and hot stones. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and a flavorful, lightly austere finish. This shows tone and texture. A blend of garnacha, tempranillo, monastrell and carinena. Drink or hold." - 92 point, James Suckling
First Drop 2% Barossa Shiraz 2018
Colour: Dark plum
Nose: Lifted black fruit aromas with a hint of earth and spice
Palate: Rich, phat, dark berry fruits, with hints of dark chocolate and Indian ink, supported by a dense core of tannins.
"The aromas and flavors of plums, smoked meat, raw meat, cloves, nutmeg and berries are sumptuous. Full body, round and polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Yet reserved and focused at the finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap." - 96 points, James Suckling
Tsukiyoshino – Junmai Daiginjo Miyamanishiki
Taking up the challenge to brew sake from modest locally grown rice, Miyamanishiki rice's character gives clean crisp non-complicated taste. With its modest gentle aroma, it is not just perfect for an aperitif but also pairs well easily with most dishes. Delicate and dry.
- Rice Type: Miyamanishiki
- Rice Polishing Ratio: 45%
- Sake Meter Value: +5.0
- Acidity: 0.9
Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe En Rama 2020
With fewer of the typical markers being filtered out, it brings us a more intense expression of the typical Carrascal and Macharnudo terroir. It was bottled from a hand-picked selection of 67 barrels which showed the most vigorous layer of flor. Tio Pepe En Rama 2020 was marked by an unusually dry and mild winter, followed by a cool and rainy spring. This year the profits are used to support the re-opening of bars and restaurants in Spain – another reason to try it.
Pale yellow with golden glints. Slightly cloudy as it contains flor in suspension, reflecting its having been bottled “En Rama”. Complex on the nose, very sharp, with a strong aroma of the layer of flor, together with chalk, almonds, lemon, withered flowers, salt, and minerals. Concentrated, slightly creamy, salty, and full of flavour. It delivers an impressive finish, rounded and balanced, with notes of iodine, toasted almonds, aldehydes and dried flowers. The aftertaste is rounded and alluring, clearly harking back to its origins in the albariza soil yet also reflecting the significance of its biological ageing. This wine is the purest definition of vines and the winery.
"Complex aromas of custard, mustard leaf, tar and spice. Full-to medium-bodied and very dry. Dried apples and pears. Fresh finish. Always excellent." - 92 points, James Suckling
Louis M. Martini Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Our 2017 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a boisterous wine with an assertive profile, offering ripe notes of black currant, plum, crushed fennel and cedar. Rich and rustic, this Cabernet features distinct brambly undertones and finishes memorably with structured, lingering tannins.
Grapes were picked early in the morning to preserve maximum flavor en route to the winery. All lots were aged and evaluated separately, allowing us to craft a harmonious wine before marrying the final blend in barrel to finish aging. In total, the wine spent 17 months in a combination of French and American oak (29% new).
Varietal: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Sirah
"A firm, juicy red with blackberries, chocolate and light tobacco. Some vanilla. Medium to full body. Round tannins. Fruity and fresh. Drink now." - James Suckling, 92 points
Rumiko no Sake Tokubetsu Junmai
Locations WA Washington Red Wine
A sixth generation vintner and friend of Locations winemaker, Dave Phinney once said, “if I was twenty-one, single, and could make wine anywhere in world, it would be Washington.” With that endorsement and incentive, we proudly offer our first wine from the Northwest. Sourced from diverse vineyard blocks within the state’s best growing regions, we now know what he was talking about.
Deep purple in color, the wine brims with aromas of wild blueberries, cassis, and pleasing notes of forest floor. e palate is initially treated to dense flavors of plum, milk chocolate and framboise. Following, a delightful interplay of violet, anise, black tea, and brown spices soon emerge giving further character to the wine. Silky tannins encapsulate things with a very pure and true finish.
A blend of Syrah, Merlot, and Petit Sirah
Barrel aged 10 months in French and American oak barrels.
"A rich and relatively dense red with blackberry and blueberry character. Full-bodied. Juicy fruit and round tannins, yet fresh and flavorful. Solid and fun. Rich wine. Syrah, malbec and cabernet sauvignon. Drink now." - 91 points, James Suckling