Louis M. Martini Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
The 2019 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied wine grown along the meandering Russian River. Pronounced aromas of brambleberry, crushed dried herbs and violet rise from the glass. The palate delivers notes of graham cracker pie crust and black plum with undercurrents of dried sage and leather. This wine lands firmly on the rustic side of Cabernet with dusty tannins and a long earthy finish.
Grapes were picked early in the morning to preserve maximum flavor enroute 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
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
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
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 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 F French Red Wine
Seeking a true representation and sense of place is what inspires us at Locations. Much of our time is spent in the vineyard, analysing each block and making adjustments to farming based on the vines needs. Attention to detail is fundamental in our quest to make the finest blend possible. For the fourth release of “F”, we have again incorporated some of the best regions in France, drawing upon our network of growers from Rhone, Roussillon, and Bordeaux. Our commitment to quality and our hands-on approach has enabled us to secure fruit from some exceptional old vine blocks located in revered sub-appellations of this great country. With some history of production now under our belt, we’ve had time to nurture our relationships with our growers while introducing new sites which we’re excited about. It is our constant quest to be better each year that drives us to over deliver, which we believe we have achieved with this wine.
A dominant nose of raspberry, rhubarb, and wild strawberry are complemented by savoury aromas of humid tobacco, lavender and rose petal. An immediate entry of cranberry and other red fruit leads to a touch of savouriness. -e wine is fresh and lively with great acidity and approachable tannins.
A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and assorted Bordeaux varietals
Barrel aged 10 months prior to release.
"Lots of dried-berry and stone character to this blend of grenache, syrah and assorted Bordeaux grape varieties. Plenty of berries and spices at the finish. A delicious, succulent wine with savory sensibility. Drink and enjoy." - 92 points, James Suckling
Gonzalez Byass Nectar PX
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
Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe En Rama
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.
Almaviva 2021
"A fresh and discreet Almaviva with subtle pencil shavings and cigar box to the cassis and hints of chili chocolate and peppermint. Nuanced and subtle on the nose. This is medium-bodied and subtle on the palate with silky tannins in the seamless finish. Very long. 71% cabernet sauvignon, 22% carmenere, 5% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Drinkable now, but it will take its time to deliver complexity."
- James Suckling
"The 2021 Almaviva is a blend primarily based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere, but not limited to these, and was aged for up to 18 months in French barrels. Its color is garnet with a purple sheen. The enticing nose showcases blackberry, cassis marmalade, black and green pepper, ashes, camphor and cigar box aromas. Indulgent and rich on the palate, it carries taut, fine-grained tannins, velvet texture and balanced acidity, leading to a long, ripe finish. This bold and layered red wine reveals nuanced depth and richness on the palate, promising further development as it matures in the bottle."
- Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous Media
La Cueva Del Contador 2016
La Cueva del Contador 2016 grapes were selected from 35-55 years old vineyards, where a yield around a kilo of grapes per vine is produced to get the fruit and tannin concentration wished.
La Cueva del Contador 2016 is bright and dense red-violet in colour. The nose is deep and wraparound. Highlight the red and black compote fruit with spicy, mineral and balsamic notes, also a touch of toasted. The wood is fine, present and it has to be integrated. In the mouth it is powerful and well balanced in terms of maturity and freshness. Final is long and fresh. It is elegant.
100% Tempranillo
Que Bonito Cacareaba 2019
Que Bonito Cacareaba 2019 features a brilliant yellow colour. On the nose is a fine and elegant wine. With citrus aromas, notes of aromatic herbs and wild flowers, also with stone fruits touches (apricot, plum). Mineral future. The contribution of oak promises a good integration.
The palate is fresh and fine, with a good skeleton. A great balance between ripeness, acidity and freshness has been got making the harvest on time. It will have a long life. It’s a great white wine. Very fine one. Minerality and Elegance.
45% Garnacha Blanca, 38% Viura, 17% Malvasía
Domaine St Patrice Clos St Patrice 2018
First Drop 2% Barossa Shiraz 2020
VINTAGE 2020: Below average rainfall over winter followed by a very dry spring; with high winds and cold nights in November disrupting flowering; and hot, dry conditions in December and early January reducing bunch and berry size; resulted in yields at least 50% below the 10-year average. Thankfully a cooler February and March led to slower ripening despite the low yields. Whilst variability within vineyards, caused by the earlier extremes in the season, meant for tricky picking decisions and reds that show great depth and structure. 2020 was yet another challenging vintage, to rival 2019, but again it’s delivered one of which to be proud.
VINIFICATION: The fruit is crushed/destemed and fermented at temperatures ranging from 20-25°C for 8 days on skins. The ferment is managed by a variety of techniques, including ‘aerative pump overs’ and ‘drain and returns’ which assist in extracting colour, flavour and tannin from the grapes. At the end of fermentation, it is drained/pressed, and transfered to 3 and 4 year old French oak hogsheads to undergo MLF. Post MLF, sulphur dioxide is added, and the wines mature sur lie for 20 months. This wine was bottled in April 2022.
Colour: Dark plum
Aroma: 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.
Foor Pairing: Brownies
Tenuta Sant’Antonio Amarone Della Valpolicella Antonio Castagnedi 2018
A family tradition, a wine that tells a story. Antonio Castagnedi loves his family and the good wine of his land. This is dedicated to him and to his love. Produced from the municipality of Mezzane di Sotto - Monti Garbi District (Verona)
- Colour: ruby red with purple reflections.
- Nose: ripe red fruit, spicy aromas of liquorice, black pepper, and hints of chocolate.
- Palate: well balanced, with fat tannins, soft, warm, savoury, elegant, fine and fresh.
- Corvina and Corvinone 70% - Rondinella 20% - Croatina 5% - Oseleta 5%
Luce Brunello 2018
Vineyard
The estate consists of 615 acres of land, 217 of which are planted to vine. Sangiovese is planted in the higher elevation parcels (up to 1500 feet), which are rich in sandstone and limestone, while the lower altitude clay plots are better suited to Merlot.
Winemaking
The Sangiovese is harvested during the first week of October. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for 12 days, followed by 4 weeks of skin maceration. Aging occurs in Slavonian oak barrels for a minimum of 24 months.
Tasting Notes:
Luce Brunello shows an intense ruby red color. The nose is complex and fragrant, with notes of ripe red fruit, supported by pleasant sensations of blond tobacco and exotic spices. In the mouth, the wine is harmonious, rich and highly structured, with silky tannins that together with freshness give a very long persistence. A sophisticated and powerful wine.
Dalla Valle “MAYA” 2019
The 2019 Insignia marks the first vintage to include fruit from the new Joseph Phelps vineyard named El Venadito, located in the Oak Knoll District, just south of the winery’s Yountville Vineyard. It is aged for 18 Months in 48% New Oak, & 60% 1-2 year old French & American oak barrels.
Colour: A brooding purple-black in color
Nose: Enthralling aromas of crème de cassis, mocha, and Morello cherry draw you in, while supporting notions of wildflowers, unrefined earth, and dried herbs captivate the senses.
Palate: As the wine sits in the glass, facets of tobacco leaf, crushed rock, and blackberry begin to surface, yet you can sense a deeper complexity has yet to fully reveal itself.
Pairings: Hard cheese & red meat
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc
Awards: 100 points, Robert Parker & 100 points, Jeb Dunnuck
First Drop The Cream Barossa Shiraz 2016
The Cream is blended at the optimum time from the best barrels from First Drop’s most prized vineyards to create the ultimate expression of Barossa Shiraz from the vintage. A rich, textured, seamless wine that combines power and elegance. It’s seductive, with a pedigree that will see it mature for a further 10 to 15 years. Indulge now or reward yourself later.
Single Vineyard Location:
35% Ebenezer
35% Greenock
30% Seppeltsfield
Colour: Black
Nose: Lifted black fruit aromas with hints of smoke, tar, leather, orals and Indian spices
Palate: Rich kirsch and black fruits, dark chocolate and licorice, balanced with textured, lingeringly seamless tannins
"A spicy and brambly nose showing lots of liqueur notes derived from fruits, such as blackberries, dark cherries and dark plums. A hint of ivy extract and licorice, too. The palate is very composed with a surprisingly vibrant line of acidity that runs right through the middle, carrying ripe but structured and firm tannins to the very nicely structured finish." - 95 points, James Suckling