Divin De Corbin 2017
Château Corbin, situated in the Saint Emilion AOC on the border of the Pomerol appellation, is one of the patriarchs of Saint Emilion. Its foundations date back to the 15th century, and according to legend Corbin, was the stronghold that belonged to the “Black Prince” Edouard de Plantagenet who fought the French in the early stages of the Hundred Year War. Since 1999, the estate has been managed by Anabelle Cruse Bardinet, a Bordeaux University oenology graduate, who represents the 4th generation of the family to lead the Chateau.
VINEYARD
Varietals: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet franc
Soils: Clay and sandy clay with ferric clay subsoil
Size of the vineyard: 13 ha (by the border of Pomerol)
Age of the vine :15 20 years
Planting density: 7 500 vines/ha
Average Yield: 35 hl/ha
Harvest: By hand with double sorting
WINEMAKING
Vinification: Plot by plot vinification in concrete vats. Maceration 3 4weeks
Aging: In French oak barrels
Bottling: At the Château
TASTING NOTES
Divin offers in its dark dress a wonderful expression of pure and concentrated dark fruit. The palate is immediately seduced by the structure of its body: juicy, fresh with fine and elegant tannins. A divine wine that will charm all palates!
"This is a soft and juicy wine, the only wine made at this estate in 2017 because of frost. Black-currant flavors and fresh fruitiness come through the light tannic character. Drink the wine from 2021. " - 90 points, Wine Enthusiast
BenMarco Sin Limites Malbec Gualtallary 2021
BenMarco Sin Límites Gualtallary is a Malbec that reflects the terroir calcareous nature. On the nose, hints of pepper, especially pink pepper, and calcareous notes predominate, while on the mouth the austerity and grainy texture stand out. Incomparably long finish and great definition. When first smelt, it can be perceived as shy or tight, so decanting is recommended.
It is aged in second and third-use French oak barrels for 12 months.
Given its complex, austere, and affable profile, it is very versatile for pairing. It can be matched with lamb, soft cheeses, and all kinds of red meat.
"Racy and spicy red fruit profile on the nose with a hint of thyme and white pepper. The pure, medium-bodied palate has good intensity of flavors. Juicy and even in the middle with a vibrant finish. Composed and well-poised. More elegant than 2020. Drink now or hold." - 94 points, James Suckling
Coup de Foudre Les Bouquinistes 2020
Les Bouquinistes 2020 is a field blend composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc from our Calistoga, Napa Valley vineyards.
We produced just shy of 500 cases of this vintage.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc
"Aromas of currants, orange peel, dark plums and hints of vanilla. Some bark. Medium-bodied with juicy flavors and a light bark and stem undertone. 24% petite sirah, 20% merlot, 20% cabernet franc, 18% syrah, 10% malbec, and 8% cabernet sauvignon. Delicious for early drinking. Drink now." - James Sucking, 91 points
We are excited about this offer; and the amazing story told by our featured author will move you to your core. Our goal is to produce a stunning Napa Valley wine while promoting the missions of our esteemed authors and generating much-needed awareness and funding for worthy charities throughout the world. Each vintage celebrates an author who exemplifies unwavering commitment to social justice. Past vintages have featured a wide range of scribes, including Nicolas Kristoff of The New York Times, Pulitzer-prize winner Tracy Kidder, Jacqueline Novogratz and Patricia McCormick. These collaborations have raised more than $100,000 to benefit charities in Cambodia, Africa, Nepal and other developing countries.
I AM A GIRL FROM AFRICA
We are excited about this offer; and the amazing story told by our featured author will move you to your core. Our goal is to produce a stunning Napa Valley wine while promoting the missions of our esteemed authors and generating much-needed awareness and funding for worthy charities throughout the world. Each vintage celebrates an author who exemplifies unwavering commitment to social justice. Past vintages have featured a wide range of scribes, including Nicolas Kristoff of The New York Times, Pulitzer-prize winner Tracy Kidder, Jacqueline Novogratz and Patricia McCormick. These collaborations have raised more than $100,000 to benefit charities in Cambodia, Africa, Nepal and other developing countries.
Read more...
Les Bouquinistes 2020 Chapter Six features Elizabeth Nyamayaro’s I Am A Girl From Africa. It is a remarkable story of what is possible when girls are given an equal right to quality education. When Elizabeth was only eight years old a severe drought decimated the crops in her agricultural village in Zimbabwe. After months of hunger and malnourishment, she found herself alone, face down under a tree in a parched field, too weak to move. Incredibly, a UN aid worker found her, gave her food, and saved her life. This was a transformative moment for Elizabeth; it inspired her to dedicate her life to uplifting her community, her continent and now the world. As Elizabeth grew into a teenager and then a young adult, attending school intermittently when she wasn’t needed to help “find money,” she never lost sight of this goal. She was grounded by the African concept of Ubuntu: I am because we are. And because we are, you are! With the support of her community — and exceptional drive and perseverance — Elizabeth overcame crushing obstacles and eventually served as a senior advisor to the United Nations where she launched HeForShe, one of the world’s largest global solidarity movements for gender equality. She has chosen that the proceeds from the sale of this wine will benefit globalgirlsglow.org. Global G.L.O.W. is an organization that mentors girls to advocate for themselves and make their communities stronger. Their after-school programs in 23 countries, including the United States, seek to ignite the power of girls as a force for global transformation. Your contributions will continue to deliver the important message of hope, community support and interdependence to girls and women all over the world.
Morlet Coeur De Vallee Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Located in the world-renowned Oakville appellation, in the heart of the Napa Valley, our Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines benefit from the gravelly and loamy Bale soil derived from an alluvial fan in this warm yet temperate climate. Handcrafted using classical winemaking techniques, this wine is dedicated to Dr. Richard Johnson and Dr. Nancy Hampel who have always demonstrated their kindness of heart. It is ‘Heart of the Valley’ or ‘Coeur de Vallée.’
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc
Winemaker Notes:
Deep garnet-purple colour, ‘Coeur de Vallée’ is characterized by a striking bouquet of lavender and violets over a core of sweet red berries, crème de cassis, Chambord liqueur, blackcurrants and licorice, and compelling notes of mocha, espresso, chocolate and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied with an impressive fine-grained texture, this powerful yet refined Cabernet Sauvignon is expressive from start to finish, boasting a background freshness that supports the intense black fruit layers. The wine displays an extraordinary concentration, richness, finesse and purity while possessing silky and polished tannins leading to an elegant lift on the long, lush finish.
Chateau d’Avize Blanc de Blanc Champagne AOC 2012
Smells fresh with lemon and soft floral scents. Delicate and refined this is crips sharp and piercing yet also layered and rich. Bitter lemon rind mixes with honeyed orange and some pie crust savoury elements to give real character. A little bit woody still just peeking out in contrast to the fruit still showing its youthfulness. After a few minutes all the flavours seem much brighter in the glass more evocative and expressive. Thrillingly precise dry and crisp.
The 2012 Chateau d’Avize is an ethereal Champagne that personifies the meticulous processes at Leclerc Briant. The nose shows layered citrus fruits, pear, white flowers, and fresh patisserie. The palate is ripe and shows notes of brioche and toast underpinning the white fruits.
Medium Bodied
100% Chardonnay
Chateau Maillet Pomerol 2018
Chateau Maillet dates back to 1820 when the Moze Berthon Family was established in the area. Georges Moze was the first member to get involved in the wine business. The family was already producing wine under the name Chateau Gouperie and back then, Maillet was the second wine label from the estate.
Soil: Gravel, clay and sand Size: 4.5 hectares Farming: Hand harvested, no pesticides or chemical fertilizers used Vines: On average 40 years old
Garnet-purple color. On the nose, elegant notes of blueberries and blackberries, hints of mocha and cigar, and floral aromas like violets. On the palate, very structured and long finish. Pair this wine with mostly all meats: veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes, Asian Cuisine, and pasta.
Chateau Corbin 2016
Jayson by Pahlmeyer Red Blend 2019
Jayson Red Wine is a distinctive blend from some of Napa Valley’s finest vineyards, crafted to express each vintage with intensity and richness. With vintage 2020, fruit was sourced primarily from Atlas Peak, supported by fruit grown in the renowned Stagecoach Vineyard and other exceptional Napa Valley sites. Grapes were hand-picked and hand-sorted before undergoing fermentation in stainless steel tanks to enhance its fruit profile and retain bright acidity. The wine was then racked to 65% new French oak barrels for 15 months of aging.
This wine has aromas of crushed black cherry, fraises des bois, and wild mushroom on the nose. The palate opens, layer upon plush layer, with raspberry, strawberry, and lingonberry, all held beautifully in focus by integrated polished tannins.
Jayson by Pahlmeyer Red Blend 2018
Jayson Red Wine is a distinctive blend from some of Napa Valley’s finest vineyards, crafted to express each vintage with intensity and richness. With vintage 2020, fruit was sourced primarily from Atlas Peak, supported by fruit grown in the renowned Stagecoach Vineyard and other exceptional Napa Valley sites. Grapes were hand-picked and hand-sorted before undergoing fermentation in stainless steel tanks to enhance its fruit profile and retain bright acidity. The wine was then racked to 65% new French oak barrels for 15 months of aging.
This wine has aromas of crushed black cherry, fraises des bois, and wild mushroom on the nose. The palate opens, layer upon plush layer, with raspberry, strawberry, and lingonberry, all held beautifully in focus by integrated polished tannins.
Jayson by Pahlmeyer Chardonnay 2020
This silky-smooth wine offers an appealing lift of crisp tropical fruit and subtle touches of oak for a vibrant, layered Chardonnay.
Notes of lemon meringue, poached pear, crushed granite and fresh pineapple juice offer incredible structure to the palate. Deeper into this well-textured wine are richer hints of butterscotch, almond cream, salted caramel and crème brûlée, finishing bright and playful. Pair this inviting Chardonnay with a grilled pork chop in a mustard-thyme cream sauce with a side of rosemary-herb roasted potatoes, or with a cheese pairing of aged gouda with dried apricots.
Jayson by Pahlmeyer Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested at night to deliver naturally cooled grapes to the winery. Whole clusters were gravity-fed onto a vibrating table for hand sorting. Selected clusters were gently de-stemmed, delivering whole berries for a final hand sorting. After several days of cold maceration, the fruit entered primary fermentation for two to three weeks, then gently pressed in our stainless-steel basket. The wine finished malolactic fermentation in barrel, then aged for 15 months in 88% new French oak barrels.
Effusive aromas of blackberry pie, cassis, and leather greet the nose, foretelling the full, expressive palate. Intense notes of blackberry and plum interweave with flecks of pink peppercorn and plowed earth, amplified by a lift of fresh acidity. The tannins are firm yet seamlessly melded with the rich fruit, driving to a plush, juicy finish.
Amuse Bouche Prêt à Boire Rosé 2021
Made in the southern French style, the 2021 Prêt à Boire Rosé is a Grenache and Syrah blend. Pale salmon pink in color, it offers beautiful aromas of potpourri, raspberry tart and fresh cherries, with hints of baking spices and cracked black pepper. It remains the only rosé produced in the US that garners 90+ point ratings from all the top wine critics.
Some of you may not be aware that the world lost George Rodrigue on December 14, 2013. He was 69 years old. George, and his wife Wendy, have been dear friends of ours since 2005 when we initially commissioned George to paint a "blue dog" for our 2006 Amuse Bouche release. A native of Louisiana, George launched his painting career in the 1960s. He was not only a magnificent artist; George was a true community leader, philanthropist and advocate of arts education, inspiring a new generation of artists through the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts.
"Cherry-colored rosé with aromas of plum stones, raspberries, watermelon, sweet spices and dried flowers. Medium-to full-bodied with bright acidity and just a hint of tannin texture. Dry. Grenache and syrah. Drink now."
- James Suckling, October 2021