Yangarra Noir 2021
Grenache is the emerging hero variety of McLaren Vale. Traditional blends of Grenache from the region focused on the varieties Grenache (G), Shiraz (S) and Mourvedre (M), and thus the term GSM. For many years in the old-world Grenache had many more blending partners. In France, namely the Sourthern Rhone, it can be blended with Cinsaut, Counouise, Picpoul Noir, Muscardin. In Priorat Spain, with Carignan. We started planting some of these obscure Southern Rhone and Priorat varieties in 2008 which has culminated in our first Noir blend being produced.
Many of these varieties, including Grenache, have a blanc (white), gris (grey) and noir (black) expression of the variety, which lead to calling this the Noir. Kept on lees in 100% older French oak for 6 months after fermentation.
VARIETY: 45% Grenache, 19% Mourvédre, 19% Carignan, 12% Shiraz, 4% Cinsaut, 1% Counoise
"A bright assemblage of fresh red-fruit aromas and flavors with crisp, easygoing texture and a neat, succulent finish. 62% grenache, 15% shiraz, 12% mourvedre, 6% carignan, 3% cinsault and 2% counoise. Drink now. Screw cap." - 91 points, James Suckling
Chateau de Pommard Gevrey Chambertin 2020
Appearance: The wine is clear, pale, ruby
Behind its deep ruby color, our Gevrey-Chambertin 2020 displays a flattering and floral nose. The palate is rich and elegant, with present yet supple tannins. Made for aging, this Pinot Noir will fully unveil its complexity in the next few years if you have the patience to wait.
Conclusions: The wine is outstanding. It shows intense aromas and flavours which will evolve with time. It is feminine and its perfume will incense you. Approachable now but has an immense potential for ageing.
Tignanello 2019
Tignanello was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques, the first contemporary red wine blended with untraditional varieties (specifically Cabernet) and one of the first red wines in the Chianti Classico region that didn’t use white grapes. Tignanello is a milestone. It’s produced with a selection of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
Extremely perfumed and vivid, with fresh mushrooms, cherry stones and blackberries. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are long and complete. Fresh acidity. Tangy and vibrant.
Primus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Maipo Valley, Chile
Lively aromas of blackberry, blueberry and dried cherry intertwine with vanilla and cedar notes. A smooth silky texture with fine tannins and balance, providing a beautiful and lingering finish. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Primus vineyards are located on the third alluvial terrace of the Alto Maipo, at the foot of the Andes Mountains. The grapes are hand-picked, double sorted, fermented in open top tanks with native yeasts, and left on the skins after fermentation to gain structure and depth. The best lots of the vintage are selected, blended and aged in French oak barrels for 12 months.
"Red and black currants, raspberries, orange zest, tobacco, cocoa and dried herbs on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and bright acidity. Crisp and vibrant fruit character, with a zesty, firm finish. Vegan. Sustainable. Drink or hold." - 91 points, James Suckling
"A finely chiseled red, with elegance and depth, showing forest floor, lavender and balsam notes around a lively mouthful of mineral-laced red currant and plum. Ends with well-formed tannins and peppercorn details. Drink now through 2032. 7,000 cases made, 2,900 cases imported." - 90 points, Wine Spectator
First Drop Mother’s Ruin McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
This well balanced expression of McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon is an ode to the ‘luncheon claret’, but it’s not as green and austere as the favourite lunchtime libation at the gentleman’s club. The fruit is from a vineyard with good breeding in the foothills and the resulting wine has been made in a fruit driven style this vintage. It has classic First Drop drinkability, so bottoms up!
Colour: Dark plum
Nose: Cassis and plum fruit flavours with hints of eucalyptus and florals
Palate: Black fruits with a round mid palate, an elegant core of tannins and a textured finish.
"Dense wild blackberry, maraschino cherry and huckleberry flavors are at the core, with toothsome tannins and a juicy thread. The aromatics here stand out—sarsaparilla, palo santo and clove, dark chocolate and spicy cigar box notes that linger on the expressive finish. Drink now through 2036. 2,000 cases made, 500 cases imported." - 92 points, MaryAnn Worobiec, Senior Editor and Napa Bureau Chief at Wine Spectator
Chateau de Pommard Clos Marey – Monge “Micault” 2019
A pure expression of a minimally oaked Pinot Noir, Micault 2019 displays a deep ruby color. This refreshing and elegant wine features the aroma of red fruit, rose and peony, with a hint of spice. On the palate, the tannins are ethereal and lacy. Micault 2019 explodes in the mouth with its jubilant juicy red fruit profile. Enjoyable today, this Pommard will evolve gracefully over the next 10 years.
Maturation: 18 months in 15% new French oak barrels
Food Pairing: Beef, Veal, Game (deer, venison), Poultry
Chateau de Pommard Maranges Premier Cru “Le Clos Des Loyères” 2020
Hand-harvested grapes, hand-sorted on a vibrating table. 50% whole-cluster, placed into stainless steel fermentation vats by gravity flow. Weeks-long maceration, minimal pumping-over and punching-down. Pressing in pneumatic press. Placed in French oak barrels for aging on fine lees. Light filtration before bottling.
Underneath its dark color, this Pinot Noir explodes with aromas of elderberry, rose, and peony, nuanced by subtle smoky notes. The same flavors on the palate highlight the personality of this elegant and perfectly balanced wine. The tannins are silky and the oak is well integrated. The finish, long and full, confers an unusual airiness to this wine.
Production: 2,700 bottles
Opus One 2017
Opus One was founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, legendary proprietor of Château Mouton Rothschild, and renowned Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. By combining the great winemaking traditions and innovations of both families, the founders’ singular goal was to create an exceptional wine in the heart of Napa Valley.
Opus One, like any great work, arose out of passion. Dedicated to uncompromised quality, Opus One’s sole purpose is to express this vision and passionate spirit for generations to come.
VINTAGE 2o17
The winter of 2017 ended a five-year drought with January recording the most rainfall in over 20 years. The abundant rainfall continued into March, causing a modest delay in budbreak, and pushing bloom back by two weeks. Increased soil moisture allowed for healthy vine growth and development. The summer, in turn, was warm and punctuated by occasional heat waves. Despite Mother Nature’s variability, favorable weather in August provided optimal conditions for fruit development and maturation. Superb flavors and excellent ripening led to an earlier than expected harvest, which commenced on the 5th of September.
The Opus One 2017 offers a harmonious aromatic balance of rich dark fruit, stems of roses, and earthy forest floor. The juicy entry offers a round, silky mouthfeel with just enough acidity to complement the satin texture. This seductive wine shows flavors of black cassis, black cherry and a hint of cocoa powder. The fine-grained, plush tannins evolve into a long, supple finish. A supremely age-worthy wine, it will delight now and for many years to come.
VARIETALS
Cabernet Sauvignon 80%, Petit Verdot 9%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Merlot 5%, and Malbec 1%
SKIN CONTACT
20 days
BARREL AGING
17 months in new French oak
Yangarra GSM 2021
Our Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre blend is inspired by the traditional estate blends of the southern Rhône. The Grenache is sourced from a combination of young and old bush vines. We select the most elegant and perfumed Shiraz and add Mourvèdre for fragrance and solid tannin structure.
Each variety handled separately. Destemmed and selectively sorted in the winery. 50% whole berries retained. Wild yeast ferment. Each variety has a unique maceration, however a unifying principle of a very gentle pump over regime for a minimum of 14 days. The wine was matured in a mixture of older French oak puncheons and foudre, ceramic eggs and amphora. Certified Organic/Biodynamic.
VARIETY: 53% Grenache Noir, 33% Shiraz, 14% Mourvèdre