l’usine Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2017
WINEMARKER’S NOTES
To the eye, a lucid crimson sits in the glass. Aromatics of ripe cranberries, forest floor, morels and a touch of bramble engage. The wine slips onto the palate with a silky, enveloping balanced and riveting, the wine closes with concentration and finesse – an exemplar of drinkability.
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 15.4%
Maturation: Aged 9 months in French Oak, 78% New
l’usine Annapolis Vineyard Sonoma County 2017
WINEMARKER’S NOTES
Nuance and Intrigue characterize the wine, starting with a dark crimson and a ruby rim but manifested by the aromatics: white pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, pine resin and crème de menthe. An entry dominated by a bright acidity, the mid-palate explores characteristics of rhubarb, savory and a hint of wild strawberry with a long finish indicative of graceful aging.
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol : 15.9%
Maturation: Aged 9 months in French Oak, 42% New
Handpicked Capella Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017
Mornington Peninsula, Australia
The 2017 vintage on the Mornington Peninsula was a classic one in which overall mild and stable conditions produced superb quality fruit and wines of great balance, finesse and longevity. Dubbed by some a “Goldilocks” vintage, 2017 delivered just enough and not too much of everything. Vines ripened slowly, building great depth of flavour while retaining fine balance in sugar and acid. Harvest began in early-March, a little later than the long-term average, and somewhat of a relief after the record-early vintage of 2016.
Fruit from select blocks at Capella Vineyard is handpicked, destemmed, and sorted by hand to ensure only the finest berries make it into this beautifully perfumed, supple and silky wine. The aromas are classic Pinot Noir – cherries, strawberries, and earthy spice - with the purity and perfume we have come to expect of Capella Vineyard. The palate combines power and grace with great texture and silky-smooth tannin.
Recommended Serving Temperature: 15-17°C
Food Pairing: Peking Duck, Roasted Quail, Mushroom Risotto
Le Volte dell’ Ornellaia 2020
Ruby red with purple reflections, Le Volte dell' Ornellaia 2020 has a vinous bouquet, releasing a complexity of aromas ranging from ripe red fruits, to Mediterranean scrub, up to delicate notes of tobacco and spices. The mouthfeel is soft and silky, but at the same time supported by a lively acidity that gives us a crisp, persistent finish.
"A blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Ornellaia 2020 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia shows medium darkness and texture followed by a very primary and fruit-forward bouquet. There is a generous display of cherry, cassis and wild plum. On second nose, this easy and straightforward Tuscan blend reveals hints of spice, cardamon and polished river stone. In a hot vintage like this, the wine comes together nicely and rather effortlessly." - 90 points, Robert Parker
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
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
Locations I Italian Red Wine
With over 2000 indigenous grape varieties to select and compose a blend, an exhaustive search was undertaken to pay homage to this historic region. Maintaining the integrity of the land was paramount while simultaneously considering the end result of a dynamic and innovative wine. Powerful and rich fruit from Puglia (Torricella and Manduria) serves as the base with a lively vein of acidity from Barbera (Alba) that stabilizes things in just the right way.
A vast array of aromas escapes the glass—black cherry, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cured meat—which are complemented by shades of sandalwood, vanilla, balsa and evergreen. e entry is silky smooth with a textured mid-palate of velvety fig, blueberry jam and soft oak. A hint of sea salt on the finish is rounded out with a mouthfeel that fades slowly.
A blend of Negroamaro and Nero d’Avola from the Southern region of Puglia combined with Barbera from Piemonte in the North.
Barrel aged 10 months prior to release.
"The black-olive, blueberry and blackberry character, combined with stone and orange peel is very attractive. Full to medium body. Solid core of fruit and a flavorful, zesty finish. A blend of negroamaro, nero d’avola and barbera. Drink now." - 92 points, James Suckling
Handpicked Capella Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
Mornington Peninsula, Australia
The Mornington Peninsula is famous for its Pinot Noir wines and this is a fine example of a great vintage: deep colour, spicy berry aromas, a silky-smooth palate and fine tannin to finish.
Elegant & Refined
Food Pairing: Peking Duck, Roasted Quail, Mushroom Risotto
"A boldly spicy pinot that has ripe red cherries and a layer of charcuterie, as well as sappy, first-wood aromas. The palate has boldly spicy, red and dark-berry flavors with assertive tannin grain. Drink or hold. Screw cap." - 92 points, James Suckling
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
Arnaldo Rivera Barolo DOCG Ravera 2018
The nose is intensely smoky, with raspberry and strawberry aromas. The calcareous white soils produce beautiful fruit aromatics, whilst the due-south sun-facing aspect add considerable depth to the fruit and ripeness to the firm tannins. Directness of fruit is also brought forward by a degree less oak than their other Cru wines, with some smaller format wood -- but none of it new. It's sleek and stylish, a lifted wine that's taut and spicy with fine-grained tannins. There's tension and persistence here, with a long and elegant finish. A long and profound Barolo to approach now or cellar a good while, the Ravera is a classic.
"Quite a spicy nose, together with plum, red-tile and deeper, earthy notes. Medium-bodied with firm tannins that feel a little dry, at least for now. But there’s very good concentration of fruit. The tannins should sink better into the wine with time. Structured. Try from 2024." - 93 points, James Suckling
Handpicked Regional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
This delicious wine has trademark aromas of blackberry, cassis and choc-mint with a lovely palate of concentrated dark fruits all balanced by leafy freshness and firm but long tannins. This is classic Coonawarra Cabernet.
Food Pairing: Roasted leg of lamb, slow cooked shanks, osso buco with gremolata, spicy meatballs.
Serving Temperature: 13˚C - 18˚C
Cellar Potential: 2026
"The region is Margaret River and it stands out like the proverbial. Rich and powerful cabernet from this great vintage packs quite a punch as it extends to a sustained finish.” 91 points, Ray Jordan - The West Australian