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
Yangarra Estate High Sands Grenache 2018
VINTAGE SUMMARY
2018 was a text book growing season, with good winter rains, and favourable weather conditions during a very mild spring. We had a generally dry summer, which led to earlier expected picking dates, especially with lower than average yields. By the end of February and early march the Autumnal nights got quite cool, which really slowed down the ripening process.
WINEMAKING
Hand-picked and mechanically sorted. 100% Destemmed, with 50% whole berries. Cold soak. Open fermenters. Plunged. Wild yeast ferment. No pressings are used in this wine. Kept on lees in 100% older French oak for 11 months. We have selected individual barrels that showcase the pedigree of the deep sand, with lifted fragrance, intense fruit expression and fine, gritty long tannin structure. Not fined.
"So rich, complex and intense with a wealth of very ripe, powerful fruit on offer. Blood-orange and pomegranate notes, together with stony aromas, providing a very complex feel. The palate is super powerful and juicy. So very long, so rich and so well defined, showing mouthwatering tannins and a very sleek, long and juicy drive of red-fruit flavor. This has immense power and carries rich, ripe red and blue fruit. Wow. So intense. Drink or hold. Screw cap." - 98 points, James Suckling
“Intense ruby colour, bright and clear throughout the glass. Wine gums, dry earth and wakame on the nose. The palate is medium in weight but full in power. Fruit sits with depth, but the tannin profile is something special in its intensity and grip. Great length, it lingers very long. Time in the cellar is highly recommended as this will age very well. If you're a classical Châteauneuf-du-Pape fan, then this is a wine to note.” - Stuart Knox, The Real Review
[Bundle of 3] Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Our 2018 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon showcases ripe note of blackberry, blueberry and red plum. Accompanying with hints of cocoa and oak. They are perfect pair with strong and firm cheese such as asiago, Cheddar, Smoked Gouda and even pungent cheese like blue cheese and Gorgonzola. They can also be paired with Steak, Lamb and Venison.
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
"Dark plums, black cherries, grilled herbs and smoke on the nose. It’s full-bodied with firm, sleek tannins. Supple and juicy with fresh acidity. Savory, flavorful finish. Drink or hold." - 92 points, James Suckling
Opus One 2018
The vineyards enjoyed idyllic growing conditions with consistent weather and milder temperatures in 2018. The beginning of the year was notably dry; however, well-timed rainfall
just before budbreak provided the necessary water for canopy development. Flawless conditions ensued during flowering and fruit set which led to higher-than-average yields. While the season got off to a later start, veraison occurred only seven days later than the average which gave the fruit the necessary time to ripen perfectly. Harvest began on September 19th with a steady pace that continued until the last fruit arrived on October 25th.
The Opus One 2018 offers profuse aromas of blackberry, cassis and black cherry. Elegant notes of violets, white pepper and rose petals follow and together they deliver a very seductive bouquet. The seamlessly layered flavors build to a crescendo of fresh and juicy black-fruit, accented with hints of orange zest, licorice and dark chocolate. Beautifully balanced, the smooth round tannins and fresh acidity combine to create a soft, creamy mouthfeel and extend the flavors into a long persistent finish.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon 84%, Petit Verdot 6%, Merlot 5%, Cabernet Franc 4%, and Malbec 1%
Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia 2018
Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia 2018 has a classic straw-yellow colour. The nose presents intense aromas of white-fleshed fruits, accompanied by delicate notes of vanilla. On the palate it is initially ample and soft; the wine reveals a great richness and marked tanginess that lead to a fresh and persistent finish.
"A bright, fruity white with fennel, lemon-peel and sliced green-apple character. It’s full-bodied with lovely fruit and a crisp finish. Refreshingly fruity. Drink now." - 92 points, James Suckling
Chateau Saint-Pierre Esprit de Saint-Pierre 2018
Refreshing red fruit rather than black fruit with nice freshness. The palate shows some fine grain and bright acidity. There is a lot of wood on the finish that hangs around with a plume of smoke, adding some beautiful complexity.
60% Cabernet Sauvignon , 22% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc
"Deep ruby-garnet, purple glints, faintly lighter at the rim. Fragrance of black berries, a hint of liquorice, and savoury-tobacco nuances underpinned by a hint of nougat and Irish moss. Juicy, red sweetheart cherries, fine fruit expression, delicate tannins, lovely freshness. A multifaceted food companion. (2020-2035)." - falstaff
Chateau Malartic Lagraviere Rouge 2018
The Chateau Malartic Lagraviere Rouge 2018 had all the characteristics of a great vintage. They have superb balance, tremendous freshness, and a distinguished, elegant character. The reds are beautifully crafted. The Merlot offers a sublime mid-palate, with a silkiness and density that are rarely achieved. The Cabernet is spectacular, with exceptional aromatic profiles and levels of quality. The Petit-Verdots, co-fermented with the merlots, are particularly silky.
57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc
"… some gorgeous rich liquorice and cassis fruits… the texture stands out for its silkiness. Clearly a very good wine, which opens up slowly and carefully. Classic but with depth and grip, continuing a run of successful vintages at Malartic.” - Wine Enthusiast
“Cellar selection … this is a well-crafted wine. It combines richness with sophisticated tannins, dense black fruits and considerable potential. Ripe berry flavors give depth." - Decanter
Chateau Malartic Lagraviere Blanc 2018
The Pessac-Léognan white 2018 is intense on the nose with pleasant aromas of stone fruit, citrus and green apple. It is a balanced white Bordeaux wine, tense, and with a freshness enhanced by a wonderful minerality. This very delicious wine develops a great aromatic bouquet on the finish, which also boasts fantastic length.
80% Sauvignon, 20% Sémillon
“The 2018 Malartic Lagraviere 2018 Blanc is a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon. It was fermented in oak barrels, 55% new. It opens with alluring scents of fresh pears, Golden Delicious apples and juicy peaches, followed by hints of nutmeg, dill seed and honeysuckle. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers bags of apple and stone fruit flavors with a racy line and oily suggestion to the texture, finishing on a lingering spicy note. Drink 2022-2035.” – Janvier at James Suckling
Chateau de Pommard Santenay Premier Cru “La Maladière” 2018
Behind its pale lemon colour, the Santenay Premier Cru “La Maladière” hides intense aromas of lemon, yellow peach, and tropical fruit. Its refreshing palate reveals a certain sweetness, highlighted by vanilla and smoke. The lightly saline finish evolves pleasantly before ending with a touch of mint.
Recommended Serving Temperature: 12°C
Arnaldo Rivera Barolo DOCG Cannubi 2018
Cannubi is one of Barolo's most famous vineyards, "A vineyard kissed by God" writes James Suckling. Intense, complex and incredibly well made. This is a wine not to be missed.
Ruby red in the glass with slight reflections. The aroma is intense with notes of raspberry, cherry and smoke. The taste is complex with notes of sun-ripened raspberries, dark cherries, licorice, tobacco, flint and smoke. The finish is long with a nice structure of slender tannins and delicate acidity. Perfect with dishes such as ossobuco, beef ragu, mushroom risotto, antipasti etc.
Louis M. Martini 90th Anniversary Vertical Collection
Louis M. Martini Lot 1 2013
"A perfect wine that seems to have gone from one strength to another since I first tasted it, the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is an absolutely amazing wine. This could well turn out to be the greater wine ever made at the Louis Martini Winery, and that is saying something" - Robert Parker Depth and complexity are the hallmarks of our 100-point score. Warm and dry weather throughout the growing season created excellent harvest conditions, allowing the fruit to be piked at optimal maturity and balance for decades of aging potential. Aromas of dark chocolate layered over dark berry compote lead into notes of blackberry and blueberry liquor on the palate. The finish maintains depth and adds even more polish, evolving and delighting with its remarkable length.Louis M. Martini Lot 1 2014
Our 93-point Lot 1 2014 is the result of a dry and warm growing season with concentrated, well-structured fruit that boasts exceptional quality and depth. Aromas of blackberry jam and crème brûlée lead to a powerful palate filled with cherry, black currant, and caramel in a plush mouthfeel. The polished finish evolves with fruit and toasted oak, and the balance of power and elegance allows for decades of aging.Louis M. Martini Lot 1 2018
Our 96+ point Lot 1 2018 is the result of a mild growing season and plentiful winter rains. This caused a slight delay in harvest that produced beautifully developed fruit and outstanding mountainside characteristics. On the nose, enticing aromas of wild blackberries and cocoa lead to a rich, plush palate with notes of shaved chocolate, reduced blackberry compote and hints of cinnamon. The long finish showcases classic oak character and plush tannins.