Buy Wine by the Case
Use the filters below to explore our collection of wines available to order in cases of six or twelve.
46 products
46 products
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.1 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Robert Parker
96 points
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a smashing success with an impressive array of red and black fruits on the nose with elements of spice and floral nuances that lift the experience to the next level. Wonderful expressions of dusty blackberry, cherry skin and baking spices compounded by aromas of pencil shavings, graphite and cigarbox sway with elements of red and purple flowers. Full-bodied, the wine explodes on the palate with succulent, dusty red and black fruit flavors before showing elements of dried herbs, elegant oak spice and youthful tannins across the mid-palate. The wine evolves over the long, lingering finish, showing complexity, precision and finesse. Give it a few years in the wine cellar before opening. Your patience will be rewarded. Bravo!
- Red Wine
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Bodegas Exopto
Exopto is Latin for “to long for” or “to desire greatly” and it is the dream of Frenchman Tom Puyaubert and his family to endeavor to craft and assemble wines where the whole adds up to more than the sum of their parts. Tom relocated from France to Rioja in 2000 after falling in love with the region and working for the French cooperage Saury as its Spain representative.
When Tom began Exopto, he wanted to do a project that produced wines within this historical context of Rioja - combining both worlds in a unique way. His idea is to remain true to the blending of the principle grape varieties and to do so from the best terroirs/villages for those varieties crossing sub-regions of Rioja. Each wine though, has a majority of a different principle grape – showcasing that variety specifically within the context of a blend. The viticulture and winemaking model is that of the “vigneron” days – small plots of vines in the extremes, wild yeast fermentation in concrete or old oak vats and then aging in a way to showcase the fruit, minerality and terroir not the wood or aged flavours that people often associate with Rioja.
Press Reviews
James Suckling
91 Points - Zekun Shuai, Senior Editor
Distinctive aromas of briar, peppercorn and tarry fruit with mulberries and blueberries. Medium-bodied on the palate saturated with fresh, pulpy blue fruit and some lavender. Silky wrapping of tannins here. Maturana tinta. Drink now.
- Red Wine
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Wine Orbit
92 Points - Sam Kim
This is instantly appealing on the nose with dark plum, sweet cherry, warm spice and rich floral aromas, followed by a beautifully flavoursome palate offering supple mouthfeel backed by fine tannins. Comforting and tasty with a lengthy silky finish. At its best: now to 2029.
- White Wine
- Chenin Blanc
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines
Mullineux Family Wines, established in 2007 in the Swartland region of South Africa, is owned and managed by Chris and Andrea Mullineux. Since its inception the winery has established itself as one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine brands, both locally and internationally. Originally from Northern California, Winemaker Andrea Mullineux studied Viticulture and Oenology at UC-Davis before working in Stellenbosch and meeting Chris at a wine festival in Champagne. Chris is the Viticulturist in charge of the vineyards on their farm on Kasteelberg Mountain as well as fruit sourcing for their value Kloof Street wines.
To add to their acclaim, Andrea Mullineux was named Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year in 2016 and in 2016 Chris & Andrea were Tim Atkin’s South African Winemakers of the Year. . By focusing on producing handcrafted wines from the granite and shale based soils of the Swartland and it is quickly becoming South Africa's wine frontier. Located an hour's drive away from Stellenbosch, the Swartland is rolling hills of wheat and jagged outcrops of old vines.
Press Reviews
Wine Align - John Szabo, MS
95 Points
Roundstone is the name of the Mulineux's estate vineyard, based on shallow schists, very poor, with little water penetration, leading to smaller canopies, smaller bunches, smaller berries, "Bonsai vines", with bunches up to 30% lighter by weight than the Mullineux's chenin grown on granites, another single soil exploration of a trilogy. The power is evident on the nose, with striking stoniness and more evolved yellow fruit profile than the granite, also honeyed and waxy. Schist is always about 0.5 grams lower TA than Granite, around 5.8 TA at 3.3 pH, versus 3.2 on the granites. But in both cases phenolics bring additional freshness, texture and tension. This is the wine for fans of density and weight, like a Wachau smaragd grüner, with palpable phenolics (tannins). It has immense staying power. Tasted twice in September 2022 and April 2023.
Wine Align - Michael Godel
95 Points
Roundstone, aka “ronde steen or rondklip” in Afrikaans but the farm is known by its English name. Another Western Cape account for struggling grapes while here the matter involves smaller canopies, clusters and grapes. The vineyard begets and raises a child of the land's stony "dakteëls," roof tiles where everything slides and so the tannins accentuate to procure wines of a certain toughness. This child is street smart and battle ready, got into a few fights in the early days, now able stand up for itself no matter the attack or the scene. Aromatically speaking there is a cheese rind scent in the dry comports of extreme aridity, resulting in intensity and directivity. A slightly higher pH makes this the sapid one, sliding across the palate with its über fresh scathe. This will age with the best of them, more like structured reds but so very capable as chenin blanc. Drink 2024-2034. Tasted October 2022.
Robert Parker
93 Points
The 2021 Schist Chenin Blanc offers more energy and aromatics on the nose than the previous vintage, with a focused and fresh expression that reveals dusty citrus blossom, wax melon and Meyer lemon. Medium-bodied and less broad-shouldered than the 2020 vintage bottling, the mouthfeel is creamy and textured before it unwinds over the juicy and fresh finish.
- Red Wine
- Syrah
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 1.9 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines
Mullineux Family Wines, established in 2007 in the Swartland region of South Africa, is owned and managed by Chris and Andrea Mullineux. Since its inception the winery has established itself as one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine brands, both locally and internationally. Originally from Northern California, Winemaker Andrea Mullineux studied Viticulture and Oenology at UC-Davis before working in Stellenbosch and meeting Chris at a wine festival in Champagne. Chris is the Viticulturist in charge of the vineyards on their farm on Kasteelberg Mountain as well as fruit sourcing for their value Kloof Street wines.
To add to their acclaim, Andrea Mullineux was named Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year in 2016 and in 2016 Chris & Andrea were Tim Atkin’s South African Winemakers of the Year. . By focusing on producing handcrafted wines from the granite and shale based soils of the Swartland and it is quickly becoming South Africa's wine frontier. Located an hour's drive away from Stellenbosch, the Swartland is rolling hills of wheat and jagged outcrops of old vines.
Press Reviews
Wine Align - John Szabo, MS
93 Points
Pure syrah on a mix of granite, schists, quartz and iron-rich soils, the flagship bottling of syrah from Mullineux. 100% crushed whole cluster (not carbonic), fermented in upright, large wooden vats. Lifted, clean and perfumed, with attractive florals, sweet-fresh dark fruit, wild herbs, and more in a complex guise. The palate delivers a raft of sun-soaked black fruit framed by fine, grainy tannins, with excellent length. A syrah of class and sophistication, drinking surprisingly well now, though surely better after 2023. Tasted twice in September 2022 and April 2023.
James Suckling
92 Points
Aromas of grilled plums, grilled meat, coriander and clove. Medium- to full-bodied with silky tannins. Succulent and deep with steady intensity. Chocolate and blueberry come through. Lovely. Drink now.
- Red Wine
- Syrah
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 1.9 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines
Mullineux Family Wines, established in 2007 in the Swartland region of South Africa, is owned and managed by Chris and Andrea Mullineux. Since its inception the winery has established itself as one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine brands, both locally and internationally. Originally from Northern California, Winemaker Andrea Mullineux studied Viticulture and Oenology at UC-Davis before working in Stellenbosch and meeting Chris at a wine festival in Champagne. Chris is the Viticulturist in charge of the vineyards on their farm on Kasteelberg Mountain as well as fruit sourcing for their value Kloof Street wines.
To add to their acclaim, Andrea Mullineux was named Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year in 2016 and in 2016 Chris & Andrea were Tim Atkin’s South African Winemakers of the Year. . By focusing on producing handcrafted wines from the granite and shale based soils of the Swartland and it is quickly becoming South Africa's wine frontier. Located an hour's drive away from Stellenbosch, the Swartland is rolling hills of wheat and jagged outcrops of old vines.
Press Reviews
Robert Parker
97 Points
The 2020 Iron Syrah is firm with a youthful grip and offers aromas of crushed red berries as explosive florals erupt from the glass. This is instantly the champion of the soil series range this year. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is electric in the mouth and jumps to life as it excites the palate with precision, complexity and finesse. It explodes with beauty and balance and continues to reveal its secrets over the long, lingering, ever-evolving finish. Absolutely stellar!
- Red Wine
- Syrah
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 1.9 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines
Mullineux Family Wines, established in 2007 in the Swartland region of South Africa, is owned and managed by Chris and Andrea Mullineux. Since its inception the winery has established itself as one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine brands, both locally and internationally. Originally from Northern California, Winemaker Andrea Mullineux studied Viticulture and Oenology at UC-Davis before working in Stellenbosch and meeting Chris at a wine festival in Champagne. Chris is the Viticulturist in charge of the vineyards on their farm on Kasteelberg Mountain as well as fruit sourcing for their value Kloof Street wines.
To add to their acclaim, Andrea Mullineux was named Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year in 2016 and in 2016 Chris & Andrea were Tim Atkin’s South African Winemakers of the Year. . By focusing on producing handcrafted wines from the granite and shale based soils of the Swartland and it is quickly becoming South Africa's wine frontier. Located an hour's drive away from Stellenbosch, the Swartland is rolling hills of wheat and jagged outcrops of old vines.
Press Reviews
James Suckling
95 points
Aromas of plums, tobacco leaf, tar and grilled rosemary. Full-bodied with lovely density. Fine-grained tannins are coated in red and blue fruit, giving structure and focus to the savory and brooding palate. Wonderfully composed. Expressive and deep while remaining focused. Best after 2024.
Wine Align - John Szabo, MS
94 Points
The Mullineuxs purchased this vineyard in 2013 (planted in 2000), already well aware of its potential. The thin, poor schist-derived soils tends to yield, as in this case, a darker, more severe, wild and savoury syrah, still on the reductive side versus the more floral and blue-fruited expression of the "Granite" syrah from Mullineux. Although it has higher tannins than the granite, because the pH is higher and acids a bit lower, it comes across as more creamy and supple. (Dry extract 33 for the schist, 32 for the granite). I like the flowing, almost unctuous and generous nature of the wine, the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. Length is excellent. Beautiful, compelling wine, highly ageworthy; hold into the mid-'30s. Tasted twice in September 2022 and April 2023.
Robert Parker
93+ Points
Marked with the same fresh crunchy red fruit as the rest of the range, the 2020 Schist Syrah pops with a dusty floral grip and hints of red spice and potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, the mouthfeel displays a delightful and food-friendly mineral tension before focused tannins grip the gumline. The wine persists on the palate, revealing breadth and depth with focus and harmony before lingering with a tannic edge. Give it one more year in the bottle, and drink it over the next 15 to 18 years.
- Red Wine
- Syrah
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 1.9 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines
Mullineux Family Wines, established in 2007 in the Swartland region of South Africa, is owned and managed by Chris and Andrea Mullineux. Since its inception the winery has established itself as one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine brands, both locally and internationally. Originally from Northern California, Winemaker Andrea Mullineux studied Viticulture and Oenology at UC-Davis before working in Stellenbosch and meeting Chris at a wine festival in Champagne. Chris is the Viticulturist in charge of the vineyards on their farm on Kasteelberg Mountain as well as fruit sourcing for their value Kloof Street wines.
To add to their acclaim, Andrea Mullineux was named Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year in 2016 and in 2016 Chris & Andrea were Tim Atkin’s South African Winemakers of the Year. . By focusing on producing handcrafted wines from the granite and shale based soils of the Swartland and it is quickly becoming South Africa's wine frontier. Located an hour's drive away from Stellenbosch, the Swartland is rolling hills of wheat and jagged outcrops of old vines.
Press Reviews
Wine Align - John Szabo, MS
95 Points
I love the finesse and elegance in this wine, born of slightly more generous granite soils yielding bigger canopies and more shaded, protected fruit. It's fermented in 500l upright barrels with gentle hand punch downs, more of an infusion than extraction. the 2nd year of ageing takes place in large oak vats for aromatic refinement. The nose is all wild violets, and black currants right off the bush, crushed mint and thyme, cracked black pepper and cinnamon stick. The palate is sleek and linear, flowing, structured and firm but in the raw silk fashion. Length and depth are spectacular. Best after 2026 or so, or hold late into the '30s. Tasted twice in September 2022 and April 2023.
Robert Parker
94 Points
Bursting from the glass with bright, sweet red fruit, the 2020 Granite Syrah is fresh and floral with an instantly pleasing aromatic nose. Medium to full-bodied and subtly spiced, the palate offers flavors of crunchy red fruit with hints of potpourri that sway with elegance and finesse. The wine reveals a nimble brightness to the mid-palate, showing purity with youthful, gripping tannins. The Syrah concludes with a gracefully elegant finish that brings me back for more.
James Suckling
94 Points
A lovely nose of red cherries, black licorice and dried rosemary. Medium- to full-bodied with fine, textured tannins. Lovely grip on the palate with an array of red and blue fruit. Layered and expressive with steady intensity and a persistent finish. Tense now. Best after 2024.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.00% alc./vol
About the Winery
Groupe Bellene
Led by Nicolas Potel in Beaune, Groupe Bellene is composed of the négociant arm Maison Roche de Bellene, the winery arm Domaine de Bellene, and a special back-vintage series under the Collection Bellenum label.
- Maison Roche de Bellene offers a complete range of wines, with an emphasis on individual terroirs from old vines of more than 40 years. All of the growers that Nicolas works with are either organic certified or sustainably farmed.
- Domaine de Bellene represents the wines that are produced and bottled from Nicolas Potel's private vineyard holdings.
- Collection Bellenum is a back vintage series that Nicolas Potel sourced from his friends in the region, offering a magnificent selection of bottled history. The wines have moved only twice in their lives, from the original cellar to Potel's and now to yours!
Nicolas Potel grew up at Volnay's Domaine Pousse d'Or, where his father worked. He trained abroad and returned home in 1996 to build a négociant business and started Maison Nicolas Potel, where he sourced grapes from good parcels, often working with the growers to improve the quality. By 2002, he was making 120 wines from 50 different appellations, and the rest is history!
Press Reviews
WineAlign
95 Points - David Lawrason
This is a classic Meursault in so many ways. First, the nose is all about layers of complexity with pear flan, hazelnut, light toast and fine brown cinnamon/nutmeg spice. It is full bodied, rich and fleshy but the acid core is terrific and well integrated. And despite all the largesse it maintains a sense of delicacy and minerality. This is so well focused and the length is outstanding
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.00% alc./vol
Press Reviews
WineAlign
91 Points - Sara d'Amato
A joint venture benefitting the winery employees of the Mullineux and Leeu Family Wines, this project is aimed at improving the livelihood of the staff and their families through the profits generated by Great Heart sales. The label features a Cape Wagtail bird that bears a marking that resembles a heart on its chest plumage and is known for its acts of selflessness and courage in assisting others in South African folklore. Great Heart's red blend is typically led by syrah and this incarnation is notably expressive of the grape's peppery and generous nature. Full-bodied but not heavy, this engaging blend features delicate oak and fruit-derived spice, an abundance of black fruit and no shortage of personality. Lithe tannins, an undercurrent of freshness make for a gratifying textural experience. Excellent length. Best now to 2026. Tasted Feburary 2023.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.00% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Louis Moreau
Winemaker Louis Moreau is the master of the Chablis terroir, where he bottles 100% Chardonnay wines from all four levels of appellation: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Crus and Chablis Grands Cru.
The Domaine owns parcels in five of the seven Grands Cru climats, and works with many plots throughout the region in a sustainable manner. The most prestigious of its wines is the monopole Chablis Grand Cru 'Clos des Hospices' dans Les Clos AOC 2016, acquired by the Moreau family in 1904.
Louis Moreau, who has been leading the domaine since 1994, produces wines with a unique style. Louis Moreau studied oenology-viticulture at Fresno State University and worked at different Californian wineries before he took over the Domaine's operations in 1994, representing the family's sixth generation of vignerons.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
96 Points - David Lawrason
This is not a highly effusive or rich wine - more linear, taut and firm with all its power saved until the end where acids and minerals collide and go for extra laps. The nose is lemony, a touch reductive, flinty and vaguely nutty with a hint of evergreen. It is medium bodied, racy and intense with outstanding length. a great palate experience. Tasted January 2023
- White Wine
- Cinsault
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 1.7 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines
Mullineux Family Wines, established in 2007 in the Swartland region of South Africa, is owned and managed by Chris and Andrea Mullineux. Since its inception the winery has established itself as one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine brands, both locally and internationally. Originally from Northern California, Winemaker Andrea Mullineux studied Viticulture and Oenology at UC-Davis before working in Stellenbosch and meeting Chris at a wine festival in Champagne. Chris is the Viticulturist in charge of the vineyards on their farm on Kasteelberg Mountain as well as fruit sourcing for their value Kloof Street wines.
To add to their acclaim, Andrea Mullineux was named Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year in 2016 and in 2016 Chris & Andrea were Tim Atkin’s South African Winemakers of the Year. . By focusing on producing handcrafted wines from the granite and shale based soils of the Swartland and it is quickly becoming South Africa's wine frontier. Located an hour's drive away from Stellenbosch, the Swartland is rolling hills of wheat and jagged outcrops of old vines.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
95 Points - Michael Godel
Leeu Passant cinsault comes from South Africa’s oldest registered vineyard and was only allowed to be harvested by the Mullineuxs in the third year (after signing the lease). Rehabilitation and dedication to an old vines commitment came first for a block that essentially was previously farmed for the “coop." Now 132 years old, a grand old block of gnarly vines that have lived through many parochial and world wars. You must chew the outside skin of this cinsault to get at the inner flesh, to release its resins, natural flavours and essential oils. Tannic and tongue tripping, piqued with resolved spice and feeling vey mature. Open tank, whole cluster, malo made, like the days of yore. Hard not to see this as anything but mature, wise and known for understanding. With time got behind the more pleasant its attributes, the more persuasive it will be. Drink 2023-2028. Tasted October 2022.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.1 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines
Mullineux Family Wines, established in 2007 in the Swartland region of South Africa, is owned and managed by Chris and Andrea Mullineux. Since its inception the winery has established itself as one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine brands, both locally and internationally. Originally from Northern California, Winemaker Andrea Mullineux studied Viticulture and Oenology at UC-Davis before working in Stellenbosch and meeting Chris at a wine festival in Champagne. Chris is the Viticulturist in charge of the vineyards on their farm on Kasteelberg Mountain as well as fruit sourcing for their value Kloof Street wines.
To add to their acclaim, Andrea Mullineux was named Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year in 2016 and in 2016 Chris & Andrea were Tim Atkin’s South African Winemakers of the Year. . By focusing on producing handcrafted wines from the granite and shale based soils of the Swartland and it is quickly becoming South Africa's wine frontier. Located an hour's drive away from Stellenbosch, the Swartland is rolling hills of wheat and jagged outcrops of old vines.
Press Reviews
Robert Parker
95 Points
The 2020 Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Chardonnay is more generous and shows more ripeness than the previous vintage, with a touch more approachability and youth, as it encapsulates a broader-shouldered expression. Medium to full-bodied, the wine explodes on the palate with flavors of lemon pastry cream, popcorn kernel and sweet citrus and a lingering nutty and creamy sensation across the mid-palate. The wine glides to a gracefully long finish that persists with flavors of peach yogurt. Bravo!
Wine Align - Michael Godel
96 Points
Chris and Andrea Mullineux started the project in 2013 with the help of viticulturist Rosa Kruger. "New" vineyards were unearthed and rehabilitated through four solid years of re-pruning, re-training and re-working of the soils. Then the wines could begin being made. A deconstruction and reconstruction, now seven years in and entering the opening gambit of true maturity stage for what is one of South Africa's most unique heritage collections. Leeu means lions, a reference to a meandering walkabout, personified in these wines. They are made in the Franschhoek winery, certified organic, coming of age in their foray into regenerative agriculture, which says Andrea Mullineux, "in the southern hemisphere also means cultural and worker sustainability practices." The 2020 is as fine a reductive but mainly lightning acidity charged chardonnay as a vineyard can determine. Located in the upper mid-slopes of the Helderberg facing the Strand with a clear view of False Bay. That said or perhaps out of necessity this is made in an oxidative way, which makes sure to keep the flinty and salty faith alive. The '20 is possessive of fibres, threads, strings and wires braided to make a layered whole. Finesse and sophistication co-exist in a vacuum where waves crash upon one another in great open space, with no shore for to finish. If you would like to experience chardonnay in a way you’ve not likely done before than swim all the way out, well offshore, all in, all the way to this place. Turn around and off into the deep distance, gaze upon the strand. Drink 2022-2028. Tasted October 2022.
James Suckling
95 Points
Aromas of sliced lemon, crushed thyme, green apple and flint. Medium-bodied, but don’t let that fool you, because this is so expressive and vibrant on the palate. Complex, too. It rides the line between fresh and nutty wonderfully. Succulent, bright and persistent. A pleasure. Sustainable. Drink or hold.
Vinous
95 Points
The 2020 Chardonnay Stellenbosch comes from a single vineyard in Helderberg just above the Cabernet. This has a wonderful, slightly flinty bouquet with outstanding precision. The palate is very well balanced with a perfect line of acidity, extremely pure, hints of white peach and orange pith, augmented by grapefruit and crushed stone of the finish that's as nervous as a child with stage fright doing school panto for the first time. Brilliant.
- Red Wine
- Chenin Blanc
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 12% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Platter's South African Wine Guide
93 Points
Afrikaans name, 'On The Lees', alerts you to cloudiness & sediment in 2020, certified as 'alternative white'. From palomino (51%) & chenin from Piekenierskloof, packed with umani (nuts, seaweed, salt) & ginger. Bone-dry, light & pleasingly tannic. Bunch pressed & naturally fermented in old oak, no sulphur added.
- White Wine
- Assyrtiko
- Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
Press Reviews
WineAlign - Michael Godel
95 Points
Vassaltis was the dream and now life's work of Yannis Valambous who resurrected his father's vineyards and turned them into some of Santorini's finest tracts. As of 2012 the project has taken root, launched forward and come to a most profound and exciting place. The consulting oenologists are Elias Roussakis and Yannis Papaeconomou who along with Valambous drill down into the island's volcanics to create haute assyrtiko with the greatest sense of place. The barrel aged style is of course Burgundian but it is impossible to smother Santorini and fully assimilate assyrtiko. Richness abounds, intensity magnifies and here assyrtiko takes on a whole next level of purpose. The methodology does allow for movement not wholly restricted to the salty and the mineral but the wine shows no lack of those elements. In the end this is about as big and rich as the grape will get. Drink 2023-2028. Tasted January 2023
- Red Wine
- Syrah
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 4 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Wine Pilot - Ray Jordan
98 Points
These ancestor vines are some of the oldest shiraz vines in the world, dating back to 1847. They pump fruit of extraordinary concentration, balance and power into wines like this. In fact, the fruit is of such intensity, that the wine was left in new French oak for 2 years. And you certainly wouldn't say it was excessively oaky. Brilliant crimson red colour is the first indication of its vibrancy and life. Lots of dark spicy red fruit with a distinctive lively cherry and chocolate character. Wow. Drink date: 2022-2047.
James Suckling
95 Points
A juicy and flavorful red but stays in check with blackcurrant, sandalwood, and berry. It’s medium- to full-bodied with creamy texture and a long, flavorful finish. Spicy with lots of Asian spices and cloves underneath it all. Drink or hold.
Wine Orbit
97 Points
Substantial and spectacular, the wine shows blackberry, dark chocolate, spicy oak, smoked game and warm spice characters on the nose. The concentrated palate delivers outstanding depth and richness, gorgeously framed by velvety texture and loads of polished tannins, making it hugely appealing. At its best: now to 2039.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Platter's South African Wine Guide
94 Points
SA classic from prime terroir, built for 10+ years. Liquorice, cedar & fresh herb overlay to pure cassis fruit, precise acid & fine-boned tannin, tightly focused exemplar of this wine's signature elegance, harmony, latent power. All-new oak, 18 months, like standout 2017.
Robert Parker
92+ Points
Compact and dark red fruited, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Jonkershoek Valley offers cassis, blackberry and spiced plum notions in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the wine offers soft hints of herbs, graphite, pencil lead and dark cherry skin before notions of violets sway across the mid-palate with a firm tannic edge. It’s still tight and youthful and will benefit from an additional year in bottle; however, the wine should drink particularly well for the next 12 years.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 3 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Sister's Run
Sister’s Run is serious fun. Their talented young winemaker Elena wears steel cap work boots every day of course, but carries a pair of high heels in back of the ute, only for emergencies, like last minute invitations to accept trophies at gala wine show dinners and the like.
Returning from a ‘knees-up’ at midnight, mid vintage, she managed to kick off one high heel and slip back into a boot’ just as the cellar crew cried out, ‘Run Sister Run’; and exactly then their winemaker and label took flight!
The stiletto and boot are Sister’s Run; an independently owned and operated winery with a fierce commitment to making the best wines they can from family vineyards. They don’t take ourselves as seriously as we take our wines, but agree with Elena, all you need to know about wine is the five ‘V’s and remember the best wine is the wine you like.
Press Reviews
San Francisco International Wine Competition
Gold Medal
- Red Wine
- Agiorgitiko, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 points - David Lawrason
This combines local agioritiko with cabernet sauvignon and merlot to create a deeply coloured, still youthful looking and fairly dense well made wine. The nose is very ripe with blackberry, violet, a touch of herbaceousness and spice. Vanilla is nicely tucked as well. It is medium-full bodied with some nerve and juiciness, and fine, firm tannin. The length is excellent. Still needs a couple of years. Tasted July 2022
91 points - John Szabo, MS
A "super Peloponnese" blend of local agiorgitiko with cabernet sauvignon and merlot, harvested very ripe and treated to two years ageing in barrique, this is smooth and polished wine, broad, round and satisfying. There's a highly appealing, savoury, sapid profile, with gently grippy tannins, almost fully enmeshed in the ensemble; acids are balanced and 14.5% alcohol warms the palate but fits in well overall. Very good length and depth. An excellent value all in all, drinking well now but no rush - cellar comfortably until late in the decade. Serve with salty protein for best effect. Tasted July 2022.
91 points - Michael Godel
As with the Goldvine this special cuvée is Peloponnese in origin but here the blend is cabernet sauvignon (and merlot) with local agiorgitiko. Not Nemea but the layering of the signature Greek red grape works seamlessly with the expatriate grapes. A bigger wine any way you look at or taste what's in the glass and though it seems a bit candied you simply can't ignore or deny the herbology within. Mint in double effect, brushy fauna throughout and then a waft of chocolate. Were the oak treatment just a bit restrained the land would shine even further and take this cuvée to another level entirely. Drink 2022-2026. Tasted July 2022.
- Red Wine
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 4 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 Points - Michael Godel
A more than curious endemic blend conjoins xinomavro with limniona and mavroudi in a most drinkable and accessible Greek red. Easy in most respects, simple as promised and apt as professed. Not a wine of rapture per se but surely one of aperture, whose scented length of the aromatic system determines the flavour angle of a bundle of fruits that come to a focus on the palate plane. The linearity and ultimately a settling make this work quite well and in the most basic of ways. Drink 2022-2024. Tasted March 2022.
James Suckling
91 Points
A red with crushed stones, plums and sliced lemons that follow through to a medium body, fine tannins and a creamy-textured finish. Not the most complex red, but delicious. Fermented in amphora and barrel. Drink now.
- Red Wine
- Merlot
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.60% alc./vol
Rue Naujac Merlot Lot 33 Columbia Valley 2019
Washington, U.S.
Regular price $27.95per bottle
($335.40per case)12 bottles per case
Bold & Earthy
Born and raised in the New World but influenced by his time in Bordeaux, this Columbia Valley Merlot represents Nicholas’s story in a bottle - New World terroir meets old world "savoir faire".
Rue Naujac is the street Nicholas lived on while studying/working in France and Bordeaux is the country's 33rd department, both of which gave the inspiration for the name and lot #! He would always make reference to the "33" as a slang name for the city of Bordeaux (like THE6IX), always to the amusement of his French entourage.
Medium-bodied, elegant and complex, offering aromas of Christmas spice, plum, red currants, with hints of raspberry & espresso. The mouthfeel is luxurious with vanilla, cocoa, black cherry, and fine grain tannins leading into a fresh and balanced finish. This Merlot was aged for six months in barrels (30% new).
Pair with BBQ meats, rich stews or steak.
About the Winery
Pearce Family Wines
In the early 2000's Nicholas Pearce was exposed to the garagiste movement in Bordeaux and was particularly inspired by négociants like Jean Luc Thunevin (Saint Emilion), James Sichel (Margaux) and Nicolas Potel (Beaune) from Burgundy.
After returning home to Ontario and starting his own wine company, he has had a hand in making 10+ wines in two hemispheres, 3 countries and 5 different appellations since the 2013 vintage.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
Wine importer Nicholas Peace’s once upon a time Bordeaux address is juxtaposed against Columbia Valley merlot fruit for a heady and also verdant example of a Washington state red. A bit reductive still and also a toasted wood chariness obscures the fruit at present but as they say, “this too shall pass.” Quality and substantial parts dictate the direction and so in 12-18 months the florals will open, the fruit will flesh and the wine will begin a course of proper action. Liking the finesse and the possibility. Drink 2024-2027. Tasted March 2023.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
The name is a nod to négociant and wine agent Nicholas Pearce's formative time spent in Bordeaux as 33 is the region's department number and Naujac, his street address. Pearce's collaborative merlot from Washington's Columbia Valley is impressively concentrated, full of ripe, fleshy fruit, wood spice and rich, voluminous tannins. The wine presents more new world than old world, is cleanly made and offers excellent length. Best now to 2026. Tasted April 2023.
- Red Wine
- Primitivo
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Cantine Paradiso
Cantine Paradiso is located is the South of Italy, in the region of Puglia. During the estate's 60-year history, the Paradiso family have always given the utmost importance to their close ties to Puglia's unique terroir, promoting the area's winemaking culture and constantly improving the quality of their production. The ongoing results confirm the choices made by three generations of down-to-earth vignerons closely bound to tradition and sensitive to innovation.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
Cinematic and Mediterranean, Pugliese and really quite luminous so a bit other or different for primitivo of the place. Some may find it lean or light for the grape but in fact it's quite linear, lovely and elegant. With a slight chill and a simple red sauce in optimum season you could drink so much of this outdoors, overlooking water, all summer long. Drink 2020-2023. Tasted August 2020.
- Red Wine
- Malbec
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Lionel Osmin & Cie
Lionel Osmin & Cie started out with just a group of friends with the same keen passion, with the same love for wines from the South West. Then they had an idea to achieve what nobody had ever done before: to create a quality wine-broking house based on South Western wines following the example of other regions such as Burgundy or the Rhône.
With that founding principle, Lionel Osmin & Co was therefore created under the leadership of Lionel boasting the discovery of the unique wines and vineyards of this region. From Jurançon to Cahors, from Gaillac to Bergerac, passing through Marcillac, Lionel Osmin & Co has become the sole transversal signature of the wines from the South West and their vineyards whose secrets which are yet to be discovered!
The result is a range of wines whose characteristics are faithful to the region and which are made to share the joy of discovering the vines and wines that are enjoyed and loved.
- Red Wine
- Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Trincadeira
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Paulo Laureano
Paulo Laureano is one of the most respected Portuguese winemakers and a reference for wines in the Alentejo.
Agronomist, winemaker trained between Portugal, Australia and Spain, after teaching at the University of Évora for 10 years, decided to dedicate himself, exclusively, to what has moved him since 1993: designing wines. Especially in the company he created with his family in 1999 and which has become increasingly important in his life.
Paulo Laureano defines himself as a minimalist winemaker, for whom designing wines is a passion, unveiling their aromas and flavors, evaluating and optimizing the reasons for his identity and personality, promoting them as true sources of pleasure.
His exclusive bet on Portuguese varieties reflects his way of being and looking at wine as a factor of culture and civilization.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - David Lawrason
This is a blend of three varieties from the sunny south of Portugal. It shows a generous, rounded nose of brambly/blackberry jam, perfumed florality, some oak vanilla and nutmeg. It is medium-full bodied, soft, genteel and warming with fine chalk tannin. Some minerality on the finish. The length is very good to excellent. Tasted March 2022
- Red Wine
- Carignan
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.8% alc./vol
About the Winery
Bodegas Puiggròs
Since 1843, the Puiggros family has been producing wines from their own vines in the Odena region of Catalunya for the family and close friends. Over generations they had come to realize that their vineyards and techniques were something worth sharing with the world. A sincere dedication to the terroir in their zone and the indigenous varieties that grow there, allows them to constantly discover ways to unlock all of the magic that lies within their land.
Starting with conscious and clean farming in the vineyard, they hand-harvest only the best fruit for their production, and ferment each vineyard separately in varying vessels to accentuate what the vines have to show; some in stainless steel, and many in clay amphora of differing sizes. All the while seeing very little sulfur use (if any) until bottling. Puiggros is pushing the quality of northeastern Spain's wines forward, and doing so in a clean and unique way.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Cortonesi
“I’m a lucky man who has been given the opportunity to realize my dream and continue my family’s efforts making wine in the land where I was born.” – Tommaso Cortonesi
Tommaso is third-generation winemaker at Cortonesi that owns some of the most prized vineyards in the north and south-east of Montalcino. Favourable geography, rocky soils, and ingenious winemaking all come together to create some of the region's deepest and most elegant Brunello wines.
The Cortonesi family has been making wine since the 1970s. At first, wines were made to be enjoyed by family, friends and neighbours, but then in 1985, Cortonesi had gained enough traction within their community that they began to offer their wines commercially. Today, Cortonesi remains a family business that continues to work according to tradition, while employing modern technologies to the enhance the quality of their production.
Lovers of Sangiovese must experience “La Mannella”, a collection of wines exclusively sourced from Cortonesi's private vine land. This farm covers 56 hectares, eight of which are devoted to the production of some of the world's most coveted and age-worthy Brunello di Montalcino.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
93 points - Michael Godel
The elephant in the room is obvious and Tommaso Cortonesi answers before the question is even posed. "You will be surprised by the freshness and acidity of the 2017, despite the warm vintage." So how exactly can that be? Picked as usual, for one thing, at the end of September. "Montalcino can approach each kind of season and situation during the production process," explains Cortonesi, meaning climate events, extremes and change be anathematized the vines have been nurtured and equipped to handle stress, especially drought, to sleep if necessary, call upon reserves and take full advantage of late season miracles. The '17 is smartly piquant, wisely wily, youthful above reproach, even if technically requiring some correction. Levels of acidity and even volatility are high, as per the vintage but in reality drying fruit and tannin are not. Take your time with La Mannella, don't rush or make any immediate demands of its emotions or time. Drink 2023-2029. Tasted November 2021.
- Red Wine
- Grenache
- Organic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Pago Aylés
Pago Aylés was founded by Federico Ramón, who in 2003 began his dream of classifying this unique land as the first Vino de Pago in the Aragon region. In the Spanish wine quality pyramid, the Pago stands as a top tier or grand cru winery. Just before Federico died, his dream came true in 2010, as Aylés became the 10th Vino de Pago in Spain.
Today his three children continue to produce wines from this special land. The vineyard site has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the 12th century by Spanish monks. Influenced by the River Huerva and the Monte San Pablo mountain, the soil is a mixture of clay, limestone and chalk – ideal for making high-quality wine. Caves, ravines and old river beds can be found all over the estate, which is brimming with wildlife.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Sara d'Amato
A crunchy sweetly rich, ripe red fruit-dominant, velvety garnacha. Absolutely endearing with oodles of textural intrigue. A hint of saltiness balances and brings refreshment to the palate. Ready-to-drink and made in a widely appealing style.
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Syrah
- Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
About the Winery
Domaine Frédéric Brouca
Frédéric grew up in Normandy and met his Canadian wife Elaine at university in Lille, Northern France. They live a nomadic lifestyle (Canada, India, Singapore and USA) though Frédéric spends about half of his time in Faugères. Since early age, Frédéric had a calling for farming and the fierce desire to become a winegrower. After completing a Masters Degree in Finance in 2001, Frédéric went back to college for a Sommelier diploma and started his career as a Burgundy wine broker.
In late 2012, Frédéric and Elaine were fortunate to take over 25 acres of old vines in Faugères, organically farmed for twenty years and deeply rooted in schist soils.
2013 was the inaugural vintage for Domaine Frédéric Brouca. In his modest winery in the village of Laurens, Frédéric is creating a new vision for Faugères wines; fresh, vibrant and made without artifice. Nothing revolutionary, simply returning to our grandparent's ideology of farming and winemaking to craft 'Vins Vivants'. The Faugères Appellation is in the heart of Languedoc in the Hérault department. Here, winemaking dates back to the Greek times and was developed during the Roman Era. It wasn't until the early 1900's, however, that the wines became more widely known for its unique schist soils and moderate Mediterranean climate. These villages are heavily reliant on wine as an important part of their culture and economy.
The area is stunning with mountain views and close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea (20 miles / 30 kms). Faugères has a long history of responsible farming. It boasts the highest percentage of organic vineyards for any AOC in all of France with almost 50% of farmers making the choice.