42 products
42 products
- Sparkling Wine
- Glera
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 11.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Conti Riccati
Conti Riccati is located in the rolling hills outside of Castelfranco, Veneto; in the province of Treviso. Their vineyards extend along 20 hectares inside a bigger property that has belonged to the Riccati family since the 14th century.Valperto Azzoni, his wife along and their four children are the direct descendants of the Riccati family and have the same enthusiasm and respect for the land, that their ancestors had in the past.
Conti Riccati grows mostly Glera, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir though they are most known for their Prosecco.
The winemaker, Salvatore Lovo and the agronomist, Giovanni Pascarella take great pride in making the wines and tending the vineyards for the family. They practice sustainable viticulture and are currently in organic conversion.
- Rosé Wine
- Grenache, Syrah
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Mas Carlot
Mas Carlot is situated in the south of the Rhône Valley, extending across 76 hectares of pebbly land southeast of Nîmes. Originally a 17th century farm, this beautiful estate was resurrected in the 1960's by the Blanc family—it is currently run Cyril Mares of the neighbouring and equally reputable property, Mas Bressades.
The appellation of Costières de Nîmes used to be considered part of eastern Languedoc but the climate, soil, topography and wine are far closer to those just over the river in the Southern Côtes du Rhône. It is now a region very much on the up and is widely recognized as a great source of excellent value wine.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
Mas Carlot is situated in the south of the Rhône Valley, extending across 76 hectares of pebbly land southeast of Nîmes. This persistently seductive rosé is a traditional blend of grenache (50 per cent), syrah (40) and mourvèdre (10%). Dry as a cacti, lavender and tarragon brushy desert with pink tonic cocktail botanicals and a citrus twist. Luxe and most delicieux. Drink 2021-2023. Tasted January 2021.
91 points - Sara D'Amato
Delicately spicy and bright this southern Rhône valley rosé offers notes of dried thyme, nettle, pomegranate and ripe red raspberry. Wholly satisfying, clean and finely crafted. Exhibiting both balance and affability with memorable length. Tasted January 2021.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Leaning Post
A leaning post is what you find at the beginning of a row of grapes, anchoring the wires that are the frame-work for growing grapevines. It is the beginning of an obsession to translate a time and place into liquid. Leaning Post wines take you to that beginning by finding small, unique plots of land in Niagara and putting them in bottle. Because after stripping away all the fancy buildings and high-tech equipment you are left with a place on this earth that grows wine unlike any other. When you taste that in a glass you just know it. Nadia and Ilya have had to rely on the support of family, friends and financial institutions to make the dream of owning a winery a reality. Leaning Post began as a virtual winery and is so proud to now have the quaint tasting room at 1491 Hwy 8 on their home property in Winona, Ontario.
Ilya and Nadia are the brains and passion behind Leaning Post Wines. It started with a dream to take unique, interesting single vineyard blocks in Niagara and turn them into distinctive, terroir driven wines. Nadia and Ilya first met in their hometown of Winnipeg, MB where their passion for wine and each other was born.
Ilya has been a winemaker in the Niagara Region for the last 17 vintages working at Daniel Lenko Estate Winery, Foreign Affair and now at Leaning Post Wines. Ilya is also a consulting winemaker at the Good Earth Winery. Ilya’s true passion in life is to make world renowned wines from Niagara that really showcase the distinct terroir that Niagara offers.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Cortonesi
The “La Mannella” farm, owned by the Cortonesi family, covers a surface of 56 hectares (138 acres), eight (19 acres) of which are especially devoted to the production of “Brunello di Montalcino”. Its wine-making activity started at the beginning of the seventies, and its vineyards are placed in one of the most valuable areas of the region, both north and south-east from Montalcino. The Cortonesi family has been making wine since the 1970’s however at the time the wine was simply for family, friends and neighbours enjoyment. In 1985 they began to offer their wines commercially. It is strictly a family business, and works according to tradition, while also employing modern technologies that help to the enhance the quality of the wines made. Tommaso, in his early 30s, is the third-generation winemaker at the winery that was started by his grandfather. The favorable location of its vineyards, and the rocky soil where they are planted, all contribute to the making of a deep and elegant Brunello. Tomasso says “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.”
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 Points - Michael Godel
Tommaso Cortonesi’s Rosso ’18 is pure La Mannella, expressly northeasterly Montalcino and bright as a February Benvenuto Brunello day. Crunchy and raised with all the land caught inside, the fruit expressive and elastic, the finish blessed with just a few years notability by structure. Promising and effective, proper and precise. Still showing some wood so wait a year. Drink 2021-2026. Tasted February 2020.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.7% alc./vol
About the Winery
Keint-He
Keint-he Winery & Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Prince Edward County. The winery has a strong focus on varietals that are typically grown in Burgundy, specifically Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; through which they truly express the best of the County with wonderful individual expressions. Keint-He’s approach to winemaking is as down-to-earth as it gets and their quality is second to none.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Biodynamic, Organic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
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.
Pearce Predhomme
Pearce Predhomme is a collaboration of like-minded individuals from around the globe. Founded with a mission to build and import wines from our favourite appellations while offering an unequaled value/quality ratio for the sommeliers & wine buyers in Ontario. This is a project between Toronto Sommelier and entrepreneur Will Predhomme and Ontario wine importer Nicholas Pearce they have partnered with Radford Dale in South Africa and NorthWest Wine Co in Oregon to create these special cuvées.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
3XP is the triumvirate styling of Tawse winemaker Paul Pender, Ontario wine importer Nicholas Pearce and Sommelier Will Predhomme. It's the latest song release in the epic Pearce-Predhomme négoce journey, a progressive-art-album rock venture replete with eleven-minute opus material, but this one is the hit with a recognizable and catchy hook. It's Hungry Heart, I Will Get by and Lucky Man wrapped up into one three-minute chardonnay play. The sip-swirl-swallow trilogy is like verse-chorus-verse and repeat. It's straightforward sharp, tart and flavourful chardonnay that only Paul Pender could make and it's consume-ability factor is one of threefold manifest destiny. The number three is a very important number in biblical and mythological study. It "is the first number to which the meaning "all" was given. It is The Triad, being the number of the whole as it contains the beginning, a middle and an end. The power of three is universal and is the tripartide nature of the world as heaven, earth, and waters. It is human as body, soul and spirit." As for this PPP chardonnay, just drink it up and enjoy. For the next three years. Drink 2018-2020. Tasted July 2018.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Keint-He
Keint-he Winery & Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Prince Edward County. The winery has a strong focus on varietals that are typically grown in Burgundy, specifically Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; through which they truly express the best of the County with wonderful individual expressions. Keint-He’s approach to winemaking is as down-to-earth as it gets and their quality is second to none.
- White Wine
- Ribolla Gialla
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Zuani
Zuani winery is located in the heart of Collio, Friuli, a hidden appellation between the Adriatic Sea and the Alps. Coming from a long tradition of winemakers in Croatia that goes back to the 19th century, Patrizia Felluga saw her dream come true when she acquired the estate and the vineyards in 2001. Today, her son and daughter have taken over the winery; producing exclusively white wines. Everything hinges on one exceptionally well exposed “cru”, or vineyard, on a gentle hillside where about eleven acres of vines and gardens surround the Zuani cellar.
The varietals planted are Tocai Friulano, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon, a carefully chosen range that produced the first vintage of Zuani Collio Bianco. The Zuani winery embodies the Felluga family winemaking heritage and expresses the fundamental unity of the traditional aspects of Friulian varieties with their more modern side.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 Points - David Lawrason
Ribolla is a rarely seen indigenous variety of northeast Italy. It is a mild, pristine and very well balanced white - enigmatic and curious. It has semi-aromatic nose of apricot/melon fruit, almond, vague florality and green tea. It is medium bodied, precisely balanced and fresh, yet somewhat mineral as well. The length is excellent. Tasted December 2020
91 points - John Szabo, MS
Lovely, characterful Ribolla here, very smoky-stony-sulfide-driven in the best way, with plenty of citrus fruit and peel, grapefruit and fresh, sweet herbs. Length and depth are excellent in the price category. Tasted December 2020.
Wine Enthusiast
91 Points
Lovely aromas of white spring flowers mingle with pear and a whiff of freshly baked bread. Racy and elegant, the savory palate offers ripe apple, white peach and citrusy notes alongside vibrant acidity. It has a crisp, pristine close.
- White Wine
- Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château Haut-Grelot
Château Haut Grelot is located in Saint Ciers Sur Gironde, approximately 50 kms north of Bordeaux, on the right bank of the Gironde Estuary. It was established by the Bonneau family in 1922 and now run but the 4th Generation. Today Château Haut-Grelot comprises 58 hectares of vineyards and is run by Céline and Julien, who was recently awarded the title 'Best Young Talent' in Bordeaux.
The vineyards are made up of sandy-gravel on the hillsides bordering the Gironde Estuary and sand-clay-silt on the hillsides further inland. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux benefits from an ideal microclimate where there is a high level of sunshine and enough rain to guarantee the perfect environment for grape production. As a result the reds are fruity and concentrated and the whites are fresh, vibrant and delicate.
- Red Wine
- Nebbiolo
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Réva Monforte
Réva has a dynamic relationship with tradition: respect without excessive obedience, knowledge without stuffiness. This attitude is reflected in the search for a personal style that is free to communicate their character through the extraordinary expressive possibilities of the Langhe and the Barolo area.
The winery focuses on producing wines of excellence with great attention paid to the particular characteristics of each grape variety and the utmost respect for diversity. All the vineyards are cultivated organically and monitored directly by the winery team.
The winery’s roots go back to 1867 however In 2010 the winery underwent a thorough reconstruction and the acclaimed Gianluca Colombo became head oenologist. Despite his youth, Gianluca has a great deal of experience and in 2014, received the Premio Gambelli award – a prestigious award for winemakers under 35.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Michael Godel
Taken from San Sebastiano area, vines 15-20 years old in Monforte d’Alba. “We have a special view of the nebbiolo," tells Daniele Gaia. "In our point of view it has to show the character of the grape, flowers, drinkability and approachable, not a baby Barolo." And so Réva attacks with a gentle touch, a short and cold maceration to secure nebbiolo kept in a “light” vein, with evident acidity. Carries the youthful "splendore" of beautiful red fruit. A precociousness unhindered, on hinges, in ultra comfortable balance. Drink 2020-2024. Tasted January 2020.
- Red Wine
- Barbera
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 15% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Réva Monforte
Réva has a dynamic relationship with tradition: respect without excessive obedience, knowledge without stuffiness. This attitude is reflected in the search for a personal style that is free to communicate their character through the extraordinary expressive possibilities of the Langhe and the Barolo area.
The winery focuses on producing wines of excellence with great attention paid to the particular characteristics of each grape variety and the utmost respect for diversity. All the vineyards are cultivated organically and monitored directly by the winery team.
The winery’s roots go back to 1867 however In 2010 the winery underwent a thorough reconstruction and the acclaimed Gianluca Colombo became head oenologist. Despite his youth, Gianluca has a great deal of experience and in 2014, received the Premio Gambelli award – a prestigious award for winemakers under 35.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.8% alc./vol
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.
Pearce Predhomme
Pearce Predhomme is a collaboration of like-minded individuals from around the globe. Founded with a mission to build and import wines from our favourite appellations while offering an unequaled value/quality ratio for the sommeliers & wine buyers in Ontario. This is a project between Toronto Sommelier and entrepreneur Will Predhomme and Ontario wine importer Nicholas Pearce they have partnered with Radford Dale in South Africa and NorthWest Wine Co in Oregon to create these special cuvées.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Michael Godel
Premiere Cuvee is from the Hyland Vineyard in the McMinnville AVA and as such volcanics, single-vineyard focus and hillside angles play a significant role in the result. Nicholas Pearce and Will Predhomme have been at this negoce thing for more than half a decade now so acumen meeting relationships are growing into their own. The wine is made at the Northwest Wine Company by Laurent Montalieu and this particular pinot noir continues the cured thread of charcuterie knowing and laying with dark fruit. There is this persistent feral feel but also the smooth and glycerin constitution of a wine in seamless construct. Firm and gelid, basaltic and in total control. Just a touch of heat in 2017. Drink 2020-2025. Tasted July 2020.
90 points - John Szabo, MS
A pinot on the appealingly savoury side of the spectrum, with earthy, leafy but not green character, juicy acids, fine-grained tannins, very good length. Totally correct, compelling, lightly saline. Tasted July 2020.
- Red Wine
- Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château de Montfaucon
Just across the Rhone river from the beautiful vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the Lirac appellation extends itself on the low hills alongside the river. The history of Château de Montfaucon dates back to the 11th century when the castle's first tower was built. The castle's role in history was strategic; the Rhône River was the border between the French Kingdom and the Holy Roman German Empire.
Montfaucon was one of a line of castles and fortresses along the Rhône River constructed to guard the border. Rodolphe de Pins takes over the family estate of Montfaucon in 1995, he rebuilds the winery and makes his first vintage. Rodolphe has a natural approach to viticulture and to winemaking; he follows the principals of sustainable agriculture, but in essence the fruit is organic agriculture.
- White Wine
- Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Picpoul
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château de Montfaucon
Just across the Rhone river from the beautiful vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the Lirac appellation extends itself on the low hills alongside the river. The history of Château de Montfaucon dates back to the 11th century when the castle's first tower was built. The castle's role in history was strategic; the Rhône River was the border between the French Kingdom and the Holy Roman German Empire.
Montfaucon was one of a line of castles and fortresses along the Rhône River constructed to guard the border. Rodolphe de Pins takes over the family estate of Montfaucon in 1995, he rebuilds the winery and makes his first vintage. Rodolphe has a natural approach to viticulture and to winemaking; he follows the principals of sustainable agriculture, but in essence the fruit is organic agriculture.
Press Reviews
Decanter
90 points
Perfumed aromas of melon, pineapple, spice and oak, hen on to a rick textured palate of green fig and cobnut.
- White Wine
- Chenin Blanc
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.97% alc./vol
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.
Pearce Predhomme
Pearce Predhomme is a collaboration of like-minded individuals from around the globe. Founded with a mission to build and import wines from our favourite appellations while offering an unequaled value/quality ratio for the sommeliers & wine buyers in Ontario. This is a project between Toronto Sommelier and entrepreneur Will Predhomme and Ontario wine importer Nicholas Pearce they have partnered with Radford Dale in South Africa and NorthWest Wine Co in Oregon to create these special cuvées.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
One of Ontario’s best selling Western Cape chenin blanc’s is this perennial stalwart from local négoce heroes Will Prehomme and Nicholas Pearce. Together with Alex Dale and Jacques de Klerk at Radford Dale they blend and mix parcels, tanks and barrels of chenin to concoct this imminently drinkable blanc. This is the aromatic one but also to date the most amenable of them all. The energy in acids are lowered while the drinkability factor raises the bar. Accessible to all now, even if that had previously not been the case. Drink 2020-2023. Tasted May 2020.
90 points - John Szabo, MS
2019 is a stellar vintage for the Pearce-Predhomme old vine chenin made by Radford Dale, always a terrific value and even more so here. There's an uncommon freshness and liveliness for South Africa/Stellenbosch, with fruit spanning the white-fleshed and citrus spectrum, and acids that drive additional sips. But neither is it just simple white wine; there's genuine depth and concentration on offer. Complexity should build with a year or two in the cellar, though it's hard to resist now to be sure. Top notch value. Tasted May 2020.
- Sparkling Wine
- Chardonnay, Macabeo, Pinot Noir, Xarel-lo
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 12% alc./vol
About the Winery
Mas Codina
The Mas Codina estate is located in the heart of the Alt Penedès region, comprising of low-lying plains and hills between 250 and 300 metres high.Until recently, the farm has always grown, and made a livelihood from, cereals, grapes, peaches and vegetables, as well as farm animals. Now, apart from century-old olive trees, all the land is devoted to vineyards.
Mas Codina has been in the same family for generations. They have adopted organic farming practices promoting natural processes and seeking a balanced ecosystem. All because of their love for land and tradition. There are currently 40 hectares of vineyards that are being organically farmed.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Groupe Bellene
Groupe Bellene is composed of the négociant “Maison Roche de Bellene” and the winery “Domaine de Bellene” both located in Beaune. Nicolas Potel grew up at the Volnay Domaine Pousse d'Or, where his father, Gérard, had worked since 1964. Nicolas trained abroad and returned home in 1996, hoping to build a négociant business and that was the start of Maison Nicolas Potel. Potel began sourcing grapes from good parcels, often working with the growers to improve quality. By 2002, he was making 120 wines from 50 different appellations.
Today he runs Maison Roche de Bellene, a micro-négoce that offers a complete range of wines, with an emphasis on individual terroirs from vieilles vignes (old vines - 40 years or older) that are farmed responsibly. All of the growers that Nicolas works with are either organic certified or farming according to the principles of lutte raisonée (sustainable viticulture). This enables Nicolas to consistently produce the expressive, terroir-driven style that is his vision. In addition he owns his own vineyards and bottles these wines under the label Domaine de Bellene. You can also find some special back vintage offerings that Nicolas has sourced from his friends in region, this is labelled under Collection Bellenum.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - John Szabo
This is fine and juicy pinot, delicate and ripe but fresh, with terrifically balanced tannins/acids. Fruit is properly in the red-tart red berry spectrum. Length is very good. Tasted July 2020.
- Rosé Wine
- Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah
- Dry
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Maison Idiart
Maison Idiart is a wine négociant based in Bordeaux and established in 2013. Nicolas Idiart, winemaker and founder of Maison Idiart, grew up with a passion for wine, something that he shared with his father and grandfather.
He graduated from Bordeaux winemaking school in Blanquefort at 19 years old. Nicolas' love for Loire wines took him to work in Chinon, Touraine and Muscadet. He also had experiences in Australia and New Zealand. After several years travelling the world, he decided to shift his work in the industry and work in sales, focusing in North America.
At 33 years old, after 7 years working in sales, he decided to go back to winemaking with an artisan approach, making small batches of handcrafted wines.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 Points - Michael Godel
More than merely classic Provençal Rosé in that Idiart’s adds another level of depth and complexity to the pale, salty and sapid style. There’s a Mediterranean brushy feel as well, a dried herb, mountain hillside tea and garrigue emission. Crisp and earthy, crunchy and laden with orange-ginger-lemon tisane. BBQ ready. Crushable too. Drink 2021-2022. Tasted February 2021.
- Red Wine
- Corvina, Rondinella
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Ca' del Monte
Ca del Monte is situated on the hillsides overlooking the village of Negrar, in the heart of Valpolicella. It has belonged to the same family for generations, and is now run by brothers Umberto and Giuseppe Zaconte. There’s nothing fancy about this place. The house and winery are modest - and are attached to a 17th century monastery.
The estate is approximately 50 acres, and its 15-65 year old vines lie on gentle slopes at 800-900 meters. They grow on four soils including clay, limestone, red volcanic soil with red stones, and “Toar,” a green volcanic soil. The vineyards of Ca Del Monte are planted with 20-40 year old vines of Corvina, Rodinella and Molinara grapes that are planted in poor soils that stress the vines and nurture the fruit. All of the farming is done traditionally and non-certified organic.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - David Lawrason
This is everything I want in ripasso - some generosity and ripeness without jammy overripeness, excess alcohol or artifice. It shows fresh cherry fruit with equal parts herbs, fresh earth and old wood grain. It is medium weight, with firm acidity, some minerality and very good to excellent length. Tasted January 2021.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Cortonesi
The “La Mannella” farm, owned by the Cortonesi family, covers a surface of 56 hectares (138 acres), eight (19 acres) of which are especially devoted to the production of “Brunello di Montalcino”. Its wine-making activity started at the beginning of the seventies, and its vineyards are placed in one of the most valuable areas of the region, both north and south-east from Montalcino. The Cortonesi family has been making wine since the 1970’s however at the time the wine was simply for family, friends and neighbours enjoyment. In 1985 they began to offer their wines commercially. It is strictly a family business, and works according to tradition, while also employing modern technologies that help to the enhance the quality of the wines made. Tommaso, in his early 30s, is the third-generation winemaker at the winery that was started by his grandfather. The favorable location of its vineyards, and the rocky soil where they are planted, all contribute to the making of a deep and elegant Brunello. Tomasso says “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.”
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 Points - David Lawrason
This has become a personal favourite, offering lots of Italian character for the money. It nicely straddles being both juicy and structured. The nose is lifted with currant/raspberry fruit, fresh herbs/rosemary, rose-like florality and modest oak. It is medium bodied, smooth yet lively with easy tannin and a slightly bitter finish. Excellent length. Tasted December 2020.
91 points - Michael Godel
From Tommaso Cortonesi in the northeastern part of Montalcino at La Mannella beneath the village and the youngest vines deciding the fresh, high acid, sparked, spirited and lively sangiovese. No secret that the 2019 vintage will deliver top quality Rosso do Montalcino and fast forward three further years even finer Brunello. Goes to show and equate that IGT Rosso as here will rarely acquiesce this level of fortune. And so here is your portal into the territory, with a modicum of structure as well so wait eight more months to get your fill. Drink 2021-2024. Tasted December 2020.
90 points - John Szabo, MS
This is bold, fruity, dark fruit and cassis-scented sangiovese from Montalcino (young vines) that over-delivers in the price category. I love the immediate juiciness, the plump and ripe fruit, the absence of oak influence, the light, dusty tannins, and the surprisingly good length. This is an infinitely drinkable vintage for this wine, one that should win a lot of friends. Tasted December 2020.
James Suckling
90 Points
A fruity, lively red with cherry, light chocolate and walnut character. Some bark, too. Medium body, light tannins and a vibrant finish. Drink now.
- Red Wine
- Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tornatore
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, the Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865. Today the family’s operations are headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000’s. That heritage and the Tornatore’s profound respect and understanding of the land is showcased in wines that capture the essence of Etna, deftly balancing concentrated flavors, complexity, freshness and refinement.
The company lies in the northern side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The soils have volcanic origin and were created through the disintegration of lava, ash and stones from previous volcanic eruptions. The climate on the northern side of the Etna is characterized by mild temperatures, and more rain fall reflecting the influence of the Volcano. The combination of soil, climate and the skill of the winemakers, have made the northern slope of Etna an ideal area for the production of high-quality wines. “Our vineyards and our winery are only a few kilometers from our family home. Our entire family is rooted there. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna and to reflect its distinct character in our wines.” - Giuseppe Tornatore
Press Reviews
Wine Enthusiast
93 Points - Editor's Choice
Aromas of red berry, rose, thyme and a whiff of camphor shape the fragrant nose. Sleek and graceful, the lithe, savory palate delivers juicy strawberry, crushed raspberry, Mediterranean herbs and white pepper framed in glossy tannins and fresh acidity. A mineral note evoking smoky flint lingers on the finish.
James Suckling
92 Points
Lots of red plums here with glazed cherries and lemons. Medium body, fine and silky tannins and a refined finish. Drink now.
Vinous
91 Points
Luminous red. Pretty floral and mineral notes complement pure sour red cherry, flinty herbs and spicy blueberry aromas and flavors. Bright and juicy, with a light to medium-weight frame, with a clean, crisp presence on the long fresh finish. A lovely red that goes down like water.
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Mourvèdre / Monastrell, Samso / Carignan, Syrah
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Andre Aubert
At the very heart of the Rhône Valley, at the northerly tip of the Southern Rhône, lie the vineyards of Grignan-Les-Adhémar. The chances are you haven’t heard the name before, few people have, but the wines are worth seeking out. It’s not a new wine region – vines have been planted here since around 500BC but it is a new name (formerly known as Côteaux-du-Tricastin). Domaine André Aubert, has been formed over decades and today comprises of more than 280 hectares spread from north to south of the prestigious Southern Rhone Valley on the appellations Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône villages, Visan, and Grignan-les-Adhémar.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - David Lawrason
This has a nicely generous, spicy peppery and toasty nose with classic licorice and slightly candied black cherry/plummy fruit. Syrah is taking the lead here. Nicely robust flavour intensity on the palate as well with all that spice repeating. It is medium bodied, juicy and fresh with mild, slightly gritty tannin and earthiness on the finish. Some alcohol warmth at !5%. But it is not out of balance. Very good to excellent length. Tasted August 2020.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château Tour de Gilet
Château Tour de Gilet is located in Ludon Médoc, 16 km north of Bordeaux in the Médoc area. The Château was built on the foundation of an ancient abbey from the 12th century. At that time the vineyard was already surrounded by “jalles” or small criss-crossing drainage canals to help produce wines of higher quality. Today, oenologist Claude Gaudin makes an extraordinary wine at this small property, using techniques such as dense planting in the vineyard and green harvesting to lower the yield, sorting at the harvest and very natural wine making for maximum expression of the fruit.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - John Szabo, MS
Well this is a real treat to find a fully mature, solid quality Bordeaux, authentic and gravelly, now in perfect shape. Many of these 2006s have turned out marvelously, given longevity by their freshness, and have now developed into a complex and satisfying ensemble. This is one such wine, one for the textbooks for students of Bordeaux to be sure. Tasted February 2021.