108 products
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese
- Organic, Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.00% alc./vol
Press Reviews
James Suckling
92 Points
Aromas of fresh blackberries, cherries, bay leaf and olives extend to a medium-to full-bodied palate, full of savoury cocoa powder and blackberries. Resolved tannins give a tight yet caressing feel. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.00% alc./vol
About the Winery
Vinos Baettig
Francisco Baettig and Carlos de Carlos have been friends for more than 20 years and share a passion for high-quality wines that are genuine and connected to the land where they are made.
"A promising project in a wine region that is the future of high-quality Chilean wines" - Patricio Tapia, Descorchados
Press Reviews
Robert Parker
93+ Points
The 2021 Vino de Viñedo Los Parientes Pinot Noir was produced with some 10% full clusters and indigenous yeasts followed by nine months in barrel, 13% of them new 300-liter oak barrels and the rest used 228-liter ones. It has 13.5% alcohol and is direct, aromatic, with red fruit and notes of rosehip. The colour and the nose keep the youth and primary aromas but with good ripeness and development of flavours; there's nothing herbal or green about it. 13,416 bottles were filled in December 2021.
James Suckling
93 Points
There is a melted chocolate-crust character that binds well with the wild strawberries, plums, roses, wild herbs, white pepper and stemmy accents. This is bright and muscular, charged with seamless tannins. Very unique and powerful pinot, but juicy and caressing, too. Drink after 2024.
Vinous
93 Points - Joaquín Hidalgo
The 2021 Pinot Noir Vino de Viñedo Los Parientes from Malleco, Traiguén, was aged for 9 months in 13% new barrels. Intense purple in the glass. The clear, full, alluring aromas include sweetbriar, red fruit, sour cherry, elderberry and hints of earth and mushrooms. Fluid with a terse texture, fine-grained tannins that keep things compact, and a little grip; the base is formed by the elegant freshness before the lengthy finish and elderberry aftertaste. A pure, delicate wine.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.00% alc./vol
About the Winery
Vinos Baettig
Francisco Baettig and Carlos de Carlos have been friends for more than 20 years and share a passion for high-quality wines that are genuine and connected to the land where they are made.
"A promising project in a wine region that is the future of high-quality Chilean wines" - Patricio Tapia, Descorchados
Press Reviews
Robert Parker
94 Points
The very young 2022 Vino de Viñedo Los Compadres Cabernet Sauvignon, which has a majority of grapes from a vineyard they finally purchased in Coronel de Maule that has 60-year-old head-pruned, dry-farmed and ungrafted Cabernet Sauvignon, a rarity for the variety, because it was grafted onto 100-year-old País vines. It has 13.8% alcohol with a pH of 3.35, which is extremely low, and very high acidity, 7.12. They used 15% new oak, and part of the wine fermented in barrel. It has the structured tannins from Maule but with amazing tension, lots of fruit, some notes of tobacco and tea leaves, textbook blackcurrant and with balsamic and minty, subtle, juicy, very good complexity, harmony and elegance with grip, serious and a little à la Saint-Estéphe. 17,000 bottles produced. A single-plot selection of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coronel de Maule Vineyard will be released later, as it's not yet bottled.
Vinous
94 Point - Joaquin Hidalgo
From the secano interior dry farming region in Maule was made with grapes from 80-year-old Pais vines grafted with Cabernet and aged for 10 months in 20% new oak. Purple with a ruby sheen. The expressive nose offers fresh black currant and plum plus hints of spice, gentle notes from the aging process, cigar box and hints of violet. In the mouth, it is delicate and energetic with refined tannins and precise, characterful grip. The juicy, rich flavours are shored up by the freshness. A nuanced, energetic wine. Drinking window 2022-2030
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.00% alc./vol
About the Winery
Vinos Baettig
Francisco Baettig and Carlos de Carlos have been friends for more than 20 years and share a passion for high-quality wines that are genuine and connected to the land where they are made.
"A promising project in a wine region that is the future of high-quality Chilean wines" - Patricio Tapia, Descorchados
Press Reviews
James Suckling
94 Points - Zekun Shuai, Senior Editor
Brown stems with a hint of blackcurrants, mulberries, violets, rose hips and a hint of licorice. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate with a fleshy mid-palate and fine tannins. Quite intense yet vibrant. Great drinkability. Drink now.
Robert Parker
93 Points - Luis Gutiérrez
2022 was a milder year, and the 2022 Vino de Viñedo Los Parientes Pinot Noir shows quite similar to the 2021 (there are more noticeable differences in the white); the parameters are similar (and so was the enology, with 10% full clusters, indigenous fermentation and small percentage of new barrels with a little less time in barrel, eight months here). Perhaps there is an earthier touch here; there's more finesse in the 2021 and a little more rusticity in this 2022. It's very open in the nose and very attractive, with fine tannins and nice balance. 8,539 bottles were filled in November 2022.
Vinous
93 Points - Joaquín Hidalgo
The 2022 Pinot Noir Vino de Viñedo Los Parientes from Traiguén, Malleco, was aged for 8 months in 10% new barrels. Vivid ruby red in the glass. The alluring, expressive aromas include sour cherry and elderberry alongside hints of earth, mushroom and a little haystack. Fluid with finely-grained, slightly grippy tannins that keep the palate compact. The elegant freshness ensures the flow is nimble before the lengthy, fruity finish.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 3.00 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.
- 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 (2017)
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 (2017)
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 (2017)
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
- Mourvèdre / Monastrell, Syrah
- Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
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.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
93 points - John Szabo
Clos Sauveplan is a blend of about 3/4 high density planted mourvèdre and the balance in half-century-old syrah from the lieu-dit of the same name, a plateau in the Faugères AOC in southern France. It's showing beautifully at the moment, rich, redolent of fresh black forest fruits, blackberry coulis, wild violets and cracked black peppercorn, really quite a tour de force. The palate is broad but fresh, impeccably balanced and so lively considering the warm vintage, declared at 12.5% alcohol but coming across as riper and denser than the numbers would imply. Tannins are silky and resolving nicely, and length, depth, and ultimately complexity, are excellent. One of Brouca's best to date I'd say; drink or hold a half dozen years - the stuffing augurs well for development. Tasted January 2024.
92 points - Michael Godel
The source for this co-ferment of mourvèdre and syrah is a “clos,” meaning an isolated walled vineyard in a lieu-dit called “Sauveplane”, plateau at the eastern limit of the Faugères appellation. A mix of 20 and 40 year-old vines, volcanic soils, some whole cluster fermentation. Exotically spiced, sweetly volatile. Low-level Brettanomyces, so bloody Faugères, exemplary and expected for a wine to speak up on behalf of this particular sense of place. The kind of Languedoc red that sommeliers and naturalists will share and swig with reckless abandon while those who have never tried this style and origin may be left to wonder in confounded disarray. Just know that this is very correct for producer, style and place. Drink 2024-2027. Tasted January 2023.
91 points - Sara d'Amato
From old vines farmed with minimal intervention on the plateau of "Sauveplane", a lieu-dit on the eastern edge of Faugères. Spontaneously co-fermented syrah and mourvèdre grapes are left unfined and unfiltered in the low-interventionist style of Fredric Brouca. Subsequently aged 13 months in oak resulting in very gentle spice and pleasantly mellow tannins. Offers a notable sense of place and varietal character. Relatively speaking, the wine is quite clean and still exhibits plenty of fresh fruit and very good length. Tasted January 2024.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Light 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
91 points - Michael Godel
Tommaso Cortonesi grabs the youngest of his sangiovese not yet ready for the youthful exuberance of Rosso nor the prime time of Brunello di Montalcino and boom, Léonus is constantly re-invented in its IGT style. And yet this is a wine of evolution because vines get older and the better experienced fruit deserves further attention. The price of this IGT is reflective of an increase in quality but also Cortonesi’s understanding of his (home vineyard's) La Manella ways. Look at this label as a window into a vintage, of what Rosso will be and even imagine the prospects for the Grand Vin. Warm one, ripe and developed, a tie to the place forged and more structure in this Léonus is identified clearer than ever before. Drink 2023-2025. Tasted February 2023.
90 points - Megha Jandhyala
The 2020 Lèonus was sourced from the Cortonesi family's La Mannella farm in Montalcino. It is ripe and plush, with flavours of plums, blueberries, and cherries, alongside subtle notes of herbs, nutmeg, and cedar. The palate is medium to full-bodied, infused with plump red fruit. Tannins are fine and acids are fresh and juicy. Length is very good. Tasted February 2023 by Critic Understudy Megha Jandhyala.
5 Stars - Sara d'Amato
Consistently a solid value wine, the sangiovese sourced for Cortonesi's 'la Mannella' Lèonus is sourced from the winery's home farm in Montalcino, intended for the production of Brunello di Montalcino. This 2021 is both warm and zesty with an abundance of red fruit, along with dried herbs and a distinct brininess. No heavy-handed winemaking. Generous, uncomplicated and widely appealing. Tasted February 2023.
- 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
92 points- David Lawrason
This a very agreeable, well balanced Valpolicella with classic, fresh aromas of sour cherry, rosemary, tomato leaf and spice. Also a hint of pepper. It is medium bodied, smooth and well balanced without relying too much on ripasso's baby fat to carry the day. Tannins are quite mild, some minor heat on the finish. The length is excellent. Very easy drinking but don't overlook its detail. Tasted Sept 2021
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Fattoria di Sammontana
The vineyards of Fattoria di Sammontana are located along the hills that border the Arno River, 20km to the south west of Florence. Today, the family - now in its fourth generation - runs the farm according to organic and biodynamic practices, with the intent to fully preserve and sustain the traditions and winemaking history of the land. The property and its 12th century Romanesque church, were once the property of the Medici family.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Decanter World Wine Awards
95 Points
Savoury and mineral nose with notes of rich berry, dark cherry and spiced plum. Firm, structured tannins, well-textured with a very persistent toasty finish. Value.
- Red Wine
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 3 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
Press Reviews
James Suckling
91 Points
Dark cherries, cassis, dry earth and baking spices on the nose follow through to a medium body with creamy tannins and texture. Well-balanced with a creamy core of berries and a delicious finish. Syrah, grenache and carignan. From organically grown grapes. Drink now [or hold until 2026+]
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.50% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Falstaff
89 Points - Ulrich Sautter
Ripe black cherries and red cherries powerful aromas, some oak, dried thyme and rosemary. Full-bodied and fresh on the palate, ripe, juicy cherries with a vivid acidity, emphatically dry, with intense ripe tannins.
- 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
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 3.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
Press Reviews
James Suckling
91 Points
Aromas of ripe blackberries and cassis with some sweet spices, hazelnut and tree bark. Medium- to full-bodied with a succulent dark fruit character and firm, polished tannins. Flavourful finish. Drink or hold.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Cameron Douglas, MS
95 Points
Aromas of a complex wine with a stony mineral led quality followed by scents of dark cherry and baked plum then sweetness of barrel and a fine smoky wood quality. Dark rose and clove, plum and vanilla, there’s a fine silica and saline quality to the sense of place this wine carries as well. On the palate - taut and youthful, salivating and texture, complex and fine. A delicious wine with velvet textured tannin, plenty of acidity and a core flavours of red berries, plum then wood spices and sense of place with a earthy mineral quality. Lengthy finish with charm and cmplexity. Best drinking from 2023 through 2033.
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Mourvèdre / Monastrell, Syrah
- Organic, Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.00% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Platter's Wine Guide
90 Points
Wine Advocate
89 Points - Anthony Mueller
A Southern Rhône-style blend, the 2020 The Birds is composed of 57% Grenache, 28% Shiraz and 15% Mourvedre. The nose offers a mineral-driven essence with red fruit and spicy red tea aromas. Medium-bodied and with 13% alcohol, the palate is focused and remains mineral before offering a tannic edge with a food-friendly finish. It’s a delightful red blend and will perform well in youth with food.
- Red Wine
- Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% 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
Vinous
92 Points - Eric Guido
The 2020 Etna Rosso is remarkably pretty, leading off with dusty roses and dried strawberries complicated by suggestions of violet and lavender. This flows effortlessly across the palate with floral-laced red fruits enhanced by sour citrus and spice. The 2020 lingers incredibly long yet maintains a lovely inner freshness. Exceptionally pure and impossible to resist.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
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.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
Brouca’s pinot noir is called “Foulage Gaulois,” literally “Gallic Treading,” a reference to feet stomping grapes and history tells us the Gauls were big on the fermented stuff. Their interest goes back to the fourth century and the Romans were quite fond of their work. Fréderic’s carries a seriously carbonic varietal impact with high tonality, great freshness and a piney herbal character. Quite minty evergreen and open knit though really light within its bushy parameters. Drink 2023-2025. Tasted January 2023.
90 points - John Szabo, MS
A low intervention, 'natural' pinot, unfined and unfiltered from 25 year-old organically-farmed hillside vineyards in the south of France (Faugères region) with evident spicy-herbal whole bunch (stem) inclusion in the ferment. I like the dried herb and herbal tea, pot pourri and spiced cherry chutney flavours, the zesty acids, the firm and dusty but forgiving tannins. Length and depth are solid. A well-made, innovative take on pinot noir from a region that really shouldn't be growing pinot noir, managing to maintain freshness and composure against the odds. A cool, wet growing season surely helped the liveliness along. This is well worth a look, and it's totally free from deviations. Drink or hold short term. Tasted January 2023.
- Red Wine
- Carignan, Syrah
- Organic, Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Garage Wine Co.
Garage Wine was literally started in a garage in 2001, by Etobicoke expat Derek Mossman and his wife Pilar Miranda. Since then, the dynamic duo handcraft wines from a series of individual vineyards located in the Maule and Itata Valleys, in the south of Santiago, Chile.
Garage Wine Co makes wines from a series of individual parcels, small lots / bottlings of 8-22 barrels that include a series of dry-farmed field-blends of Carignan, Garnacha, Monastrell, País, Cinsault and Cab Franc grown on pre-phylloxera rootstock with small farmers in the Maule and Itata. Each wine is from a 1-2 hectare parcel in a different place.
Over the years working in the community they have raised a veritable posse of vineyard hands whose skills are working the vineyards the old way / the traditional way– originario. The vineyards are on the old coastal range of mountains closer to the Pacific and have granitic soils with cracks for roots to get deep down into.
When GWCo. speaks of the provenance of these wines they mean more than just the geological terroir. Derek and Pilar think the farming practices that have evolved over generations have as much to do with the wines’ personalities as the soils. All the wines are made by hand with native yeasts in small tanks, punched down manually and pressed out in a small basket press. GWCo is still very much a DIY operation and we still tow much of the crop back to the winery in trailers behind trusty pickup trucks 2,000 kilos at a time.
Press Reviews
Wine Advocate
96+ Points - Luis Gutiérrez
The 2020 Truquilemu Vineyard follows the path of the 2018 and 2019 with even lower alcohol (12.9%) and great freshness and acidity, a pH of 3.36 and 6.4 grams of acidity. The modus operandi was the usual: fermented in open-top vats with indigenous yeasts and manual punch-down with a slow malolactic, which took 10 months to finish, and matured in used barrels over two winters. It contains some 4% Syrah. This has the ethereal quality of this vineyard, powerful but weightless. This place makes fresh wines even in warm vintages like 2020, and you feel that especially in the palate where the wine is vibrant and lively. 5,882 bottles were filled in February 2022.
- Red Wine
- Barbera
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.00% alc./vol
- Red Wine
- Dolcetto
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.00% alc./vol
- Red Wine
- Pinotage
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 1.5 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Radford Dale
Radford Dale and The Winery of Good Hope are two brands made by the same people, in the same winery. The team behind these wineries has been an industry leader since the 1990s in chemical free farming, and more recently in low and no sulfur winemaking. They are a founding member of PIWOSA (Premium Independent Wineries of South Africa) which sets ethical, environmental and social uplift standards. Recognizing the social inequality present in South Africa Radford Dale has also set up a trust called Land of Hope to help facilitate bright futures for children, focusing heavily on education.Alex Dale who owns and manages both projects is an Englishman who grew up spending summers in Burgundy, France. He moved there in his late teens to follow a passion for winemaking and also opened a wine bar in Beaune. He lived in Burgundy for many years before moving to South Africa in 1998, starting Radford Dale with Ben Radford, an Australian. The idea was to produce wines using modern techniques and technology with a healthy respect for tradition, something Alex came to understand well while living in Burgundy.
Wines are made with minimal intervention in order to best express each vineyard’s individuality.- Red Wine, White Wine
- Carricante, Sangiovese
- Organic, Sustainable
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
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
Fattoria di Sammontana
The vineyards of Fattoria di Sammontana are located along the hills that border the Arno River, 20km to the south west of Florence. Today, the family - now in its fourth generation - runs the farm according to organic and biodynamic practices, with the intent to fully preserve and sustain the traditions and winemaking history of the land. The property and its 12th century Romanesque church, were once the property of the Medici family.