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10 products
10 products
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Medium 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
92 points - Michael Godel
The 2011 planted vineyard is the youngest at La Mannella and is used exclusively for Tommaso Cortonesi's Rosso. "In recent years, for my generation we are trying to approach Rosso di Montalcino is a more personal way," tells Cortonesi. "A fresh wind, brought to the production and (especially) the communication. Finding a real identity, not as a baby Brunello." The clay soil does not necessarily give big concentration but more so ease, elegance and classic sangiovese. Seemingly dark in hue but bright and tart in such an accentuated way. Can't really shake the idea of the quality inherent in this specific scope of concentration. A liqueur of sangiovese, moving towards the finish swiftly and courteously across the palate. Drink 2022-2026. Tasted November 2021.
- 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
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.70% 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.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
2018 vintage: The latest in wine merchant Nicholas Pearce's negoce project (that counts 10 wines in three countries I believe) is this Columbia Valley cabernet sauvignon. Rue Naujac is the street Pearce lived on while studying and working in France and Bordeaux is the country's 33rd department. The reference "33" is slang for Bordeaux, a wink-wink, nudge-nudge laugh for those who know him. A blend of two different vineyards, one in Wahluke Slope AVA & the other in Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Deep, dark, unctuous, flowing with Cassis and no shortage of graphite notes neither. Good spirit and quite correct, better and more honest than most at the west coast price. Drink 2020-2024. Tasted July 2020.
90 points - David Lawrason
2018 vintage: This is a quite tasty and delicious cabernet if veering into sweet territory. It is quite full bodied, smooth and dense, and balanced in that sense. The nose is very ripe with blackcurrant jam, spice and generous oak spice. It is full bodied, with some cabernet earthiness and dried herbs. Very good to excellent length. Tasted August 2020.
90 points - John Szabo, MS
2018 vintage: A creation of Ontario importer Nicholas Pearce in partnership with a French winemaker with 30 years experience in Washington, Rue Naujac is the street Pearce 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 # of this wine. It's made of pure Cabernet Sauvignon, 64% of which is from the coveted Wahluke Slope AVA, and 36% Horse Heaven Hills AVA, with 15% new oak used for maturation. It's crafted in a typically forward, plush and dark fruit flavoured Washington style, immediately engaging and appealing, with a vague sensation of sweetness on the palate to broaden appeal. Tannins are thick and velvety, while mocha-chocolate flavours fold into the fruit. Both sophisticated and approachable, a winning style all around, well priced. Tasted July 2020.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Franc, Merlot
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château du Moulin Noir
This beautiful right-bank Bordeaux estate consistently produces high-value, elegant and classic Merlot dominant wines and is considered one of the most famous Château of this appellation. Located in Montagne-Saint-Emilion, Château Moulin Noir consists of seven hectares of vineyards on clay and limestone soils.
This château owes its name to a family feuddating back to the Middle Ages. Two brothers were arguing about their father’s legacy with the youngest brother being incredibly jealous that everything went to the elder. He was so jealous that he burnt the château to the ground - Moulin Noir translates to “blackened Mill”.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Sara d'Amato
This notably complex right bank blend from a satellite appellation of Saint-Emilion offers appealing savory notes along with a mineral, iron component as well as licorice spice. The oak treatment is wonderfully integrated with wood spice elevating the bright red fruit. Harmoniously matured, graceful and very elegant. The staying power of the finish is impressive. Drinking very well now. Tasted January 2019.
- Red Wine
- Nebbiolo
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Réva
Hailing from Piedmont, the northwest corner of Italy, 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
93 points - Michael Godel
This to me is a classic Barolo vintage captured with utmost care and respect by Réva. The 2018 Baroli are not likely going to amalgamate as the most obviously decadent or structured nebbioli but they can be timely reflections into the appellation. This is what the team at Réva has looked at, considered and coaxed from a wine that represents and by that I mean stands as a cross-sectional cuvée for their important set of vineyards. The 2016 Barolo is a great wine though its austerity means it’s still not functionally available and will serve a select few when it gets to the intended destination. In 2018 nebbiolo stands out bright, aromatic and clear, seasoned by wood, earth and herbs, linear, direct and transparent. The purity and functionality serve the people and does so with heart open wide, worn on a gifted, but never gilded sleeve. This is not a precious wine but do embrace the gift. Drink 2023-2031. Tasted May 2022.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Franc
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château de Parnay
Château de Parnay is the flagship of the AOC Saumur Champigny. The property is located along the Loire river, classified as UNESCO World Heritage, on the most reputable clay and limestone terroirs of the appellation. The historic property was taken over by Mathias Levron & Régis Vincenot in 2006 with the aim of restoring the nobility of this special place.
Drawing their strength from the authenticity of their values, they now cultivate 50 hectares of vines with the aim of producing exceptional wines in a way that respects the environment. They have been certified organic since 2013 and are about to be certified biodynamic too.
The Clos of Chemin des Murs is the jewel of the property! Coming from the imagination of it's orginal owner, Antoine Cristal, this Clos was built, planted and cultivated according to an unprecedented technique. On this half hectare of Chenin Blanc, each vine was planted on the north face of a stone wall. Through a hole in the stone the vine crosses through the wall and allowing the grapes to grow facing the southern sunshine. The vine is said to have its 'foot in the cool and belly in the sun'.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
93 points - Megha Jandhyala
This is a concentrated, complex, gracefully balanced cabernet franc. Notes of ripe red plums, blackberries, dark cherries, tobacco, dried leaves, and violets are interwoven here to form an elegant, engaging, and varietally representative flavour profile. The palate is densely flavoured but lithe, with fine-grained tannins and refreshing acids. The finish is long, layered, and captivating. Though it can be enjoyed now, I would cellar this for 2-3 years. Tasted January 2024.
93 points - David Lawrason
This is a serious cab franc indeed - not so much in terms of weight and power, but in its complexity, poise and length. It’s a deeply coloured for franc. The nose shows fine, ripe raspberry, perfectly pitched by fresh herbs, tobacco and violet. It is loosely structured mid-palate, and a touch warm, with slightly green tannin. The length is excellent. I would age it a year or three. Tasted January 2024
92 points - John Szabo, MS
Silky and refined, elegant but dense, this Saumur Champigny (cabernet franc) is a substantial and serious wine, with a high degree of textbook regional character, complete with a touch of green-herbal, varietal flavour. Tannins are fine and dusty, acids gently salty, and length good to very good. I'd suggest another year or two in the cellar to further refine the texture and develop complexity - potential I think is high. Tasted January 2024.
- 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
- Sangiovese
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Villa Calcinaia
Villa Calcinaia is situated in the centre of Chianti Classico near the town of Greve-in-Chianti. This historic estate has been home to the Counts Capponi since 1524, and is maintained by Sebastiano Capponi and his brother Niccolo. In 1992, Count Sebastiano Capponi became the first in the history of the family to manage the winery personally, giving a new life to the vineyards and the cellar.
The family owns 200 hectares of land planted with olive trees, vines and pine trees. Organic farming is the standard at Villa Calcinaia where 75 acres of vineyard are planted with Sangiovese, Merlot, Canaiolo, Grechetto, Vernaccia, Trebbiano, and Malvasia. Through every vintage, the wines are crafted with food in mind. They are balanced, elegant, perfumed, and savoury yet refreshing with restrained vigour and intensity that ensures longevity.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
93 points - John Szabo, MS
Calcinaia's 2019 Riserva is a muscular and solidly built wine, with tannins still grippy and firm, also showing a lightly earthy-reductive edge still on display. Scorched earth and dried herb flavours mingle with black cherry fruit on a substantial frame, ripe at 14.5% declared. Very good length and depth. It's clearly made from the long term and is another couple of years away at least from prime enjoyment. Best from about 2026-2036. Tasted February 2024.
93 points - David Lawrason
This is a nicely perfumed, detailed and almost rich Chianti Riserva, with its extra time in barrel laying in complex, cedar, vanillin and spicy notes around classic raspberry/currant sangiovese fruit. It is medium-full bodied, fairly elegant and supple, with moderate acidity. Very well balanced with fine but firm tannin. The length is excellent. Best 2025 to 2030. Tasted February 2024
James Suckling
92 points
Crushed mulberries, black olives and allspice on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with chewy tannins. Compact. Very typical for a Chianti Classico. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Tempranillo
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% 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
Robert Parker
92 points
The very young red 2021 Bozeto de Exopto mixes Tempranillo from Ábalos and Mediterranean Garnacha from Alfaro (with 10% Graciano), and it seems very balanced, with good ripeness (14.5%), showing the Garnacha and the more austere Graciano with nice fruit and freshness. It's serious and has complexity and depth beyond its price point. It matured in a combination of concrete and oak containers for some six months. Excellent value in one of the finest vintages for this wine. 70,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2022.
Wine Align
91 points - John Szabo
A blend of garnacha, tempranillo and graciano grown at around 500m in the Sierra de Cantabria, this is aged exclusively in concrete and thus a long way from what many would consider the 'traditional' style of Rioja. I like the freshness and vibrancy allied at the same time to ripe, plush fruit spanning both the red and black spectrum. Tannins are supple and acids balanced and creamy, leading into a long, gently saline finish. Concentration and depth, as well as complexity overall, far exceed expectations in the category. Well made wine from an evidently superior vineyard, delicious now, or hold 3-4 years. Tasted January 2024.
91 points - Megha Jandhyala
This is a charming Rioja, a blend of garnacha, tempranillo, and a small amount of graciano. I like the bright, supple red fruit here and the pretty floral and savoury herbal notes. The palate is lively and supple, with fine-grained tannins and juicy acids. Fresh, streamlined, and with a sense of lightness that is appealing, this wine is ready to drink, though it can also be cellared for a couple of years. Tasted January 2024.
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Syrah
- Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.20% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Autrand
Christine Aubert and her son Aurélien, wine-makers in Vinsobres, at the heart of the Drôme Provençale, welcome you to their family estate. As a 80Ha estate, the Autrand Wine Cellar produces AOC Vinsobres (Côtes du Rhône vintage since 2006), Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC and Côtes du Rhône AOC in each color. Vinsobres, another little known Southern Rhône commune was awarded 'Cru' status in 2006. It’s relative anonymity outside France ensures exceptional value.