Events

The 2022 is just a touch sweet with 5.7g/L residual sugar and a little bit of malic acid left too. Weather was a bit extreme in 2022, but the Gewurz came in at the end of August before the heat wave or the rains. They are really happy with Rick's! Acid is present, but the wine is not overly lean or austere, the fruit is savory and the aromatics are a little more pronounced than the last few vintages. The end result is still a relatively subtle, but distinctly aromatic wine that is true to the variety.

This wine is rustic Nebbiolo through and through, that is delightful to drink even in its youth. The body is a very pretty elegant red hue, with traditional notes of smoke, leather and scorched earth. There is a slight note of oak that pairs nicely with some dusty tannins on the finish. It does needs to unwind a bit in the glass, which is typical for the varietal. This is a solid value in traditionally made Nebbiolo.

The De Forville family emigrated to Piedmont from Belgium in 1848 and established themselves in the village of Barbaresco in 1860. Here, the family was instantly engaged in growing the Nebbiolo grape under the direction of Gioachino De Forville. Now, the fifth generation is in place: Valter and Paolo Anfosso, the two sons of Bruno and Mafalda.

In the early part of the twentieth century, the De Forvilles sold their wine in bulk directly to restaurants and to retailers who then bottled the wine. In 1940 the estate bottled its first wine and now virtually their entire production is bottled at the estate

The nearly 11 hectare domaine is divided between holdings in the villages of Barbaresco [4.5 hectare] and Castagnole Lanze [6.5 hectare], a commune that is about four kilometers east of Barbaresco in the direction of Asti.

Their Barbaresco is the standard-bearer for the estate. The vines are planted exclusively within the confines of Barbaresco and are scattered among various “crus”, including Rabaja and Pozzo. The average age of the vines is 35 years. After harvest, the juice is fermented in stainless steel for approximately two weeks; then the wine is racked into large oak “botti” to age at least 18 additional months and frequently longer before being bottled. This wine is emblematic of the work done at the De Forville estate: the wine is rigorously traditional, marrying the finesse of Barbaresco with the alluring aromas and flavors of truffle, earth, berries, rose, tar and leather and carrying, most important of all, a backbone of sweet, dusty tannins that give length and breed.

100% Baga made via Methode Champenoise to produce a savory and juicy sparkling red wine. Baga is typically known for its deep structure, but these grapes were chosen for their high acidity and good fruit potential. The base wine was initially fermented in stone lagares then transferred to 3k liter old oak tonels to complete fermentation. Secondary fermentation occurs in bottle to add sparkle. This is a Brut Natural so there is no added sugar. The Bruto Natural Tinto jumps out of the glass with bright and brambly fruit. The palate is generous and savory with excellent length.

Organic / Biodynamic

92-93 points Wine Advocate
The sample of the 2022 Pétalos has a fresh twist of watermelon, which is quite remarkable, as the summer torrid and very dry and they expected much riper wines. Some 25% of the grapes used here are from owned vineyards in the village of Corullón and 80% purchased grapes. They used more white grapes this year, more than any other year, to give the wines freshness. The result is much better than expected; there's not much acidity, but using so many different plots allows more room to play with the blend, which is something they can only do here and in Corullón. It's perfumed and quite harmonious, balanced and fresher than expected. They expect to fill some 290,000 bottles. This is the 20th anniversary of Pétalos and the 25th anniversary of the winery

Organic / Natural

Golden-amber-colored, an exotic bouquet of sugar-dusted ginger, dried nectarines, crushed green apple, geranium and mint. This is powerful and deeply textural, with a pretty inner sweetness balanced by brisk acids and tart orchard fruits, complemented by savory brown spice and a mind-bending addition of cocoa toward the close. For all of its density, the Praruar turns squeaky-clean through the finale, yet still full of lively energy, resonating on floral-tinged peaches and pears.

Produced exclusively from Catarratto grapes grown on the Il Censo estate outside of Palazzo Adriano; vineyards are farmed organically and grapes are harvested manually, with harvest occurring usually in October; the grapes maintain contact with the skins for two to three weeks, the length of the maceration depending on the vintage; only indigenous yeasts are used during fermentation and no temperature controls are utilized; the wines is bottled without being fined or filtered.

Roodeberg Black is our classic red blend wrapped in an intense layer of dark ripe fruit entwined in deep toasted oak. On the nose, pristine red and black fruits with vanilla and mocha lingering in the background. Palate is markedly fresh yet intense with quality dark fruit balancing the mocha, vanilla and space. The finish is smoky, rich and intense; long and persistent like a burning ember, reminiscent of the fire that gave life to this blend

The Blend: 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Shiraz, 15% Petit Verdot, 15% Petite Sirah, 10% Tannat, 10% Pinotage, 3% Malbec, 1% Tempranillo, 1% Grenache Noir

Organic / Biodynamic

10 hours on the skins followed by spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Aged in stainless. Filtered. A bright yellow color with a brilliant focus and structure. Mineral driven, stony, savory, and a delicate salinity aspect that is intriguing. A compelling wine that any white wine drinker will enjoy.

12% abv

100 points Jeb Dunnuck
The wine of the vintage in Saint-Julien, if not all of the Medoc, the 2019 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou is based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, aged in 100% new French oak, that hit a natural alcohol of 14.2% with a monster IPT (number of tannins) of 88. It's certainly one of the most concentrated Saint-Juliens, revealing a dense purple hue to go with a stacked bouquet of creme de cassis, freshly sharpened pencils, damp clay, tobacco, and hints of spring flowers. Concentrated, full-bodied, and powerful, it has incredible tannins, flawless balance, and a gorgeous finish. While most estates today are playing it safe and producing more ethereal, elegant wines that drink well right out of the gate, thankfully, this estate continues to make concentrated, powerful, age-worthy wines, and this heavenly beauty is as good as it gets! It will need a decade of bottle age to hit the early stages of maturity and will evolve for 50 years or more. Bravo to Bruno Borie! (4/2022)

98 points Vinous
The 2019 Ducru Beaucaillou, which was matured in 100% new oak for 12 months, has a glorious bouquet of cigar humidor, cedar, black fruit and a touch of black truffle, very complex and quite compelling. The palate is still very Pauillac-inspired in style, and finely proportioned, with chiseled tannins. Displaying superb clarity and salinity on the finish, this feels very persistent and utterly charming. It will repay a decade in bottle and then last several more. I believe this will outperform the 2018 in the long run. Neal Martin (2/2022)

96+ points Wine Advocate
Powerful and muscular, the 2019 Ducru-Beaucaillou offers up aromas of cassis, raspberries and cherries mingled with notions of violets and iris, framed by a generous application of creamy new oak. Full-bodied, velvety and concentrated, it's rich but lively, with a deep core of fruit and an ample endowment of ripe, powdery tannins. Fuller maturity and a more rigorous selection over the last two decades have brought what proprietor Bruno Borie characterizes as additional "punch" to this wine, in the form of unprecedented levels of anthocyanins and tannins, but all that substance and structure will require some patience before we'll see if Ducru is still Saint-Julien's most elegant wine. (4/2022)

100 points Vinous
The 2019 Montrose is very clearly one of the wines of the vintage. Rich, inky and towering in concentration, the 2019 possesses off the charts intensity and tons of structure to back it up. Succulent black cherry, plum, tobacco, gravel and licorice infuse the 2019 with striking depth. The 2019 is not quite as opulent as some recent vintages, and that's a good thing. Readers will find a regal wine that marries elegance with power. Unforgettable. Antonio Galloni (1/2022)

100 points Wine Enthusiast
The wine has a massive structure, great concentration. It now really shows the results of the massive investment of the owners, the telecom magnate Bouygues family. The powerful tannins mask the impressive black fruits and the wine’s rich berry flavors. This magnificent wine will develop slowly over many years. Drink from 2027. *Cellar Selection* (8/2022)

99 points Decanter
A generous and abundant nose full of fruit and aromatic intensity followed by a gorgeous mouthfeel showcasing fruit density and concentration wrapped up in soft, velvety-smooth tannins. Just so much depth but also refinement here, it feels well made with just the right amount of fruit, toasty spice, tannins, freshness and acidity. The overall structure is gently framing all the elements - big and bold but quietly confident. The tannin impact is also enjoyable giving a feeling of approachability despite the long life ahead. Just superb - one of the best in 2019. (1/2022)

This firm, dense Champagne starts off with apple and citrus flavors, then turns nutty on the finish, which lingers nicely. Very well-defined and minerally, too. - WS87

100% agave tequila that's "rested" in Bourbon barrels for smooth, rich flavor. Taste: lush caramel with fruit and spice evolving to subtle oak and vanilla notes. Finish: long and creamy finish with lingering smoky and spicy notes. 2015 Spirits of Mexico Competition - Gold Medal

Triple distilled and patiently aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, this original blended Irish whiskey is known the world over for its smooth and gentle complexity.

The early floral yet biscuit flavour reflects the grain whiskey, while the soft spicy notes can be attributed to the pot still whiskey in the blend. The citrus flavour is complemented by the malt. Finally notice the nutty or even marzipan note combined with distinctive vanilla in the finish – imparted by the sherry and bourbon casks used in maturation.

Appearance: Brilliant gold. Nose: Powerful peat-smoke with sea-water saltiness, the liquor of fresh oysters, a citrus sweetness. Palate: A rich dried-fruit sweetness with smoke and strong barley-malt flavors, warming and intense. At the back of the mouth is an explosion of pepper. Finish: long, warming peppery finish with an appetising sweetness. 45.8% abv - Maritime and Smokey -


"Fresh, vibrant. Appetizingly briny, with notes of seaweed, fishnets, lemongrass, smoke, and damp peat. A bed of light toffee provides contrast and balance. It finishes with a knockout punch: powerfully peppery and salty. This whisky remains a beautifully dynamic and bold whisky." Whisky Advocate

Aged in charred American White Oak barrels and color fine-filtered to crystal-clear. Aromas of wood and vanilla intertwined with cooked agave and subtle spices. Smooth on the palate with woody notes, vanilla and caramel for a sweet, rich flavor.

Distiller Notes
2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal Winner

2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal Winner

Speyside whiskies are known to be fruity and floral, but as the bad boy of Speyside, Craigellachie defies with its oil fired, rich character. Craigellachie 13 is matured in a mixture of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. The bourbon casks bring vanilla, toffee and fudge notes to the fore, and the sherry casks provide richness and complexity.

Mexico - Pleasantly sweet, followed by Chile with moderate heat and slight acidity. Hints of spices, tamarind, plum, cacao, apple and almonds then subtle notes of fine herbs. A pleasantly lingering pungent taste on the finish. Sip neat or enjoy in a cocktail. Kosher Certified

PRODUCER NOTES
Amarula Cream Liqueur is a delicious blend of the unique flavors of the marula fruit including chocolate, caramel, and a hint of butterscotch. On the open plains of the African veld grows a tree, untamed by man. It is the Marula Tree, and its exotic fruit is at the heart of Amarula Cream, the perfect blend of fresh cream and the distilled Marula fruit. A drink with a distinctive, exciting and sophisticated taste.

CAN

Bermuda- A higher proof version of Gosling's Black Seal rum. A rich rum with full and intricate flavor, well balanced and nuanced with butterscotch, vanilla and caramel. Fragrant with herbal sharpness with an unusually complex.

Highlands, Scotland- 21 years of aging has added dignity to Aberfeldy's distinctive heather honey softness. The taste lingers like a fine liqueur with its long, dry finish enhanced by notes of mature Seville oranges, spices, vanilla and sandalwood. Sip and savor this exclusive whisky.

"The 2004 Gran Reserva 890 is the top of the range here, a wine that is only released three/four times per decade in exceptional years. They start by sourcing grapes from their oldest vineyards and going through a slow process of aging the wine in American oak barrels for six years, with ten manual rackings, and each time there is a selection of only the best barrels. The bottled wine is 13.5% alcohol with a remarkably low pH (3.0) that to me means 'quality' of the acidity, which is a healthy six grams per liter (in tartaric). The nose is all about forest floor aromas, game, cigar ash, incense, old furniture and some smoked meat. The palate shows what the technical data was hinting--very fresh with slightly dusty tannins and nice acidity. It's polished, but feels livelier than some older vintages. 38,000 numbered bottles." 94+pts WA

Tempranillo (95%) and Mazuelo (2%) from estate-owned vineyards in Bri??as, Labastida and Villalba and, in addition, Graciano (3%) from our Montecillo vineyard. This is the first Gran Reserva 890 in which we use Graciano grapes from this vineyard. The wine was aged for 6 years in American oak barrels. The barrels were manufactured in our cooperage, with wood imported from the USA and dried at our facilities for three years. During the 10 rackings, we carried out a further selection of the barrels to be used for the final blend, which was bottled in March 2011.

The Bodega was formed in 1890 as a partnership of 5 quality-conscious growers keen to exploit the export potential for well-made, ?????modern????? Rioja. At this time, French vineyards were ravaged by phylloxera, and connoisseurs were having to look elsewhere for supplies of fine wine. Rioja, with its excellent climate and soils, had already attracted attention, and experiments with Bordeaux-style vinification and barrique-aging were proving very successful. The region?????s only real disadvantage was its remoteness, cut off from the lucrative markets to the north by the same mountains that ensured its favorable climate. This problem was solved by construction of the rail link to Bilbao, and it is no coincidence that Bodegas La Rioja Alta was established next to the Haro railway station in the same year it opened. In 1904, La Rioja Alta absorbed Bodegas Ardanza, and gained access to some of the finest vineyards in the Rioja Alta district. The luxury 904 bottling commemorates this important milestone in the company?????s development. Since then Rioja has seen more bad times than good, and many producers have harmed the reputation of the region and its production methods, releasing sloppily-aged wines which were never good enough to support a long time in cask. But La Rioja Alta has never let standards slip, and continues to this day the tradition of careful long-aging that gives Rioja its unique character. These wines offer a wonderfully complex bouquet, rich flavours, a seductively smooth texture, and are all ready to drink on release.

Few dispute that La Rioja Alta S.A. is the leading quality orientated producer in the Rioja. With more than 50,000 casks and 6.4 million bottles stored at any one time, the equivalent of about 8 years sales, La Rioja Alta S.A. is unique in its ability to supply large quantities of fully mature wines of world class quality. The company owns 300 hectares of vineyards in different parts of the best zones of the Rioja Alta region. La Rioja Alta S.A. is specialized in red wines. The leading grape variety is the Tempranillo with small doses of Mazuelo and Graciano. The Vina Ardanza differs from the other wines with some 25% Garnacha in the blend. After vinification in the new ultra modern vinification plant near Haro, aging is in traditional Bordeaux casks, all made from American oak. Racking is by hand every 6 months with 8 teams working full time racking the 51,000 casks. There is no filtration prior to bottling and further long aging in bottle before release. In short the wines are made in the traditional Rioja manner. The company is adamant about not using French oak, keeping the unique Rioja style which has been developed since the end of the 19th century. In spite of the varying amount of time in cask and bottle the wines all display a wonderful rich ruby colour, gorgeous aromas of oak, spices and fruit followed by a sensational feel on the palate, with a wonderful smooth texture, clean rich oaky/fruity flavours and a long lingering finish. All the wines are ready for consumption on release but will keep for many more years in bottle. This situation is almost unique in the world of wine and is the reason why so many restaurants list La Rioja Alta?????s outstanding range of truly classic Rioja wines.

WS 94
Tea, tobacco, cedar and spice notes mingle with deeper licorice, plum and iron flavors in this savory red. The texture is supple and polished, but there's a firm tannic backbone. Focused and harmonious, in the traditional style. Drink now through 2024. 1,166 cases made.