New Release: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2014 – Vibrancy and Silky Tannins

We are delighted to announce the New Vintage Release of Brunello 2014 – a year with wonderful energy and finesse that gives already great pleasure. Watch this short video to learn more about the vintage and meet Cecilia Leoneschi, the Estate’s winemaker.

Cecilia Leoneschi, winemaker at Castiglion del Bosco, comments on the vintage:
“Brunello 2014 proved to be an interesting vintage technically, which, given the challenging weather conditions, underlined the potential of our land, the expression of well-exposed vineyards on rocky soils with good drainage at high altitudes (250-460m) synonymous of truly distinctive Sangiovese. The soils at the highest parts are characterised by an abundance of rock; a compact, gravelly mass that combined with scarce groundwater reserves, forces the vine to push its roots deep into the ground. The winter rainfall was filtered away through the Galestro soil and didn’t have a detrimental effect on the vines but encouraged great flowering and ripening of the bunches.The constant winds assisted greatly in drying the grapes on the bunches and avoiding higher levels of humidity that could trigger a bacteria or fungal attack. Our vineyard team paid close attention to all individual vines and adjusted the foliage accordingly to enhance the impact of the wind. The rain stopped in the last week of September and we started harvesting by hand the best quality fruit in October. The first grape selection took place during picking and the second on the sorting table.

The southwest facing rows are idealy exposed to the constant breeze, the most unique characteristic of this vineyard, and are subject to wide day-night temperature swings. As one descends the slope, the character of the rock changes, with the central swath composed largely of galestro, while rock-studded clay schists predominate still further down.

Our team has been spending a lot of time mapping and analysing the organically grown vineyards and therefore we expected that the balance the vines have achieved over the years would equip them with significant resistance to stress, parasites and durabilty under testing conditions.

Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2014 is a vintage of silky elegance and expressive aromas. In order to make such a distinctive wine in that year, we had to sacrifice the production of the single vineyard Campo del Drago Brunello that is made from the finest plot in Capanna and our Millecento Riserva 1100; using grapes from these outstanding plots was the key to create a Brunello of that aromatic intensity and balance. We also went to extreme measures to protect our quality hence we decided to half our Brunello production by choosing only fruit of outstanding quality.

2014 required great precision and passion in the vineyard and in nature you always get back what you have given. The aromas are forthcoming and well-defined with notes of red berries and liquorice backed by an underlying freshness. Our well-drained soils, the high altitude and the characteristic ventilation of the Capanna vineyard helped us to make a gratifying wine with a persisting finish and an appetising hint of refreshing herbs.”

Click here Brunello_2014 to download the Technical Sheet.

Should you wish to receive further information on Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2014, please speak to your Account Manager or contact the Brand Manager, Effi Tsournava

Domaine Faiveley – A domaine to know and collect

Chris Munro, Head of Wine for Christie’s in the Americas, profiles the burgundy producers every wine lover should be looking to have in their cellar on Christies website and he notes of Domaine Faiveley:

“With a history dating back to 1825, this domaine is now under the guidance of the young and forward-thinking Erwan and Eve Faiveley. This new generation has expanded the vineyard holdings in recent years, adding Pommard and Volnay, as well as white wines from Bâtard and Bienvenues-Bâtard Montrachet. Today, Domaine Faiveley is one of the largest owners of classified vineyards in the Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune and Côte Challonnaise, with holdings of around 330 acres, one of the largest being Corton, Clos de Cortons. This vineyard produces a silky wine with plenty of fruit — a wine of real finesse.“

Delas Frères Scores Highly in Wine Spectator

Delas Frères have received some impressive scores from Wine Spectator in their March online edition:

Delas Frères, La Landonne 2016 – 96 points
“Alluring, with warm fruitcake and black tea aromatics leading off for a lush and warm core of crushed plum, cherry reduction and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors. Despite the showy fruit detail, there’s a solid iron underpinning, pretty floral notes and bright energy throughout. Best from 2023 through 2038.”

Delas Frères, Les Bessards 2016 – 95 points
“Fresh and ripe, with a delicious mix of blueberry, blackberry and cherry fruit flavors that is carried by juicy acidity and backed by fruitcake, floral and iron notes through the finish. This has detail and length, with the fruit detail echoing wonderfully. Best from 2022 through 2035.”

Delas Frères, Les Bessards 2015 – 94 points
“Polished and pure, with a beam of cassis and cherry preserves streaming through, flanked with floral and iron streaks. Long and refined through the finish, with pretty spice and apple wood details infusing the fruit flavor. Best from 2022 through 2035.”

Delas Frères, Domaine des Tourettes 2016 – 93 points
“Solidly built, with juicy and engaging raspberry, red currant and blackberry fruit flavors spreading out from the core, picking up anise, incense, mineral and floral accents along the way. The structure is fine-grained, with fresh acidity lingering nicely. Best from 2023 through 2035.”

Delas Frères, Domaine des Tourettes White 2017 – 93 points
“Suave, with macadamia nut, salted butter and verbena notes weaving around a core of creamed Jonagold apple, star fruit and Bosc pear flavors. Everything entwines seamlessly. Best from 2021 through 2028.”

Pio Cesare’s 2015s receive impressive scores!

After the misunderstood 2014 vintage that divided the wine journalists across the world, 2015 is entering the Barolo arena with a much more united front and a long list of exciting reviews from the critics. Pio Boffa of Pio Cesare has always been convinced about the outstanding of the 2014s, and he found an ally in Walter Speller who also praises “the general high quality of 2014”. Even though the two vintages couldn’t be more disimilar, one is going to be seriously challenged if tempted to find a fault in the 2015s.

2015 Harvest Report:

Winter in 2015 began with heavy snowfalls in January which supplied the land with excellent water reserves. February was mild, bringing an early start to the growing cycle, a pattern which continued until harvest. Budding began earlier than in 2014 with flowering taking place in the middle of May. There were heavy rainfalls between flowering and fruit set which was very beneficial later in the season due to drought and warm weather in late June and July. Thanks to this timely rainfall and the snowfalls in January, the vines did not suffer undue water stress. Consequently, harvest took place about ten days earlier than 2014. Green harvested was targeted and precise. High temperatures meant that the crop was exceptionally healthy, with minimal impact from fungal disease. However, canopy management was important to protect the grapes from the sun’s rays. Grapes achieved optimal maturity and ripeness, with good sugar concentration, balanced acidity and excellent structure, making 2015 an age-worthy vintage.

Pio Boffa commented on the vintage:

“It is quite difficult to compare the character of the 2015 with other vintages. 2015 was a warm vintage, really hot, but it does not currently show the typical characters of a hot vintage. It is neither jammy nor a fruit bomb. It does have evident tannins right up front, which are well integrated with good fruit concentration. This was perhaps the result of the heat on the southern exposed vineyards on the slopes of the better grand crus. The heat and the lack of humidity halted the growing process for a while and the wines show a very pleasant fruity character with this evident tannin touch – very pleasant and in classic Nebbiolo style. Quite unique as in a hot vintage, we would normally expect big jammy wines with shorter ageing potential. This is not the case for 2015 bu the exact opposite. The wines will age extremely well and for a long time, and they will keep this fruity and tannic character.

Probably 2013, 2006 and 1999 might be comparable.

There were distinctive difference in style in the various Barolo regions: Serralunga was tannic, focused and structured, as always. Monforte was succulent, bold and round, with supple round tannins and strong fruit. La Morra was very fruity but with pleasing roundness and elegance. Novello was very structured and dense. Grinzane was very feminine and elegant. In a vintage like 2015 blending the Nebbiolo from different grand crus shows the ultimate way to produce a “master classic“ Barolo. A Barolo as it should be.”

Scores:

Pio Cesare Classic Barolo:

“Complex aromas of smoke, ash and dark fruits with a precision and intensity. Layered and gorgeous. Loads of dark fruit and perfume. Full-bodied with round and wonderfully polished tannins. Wonderful length and richness. Goes on for minutes. Try in 2023 but already good now“, 96 points James Suckling

“Medium-deep ruby with orange tinges. Lifted peppery, cherry nose with quite bit of brooding concentration and minerally notes. Hint of liquorice. Quite sweet and round attack and perfectly integrated acidity on the palate, but the tannins build up notably on the finish. Elegant and with a powerful finish. Has ageing potential. Drink 2019-2026“, 17 points, Walter Speller, janicsrobinson.com

Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2015:

“The aromas are so complex yet subtle with wet earth, mushrooms and dark fruits. Dried flowers as well. Full body, chewy tannins that are ultra fine and powerful yet there is a finesse and beauty to them as I said from barrel. Classic, great nebbiolo. Try in 2023.”, 98 points James Suckling

“Maturing ruby with watery bricky rim. Fine, sweetly perfumed nose with earthy, minerally notes. Spicy cherry fruit on the palate with polished tannins and ripe acidity. Tannins build up on the finish but are backed-up by elegant fruit. Fantastic chew and length of fruit. Drink 2020-2030“, 17+ points Walter Speller, janicsrobinson.com

Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2015:

“A dense and layered red with plums, dried orange and lemon peel and a long and flavorful finish. Beautiful. Such impressive layers and a fantastic finish. Very exciting. Love the length. Available in February 2019. Drink in 2020, but already beautiful.”, 95 points James Suckling

Pio Cesare Il Bricco 2015:

“This shows phenomenal structure to it with fantastic linear tannins that take this wine deep and long on the palate. It’s buttressed by a beautiful balance of ripe fruit characterized by strawberry and orange-peel undertones. Chewy and focused. Needs four or five years to soften and show its true greatness. Available in February 2019. Try in 2022.” 97 points James Suckling

2018 Harvest Report – Ramos Pinto

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
In 2018 there was more rainfall than the previous year, particularly throughout the spring and beginning of summer. The rest of the cycle was very dry and hot. Average temperatures were much lower than in 2017, but in August and September this trend was inverted, and average temperatures were quite high.

GROWING CYCLE
Bud break occurred almost three weeks late and the entire cycle was later than in 2017. Flowering took place well into August and the harvests began 3 to 4 weeks late.

PRODUCTION
Production was only 5% below the previous year, despite the difficulties experienced in the region.

HARVEST
The harvest began on the 22nd of August at Quinta de Ervamoira, with the first white grapes. A week later the first red grapes of the early ripening varieties, such as Tinta Amarela, were picked. The white wines are moderate in alcohol content, with elegant acidity and very aromatic wines. The red wines have expression, vivacity, high alcohol content and fruit.
At Quinta dos Bons Ares, the harvest began on the 4th of September with quite high alcohol levels and low pH. We highlight the good performance of white grapes at this quinta – balanced and aromatic. The red grape harvest finished on the 10th of October, in pristine health and perfect maturation.
At Quinta da Urtiga, which is grown using biodynamic principles, the harvest began on the 20th of September and so far we are pleased with the wine produced from this “magical” plot.
At Quinta do Bom Retiro the harvest took place from the 21st of September till the 10th of October. The Touriga Nacional grapes are excellent, aromatic, with vibrant acidity, both for Port & Douro wines. We underline the quality produced from the old vines “Rio” and “Alhais” which produced concentrated, balanced and very complex wines. A wet and humid spring followed by a summer scattered with periods of extreme temperature took its toll on the total production in a year where the quality seems to be excellent.
“A challenging wine year but very rewarding in oenological terms, with wonderful aromatic, structured Port wines. As the saying goes, ‘All’s well that ends well!’” Ana Rosas

PORT WINES

WHITE PORT WINE
The wines are fresh, fruity and have a good structure. Lágrima Branco is aromatic, with body and good acidity.

RED PORT WINE
The wines present an excellent colour, with a fine aroma, very pure fruit with some floral tones, fresh and with fine tannins. Touriga Franca, picked last as usual, was a great surprise, providing wines with great body and structure, good colour and aroma. Note that this year Tinto Cão produced very elegant wines with smoky aromas, delicious fresh fruit with a fascinating colour intensity for this variety. A “must” for our tawnies.

“At the end of July everything pointed to a year marked by rain and cold but August and September created optimum maturation conditions. I see great potential in 2018.” Teresa Ameztoy

DOURO WINES

WHITE WINE
The quality of the white wines is exciting, the year’s characteristics have resulted in wines full of freshness, balanced alcohol levels and mature aromas:
– Schist soil: expressive perfumed wines whose persistence and freshness are surprising.
– Granite soil: high quality, they stand out for their pure, defined aromas and their acidity.

RED WINE
In general the wines are dense and concentrated, with soft tannins and fruity aromas:
– Schist soil: great fruit expression, concentrated wines with fine tannins, excellent acidity.
– Granite soil: very healthy, crunchy and flavoursome grapes, foretelling great quality.

CONCLUSION
In 2018 nature has offered us the possibility of a great harvest in terms of quality. Despite the difficulties of the rainy spring, maturation in general was long and slow, and the summer hot and dry.
The 2018 wines seem concentrated, fruity and balanced, we expect a year ending in 8 that is unparalleled!

Quartet Rosé Wins Gold and Best US Sparkling Wine at the CSWWC 2018!

The Quartet Rosé NV has been awarded a Gold Medal and Trophy for Best US Sparkling Wine at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championship 2018 for the third consecutive year!

Quartet is Champagne Louis Roederer’s premium sparkling wine from Mendocino County’s cool, fog-shrouded Anderson Valley, which builds on centuries of fine winemaking tradition and has established a reputation as one of California’s premier sparkling wines.

Following the lead of Champagne Louis Roederer’s Brut Premier, 10-20% of the Quartet Rosé is made up of premium quality oak-aged reserve wines, creating a complex, multi-vintage cuvée in the traditional Louis Roederer style.

The Estate is constantly working to increase its sustainable and biodynamic grape growing, with all of its 251 hectares farmed sustainably, 45ha organically and 11ha biodynamically. The entire Estate is Fish Friendly Certified and is striving to increase and preserve biodiversity.

Contact Kate Lofthouse to find out more about this award winning sparkling wine.

Champagne Louis Roederer sweeps the board at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships last week

Louis Roederer swept the board at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championship awards dinner, being crowned Supreme World Champion for their Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV from magnum as well as taking the gong for Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year 2018. The announcement took place in front of a ‘who’s who’ gathering of over 150 international winemakers, producers and journalists at the annual Awards dinner at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London.

An overview of the trophies won by Champagne Louis Roederer are:

• Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year 2018 – Champagne Louis Roederer

• Supreme World Champion – Louis Roederer NV Brut Premier in Magnum

• World Champion Classic Brut Non-Vintage Blend 2018 – Louis Roederer NV Brut Premier in Magnum

• World Champion Classic Rosé 2018 – Louis Roederer 2010 Brut Rosé in Magnum

• Best French Sparkling Wine 2018 – Louis Roederer NV Brut Premier in Magnum

• Best Non-Deluxe Champagne 2018 – Louis Roederer NV Brut Premier in Magnum

• Best Deluxe Champagne 2018 – Louis Roederer 2002 Cristal in Magnum

• Best Champagne 2018 – Louis Roederer NV Brut Premier in Magnum

• Best French Sparkling Wine 2018 – Louis Roederer NV Brut Premier in Magnum

For the full article please click here

Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon pictured here with Essi Avellan MW receiving the trophy for Supreme World Champion.

2018 Harvest Report – Domaine Faiveley

The vine grower’s hard work and in depth knowledge of the different parcels at Domaine Faiveley certainly paid off in the 2018 vintage. This expertise and understanding of the terroirs enabled Domaine Faiveley to control our yields and produce exceptionally high quality grapes.

Harvest began on the 27th August (the earliest since 2003) in the Côte Chalonnaise with Mercurey “Les Villeranges” and Mercurey “Clos Rond” and in the Côte de Beaune with Corton-Charlemagne and Corton “Clos des Cortons Faiveley”. The other Grands Crus started harvest on the 3 September and finished on the 12th September with Marsannay.

The vines were perfectly healthy and the clusters were compact and very ripe, which meant that we were required to do very little sorting.

At this stage, the red wines are brightly coloured, rich and powerful with a round, velvety and very smooth structure. The ripeness levels in the Chardonnays are exceptional.

The 2018 harvests in figures:
· 16 days of harvesting
· 300 harvesters, carriers and cellar workers
· 300 different parcels harvested
· Over 2 000 barrels filled including 400 new barrels

2018 Harvest Report – Delas Frères

The last sounds of the pruning shears were heard in the ‘Jouvet’ lieu-dit on the Cornas hillsides on 22 September, signalling the end of 2018 harvest.

Harvest began on the 28 August and continued uninterrupted in the scorching September sunshine. The summer temperatures over the final month will undoubtedly have left their mark on the vintage. It was not rare in the Valley for some of the grapes to be picked at temperatures in excess of 28°C!

From bud burst right through until harvest, the growing cycle was marked by contrasts. Following an early start to the growing cycle, the rain and heat in late spring resulted in a high risk of cryptogamic disease owing to mildew on the leaves and clusters and the subsequent damage unfortunately proved to be irreversible. In certain parts of the Southern Rhône, the Grenaches lost as much as 50% of their potential harvest volume. Our Northern Rhône Valley plots had fortunately been spared from damage, once again thanks to the Mistral wind in June which enabled flowering to take place in excellent conditions.

The arrival of Summer brought with it high temperatures, which were interspersed with rainy spells which proved to be our saving grace. Rainfall on the 9 and 13 August (25mm on both occasions) enabled the vine to reach perfect maturity without suffering from the effects of water stress.

Harvest
The first Crozes-Hermitage whites were harvested on the 28 August in order to retain as much freshness as possible in the musts. The 3 September saw the first grapes from Domaine des Grands Chemins (owned by Delas Frères in Crozes Hermitage since 2006) arriving in the vat room.

Consistent maturity across all of the northern appellations meant that all of the plots were picked simultaneously.

La Landonne in Côte Rôtie and Les Bessards in Hermitage (from Domaine des Tourettes from which Delas Frères grows all of the grapes for this AOC), were both harvested on the same day this year (13 September) at perfect ripeness and with natural degrees of around 14°.

At the time of the first devattings, the quality of the 2018 vintage looks like it will be outstanding. The texture of the tannins is dense and velvety smooth. The sunny character of the wines is reflected in their good sugar content, even prior to the malolactic fermentation. The ageing process will now begin in order to hone the wines and ensure that the oak is well integrated.

Gentleman’s Journal interview Nicolas Glumineau, Directeur Général of Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

“…Glumineau’s own history is similarly steeped in romanticism, with a CV that reads like that of a Bond villain – he has a Masters degree in Genetics, is an accomplished operatic singer, and served time in the French Special Services. Intrigued, we sat with this polymath to…”

Read the full article here

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