Cabasse Margueritte Rouge CDR
$25.99
The winery and estate sit between the towns of Séguret and Sablet, a half-hour drive from iconic Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Under vine for over 600 years, the property has been lovingly cared for by the Baudry family since 2012. Approximately 15 sustainably-farmed hectares in the towns of Séguret, Sablet and Gigondas are planted with Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Carignan, Clairette and other local white varieties. These are some of only 16 Southern Rhône communes which may use their name along with the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages appellation. The small plots are surrounded by hedges and trees that protect the vines from the cold Mistral which can blow violently from the north. The Mediterranean climate assures plenty of warmth and sunshine during the growing season, but the nearby sea and stiff evening breeze ensure a broad diurnal shift that retains acidity and freshness in the wines. The pebbled soils are a mix of clay, sand and, most importantly, limestone.
St Antony Brudersberg Riesling GG
$59.99
St. Antony is a top-shelf riesling producer making high-quality wine since 1912. The ultra-modern winery they built sits on top of cellars that hold decades of premium riesling, a white grape that ages as well, if not better, than any first-growth Bordeaux or Burgundy (and for a lot less). These are dry wines, brimming with minerality and acidity, and three of the four we received are GG (Grosses Gewächs), the grand cru designation for dry German riesling. They are situated in the town of Nierstein, a charming village that is effectively the epicentre of wine in the Rheinhessen. Praised by critics and adored by riesling lovers, these are beautiful, mineral-driven wines that are delicious now and even better over time.
The Brudersberg monopoly site faces south throughout. The extreme steepness and the direct influence of the Rhine make the Brudersberg very special. Despite the omnipresent sunshine, the wines are not overly opulent, as some GG wines can be. Rather, they are characterized by a fine minerality, elegance and a very special longevity. In the glass, clear aromas of the terroir with flint and graphite, followed by lychee, apricot, lemon curd and peach notes. Very elegant and drinkable on the palate, bright acidity and a mineral-laden finish. Gorgeous riesling.
San Leonardo 2020
$179.99
At San Leonardo they consider the family’s first real winemaker to be Carlo Guerrieri Gonzaga, who was trained not only to produce great wine but also to manage the family's viticultural endeavours. With Bordeaux at the forefront, he was encouraged to pursue his healthy curiosity for the world’s great wines. This interest led to his decision to study oenology in Lausanne and to deepen his knowledge with research trips to France and Tuscany. The latter was where, on the San Guido property of Sassacaia, he began the long, endearing partnership with Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, who revealed all the secrets of the Bordeaux blend to Carlo and became his “oenological godfather”. Giacomo Tachis served as their consulting winemaker for many years before turning that job over to Carlo Ferrini, and in the Italian wine world, it doesn't get any better than those two. The wine is a brilliant ruby red with attractive depth. The aromas are alcohol and fruit-rich when the wine is young, mellowing with bottle aging into ripe plum fruit layered over a faintly grassy background note. Dry, soft and well-balanced on the palate, it reveals a pleasing bitterish twist in the finish. Ideal with rice and pasta in tomato or meat sauces, and filled pasta, as well as grilled meats, poultry, white meats and soft cheeses.