Very pure, with a beam of raspberry coulis, blackberry and cherry pulp notes that pump out layers of spice, flint and wildflowers. Juicy yet structured, with a mineral edge to the long, savory finish. Drink now through 2015. 13,000 cases imported.
Varietal: Red Blend | Location: Argentina - Mendoza
WS 91
WE 90
WA 92
The 2007 Quimera is a multi-regional blend of 38% Malbec, 24% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 14% Cabernet Franc aged for 12 months in 40% new French oak before bottling without fining or filtration (as were all of these wines). Purple-colored, it displays an expressive perfume of cedar, scorched earth, violets, black cherry, and black raspberry. Medium- to full-bodied, this mouth-filling blend is sweetly fruited, complex, layered, and rich. It will continue to blossom for another 2-3 years and drink well through 2022.
Varietal: Red Blend | Location: Argentina - Mendoza
WS 89
WA 93
The 2009 Quimera is a blend of 40% Malbec, 22% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot with yields averaging a minuscule 1.3 tons per acre. The wine was aged in 40% new French oak. Pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, violets, and assorted black fruits inform the nose of a complex, intense, layered, spicy, succulent wine with impeccable balance and length. Although it can be approached now, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring.
Varietal: Chardonnay | Location: France - Burgundy - Chablis
ST 93
The 3.2 acre "La Moutonne" monopole ("sole ownership") is the crown jewel of the Domaine. Most of the walled vineyard lies within the boundaries of Grand Cru Vaudesirs, but it overflows slightly into the Grand Cru Le Preuses as well. The steep, amphitheatre-shaped vineyard is south-facing and rests on clay-rich limestone. Optimum soil, perfect exposure, and protection from the cold north wind impart the unique character of this Grand Cru, which rivals the power and richness of a Grand Cru from the C'te-d'Or.
Varietal: Shiraz | Location: Australia - South Eastern Australia
This Shiraz has a deep, rich ruby red color with notes of plum and berry on the nose. The wine is robust and full-bodied on the palate with nice fresh fruit. This delicious wine pairs well with grilled meats.
Varietal: Red Blend | Location: Italy - Veneto - Veronese
WS 89
This is easily one of our favorite "go to" Italian reds for consistency of quality year in and year out. It fits somewhere between the lighter Valpolicella and the heavier style of Amarone. Both the 2006 and 2007 received 90 points from The Wine Advocate. They explain how this unique wine is made...
"Allegrini employs a unique variation of the ripasso technique for its Palazzo della Torre. The traditional method callas for the wine to undergo a second fermentation on the skins that are leftover from the vinification of the Amarone. The estate believes that this method leads to oxidized wines. Instead dries a portion of the grapes (around 30%) and ferments them separately in the same style as an Amarone, then adds that wine to the larger portion of the wine, which is fermented in the traditional manner."
This is our main production, deriving from grapes harvested at the end of March. The 100% hand-picked Malbec grapes are harvested in March and early April. The wine is derived from grapes grown in characteristic soils specifically chosen for their similar profile and low vigour. These include increasingly desirable areas in Valle de Uco. Grapes from different vineyards are vinified separately before the final blend. The destemmed and softly pressed grapes are vinified in stainless steel vats at 28ºc. During the 15-day fermentation-maceration process the must is pumped over and punched down for optimal extraction. Free run juice only. It is sold after three months of bottle age. Aging vessel: French and American oak insertstaves into 30.000lt stainless tanks for 3 months, only 2 years of use for insertstaves.
Black currant, bilberry, violet and spice flavors align in this luscious red, which is well-balanced and integrated, with a lingering aftertaste of sweet fruit and spices. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Drink now through 2018. 54,000 cases made.?B.S.