2023 Taste of ACG Atlanta Tasting Notes

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME

Welcome back from what I hope was a great summer! Thank you for joining us for one of ACG Atlanta’s signature events, the Taste of ACG Atlanta. In its 13th year, Taste of ACG Atlanta has rebranded from the ACG Atlanta Wine Tasting. It’s the same great event with curated wines and expanded to include bourbon, cocktails, and additional high-end food from Atlanta’s best restaurant groups. It is a perfect way to kick off the ACG programming year.

ACG Atlanta delivers an exciting mix of programming, including our distinguished content and networking events, our annual M&A South conference in February, and the Georgia Fast 40 Awards celebration. In addition to those general membership events, we also feature targeted events for C-Suite executives, Emerging Leaders, and others. Make sure to ask our staff and volunteer leaders about membership, events, and all things ACG.

Membership in ACG Atlanta provides numerous networking opportunities to meet people of similar professional interests within the Atlanta dealmaking community. In addition to exciting programming, membership in ACG offers access to regional and national conferences and a worldwide network of almost 15,000 members. If you are not a member of ACG and would like more information about joining, please reach out to our Executive Director, Meg Williams at acgatlanta@acg.org or 404-846-4455.

Have a wonderful evening. Cheers!

Steve Tye Managing Director – Croft & Bender Chairman – ACG Atlanta Board of Directors

2023 SPONSORS

WINE GLASS

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DEALMAKER’S LOUNGE

LUXURY

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DINING WATER

GIFT BAG

VAL DI SUGA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2016

Val di Suga, located in a UNESCO World Heritage site only 40 km from the Mediterranean, creates a perfect microclimate for Sangiovese to thrive. Val di Suga produces wines that are recognized on an international level. The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is no exception, with aromas of dark cherry, leather, and medicinal herbs. The palate has notes of black plum, dried blackberry, black tea, herbs, and a classically balanced structure, followed by dark chocolatey tannins on the finish.

TESTAMATTA SUPER TUSCAN 2020

Testamatta, meaning “crazy head” in Italian, is a beautiful expression of the Sangiovese grape and its’ terroir. The Bibi Graetz estate consists of one of the largest collections of old vineyards in Tuscany, and Testamatta showcases a beautiful blending of the best of these sites. Produced from 50-year-old vines, aromas include florals, cherries, and bark, while tasting notes boast black truffle, ripe berry fruits, sage, and white pepper spice, and clear minerality. Strong structure with balanced acidity will allow this wine to age for many years to come.

ORNELLAIA 2019 (CULT SELECTION)

This is a beautiful expression of coastal Tuscany and the sunny Mediterranean. The Ornellaia 2019 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia (a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot) pours from the bottle with a specific darkness that has elements of both inky saturation and ruby highlights. The wine is saturated and rich—this is something you notice off the bat—but it also reveals a pleasing lightness or grace that is transmitted to both the bouquet and the palate. Dark fruit, pressed blackberry and plum mingle with more substantial aromas of spice, leather, and sweetly cured tobacco. The tannins are beautifully managed, and the wine sports considerable heft and density on the palate that drives a very long and pleasurable mouthfeel.

PAOLO SCAVINO CAROBRIC BAROLO 2013

Paolo Scavino was founded over 100 years ago and is now run by a fourthgeneration father and his daughters. It is regularly classified as one of the best estates in the Barolo region. The Carobric Barolo was created as a combination of three historical and complex terroir. Medium to full-bodied, it has tasting notes of strawberry, spice and rose, with delicate tannins on the finish. 2013 is drinking beautifully right now but could age another decade.

CORTESE BARBARESCO 2019

The Cortese winery is located in the acclaimed area known as Rabaja. The optimal microclimate and care of the Cortese family shows in this lovely Nebbiolo. With aromas of bright berries, wild herbs, and light florals, tasting notes of raspberry, rose and minerals balance structured tannins. 2019 is warm, elegant, and polished with a natural richness.

LEFLAIVE MACON-VERZE 2020

From one of the top wineries in Burgundy and one of the most renowned white wine producers in general, comes the 2020 Domaine Leflaive MaconVerze. The Leflaive family has been growing Burgundy wines since 1717 but they really found their footing on the world stage a little over a century ago and have been masters of their craft ever since. The Macon-Verze is from a southern region of Burgundy that is even further south than Cote de Beaune. This Chardonnay has minerality, wet stone, and some floral aromas on the nose with some additional fruitiness to be discovered on the palate.

PATRICK PIUZE CHABLIS PLATEAU DE LA CORNASSE 2021

Patrick Piuze did a 4-year tenure with legendary winemaker Olivier Leflaive, and later was cellarmaster for the excellent Chablis producer Jean-Marc Brocard. With his extensive knowledge and great respect for the terroir, Piuze produces beautiful Chablis solely from old vines and hand picks the grapes to ensure the absolute highest quality, as opposed to the common use of machinery in the region. This Chablis has notes of apple, lemon, and tropical fruit with beautifully balanced acidity.

CH. DURFORT-VIVENS ‘LE RELAIS DE DURFORT-VIVENS’ 2015

This structured Bordeaux blend is from the biodynamic Durfort-Vivens estate in the Margaux appellation. This is a ready to drink Bordeaux with ripe, juicy fruit such as blackberry, red currant, and plum. With the tannins still fairly firm, there is some potential for additional aging.

ECHO DE LYNCH BAGES 2016

Hailing from Pauillac in Bordeaux, this full-bodied red wine is 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot, which creates a beautiful deep garnet-purple color. This flavorful blend has rich, polished tannins and classic dark fruits across the board. Think red and black currants on the palette along with some aromas of cedar, graphite, and sandalwood, while this is on the powerful side overall, the freshness balances the wine perfectly.

FRANCE - RHONE VALLEY

COSME ST. CHATEAU GIGONDAS LE CLAUX 2020

One of the “Crown Jewels” in France’s Southern Rhone Valley, Gigondas distinguishes itself from its neighboring villages by its rugged mountainous terrain as pictured. Although Chateauneuf-du-Pape may be more famous, the wines of Gigondas are something to behold…both for their structure and power - this bottle is exceptional.

CHATEAU GIGOGNAN CDP CLOS DU ROI 2016

The Château Gigognan estate was certified organic in 2010, so they have a solid history of minimalist winemaking. This is a classically styled Châteauneuf-du-Pape that boasts ripeness of Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre. Each of these brings something different to the table which results in a beautifully aromatic and intense blend. Black currant and dried fig are the prominent notes here, along with thyme, anise and smoke serving as secondary components. Complex and exuberant, this wine can go the distance in your cellar.

RED AND GREEN TIP TOP VINEYARD ZINFANDEL 2017

If you want to check the credentials of a California winery, check out their website, if their foundation story is rife with the names of the roads, they took to find their first grow-site, then you know you’ve struck gold. Sourced from their uppermost mountain vineyard (hence the “Tip-Top” name), at an elevation of 2000 feet. Cranberry compote and sarsaparilla combine with the signature Tip Top aroma of dark cherries and dusty red earth. Anise and cola linger alongside sweet holiday baking spices.

PAX HILLSIDES SONOMA SYRAH

Pax and Pam founded PAX in 2000 and took a risk by focusing on the Syrah grape, uncommon in the area. This quickly paid off, as these wines became the most highly sought after Syrah’s in California. This wine received a 98-point rating, well deserved as the 2021 Hillsides brought a fresher approach to Syrah. It has great depth and is characterized by a red/purple hue with cherry, plum, pomegranate mocha, spice, and leather notes all beautifully balanced in this incredible vintage.

SAUVIGNON BLANC COMPARISON

RUDD VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC

Rudd Estate is a champion of organic and biodynamic farming practices and has mastered growing vines on its unique terroir - red volcanic soils, an alluvial fan of multiple sediments, and underground streambeds. Vintner Leslie Rudd invited acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc producer Didier Daugueneau to the Estate, and he helped produce this beautiful wine, comparable to some of the finest white Bordeauxs’. Floral notes perfume the wine, while citrus, apple, and kiwi bring an abundant flavor profile. Moderate acidity, minerality and salinity balance the richness of the wine.

PASCAL JOLIVET SANCERRE

Pascal Jolivet is one of the most dynamic Domaines in the Loire Valley, with 120 acres of prime vineyards across Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume. This particular Sancerre is grown in the Upper Loire Valley in 50% limestone, 30% clay-limestone, and 20% flint terroir. This leads to a medium-bodied Sancerre that is made with elegance in a perfect balance of citrus fruit and light minerality. Pale and vibrant in color, this wine starts fresh and clean, then leads to a gentle, well-integrated acidity.

SOTER OREGON RIBBON RIDGE PINOT NOIR 2021

The Ribbon Ridge is a region in the northern part of the Willamette Valley, defined by a serpentine ridge of marine soils. Pinot Noirs from this region exhibit lush, dark fruit and noteworthy spice, while remaining structured with subtle acidity and fine tannins. On the nose it exhibits blackberry, baking spice and black plum. On the palate it shows ripe raspberries, wild blueberries, and black cherries. Subtle notes of olive and forest floor mingle in the background. The finish is long with grippy, fine-grained tannins.

COMPOSITION PINOT NOIR 2021

Composition Pinot Noir is an Oregon project from Domaine de la RomanéeConti…volumes have been written about the estate. Their Pinot Noir bottlings from Burgundy are regularly the most valuable wines on the planet and current releases can fetch $10,000+ plus per bottle. The location of this Pinot Noir is Oregon’s Chehalem Mountains AVA with vineyards practically bordering the Ribbon Ridge AVA. It is a single vineyard bottling and the estate Biodynamically and Organically farmed. A rare treat to experience.

CHAMPAGNE BARNAUT GRAND CRU BLANC DE NOIRS NV

Made Entirely from Grand Cru classified vineyards in the town of Bouzy, this Champagne 100% Pinot Noir and contains 100% hand-harvested fruit. The style is ripe and rich with red fruits, but no oak is used to keep the overall champagne light on its feet. Dosage is very low - 6 grams per liter resulting in a drier style.

CHAMPAGNE LANSON GREEN LABEL NV

Lanson’s Green Label Champagne is produced using organic grapes grown exclusively on plots from the 16-hectare Malmaison Estate vineyard in Verneuil, in the heart of the Vallee de la Marne. The intensely straw-yellow colored wine shows a nicely clear, fresh, and aromatic yet delicate bouquet with flowery, brioche and some nutty aromas of ripe white fruits such as pears and apples along with some lemon notes. The palate is lean, light but intense, dry, fresh, and elegant and is provided with ripe, well-textured fruit, good structure and stimulating citrus flavors in the persistent finish.

SANDHI SANTA RITA HILLS PINOT NOIR 2021

Sandhi is a small production winery owned by Raj Parr, one of America’s most famous Sommeliers. The lion’s share of this wine is sourced from the famed Domaine de la Côte vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA along California’s central coast. This wine has high-toned, youthful aromatics, leading with crunchy red fruits of pomegranate, wild strawberry, and raspberry. The fruited nose rides an undercurrent of orange zest, black tea, and faint hints of clove and spice. The bright palate carries a taut mineral streak through to a lengthy finish lifting the red fruit notes with a hint of anise.

ROAR SANTA LUCIA HILLS PINOT NOIR 2021

ROAR is a small winery located in Monterey along California’s Central Coast. Created by veteran winemakers Gary and Rosella Franscioni, they wanted to produce a wine that emulated the energy you feel when a crowd roars at a sporting event. Now in its 20th year, ROAR is counted as one of the jewels of the Central Coast. On the nose french toast spice and loamy earth lead from the nose into a boldly ripe palate of berry pie flavors. A shale-like minerality forms a rocky tension that keeps it all in balance.

BOLD REDS FROM THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

LAPOSTOLLE CLOS APALTA RED BLEND 2018

Sourced from some of the oldest vineyards in the world at 118 years old, Clos Apalta announced Chile as a major player in the world of wine when it was ranked #1 Wine of the Year in 2005. Made predominantly of Carmenere, Chile’s adopted national varietal, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot rounding it out, it is a luxurious red with an aromatic profile of liquorice and black and redcurrant over layers of graphite, clove, and cinnamon. In the mouth, the breadth and freshness are brought together by the silky texture which flows into an enjoyable finish with refined tannins.

THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK 2021

Intense blackberry, bramble, and lavender aromas with gentle nuances of potting soil and cured meat dominate a dark and brooding nose. The abundance of perfume and the earthy character of the nose follows through generously onto a powerful palate, with a lush compote of blueberries, ripe plums, black currants, and cherries. Cacao-powdery tannins are abundant, adding texture and complexity to an almost savory mid-palate, seamlessly complementing the vivid dark fruits, alcohol and acidity. This is a robust, structured wine, yet it is delicate, poised, and elegant at the same time. Black fruits, cumin spice, white pepper, licorice, and hints of garrigue persist on a velvety finish.

RIVERS-MARIE SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR 2021

Thomas Rivers Brown is an “A-List” winemaker in California and he has more 100-point wines with Schrader than he can probably remember. Rivers Marie is his personal winery, the first he has ever owned himself, and it hasn’t taken long for it to gain a cult following all its own. The 2021 leads with pomegranates, ground herbs, plum and black cherry. Smoke, loamy earth and spring flowers add a savory note to balance the fruit. Judicious use of oak means the tannins are more fruit than oak derived.

RAEN ROYAL ST. ROBERT PINOT NOIR 2021

RAEN was started by Carlo and Dante Mondavi as a project centered on wines from the Sonoma Coast of California. Tim Mondavi is their father and Robert Mondavi was their grandfather. This cuvee, St. Robert, is an homage to their illustrious grandfather, the “patron saint” of California Wine. The aromas of strawberry and raspberry with conifer and hints of bark are impressive. Full-bodied, but so reserved and linear with super long, tightened tannins that melt into the wine.

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SONOMA - RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

CAPIAUX WIDDOES PINOT NOIR 2021

Sean Capiaux, the visionary winemaker behind O’Shaughnessy in Napa Valley, has perfected the ability to make modern, fully throttled and extracted wines with both balance and finesse. He has applied this skill to his selfnamed project in the Russian River Valley. His 2021 Widdoes Vineyard pinot noir bottling might be his crowning triumph, Bright acids pulse through a core of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, menthol, and blood orange. The balance of fruit intensity and energy is nothing short of compelling.

ARISTA RRV PINOT NOIR 2019

This 2019 offering from Arista is a great introduction to the unique style of The Russian River Valley. Blue and red fruits predominate on the nose, but the presence of a lavender floral component is unmistakable. There is great tension and texture on the palate, with fine grained tannins supporting flavors of fresh pomegranate and tangy wild blackberry.

L’AVENTURE OPTIMUS 2020

L’Aventure spearheaded the Paso Robles rise to prominence through 20 years of consistent excellence. Founder Stephen Asseo, originally from Bordeaux, saw the potential of the region to produce intensely rich and powerfully complex wines. Extremely aromatic with ripe cherry and berry aromas, as well as flowers and citrus. This is a medium to full body with fine, polished tannins and a long, caressing finish.

NINER ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019

The style is actually more Bordeaux-Like than what you typically find for this area so offers a nice contrast to some of the other Bold Paso Robles bottlings. It offers focused aromas of blackberry jam, dried herbs, and a hint of wood. The palate is chalky with tannins, which hold the ripe berry flavors quite well against accents of white pepper and milk chocolate.

CALIFORNIA - NAPA VALLEY REDS

EHLERS ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018

Amazingly founded in 1886 by Bernard Ehler, this estate is a rare Napa Valley jewel that never outgrew its roots, always striving to make elegant, complex wines that would go on to become emblematic of Napa Valley. Their Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits dusty aromas of dark and red berries, dry herbs, and spices in deep dark garnet. Black pepper and cedar, with hints of cherries, round out the nose. The first sip is earthy, mineral with pencil shaving and dust. Blueberries and dark chocolate accompany the long aftertaste. Medium to full-bodied with spices and cedar, boysenberries, and dry herbs like thyme and rosemary. Good tannins and structure

ARKENSTONE NVD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018

This 100% Cabernet is a blend of grapes from Pritchard Hill, Howell Mountain, and Calistoga. Aged 22 months in 75% new French oak it delivers heady aromas of cinnamon-dusted black cherry and ripe blueberry, an intriguing herbal note and ground espresso. The structured palate is broad and plush with red boysenberries, savory black olives, leather, and a refreshing herbal note. It glides to a chocolate finish, supported by fine-grained, sappy tannins.

FINCA MARTELO RIOJA RESERVA 2015

Made by Torre de Oña, Finca Martelo is intense ruby red, clean, and bright, with an elegant pink rim. The first impression to the nose is intense, with enveloping aromas of ripe fruit, wild strawberries, redcurrants, and red cherries wrapped in fine notes of patisserie, shortbread, vanilla, liquorice, and peppercorns. Well-balanced in the mouth, with a pleasant freshness, and sweet, silky tannins that lead to an enveloping finish. Aged perfectly, this is a vintage to enjoy now, but has a long, exciting life ahead.

FORJAS DE SALNES LEIRANA FINCA GENOVEVA ALBARIÑO 2021

The Forjas de Salnes Leirana Finca Genoveva Albariño is a singular wine. Nothing else is like it. Sea shells, minerals, grapefruits, and tension. Pour a half glass chilled, and just sit with it over an afternoon as it warms up. The array of aromas and flavors are almost limitless. Sharp lemon oil gives way to honey flavors and awesome texture. This is Albariño like no other.

ROBERT SINSKEY VIN GRIS OF PINOT NOIR 2022

Robert Sinskey Vin Gris of Pinot Noir begins with prime, organically farmed (following the teachings of Rudolph Steiner) Pinot Noir from two of RSV’s Los Carneros Vineyards. Bright, spring strawberry leads into summer raspberry, guava, and peach, contrasted by notes of juicy winter citrus like orange and Meyer lemon. High tone rose petals and lavender add to the allure.

DOMAINE OTT ROSE 2022

For over 100 years, Domaine Ott has set the standard for Provencal style rose, which has become one of the most recognizable and desirable styles in the world. Pale and pretty in crystal-clear pink with orange undertones. The nose is delicate and fruity with notes of white peach and apricot mixed with passion fruit and mango. The taste is full, fresh, and crisp with echoes of the fruity aroma amplified by citrus zest and sweet spices: cinnamon and cardamom.

AMEZTOI RUBENTIS TXAKOLINA ROSE 2022

The Rosé Bottling from Ameztoi in the Northern Basque region near San Sebastian can be somewhat mythical. Ignacio Ameztoi is the seventh generation of his family to carry on the tradition of making Txakolina in the province of Getaria. Made from the indigenous grape varieties of Hondarribi Zuri and its red companion Hondarribi Beltza, which adds a slight taste of fresh strawberries and candied fruit. The wines are fermented in stainless steel and bottled with residual carbonic acid that gives the wine its natural spritz.

BUSTLETOWN VODKA

Named after the hustle and bustle of the Busiest City in the South, Bustletown is seven-times distilled and drinks smooth as a cloud. After years of establishing a reputation for quality making whiskey, we introduced Bustletown Vodka by popular demand. The first spirit distilled at our ASW at The Battery Atlanta location, right next to the Atlanta Braves stadium, Bustletown is seven-times distilled from 100% grain in small batches using only choice cuts, then ultra-filtered through activated charcoal for as smooth, refined, and pure a vodka as you’ll find. The sleek label takes its cue from Atlanta being the site of the busiest airport in the world. Tasting notes: Creamy, slightly sweet, subtle black pepper. Awards: 91 Points, International Wine & Spirits Competition, 2021

WINTERVILLE GIN

Distilled from thirteen botanicals, Winterville Gin tones down the juniper in traditional dry gins in favor of citrus and floral notes, including marigold, a flower celebrated at Winterville, Georgia’s annual Marigold Festival. Winterville is known for its slow pace and friendly disposition. R&D began with over 40 botanical extractions from, then experimenting with various combinations to build 10 different recipes that our team tasted. Recipe No. 6 proved to be the unanimous choice. The final step was deciding on the proof: Of all 4 proofs we tried, 95 proof was the unanimous favorite, making Winterville a great choice for classic gin cocktails like the Gin & Tonic, Aviation and Negroni. Tasting notes: Citrus, coriander, floral, juniper, marigold.