2017 ACG Atlanta Around the World Wine Tasting

ITALY 26 SEPT 2017

Tommaso Bussola Amarone della Valpolicella Amarone bottlings are always fascinating because the grapes are picked and then left to raisinate for a period of months before fermentation begins. The result is a richly styled, densely fruit forward wine with lots of structure to match. Often, they have high alcohol levels as well. The Tomasso Bussola Amarone received a 95 Point review from the Wine Advocate, which is very strong.

Vietti Barolo Castiglione Luca Currado’s Vietti may be the only estate in Barolo that owns highlevel vineyards (called Crus) in each of Barolo’s major sub-regions. As a result, the Castiglione bottling draws heavily from multiple soil types and is one of the most well-rounded Barolo bottlings available. Made from 100% Nebbiolo, Vietti’s higher-end single Cru bottlings are going for 900 in Hong Kong!

TASTING NOTES

ITALY 26 SEPT 2017

Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino Made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso around the town of Montalcino, Il Poggione has some vineyards that are 50+ years of age. These are some of the oldest vines in the region, and the 2010 vintage of this wine was Wine Spectator’s #4 wine of the year. Traditional in style with dried fruits, this wine spends 3 years in large oak barrels, according to tradition for the region.

Terlano Pinot Bianco This is a great alternative to Pinot Grigio, and is the Italian version of Pinot Blanc, most commonly found in the Alsace region of France.

Terlano is from northern Italy in a region called Alto Adige which is in the foothills of the Dolomite mountains in the far north. The setting is idyllic, and one you visit you’ll want to return every year! The wines from this region resemble those of Austria or Germany, and have great acidity with minerality.

TASTING NOTES

FRANCE 26 SEPT 2017

Jean Philippe Fichet Meursault Meursault is one of the most important villages in Burgundy, and is known for producing some of the top Chardonnay bottlings in the world. Right near the towns of Chassagne-Montrachet and PulignyMontrachet, the style of Meursault is changing to a more crisp and transparent expression. Richness of fruit still abounds, but with more focus and less oak. Fichet is at the epicenter of this movement in style.

Domaine de l’Edre Côtes du Roussillon Villages This is a great example of how the popularity of France’s Rhone style blends have moved beyond the Rhone Valley! A blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre, this has power and ripeness, without having an overt oaky flavor. The Wine Advocate loved this wine and awarded it 94-96 points.

TASTING NOTES

FRANCE 26 SEPT 2017

Jean Grivot Vosne Romanée Vosne Romanée is the top zip code in Burgundy, and the village is home to some of the world’s most highly collected red Burgundies.

In fact, the town is named after the region’s most famous vineyard (Romanée Conti). Jean Grivot is a producer of distinction, and although they can take some time to mature, the results can be magnificent. This is Pinot Noir’s homeland, and many of the world’s top Pinot producers strive to emulate the style of Vosne Romanée.

Cordier Prieure des Couleys de Meyney Saint-Estephe This is a great example of a “Left Bank” Bordeaux from the commune of Saint-Estephe. Famous examples from this region include Chateau Cos d’Estournel and Chatea Montrose. This is Cabernet driven Bordeaux with power and grace. Leather, tobacco, and pencil shavings are common with these wines, and this is just starting to approach its sweet spot.

TASTING NOTES

ARGENTINA 26 SEPT 2017

Luca Chardonnay Nicolas Catena is like “Robert Mondavi” in Argentina, and most top winemakers and wines have close ties or history with Catena. Luca is made by Catena’s daughter, Laura, and is named after her oldest son.

The vineyards in Mendoza’s Tupungato region are almost 5000 feet in elevation, making them among the world’s highest. This Chardonnay benefits from this cooler climate and spends 12 months in French Oak barriques and is full-bodied in style.

Bramare Valle de Uco Malbec Bramare is made by Paul Hobbs at his Argentine winery called Vina Cobos. Paul Hobbs is one of Napa’s most celebrated winemakers, and when he discovered Argentina’s potential he built a winery in Mendoza! This Malbec is ripe and rich and has incredible texture.

Interestingly, Paul was one first vignerons to produce a single vineyard Malbec aged in French Oak barrels.

TASTING NOTES

SPAIN 26 SEPT 2017

La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 904 This is a great opportunity to experience a ten year old Rioja Gran Reserva. A blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano from three areas just north of Haro, the central city of Rioja. This spends 4 years in seasoned American oak barrels, which are actually coopered at La Rioja Alta. Always a darling with the critics, this wine received 93, 95, & 97 point reviews!

Vega Sicilia Alion Tempranillo Vega Sicilia is Spain’s most distinguished winery in the Ribera Del Duero region and anchors the famous “Golden Mile” portion of the region.

These are some of the oldest and most prized Tempranillo vines in the world as they represent a special clone called tinto fino. Alion is aged in French Bordeaux barrels and perfect with braised meats.

TASTING NOTES

CALIFORNIA ZINFAnDEl 26 SEPT 2017

Mauritson Rockpile Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel The Mauritson family was instrumental in establishing Rockpile as a distinct region within Sonoma County. It is known for its unique combination of soil, climate, and sunshine that is perfect for making Zinfandels that are powerful but not overly alcoholic. This has immense structure, and brings Zinfandel into a level of transparency that is unique.

Martinelli Giuseppe and Luisa Zinfandel This was one of California’s original “cult zins” as Helen Turley made this wine for years. The Martinelli family owns prestigious zinfandel vineyards in the Russian River Valley where, 20+ years ago, Zinfandel was most the popular new planting. This wine has heady alcohol levels and a deep core of ripe fruit. Few Zinfandel bottlings are bigger than this one.

TASTING NOTES

OREGON 26 SEPT 2017

Revana Vineyards Sitar Pinot Noir “Encore” This is the fifth and final installation of a series of wines combining the talents of Dr. Revana (of Revana Vineyards in St Helena), Tony Rynders (of Domaine Serene Fame) and artist Thomas Arvid. This Pinot Noir exemplifies the power and balance that can be achieved in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and is uniquely collectable as the series was only produced one time, and each bottling is limited to 600 cases with Arvid’s artwork on the labels and wooden crates.

Bergström Old Stones Chardonnay Chardonnay is making a strong comeback in Oregon and we’re seeing better and better versions starting to emerge now that some new French clones have come on-line. The climate is cool, so the style resembles Burgundy. This is Josh Bergström’s version of a village level White Burgundy with vines from Eola-Amity Hills, one of Oregon’s coolest sub-appellations.

TASTING NOTES

CHAMPAGNE/ SPARKLING WINES 26 SEPT 2017

G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon Brut NV This is the new name for the bottling that has been known for nearly 150 years as Mumm’s Cordon Rouge. The Champagne is the same, but they have moved to a new bottle with the sash impressively indented into the glass. Not to be confused with Mumm’s property in California, this is the original Cordon Rouge, sourced from 70+ parcels in Champagne. It’s a blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 25% Pinot Meunier.

Pierre Gerbais Grains de Celles NV Extra Brut This Champagne is drier than most as it’s classified as Extra Brut. Only 3 grams per liter of dosage are added to this (normal brut is 6-12) so the style is very focused and clean. Also, the estate is known as a “Recoltant” which means they own the vineyards giving them more control than most Champagne houses. Finally, there is a small amount of Pinot Blanc added to which is very unusual for Champagne. Crisp, clean, and bright.

TASTING NOTES

DESSERT WINES 26 SEPT 2017

Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo Vin Santo is the original Holy wine and is produced primary in Tuscany in the attics of the wineries that typically make Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Trebbiano grapes are picked and allowed to dry before being pressed and fermented into small barrels. Over a period of seven years, the barrels get very hot and cold throughout the seasons and the barrels are only opened after the wine has completed its extended aging process.

Chateau Guiraud Sauternes Sauternes is where the world’s most exquisite sweet wines are produced. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon from a region just south of Bordeaux, the grapes are picked extremely late in the season after they have undergone a special type of “noble” rotting process that concentrates the sugars in the grapes. The result is a very sweet wine with honeyed flavors that also possesses beautifully firm acidity.

TASTING NOTES

AUSTRALIA 26 SEPT 2017

Schild Estate “Edgar Schild” Reserve Grenache Although many think about Shiraz as the top grape Australia’s Barossa Valley, Grenache has been grown in the region for just as long. These vines are 125 years old, and this is the Schild Estate’s top bottling.

Raspberries, plums, licorice with some leather and spice, this wine packs some serious intensity.

Torbreck “Struie” Shiraz The Struie comes from Barossa’s Eden Valley, which is a slightly cooler region responsible for top bottlings such as the Hill of Grace from Henshke, among others. Dark fruits with leather and balanced power are the hallmarks of this wine. Always one of the most distinctive bottlings from Torbreck.

TASTING NOTES

SOUTH AFRICA 26 SEPT 2017

Rust en Vrede Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rust en Vrede burst onto the American wine scene roughly 14 years ago when it earned one of the highest Wine Spectator scores ever awarded to a South African winery. This is a perfect example of power and earth, and the wines of Rust en Vrede resemble a Left Bank Bordeaux, but with great texture. Stellenbosch is the “Napa Valley” of South Africa with the longest history of fine wine production.

Hamilton Russell Vineyard Chardonnay Extremely low production wines with fantastic acidity and power, it could be argued that South Africa’s top white bottlings are the best in the Southern Hemisphere. This receives the full treatment of barrel fermentation and extended aging with full malolactic secondary fermentation. Interestingly, only oak from the Francois Freres Tonnellerie is used.

TASTING NOTES

Sonoma/ Sonoma Coast 26 SEPT 2017

Occidental Pinot Noir Occidental is fast becoming the next Kosta Browne cult pinot noir in California. Started by Steve Kistler over a decade ago, these Pinot Noir bottlings are from the “Extreme Sonoma Coast� vineyards, far from anywhere you would typically visit. Sub-regions of Fort-Ross Seaview, and Bodega Headlands dominate the blend. More acidity and focus is the theme with these wines as intensity of flavor is prominent without over-ripening of the grapes.

Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyard Chardonnay Freestone is the first foray into the Sonoma Coast for Joseph Phelps Winery, where Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are reaching new heights.

This is an area much cooler than the Russian River Valley, so beautiful acidity is preserved, even when the wine is barrel fermented and undergoes complete secondary fermentation. Less tropical in style, but beautiful lemon flavors persist giving the wine great length.

TASTING NOTES

Sonoma Russian River Valley 26 SEPT 2017

Walter Hansel North Slope Chardonnay The Walter Hansel winery is within sight of Rocchioli and very near Kistler, but the style is uniquely medium bodied. A true anomaly for Russian River Valley, this winery flies under-the-radar and production levels stay very low. Vineyard sources are 100% estate, and this is a true gem.

Twomey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir The Twomey project is owned and operated by Silver Oak Cellars, and the style mimics that of its parent winery… few Napa Valley wineries are better known. This is full-throttle with ripeness and richness that only the Russian River Vally can typically producer. Also, flavors of cola are typical for this region, especially in ripe vintages.

TASTING NOTES

Sonoma Alexander Valley 26 SEPT 2017

Jordan Winery Vertical Tasting - 2005, 2006, and 2007 This is a special opportunity to taste Sonoma’s most famous Cabernet after it has been aged for 10, 11, and 12 years. The style is that of a French Bordeaux, so it is noticeably different from the big Napa Wines.

As a result, this is one of the most food-friendly Cabernet bottlings that graces many of America’s top steakhouses. These wines age beautifully with cedar and tobacco flavors complimenting red fruits.

TASTING NOTES

NAPA VALLEY OAKVILLE 26 SEPT 2017

Groth Estate Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon This is a great zip code for Napa Valley, and Groth’s closest neighbor is Opus One. Typically 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, you have power and an interesting note of black olives that are classic to Oakville.

The To-Kalon vineyard is only a stone’s throw away, which is Oakville’s top parcel.

Flora Springs Oakville Sauvignon Blanc One of the truly rare Sauvignon Blancs from Oakville, look for more honey flavors with great intensity as the heat brings the fruit to a golden ripeness. Both stainless steel and concrete tanks are used to maintain flavor neutrality, and only a small number of French Oak barrels are used to add some depth.

TASTING NOTES

NAPA VALLEY - STAG'S Leap DiSTRICT 26 SEPT 2017

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Stag’s Leap district has always been anchored by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Shafer, and Chimney Rock, but Cliff Lede has produced wines that leap beyond the price point for decades.

Expect beautiful cedar flavors, rich fruit, solid acid, and power.

Shafer Vineyards Relentless This wine is roughly 90% Syrah blended with Petit Sirah from Doug Shafer’s estate vineyard. Named after his vineyard manager’s relentless pursuit for perfection, it was Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the year a few years ago, and has remained very difficult to acquire.

The blend is like none other in Napa Valley, and deep blueberry flavors with an inky black color are memorable and addictive!

TASTING NOTES

NAPA VALLEY - Howell MOUNTAIN 26 SEPT 2017

O’Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon O’Shaughnessy’s Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is the archetype for the region. Deep and rich fruit flavors are favored over subtle, earthy aromas, and combined with 100% New French Oak, the integration is powerful. The grapes are very small on Howell Mountain due to the extreme climate, and Betty O’Shaughnessy’s estate is located at the very highest altitude grapes will ripen on the mountain.

La Jota Howell Mountain Cabernet Franc This is pure power, and there are very few Cabernet Franc bottlings grown on Howell Mountain. This appellation experiences a temperature inversion where the grapes grow above the cooling fog layer which allows them to ripen at extreme altitudes. There are some peppery flavors, but mostly you experience the raw expression of the Cabernet Franc grape.

TASTING NOTES

NAPA VALLEY ST. HELENA 26 SEPT 2017

Hayfork Cabernet Sauvignon Located in Napa’s St. Helena Appellation, this small winery project known as Hayfork only makes 800 cases of wine annually, so it is among the smallest wineries we have ever worked with. The land was originally owned by John Lewelling in the mid 1800’s. Current winemaker Haley Wight is the 6th generation of this family to farm this land, and her brothers run the Lewelling Ranch Winery. The blend is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balanced coming from Petit Verdot, and spends 20 months in 70% New French Oak Barrels.

Ehlers Sauvignon Blanc Located just around the corner from the Culinary Institute of America in the northern part of St. Helena, Ehlers donates 100% of their proceeds to cardiovascular research. Planted 100% organically, this wine spends six months on the lees to increase overall texture because zero oak or secondary fermentation take place. Acidity is high, along with richness of mouth-feel, which is what makes this wine unique.

TASTING NOTES

California Paso Robles 26 SEPT 2017

Law Vineyards Audacious Grenache Blend The 2013 Audacious is a total head turner that’s made from 39% Grenache, 36% Syrah and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and is all from the limestone soils of the Law Family Vineyard. Fermented in concrete tanks and aged 20 months in French oak barrels, this is locked and loaded with notions of kirsch liqueur, blackberries, savory herbs and dried earth. Wine Advocate awarded this wine 95 points.

Justin Vineyards Isosceles Cabernet Blend This has been the Icon bottling of Paso Robles for almost 25 years.

73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, it spends 21 months in 100% New French Oak barrels. It is modern, fruit forward, and has loads of vanilla, spice, and rich ripe fruits. Alcohol level is robust with texture to match!

TASTING NOTES

FANTESCA 26 SEPT 2017

2013 Chardonnay Brilliant light straw in color with wide open aromatics, this Chardonnay is one of our best. The nose is of crisp Fuji apples, a hint of citrus and beautifully integrated, toasty French oak used only as an accent. I also get a slight mineral note in the nose, which we don’t often see in California wines. Classic Chardonnay. True varietal character continues on the palate. Lush, soft, juicy, pure clean flavors of fresh apple, pear and a touch of mineral and toast dance in the mouth. Very well balanced and flat out delicious. Enjoy! – Heidi P. Barrett, Winemaker

2013 King Richard’s Reserve Pinot Noir The 2013 growing season began early and provided ample sunshine plus consistently warm days that allowed for optimum fruit ripening.

This bottling of King Richard’s Reserve shows an ever-changing, complex nose of dried spices reminiscent of Russian River Pinot, backed by notes of dark fruits, tobacco, lavender and minerality.

The seamless palate shows plenty of weight and supple tannins, supporting flavors of blackberry and raspberry. Well-integrated oak and dark fruits linger on the long finish. – Tony Arcudi, Associate Winemaker

TASTING NOTES