2019 AROUND THE WORLD
WINE TASTING
UPCOMING E VENTS
CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME
Welcome back from what I hope was a great summer! Thank you for joining us for the first Signature event in what promises to be another exciting year of ACG Atlanta programming. Once again, we kick things off tonight with our annual ACG Atlanta Wine Tasting and Reception. Now in its 11th year, the ACG Atlanta Wine Tasting is a perfect way to start off the ACG programming year.
NOVEMBER 21, 2019 ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER FEATURING HERSCHEL WALKER
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! www.acg.org/atlanta/events/2019-acg-atlanta-deals-year-event
2020 SAVE THE DATE!
FEBRUA RY 5 –7, 2020 HOTEL AT AVALON AND CONVENTION CENTER
ACG Atlanta delivers an exciting mix of programming including our distinguished evening and breakfast events, our Deals of the Year event, our annual Capital Connection event, Spring Social, and the Georgia Fast 40 Awards Gala. In addition to those general membership events, we will also feature targeted events with our Young ACG and Women’s Forum events. Membership in ACG Atlanta provides numerous networking opportunities to meet people of similar professional interests within the Atlanta deal making community. In addition to exciting programming, membership in ACG offers access to regional conferences and a worldwide network of over 14,000 members. If you are not a member of ACG and would like more information about joining, please reach out to our President & CEO, Melanie Brandt, at acgatlanta@acg.org or 404-846-4455. Please make sure to register for our next signature event on November 21st at the Atlanta History Center. ACG Atlanta will award our Deals of the Year and famed Georgia Bulldog, Herschel Walker, will be our keynote speaker that evening. Have a wonderful evening. Cheers!
1170 deals & $195.2B invested in Georgia in 2017
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
Ann Cox Chairman 2019 ACG Atlanta Board of Directors
2019
2 019 S P O N S O R S WINE GLASS SPONSOR
GIFT BAG SPONSOR
DEAL MAKERS LOUNGE SPONSOR
LUXURY SPONSOR
REGISTRATION HOST
WINE SPONSOR
DESSERT & COFFEE SPONSORS
DINING SPONSORS
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
SPONSORED BY
DOMAINE DE COURCEL POMMARD GRAND CLOS DES EPENOTS PREMIER CRU Pommard is the town located just south of Burgundy’s epicenter, Beaune. Pommard does not possess any grand cru vineyards, but the Clos des Epenots has been considered one of Burgundy’s finest and some believe it should have been elevated to Grand cru Status decades ago. The Domaine de Courcel is also one of Pommard’s most famous and makes some of the region’s most elegant and aromatic Pinot Noir bottlings.
DOMAINE ODOUL COQUARD MOREY SAINT DENIS PREMIER CRU CLOS LA RIOTTE Odoul Coquard is Located in the northern section of Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits where all of the grand cru Pinot Noir vineyards are located. Morey Saint Denis is named after the town’s most famous grand cru vineyard, Clos Saint Denis, and the wines possess beautiful structure and richness at the same time. Again, this is where Pinot Noir shines, and the 2015 vintage of this premier cru is just starting to come out of its shell.
FR ANCE - BURGUNDY
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
SPONSORED BY
CHÂTEAU BELGRAVE GRAND CRU CLASSHAUT MEDOC 5TH GROWTH - 2010 The Bordeaux selections provide a great opportunity to try two different bottlings, both from the 2010 Vintage. The Chateau Belgrave is on Bordeaux’s “Left Bank” where the Cabernet Sauvignon grape dominates. This is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, and is starting to take-on beautiful secondary characteristics.
CHÂTEAU PAS DE L’ANE SAINT-EMILION GRAND CRU - 2010 Château Pas de L’Ane is located just a few steps away from world-famous neighbors, Château Cheval Blanc, and Château Figeac. The estate is located among grand cru classified vineyards in the town of SaintEmilion which is on Bordeaux’s “Right bank” of the Garonne river. Here, the Merlot grape dominates most blends as this wine is comprised of 65% Merlot, and 45% Cabernet Franc.
FR ANCE – BORDEAUX
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
SPONSORED BY
LUCA OLD VINE MALBEC Luca is made by the children of Argentina’s most famous vigneron, Nicholas Catena. Catena is very much like Argentina’s “Robert Mondavi” as he ushered in a new focus on higher end wines. Luca was born out of Laura Catena’s vision of creating a new breed of Argentine wines: small quantities, artisan quality, and true to their individual terroirs. These wines always have dark fruits with spice and represent the modern side Malbec’s expression.
CAYMUS FAMILY - RED SCHOONER MALBEC The Red Schooner project was one of the most innovative wine projects in modern times. Born from Caymus Vineyards visionary, Chuck Wagner, Malbec grapes are harvested in Argentina and then transported to California packed in dry ice. The result is a highly concentrated wine because the grapes start to desiccate, but without the influence of Oxygen, so the wine remains fresh but has incredible texture and an inky dark color.
ARGENTINA
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
SPONSORED BY
RUDD ESTATE CROSSROADS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Made entirely from estate-grown organically farmed grapes, including 14% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot, this is a dense expression of the winery’s incredible plot of vineyards. Everything is classic for Oakville, including toasty cedar notes and some black olive aromas that are generally unique to the appellation. This bottling also received Wine Enthusiast’s Cellar Selection award.
SCHRADER CELLARS DOUBLE DIAMOND CABERNET SAUVIGNON Schrader has gained incredible fame over the last decade with numerous 100-point scores from the wine critics. This bottling is their entry level Double Diamond Cabernet and is still made by famed winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown, but is styled to be approachable without further aging.
N A PA VA L L E Y – O A K V I L L E
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
SPONSORED BY
2013 ALL GREAT THINGS “MERCY” The 2013 All Great Things is a wine of beautiful depth and perfect ripeness. The aromas are of rich black cherry and currants layered with toasty French oak. Across the palate, this wine is dense and lush with amazing concentration and weight. Chewy ripe tannins present themselves on the palate without being aggressive in any way. Absolutely delicious with great potential for age worthiness.
2015 ALL GREAT THINGS “FREEDOM” RED BLEND The All Great Things “Freedom” is a dark garnet color with a very complex layered nose. Aromas remind me of fine leather, vanilla, berry compote, and black cherries. This wine is silky and plush across the palate and makes me want to order filet mignon! The flavor profile is dynamic and interesting, leading you to want more as it opens up. This is a big, dense wine yet has a softness to it making it quite approachable and delicious already. Tannins are mild yet offer structure for additional ageability.
2015 KING RICHARD’S RESERVE PINOT NOIR
FA N T E SC A
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
The 2015 growing season began early and produced a light crop due to the ongoing drought conditions over the past years. Temperatures remained consistent throughout the summer and resulted in an early harvest of small, concentrated grapes that resulted in a lush Pinot Noir. Aromas of warm berry compote, baking spices, and dried herbs leap from the glass. Flavors of macerated cherries join silky tannins and a plush mouthfeel with a lingering dark fruit finish. This wine is the ideal balance of full-bodied elegance.
2019
SPONSORED BY
AUSTIN HOPE CABERNET SAUVIGNON It’s hard to explain the excitement about this wine. Emerging as one of the flagship bottlings for Paso Robles (roughly half-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco), this 100% Cabernet Bottlings has rich fruit, smoky notes, and an incredibly smooth texture. Austin Hope’s family has been farming in Paso Robles for over 30 years, and this wine has earned 96 and 97 Point Reviews from Wine Enthusiast Magazine in the recent past.
ANCIENT PEAKS SAUVIGNON BLANC This Sauvignon Blanc from Ancient Peaks is immediately enjoyable as all of the rough edges have been ironed out. Many Sauvignon Blancs from around the world are either very honeyed (California), very grassy (France), or super tropical (New Zealand), but this bottling from Paso Robles combines elements from each region and doesn’t let any of them overpower. The result is a medium bodied crisp white with a clean style and hints of complexity.
C A L I F O R N I A PA S O R O B L E S
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
SPONSORED BY
JORDAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON VERTICAL - 2007, 2011, & 2014 This is a special opportunity to taste Sonoma’s most famous cabernet after it has been aged for 5, 8, 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 appears on many of America’s top steak-house wine lists. These wines age beautifully with cedar and tobacco flavors complimenting red fruits.
SO N O M A - A L E X A N D ER VA L L E Y
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
SPONSORED BY
JULIEN BRECHET DOMAINE DES BOSQUETS GIGONDAS Gigondas is one of the villages in France’s Côtes du Rhône region. Located in the southern part of the appellation, here is where the Grenache grape is king. Gigondas is also the only village in the southern Rhône that is mountainous, so the wines possess a power and focus that is unique. Many people fall in love with the wines of Gigondas as they can be great values compared to those of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône’s most famous village.
CHATEAU DE SAINT COSME SAINTJOSEPH (SYRAH) Chateau de Saint Cosme in many ways anchors the Gigondas region of France, but they own some incredibly small parcels in the Sainte-Joseph region in the Northern portion of the Côtes du Rhône. In the Village of Sainte-Joseph, the syrah grape is king. Interestingly, they can often possess a unique smokey and peppery flavor that is indicative of the region’s cool climate and immensely steep vineyard slopes. Syrah from this region tastes very different from Shiraz from Australia or Syrah from California.
FR A N CE - RH O NE VA L L E Y
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
SPONSORED BY
GRAN MORAINE YAMHILL-CARLTON APPELLATION PINOT NOIR In recent years, Oregon’s Willamette Valley has changed dramatically, and quality continues to rise. Gran Moraine is a new project focusing on only the top vineyards in Oregon and was started by Barbara Banke, the widow of wine mogul, Jess Jackson (yes of Kendall Jackson). She has been purchasing wineries in both California and Oregon for over a decade and has amassed an impressive portfolio. Gran Moraine represents the first independent wine from the new venture from the Yamhill-Carlton District, home of Domaine Serene, Domaine Drouhin, and many top tier wineries.
PATRICIA GREEN CELLARS ESTATE PINOT NOIR Patty Green has been a force in Willamette Valley’s Ribbon Ridge Appellation for 25 years. Her Estate wines have always carried the nuance of Oregon’s smallest appellation blending ripe fruits with earth and spice. Her skill in extracting the very best of little-known vineyards made her blends especially memorable and this Pinot Noir is no different. Her rockstar neighbors include Beaux Freres and Trisaetum!
OREGON REDS
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
SPONSORED BY
EMERITUS VINEYARDS HALLBERG RANCH RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY PINOT NOIR Emeritus Vineyards was started by Steve Cutrer, founder of Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards. The winery’s unique name is fitting because the three principal individuals involved in the product have worked together for over 25 years, so they called the project Emeritus! This bottling is unique in that it comes from Hallberg Ranch, a tiny plot of pinot noir that has been highly coveted by wineries for over a decade. The style is rich and concentrated.
ROCCHIOLI ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC Rocchioli stands with the absolute best in the Russian River Valley. The wines are often compared to those of Williams Selyem, Kistler, and Paul Hobbs. This sauvignon blanc is unlike most anything coming out of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. The wine is tank fermented at a cool temperature to preserve its intense varietal character and firm acidity. The tropical fruit flavors are rich and full of a long, crisp finish and almost half of the grapes come from a 60-year-old Sauvignon Blanc vineyard.
KENWOOD SIX RIDGES SAUVIGNON BLANC
SONOMA - RUSSIAN R I V ER VA L L E Y
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
The Six Ridges Sauvignon Blanc was harvested from vineyards located in the Russian River and Carneros regions. Each vineyard lot was fermented separately in stainless steel tanks to preserve the beautiful natural acidity of the grapes. Our Sauvignon Blanc displays fresh aromas of lime zest, grapefruit, and guava complemented by notes of gooseberry and magnolia blossom. High acidity is maintained as the wine doesn’t spend any time in oak barrels.
2019
SPONSORED BY
OCCIDENTAL PINOT NOIR Occidental is fast becoming the next “Kosta Browne” in terms of 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 are the theme with these wines as the intensity of flavor is prominent without overripening of the grapes.
SCHUG WINERY SONOMA COAST SAUVIGNON BLANC This well-balanced Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from cooler vineyards in the southern end of the Sonoma Coast AVA. The Hi-Vista vineyard in western Carneros and the Grossi vineyard north of Petaluma contribute spice and bright tangy acidity. The Leveroni vineyard south of Sonoma contributes the unique floral character of the Sauvignon musque clone. The resulting blend has a bouquet of nectarine and grapefruit zest, leading to lush fruit flavors of kiwi, lime and grapefruit.
SONOMA COAST VINEYARDS SAUVIGNON BLANC
SONOMA SONOMA COAST
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
This winery was established in the early stages of the Sonoma Coast regional development and as a result was lucky enough to attach their name to the prestigious appellation! That being said, quality has remained high and this Sauvignon Blanc highlights a classic profile of jasmine, lemongrass, pineapple and tangerine on the nose. The lively palate reveals zingy notes of citrus zest, flavors of Granny Smith apples and nectarines. The wine finishes with a firm and refreshing twist—a true palate quenching Sauvignon Blanc.
2019
SPONSORED BY
TYLER PINOT NOIR - BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD - SANTA MARIA VALLEY This pinot noir offers a great contrast to what you would typically expect from California Pinot. It has a few years of age and originates from one of Santa Maria Valley’s coolest vineyard sites along California’s Central Coast, in addition, the style is purposeful in an attempt to mirror the great wines of Burgundy. This blends power and finesse and received an impressive 94 Point review from the Wine Advocate and is aged in 25% New French Oak Barrels.
WINDRACER PINOT NOIR - RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
PINOT NOIR C O M PA R I S O N
The WindRacer winery is the brainchild of Barbara Banke. If that name rings a bell it’s because, in the last ten years, she has become one of the most prolific owners of high-end wineries in the US. Her husband was Jess Jackson, and she has continued their legacy of winery ownership. Recent acquisitions include Copain, Penner-Ash, Brew-Clifton, Willakenzie Estate, and Siduri Wineries. Their Flagship cabernet producing wineries include Cardinale, Lokoya, and Mt. Brave. This Pinot Noir has all the dark fruits and cola flavors that are typical of Russian River Valley. Ripe without being pushed to over-ripeness, this just has the stuffing while reaming in balance. The 2015 vintage is in a really good spot right now.
BERTRAND BACHELET - MARANGES PREMIER CRU LA FUSSIERE This is a premier Cru Classified Red Burgundy made from 100% Pinot Noir. The vines are very mature, with an average age of 55 years. The site is up-slope and the wine is heavily influenced by the calcareous soils. Deep, dark, direct and mineral, this wine is in a terrific spot right now, and represents a great value among much higher Premier Cru Burgundy bottlings!
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
SPONSORED BY
BACHELET MONNOT PULIGNY MONTRACHET FRANCE Domaine Bachelet-Monnot is a relative new-comer to Burgundy, but brothers Marc and Alexandre Bachelet have been making waves since their Domaine’s inception in 2005. They organically farm just over 50 acres of their family’s vineyards extending all the way to the Cote de Beaune’s southern border in Maranges. This Puligny Montrachet Village bottling has lots of fresh lemon fruit with minerality and is perfectly balanced!
MARCHESI ANTINORI SERVARO DELLA SALA CHARDONNAY - ITALY Close to the border of Tuscany lies Castello della Sala, Antinori’s Umbrian outpost and home of its flagship white, Cervaro della Sala. Although the historic estate near Orvieto dates back to the 14th century, its wine producing history is relatively recent in terms of Antinori timelines. This is a great wine for fans of that “typical” California Chardonnay profile: rich, textured, plenty of fruit and oak that makes its presence known and completely surprising for Italy!
C H A R D O N N AY C O M PA R I S O N
ARISTA RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY CHARDONNAY CALIFORNIA Arista is a relative newcomer to the Russian River Valley, but they are making a big splash and the critics are taking notice. Winemaker, Matt Courtney, who spent the majority of his career working with Helen Turley at Marcassin, continues to fine-tune the bottlings with oak aging and limited lees stirring to add character without over-powering anything! This wine is gorgeous, and not over the top.
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
SPONSORED BY
G.H. MUMM CORDON BRUT ROSÉ Not to be confused with Mumm’s property in California, this is the original Champagne Rosé, sourced from 70+ parcels in Champagne. There is a maximum of 14% Pinot Noir is the cuvee, and the addition of reserve wine adds depth. It is an expensive technique many of the finer champagne houses use, and the process requires the house to hold a significant amount of each year’s harvest in their cellars to age for a number of years. Sometimes it is even bottled and aged before being added to the non-vintage cuvée (as is the case with Bollinger).
VEUVE CLICQUOT 2008 BRUT CHAMPAGNE The 2008 Veuve Clicquot Vintage “Gold Label” is one of the best version of this wine that has ever been produced. Another testament to the incredible 2008 vintage, this wine has both power and focus, and gives Clicquot’s flagship La Grande Dame some serious competition! Sourced purely Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, for the first time a portion of this wine spends some time in large oak casks.
C H A M PA G N E
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
SPONSORED BY
CASANOVA DI NERI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO TENUTA NUOVA The Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tunuta Nuova is one of Italy’s most celebrated wines. In past vintages, it has earned Wine Spectator’s coveted wine of the year designation as well. This bottling represents the modern side of Brunello and usually shows very well right out of the bottle without any decanting necessary. Made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso, this wine spends nearly 36 months in oak barrels.
TUA RITA GIUSTO DI NOTRI (SUPER TUSCAN BLEND) First produced in 1992, The word “Giusto” refers to the name of the Patron Saint of Suvereto (the hilltop Tuscan town where Tua Rita is located) and “Notri” is the name of the winery’s exact location. This is a Bordeaux-inspired blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that spends 1820 months in French oak barrels. Always celebrated by the press, this wine received a 96 Point Review from Antonio Galloni, Founder of Vinous.
I TA LY – T U S C A N Y
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
SPONSORED BY
ADAPTATION CABERNET SAUVIGNON (NEW WINERY FROM PLUMPJACK) A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, the Adaptation Cabernet is made by Odette Cellars (Formerly Steltzner Winery) and is owned by the same family that runs Plumpjack Winery and Cade Cellars. Fruit from the Stags Leap appellation is incorporated into the blend and the style is very bold and fruit forward. It is immediately enjoyable with its ample ripe fruits and soft tannin structure.
SHAFER VINEYARDS TD-9 RED BLEND Shafer’s TD-9 Blend is a composition of 58% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Malbec largely from the Stag’s Leap District. The name is a tribute to John Shafer who, in 1973 in the space of a few months went from riding morning commuter trains in Chicago to teaching himself to drive a TD-9 tractor in the family’s new Napa Valley vineyard. He’d never grown grapes or made wine in his life, but the rest, as many of you know, is history.
N A PA VA L L E Y - S TA G ’ S LEAP DISTRICT
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
SPONSORED BY
PIO CESARE BARBARESCO Barbaresco and Barolo are the world’s two most prominent regions for the production of Nebbiolo. Barolo is often more structured while Barbaresco has a bit more texture and is often ready to drink slightly earlier. Pio Cesare is famous for producing wines from both regions and the style is more traditional, favoring subtle licorice, and dark fruits. These wines are beautiful with mushrooms!
PAOLO SCAVINO BAROLO BRICCO AMBROGIO Barolo is often considered to be the king of Nebbiolo. Similar to Barbaresco, Barolo has a bit more of a bold structure and style, and the finer bottlings can age for decades. Located in Roddi, this is Scavino’s sleeper cru (single vineyard) It is intensely perfumed with both dark fruits and mineral qualities, this is also made from 100% Nebbiolo and received an incredible 97 Point Review.
I TA LY - B A R O L O & BARBARESCO
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
SPONSORED BY
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF CABERNET SAUVIGNON SOUTH AFRICA Boekenhoutskloof makes some of South Africa’s top bottlings, including Chocolate Block and the Left Bank red blend. The wines bottled under the Boekenhoutskloof name are the winery’s top bottlings and are among the country’s finest. The Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from four individual parcels adjacent to one another on a south-westerly aspect of our Franschhoek valley, where the soil is predominantly sandy loam over granitic bedrock. 2016 was a great vintage in all respects, and this vintage was blended with 6% cabernet franc.
WOODLANDS - MARGARET CABERNET SAUVIGNON MARGARET RIVER, AUSTRALIA The Margaret River region of Australia is known for its remote location and cool climate. The Woodlands winery was established in 1973 and planted some of the region’s very first vineyards. This “Margaret” bottling comes entirely from the Woodlands vineyard and faces west to absorb ample afternoon sunlight. Just 600 cases of this wine were produced! Tasted blind, you’d think this is Bordeaux, possibly from Margaux.
BRANCATELLI - VALLE DEL SOGNO SUPER TUSCAN BLEND - TUSCANY CABERNET SAUVIGNON
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
Giuseppe Brancatelli grew up on a Sicilian wine estate with the dream of somewhere starting something new of his own. At age 22, he promptly left home and traveled to Holland where he worked as a chef and ended up opening seven different restaurants. Eventually he started a wine estate in Italy’s Bolgheri Region just a few miles from Italy’s Western coast and focuses many of his wines on “New World” varieties as they grow very well in Western Tuscany. The Brancatelli Valle del Sogno is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot initially aged in French Allier Oak barrels and then spends additional time in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and incredible focus in the wine. This is big in style!
2019
NOTES
AROUND THE WORLD WINE TASTING
2019
Thank you to our event chair Tim Roberts and the entire wine committee for your time spent planning this year’s event.
From L to R: Lori Brooks, The Siegfried Group, Jesse Speltz, DHG, LLP, Ana Hudson, Citizens Banks, Scott Kray, Regions Business Capital, Sue Miller, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, James Vanke, Pensionmark, Stacey Schacter, Vion Investments, Rett Peaden, Smith Gambrell & Russell, Nance Donaldson, CRESA, Tim Roberts, CIBC Bank USA, Bill Wade, Company.Com, Becky Hester, RSM US LLP, Virginia Kiseljack, PNC Bank, Melanie Brandt, ACG Atlanta Not Pictured: Ann Cox, Wells Fargo, Hazen Dempster, Troutman Sanders, Gloria Kantor, ACG Atlanta, Mark Miller, Larx Advisors, Gina Rhatigan, Goldman Sachs
acg.org/atlanta