{"title":"Event","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"dubreuil-fontaine-pommard-epenots-1er-cru-2016","title":"Dubreuil-Fontaine Pommard Epenots 1er Cru 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA big, shouldered and brawny glass of Pinot. Some consider Pommard rustic - particularly as compared to Volnay - but there is a regal refinement to this wine. Of course, it’s tannic in its youth but with enough balance to open it soon with a long, rigorous decant. Ten years will offer even greater rewards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% Pinot Noir from vines averaging 35 years old in Grands and Petits Epenots. While many believe that fruit from Grands Epenots is superior, Christine finds no qualitative difference and blends them randomly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes are harvested by hand, sorted and de-stemmed. The 17-day fermentation is in stainless steel vats with punching down occurring twice a day. The wine spends 20 months in oak barrels, 30% of which are new.  Annual production is 3,500 bottles. Bill Nanson of the Burgundy Report calls it his favorite wine from this estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/b\u003e is an ancient grape from eastern France. Notoriously challenging, it thrives in cooler climates.  The concept of terroir is most closely identified with Burgundy because the lightness of Pinot Noir enables it to so transparently express minor differences (which is why experienced tasters can discern the difference in wines produced from vineyards in very close proximity).  Intense popularity resulted in plantings all over the world but most agree that its finest expression is in the Côte d’Or of Burgundy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristine's view of the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2016, a miracle vintage?, perhaps.  Tiny production but concentrated and fine. Less ripe and probably better balance than 2015. Pernand was hit with frost on April 27th and we lost about 80% of the crop. The vines just stopped growing, not showing life until June. Beginning in July, the weather was super and suddenly the vines looked great - but we had no fruit! -at best, one cluster per vine. The Chardonnay was decimated but the Pinot in Corton and Pommard was lovely and unfazed. Ultimately, we had less than half a typical harvest and only a third for whites. But the quality is excellent. Everything fermented quickly, particularly the Pinot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn your table…\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLikely the best Dubreuil-Fontaine wine with steak or another robust beef dish. Serve at cellar temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/products\/grassl-cru-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Cru\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Dubreuil-Fontaine","offers":[{"title":"2016 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":17233349869611,"sku":"","price":67.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/VDLT_Wine_Nov_2018-042.png?v=1567180968"},{"product_id":"champagne-nicolas-maillart-brut-rosee-grand-cru","title":"Champagne Nicolas Maillart Brut Rosé Grand Cru","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a new rendition of this wine and easily the best we have tasted of it. Pale color with a beautiful strawberry nose. It has terrific length, pure fruit flavors and is really very elegant. A splendid Rosé to drink now or cellar mid-term.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/blogs\/video-library\/watch-nicolas-maillart-and-the-chief-taste-rose\" title=\"Tasting Video\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTasting Video\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 25 year old Grand Cru vineyards in clay and limestone for this Rosé are from Bouzy.  The composition is 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay harvested in 2014.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaceration on the skins for 52 hours then slow, gentle pressing using gravity-flow techniques. Maillart produces the red wine for his Rosé in oak barrels from Chateau Margaux.  Vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and 50% in oak barrel.  Disgorged May 2019. Dosage: 6 g\/l.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn your table\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe skin contact creates added body so consider richer, fattier foods. We suggest slow roasted salmon or veal scallopini in a butter pan sauce. As an aperitif, serve at about 45-50 degrees or with a meal at 50-55.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-mineralite\"\u003eGrassl Mineralité\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Champagne Nicolas Maillart","offers":[{"title":"NA \/ 750 mL","offer_id":17233349738539,"sku":"pre20180628-7","price":54.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/24B4BE93-7AC5-4FF0-9863-8678227BA506.jpg?v=1572033196"},{"product_id":"girin-beaujolais-lancestrale-fut-de-chene-2016","title":"Girin Beaujolais L’Ancestrale Fût de Chêne 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of our favorite vintages of Ancestrale.  The modest oak is nearly integrated.  A lovely wine with tremendous sophistication that will continue to mature nicely for at least a decade. On our recent tour, one of our members said, “Girin has changed my perception of Beaujolais.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% Gamay from vines ranging in age from 60-80 years in south-facing granite soil. Yields are 52 hl\/ha. Fermentation through carbonic maceration.  Aged in tanks and used oak barrels (Fût de Chêne).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGamay\u003c\/strong\u003e, a descendent of Pinot Noir crossed with the obscure Gouais Blanc has often been thought of as a light grape but the emergence of Cru Beaujolais in recent years has raised awareness that it can produce serious, age-worthy wines.  Gamay wines are high in acidity and therefore very flexible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThibaut's view of the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2016 was complicated but bountiful and high-quality.  An awful spring with lots of rain but August-September was sunny and the grapes achieved reasonably good maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn your table…\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe with herb roasted chicken and a lightly dressed green salad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Girin","offers":[{"title":"2016 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":17233348886571,"sku":"98858","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/n_0013_Girin-Beaujolais-L_Ancestrale-Fut-de-Chene-2016.png?v=1567180970"},{"product_id":"girin-beaujolais-seduction-2017","title":"Girin Beaujolais Séduction 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd seduce it will.  So pretty and effortless to drink but take the time to appreciate it. There is more to it than just an alluring name and delightful taste. It’s not often you get this much for so little.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% Gamay from vines ranging in age from 20-40 years in south-facing granite soil. Yields are 52 hl\/ha. Fermentation through carbonic maceration for 5-6 days.  Aged in tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGamay\u003c\/strong\u003e, a descendent of Pinot Noir crossed with the obscure Gouais Blanc has often been thought of as a light grape but the emergence of Cru Beaujolais in recent years has raised awareness that it can produce serious, age-worthy wines.  Gamay wines are high in acidity and therefore very flexible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThibaut's view of the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2017 began with frost that decimated most of more than a quarter of the vines and was followed by drought.  All of the Chardonnay was lost.  Production was cut nearly in half, resulting in good concentration.  A very terroir-driven vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn your table…\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeaujolais, including this one, can be served at or just below cellar temperature - 50-55. A fine red aperitif or serve it with almost anything you like (we’re not kidding).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Girin","offers":[{"title":"2017 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":17233348853803,"sku":"98857","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/n_0012_Girin-Beaujolais-Seduction-2017.png?v=1567180971"},{"product_id":"champagne-herve-dubois-brut-tradition","title":"Champagne Hervé Dubois Brut Tradition","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch a fresh, lively and crisp tasting Brut.  The lack of malo on the Chardonnay is apparent.  A yeasty note provides some interesting counterpoint to the zesty acidity and minerality. Drink now and for the next few years to enjoy the freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis non-vintage Brut is a blend of 40% Chardonnay and 30% each Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.  Seventy percent is from the 2014 vintage and the rest is reserve Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chardonnay is vinified without malolatic fermentation.  There is a light filtration prior to bottling.  Dosage: 6-7 g\/litre.  Disgorged April 2018.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are the three most common grapes grown in Champagne.  Blending all three for a non-vintage Brut is typical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn your table…\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis would be great with a lobster roll and chips. The fatty, richness of meat and mayo provide great counterpoint to the angular, crisp minerality of the wine and Champagne and salt is a beautiful thing. Serve at or just below cellar temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-mineralite\"\u003eGrassl Mineralité\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Champagne Hervé Dubois","offers":[{"title":"NA \/ 750 mL","offer_id":17233348362283,"sku":"pre20180628-6","price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/VDLT_Wine_Nov_2018-009.png?v=1567180935"},{"product_id":"domaine-gigou-coteaux-du-loir-lancetre-2013","title":"Domaine Gigou Coteaux du Loir L'Ancêtre 2013","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Tasting Impressions (Updated)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThough you may never of heard of the wine or the grape, this is a serious wine from seriously old vines. At more than 12 years old, it light-bodied but deep. The color is pale and rusty.  The nose offers rustic, zesty, red fruit with a hint of char.  It's very fleshy and a smoky note adds real interest through the long finish.  A wine of enormous character that still seems in the prime of its life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% Pineau d'Aunis from 113-year old vines planted in limestone and clay soil that is organically farmed and produces just 30 hl\/ha.  Manually harvested grapes are traditionally macerated with malolactic fermentation for 3-4 weeks, then aged on fine lees for 6-7 months - all in tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e​\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePineau d'Aunis\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dark skinned grape that is indigenous to the Central Loire Valley dating back to the middle ages.  Royalty in France and England cherished it from the 13th to 15th centuries. It has a light color and mild pepper flavor that makes it popular for rosés in many regions but it also has a subtle complexity and low alcohol to produce interesting and uncommon reds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn Your Table\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou name it.  A terrific cheese wine.  You can take this to your local bistro and enjoy it with lighter beef dishes as well.  Serve at or just below cellar temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Gigou","offers":[{"title":"2013 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":17233348198443,"sku":"98844","price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/VDLT_Wine_Nov_2018-016.png?v=1567180956"},{"product_id":"domaine-gigou-cuvee-gigout-2014","title":"Domaine Gigou Cuvée Gigou't 2014","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Tasting Impressions (Updated)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt more than 10 years old, the pure fruit remains in perfect harmony with earth and savory flavors.  Once again, the Gigous manage to elevate what might otherwise be a simple, modest wine into something delightful and provocative.  Certainly for drinking now but on our last visit, Ludo served a 1990 that was fresh, intriguing and wonderful. And this vintage is providing ample indications that it will continue to develop and evolve very well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% Gamay from 40 year old vines in limestone and clay soil in the Côteaux du Loir.  Organically farmed and machine harvested to minuscule yields of 25 hl\/ha.  Traditional maceration with malolactic fermentation in tanks for 4-6 weeks followed by 3 years aging in 225 liter oak barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e​\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGamay\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ea descendent of Pinot Noir crossed with the obscure Gouais Blanc has often been thought of as a light grape but the emergence of Cru Beaujolais in recent years has raised awareness that it can produce serious, age-worthy wines.  Gamay wines are high in acidity and therefore very flexible. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn Your Table\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeaujolais is the traditional drink with steak frites but give Gigou't a whirl.  The higher acidity and diminished ripeness make for a nice pairing.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Gigou","offers":[{"title":"2014 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":17233348034603,"sku":"98850","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/VDLT_Wine_Nov_2018-085.png?v=1567180958"},{"product_id":"domaine-gigou-la-bulle-sarthoise-2009","title":"Domaine Gigou La Bulle Sarthoise 2009","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Tasting Impressions (Updated)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCertainly this is a novelty - 15+ year old sparkling off-dry red - but we not just being cheeky.  This is a seriously hand-crafted wine with a remarkable juxtaposition of maturing fruit and tangy, bubbly, snap. It drinks dry despite its Demi-sec label. It's fully mature and coyly complex. We enjoy it with modestly spicy Mexican food or even pizza.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePineau d'Aunis from 10 year old vines in the Department of Sarthe comes this off-dry, sparkling red wine.  The soil is limestone and clay.  Yields are 45 hl\/ha. The juice macerates for 15 days in tank with no malolactic fermentation before aging in tank on the fine lees for 3-4 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTirage (addition of yeast, wine \u0026amp; sugar to achieve secondary fermentation) is done before racking the bottles \u003cstrong\u003efor 9 years\u003c\/strong\u003e to allow the mousse to develop more finesse.  Disgorgement and dosage complete the process.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e​\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePineau d'Aunis\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dark skinned grape that is indigenous to the Central Loire Valley dating back to the middle ages.  Royalty in France and England cherished it from the 13th to 15th centuries. It has a light color and mild pepper flavor that makes it popular for rosés in many regions but it also has a subtle complexity and low alcohol to produce interesting and uncommon reds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Gigou","offers":[{"title":"2009 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":17233347969067,"sku":"98845","price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/VDLT_Wine_Nov_2018-034.png?v=1567180962"},{"product_id":"domaine-gigou-jasnieres-saint-jacques-2000","title":"Domaine Gigou Jasnières Saint Jacques 2000","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Tasting Impressions (Updated)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncredibly lithe, fresh and energetic for a 25 year old wine.  As good Chenin Blanc ages it becomes profoundly complex and defies comprehension and description.  The intense minerality of this staunchly traditional wine is mesmerizing.  But, it’s not just the flavors, it has nuanced textures that leave an \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eenduring palate impression.  The 2000 Saint Jacques will challenge your notions of what great white wine is.  Oh, and this will likely last and evolve for at least another 25 years. It always renders me \u003cem\u003everklempt\u003c\/em\u003e. N.B., as one should expect with an older wine, bottle variation can occur. For us, this is part of the joy of drinking Gigou wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChenin Blanc from Gigou's most prized vineyard - Saint Jacques - planted more than 70 years ago.  It is organically farmed and harvested by hand with low yields  The soil is silex (flint \u0026amp; sand), limestone clay and \u003cspan\u003etuffeau - porous, chalky limestone composed of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebryozoa fossils (tiny aquatic invertebrates)\u003c\/span\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermentation is in 400-liter oak barrels  for 4-6 months using indigenous yeasts.  The wine ages on fine lees for 5-6 months with bâtonnage in the barrels. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis vintage was originally released by the Gigous from 2002-2004, then they decided to hold it back until a re-release in 2016.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e​\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChenin Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the world's great wine grapes.  Possibly dating back a millenium, Chenin is notable for its intense acidity.  In fact, before the pronounced effects of climate change, cold years in the Loire produced underripe grapes and disastrous vintages.  Often vintners had to add sulphur to counteract the savage acidity.  Today, that does not happen much and Chenin can fully display its vivacious and glorious floral, hay and honey notes. Chenin is among the most flexible varieties for wine production.  It can be vinified dry, off-dry or sweet.  It also is capable of producing wines that can live and \u003cem\u003eimprove\u003c\/em\u003e - seemingly - forever.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn Your Table\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncredibly versatile and suitable for a wide variety of foods, including exotic flavored ones. We love it with salmon and soba noodles dressed in Japanese flavors. It’s a contrasting pairing and both are better for it. Serve at cool cellar temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Gigou","offers":[{"title":"2000 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":17233347870763,"sku":"98846","price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/VDLT_Wine_Nov_2018-082.png?v=1567180958"},{"product_id":"domaine-gigou-jasnieres-delice-de-berce-2012","title":"Domaine Gigou Jasnières Délice de Bercé 2012","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Tasting Impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo different from the Saint Jacques because of the new vs used oak.  There is so much yin \u0026amp; yang afoot here - the bright acidity against the texture faintly imprinted by the oak.  There also is a cornucopia of flavors and textures that I dare you to describe. It is a really special wine. A joy to drink now but I expect a long and fascinating life lies ahead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn elevage riff on Gigou's Jasnières Saint Jacques. Made every 3 years as the barrels are vacated by the prior vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChenin Blanc from Gigou's most prized vineyard - Saint Jacques - planted more than 70 years ago.  It is organically farmed and harvested by hand with very low yields.  The soil is silex (flint \u0026amp; sand) limestone clay and \u003cspan\u003etuffeau - porous, chalky limestone composed of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebryozoan fossils (tiny aquatic invertebrates)\u003c\/span\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Délice, the juice spends two and a half years fermenting and aging in 2 new barriques (225 liter oak barrels), sourced from the Bercé Forest about 20km from Domaine Gigou.  These barrels are coveted because the trees from this national park are remarkably consistent in their extremely tight grain, which results in a superior barrel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e​\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChenin Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the world's great wine grapes.  Possibly dating back a millenium, Chenin is notable for its intense acidity.  In fact, before the pronounced effects of climate change, cold years in the Loire produced underripe grapes and disastrous vintages.  Often vintners had to add sulphur to counteract the savage acidity.  Today, that does not happen much and Chenin can fully display its vivacious and glorious floral, hay and honey notes. Chenin is among the most flexible varieties for wine production.  It can be vinified dry, off-dry or sweet.  It also is capable of producing wines that can live and \u003cem\u003eimprove\u003c\/em\u003e - seemingly - forever.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn Your Table\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLudovic recommends having this with cheese.  Stay tuned as I test it out or do you own experimenting and let me know.  Serve at cellar temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-mineralite\"\u003eGrassl Mineralité\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Gigou","offers":[{"title":"2012 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":17233347837995,"sku":"","price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/VDLT_Wine_Nov_2018-076.png?v=1567180960"},{"product_id":"domaine-gigou-jasnieres-selection-de-raisins-nobles-1997","title":"Domaine Gigou Jasnières Sélection de Raisins Nobles 1997","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Tasting Impressions (Updated)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf it is possible to be intoxicated from the sheer beauty of wine, that is what happened to me.  This is Joël Gigou's favorite vintage of this wine.  I'm not even going to try to explain it - it's that complex and delicious.  Excellent bottles (it is almost 30 years old and the experience can vary) are so bright, fresh and only modestly sweet in its impression. It pairs beautifully with aged goat cheese. This wine will outlive all of us. BRAVO!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eN.B. Sadly, the Gigou's have stopped producing this cuvée due to declining demand for sweet wines. This makes the scant remaining examples of this more important to have in your cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet another wine stemming from the Chenin Blanc in Gigou's prized organically farmed vineyard - Saint Jacques - planted more than 70 years ago. The soil is silex (flint \u0026amp; sand) limestone clay and \u003cspan\u003etuffeau - porous, chalky limestone composed of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebryozoan fossils (tiny aquatic invertebrates)\u003c\/span\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn years where there is botrytis (noble rot), the first harvest of handpicked grapes with ridiculously low yields of 10 hl\/ha are sorted for Sélection de Raisins Nobles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermentation is in oak barrels  for 6-8 months using indigenous yeasts.  The wine ages in the barrels on fine lees for 4 months.  It has 70-80 grams of residual sugar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e​\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChenin Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the world's great wine grapes.  Possibly dating back a millenium, Chenin is notable for its intense acidity.  In fact, before the pronounced effects of climate change, cold years in the Loire produced underripe grapes and disastrous vintages.  Often vintners had to add sulphur to counteract the savage acidity.  Today, that does not happen much and Chenin can fully display its vivacious and glorious floral, hay and honey notes. Chenin is among the most flexible varieties for wine production.  It can be vinified dry, off-dry or sweet.  It also is capable of producing wines that can live and \u003cem\u003eimprove\u003c\/em\u003e - seemingly - forever.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn Your Table\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the few wines I would not mind unaccompanied by food.  But, you can enjoy this before, during or after a meal.  More and more, I am discovering that wines with some sweetness are well suited to a diverse cheese plate.  Fourme d’Ambert is particularly recommended. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Gigou","offers":[{"title":"1997 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":17233347805227,"sku":"98849","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/VDLT_Wine_Nov_2018-080.png?v=1567180961"},{"product_id":"maison-roche-de-bellene-grand-cru-chambertin-2010-collection-bellenum","title":"Maison Roche de Bellene Grand Cru Chambertin 2010 Collection Bellenum","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEverything you want and expect from an elite Grand Cru. Elegance, richness, purity and restrained power. This is in its early stage drinking window but still seems youthful and primary. The finish is long and memorable. Truly a rare, glorified and memorable experience! This should be very long-lived and display brilliant mature flavors as it develops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI forget the name of the place; I forget the name of the girl; but the wine….was Chambertin.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e(Hilaire Belloc)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLe Chambertin is one of the truly great Burgundy Grand Crus, which is why it became the suffix for the Gevrey appellation. The prized vineyard is 12 hectares of stony soil with excellent drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGevrey-Chambertin, in the Northern end of Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits might be its best known and most popular appellation for Pinot Noir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an ancient grape from eastern France. Notoriously challenging, it thrives in cooler climates.  The concept of terroir is most closely identified with Burgundy because the lightness of Pinot Noir enables it to so transparently express minor differences (which is why experienced tasters can discern the difference in wines produced from vineyards in very close proximity).  Intense popularity resulted in plantings all over the world but most agree that its finest expression is in the Côte d’Or of Burgundy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn excellent vintage in which Pinot Noir yields were extremely low due to \u003cem\u003emillerandes\u003c\/em\u003e (small grapes). As a result, wines are capable of great intensity. It was a year of ample acidity, fine balance and real terroir transparency.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/products\/grassl-cru-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Cru\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roche de Bellene","offers":[{"title":"2010 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":31319601348651,"sku":"","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/uZO_1tSjQ9-Hf-39VmNxXA_pl_480x640_95a01dab-2afc-4ba8-a412-0763420178a5.png?v=1593654051"},{"product_id":"roche-de-bellene-vosne-romanee-1er-cru-les-suchots-2016","title":"Domaine de Bellene Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Suchots 2016 Hommage à Françoise Potel","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn amazing display of young Pinot Noir from old vines. It needs air (or cellar time) to fill and lengthen out. The tannins are formidable presently, but you can plainly see why Suchots in the right hands is considered Grand Cru worthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVosne wines are considered the pinnacle of red Burgundy. Suchots, (which sits next to Romanée Saint Vivant) when done right, is capable of Grand Cru quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% Pinot Noir from the Premier Cru vineyard of Les Suchots. Potel owns vines in Suchots but the harvest in 2016 was meager, so he purchased grapes from another plot. The wine was made exactly as he does with his estate cuvées.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForty percent of the grapes are de-stemmed and the rest are left whole cluster. Maceration is done over a few days. Fermentation is 20-25 days in steel tanks and old oak barrels at 32°C. This is done in the dark to maximize resveratrol and other anti-oxidants . A vertical press is used on the must. The vats are emptied by gravity. Aging is in oak barrels (used 1-3 times) for more than a year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an ancient grape from eastern France. Notoriously challenging, it thrives in cooler climates.  The concept of terroir is most closely identified with Burgundy because the lightness of Pinot Noir enables it to so transparently express minor differences (which is why experienced tasters can discern the difference in wines produced from vineyards in very close proximity).  Intense popularity resulted in plantings all over the world but most agree that its finest expression is in the Côte d’Or of Burgundy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA very challenging vintage due to frost and hail.  Production was sharply down - but as is often the case - resulted in very concentrated wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/products\/grassl-cru-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Cru\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roche de Bellene","offers":[{"title":"2016 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":31320280891435,"sku":"","price":136.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/46C7AD03-D374-4FC7-A2E5-C92C7E5C830B.jpg?v=1574713235"},{"product_id":"christophe-pichon-condrieu-cuvee-patience-2018","title":"Christophe Pichon Condrieu Cuvée Patience 2018 (375 mL)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViognier has remarkable floral aromas and fruit flavors that range from yellow stone fruits to almost tropical. So, the late harvest succeeds in amping up all of those and taking you on a wild and exotic ride. This is sweet but has sufficient acidity to keep everything on a pleasant keel. I expect it will develop over time but it truly is delicious right now! Certainly a special and uncommon treat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% late-harvest Viognier from 20+ year old vines on south-facing granite slopes and southeast facing granite terraces. The soil in this plot is extremely shallow - on 50 to 75cm above the rock. This forces the roots very deep for nutrients and water. Yields are just 20 hl\/ha. Aged in 228 liter oak barrels. The barrels are given low fills to increase oxygenation. It is only produced in vintages when the grapes achieve botrytis.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViognier\u003c\/strong\u003e is a relatively low acid, higher alcohol grape that can provide a full wine with delicate flavors. Usually very floral and often displaying tropical fruit flavors. The wines generally are intended for early consumption when the fruit is freshest, but the Pichons treated us to a tasting of several older vintages of their Condrieu and two out of three were interesting and enjoyable despite the vines being very young when they were produced.  Just be prepared for a very different experience featuring musk and oxidative notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winter was wet, the spring was uneventful and the summer was very warm. 2018 is a bit of a blend of the prior 2 vintages - big and rich like 2017 (alcohol levels were generally significantly higher in '18) with the acidity of 2016. So, despite their heft, wines tend to have better balance than '17. Pichon considers it a great vintage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-liberte-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Liberté\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Christophe Pichon","offers":[{"title":"2018 \/ 375 mL","offer_id":31801690062891,"sku":"","price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/IMG_1198.jpg?v=1593654105"},{"product_id":"e-molino-barbera-dalba-superiore-melia-2017","title":"E. Molino Barbera d'Alba Superiore Melia 2017 (750mL\/1.5L\/3L)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e***3 Liter bottle comes in wood box***\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn excellent Barbera that manages to be serious and yet immensely pleasurable. Tannic for this variety but not oppressively so. Saturated dark fruit flavors with a twist of citrus that adds considerable interest. Probably better down the road but splendid as is. I kept finding interesting new nuances in this wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eThe \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003enortheast facing vineyard \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ewas planted to Barbera in 1949.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eThe DOCG designation Superiore means the Barbera must age at least a year including at least 4 months in oak barrel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eBarbera\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eis a dark-skinned grape from vigorously growing, easy to manage vines, so at least in Piedmont, most of the plantings are on the slopes, exposures and altitudes which are not best for Nebbiolo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBarbera wines are high in acidity, low in tannins and light bodied - although they can give the impression that they are big and hearty because of their purplish-black hue and relative roundness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBarbera has been experiencing a Renaissance over the last couple of decades due to greater attention from talented winemakers who have discovered how to better craft the wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHot and dry were the prevailing climate conditions during the 2017 growing season in Piedmont. Most harvested in August - about two weeks earlier than is typical. So, while production levels were reduced, as is often the case, skilled producers are able to craft wines of great concentration. Overall, supple, more accessible wines were produced. Acidity was a concern but well-made wines have ample freshness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-liberte-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Liberté\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"E. Molino","offers":[{"title":"2017 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":32882473336875,"sku":"","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2017 \/ 1500 mL","offer_id":32882484674603,"sku":"","price":83.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2017 \/ 3000 mL","offer_id":32882487132203,"sku":"","price":170.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/IMG_2260.jpg?v=1600811471"},{"product_id":"domaine-de-bellevue-urbain-v-blanc-2018","title":"Domaine de Bellevue Urbain V Blanc 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Tasting Impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing the remarkable 2015 Urbain V as the benchmark, this younger vintage, no surprise, is fresher but has unfinished work to integrate the oak. Nevertheless, this blend of Chardonnay with the uniquely Saint-Pourçain Tressallier, remains a beguiling, impressive and delicious wine. I suspect that in time, this may eclipse its older brother. There is a bit more depth, structure and intensity. Magnifique!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name of this limited production wine is a reference to the Avignon Popes who had Saint-Pourçain wines shipped to them down the Rhône river in the 14th century. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade from grapes grown from their best plots of Chardonnay (70%) and Tressallier (30%) on vines planted up to 40 years ago in soil of granite.  Yields are 35 hl\/ha.  Harvesting is by machine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtraction is by pneumatic press and the only the best juice from both varieties is fermented separately in local Allier 350-liter oak barrels.  This was the first wine and vintage Jean Louis aged in oak. The barrels were new but lightly toasted. They stayed in those barrels for about one year to age before racking, filtration and bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e, believed to have originated in Burgundy, is grown everywhere and is the most popular wine variety in the US. Winemakers love the green-skinned grape as well because it’s so easy to grow and adapt to many different production techniques. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its popularity, Chardonnay is viewed by some as lacking in acidity, too buttery and tending to be flabby.  In fairness, these characterizations often have more to do with the practice of malolactic fermentation and\/or oak aging - both common in Chardonnay production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTressallier\u003c\/strong\u003e is a little known grape exclusive to Saint-Pourcain, though it is grown as well in northern Burgundy, where it's called Sacy.  It fell out of favor for quite some time.  Even Domaine de Bellevue only resumed using it about 20 years ago. It grows in mid-sized clusters and the grapes are juicy and very acidic.  It produces light, vivid and very fresh tasting wine that add cut and punch when paired with Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJean Louis reports that 2018 was hot and sunny producing ripe, healthy grapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-liberte-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Liberté\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine de Bellevue","offers":[{"title":"2018 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":32988190343211,"sku":"","price":33.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/urbainV_blanc.jpg?v=1614615594"},{"product_id":"e-molino-barolo-bricco-rocca-2016","title":"E. Molino Barolo Bricco Rocca 2016","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis Barolo vividly displays what happens when an exceptional winemaker is blessed with an outstanding vintage. It is, of course, structured and tannic but the fruit is wonderfully pure and everything seems in perfect harmony. Well done, Sergio!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eSergio had to harvest this vineyard earlier than planned in order to keep the sugar levels in check. The wine is aged in steam bent barriques, which precludes toasty, oaky aromas. The sandy soils minimize the tannins. Less than 1,700 bottles produced from just over 3\/4 of a hectare. The vines were planted in 1951 with others in 1975 and 2000.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNebbiolo\u003c\/b\u003e, the name believed to be derived from nebbia, Italian for fog, is a grape with one of the most protracted maturation cycles. It buds in early spring and ripens late fall (when the winter nebbia from the Alps reaches the vineyards).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNebbiolo vines tend to grow upwardly with abandon, so management is essential to limit grape production and channel energy to them. They also are very particular about where they will thrive, which is why Nebbiolo is seldom found outside of Piedmont. Even there, it only is successful when planted on south facing slopes (much sun is needed for ripening), at elevations between 250 and 450 meters (lower there is too much frost exposure, higher the grapes won’t ripen).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWines from Nebbiolo usually are pale-colored, high in acidity and very tannic. Common flavor descriptors are rose and tar. They tend to be highly aromatic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBarolo producers could not have asked for better conditions than those in 2016 and an abundant crop to boot. The ripe fruit of 2015 was replicated but this time with ample acidity and more resolute tannins. Overall, the wines exhibit much better balance, even if they are not as much fun now.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/products\/grassl-cru-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Cru\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"E. Molino","offers":[{"title":"2016 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":33020291383339,"sku":"","price":47.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/gleubn2sz3m3qs6u849m.jpg?v=1606945011"},{"product_id":"maison-roche-de-bellene-puligny-montrachet-1er-cru-les-folatieres-2018","title":"Maison Roche de Bellene Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières 2018","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps a bit richer and fuller than previous vintages but the 2018 Folatières once again demonstrates why we think this wine (at least in the hands of our boy Potel) is an underrated \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e(and as result lesser priced) gem of the appellation. This wine always seems like the vinous equivalent of a fireworks show. Fireworks is of course a relative term here as we are still talking about Puligny, a model of grace and subtlety .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePuligny-Montrachet is probably the most famous village for Chardonnay in the world. The steely, mineral driven wines are, for many, the epitome of white Burgundy. Les Folatières is the largest Premier Cru in Puligny-Montrachet. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis wine comes from an east-facing plot, .28ha planted, on average, 45 years ago. The soil composition is clay and limestone and the elevation is 280 meters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHand-harvested on 9\/2 to yields of 40hl\/ha. Fermentation was with native yeasts and the wine aged in French oak (10% new) until bottling without fining or filtration on 4\/23\/20. 1,500 bottles made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is the most popular wine variety\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in the US. Winemakers love the green-skinned grape as well because it’s so easy to grow and adapt to many different production techniques. Grown everywhere, Chardonnay’s greatest expressions are widely believed to come from Burgundy. Indeed, this is believed to be where the grape originated. Chablis, in Northern Burgundy and Champagne also offer superlative examples of Chardonnay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorically high temperatures in 2018 but there was plenty of rain as well. Yields were very high and the Chardonnay, surprisingly, offered good energy. The fruit also was intensely concentrated. It certainly had an easier time of it than did the Pinot Noir but unless a vigneron was willing to put quality above finances, the potential for dilute wines was high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/products\/grassl-cru-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Cru\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roche de Bellene","offers":[{"title":"2018 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":33077594849323,"sku":"","price":115.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/ScreenShot2021-01-16at1.53.53PM.png?v=1610823251"},{"product_id":"maison-roche-de-bellene-bienvenue-batard-montrachet-grand-cru-2017","title":"Maison Roche de Bellene Bienvenue Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2017","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf aromatics could speak, this one's would scream Grand Cru and with time in the glass, they go from scintillating to incredible. At this stage, the body is a bit light (I expect that will change in time) but it really spreads out on the palate. There is some oak expression but it seems to be integrating already. A fabulous, young BBM!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of just 6 Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards in the Côte de Beaune, Bienvenue-Bâtard Montrachet is about 3.4ha that sits below \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBâtard Montrachet in Puligny. It received its top classification in 1937.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePotel sources his B-BM Chardonnay from a 50 year-old plot of just .041ha that faces southeast at an elevation of 250m. The soil is clay and limestone. Yields are 35hl\/ha. The manual harvest took place on 9\/7\/17.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFermentation was with indigenous yeasts. The wine aged in oak barrels (50% new) until it was bottled with filtration but no fining on 5\/23\/2019. A mere 192 bottles were made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e is the most popular wine variety\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e in the US. Winemakers love the green-skinned grape as well because it’s so easy to grow and adapt to many different production techniques. Grown everywhere, Chardonnay’s greatest expressions are widely believed to come from Burgundy. Indeed, this is believed to be where the grape originated. Chablis, in Northern Burgundy and Champagne also offer superlative examples of Chardonnay\u003c\/span\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNicolas' view of the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFreezing April temperatures jeopardized the new buds. Strategic fires were set to protect them and most were saved. From there on, weather conditions were fine. A summer drought helped to advance maturing and ripening in the grapes. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeptember harvest conditions were ideal. The fine and abundant crop required no chaptalization or other interventions. The vintage is largely approachable and enjoyable early yet should cellar nicely.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/products\/grassl-cru-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Cru\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roche de Bellene","offers":[{"title":"2017 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":33078362570795,"sku":"","price":375.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/v7fBKbHVRmOa8uWu2Q8Vzw_pb_600x600_52b2b8f9-7744-4194-ab40-dd3e3964c31e.png?v=1610814925"},{"product_id":"maison-roche-de-bellene-chambolle-musigny-vieilles-vignes-2013","title":"Maison Roche de Bellene Chambolle-Musigny Vieilles Vignes 2013","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA good Chambolle is a such a joy. No one is immune to the charming aromatics of these wines. This village beauty, 7 years from the vintage has lovely, perky nose. It's bright and delicious. Despite some tannins on the finish, this is relatively easy drinking to enjoy now and to help defend some of your other Burgundies that need some time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% Pinot Noir from vines planted between 1946 and 1964 in clay and limestone soil. The vineyard faces east-southeast and sits at 270m.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrapes were handpicked on October 9th with yields of \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e46hl\/ha. Fermentation was by native yeast. Aging was in oak barrels (35% new) and bottling was on 3\/23\/15 without fining or filtration. 3,000 bottles were made.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/b\u003e is an ancient grape from eastern France. Notoriously challenging, it thrives in cooler climates.  The concept of terroir is most closely identified with Burgundy because the lightness of Pinot Noir enables it to so transparently express minor differences (which is why experienced tasters can discern the difference in wines produced from vineyards in very close proximity).  Intense popularity resulted in plantings all over the world but most agree that its finest expression is in the Côte d’Or of Burgundy. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimply a classic Burgundy vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/products\/grassl-cru-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Cru\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roche de Bellene","offers":[{"title":"2013 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":33079762681899,"sku":"","price":66.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/Y0ao1YxPSLyGes0TXe81VQ_pb_600x600_01c3fafb-c9ea-4c72-a496-644b3859cb86.png?v=1610815858"},{"product_id":"maison-roche-de-bellene-vosne-romanee-vieilles-vignes-2016","title":"Maison Roche de Bellene Vosne-Romanée Vieilles Vignes 2016","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile it might lack all of the ripe, luscious fruit of the prior vintage, this magnificent village Vosne doubles down on balance and depth. Another outstanding 2016 from Potel that I expect will effortlessly and gracefully move from strength to strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wines of Vosne-Romanée are the most coveted in Burgundy's Côte d'Or.  They are prized for their complexity and exotic spice flavors and aromas. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePotel acquires his grapes from an almost half hectare plot at 250m elevation with an eastern exposure. The vines were planted 50-60 years in soil of clay and limestone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe manual harvest occurred on 9\/30 to yields of only 26hl\/ha. The juice was vinified with native yeast then stored in oak barrels, of which 40% were new. About 2,000 bottles were made with filtering but no fining  was on 6\/19\/18.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an ancient grape from eastern France. Notoriously challenging, it thrives in cooler climates.  The concept of terroir is most closely identified with Burgundy because the lightness of Pinot Noir enables it to so transparently express minor differences (which is why experienced tasters can discern the difference in wines produced from vineyards in very close proximity).  Intense popularity resulted in plantings all over the world but most agree that its finest expression is in the Côte d’Or of Burgundy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA very challenging vintage due to frost and hail.  Production was sharply down - but as is often the case - resulted in very concentrated wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/products\/grassl-cru-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Cru\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roche de Bellene","offers":[{"title":"2016 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":33079765663787,"sku":"","price":76.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/ScreenShot2021-01-16at2.19.34PM.png?v=1610824790"},{"product_id":"domaine-de-l-arnesque-chateauneuf-du-pape-2018","title":"Domaine de L’Arnesque Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018","description":"\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003eNot unlike the 2016, this 2018 CDP will reward your patience but its youthful charms are quite impressive. The fruit is pure and robust and the tannins are firm but without hard edges. I like the balance it displays even as it wrestles with itself to come together. Marie and Sébastien's wines show as much improvement over time as any estate I know. This wine should be no different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eChâteauneuf-du-Pape  is the iconic wine of the Southern Rhône region.  It translates to House of 9 Popes. This one \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e80\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e% Grenache\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e, 10% Syrah \u0026amp; 10\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e% \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eMourvèdre all de-stemmed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e. The average age of the vines is 50 years planted in clay \u0026amp; limestone soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eThe bunches are selectively de-stemmed then vinified for 28 days with punching down of the cap.  The wine is aged for one year in \u003cem\u003edemi-muids (\u003c\/em\u003e600L oak barrels).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eAbout the grape blend\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eA typical blend, often referred to as G-S-M.  Grenache the preeminent red wine grape of the Southern \u003c\/span\u003eRhône, makes full-bodied, red-fruited wine.  It enjoys very dry, hot and windy conditions but the vines produce scant fruit which means great concentration.  The Syrah provides structure, savoriness and black fruit, while the Mourvèdre contributes length, tannins and floral notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003eMild temperatures with lots of rain in the winter and spring plus reduced mistral winds equals high incidence of mildew and decreased yields, particularly for Grenache. But a hot summer and idyllic harvest season with well-stocked water tables meant conscientious farmers could wait patiently for properly ripened grapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/products\/grassl-cru-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Cru\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine de L’Arnesque","offers":[{"title":"2018 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":33080155799595,"sku":"","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/ED18C714-C788-4038-A5A6-11002FE12D8A.jpg?v=1611090166"},{"product_id":"domaine-de-l-arnesque-plan-de-dieu-cotes-du-rhone-villages-2018","title":"Domaine de L’Arnesque Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône Villages 2018","description":"\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003eWell the 2015 Plan de Dieu was a surprise smash hit. Now, the 2018 is poised to take the VDLT Community by storm. It's a bit bigger this time. Dare I say, a littler more serious...nah, it remains a fun and thrilling wine. It's the structure and tannins that give that impression. In time, I expect them to dissipate and then this might even improve upon its older brother. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003ePlan de Dieu, since 2005, i\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca name=\"_GoBack\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003es \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003ea designated area within the appellation of Côtes du\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e Rhône\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e Villages (the best of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eCôtes du Rhône). Arnesque's is a blend of 7\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e% Grenache\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e, 25% Syrah \u0026amp; 5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e% Carignan \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eall de-stemmed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e. The average age of the vines is 36 years planted in clay, limestone and garrigue soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eFermentation is 21 days in concrete tanks\u003ci\u003e \u003c\/i\u003ewith cap punching.  Aged one year in concrete tanks. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eAbout the grape blend\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eGrenache the preeminent red wine grape of the Southern \u003c\/span\u003eRhône, makes full-bodied, red-fruited wine.  It enjoys very dry, hot and windy conditions but the vines produce scant fruit which means great concentration.  The Syrah provides structure, savoriness and black fruit, while the touch of Carignan adds tannin and acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003eMild temperatures with lots of rain in the winter and spring plus reduced mistral winds equals high incidence of mildew and decreased yields, particularly for Grenache. But a hot summer and idyllic harvest season with well-stocked water tables meant conscientious farmers could wait patiently for properly ripened grapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/products\/grassl-cru-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Cru\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine de L’Arnesque","offers":[{"title":"2018 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":33080168939563,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/0573874D-E745-47C1-8CBD-4539EAD96865.jpg?v=1611089957"},{"product_id":"domaine-de-l-arnesque-cairanne-2016","title":"Domaine de L’Arnesque Cairanne 2016","description":"\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003eA worthy successor to the wonderful 2015. Not surprisingly given the vintage, it is quite more primary than the '15. While it might not be as charming or complex presently, it is more structured and possibly has more depth. Over time, it might overtake its older brother but what fun we will have assessing that over the next several years. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eUp until about 25 years ago, Côtes du Rh\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eône Villages was the name given to \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCôtes du Rh\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eône wines of higher distinction. A few of the best like \u003c\/span\u003eCairanne and Rasteau started appending their village name. Cairanne was elevated to an independent AOC in 2106.   \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eA blend of 6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e% Grenache\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e, 20% Syrah, 15\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e% \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eMourvèdre  and 5% Carignan all de-stemmed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e. The Grenache vines were planted in the 60's \u0026amp; 70's in clay \u0026amp; limestone soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eVinification includes the traditional 25-day maceration. Punching-down is done for maximal extraction. Aging is in concrete tanks for 12 months.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eAbout the grape blend\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eA typical blend, often referred to as G-S-M with a smidge of Carignan.  Grenache the preeminent red wine grape of the Southern \u003c\/span\u003eRhône, makes full-bodied, red-fruited wine.  It enjoys very dry, hot and windy conditions but the vines produce scant fruit which means great concentration.  The Syrah provides structure, savoriness and black fruit. The Mourvèdre contributes length, tannins and floral notes, and Carignan adds tannins as well plus acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2016 is one of the most balanced vintages in the last 30 years, combining vibrant fruit, strong tannic structure yet roundness. An enjoyable vintage early on with capability of aging and improving for decades.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/products\/grassl-cru-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Cru\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine de L’Arnesque","offers":[{"title":"2016 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":33080201216043,"sku":"","price":27.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/image_4e9f22c0-2249-4d7f-a2c3-f5dd6267e17b.jpg?v=1611149664"},{"product_id":"champagne-nicolas-maillart-les-loges-extra-brut-1er-cru","title":"Champagne Nicolas Maillart Les Loges Extra Brut 1er Cru","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow do I convey how fun and refreshing this bubbly is without leading you to think it is not a seriously fine wine? The color surprised me at first - it's something between golden and amber. Oh so Pinot on the nose! It's lively, zesty and perky. I guess that can happen when you don't add sulfites. But this is a very stable and conventional wine rather than an oddball natural one. Tasting this kept reminding me of when you peel the first piece of rind off a citrus fruit and there is a puff of dust. It's something between zest and fruit and it's everything delicious.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe maiden vintage of this 100% Pinot Noir (selection Massale) Premier Cru from Villers Allerand\u003cspan\u003e. The vines, planted in clay and chalk soil originating in the Thanetian period. They are managed biologically, bio-dynamically and classically as necessary - with respect for the rhythm of the plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrapes, mostly from 2018 were slowly and gently pressed using gravity-flow techniques. Vinification was with spontaneous fermentation in new French oak and with regular battonage. No malolactic fermentation and no sulfites were added.  Aging takes place on the lees for 9 months. Zero Dosage. Disgorged 10\/2020.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an ancient grape from eastern France. Notoriously challenging, it thrives in cooler climates.  It is one of only two red grapes permitted in Champagne. Champagne from Pinot Noir tends to be richer and fuller, and some would argue, more elegant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-mineralite\"\u003eGrassl Mineralité\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Champagne Nicolas Maillart","offers":[{"title":"NA \/ 750 mL","offer_id":33104521789483,"sku":null,"price":64.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/11245299.jpg?v=1612115047"},{"product_id":"champagne-nicolas-maillart-montchenot-brut-1er-cru","title":"Champagne Nicolas Maillart Montchenot Brut 1er Cru (750ml\/1.5L)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe pure, vibrant fruit is certainly Pinot Noir but the touch of Meunier adds pleasing verve and zest. This welcome addition to the Maillart stable clearly displays Nicolas' talent for understanding different grapes, terroir and vintages to craft delicious and provocative wines that are distinct from other producers as well as each other.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Blanc de Noirs blending 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Meunier Premier Cru from the hamlet of \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eMontchenot in Villers Allerand, home of Nicolas' mother \u003cspan\u003e. The vineyard lies between and picks up elements from a large and a small mountain. The soil is sand, clay and chalk. They are managed biologically, bio-dynamically and classically as necessary - with respect for the rhythm of the plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrapes - 80% from 2016 and 20% from 2015 reserves - are slowly and gently pressed using gravity-flow techniques. Vinification is with spontaneous fermentation in 50% new French oak, with regular battonage and no malolactic fermentation.  Aging takes place on the lees for 6 months. Dosage: 4g\/L. Disgorged 9\/2020.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an ancient grape from eastern France. Notoriously challenging, it thrives in cooler climates.  It is one of only two red grapes permitted in Champagne. Champagne from Pinot Noir tends to be richer and fuller, and some would argue, more elegant. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePInot Meunier\u003c\/strong\u003e also know as Meunier is the least known of the Champagne grapes despite being the second most planted. It is mostly used for blending with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir - adding bright fruit. It is dark-skinned and related to Pinot Noir. It ripens early and tolerates cooler climates so it is a dependable crop in tough vintages. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-mineralite\"\u003eGrassl Mineralité\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Champagne Nicolas Maillart","offers":[{"title":"NA \/ 750 mL","offer_id":33104522608683,"sku":null,"price":56.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"NA \/ 1500 mL","offer_id":33104522674219,"sku":"","price":108.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/11160798.jpg?v=1612115330"},{"product_id":"domaine-de-bellevue-tressillant-methode-traditionnelle","title":"Domaine de Bellevue Tressillant Méthode Traditionnelle","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Tasting Impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving learned well how Tressallier can elevate Chardonnay, this Blanc de Blancs sparkler was welcomed with great anticipation. It has depth and weight from Chardonnay and the cut, lift and energy from Tressallier. A delightful aperitif with quite an elegant mousse that might just cause Champagne producers to steal some of Saint Pourçain's unique vines. Yum!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e A blend of Chardonnay and Tressallier to produce a méthode traditionelle Blanc de Blancs. All aspects of production are performed at Domaine de Bellevue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e, believed to have originated in Burgundy, is grown everywhere and is the most popular wine variety in the US. Winemakers love the green-skinned grape as well because it’s so easy to grow and adapt to many different production techniques. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its popularity, Chardonnay is viewed by some as lacking in acidity, too buttery and tending to be flabby.  In fairness, these characterizations often have more to do with the practice of malolactic fermentation and\/or oak aging - both common in Chardonnay production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTressallier\u003c\/strong\u003e is a little known grape exclusive to Saint-Pourcain, though it is grown as well in northern Burgundy, where it's called Sacy.  It fell out of favor for quite some time.  Even Domaine de Bellevue only resumed using it about 20 years ago. It grows in mid-sized clusters and the grapes are juicy and very acidic.  It produces light, vivid and very fresh tasting wine that add cut and punch when paired with Chardonnay. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-liberte-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Liberté\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine de Bellevue","offers":[{"title":"NV \/ 750 mL","offer_id":33136099328043,"sku":null,"price":27.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/tresillant.png?v=1614882728"},{"product_id":"domaine-gigou-la-bulle-sarthoise-blanc-2017","title":"Domaine Gigou La Bulle Sarthoise Brut - Nougat","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN.B.\u003c\/strong\u003e This wine is available with the label pictured below - different from the label the producer typically uses. This label, created by VDLT, pictures Ludo (the winemaker) with his donkey, Nougat. The caption reflects a \"disagreement\" they have about who will be responsible for grass removal.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Tasting Impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReally lovely sparkling Chenin. It's loaded with minerals and has just the right amount of funk. It has a gentle but pronounced mousse (that's the main reason Gigou delays the release). It's joyous and easy but not simple. We could drink this all day\/every day for the next 30 years (which might be a conservative estimate for how long it can be cellared).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA sparkling Chenin Blanc. The organically grown grapes are harvested by hand from clay and limestone soil. The yield was 25hl\/ha. The fermentation was 4 months in old chestnut barrels. The wine then aged in the same barrels for 2-3 months before bottling. In the bottle, it undergoes a second fermentation, which results in its effervescence. This is known as known as \u003cem\u003eMéthode Traditionelle\u003c\/em\u003e. After 3 years, the wine is disgorged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChenin Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is one of the world's great wine grapes.  Possibly dating back a millenium, Chenin is notable for its intense acidity.  In fact, before the pronounced effects of climate change, cold years in the Loire produced underripe grapes and disastrous vintages.  Often vintners had to add sulphur to counteract the savage acidity.  Today, that does not happen much and Chenin can fully display its vivacious and glorious floral, hay and honey notes. Chenin is among the most flexible varieties for wine production.  It can be vinified dry, off-dry or sweet.  It also is capable of producing wines that can live and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eimprove\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e - seemingly - forever.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2017 crop was severely reduced by frost. The low yields increased concentration for conscientious growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/domaine-gigou\"\u003eClick here\u003c\/a\u003e for information about this producer and other wines from them.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Gigou","offers":[{"title":"2017 \/ 750mL","offer_id":40729457131563,"sku":"18909","price":33.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/files\/greg_gigou_Nougat2017_front.jpg?v=1742743508"},{"product_id":"vittorio-innocenti-rosso-di-montepulciano-2016","title":"Vittorio Innocenti Rosso di Montepulciano 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInnocenti's \u003cem\u003ehumble\u003c\/em\u003e Rosso is super even in lesser vintages. So no surprise that in 2016, it is a tour de force. It has an abundance of pure, red fruit. There is plenty of structure, which has enabled this Rosso to continually evolve and improve over 10+ years. No doubt many fine Tuscan winemakers would be thrilled if they could make a classified Vino Nobile this good. In fact, we once tasted this Rosso alongside the \u003cstrong\u003eRiserva\u003c\/strong\u003e of a highly regarded producer. The results were like David and Goliath. It won't bowl you over, preferring instead subtle intrigue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInnocenti’s Rosso is 90% Sangiovese\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and 10% \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCanaiolo from a 6ha vineyard at abour 350M. It was planted in Montepulciano planted in 2014 in sandy soil with southwest exposure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThey perform double cluster thinning (green harvest) before a manual harvest. Any grapes that are not to their standards are sold. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Sangiovese is destemmed (the tannins are too green) then vinified with the\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCanaiolo\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFermentation is with natural yeasts and maceration on the skins for 8-10 days in steel tanks. They perform délestage (draining the wine off the must and then gently pumping it back over. The caps are punched down. Aging is in a mix of French and Amercan oak barrels ranging in volume from 5 to 20hl. It is often released much later than even other producers' Vino Nobile.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSangiovese\u003c\/strong\u003e is the most planted grape in Italy and is the dominant grape throughout the central part of the country. There are many variants and even different names like Prugnolo Gentile, Brunello, Sangioveto and Morellino.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes are dark and thick-skinned, slow-ripening, acidic and tannic. Like Pinot Noir, Sangiovese is heavily influenced by its terroir and similarly can be quite transparent in its differences from place to place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCanaiolo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eadds with softness and imparts graceful herbal flavors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2016 is a modern day classic vintage in Tuscany. A near perfect growing season that started slowly, warmed up nicely through the summer, and ended with a classic autumn. Ample warm days and cool nights produced a slightly reduced crop of wines that combine the richness of low-yields with the near perfect balance of mature tannins and bright acidity. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn your table\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a great pasta\/pizza wine that marries well with bright, not overly sweet red sauces. Serve at cellar temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vittorio Innocenti","offers":[{"title":"2016 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39264264814635,"sku":"98808","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/image_b6d5d75f-e8e7-4364-990e-77c7c7821555.jpg?v=1615377445"},{"product_id":"e-molino-barolo-del-fico-riserva-2015","title":"E. Molino Barolo Del Fico Riserva 2015","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis is an amazing your Barolo Riserva. Showing more ripe fruit than the 2013 did at this juncture, it's really about the structure right now. Yet, the overall impression is a very complete wine. So much so that I re-checked the bottle to make sure it wasn't 2016. The intensity is remarkable. I will bury some of these in my cellar and wake up every morning, thankful they are there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eSergio makes this wine only in the best vintages. He uses only his best grapes from Bricco Rocca, from highest on the slope and that get the most sun exposure. Small tank fermentation, manual punch-downs and no temperature control. Aged for 2 years in steam bent barriques, to prevent the addition of toasty oak flavors and aromas. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eHe named it Fico (fig) for the single fig tree that sits in the vineyard . His parents kept the tree because it provides shade to maintain some water in the vineyard in the summer. Most of the vines are almost 70 years old with others added in 1975 and 2000.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eLess than 900 bottles are produced.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNebbiolo\u003c\/b\u003e, the name believed to be derived from nebbia, Italian for fog, is a grape with one of the most protracted maturation cycles. It buds in early spring and ripens late fall (when the winter nebbia from the Alps reaches the vineyards).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNebbiolo vines tend to grow upwardly with abandon, so management is essential to limit grape production and channel energy to them. They also are very particular about where they will thrive, which is why Nebbiolo is seldom found outside of Piedmont. Even there, it only is successful when planted on south facing slopes (much sun is needed for ripening), at elevations between 250 and 450 meters (lower there is too much frost exposure, higher the grapes won’t ripen).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWines from Nebbiolo usually are pale-colored, high in acidity and very tannic. Common flavor descriptors are rose and tar. They tend to be highly aromatic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2015 presented many extremes including an arctic winter and a scorching July. Overall, fine, very ripe fruit was harvested. Talented winemakers were able to manage challenges of low acidity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/products\/grassl-cru-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Cru\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"E. Molino","offers":[{"title":"2015 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39277927563307,"sku":"","price":72.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/molino2.png?v=1617812751"},{"product_id":"e-molino-langhe-nebbiolo-2019","title":"E. Molino Langhe Nebbiolo 2019","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wonderful Nebbiolo. It displays much more richness and purity than one usually finds at this level - perhaps a bit more tannic as well. This appears plusher, fuller and fruitier than the 2018. Really a terrific effort!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLanghe Nebbiolo (100% Nebbiolo) is produced either or both from vineyards not classified as Barolo or Barbaresco or from less desirable or younger vines within those classifications. As a result, they tend to be softer and more accessible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSergio does a short maceration, just 7 days, in only 20% oak,.  He ages it 1 year before bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNebbiolo\u003c\/b\u003e, the name believed to be derived from nebbia, Italian for fog, is a grape with one of the most protracted maturation cycles. It buds in early spring and ripens late fall (when the winter nebbia from the Alps reaches the vineyards).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNebbiolo vines tend to grow upwardly with abandon, so management is essential to limit grape production and channel energy to them. They also are very particular about where they will thrive, which is why Nebbiolo is seldom found outside of Piedmont. Even there, it only is successful when planted on south facing slopes (much sun is needed for ripening), at elevations between 250 and 450 meters (lower there is too much frost exposure, higher the grapes won’t ripen).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWines from Nebbiolo usually are pale-colored, high in acidity and very tannic. Common flavor descriptors are rose and tar. They tend to be highly aromatic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2019 was a challenging vintage but ultimately an excellent one. Yields were down about 15% on average. Growers had to deal with heavy spring rain and some hail. The summer was very hot and rot was a very real threat. Ultimately, it is shaping up to be a rather classic year for Nebbiolo.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/products\/grassl-cru-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Cru\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"E. Molino","offers":[{"title":"2019 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39294660149291,"sku":"","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/molino2_0d20b8b4-5977-4863-9ae2-b519f6a2d232.png?v=1617814238"},{"product_id":"christophe-pichon-cote-rotie-promesse-2019","title":"Christophe Pichon Côte Rôtie Promesse 2019","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePichon's Promesse often can be characterized as modern in style. The careful yet pronounced oak treatment is why this \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCôte Rôtie can be so accessible and enjoyable in its youth. Having tasted older vintages, I can assure you that the oak integrates very nicely. All of this is a lead-up to saying the 2019 Promesse tips decidedly more classical as Corentin allows the voice of the vintage to speak clearly. While at the same time, it is fleshier and more open that its 2 stablemates. Promesse may be entry-level \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCôte Rôtie chez PIchon but it remains top-of-the-heap for value and delicious drinkability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany Côte Rôtie producers would be proud to produce just this cuvée, but it is the entry-level offering from Pichon. 90% Syrah and 10% Viognier from vines in Rozier (2\/3) and Le Plomb (1\/3) up to 55 years old planted in schist yielding 40 hl\/ha. The grapes are handpicked and \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ede-stemmed \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eand pneumatically pressed. \u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFermentation is over 28 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with pumping over and punching down twice a day. Aging is 14 months in mostly new oak barrels. \u003c\/span\u003eThe wine ages 14 months in oak - 75% new \u0026amp; 25% one-year-old barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCôte Rôtie is comprised largely of \u003cstrong\u003eSyrah \u003c\/strong\u003ebut the addition of up to 20% \u003cstrong\u003eViognier\u003c\/strong\u003e is permitted.  Syrah thrives on steep slopes because of the dry climate and soil that enable deep root penetration.  The grapes are small and dark-skinned high in acid and tannins.  The Viognier adds finesse and balance. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2019 was yet another hot and dry growing season, albeit not excessively so. Rain in late August and early September was just what the winemaker ordered. Most of the region experienced good quantities of very healthy and ripe grapes. Corentin considers it a great vintage for whites and reds alike. He says the wines are more structured than 2018 and better for cellaring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-1855-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl 1855\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Christophe Pichon","offers":[{"title":"2019 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39300313186347,"sku":"","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/promesse.png?v=1618156108"},{"product_id":"christophe-pichon-cote-rotie-la-comtesse-en-cote-blonde-2019","title":"Christophe Pichon Côte Rôtie La Comtesse en Côte Blonde 2019","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e****This is offered as a pre-order. The wine is expected to be bottled in July****\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eif included in an order with other Pichon wines, some orders may need to be held until this is ready.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was enthralled by the 2018 Comtesse but Corentin's 2019 is stylistically more in my wheelhouse. It is more classically structured. If you love your \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCôte \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRôtie to smell like \u003c\/span\u003eBACON!, this is your huckleberry. It has such sultry savoriness. There is intensity in spades to this young Syrah. It needs cellar time but you will be generously rewarded when all of this wine's charms and attributes are unlocked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are 2 hills in \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCôte \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eRôtie - \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCôte Brune to the north and \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCôte Blond to the south. The names are derived from the color of the soil Brune (darker) and Blond (lighter). This also informs their style. Brune tends to be firmer and heartier while Blond wines are softer and more elegant. Select wines that bear these names on their label tend to be among the finest of \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCôte \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eRôtie.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% Syrah handpicked from vines planted in 1933 in schist on a south-facing slope. Yields are just 35hl\/ha. Grapes \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eare de-stemmed \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eand pneumatically pressed. Fermentation is over 31 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with pumping over and punching down twice a day. A\u003c\/span\u003eged 20 months in new oak.  They own less than a hectare of the 12 in Côte Blonde and produce just 2300 bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSyrah\u003c\/strong\u003e is the sixth most planted grape worldwide.  It thrives on steep slopes because of the dry climate and soil that enable deep root penetration.  The grapes are small and dark-skinned high in acid and tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2019 was yet another hot and dry growing season, albeit not excessively so. Rain in late August and early September was just what the winemaker ordered. Most of the region experienced good quantities of very healthy and ripe grapes. Corentin considers it a great vintage for whites and reds alike. He says the wines are more structured than 2018 and better for cellaring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-1855-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl 1855\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Christophe Pichon","offers":[{"title":"2019 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39300313219115,"sku":"","price":108.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/ScreenShot2021-02-24at6.12.50PM_8130f499-50a7-4f56-9747-7be2463476a6.png?v=1618155731"},{"product_id":"massimo-lentsch-oma-etna-rosato-doc-2019","title":"Massimo Lentsch Oma Etna Rosato DOC 2019","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake Nerello Mascalese from an Etna vineyard at high-elevation, very old vines and ungrafted roots from a masterful producer and you can imagine the kind of rosé that will result. This is so rich in volcanic minerals that the gorgeous red fruit is almost an afterthought. Massimo recommends giving this wine at least a year to settle in and then aging it for up to 5 years. It does indeed taste a bit closed. This is not your everyday poolside sipping blush wine. This is serious Etna Nerello that happens to be pale in color. Just don't expect it to slap you in the face with its charms - they are subtle but distinct.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOma means mother in Massimo's South Tyrolean dialect and this Rosato is a tribute to his mamma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard is at 700m in the Contrada of Feudo di Mezzo on Etna's northern slope. The soil is volcanic sand that is rich and fertile. The Nerello Mascalese vines, some planted 100 years ago and many with original rootstock, are trained in the Albarello system. Harvesting is by hand with careful selection of bunches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe grapes are pressed in a soft way. Static cold clarification is performed on the must. Fermentation is in steel tank at controlled temperatures, where the wine remains on its fine lees for at least 4 months before bottling. It is released after 2 more months.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNerello Mascalese\u003c\/strong\u003e is the grape most associated with Etna. Elsewhere in Sicily, it is predominantly a blending variety. But, in Etna’s high elevation, climate and mineral-rich, volcanic soil, it plays a starring role. It is dark-skinned, late-ripening and acidic. It is not uncommon to liken it to Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMassimo's view of the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2019 turned out to be a typical Etna vintage, with slight rainfall also recorded in the summer on the vineyards that are over 600 meters above sea level, and with the usual temperature changes between day and the night. This helped refresh the grapes and enhance their aromatics, in particular for the Nerello Mascalese, which was harvested on September 25th for the Rosato and in mid-October for Etna Rosso. The resulting wines are fragrant and with very fine and integrated tannins, and above all with a great evolutionary potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-liberte-wine-glass\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-liberte-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Liberté\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Massimo Lentsch","offers":[{"title":"2019 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39309797523499,"sku":"","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/massimo-lentsch-etna-rosato-oma-ml002_1.png?v=1618417062"},{"product_id":"domaine-de-bellevue-urbain-v-rouge-2015","title":"Domaine de Bellevue Urbain V Rouge 2015","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eOur Tasting Impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJean-Louis' Pope Rouge has stolen our hearts in 2015. There is just so much intense, lively and ripe fruit!  You really get the impression that it is a true and pure expression of the wonderful, old-vine terroir. Maybe the 2014 has a touch more precision but this one gets the nod for utter deliciousness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSixty percent Pinot Noir and 40% Gamay from vines up to 80 years old planted in granite soil with yields of 50 hl\/ha. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe juice of each grape is extracted through a pneumatic press, then separately vinified in steel tanks 15-18 days at controlled temperatures with pumping over twice a day. The wine is racked and filtered for sediment.  Each vat is tasted and only the best selected.  Three-quarters is aged in local Allier oak barrels (new and old) and the rest in tanks before blending and bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape blend\u003c\/strong\u003e​\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003eAOP Saint Pourcain requires reds to blend \u003cstrong\u003eGamay\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePinot Noir.  \u003c\/strong\u003eGamay (or fully Gamay Noir a Jus Blanc), a descendent of Pinot Noir crossed with the obscure Gouais Blanc,  produces wine high in acidity and is therefore very flexible.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003ePinot Noir is an ancient grape from eastern France. Notoriously challenging, it thrives in cooler climates.  It can be very transparent because of its lightness and flavors of red fruit and earth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJean Louis reports that 2015 produced ripe, healthy grapes. Overall, it was a fine vintage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-liberte-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Liberté\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine de Bellevue","offers":[{"title":"2015 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39318225649707,"sku":"","price":33.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/urbainV_rouge_3ebdfc54-ee36-4387-989c-8cef2a77df43.jpg?v=1618863540"},{"product_id":"domaine-de-bellevue-saint-pourcain-roche-grises-2016","title":"Domaine de Bellevue Saint-Pourçain Roche Grises 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eOur Tasting Impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2013 Roche Grises continues to win fans and now we have the 2016. It is similarly angular and subtle. Because Jean-Louis holds these back post-bottling, it is gloriously earthy and evolved. If you like more overt fruit, look to Bellevue's other reds. But if you like a wine that emphasizes pure, unadorned vinosity, then this is the one for you (and me). Oh, and it doesn't hurt that it is such an amazing value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSixty percent Pinot Noir and 40% Gamay from vines up to 40 years old planted in granite soil with yields of 35 hl\/ha. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe juice of each grape is extracted through a pneumatic press, then separately vinified in steel tanks 15-18 days at controlled temperatures with pumping over twice a day. The wine is racked and filtered for sediment.  Each vat is tasted and only the best selected.  Half is aged in local Allier oak barrels (new, 1-year \u0026amp; 2-year) and half in tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape blend\u003c\/strong\u003e​\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003eAOP Saint Pourcain requires reds to blend \u003cstrong\u003eGamay\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePinot Noir.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003eGamay (or fully Gamay Noir a Jus Blanc), a descendent of Pinot Noir crossed with the obscure Gouais Blanc,  produces wine high in acidity and is therefore very flexible.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard\"\u003ePinot Noir is an ancient grape from eastern France. Notoriously challenging, it thrives in cooler climates.  It can be very transparent because of its lightness and flavors of red fruit and earth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJean-Louis reports near perfect conditions in 2016.  The fruit was harvested in excellent health and at peak ripeness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-liberte-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Liberté\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine de Bellevue","offers":[{"title":"2016 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39318283649067,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/VDLT_Wine_Nov_2018-072_d6c3505f-22fa-4303-902b-f03c28aea4e1.png?v=1618867140"},{"product_id":"champagne-nicolas-maillart-grand-cru-jolivettes-2017","title":"Champagne Nicolas Maillart Grand Cru Jolivettes 2017","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet another beauty! Jolivettes has understandably become one of our most popular Champagnes. Too bad there isn't enough of it. The 2017 is creamy, bright and packed with luscious Pinot flavors. It pulls off the ultimate balancing act of being precise and provocative, yet an absolute WOW WINE!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third vintage of this 100% Pinot Noir (selection Massale) Grand Cru 0.6 ha from Bouzy\u003cspan\u003e. The vines, planted in chalk from the Campanien in the late Cretaceous, have an average age of more than 30 years. They are managed biologically, bio-dynamically and classically as necessary - with respect for the rhythm of the plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrapes are slowly and gently pressed using gravity-flow techniques. Vinification is with spontaneous fermentation in new French oak and with regular battonage. There is no malolactic fermentation. Aging is on the lees for 6 months in new French oak. Dosage : 2 g\/l. Disgorged 9\/2020. Only 3,640 bottles produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an ancient grape from eastern France. Notoriously challenging, it thrives in cooler climates.  It is one of only two red grapes permitted in Champagne. Champagne from Pinot Noir tends to be richer and fuller, and some would argue, more elegant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n2017 was a vintage for which only talented and dedicated growers\/winemakers needed apply. Much of the spring and summer was warm and dry but August was damp, to say the least. Many vineyards experienced gray rot and some botrytis. In general, Chardonnay fared better than Pinto Noir and lots of Meunier was overripe. But, Maillart is not typical. Nicolas says unequivocally that his 2017's are great!\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-mineralite\"\u003eGrassl Mineralité\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Champagne Nicolas Maillart","offers":[{"title":"2017 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39380943503403,"sku":null,"price":68.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/jolivettes2017.jpg?v=1633960185"},{"product_id":"champagne-nicolas-maillart-premier-cru-mont-martin-2017","title":"Champagne Nicolas Maillart Premier Cru Mont Martin 2017","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt seems Maillart missed the memo that 2017 was a bad year for Pinot Meunier. There is no trace of over-ripeness in this Mont Martin. The color is a deep golden. It is youthfully, yeasty on the nose. Then a sip, and pow! So fresh and lively and so very long. Bravo!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third vintage of this 100% Pinot Meunier from a single 1er Cru 1.8 ha plot (selection Massale) in Villers Allerand\u003cspan\u003e. The vines, planted in marl and limestone from the Thanetien period, planted in 1972. They are managed biologically, bio-dynamically and classically as necessary - all with respect for the the rhythm of the plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrapes are slowly and gently pressed using gravity-flow techniques. Vinification is in wooden vats and with regular battonage and there is no malolactic fermentation. Aging is on the lees in new French oak for 6 months. Dosage : 4g\/l. Disgorged 4\/2020. About 4,400 \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ebottles produced, compared with 15,000 the previous year .\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePInot Meunier\u003c\/strong\u003e also know as Meunier is the least known of the Champagne grapes despite being the second most planted. It is mostly used for blending with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir - adding bright fruit. It is dark-skinned and related to Pinot Noir. It ripens early and tolerates cooler climates so it is a dependable crop in tough vintages. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2017 was a vintage for which only talented and dedicated growers\/winemakers needed apply. Much of the spring and summer was warm and dry but August was damp, to say the least. Many vineyards experienced gray rot and some botrytis. In general, Chardonnay fared better than Pinto Noir and lots of Meunier was overripe. But, Maillart is not typical. Nicolas says unequivocally that his 2017's are great!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-mineralite\"\u003eGrassl Mineralité\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Champagne Nicolas Maillart","offers":[{"title":"2017 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39380944093227,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/montmartin2017.jpg?v=1633960248"},{"product_id":"champagne-nicolas-maillart-les-chaillots-gillis-blanc-de-blancs-1er-cru-2014-extra-brut","title":"Champagne Nicolas Maillart Les Chaillots Gillis Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru 2014 Extra Brut","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the beat goes on with Maillart's flagship Blanc de Blancs. This has all the super qualities of the great 2012, but 2014 seems bigger and drier. In these early days, there is a more pronounced yeast flavor. Overall, another super effort for this wine that will age gracefully and beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom varied 50+ year-old 1er Cru vines in Ecueil, as well as Grand Cru vines in Bouzy, all in clay and limestone, south-facing and mid-slope. This 100% Chardonnay special cuvée is produced only in the finest vintages. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrapes are slowly and gently pressed using gravity-flow techniques. Vinification is in wooden vats and with regular battonage and there is no malolactic fermentation. Long aging takes place in oak barrels. Bottled with no filtration, disgorged with no added sugar. Dosage : 0 g\/l - also known as Brut Zero or Brut Nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e is the most popular wine variety in the US. Winemakers love the green-skinned grape as well because it’s so easy to grow and adaptive to many different production techniques. Grown everywhere, Chardonnay’s greatest expressions are widely believed to come from Burgundy. Indeed, this is believed to be where the grape originated. Chablis, in Northern Burgundy and Champagne also offer superlative examples of Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2014 was a challenging vintage for most of Champagne but Chardonnay fared better than the norm. The spring was terrific but the summer was chilly and very wet. A return to fair weather in early fall, provided the opportunity for conscientious growers to produce some very good wine with ample ripeness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-mineralite\"\u003eGrassl Mineralité\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Champagne Nicolas Maillart","offers":[{"title":"2014 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39380945338411,"sku":null,"price":76.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/unnamed_2.jpg?v=1633960610"},{"product_id":"champagne-nicolas-maillart-les-coupes-premier-cru-2015","title":"Champagne Nicolas Maillart Les Coupés Franc de Pied Premier Cru 2015","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great follow up to the sensational 2012. The 2015 seems a bit bigger and richer. This wine is remarkable for its depth, concentration and precision. It has lots of great stuff to offer current drinkers, but this really should be in the cellar until it can mature into the masterpiece it is destined to be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat was known as Franc de Pied, has been re-branded to include the vineyard name - Les Coupés. FDP is the term for vines with the original French root stock. This is a rarity as most of the roots were wiped out in the phylloxera epidemic in mid 19th century. Most European vines are grafted onto phylloxera-resistant American roots. Franc de Pied wines always seem to have greater depth and complexity. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout 3,300 bottles were produced of this is 100% Pinot Noir from the single premier Cru plot in Ecueil, planted in 1973. The Southeast facing, sandy soil vineyard is Selection Massale managed with a combination of Biodynamic and conventional farming as needed. Respect is shown for the rhythm of the plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSlow, gentle pressing of the grapes using gravity flow techniques. This wine is vinified new oak with regular battonage. It undergoes spontaneous fermentation and stays on its lees for 9 months. There is no malolactic fermentation and no fining filtration prior to bottling. Disgorged by hand and laid down at least three months before sale. Dosage: 0 g\/l.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an ancient grape from eastern France. Notoriously challenging, it thrives in cooler climates.  It is one of only two red grapes permitted in Champagne. Champagne from Pinot Noir tends to be richer and fuller and, some would argue, more elegant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winter of 2015 was chilly and unstable. From April to mid-August the weather was consistently hot and dry. Cooler temps and rain in late August gave way to a gorgeous September. Acidity levels are low as expected from the heat but the grapes had remarkable balance. A consistently outstanding vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-mineralite\"\u003eGrassl Mineralité\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Champagne Nicolas Maillart","offers":[{"title":"2015 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39380947042347,"sku":null,"price":108.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/LesCoupes2015.jpg?v=1633960551"},{"product_id":"sator-vermentino-igt-toscana-2020","title":"Gianni Moscardini Vermentino IGT Toscana 2020 (750mL\/1.5L)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a riveting, bracing and joyous white wine. The nose offers way more drama than expected from something so modestly priced. It's remarkably crisp. The citrus, floral and spicy flavors are delectable and uplifting.  Super wine and incredible value!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA blend of 85% Vermentino and 15% Fiano \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003edi Avellino. The grapes are manually \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eharvested and vinifed separately. The process begins with a cold maceration for about 3-6 hours, followed by fermentation in stainless steel with the addition of selected yeasts at a controlled temperature of 16 °C.  It's stored In steel containers on the noble lees for 3-4 months and released 2 months after bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVermentino\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e grows in much of the Mediteranean coastal regions and islands. It is most prevalent in Liguria, western Tuscany and Sardinia.\u003c\/span\u003e Theories about it's origins are wide-ranging. It is incredibly easy to cultivate, highly resistant to disease and drought and early ripening - truly a farmer's delight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFiano\u003c\/strong\u003e is best known for the white wines produced in volcanic soil, in and around Campania.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-mineralite\"\u003eGrassl Mineralité\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gianni Moscardini","offers":[{"title":"2020 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39397372264491,"sku":"","price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2020 \/ 1500 mL","offer_id":39397372297259,"sku":"","price":53.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/vermentino20.png?v=1624903070"},{"product_id":"sator-sileno-ciliegiolo-igt-toscana-2018-direct","title":"Gianni Moscardini Sileno Ciliegiolo IGT Toscana 2018 (750mL\/1.5L)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aromatics here are a touch more roasty than the 2016. Overall, the 2018 is richer and fuller but with the same tasty red fruit flavors that seem a bit sweeter. It is certainly more primary and needs plenty of air (or cellar time) to fill out and resolve. While bigger, it is no less balanced and will evolve into a first-class Ciliegiolo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCiliegiolo from individual plots are harvested manually in two stages. The first is for rosé. Ten days later – the riper grapes are harvested for Sileno. The grapes are vinified and refined separately.  The winemaking process varies according to the climate of that year. Fermentation is with indigenous yeasts at a controlled temperature. Half the wine ages in oak barrels for 6-8 months and the other half in cement for the same time. It rests in the bottle for 6 months before release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCiliegiolo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (little cherry in Italian) \u003c\/span\u003eis having a moment. Genetically related to Sangiovese, it is featured in Central and Northwestern Italy. It is prone to mildew. It tends to produce wines evocative of its name - gentle in structure and tannins, nicely fruited and very juicy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGianni's perspective on the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2018 Winter temperatures were typical, with only a short period below zero. Rain was heavy in January and February. Buds started sprouting at the beginning of April.  Spring was a mix of extreme heat , humidity and rain, which led to flowering at the beginning of June. More rain came at the end of July, which helped cool the hot summer and allowed the grapes to add ripeness and sugar. The fall brought ideal conditions. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe harvest started at the end of August for Merlot and Ciliegiolo, followed by the Vermentino and the Fiano grapes, ending with the Sangiovese grapes at the beginning of October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-liberte-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Liberté\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gianni Moscardini","offers":[{"title":"2018 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39397469945899,"sku":"","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2018 \/ 1500 mL","offer_id":39397469978667,"sku":"","price":66.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/Ciliegiolo18.png?v=1624909070"},{"product_id":"sator-sileno-merlot-montescudaio-2017","title":"Gianni Moscardini Sileno Merlot Montescudaio 2017 (1.5L)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLighter in body than expected but wow is this delicious! So long and full of bursting with flavor. There is so much to like here - not least of which is the fine varietal character and that it tastes very Tuscan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMerlot from individual plots are harvested manually, then vinified and aged separately. The wine-making process varies according to the climate of that year. The fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts and at a controlled temperature. Aging is in oak barrels for 6-8 months then in bottle for six.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMerlot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an important grape in Bordeaux. It \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eenjoyed an enormous surge in popularity because it can produce wines that are plump and easy to drink. Before that trend reversed, it became the second most widely planted red grape in the world. Slightly lighter in color than Cabernet, the skins are thinner so it tends to be less tannic and they are sweeter and less acidic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a mild winter, with limited below-zero days in January and February and average rain, new buds sprouted at the beginning of April. Spring 2017 was hot and dry. At the end of April the rain stopped, the flowering was typical but the bud set showed problems due to unusual temperature in the first days of June.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the beginning of summer, temperatures were higher than usual until the end of July. Fortunately, farming practices had allowed the roots to expand deeper. Also, the lack of irrigation and surface treatments of the soil enabled the grapes to continue to ripen. Rain at the end of July and mid-August, helped stabilize conditions and helped the grapes finish ripening and gain sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe harvest started at the end of August with Merlot and Ciliegiolo, followed by Vermentino and Fiano, ending with Sangiovese grapes at the beginning of October.\u003cbr\u003eIdeal weather conditions continued during September. All were in excellent condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-1855-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl 1855\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gianni Moscardini","offers":[{"title":"2017 \/ 1500 mL","offer_id":39397470765099,"sku":"","price":66.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/merlot.png?v=1624910132"},{"product_id":"sator-artume-igt-toscana-2019","title":"Gianni Moscardini Artume IGT Toscana 2019 (750mL\/1.5L)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuite an uncommon white, indeed. The predominance of Fiano immeidatley makes this a bigger and more serious wine than the Vermentino (not that we don't love the latter). It's intensely floral, nutty and melon-like on the nose. The precision and concentration of flavors are impressive. There's some lushness and vanilla from the oak that is balanced by strong minerality. Very long on the finish. The provocative texture suggests skin contact, but instead, it is the fine lees. It needs some time to integrate but already it's very impressive!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo-thirds Fiano and 1\/3 Vermentino from specific rows (from 38c to 47c for the Fiano and 33c to 37c for the Vermentino) and the best grapes. All are from the Campo al Pino vineyard, whose vines grow on magmatic-volcanic soil. The varieties are vinified separately. Fermentation with selected yeasts is in barriques, where the wine stays for 10 months on fine lees. After 8 months in bottle, it is released.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFiano \u003c\/strong\u003eis best known for producing Fiano di Avellino in the volcanic soil of Campania. It is a low yielding grape whose character is highly dependent on terroir. Resulting wines can range from angular and mineral-driven to nutty and rich. The best wines are capable of long and productive aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVermentino\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  contributes acidity, aromatics and salinity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGianni's perspective on the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2019 was an atypical year with an unusually warm autumn and a rainy and very cold winter. The budding started the second week of April after a return of cold weather. The spring was characterized by considerable precipitation and sun. The temperature was always under the seasonal average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe summer had average temperatures. This, combined with a good water supply – accumulated during winter and spring – and occasional rains during July and August, helped the vines \"catch up\" and develop well. The late summer had a good variation between day and night temperatures. Ultimately, the grapes were able to reach perfect phenolic maturation and the harvest began 15 days early than usual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-liberte-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Liberté\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gianni Moscardini","offers":[{"title":"2019 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39397492850731,"sku":"","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2019 \/ 1500 mL","offer_id":39397492883499,"sku":"","price":103.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/artume19.png?v=1624911343"},{"product_id":"sator-operaundici-montescudaio-2016","title":"Gianni Moscardini Operaundici Montescudaio 2016","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnticing earthy and feral aromatics are wild and provocative. The wine has lovely texture that sensually coat the mouth. It has fabulously nervy tension  before the tannins take charge. It's really long and fabulous. Over time, as it fills out and further resolves it will offer a terrific alternative to typical Sangiovese-based Tuscan wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSator's flagship red, a DOC from Montescuadaio, is a blend of \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e50% \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSangiovese, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e25% Ciliegiolo  and \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e25% Teroldego. All are manually harvested and each variety, from each plot, is fermented and aged separately. Gianni varies his winemaking methods for Operaundici each year, depending on the growing season and grapes. Fermentation is with \u003c\/span\u003eindigenous yeasts at a controlled temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine ages in barriques for the Sangiovese and Teroldego for 18-20 months. The \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCiliegiolo is in cement vats, also  for 18-20 months. The final wine is blended and rests in the bottle for 12 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSangiovese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis the most planted grape in Italy and is the dominant grape throughout the central part of the country. The grapes are dark and thick skinned, slow-ripening, acidic and tannic. Sangiovese is heavily influenced by its terroir and similarly can be quite transparent in its differences from place to place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCiliegiolo \u003c\/strong\u003e(Italian for little cherry) is a renaissance grape that adds energy and freshness when blended with heavier red grapes. \u003cstrong\u003eTeroldego\u003c\/strong\u003e, best known in Trentino wines, adds deep color, softness and lots of fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGianni's perspective on the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2016 was a textbook vintage. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAutumn was unusually hot. The winter was very rainy and cold only in February. New buds appeared in the middle of April thanks to higher temperatures. Spring was a mix of rain and sun with temperatures constantly below average. At the beginning of summer, temperatures returned to normal with some periods in July higher than usual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe trend of temperatures and the good water reserves accumulated during winter and spring, prevented water stress and the vines reached their desired stage of maturity. August saw a good range of temperatures and heavy rain in the middle of the month. Fine conditions leading up to harvest helped the grapes to become sweeter and to reach the perfect ripeness. The harvest started at the beginning of September collecting first Merlot and Ciliegiolo grapes, ending with Sangiovese in the middle of October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/grassl\/products\/grassl-liberte-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Liberté\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gianni Moscardini","offers":[{"title":"2016 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39397507563563,"sku":"","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/operaundici16.png?v=1624912138"},{"product_id":"maison-roche-de-bellene-saint-aubin-1er-cru-les-frionnes-2019","title":"Maison Roche de Bellene Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Frionnes 2019","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStylistically, Les Frionnes 2019 is very different from Potel's Chatenière from the same vintage. Frionnes offers purer and deeper mineral flavors. It's more energized and leaner. The length is good and showcases the vanilla flavors from the oak. This is terrific, young 1er Cru Saint Aubin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocated just outside the town of Saint Aubin, Les Frionnes is a small 3ha vineyard facing southeast. This top 1er Cru also covers wines produced from Es Champs and Les Perrières.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chardonnay comes from a .3ha plot planted on average 29 years ago in clay \u0026amp; limestone soil. The exposure of the vineyard is south and is at an elevation of 300 meters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrapes were handpicked on 9\/17 and yields were 54 hl\/ha. Fermentation was by native yeast. Aging was in oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation was done and bottling took place on 3\/8\/21. 2,000 bottles were produced fined and filtered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e is the most popular wine variety\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e in the US. Winemakers love the green-skinned grape as well because it’s so easy to grow and adapt to many different production techniques. Grown everywhere, Chardonnay’s greatest expressions are widely believed to come from Burgundy. Indeed, this is believed to be where the grape originated. Chablis, in Northern Burgundy and Champagne also offer superlative examples of Chardonnay\u003c\/span\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNicolas' view of the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2019 vintage confirms the climatic upheaval we have known since the beginning of this century. The start of the vegetative cycle occurred early. The buds began their growth in the third week of March, exposing the vine to a high risk of spring frosts. April was very hot, allowing rapid growth of the vines. At the very beginning of June, the first flowers appeared. The summer was marked by two heat waves in mid-June and mid-July causing significant water stress. Rainfall in August allowed the vines to recover and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003everaison\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e began in early August. We began harvesting on September 14 and finished on September 25. The grapes, of very high quality and maturity. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/products\/grassl-cru-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Cru\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roche de Bellene","offers":[{"title":"2019 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39447330553899,"sku":null,"price":62.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/D5A49792-C720-4329-842B-BABB2CF6A2E3_1_201_a.jpg?v=1632348145"},{"product_id":"maison-roche-de-bellene-chassagne-montrachet-vieilles-vignes-2019","title":"Maison Roche de Bellene Chassagne-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes 2019","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs enjoyable as the last 2 vintages were, it's hard not to think of the 2019 rendition as a bit more special. As always, it is the epitome of Chassagne - combining the steeliness of Puligny and the richness of Merusault. It has wonderful body and the citrus\/mineral flavors are engaging and interesting. An excellent village wine for now or well down the road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChassagne-Montrachet is one of the premier appellations for white Burgundy. This 100% Chardonnay village wine is from 2 vineyards planted 55 years ago in clay \u0026amp; limestone soil. The plots total 1\/3 hectare and face southeast at an elevation of 270 meters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrapes were handpicked 9\/10 and yields were 48 hl\/ha. Fermentation was by native yeast. Aging was in oak barrels (10% new). Malolactic fermentation was done and bottling took place on 2\/24\/20. 2,400 bottles were produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e is the most popular wine variety\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e in the US. Winemakers love the green-skinned grape as well because it’s so easy to grow and adapt to many different production techniques. Grown everywhere, Chardonnay’s greatest expressions are widely believed to come from Burgundy. Indeed, this is believed to be where the grape originated. Chablis, in Northern Burgundy and Champagne also offer superlative examples of Chardonnay\u003c\/span\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNicolas' view of the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2019 vintage confirms the climatic upheaval we have known since the beginning of this century. The start of the vegetative cycle occurred early. The buds began their growth in the third week of March, exposing the vine to a high risk of spring frosts. April was very hot, allowing rapid growth of the vines. At the very beginning of June, the first flowers appeared. The summer was marked by two heat waves in mid-June and mid-July causing significant water stress. Rainfall in August allowed the vines to recover and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003everaison\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e began in early August. We began harvesting on September 14 and finished on September 25. The grapes, of very high quality and maturity. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Glassware: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/products\/grassl-cru-wine-glass\"\u003eGrassl Cru\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roche de Bellene","offers":[{"title":"2019 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":39447330783275,"sku":"","price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/chassagne_2.jpg?v=1631892306"},{"product_id":"lambardi-brunello-di-montalcino-2013","title":"Lambardi Brunello di Montalcino 2013","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLovely, damp forest aromas blanket demure fruit on the nose. One sip though, and there is no question about the purity and beauty of the red fruit. The texture is really silky, so its mouth-filling quality surprises. The tannins hold off until the finish but then clamp down aggressively to remind us that in Brunello years, 10 years ain't nuthin! A fabulous Brunello that you can fast-track with a lengthy and vigorous decant. Cue the ecstatic emoji that Maurizio and Silvia still had some for us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% Sangiovese from vines ranging in age from 25-43 years (with some younger vines also) in the area known as \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCanalicchio di Sotto at 300 meters facing northeast. The vines are low-density and trained in bilateral cordons. \u003c\/span\u003eThe soil is a mix of clay and volcanic rock. This property previously belonged to the famous estate of Biondi Santi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSilvia's winemaking is very traditional. Grapes, harvested in late September, are de-stemmed. Fermentation with select yeasts in large stainless steel tanks takes 2 weeks with the cap punched down. Malolactic fermentation occurs while still in the tanks.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine is then transferred to Botti (225-liter Slavonian oak barrels) at the start of the new year. The barrels are neutral with medium toast. Aging is for two and a half years in barrel and in bottle until 5 years after the vintage. About 9,000 bottles are produced each year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSangiovese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis the most planted grape in Italy and is the dominant grape throughout the central part of the country. There are many variants and even different names like Prugnolo Gentile, Brunello, Sangioveto and Morellino.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes are dark and thick-skinned, slow-ripening, acidic and tannic. Like Pinot Noir, Sangiovese is heavily influenced by its terroir and similarly can be quite transparent in its differences from place to place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2013 was a classic and exceptional vintage for Brunello. A departure from the now typically hot and dry growing seasons, this year was cool and rainfall was plentiful. Maurizio had to be vigilant to prevent problems. In general, the wines are fresh, elegant and will age very well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn your table\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEggplant parmigiana with an intense, long-cooked tomato sauce would be interesting or maybe a pasta with lamb bolognese.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lambardi","offers":[{"title":"2013 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":40701538140203,"sku":"98820","price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/Brunello.jpg?v=1678221629"},{"product_id":"lambardi-brunello-di-montalcino-2016","title":"Lambardi Brunello di Montalcino 2016","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eSilvia has provided us with a great wine from this remarkable vintage (no surprise). A deep and savory nose is a prelude to sweet, rich and vibrant fruit. The tannins are considerable but smooth and elegant. At the moment, it is curiously accessible. Despite its considerable youthful charms, the expectations for the future are what matters for any serious Brunello. Let's just say...there's no doubt this particular one  will be really special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% Sangiovese from vines ranging in age from 25-43 years (with some younger vines also) in the area known as \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCanalicchio di Sotto at 300 meters facing northeast. The vines are low-density and trained in bilateral cordons. \u003c\/span\u003eThe soil is a mix of clay and volcanic rock. This property previously belonged to the famous estate of Biondi Santi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSilvia's winemaking is very traditional. Grapes, harvested in late September, are de-stemmed. Fermentation with select yeasts in large stainless steel tanks takes 2 weeks with the cap punched down. Malolactic fermentation occurs while still in the tanks.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine is then transferred to Botti (225-liter Slavonian oak barrels) at the start of the new year. The barrels are neutral with medium toast. Aging is for two and a half years in barrel and in bottle until 5 years after the vintage. About 9,000 bottles are produced each year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSangiovese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis the most planted grape in Italy and is the dominant grape throughout the central part of the country. There are many variants and even different names like Prugnolo Gentile, Brunello, Sangioveto and Morellino.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes are dark and thick-skinned, slow-ripening, acidic and tannic. Like Pinot Noir, Sangiovese is heavily influenced by its terroir and similarly can be quite transparent in its differences from place to place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA stellar vintage that was not as excessively warm as other recent years. Rain always seemed to arrive at the right times. Mother Nature offered everything just as a winemaker would ask for it. Well-made wines have formidable structure, great acidity and will age fabulously. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn your table\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven the sweetness of the fruit right now, anything Cinghiale (wild boar) or perhaps a rich game bird like partridge or even duck would be nice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lambardi","offers":[{"title":"2016 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":40701539385387,"sku":"98821","price":57.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/lambardi-brunello.jpg?v=1678221500"},{"product_id":"lambardi-rosso-di-montalcino-2019","title":"Lambardi Rosso di Montalcino 2019","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tasting impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis late-release Rosso's bright red fruit is a delight. There is a lovely sweet\/tart dichotomy that makes it more provocative. I also like that there is an earthiness to the young fruit. The tannins are palpable (this likely could use another 6-12 months), but I'd be happy drinking this now as a cellar-defender for the Brunelli - and in its own right as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% Sangiovese from vines in the area known as \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCanalicchio di Sotto at 300 meters facing northeast. The vines are low-density and trained in bilateral cordons. \u003c\/span\u003eThe soil is a mix of clay and volcanic rock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSilvia's winemaking is very traditional. Grapes, harvested in late September, are de-stemmed. Fermentation with select yeasts in large stainless steel tanks takes 2 weeks with the cap punched down. Malolactic fermentation occurs while still in the tanks.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine is then transferred to Botti (225-liter Slavonian oak barrels). The barrels are neutral with medium toast. DOC regulations do not require barrels aging for this wine, but Silvia ages it for up to one year. So, it is released later than most other Rossi. About 9,000 bottles are produced each year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the grape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSangiovese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis the most planted grape in Italy and is the dominant grape throughout the central part of the country. There are many variants and even different names like Prugnolo Gentile, Brunello, Sangioveto and Morellino.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes are dark and thick-skinned, slow-ripening, acidic and tannic. Like Pinot Noir, Sangiovese is heavily influenced by its terroir and similarly can be quite transparent in its differences from place to place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2019 vintage offered quite an array of climate conditions. Despite some extremes (heat, chill, rain, hail), the progression of grape development and maturation were fairly even. Overall, a very good vintage producing balanced wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn your table\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile this would be terrific with a Margherita pizza, right now, it might be even better with a sausage and pepper hero.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lambardi","offers":[{"title":"2019 \/ 750 mL","offer_id":40701540892715,"sku":"98822","price":33.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2674\/4414\/products\/lambardi-rosso.jpg?v=1678221386"}],"url":"https:\/\/vdltwine.com\/collections\/event.oembed?page=2","provider":"VDLT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}