One of the more singular Chardonnays I've come across, "Jurosa" is a single-vineyard on the windswept coast of Friuli in north-eastern Italy.  The wine is fermented in barrel, and once this is completed the wine is not racked (removed off the yeast), but left in this barrel for 11 months.  The lees (yeast) are stirred often to develop protein in the wine, leading to a creamy mouthfeel that still shows bright Friulian acidity.  Simply a world-class Chardonnay by any measure!

Click here for more on Lis Neris.

 

"Clos des Hospices" is a half-hectare section of the top Chablis Grand Cru - Les Clos.  It was bought by the Moreau family from the Hospices of Chablis in 1904.  The vines producing there now average over 40 years of age.

It sits at the bottom of the slope, with the same south exposure and clay-limestone soil of Les Clos.  It benefits from more erosion, deeper soil and is even more predominantly composed of fine clay. It produces an exceptional full-bodied and generous wine.

 

 

"Clos du Papillon" is arguably the most prized vineyard in Savennières. The south-facing parcel gets its name from its shape: when viewed from the opposite bank of the Loire River, it resembles the shape of a butterfly's wing.  The fruit is hand-picked over multiple passes through the vineyard and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel to retain purity of flavour.
 
This 2015 is a masterclass in Savennières from a winemaker at the top of his game. It is a powerful wine, yet distinctly fresh and full of minerality with all of the richness and elegance you should expect from Chenin Blanc grown on such great terroir.  Any true wine-nerd, like me, who wants to understand definitive Savennières should have the 2015 in the cellar.

 

 

I'm sure you've heard the story of Steven Spurrier's "1976 Paris Tasting" a million times, so I won't rehash it here.  But suffice it to say, the winning white, Chateau Montelena's Napa Valley Chardonnay has not changed much since then.  Still a non-malolactic, barrel fermented Chardonnay, it drinks like Grand Cru Chablis, and ages for up to a decade with ease.

 

 

This vineyard is located in the Green Valley sub-appellation of Russian River Valley.  It surrounds an historic Victorian home built by the Ross family in the late 1850's, where they grew grapes, apples and peaches for a time before it became a busy stagecoach station.  This wine displays aromas of ginger and citrus. It has a full-bodied palate of Asian pear and toasted brioche with notes of wet stone giving way to a vibrant, lengthy finish.

Click here for more on Paul Hobbs Wines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may know that 2015 was an amazing vintage across central Italy, historically fabulous, in fact.

 

Leviathan was founded in 2004 by winemaker Andy Erickson, former winemaker at Screaming Eagle Winery and current proprietor of Favia. The goal was simple: to create one unique red wine, drawn from some of the best vineyards in Northern California.  Each vintage brings a new blend, but at its foundation is Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah Merlot and Cabernet Franc. 

This is a deep and muscular wine, which drinks really well young but has the stuffing to age nicely for up to a decade, especially in a vintage as great as 2018.

 

Ridge's "Estate" Cabernet is one of California's great Super Seconds.  Certainly not a cast-off wine, but the second wine culled from the Monte Bello Vineyard in Santa Cruz Mountains appellation.  Almost like a "baby Monte Bello" this is the wine to drink while your Monte Bello rests in the cellar (for decades). 

Click here for more on Ridge Vineyards.

 

Tim Mondavi is the winegrower, visionary and creative force behind all aspects of Continuum Estate.  He has devoted his life's work and passion to enhancing the art of wine.  In 1974, armed with a degree from UC Davis in viticulture & enology Tim joined the winemaking team at Robert Mondavi Winery. 

It was there Tim guided wine research programs, led the development of Napa's Appellation system and mentored many wine makers over the years. His first-hand experience in winegrowing extends globally.  Tim's expertise was integral to the development of luxury wines Opus One (Napa), Ornellaia (Tuscany), Luce (Montalcino) and Sena (Chile).