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2021 Vice Versa, Spinning Plates Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 6x75cl
Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Vintage production: 1,500 cases
The Cabernet Sauvignons of Vice Versa have become a phenomenon, selling out in just a few... days at release each year. Spinning Plates is a the gateway to these remarkable wines, and is a true modern Napa classic.
Spinning Plates is a masterful blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from some exceptional sites: the Ecotone Vineyard (formerly Abreu's Thorevilos) on the slopes of Howell Mountain above St. Helena, and the Estate Vineyard in the far north of Calistoga. These are combined with Cabernet from a handful of 'top-secret' vineyards that remain a closely guarded secret! A dash of Cabernet Franc comes from the prized vines of the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard.
Each release is wrapped in a stunning, unique label that was specially commissioned by owner Patrice Breton, adding to Vice Versa's striking blend of art and wine. For the 2021, the commission went to Montreal street artist “Tone”. Iinspired by Patrice’s passion for music, modern art, culture, and history, the 2021 label artwork is a retro-modern collage poster.
Napa Cabs of this pedigree for under £150 are like gold dust. Patrice's characteristic, hyper-refined style has garnered multiple 100-point scores to date, and Spinning Plates is an essential for the vintage.
Patrice Breton, Winemaker & Proprietor:
"Our 2021 Spinning Plates offers a stunning bouquet of ripe blue and black berries, graphite, dark chocolate, tobacco leaf, and herbs. Complex and concentrated with abundant fine tannins, this full bodied wine showcases extraordinary balance, fine ripe structure, pliancy, and a long mineral and
juicy finish. Delicious."
£970 / Case£161.67 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £1,183.22 / Case, £197.20 / BottleAvailability: Future Arrival ⋅ Please contact us to know more
2020 Slacker Wines, Computer Geek, Paso Robles 12x75cl
Blend: 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Graciano, 10% Carignan
Vintage production: 260 cases
The 2020 Computer Geek comes from three estate vineyards farmed by winemaker Matt Trevisan in the Willow... Creek District. The driving element is Syrah from the Perch Block at Stonethrower Vineyard, located just 10 miles from the ocean at an elevation of 1,350 feet. The Syrah component is rounded out by fruit from the Estrella Block at Stonethrower Vineyard and the Cold Shoulder Block at the Linne Calodo estate. The Grenache, Graciano and Carignan hail from a mix of blocks at Stonethrower, Linne Calodo and Oakdale vineyards.
£410 / Case£34.17 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £539.66 / Case, £44.97 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2022 Lail Vineyards, Blueprint Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 12x75cl
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage production: 888 cases
£580 / Case£48.33 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £742.08 / Case, £61.84 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2018 Soliste, Forêt Pinot Noir, Sonoma County 12x75cl
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Production: 117 cases
Forêt comes from a magnificent secluded vineyard near Occidental. The hillside vineyard has a northeastern exposure, a very steep slope, and is... in the middle of a spectacular redwood forest. Just 6 miles from the Pacific Ocean on the western coastal range, is perhaps the most visually stunning vineyard which Soliste uses – the depth of aromatics and spice in Forêt are a pure reflection of this truly unique vineyard’s site, slope, climate, and clone.
Don Plumley & Claude Koeberle: "Deep hues of dark plums, cassis, boysenberries with brilliant amethyst gemstone, showing specs of skin pulp and minerals, which denotes whole cluster press extraction. Forêt’s alluring nose is a complex bouquet of blackcurrants, graphite mineral, black pepper, plums, Bing cherries, interlaced redwood pine needles. As the wines open up, profound aromas of dark fruit compote, licorice, spiked with Alpine forest smells, burnt orange peel, elevate the wine to an Amaro like infusion. Decanting is a must for this wine to appreciate all of its subtilities. The front palate is exceptionally voluptuous and textural, with pure concentration of blackberries, dark cherries, boysenberries, and candied violets, all lifted by dried herbal and evergreen forest. The mid-palate possesses an immensely concentrated core of dark fruit compote, framed by the rich structuring tannins created by our commitment to the whole cluster press. As the wine opens up, the luscious, exotic dark fruit elixir is layered with pulpy tannins adding earthy tones, gaminess, exotic spices, mint, and black pepper, all in perfect harmony. The finish is impressive in its length, focus and complexity. The whole clusters are definitely present, chewy, grippy, pulling the richness of the fruit into an aristocratic elegance. Bright acidity of red tart cherries, cranberry, and violet, infused with wet stone minerals lift the mid-palate fruit density, elongating the wine into a perpetual finish."
£770 / Case£64.17 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £962.45 / Case, £80.20 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2015 Soliste, L’Age D’Or Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 6x75cl
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage production: 417 cases
L’Age D’Or comes from a vineyard just north of Sebastopol adjacent to the Laguna de Santa Rosa, the largest tributary of the Russian River.... Originally planted in 1971, these are among the oldest Chardonnay vines in the Russian River Valley. The vineyard is immaculately and sustainably managed.
Having white Burgundies as benchmarks, especially the wines of Raveneau, Jobard and Coche-Dury, Don and Claude were never to anxious to even attempt to craft Chardonnay in the new world as they had always felt that the wines were sometimes over the top with buttery pop corn mouth feel, way too much oak, high alcohol and clunky.
Their success with Sauvignon Blanc, and especially with St. Andelain, convinced them to begin a three year commitment with a fabulous, well-established vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Their willingness to experiment with different vinification as well as aging for 16 months in 600L thick stave barrels (44% new) results in a Chardonnay of great elegance, length and verve; very Meursault-like.
£248 / Case£41.33 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £316.82 / Case, £52.80 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2015 Soliste, L’Age D’Or Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 12x75cl
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage production: 417 cases
L’Age D’Or comes from a vineyard just north of Sebastopol adjacent to the Laguna de Santa Rosa, the largest tributary of the Russian River.... Originally planted in 1971, these are among the oldest Chardonnay vines in the Russian River Valley. The vineyard is immaculately and sustainably managed.
Having white Burgundies as benchmarks, especially the wines of Raveneau, Jobard and Coche-Dury, Don and Claude were never to anxious to even attempt to craft Chardonnay in the new world as they had always felt that the wines were sometimes over the top with buttery pop corn mouth feel, way too much oak, high alcohol and clunky.
Their success with Sauvignon Blanc, and especially with St. Andelain, convinced them to begin a three year commitment with a fabulous, well-established vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Their willingness to experiment with different vinification as well as aging for 16 months in 600L thick stave barrels (44% new) results in a Chardonnay of great elegance, length and verve; very Meursault-like.
£495 / Case£41.25 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £632.45 / Case, £52.70 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2014 Soliste, St. Andelain Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County 1x75cl
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage Production: 168 cases
St Andelain is Don and Claude's homage to the incomparable late Didier Dagueneau. Born from a single organic vineyard in Lake County, the... grapes were partially destemmed and allowed 36 hours of skin contact to create unique richness and depth. After pressing they barrel fermented and aged for 16 months in Didier’s creation, the Cigar Barrel. There is no malolactic fermentation to preserve acidity, verve and length.
St Andelain is a true expression of Soliste wines: Exceptional vineyards, meticulous grape selection, elegant balance of acidity and aromatics, to create wines of great complexity and finesse.
£42 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £53.60 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2020 he-li-an-thus, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 1x75cl
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage production: 163 cases
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most exciting grape varieties in Napa, and at the top end it’s up there with the best white wines in the... World. One of the rarest examples is the he-li-an-thus Sauvignon Blanc. The source of the fruit is a 22 year old hillside vineyard shrouded in secrecy, but we do know the winemaker is a modern day Napa genius: Jason Exposto from FUTO Estate.
Jason specifically chose this cool, north facing vineyard as the dry-farmed vines have the perfect synergy of natural richness and crystalline acidity he looks for in a great Sauvignon Blanc.
Jason Exposto, Winemaker:
"Sourced from a cool pocket of the vineyard and picked over numerous passes. We basket press the whole clusters and run the cool juice to seasoned French oak barrels, where the native yeast ferments the wines to dryness. We age for several months on lees before bottling unfined and unfiltered. Mouthwatering flavour of meyer lemon, jasmine and stone fruit and wrapped together with a flinty acidity."
£61 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £77.02 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2019 The Mascot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 6x75cl
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage production: 8,000 cases
The Mascot offers a stunning expression of the Harlan Family's entire portfolio of world-class vineyards, in a truly exceptional... vintage. The fruit is hand selected and vinified from the younger vines at Harlan Estate, BOND and Promontory, making The Mascot a sensational glimpse into three of the most revered Estates in the World.
The Mascot began as a personal project by Will Harlan, who persuaded his family to allow him to select barrels of the 'Grand Cru' estates so he could create a wine to share at his own table. The Harlan winemaking team took some convincing at first, but eventually Cory Empting and his crew began to set aside certain barrels an annual basis to produce a special wine, according to Will’s selection.
This intimate bottling has a deliberate identity all of its own, its terroir lying not only in the origins of the fruit, which already has eyepopping pedigree, but also in the careful selection of barrels made by Will, Cory and the Mascot team.
Blended with the same level of precision as the 'Grand Vins', The Mascot is a classic Napa Valley Cabernet expression, giving huge pleasure on release, while built to last.
£858 / Case£143 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £1,048.82 / Case, £174.80 / BottleAvailability: Future Arrival ⋅ Please contact us to know more
2018 The Mascot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1x75cl
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon-based
The Mascot offers a stunning expression of the Harlan Family's entire portfolio of world-class vineyards. The fruit is hand selected and vinified from the younger... vines at Harlan Estate, BOND and Promontory, making The Mascot a sensational glimpse into three of the most revered Estates in the World.
It began as a personal project by Will Harlan, who persuaded his family to allow him to select barrels of the 'Grand Cru' estates so he could create a wine to share at his own table. The Harlan winemaking team took some convincing at first, but eventually Cory Empting and his crew began to set aside certain barrels an annual basis to produce a special wine, according to Will’s selection.
This intimate bottling has a deliberate identity all of its own, its terroir lying not only in the origins of the fruit, which already has eyepopping pedigree, but also in the careful selection of barrels made by Will, Cory and the Mascot team.
Blended with the same level of precision as the 'Grand Vins', The Mascot is a classic Napa Valley Cabernet expression, giving huge pleasure on release, but built to last.
£134 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £164.00 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2016 The Mascot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 6x75cl
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon-based
The Mascot offers a stunning expression of the Harlan Family's entire portfolio of world-class vineyards. The fruit is hand selected and vinified from the younger... vines at Harlan Estate, BOND and Promontory, making The Mascot a sensational glimpse into three of the most revered Estates in the World.
It began as a personal project by Will Harlan, who persuaded his family to allow him to select barrels of the 'Grand Cru' estates so he could create a wine to share at his own table. The Harlan winemaking team took some convincing at first, but eventually Cory Empting and his crew began to set aside certain barrels an annual basis to produce a special wine, according to Will’s selection.
This intimate bottling has a deliberate identity all of its own, its terroir lying not only in the origins of the fruit, which already has eyepopping pedigree, but also in the careful selection of barrels made by Will, Cory and the Mascot team.
Blended with the same level of precision as the 'Grand Vins', The Mascot is a classic Napa Valley Cabernet expression, giving huge pleasure on release, but built to last.
£685 / Case£114.17 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £844.75 / Case, £140.79 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2022 Realm Cellars, Fidelio Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 6x75cl
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Production: 500 cases
Realm Cellars' unerring dedication to perfection has seen their portfolio of Single-Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons reach true 'Napa First Growth'... status. From Beckstoffer Dr. Crane to Moonracer, they are some of the Valley's elite wines and as collectible as it gets. There is one Single-Vineyard wine at Realm Cellars that stands apart for being the rarest of them all (only 500 cases produced), and representing the Estate's only white cuvée - Realm Cellars Fidelio Sauvignon Blanc.
The fruit is sourced from Realm's Farella Estate Vineyard in Coombsville. Winemaker Benoit Touquete used three different vessels (and materials) to age Fidelio – demi-muid neutral oak barrels, concrete eggs, and terracotta amphoras. Each vessel contributes to Fidelio’s unique layers, complexities, and depth.
Benoit thinks the Fidelio 2022 has the freshness of Dagueneau and the richness of Château Mouton-Rothschild's Ygrec - the best of both worlds, and we thoroughly agree. It is a wine that captures perfectly the ethos of Realm – richness and freshness, at the same time.
£595 / Case£99.17 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £733.22 / Case, £122.20 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2022 Realm Cellars, Fidelio Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 1x75cl
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Production: 500 cases
Realm Cellars' unerring dedication to perfection has seen their portfolio of Single-Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons reach true 'Napa First Growth'... status. From Beckstoffer Dr. Crane to Moonracer, they are some of the Valley's elite wines and as collectible as it gets. There is one Single-Vineyard wine at Realm Cellars that stands apart for being the rarest of them all (only 500 cases produced), and representing the Estate's only white cuvée - Realm Cellars Fidelio Sauvignon Blanc.
The fruit is sourced from Realm's Farella Estate Vineyard in Coombsville. Winemaker Benoit Touquete used three different vessels (and materials) to age Fidelio – demi-muid neutral oak barrels, concrete eggs, and terracotta amphoras. Each vessel contributes to Fidelio’s unique layers, complexities, and depth.
Benoit thinks the Fidelio 2022 has the freshness of Dagueneau and the richness of Château Mouton-Rothschild's Ygrec - the best of both worlds, and we thoroughly agree. It is a wine that captures perfectly the ethos of Realm – richness and freshness, at the same time.
£101 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £124.40 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2013 Larry Hyde Vineyard Estate, Chardonnay, Los Carneros 1x75cl
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage production: 180 cases
£58 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £72.80 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2014 Larry Hyde Vineyard Estate, Chardonnay, Los Carneros 1x75cl
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage production: 330 cases
£51 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £64.40 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2014 Larry Hyde Vineyard Estate, Chardonnay, Los Carneros 12x75cl
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage production: 330 cases
£600 / Case£50 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £758.45 / Case, £63.20 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2022 Bevan Cellars, Dry Stack Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County 12x75cl
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage production: n/a
The Dry Stack Vineyard rests 170 metres above sea level on the eastern slope of Mt. Taylor in Bennett Valley, towards the more elevated eastern... reaches of Sonoma County. The soils are marine clay and loam with gravel throughout which brings minerality, while the cool climate provides lift and vibrancy. Russell uses a touch of French Oak to add texture and depth, making sure that the wine is all about rich aromas and pure, intense fruit. This is a Summer-showstopper and simply has to be experienced.
Russel Bevan: "Gold...pure gold in a glass. This years Dry Stack stands apart from previous vintages in it's sophistication. It highlights the aromatic characteristics and mouth-watering flavors, while staying true to our rich, expressive, bold style of winemaking. Notes of bosc pears, melon and fresh Meyer lemon balance the dazzling acidity. Minimal french oak influence on the wine offers a hint of fresh cedar and shortbread on the finish. This wine screams for grilled figs with goat cheese, drizzled in orange blossom honey."
£425 / Case£35.42 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £555.50 / Case, £46.29 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2022 Bevan Cellars, Dry Stack Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County 1x75cl
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage production: n/a
The Dry Stack Vineyard rests 170 metres above sea level on the eastern slope of Mt. Taylor in Bennett Valley, towards the more elevated eastern... reaches of Sonoma County. The soils are marine clay and loam with gravel throughout which brings minerality, while the cool climate provides lift and vibrancy. Russell uses a touch of French Oak to add texture and depth, making sure that the wine is all about rich aromas and pure, intense fruit. This is a Summer-showstopper and simply has to be experienced.
Russel Bevan: "Gold...pure gold in a glass. This years Dry Stack stands apart from previous vintages in it's sophistication. It highlights the aromatic characteristics and mouth-watering flavors, while staying true to our rich, expressive, bold style of winemaking. Notes of bosc pears, melon and fresh Meyer lemon balance the dazzling acidity. Minimal french oak influence on the wine offers a hint of fresh cedar and shortbread on the finish. This wine screams for grilled figs with goat cheese, drizzled in orange blossom honey."
£37 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £48.19 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2021 Fait Main, Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard, Napa Valley 6x75cl
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Production: 325 cases
The Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard traces its roots back to 1877 when it was first planted with vines by George Hopper. In the 1960s it was... purchased by Bruce Kelham and became part of the historic Vine Hill Ranch, until legendary vintner Andy Beckstoffer added it to his Heritage Vineyard programme in 1996.
The Bale clay loam and sediment that predominate here were washed down the slopes of the Mayacamas mountains to the west, creating optimal drainage conditions that encourage vines to root deeply in search of water.
Fait-Main sources from two blocks located in the southwestern portion near Vine Hill Ranch, where soils are especially deep and well-draining. Prized for their ultra-silky tannins and luminous fruit, these wines deliver opulence and energy in equal measure.
£870 / Case£145 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £1,066.75 / Case, £177.79 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2021 Fait Main, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1x75cl
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Production: 500 cases
Fait-Main’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is assembled with fruit from all of Benoit’s acclaimed single-vineyard sources, in addition to... several other esteemed and up-and-coming sites that may become single-vineyard Cabernets themselves in time. This is Benoit's snapshot of Napa Valley, capturing his personal view of the appellation from valley floor to hillside heights.
£107 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £131.60 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2021 Fait Main, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 12x75cl
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Production: 500 cases
Fait-Main’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is assembled with fruit from all of Benoit’s acclaimed single-vineyard sources, in addition to... several other esteemed and up-and-coming sites that may become single-vineyard Cabernets themselves in time. This is Benoit's snapshot of Napa Valley, capturing his personal view of the appellation from valley floor to hillside heights.
£1,260 / Case£105 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £1,550.45 / Case, £129.20 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2021 Sine Qua Non, Distenta III Syrah, California 6x75cl
Blend: 81.7% Syrah, 11.3% Grenache, 3.3% Mourvedre, 2.1% Petite Sirah, 0.7% Gelber Muskatelle, 0.9% Petit Manseng
Vintage production: n/a
The brand-new Sine Qua Non Distenta III Syrah and Grenache... 2021s from winemaking legend Manfred Krankl have just been released to great fanfare.
Last year's Distenta II 2020s were lauded by the critics - the Syrah scored 97-99 JD / 99 WA / 97-99 TWI, and the Grenache scored 97-100 JD / 97 WA / 98-100 TWI - and with the early impressions pointing to an amazing vintage in 2021 the numbers are going to be BIG when published later in the year.
Do NOT miss the chance to secure an allocation now, as by the time the reviews are out it'll be too late!
2021 is a fantastic vintage for the Central Coast. Manfred has this to say: “My favorite growing conditions are mild weather, by California standards, with consistent sunshine, but not too much extreme heat. That is what we received in 2021. We have had only one single day where temperatures reached 100° and only at one of our four vineyard sites. As a result, we received fruit and wines that are reminiscent of 2019. Perhaps with slightly more richness, but there is a distinct resemblance. Lots of elegance, lots of character, lots of alertness and a good amount of playful spiciness with many layers and nuances. Nothing boring or predictable.”
Sine Qua Non is famed for the unique names and artwork given to the wines in each vintage. However, in 2019 Manfred chose a new ongoing name for his Estate blends: Distenta, meaning 'unlabelled' in Latin. The 2019s were 'Distenta I', the 2020s were Distenta II, the new 2021s are 'Distenta III', and so on for future releases. He couldn't resist making a new artwork for each label though!
Manfred Krankl:
"Great, great color. Quite dark – no surprise I guess, but still a warm feeling to stare at it. A lot of work…for a long time…to get to appreciate it in a glass. Color is clearly not the most important aspect to the wine – to ANY wine – but it is some indicator of something good. In the nose there are tones of coffee grounds, rhubarb, red plums, toffee, boysenberry, mashed up strawberry skins (a little over the top…I know), cigar-box and even some chalk and dusty cookie crumbs. The mouth, the palate, is super soft, but not flabby, but rather still structured and very fanned out. Sort of like 2019 (if memory serves correctly), but with a touch more sexy flesh. There are plenty of tannins, but they are broad and satiny!!! We also got some mild Asian spices. The wine gets more and more lush the longer it sits in the glass. More palate enveloping too. Yahoo!!!"
£1,500 / Case£250 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £1,823.04 / Case, £303.84 / BottleAvailability: Future Arrival ⋅ Please contact us to know more
2021 Sine Qua Non, Distenta III Grenache, California 6x75cl
Blend: 79.0% Grenache, 8.4% Syrah, 7.4% Mourvedre, 3.2% Petite Sirah, 0.4% Gelber Muskateller, 1.6% Petit Manseng
Vintage production: n/a
The brand-new Sine Qua Non Distenta III Syrah and Grenache... 2021s from winemaking legend Manfred Krankl have just been released to great fanfare.
Last year's Distenta II 2020s were lauded by the critics - the Syrah scored 97-99 JD / 99 WA / 97-99 TWI, and the Grenache scored 97-100 JD / 97 WA / 98-100 TWI - and with the early impressions pointing to an amazing vintage in 2021 the numbers are going to be BIG when published later in the year.
Do NOT miss the chance to secure an allocation now, as by the time the reviews are out it'll be too late!
2021 is a fantastic vintage for the Central Coast. Manfred has this to say: “My favorite growing conditions are mild weather, by California standards, with consistent sunshine, but not too much extreme heat. That is what we received in 2021. We have had only one single day where temperatures reached 100° and only at one of our four vineyard sites. As a result, we received fruit and wines that are reminiscent of 2019. Perhaps with slightly more richness, but there is a distinct resemblance. Lots of elegance, lots of character, lots of alertness and a good amount of playful spiciness with many layers and nuances. Nothing boring or predictable.”
Sine Qua Non is famed for the unique names and artwork given to the wines in each vintage. However, in 2019 Manfred chose a new ongoing name for his Estate blends: Distenta, meaning 'unlabelled' in Latin. The 2019s were 'Distenta I', the 2020s were Distenta II, the new 2021s are 'Distenta III', and so on for future releases. He couldn't resist making a new artwork for each label though!
Manfred Krankl:
"Truly gorgeous dark burgundy color. A very pretty tone, one that is brilliant and shining. The nose is rich and super vibrant with notes of fresh currants, cranberries, pomegranate juice, freshly picked blackberries, cherries and rose. Also, some dried herbs and light black pepper kernels. The mouth is extremely smooth, yet there is a playful tension, but with a giving and enveloping palate. It is dense, but simultaneously tender on its feet. The tannins are silky and the wine finishes long, long, long and seemingly sweet (not literally) with a pie crust characteristic. The more air the wine gets, the more it opens up with more layers and a very pretty saline ocean air quality and some restrained citrus blossom too. It goes to the edge and then past it. An absolutely gorgeous wine. Just beautiful."
£1,500 / Case£250 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £1,823.04 / Case, £303.84 / BottleAvailability: Future Arrival ⋅ Please contact us to know more
2016 Unwritten, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 12x75cl
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage production: 103 cases
Unwritten is a true insider's secret, known only to those with an inside track.
The inaugural 2014 vintage was an instant sell-out,... taking pride of place on the lists of two Napa culinary institutions: The French Laundry, and Press. It has since become one of the hottest tickets in Napa. The fruit for this remarkable Cabernet comes from the historic Lewelling Vineyard in the western foothills of Napa's famed Saint Helena AVA, a stones throw from the Beckstoffer Dr Crane, Spottswoode and Abreu Madrona Ranch vineyards - the A-list neighbourhood.
This is a Cabernet that ticks all the boxes: perfect bottle age from an epic vintage, drinking beautifully now, rare as hen's teeth, poured at one of the greatest 3* restaurants in the world.
Four Corners Wine: "A model 2016 Cab with the elegance, purity and focus that shine through in the best wines of the vintage. Aromas of graphite, fresh cedar shavings and a light-roasted coffee note frame the delicious core of cassis and blackcurrant. The palate is so well balanced, showing the classic lift and energy of western St. Helena. The crisp, layered blackcurrant fruit is supported by crisp red berries, star anise and a ferrous note that wraps it all together beautifully, leading to a long finish. The Unwritten has a real touch of class and impresses through-and-through, and will deliver the goods for 15+ years."
£1,800 / Case£150 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £2,205.50 / Case, £183.79 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days