2017
2017 Downstream Box Set (3x75cl + 1x150cl), Paso Robles 5x75cl
Blend: 60% Zinfandel, 15% Mourvèdre, 9% Grenache, 7% Petite Sirah, 6% Syrah, 2% Tannat, 1% Viognier
Production: 560 cases
Founded in 2016, Downstream Wines is the collective brainchild of Saxum... Vineyards owner and winemaker Justin Smith, the late-great oenologist Philippe Cambie, and their mutual friend, the visionary Sasha Verhage. Together, they crafted a wine that will be remembered forever as watershed moment in Paso Robles, and California as a whole.
When it comes to pushing the boundaries of greatness, their jaw-dropping Downstream is a magical wine. In the running as the greatest expression of Zinfandel ever produced, it's a peerless example of Cambie's unrivalled blending skills and Smith's rockstar winemaking. It also carries a real poignance as to honour the legacy of Cambie, following his passing in 2021, production was ended.
Cambie's work in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is legendary, none more so than his multiple 100-point scores at Clos St. Jean. He had long desired to work with Justin in Paso Robles, focusing on 'heritage' Zinfandel. They chose the old vines of the Dusi Vineyard, planted in 1945, complimenting them with a carefully selected blend of varietals from sites including Saxum's own James Berry Vineyard.
The result is a taste and style that can only come from California: rich, intense, hedonistic, with an underlying elegance and energy. It's indicative of the forward thinking and ground breaking approach that's at its strongest in Paso Robles.
Downstream is already a highly desirable and ultra-rare gem, and will be a treasured prize among collectors of California's finest wines who are lucky enough to find some.
£1,100 / Case£220 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £1,340.64 / Case, £268.13 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Epoch Estate, Block B, Paso Robles 1x75cl
Blend: 100% Syrah
Vintage production: 312 cases
Block B is a limited production of the most intense fruit from this single parcel of east-facing vines in Paderewski Vineyard. It's always a brooding,... rich, mineral-driven wine with bags of savoury notes - everything that makes Paderewski so special. The Syrah for the Authenticity 2017 comes from a single hillside block that brings more spice and opulence, coupled with a dollop of Mourvèdre and aromatic Viognier.
£79 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £98.72 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Epoch Estate, Block B, Paso Robles 6x75cl
Blend: 100% Syrah
Vintage production: 312 cases
Block B is a limited production of the most intense fruit from this single parcel of east-facing vines in Paderewski Vineyard. It's always a brooding,... rich, mineral-driven wine with bags of savoury notes - everything that makes Paderewski so special. The Syrah for the Authenticity 2017 comes from a single hillside block that brings more spice and opulence, coupled with a dollop of Mourvèdre and aromatic Viognier.
£470 / Case£78.33 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £587.54 / Case, £97.92 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Blankiet Estate, Paradise Hills Vineyard Prince of Hearts Red, Napa Valley 1x75cl
Blend: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
Vintage production: 1,537 cases
Blankiet Estate is nestled above Yountville on the western foothills of the Mayacamas... Mountains. The Paradise Hills Vineyard is carved on steep hillsides just above the famed Dominus Estate Napanook parcel that was originally planted in 1838 by Yountville’s founder, George C. Yount.
With an ideal eastern exposure, the land is bathed with morning sun and benefits from natural shade in the hot afternoons, and cool breezes from the San Pablo Bay flow constantly across the land. It's located on three volcanic knolls where soil profiles vary from deeply fractured rocks and volcanic ash, to thick clay deposits, meaning each parcel is distinguished by a unique subsoil and microclimate.
At just 6.5 hectares in size it's a remarkably small site, yet the incredible complexity of the terroir allows for three distinct wines, each of a singular style. This is an Estate at the top of its game. Combined with the very talented winemaker Graeme MacDonald and owner Claude Blankiet's attention to detail, is truly worthy of an exploration.
£71 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £88.40 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Blankiet Estate, Paradise Hills Vineyard Prince of Hearts Red, Napa Valley 12x75cl
Blend: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
Vintage production: 1,537 cases
Blankiet Estate is nestled above Yountville on the western foothills of the Mayacamas... Mountains. The Paradise Hills Vineyard is carved on steep hillsides just above the famed Dominus Estate Napanook parcel that was originally planted in 1838 by Yountville’s founder, George C. Yount.
With an ideal eastern exposure, the land is bathed with morning sun and benefits from natural shade in the hot afternoons, and cool breezes from the San Pablo Bay flow constantly across the land. It's located on three volcanic knolls where soil profiles vary from deeply fractured rocks and volcanic ash, to thick clay deposits, meaning each parcel is distinguished by a unique subsoil and microclimate.
At just 6.5 hectares in size it's a remarkably small site, yet the incredible complexity of the terroir allows for three distinct wines, each of a singular style. This is an Estate at the top of its game. Combined with the very talented winemaker Graeme MacDonald and owner Claude Blankiet's attention to detail, is truly worthy of an exploration.
£840 / Case£70 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £1,046.45 / Case, £87.20 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Harlan Estate, Proprietary Red, Napa Valley 3x75cl
£3,050 / Case£1,016.67 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £3,669.61 / Case, £1,223.20 / BottleAvailability: Future Arrival ⋅ Please contact us to know more
2017 Unwritten, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1x75cl
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage Production: 142 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.
£146 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £178.99 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Saxum, The Hexe, Paso Robles 1x75cl
Blend: 58% Grenache, 27% Mataro, 11% Petite Sirah, 4% Tempranillo
Vintage production: 1,098 cases
Hexe is a remarkable, multi-vineyard cuvée that is built around Grenache. Not just any old Grenache... though. Justin Smith selects the blackest, most wicked Grenaches, the ones that he knows will benefit from 33 months aging in various large puncheons or concrete amphora.
The heart of this cuvée is the oldest block at James Berry Vineyard, a South facing hilltop Grenache block that was planted in 1980. Around this he weaves in some of the most intense Grenache and Mataro blocks from G2 Vineyard, along with a bit of Petite Sirah from Paderewski Vineyard. It is the dark side of Grenache. Black magic!
£190 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £232.04 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Saxum, James Berry, Paso Robles 1x75cl
Blend: 55% Grenache, 29% Mataro, 13% Syrah, 3% Carignan
Vintage production: 1,102 cases
Surrounding the winery, the James Berry Vineyard is Saxum’s Jewel in The Crown and has been considered... hallowed ground by winemakers for nearly two decades.
The secret to epic wines produced here is the remarkable and unique terroir. It is located 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean with an average elevation of 365 metres, and consists of a series of steep slopes with shallow clay loam topsoil covering an ancient seabed, complete with fossilized shells and sharks teeth.
Saxum's James Berry Vineyard was Paso’s first 100-point (RP) wine in 2007, and is one of the most sought-after labels among California’s great Rhône blends.
£160 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £195.20 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Larry Hyde Estate Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Los Carneros 1x75cl
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Vintage production: 519 cases
£53 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £66.80 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Linne Calodo, Sticks and Stones, Paso Robles 1x75cl
Blend: 71% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre
Vintage production: 900 cases
In the words of winemaker, Matt Trevisan:
“Sticks and Stones is our ballad to Grenache, and to our mindset as a blending... house. It’s the idea of taking the bright flavors and luscious acidity of our best Grenache barrels, then lengthening them out with complements of Syrah and Mourvèdre. It blurs the dividing line between a varietal wine and a showcase blend—essentially a Grenache done the Linne Calodo way."
£71 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £89.24 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Linne Calodo, Sticks and Stones, Paso Robles 12x75cl
Blend: 71% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre
Vintage production: 900 cases
In the words of winemaker, Matt Trevisan:
“Sticks and Stones is our ballad to Grenache, and to our mindset as a blending... house. It’s the idea of taking the bright flavors and luscious acidity of our best Grenache barrels, then lengthening them out with complements of Syrah and Mourvèdre. It blurs the dividing line between a varietal wine and a showcase blend—essentially a Grenache done the Linne Calodo way."
£845 / Case£70.42 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £1,062.53 / Case, £88.54 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Epoch Estate, Authenticity, Paso Robles 1x75cl
Blend: 92% Syrah and 6% Mourvèdre, 2% Viognier
Vintage production: 670 cases
Sourced entirely from the Estate Paderewski Vineyard, the Syrah for Authenticity comes from the ridgetop Block... 4A.
Authenticity shines with a plethora of roasted meatiness and roasted herb flavors (sage, rosemary and thyme, of course). As usual, a healthy dollop of Mourvèdre adds length and tames the richness of Syrah, revealing a touch of wet earth, pomegranate, forest floor and sassafras.
It was fermented in a mix of 100% new French oak puncheons, and stainless steel tanks, with 22% whole clusters used. It was then aged for 19 months in mid-sized French oak barrels and puncheons (69% new) before bottling on 12th June, 2019.
£71 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £89.24 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Epoch Estate, Authenticity, Paso Robles 6x75cl
Blend: 92% Syrah and 6% Mourvèdre, 2% Viognier
Vintage production: 670 cases
Sourced entirely from the Estate Paderewski Vineyard, the Syrah for Authenticity comes from the ridgetop Block... 4A.
Authenticity shines with a plethora of roasted meatiness and roasted herb flavors (sage, rosemary and thyme, of course). As usual, a healthy dollop of Mourvèdre adds length and tames the richness of Syrah, revealing a touch of wet earth, pomegranate, forest floor and sassafras.
It was fermented in a mix of 100% new French oak puncheons, and stainless steel tanks, with 22% whole clusters used. It was then aged for 19 months in mid-sized French oak barrels and puncheons (69% new) before bottling on 12th June, 2019.
£425 / Case£70.83 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £534.26 / Case, £89.04 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Dalla Valle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1x75cl
Blend: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc
Vintage production: c.1,000 cases
£185 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £225.20 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Scherrer, Scherrer Vineyard Old & Mature Vines Zinfandel, Alexander Valley 1x75cl
Blend: 100% Zinfandel
Production: 560 cases
£34 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £44.59 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Scherrer, Helfer Vineyard Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 1x75cl
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Production: 116 cases
The Helfer Vineyard is located in the Vine Hill area of the Russian River Valley. The vineyard’s densely planted vines require hand cultivation and... yield more concentrated fruit than can be achieved by traditional California vine spacing. Fred bottles this Chardonnay without fining or filtration to preserve its finer qualities.
£44 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £56.00 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Scherrer, Helfer Vineyard Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 12x75cl
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Production: 116 cases
The Helfer Vineyard is located in the Vine Hill area of the Russian River Valley. The vineyard’s densely planted vines require hand cultivation and... yield more concentrated fruit than can be achieved by traditional California vine spacing. Fred bottles this Chardonnay without fining or filtration to preserve its finer qualities.
£525 / Case£43.75 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £668.45 / Case, £55.70 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Scherrer, Platt Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 1x75cl
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Production: 70 cases
Joan and Lew Platt planted vines for specifically Fred to work with on their property overlooking the town of Bodega. A very cool site with intelligently... selected plant material that is well farmed is a Pinot Noir maker’s dream. Red, black and blue fruit character with great structure, minerality and complexity are the result.
Four Corners Wine: "A super-lifted nose, loads of depth, nice salty notes, really fleshy fruit with a touch a Spring meadow and fresh blossom. The palate is mouth-watering, Juicy, crisp and full of energy, lifted by great definition and perfect energy and tension on the finish. A brilliant wine."
£59 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £74.00 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Scherrer, Platt Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 12x75cl
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Production: 70 cases
Joan and Lew Platt planted vines for specifically Fred to work with on their property overlooking the town of Bodega. A very cool site with intelligently... selected plant material that is well farmed is a Pinot Noir maker’s dream. Red, black and blue fruit character with great structure, minerality and complexity are the result.
Four Corners Wine: "A super-lifted nose, loads of depth, nice salty notes, really fleshy fruit with a touch a Spring meadow and fresh blossom. The palate is mouth-watering, Juicy, crisp and full of energy, lifted by great definition and perfect energy and tension on the finish. A brilliant wine."
£700 / Case£58.33 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £878.45 / Case, £73.20 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Macdonald, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 1x75cl
£575 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £693.20 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 Bevan Cellars, Tench Vineyard EE Red Wine, Oakville 12x75cl
Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc
Vintage production: 1,451 cases
£2,100 / Case£175 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £2,565.79 / Case, £213.82 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 PharaohMoans, Westside Syrah, Paso Robles 1x75cl
Blend: 100% Syrah
Vintage production: 400 cases
£61 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £77.27 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days
2017 PharaohMoans, Westside Syrah, Paso Robles 6x75cl
Blend: 100% Syrah
Vintage production: 400 cases
£360 / Case£60 / BottleDuty Status: In Bond ⋅ Price incl. of Duty & VAT: £456.41 / Case, £76.07 / BottleAvailability: Immediate ⋅ ETA to UK address: 2-4 days