BIN END ITEMS

The wine is the meticulous creations of Tony Soter, one of California’s most influential and successful winemakers and consultants. With esteemed clients such as Araujo Estate, Dalla Valle, and Viader, Soter’s expertise is well-regarded in the industry. Additionally, his own wines, including the forthcoming Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley in 1997, showcase his brilliance and dedication to winemaking. Loads of blackberry, currant and dark-berry aromas follow through to a full body with chewy tannins and a long ,fine finish. This is very attractive, balanced and delicious, especially after long cellar ageing.

Cornish Point vineyard was planted in 2000. The 2012 Cornish Point Pinot Noir showcases rich dark berry flavors complemented by subtle hints of thyme. It has a satisfying weight on the palate and finishes with gentle tannins. It has the potential to develop further complexity and elegance if aged until around 2025 or even later.

The Chateau Haut Bergey 2000 displays beautiful chocolatey espresso aromas, arising from its dark ruby and purple colour. Full-bodied and silky-textured, it shows impressive concentration and density. It appears to have reached its peak of maturity, which would give a delicious appeal to a well-aged Bordeaux red.

Il Carnasciale’s Il Caberlot is a 100% expression of the Caberlot grape that is featured at this estate only. It is reported to be a single grape variety that represents a cross of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This edition shows green peppery aromas, and the mouthfeel is a leaner, maybe because of rain during harvest. It shows powdery tannins with end notes of spice, sage and dark fruit.

The 2014 El Casot captivates with its expressive aromas that leap from the glass. This pure Garnacha hails from a vineyard situated on brown slate soils in the village of Torroja del Priorat. It exudes notes of violets, malted cereals reminiscent of whisky, peat, and bitter cherries. On the palate, it is silky and rather light, lacking perhaps a touch of concentration, but incredibly drinkable. Only 2,000 bottles were produced.

The 1998 La Gomerie boasts a medium to deep garnet-brick colour, unveiling an enchanting aroma of sandalwood, star anise, and dusty soil, complemented by dried mulberries, plum preserves, and kirsch. On the palate, it exudes elegance and finesse, with layers of spice, dried flowers, and a captivating fruit core. The plush tannins and seamless freshness contribute to its allure, culminating in a lingering aniseed finish. While currently in a delightful sweet spot, it has the potential to cellar for another 10-12 years with ease.

The 2016 Côte de Brouilly presents aromas of dark chocolate, roasted game bird, and small wild berries. This medium to full-bodied wine is bright and fleshy, with a crunchy fruit core, lively acids, and a long, chalky finish. Similar to the Fleurie Clos Vernay, it will benefit from aging in the cellar. Lafarge Vial, the Beaujolais branch of Domaine Michel Lafarge.

Hubert de Bouard’s 2000 La Plus de la Fleur de Bouard is a remarkable cuvée, crafted from 80% Merlot along with Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, exudes richness, intensity, and elegance in equal measure. Regrettably, its limited production means availability is scarce. With a velvety texture and a symphony of flavors including blueberries, coffee, black currants, kirsch, smoke, and licorice, this wine is both powerful and refined. It promises to age gracefully in the cellar, offering an exceptional drinking experience for fortunate enthusiasts.