Data Loading...
VINTUS Holiday Guide 2022
1 Downloads
23.06 MB
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Copy link
RECOMMEND FLIP-BOOKS
2022 HOLIDAY GUIDE GIFT PACKS, LARGE FORMATS
& SPECIAL EDITIONS
2ND EDITION, AUGUST 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITALY
CHAMPAGNE
SANDRONE Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore 2020
CHAMPAGNE AYALA Brut Majeur NV Brut Nature Silver Edition
27 28 29
3 4 5 6 7
Barolo ALESTE 2018 Barolo Le Vigne 2018
Rosé Majeur NV
Le Blanc de Blancs 2015 Brut Rosé N o 14 2014
TENUTA LUCE Luce 2019
30
Luce Brunello di Montalcino 2017
31
CHAMPAGNE BOLLINGER Special Cuvée NV
8 9
ORNELLAIA Ornellaia 2019
Rosé NV PN TX17
32 33 34
10
Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia 2019 Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia 2020
La Grande Année 2014
11
La Grande Année Rosé 2014
12 13
R.D. 2007
MASCIARELLI Villa Gemma Rosso 2017
35
CRÉMANT
PATERNOSTER Don Anselmo 2016
LANGLOIS-CHATEAU Crémant Brut NV & Brut Rosé NV
36
14
TOMMASI De Buris 2010
SPAIN
37
U.S.A. CHATEAU MONTELENA Estate Cabernet 2008 & 2018 MARIETTA CELLARS Game Trail Cabernet 2018 Angeli Zinfandel 2019
JUVÉ & CAMPS Reserva de la Familia 2017
15 16 17
Brut Rosé NV Gran Juvé 2015
38
U.S. SPARKLING
39 39 39
IRON HORSE VINEYARDS Classic Vintage Brut 2018
Gibson Block 2018
18 19
Joy! 2006
PORTUGAL
FRANCE
QUINTA DO NOVAL Noval BLACK
40
CHÂTEAU MINUTY 281 2021
10 Year Tawny
41
20
LBV 2016
42 43 44
Rose et Or 2021 Prestige 2021 M de Minuty 2021
21
Vintage Port 2020
22 23
Port Kit
SPIRITS GINRAW
E. GUIGAL Côtes du Rhône 2018
24 25 26
45 46
Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 2018 Côte-Rôtie Château D’Ampuis 2018
BONANTO
FRANCE | CHAMPAGNE
CHAMPAGNE AYALA BRUT MAJEUR NV
A yala is one of the most exciting stories in Champagne today, and the definition of a boutique Champagne producer. This historic house has been rivatilized by a small, young and dynamic team that handles every step of production, from grape reception to labeling, in their jewel of a facility. Ayala crafts Chardonnay-focused wines that deliver immense precision, elegance and pleasure. Brut Majeur is an impressive exercise in precision. Each step of the winemaking process is done at the smallest scale, with isolated vineyard parcels vinified in lots that are among the smallest in all of Champagne. Every decision is made with the intention of maximizing aromatic intensity, freshness and purity. The result is a Brut Champagne with dancing liveliness, undeniable charm, but also a seriously nuanced side. It is a true glimpse into Ayala’s golden age at the turn of the 20th century.
Brut Majeur is composed of Pinot Noir (45%), Chardonnay (35%) and Pinot Meunier (20%). Pinot Noir and Chardonnay bring vinosity and delicacy together in a harmoniously balanced blend. The complement of Pinot Meunier adds a touch of fruitiness and liveliness. An originator of the true dry or “Brut” style of Champagne at a time when such a practice was unpopular, Ayala continues their tradition of extremely low dosage with this cuvée.
“There’s a firm, chalky edge to this minerally Champagne, and mouthwatering flavors of candied lemon peel, green apple, crystallized honey and biscuit. This has an elegant texture and an overall sense of style.”
92
- BRUCE SANDERSON, WINE SPECTATOR
92
92
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | CHAMPAGNE
CHAMPAGNE AYALA BRUT NATURE SILVER EDITION
A yala is one of the most exciting stories in Champagne today, and the definition of a boutique Champagne producer. This historic house has been rivatilized by a small, young and dynamic team that handles every step of production, from grape reception to labeling, in their jewel of a facility. Ayala crafts Chardonnay-focused wines that deliver immense precision, elegance and pleasure. Brut Nature demonstrates to perfection the high quality of grapes used by the House to craft its wines, and its remarkable expertise in vinification. Making a no-dosage wine is quite complex, and Ayala’s expression offers nothing short of purity and precision. Ayala’s Brut Nature is a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier, and spends nearly 4 years in the cellar ageing so that the acidity is integrated. The color is bright gold, with a silver hue. The nose is direct but fine, and marked by precise notes of citrus fruit with a saline component. On the palate, the wine is complex and clean. It remains full of purity and tension, delivering dry mineral notes along with flavors of grapefruit and white fruit.
“Nervy lime, ginger and floral scents, with suggestions of iodine and tarragon. Tightly wound, mineral-driven citrus fruit flavors put on weight with air and take a turn to deeper nectarine and pear. Unfolds slowly on the finish, hanging on with excellent tenacity and resonating mineral and floral notes.”
- JOSH RAYNOLDS, VINOUS MEDIA
92
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | CHAMPAGNE
CHAMPAGNE AYALA ROSÉ MAJEUR NV
A yala is one of the most exciting stories in Champagne today, and the definition of a boutique Champagne producer. This historic house has been rivatilized by a small, young and dynamic team that handles every step of production, from grape reception to labeling, in their jewel of a facility. Ayala crafts Chardonnay-focused wines that deliver immense precision, elegance and pleasure. Rosé Majeur is the perfect embodiment of the originality and finesse of the House’s wines. Made predominantly from Chardonnay, it is crafted with the addition of a small proportion of still Pinot Noir. A low dosage enables it to express the House style, both feminine and generous, with great elegance. The very high proportion of Chardonnay and the aging process result in a Champagne with remarkable finesse.
“A cleverly arranged nose with saturated rose- like perfume layered into ripe expressive peaches, strawberries and wild dark cherries. The palate holds that darker cherry edge with real style and balance. Terrific.”
- JAMES SUCKLING
93
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | CHAMPAGNE
CHAMPAGNE AYALA LE BLANC DE BLANCS 2015
94 “Flavors of apricot and plum are ripe and abundant, carried on the refined mousse with hints of golden raisin, pink grapefruit sorbet and salted Marcona almond, in this expressive blanc de blancs. Sleek acidity is well- knit throughout, creating a mouthwatering impression on the lingering finish.” - ALISON NAPJUS The 2015 vintage is 100% Chardonnay, sourced from three Grand Cru villages (Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil sur Oger) and two Premier Cru Villages (Cuis and Vertus). After 6 years of aging in Ayala’s cellars, remarkable minerality and low dosage (6g/l) make this an outstanding wine that can accompany a variety of flavorful dishes, or stand on its own. 2015 was a year of exceptional weather conditions and warm temperatures in the Champagne region. A dry growing season led to lower yields during harvest, which took place from September 7-23. The intensely concentrated musts were well-balanced and of outstanding quality; Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs performed particularly well with lively, complex character and excellent cellaring potential. A yala is one of the most exciting stories in Champagne today, and the definition of a boutique Champagne producer. This historic house has been rivatilized by a small, young and dynamic team that handles every step of production, from grape reception to labeling, in their jewel of a facility. Ayala crafts Chardonnay-focused wines that deliver immense precision, elegance and pleasure. Ayala’s Blanc de Blancs is 100% Chardonnay, produced in small quantities in exceptional years only and fully expresses the superb caliber of great Chardonnay from the best crus of the Côte des Blancs. It is truly a unique vintage offering.
94
93
Top 100 Wines of 2021
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | CHAMPAGNE
CHAMPAGNE AYALA BRUT ROSÉ N O 14 2014
A yala is one of the most exciting stories in Champagne today, and the definition of a boutique Champagne producer. This historic house has been rivatilized by a small, young and dynamic team that handles every step of production, from grape reception to labeling, in their jewel of a facility. Ayala crafts Chardonnay-focused wines that deliver immense precision, elegance and pleasure. N°14 is the third opus from the "COLLECTION AYALA," a set of cuvees produced in limited quantities, unveiled only as they approach their peak level of drinkability. This ephemeral cuvee is 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir — including Grand Cru Aÿ red wine. The grapes are sourced from 5 crus: Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil Mesnil-sur-Oger for Chardonnay and Aÿ & Verzy for Pinot Noir. Aÿ brings richness of fruit and its structure Chouilly brings elegance and balance Cramant adds chalky minerality Le Mesnil-sur-Oger brings tension and ageing potential Verzy adds upright, firm character
The five emblematic Grands Crus form the backbone of the House's blends. The Ayala Team wanted to work the crus in equal proportions, exclusively from the 2014 vintage and for the first time in a rosé version. N°14 sees 6 years of ageing in the cellar and a low dosage of 5.3 grams/liter, another trademark of the Ayala style.
93
"Plenty of strawberry character with iron, peaches and hints of chalk. Full- bodied with medium, round tannins and a spicy, cotton-candy and orange-peel aftertaste."
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | CHAMPAGNE
CHAMPAGNE BOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVÉE NV
B ollinger is an icon in Champagne, all the more remarkable because its reputation rests entirely on the quality of its extraordinarily distinct Champagnes. Very simply, Bollinger is the outlier. The rigorous, obsessive attention to detail and preservation of artisanal, almost absurdly labor-intensive practices, makes Bollinger both a guardian of the past and, as we see with each passing year, the beacon of the future. From vineyard to bottling, Special Cuvée sees such an extraordinary level of care and attention, it is difficult to place within the non- vintage or, really, any Champagne category. It is a Champagne that stands apart. Within one bottle, all the complexity of flavor, texture and pleasure that Champagne can offer. Special Cuvée is truly a journey of devotion from Bollinger. “One experiences many sensations with Special Cuvée. On the nose, it offers beautiful complexity; ripe fruit and spicy aromas, with hints of roasted apples, apple compote and peaches. Then, on the palate, it has a subtle combination of structure, length and vivacity; bubbles like velvet with aromas of pear, brioche and spicy aromas, along with notes of fresh walnut.” – CELLARMASTER GILLES DESCOTES
96
“The complexity and richness of Special Cuvée is unparalleled among the entry non-vintage blends of every Champagne house."
- TYSON STELZER, DECANTER
93
93
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | CHAMPAGNE
CHAMPAGNE BOLLINGER ROSÉ NV
B ollinger is an icon in Champagne, all the more remarkable because its reputation rests entirely on the quality of its extraordinarily distinct Champagnes. Very simply, Bollinger is the outlier. The rigorous, obsessive attention to detail and preservation of artisanal, almost absurdly labor-intensive practices, makes Bollinger both a guardian of the past and, as we see with each passing year, the beacon of the future. In the same way that Special Cuvée stands apart from non-vintage Champagnes, Bollinger Rosé is an exception for Rosé Champagnes. What is more, it is a relative secret, as Bollinger did not release a non-vintage Rosé until 2008 and the quantity produced is quite limited. The wine begins as Special Cuvée and then Bollinger’s specialty as the Pinot Noir producer in Champagne takes center stage, as the red fruits that join the conversation dance vibrantly, the finish has just a hint of perfectly ripe tannin, and the deep complexity of the wine shines through transparently. As we like to say, Bollinger is the ultimate food pairing Champagne due to the combination of richness, texture and complexity. Enjoy with any number of shellfish and seafood dishes, such as crayfish, lobster or rare salmon. And, more unexpected, the Rosé stands up brilliantly to roasted poultry, game, and white meats.
"A beautiful, transparent pink-gold rosé, this wine feels effortless. Five percent red wine grown in Verzenay and Aÿ gives the wine its color, and perks up the fresh flavors of raspberries, complete with their seeds. The texture may be the wine’s best aspect: It’s creamy and lithe, transforming Bollinger’s power into elegance."
94
- WINE & SPIRITS MAGAZINE
93
93
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | CHAMPAGNE
CHAMPAGNE BOLLINGER PN TX17
PN , made entirely from Pinot Noir to underscore the very essence and DNA of the House style, was the first new cuvée added to Bollinger’s permanent range since 2008. The third edition of the series, PN TX17, explores the interpretation of Pinot Noir from Tauxières in 2017 and features reserve wines dating back to 2007. The fruit is predominantly sourced from Tauxières, characterized by its elegance, tension and salinity. Pinot Noir from Avenay and Verzenay were added to PN TX17 to add aromatic synergy and complexity. Although PN is a non-vintage wine, 50% of the fruit comes from 2017. The structure and salinity of PN TX17 makes it an outstanding Champagne to enjoy as part of a gastronomic experience. This versatile wine shines with a variety of dishes from a simple tomato tartlet to a rich risotto with lentils or even veal sweetbreads. Aged cheeses, of course, provide an even further elevated experience. The first half of 2017 was especially hot and dry. The peak heat that usually comes in August came in July, while August had plentiful rainfall and much colder weather than usual. In September, the nights stayed very mild, the mornings humid and the afternoons very warm. This year is a source of pride, because in this unusual situation, Champagne Bollinger very quickly made the right adjustment. The maturity of the Champagne is very much there, the acidity is nicely framed by the richness.
93 "Bright and punchy, the 2017 is redolent of pear, dried flowers, mint, chalk and sage. [...] This is an especially vinous, layered Champagne that offers striking interplay between its intense fruit and the mineral, saline and savory-laced frame that holds it all together." - RV
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | CHAMPAGNE
CHAMPAGNE BOLLINGER LA GRANDE ANNÉE 2014
B ollinger’s prestige cuvée is the vintage-dated La Grande Année, made of roughly two-thirds Pinot Noir and one-third Chardonnay. It is produced only when the harvest reaches a perfect balance. This wine ferments entirely in oak barrels, and undergoes its second fermentation under cork instead of crown capsule. It’s filled with aromas of honey, gingerbread and cinnamon, and offers a core of pastry and candied orange flavors on the palate. La Grande Année is vinified entirely in older oak barrels, specifically used 228 liter barrels and 400 liter casks that are up to 40 years old. The wine remains in barrel for 6 months, undergoing both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in barrel, a point of distinction from the minute remaining producers who do ferment in barrel. The wine is then bottled under cork to undergo its secondary fermentation, rather than crown capsule. As a result, every bottle has to be hand-riddled and hand-disgorged. The wine spent over 7 years on the lees, and has a moderate dosage of 8 grams per liter. Needless to say, this is not an efficient way to produce Champagne. Quality is the only objective. 78% of the fruit was sourced from Grand Cru villages and 22% from Premier Cru villages. The Pinot Noir, 61% of the blend, comes predominantly from Äy and Verzenay, and the Chardonnay, 39% of the blend, from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oiry.
2012
“The 2014 La Grande Année is stunning. In fact, it is one of the best recent editions I can remember tasting. What comes through most is the wine’s sizzling energy and tension, qualities that aren’t often associated with Bollinger, where the Champagnes tend to show more breadth and volume. In 2014, readers will find a Grande Année built on linear intensity and drive. [This is] a truly magical Grande Année that will delight Champagne fans for several decades. I can’t recommend the 2014 highly enough. It’s a total knock-out.” -ANTONIO GALLONI Wine Advocate 95 Wine Enthusiast 97 Wine Spectator 97
98
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | CHAMPAGNE
CHAMPAGNE BOLLINGER LA GRANDE ANNÉE ROSÉ 2014
A rosé version of La Grande Année is only made in certain vintages. Lily Bollinger agreed to a Bollinger rosé under one condition, it had to be extraordinary, and that is how La Grande Année Rosé was born: the subtle blend between a great vintage champagne and a a small percentage of red wine from one of the House’s emblematic vineyards, La Côte Aux Enfants, located in the village of Aÿ. This plot of Grand Cru is only used for red wine when the grapes are perfectly ripe. To produce a red wine of such high quality in the Champagne region is a challenge: a rare treat, a testament to the House’s expertise in Pinot Noir. Reflecting its land and its traditional wine making methods, La Grande Année Rosé is famous for its promise of exceptional aging qualities which makes it a great wine for cellaring. The richness of this wine is expressed by a deep color, perfectly balanced aromas and a lovely vinosity. La Grande Année Rosé is the unique blend between a great vintage Champagne and a red wine from a unique plot, the legendary Côte aux Enfants. The 2014 is a blend of 63% Pinot Noir and 37% Chardonnay, from a total of 21 crus.
97
"The 2014 La Grande Année Rosé is airy, gracious and full of energy. Crushed rocks, white pepper, red berry, mint and blood orange lend striking aromatic intensity and presence." -ANTONIO GALLONI Wine Advocate 96 Wine Spectator 96
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | CHAMPAGNE
CHAMPAGNE BOLLINGER R.D. 2007
I n 1967, under the guidance of the inimitable Madame Lily Bollinger, R.D. 1952 is unveiled — the first ever Champagne label to specify a disgorgement date. There is no comparable Champagne on the market at the time. This bold and brilliant wine takes the pillars of what makes Champagne Bollinger so unique, and pushes them to their ultimate level. It is, very simply, a masterpiece. R.D. stands for “recently disgorged.” The majority of Champagne Houses have always kept a collection of old wines in order to share with their family, close friends and special guests. The custom was that these old wines were especially disgorged a short time before being tasted, so that those invited could share a perfect moment when the wine would offer an extraordinary contrast of freshness and complexity from age. The 2007 is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, and is vinified entirely in older 228-liter oak barrels and 400-liter casks. The wine remains in barrel for 6 months, undergoing both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, a point of distinction from the few remaining producers who continue to ferment in barrel. The wine is then bottled under cork (not crown capsules) to undergo its secondary fermentation. As a result, every bottle has to be hand- riddled and hand-disgorged. After 14 years on the lees, the wine is given a dosage of only 3 grams per liter, making it Extra Brut.
R.D. 2007 sees three different disgorgements: • July 2020: The initial release • June 2021 • February 2022
“Bollinger’s 2007 R.D. is superb [...] Lemon confit, dried flowers, sage, mint, crushed rocks, almond and ginger are some of the aromas and flavors that give the 2007 its complex, multi- faceted personality [...] It will age effortlessly for decades as it moves through the various phases of its life.” - ANTONIO GALLONI
97
97
96
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | LOIRE VALLEY
LANGLOIS-CHATEAU CRÉMANT DE LOIRE BRUT NV & BRUT ROSÉ NV
A t Langlois-Chateau, Crémant is the focus of the estate, produced with standards far beyond the appellation requirements and even beyond Champagne AOC standards. The result is Méthode Traditionelle wines of incredible finesse. Bollinger in the Loire Valley Langlois-Chateau has a rich history as one of the leading producers in the Loire Valley. Founded in 1885 by Edouard Langlois and Jeanne Chateau (hence the name). In 1973, the Bollinger family invested in Langlois, significantly revitalizing the vineyards and modernizing the cellar. Bollinger was naturally attracted by Langlois’ Crémant de Loire production, but the estate has become a leading quality producer in Sancerre, Saumur and other areas. Langlois-Chateau owns and manages 175 acres of the best AOC vineyards in the Loire Valley. For their Crémants, they have an intensely terroir-focused approach of drawing the best characteristics from six distinct vineyard areas and soil types in order to create complex and refined wines. Grapes are hand-harvested in small bins and pressed gently. Only the ‘first press juice’ is used (the ‘cuvée’). Each parcel and each variety is vinified separately and aged a minimum of 36 months, and 18 months for the rosé (only 12 months is required by the appellation. Finally, reserve wines are incorporated into the resulting blend - an extremely rare practice in the world of Crémant.
"The Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé NV is made completely from Cabernet Franc aged 18 months on lees in bottle [...] this bright, juicy, delicious rosé sports a pink/ salmon color as well as classic notes of strawberries, cherries, and flowers. It’s fresh, lively, and fruit forward." "[Crémant de Loire Brut NV] has a fresh and inviting nose, fine bubbles on the palate and tangy, almost sherbet apple flavours. Really enjoyable, with a citrus kick towards the finish. Well balanced with good acidity to keep it refreshing and nice depth. A crowd-pleaser.”
91
91
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
SPAIN | PENEDÈS
JUVÉ & CAMPS RESERVA DE LA FAMILIA 2017
J uvé & Camps is indisputably the worldwide leader of Spanish premium sparkling wines. This family-owned, 100% estate-based producer is revered in Spain for its painstaking focus on quality and sustainability, and its important role within the country’s conversation on fine wine in general. "Reserva de la Familia” (translating to ‘Reserve of the Family’) is a leading Spanish sparkling wine in the world, always vintage-dated, and all the more notable because of the quality needed to produce it without dosage (‘Brut Nature’ designation). The grapes are certified organic and hand-harvested from Juvé’s three estates; Espiells, Mediona, and La Cuscona, in the best areas of the Penedès region just outside of Barcelona. Harvested by hand, the grapes are gently whole-cluster pressed to retain the delicate vibrancy and freshness. After the first fermentation by varietal in stainless steel tanks, the classic Cava grapes (Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada) develop malolactic fermentation in order to improve their complexity. After that, the base wines are stabilized, blended and bottled. Following the traditional method, bottles are laid down in Juvé's massive network of underground caves for an extended period of over three years (36+ months) to develop the complexity that is the distinctive Juvé & Camps signature style. No dosage is added after the disgorgement to showcase the fruit in its purest form.
“Pungent, spice-accented aromas of dried pear, lemon pith and toasted nuts; a smoky mineral quality adds lift. Juicy Anjou pear and Meyer lemon flavors show good depth and a floral topnote and become spicier with air. The floral note carries through the clinging finish, which shows fine delineation and minerally cut. ” - JOSH RAYNOLDS
91
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
SPAIN | PENEDÈS
JUVÉ & CAMPS BRUT ROSÉ NV
J uvé & Camps is indisputably the worldwide leader of Spanish sparkling wine. This family-owned, 100% estate-based producer is revered in Spain for its painstaking focus on quality and sustainability, and its important role within the country’s conversation on fine wine in general. Originally developed for the United States and now just as popular as their flagship Reserva de la Familia, Juvé & Camps’ rosé is made from 100% Pinot Noir. Following the “Méthode Traditionnelle”, it is aged for 15 months in the bottle. Categorized as ‘Brut’ with only 5g/l of dosage, it is intense, fresh and exuberant with aromas of bright red fruits. Juvé & Camps Brut Rosé is crafted exclusively from certified organic Pinot Noir grapes from the Espiells vineyards (the original family estate). The grapes are hand-harvested, gently destemmed, crushed and macerated at low temperature for 6 to 12 hours, depending on the vintage. This cold soak maceration adds depth and subtle color, as well as enhance the Pinot Noir red fruits aromas. Lots are selected that meet the right balance of color and flavors for the final blend. Only the wine obtained from the free-run juice is bottled, in order to retain the most delicate fruit aromas. Following the traditional method, bottles are laid down in the underground caves for a minimum of 12 months, where this wine develops its refreshing, vibrant character.
"The wine’s supple bubbles contrast ripe cherry flavors with tart notes of dried sour cherries and bitter orange. It’s silky and rich, with a sanguine intensity that will meld with pork rillettes."
92
91
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
SPAIN | PENEDÈS
JUVÉ & CAMPS GRAN JUVÉ 2015 J uvé & Camps is indisputably the worldwide leader of Spanish sparkling wine. This family-owned, 100% estate- based producer is revered in Spain for its painstaking focus on quality and sustainability, and its important role within the country’s conversation on fine wine in general. Since it was first made in 1972, Gran Juvé has always been an emblematic cuvée, representing the best of Juvé & Camps. Categorized as ‘Brut’ with only 5g/l of dosage, it is only produced in exceptional vintages and is made using the best quality grapes from select vineyard plots. With a very long ageing time in the bottle of over 42 months, it showcases the intensity and complexity that Cava can achieve. The grapes are certified organic and hand-harvested from Juvé’s most expressive vineyard parcels on their estates; Espiells and Mediona, in the heart of the Penedès region outside of Barcelona. Free-run and first press juice is used in this wine to ensure purity of flavors. After the first fermentation by varietal in stainless steel tanks, all the base wines develop malolactic fermentation in order to improve their complexity. After that, only the most expressive base wines are chosen to be part of the Gran Reserva blend.
The blend is dominated by Xarel.lo and Chardonnay, both grapes contributing to a high acidity that allow this cava to age beautifully. The Macabeo provides the fruitiness, while the Parellada fills in the delicate aromas. The most distinctive trait of Juvé & Camps Gran Reserva is its bright aromas after so many years of ageing. Hints of white flowers and stone fruit are followed
by notes of a long-aged sparkling wine: brioche, toasted flavors, spices, and honey. The tiny, abundant bubbles that rise up in streams to form a consistent crown. The Chardonnay contributes to the creamy mouthfeel and the Xarel.lo to the elegance and long finish. Exquisitely balanced, this dry sparkling wine is expressive, intense, complex, and fresh, a harmony of endless sensations.
“Shimmering straw-yellow. Smoke-tinged orchard and pit fruit aromas with a building floral overtone and a touch of honey. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering concentrated nectarine, orange pith, buttered toast and poached pear flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Shows fine delineation and a hint of leesiness on a long, focused finish that leaves a subtle chamomile note behind. ” - JOSH RAYNOLDS
92
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
CALIFORNIA | RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
IRON HORSE VINEYARDS CLASSIC VINTAGE BRUT 2018
I ron Horse is a legendary name in the history of American sparkling wine. Started in 1976 by current CEO Joy Sterling’s parents in the Green Valley, the westernmost edge of the Russian River Valley, the vineyards were planted in an area at the time thought to be too cool for growing grapes. The wines disproved that theory from the start, and in the 1980s catapulted to global recognition when an Iron Horse sparkling wine was selected as the toast to peace at the first summit meeting between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. Classic Vintage Brut is the flagship of the estate — this wine shows everything the family strives to accomplish. The quality and finesse strike memory bells that say “Champagne,” while the flavors are unmistakably Sonoma County, Russian River, Green Valley and most distinctly Iron Horse. Delightful and complex rising dough, orange marmalade and baked apple aromas lead to an exquisitely balanced palate with flavors of ripe red apple, mandarin orange and hazelnut. The complexity of flavors and textures are perhaps only overshadowed by the sheer pleasure of enjoyment.
Iron Horse’s steadfast dedication to quality is evident through their decisions to produce exclusively vintage-dated sparkling wines, to constantly improve vineyard practices, to implement regenerative agriculture and sustainability initiatives, and to advocate for their community and the environment. Today this 100% estate-grown, sustainably-farmed, family-owned winery is making the greatest wines in its illustrious history.
(2017 vintage review, 2018 not yet rated) “Made from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, this stunning sparkler offers layers of stone fruit, hazelnut liqueur and marzipan. Mineral-driven and sharp in acidity, it stays fresh and focused in citrus and oyster shell flavors.” -VIRGINIE BOONE
97
93
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
CALIFORNIA | RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
IRON HORSE VINEYARDS JOY! 2006 MAGNUM I ron Horse is a legendary name in the history of American sparkling wine. Started in 1976 by current CEO Joy Sterling’s parents in the Green Valley, the westernmost edge of the Russian River Valley, the vineyards were planted in an area at the time thought to be too cool for growing grapes. The wines disproved that theory from the start, and in the 1980s catapulted to global recognition when an Iron Horse sparkling wine was selected as the toast to peace at the first summit meeting between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. Exuberant like its namesake, “Joy!” offers layer after layer of texture and complexity with toasty character and exotic fruit balanced by brilliant acidity and fine bubbles. For the Joy! Blanc de Blancs, individual lots of Chardonnay are selected for their shy aromatics and lean, angular elements knowing that extended aging will soften the edges and bring richness and complexity with a firm backbone of acidity and structure. All of the grapes are hand-harvested early in the morning and gently pressed as whole clusters before a long, cool fermentation, all collectively preserving freshness and delicate aromas. Aged fifteen years en tirage, it is produced exclusively in magnum. It is a remarkable wine that offers complex depths of estate grown, Green Valley fruit over luscious richness gained from long aging on the lees. Made for celebrations. Tasting Notes: Warming aromas of lemon curd, shortbread, roasted nuts and orange peel on the nose. Bright and exciting on the palate with honeycomb, pear blossom and ripe white grapefruit flavors. Tiny bubbles create creamy effervescence, silky texture and a long, persistent finish. Iron Horse’s steadfast dedication to quality is evident through their decisions to produce exclusively vintage-dated sparkling wines, to constantly improve vineyard practices, to implement regenerative agriculture and sustainability initiatives, and to advocate for their community and the environment. Today this 100% estate-grown, sustainably-farmed, family-owned winery is making the greatest wines in its illustrious history.
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | PROVENCE
T he inimitable, riveting and complex "Grand Cru" of Provence, 281 is a reference to the Pantone code for the royal blue color that elegantly cascades in a glaze down the side of the bottle, evoking the sky and the sea of Minuty’s French Riviera home. the 281 story First released in 2015, 281 comes exclusively from Minuty’s original estate vineyard planted by Etienne Matton, a half mile from the ocean and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The quality of this location has always been evident, as the estate was one of the original 18 classified growths in Provence. It is here that Minuty cultivates their own heritage clone of Grenache, renowned for its intensity and remarkable depth of flavor. the 281 method Minuty’s icon wine represents the greatest heights of their estate philosophy: to create a pure and fresh expression of their vineyard, as untouched as possible. The first step is 100% hand-harvested fruit, as it is with all their wines. Just as crucial, grapes are immediately pressed as soon as they are received at the winery in order to capture every last bit of vibrancy and freshness. 281 is composed of only free-run juice, around 65-70% of the total harvest volume. The final blend consists of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. the 281 experience Pale pink with intense aromas of citrus, tropical fruit and blackcurrant, 281's vibrant flavors of white peach and exotic spice pair exquisitely with crudo, lobster, summer salads, Peking duck or sweet and sour dishes. CHÂTEAU MINUTY 281 2021 The "Grand Cru" of Rosé
94
“This is a serious rosé [...] Its future and aging potential come from the wine’s density and beautifully perfumed character." - ROGER VOSS, JUNE 2022
“Cellar Selection”
94
92
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | PROVENCE
C hâteau Minuty is the global leader in Cotes de Provence rosé, and beyond that it can be argued is the most important estate in the history of Provence rosé. The Saint- Tropez based, family owned estate has been, since its founding, one of the quality leaders for the region. Minuty then became one of the most visible producers in the second half of the 20th century, a result of quality production and commercial foresight when no one in the region could imagine the global phenomenon Provence rosé would become. Rose et Or encapsulates the Château Minuty Saint-Tropez estate. It speaks of the seaside with its freshness and flavors, and represents the ultimate in what a quality Cotes de Provence rosé can achieve: it’s gentle freshness giving way to concentrated, almost gourmet flavors. It moves from the terrace to the white table cloth like no other. Rose et Or comes exclusively from the original estate vineyard, a half mile from the ocean and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The quality of this location has always been evident, as the estate was one of the original 18 classified growths in Provence. CHÂTEAU MINUTY ROSE ET OR 2021
In addition to the trademark Grenache, which the family have been pioneers in the region for emphasizing, Rose et Or has a small proportion of Cinsault, a native varietal to the South of France known to produce fresh and aromatic rosé wines, as well as Rolle, a white grape adding aromatics, roundness and a lighter color.
“A wine that has plenty of potential with a saline, spice character, red currant and citrus flavors.” - ROGER VOSS, JUNE 2022
92
92
92
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | PROVENCE
MINUTY PRESTIGE 2021
I f you notice just one wine on the beach and seaside restaurants in the south of France, it is almost certainly Minuty Prestige. This wine has become the emblem of the Riviera lifestyle, and it is place that has been earned through the unbelievable dedication to quality by the Minuty family. Prestige comes primarily from two Minuty estate vineyards, the first the original estate vineyard in Saint-Tropez, and the second an outstanding estate an hour north called Château Verez that they acquired several years ago. The Saint-Tropez vineyard lies a half mile from the ocean and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The quality of this location has always been evident, as the estate was one of the original 18 classified growths in Provence. The vineyard is heavily influenced by the marine proximity, with the afternoon winds bringing dryness and cool air. The mica schist soils contribute a notable minerality and are oriented to the southwest, allowing for full ripeness throughout the property.
“ The Matton brothers, Jean-Etienne and François, have managed their family estates since the 1990s, blending this wine from estate and purchased fruit. It feels substantive from the get-go, its core of dark flavor distant at first, slowly coming into focus along its structured length. With air, stemmy savor gives complexity to the cherry notes. The wine is airy and open, though, a faint sweetness making it all the more quaffable — that expansiveness brought my mind to a patisserie window, electric-red macerated berries perched atop puffy layers of pastry dough.”
92
90
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | PROVENCE
MINUTY M DE MINUTY 2021
“It feels substantive from the get-go, its core of dark flavor distant at first, slowly coming into focus along its structured length. With air, stemmy savor gives complexity to the cherry notes. The wine is airy and open, though, a faint sweetness making it all the more quaffable — that expansiveness brought my mind to a patisserie window, electric-red macerated berries perched atop puffy layers of pastry dough."
94
C hâteau Minuty is the global leader in Cotes de Provence rosé, and beyond that it can be argued is the most important estate in the history of Provence rosé. The Saint-Tropez based, family owned estate has been, since its founding, one of the quality leaders for the region. Minuty then became one of the most visible producers in the second half of the 20th century, a result of quality production and commercial foresight when no one in the region could imagine the global phenomenon Provence rosé would become. M de Minuty comes entirely from hand harvested grapes grown in the Cotes de Provence, making it perhaps the only major regional wine that is still hand harvested. The source for the majority of the wine is from partners in the highest quality Cotes de Provence vineyards. Minuty’s original estate vineyard in Saint Tropez, and their estate one hour north in the hills of Vidauban also contribute fruit. M LIMITED EDITION As a way to honor its international presence, Minuty partners with different global artists each year to capture the essence of the vintage and to celebrate the St. Tropez lifestyle on the M de Minuty bottle. Visual and tattoo artist Léa Mati, a Paris native, was chosen to dream up this year’s iconic “Bouteille Provençale,” and did so using her signature abstract illustrations of faces, stars and waveforms. The theme of this design, titled “À La Mer,” or “To The Sea,” was inspired by the picturesque Mediterranean setting of Château Minuty at the heart of the Saint-Tropez Peninsula.
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | RHÔNE
E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2018 T he impact and influence of the Guigal family across the Rhône Valley, France, and all the world of fine wine is so immense, it’s sometimes difficult to remember that it’s all happened so quickly. In a country with such a rich and deep wine history, the Guigal family’s story is only in its third generation. The more you learn about the family, the more astounding becomes their story. Their wines are the benchmarks for every Rhone appellation, and over the last thirty years they have become arguably the most lauded producer in the world. Year after year the Guigal family produces wines of exceptional quality that in all classes offer exceptional value. The Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge offers tremendous warmth, spice and pleasure, but in a decidedly individual fashion. It is, unlike virtually every other Côtes du Rhône, based on Syrah, a Northern Rhône approach that lends greater aromatic intensity and structure, though is far more difficult and costly to produce in the Southern Rhône. The aging also goes far other wine in the appellation in its category, a minimum of two years in a combination of stainless steel and foudres, with a deliberate blending over the course of that time that results in a wine of remarkable harmony and complexity. It is an extraordinary value and a benchmark for the region from one of the world’s most lauded producers.
Then...
“[Guigal’s] basic red Côtes du Rhône may be one of France’s last great values…It is a generous wine with an abundance of satisfyingly rich fruit, a firm backbone and a long finish. There is enough flavor here to keep even the most demanding wine connoisseur happy.”
- JAMES SUCKLING, WINE SPECTATOR | MARCH 1990
Now...
“I’m always amazed at the quality this estate gets in the Côtes du Rhône, especially at the quantities produced. Their 2018 Côtes Du Rhône is well worth seeking out and has a medium-bodied, round, silky style as well as textbook peppery herbs, violets, bouquet garni, and both red and black fruits. It shows the supple, charming, forward style of the vintage." - JEB DUNNUCK
90
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | RHÔNE
E. GUIGAL CÔTE-RÔTIE BRUNE ET BLONDE 2018 M arcel Guigal is the single person most responsible for bringing this historically great wine region to prominence. The Northern Rhône Valley is the cradle of wine civilization in France, with vineyards planted today on the same spot where they were planted 2,500 years ago by Romans, and it offers a completely unique profile of wines that are so expressive and bring so much pleasure, yet satisfy the most intellectually thirsty drinker. To put it simply, Marcel Guigal transformed Côte-Rôtie, the world’s perception and love for the wines, and now with his son he has not stopped leading his obsessive attention to detail and quality. The Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde de Guigal refers to the fact that the grapes come from the two areas of Côte-Rôtie, the Côte Brune and Côte Blonde. The historical legend is that long ago a lord deeded the Côte Brune to his dark-haired daughter and the Côte Blonde to his blond daughter. The soils of the Côte Brune are indeed darker, containing more iron and some clay while the paler soils of the Côte Blonde have more sand and limestone. This blend of 96% Syrah and 4% Viognier was hand-harvested and sorted before a 3-week temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel. The wine ages for 36 months in oak barrel, of which 50% is new oak. All the barrels used by Guigal are produced on site by their cooper, a rarity in the wine world.
95
"All of the classic Cote-Rotie aromas (leather, smoked bacon, spices and black cherry) pour from the glass of this rich and fleshy wine. Very silky texture, in spite of the generous, fine tannins, which build beautifully at the long, complete finish."
- JAMES SUCKLING
93
92
92
94
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
FRANCE | RHÔNE
E. GUIGAL CÔTE-RÔTIE CHÂTEAU D’AMPUIS 2018 E tienne Guigal, working in the cellars of a local winery, is swimming in the Rhone river off the docks near the Château d’Ampuis. He meets a lovely girl, who works as a maid at the Château d’Ampuis, a historic property whose oldest sections date to the 11th century, where Kings of France have visited and slept, and symbol of the town of Ampuis and the world- renowned Côte-Rôtie vineyard area for ten centuries. In 1995, 7 years after Etienne passed away, his son Marcel Guigal purchased the Château, and spent 11 years restoring it, with over 100 people working on the project, all overseen by France’s Chief Architect of Historic Monuments. Early on, when the Guigal family learned that there was at one time a wine produced with the Château d’Ampuis name, and they were able to trace the vineyards that were used in this original wine, they decided to produce an exceptional wine that would showcase the best that Côte-Rôtie has to offer.
Today Château d’Ampuis is made from 7 exceptional vineyards from both sides of Côte- Rôtie, the Côte Blonde and the Côte Brune, and vines averaging 50 years of age. These are exceptional vineyards, and in fact every vineyard is adjoining one of the three Guigal single vineyard crus, La Mouline, La Landonne and La Turque. The vineyards are in the Côte Blonde as follows: Le Clos, La Garde, and La Grande Plantée; and in the Côte Brune: La Pommière, Le Pavillon Rouge, Le Moulin and La Viria.
"I was blown away by the 2018 Côte Rôtie Château D'Ampuis, which is certainly in the same league as the famed La Las. Coming from seven single vineyards and seeing the same upbringing as the flagship releases, this reveals a vivid purple hue as well as stunning aromatics of cassis, smoked game, spring flowers, and subtle smoke. It has background espresso-laced oak that’s perfectly integrated, it’s full-bodied, and it has ripe, polished tannins and a great finish." -JEB DUNNUCK
97-99
95+
96
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
ITALY | PIEDMONT
SANDRONE NEBBIOLO D'ALBA VALMAGGIORE 2020 L uciano Sandrone is one of the most iconic producers in Barolo, and his is both a well known and extraordinary story. In the bottle, Sandrone’s wines straddle the modern and traditional styles of the region: elegant, attractive and easy to appreciate right from their first years in bottle, but with no less power and structure over time than traditional Barolo. Valmaggiore is the product of Luciano’s incredible passion for the Nebbiolo grape variety and the desire to show just how its expression can vary depending on the soil in which it is cultivated. Just 15 miles away from Barolo, in the Roero region, Nebbiolo produces a lighter structure and ripe, smooth tannins that are not unlike those of Pinot Noir. The wine drinks well from about age 6 to 12 but will easily last longer in the best vintages. This is not a “baby Barolo” or a second wine at all – it is a distinct interpretation of a completely different geographic winemaking zone. The wine shows delicious floral elements and red fruits, wrapped around a medium-weight structure with a long, delicious finish and modulated, ripe tannins.
"This wine gives us a first taste of 2020 Nebbiolo fruit. The 2020 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore has some extra spice, blood orange and cola [...] It ends with dusty smoothness and sweet, earthy sensations." - MONICA LARNER
92
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT
ITALY | PIEDMONT
SANDRONE BAROLO ALESTE 2018 L uciano Sandrone is one of the most iconic producers in Barolo, and his is both a well known and extraordinary story. In the bottle, Sandrone’s wines straddle the modern and traditional styles of the region: elegant, attractive and easy to appreciate right from their first years in bottle, but with no less power and structure over time than traditional Barolo. ALESTE is the natural continuity of Luciano’s first wine, the Barolo Cannubi Boschis, which garnered Luciano his early acclaim with the international trade and press. Giving all the experience, knowledge, patience and passion of his many harvests, Luciano pays tribute, with boldness and sensibility, to the next family generation: “ALESTE” is in fact the combination of the names of his grandchildren ALEssia and STEfano. This single-vineyard wine is typically dense and concentrated but shows incredible harmony and balance. The medium-weight structure shows delightful and seductive notes of berries and cherries, with floral and mineral aspects. In great vintages, properly cellared examples will drink well for 20+ years. The finish is sweet and broad, with moderate, ripe tannins and long length.
"Made with fruit from Cannubi Boschis, the Luciano Sandrone 2018 Barolo Aleste is plump and ripe, but this wine also shows a more delicate character that is its ace card. The aromas are filigreed and fine with dark fruit, spice and licorice. The effect is integrated, and the wine shows a lovely, softer personality to balance out this mildly concentrated expression." -MONICA LARNER
96
94
93
WWW.VINTUS.COM
EXCLUSIVE U.S. AGENT