2014 Hundred Acre Cabernet Sauvignon “Wraith”
WRAITH is a trinity of Hundred Acre’s three single vineyard wines. It is a selection of barrels set aside in the cellar from those waiting to be blended someday into the single vineyard wines from Kayli Morgan, ARK or Few and Far Between. All very different and incredibly unique. The WRAITH shows all the beauty and personality of each individual vineyard and how they come together to develop even greater complexity.
WRAITH is all about the chance to experience the three incredible creatures (the Hundred Acre single vineyards) working together in symphony and perfect harmony to tell you about the 2013 vintage in all of its glory. In all of our vineyards, we pick only when the fruit is perfectly ripe; this doesn’t always happen at once. It is common for us to make multiple passes through the vineyard, picking different clusters from the same vines as they reach perfect maturity. This attention to detail is critical to making a wine the caliber of Hundred Acre.
“Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith opens with compelling crème de cassis, wild blueberries, anise, chocolate mint and black earth scents plus suggestions of candied violets, cinnamon stick, tar, cigar box and smoked meats. Full-bodied, rich, super firm and built like a brick house, the palate offers layer upon layer of very tightly wound, subtly nuanced flavors leading to a very long, very perfumed and minerally finish. If any Hundred Acre wine can live for 100 years, this is certainly a contender.” – 100 Points, Wine Advocate
2008 La Grande Année
La Grande Année: The Great Year. This Champagne is the embodiment of everything that makes Bollinger the producer that stands apart in Champagne. La Grande Année symbolizes the word “hand-crafted” so strongly that an overused word suddenly becomes the appropriate definition. In 1976, it became Grande Année; then, in 1997, “La” Grande Année, a name simple enough to illustrate its exceptional status, cemented on the silver screen two years later, in James Bond’s Casino Royale.
The fruit, 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay, is sourced from 18 different Crus: 84% from Grand Crus and 16% from Premier Crus. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation take place entirely in small old oak barrels (average 20 years old), maintained in Bollinger’s cooperage. The wine is Cellar aged for more than twice the time required by the appellation. The Second fermentation takes place for more than 9 years on the lees in bottles with natural corks. Riddling and disgorging are performed entirely by hand. Dosage is 8g/l.
The year was characterized by cool and contrasting weather conditions. Short periods of warm, dry weather alternated with cooler months throughout the entire growth cycle of the vine. Flowering occurred around mid-June. After a cloudy month of August, ideal conditions gradually set in during September to perfect a slow and harmonious maturation of the grapes. The beautiful dry and cool weather continued during the harvest and contributed to the impeccable sanitary state of the grapes.
La Grande Année 2008 is from one of the most anticipated vintages since the start of the 21st century. The exceptional 2008 harvest resulted in a wine of infinite depth, concentration and freshness. It expresses its distinctiveness in this deep, complex and harmonious wine. The clear wines were very promising: the Chardonnays were pure and straight and the Pinot Noirs rich and expressive. These two grape varieties complement each other to give a blend with a rare balance. It has great aging potential.
2014 “La Côte aux Enfants”, Coteaux Champenois
A stunning and extremely rare still red wine produced only in the greatest vintages. This wine harmoniously combines 100% Pinot Noir Grand Cru fruit from an exceptional vineyard with traditional Burgundian style winemaking. Champagne country originally owed its fame to its still red wines. Favorites of King Henri IV, the Pinot Noirs from the town of Aÿ were the most popular wines of the French court. La Côte aux Enfants comes from a steep plot just outside Aÿ. Jacques Bollinger himself reconstituted it patiently, at the beginning of the 20th century, from over 50 differently owned plots! Today, Bollinger owns four adjacent hectares of the legendary plot. Since 2012, all vines grown there are organically farmed. La Côte aux Enfants 2013 is a still wine destined to connoisseurs looking for Champagne appellation specialties. This wine is surprisingly concentrated and powerful. 100% Pinot Noir Grand cru from Aÿ aged for eight months in small oak barrels. A beautiful garnet color with aromas of elderberry, licorice, redcurrant and cherry; peppery notes. On the palate the wine exhibits a good tannic structure and an aromatic balance oriented toward red berries; aromas of blackberries, morello cherries and redcurrants. The 2014 vintage of this single vineyard expression shows great aging potential. A dry September protected the crop from a cooler, wet August. The harvest yielded fruit with rich, concentrated flavors and structure.
2007 “Vieilles Vignes Françaises”, Blanc de Noirs, Brut Nature
The Vieilles Vignes Françaises cuvée carries nothing less than the memory of the Champagne vineyard. Destroyed at the dawn of the 20th century by the infamous phylloxera vastatrix, all the Champagne region’s vines had to be replanted with American rootstocks that were resistant to the destructive insect. All of them? Not quite... In Aÿ, two Bollinger plots classified Grand cru, the “Chaudes Terres” and “Clos St Jacques”, were miraculously spared by the phylloxera. From these vines cultivated using traditional methods, planted “en foule” (without any visible order) according to the provignage method, and worked by hand, is crafted the Vieilles Vignes Françaises cuvée: a Blanc de Noirs matured in the cellar for at least five years, with a cork stopper and then disgorged by hand. Vieilles Vignes Françaises is a confidential production of a few thousand bottles, an exceptional and extremely rare wine, with a memory of bygone days; a symbol, an extraordinary, evocative and moving legacy. At Bollinger, only very high quality harvests become a vintage. The 2007 season was an exceptional one, revealing a very refreshing Champagne that brings out the full impact of the fruit. The parcels of Vieilles Vignes Françaises were harvested on August 31.
2017 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
A microclimate that began a mere 20 million years ago, is nothing short of a miracle. Tectonic plate movements over the years caused mountains to rise out of the ocean, break off the plate and rotate clockwise creating one of the most defined transverse ranges on the Pacific Coast. Remnants of marine sediment deposited during the Miocene Epoch is the base of the soil found here with the added element of elevated calcium. But what makes this area truly unique is the purely East/West maritime mouth that funnels cooling coastal fog and wind to the vines. One of the smaller AVAs in California, Sta. Rita Hills is one of the world’s best cool-climate growing regions of Pinot Noir.
2017 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
The Sonoma Coast appellation overlaps with that of the Russian River Valley in many places and is similarly shaped by the ocean. Local geology can be complex here, a direct result of being located on the intersection of two tectonic plates. For this wine, we find ourselves drawn to vineyards that are particularly influenced by the Pacific Ocean and are fortunate to work with some spectacular sites. They work together to form a singular wine that is distinctively Sonoma Coast.
2017 Chardonnay “One Sixteen”, Russian River Valley
The marine influence that follows the Russian River inland from the Pacific coast is a powerful attribute of this region. The fog helps keep nights cool and offers vines a break from daytime temperatures. The famous Chardonnay vineyards that we work with for this wine are from the coolest parts of the Russian River Valley. Here, fruit is allowed to mature gracefully on the vine, which we find offers us more intensely focused flavors and generous natural acidity.
2017 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
There are many differences between vineyards in this small appellation but the majority of them do share a common influence – the cooling effect that follows the Russian River inland from the Pacific coast. We work with vineyards that span a diverse and varied view into a region that many would call the heartland of California Pinot Noir. Our goal is to create a wine that showcases the essence of this magical appellation.
2016 Chardonnay “La Pommeraie”, Russian River Valley
This spectacular vineyard sits along Laguna Ridge at the edge of the Green Valley AVA. Meticulously farmed and planted at a very high density of 2420 vines per acre, the vineyard is planted to Dijon clone 548 and 95. Once a spectacular apple orchard we pay homage to the Martinelli Family and the history of the site by naming the wine ‘La Pommeraie’ – French for apple orchard. Vivid aromas of citrus blossom, pineapple and green papaya. The vibrancy of aromas is matched by its opulent texture and layered flavors of candied orange rind and crème brûlée followed by a mineral laden finish. Indigenous yeast fermentation in French oak barrels and extended aging of 16 months on lees drives this wine’s exceptional complexity.
304 cases produced.
2017 Chardonnay “3 Sisters Vineyard”, Russian River Valley
This Chardonnay comes from two selected blocks within one vineyard, on the third coastal ridge from the ocean, near the town of Seaview. The low-fertility soils and the cool temperature near the Pacific Ocean produce a distinctive Chardonnay. This bottling comes from two blocks within the vineyard both planted to Chardonnay clone Dijon 76, 95 and 96. Harvested at night, the fruit was rigorously hand sorted prior to whole cluster pressing and barrel fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Maybe the most Burgundian Chardonnay in our portfolio, this seductive wine displays explosive aromas of Kaffir lime, citrus blossom with underlying mineral notes. On the palate, the wine displays tension between bright acidity and cool-climate structure framed with flavors of ripe apple and lemon custard. This wine is delightfully elegant upon release but will continue to gain complexity with bottle age for 4 to 6 years. 228 cases produced.
2016 Pinot Noir “Martaella Vineyard”, Russian River Valley
This is now the third release of this spectacular single-vineyard Pinot Noir from our estatevineyard at the winery that is named in honor of the mothers of Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane. Only Heirloom Pinot Noir clones from were chosen for this intense but delicate Pinot Noir. The grapes are harvested at night and the fruit was rigorously hand sorted prior to partial destemming and then berry selected before open top fermentation. With ideal fruit and stem maturity, we decided for the second year to ferment several clones with ~28% whole cluster for this vintage. Deep ruby in color. Vibrant raspberry, Santa Rosa plum and baking spice aromas bound from the glass. A juicy mouthfeel is supported by Bing cherry and pomegranate, developing across the mid-palate to fine grain tannins on the finish. An intriguing blend of power and restraint this Pinot Noir is both savory and succulent. 449 Cases Produced.
2016 Pinot Noir “Tilton Hill”, Sonoma Coast
This single vineyard Pinot Noir comes from our coldest estate vineyard, which is perched on a ridge top near the town of Freestone, located just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean in the Sonoma Coast AVA. We have planted both heirloom and Dijon clones of Pinot Noir that produce very small clusters to encourage early ripening. The grapes are harvested at night and then rigorously hand sorted prior to destemming into open top fermenters. Intense violet in color, this alluring and hedonistic wine has amazing extract and purity of fruit focus. Vibrant aromas of vine ripened boysenberry and raspberry soufflé harmonize with East-Indian spice and notes of forest floor. Heady aromas lead to equally vibrant flavors of dark plum, Queen Anne cherry and white pepper. On the palate, juicy red fruits compliment the velvet texture and spicy finish.
300 Cases Produced.
2016 Pinot Noir “La Pommeraie”, Russian River Valley
From the same vineyard along Laguna Ridge at the edge of the Green Valley AVA. Meticulously farmed and planted at a very high density of 2420 vines per acre, the vineyard is planted to Dijon clone 548 and 95. Once a spectacular apple orchard we pay homage to the Martinelli Family and the history of the site by naming the wine ‘La Pommeraie’ – French for apple orchard. An extraordinary single vineyard Pinot Noir, this wine gives an immediate impression of depth and concentration in the glass, with remarkably explosive aromas of dark plum, black cherry and boysenberry. The palate is rich in texture, yet light on its feet, with fine-polished tannins and an exceptionally balanced acidity. Judicious use of whole clusters in the fermentation gives the wine a broad and satisfying mouthfeel. 392 Cases Produced.
2016 Pinot Noir “Cohn Vineyard”, Sonoma County
Planted in 1970, this spectacular Pinot Noir Vineyard would be considered old by California standards. Planted to a massale selection of Pinot Noirs (likely Martini 13 and Pommard) our vineyard outdates most other plantings in the Russian River Valley by 20+ years. Farmed organically and with minimal irrigation, these gnarled vines to produce small and compact clusters with yields of just over 1 ton per acre. Harvested at night, the fruit was rigorously hand sorted prior to destemming and then berry selected before open top fermentation. This flagship wine from our oldest estate vineyard produced a painfully low yield of just over one ton per acre. A medium ruby color is followed by gorgeously intense aromas of meadow herbs, Rainier cherries, and intense mineral notes. Year after year this site has the hallmark of an ethereally-floral aromatic quality, with sensual texture and an impressive length. We have been very impressed with this vintage from Cohn and look forward to how it will age for years to come. 283 Cases Produced.
2018 Sancerre, Chavignol
The vines have a southeasterly exposure and are planted on slopes that get a great deal of sunshine. Thanks to a diversity of soils types, principally flint (50%) and limestone (50%) and a strict blending of wines from 28 plots, we have brought finesse, aromatic complexity and minerality to this wine. This wine is composed of vines with an average age of 35 years. The consistent high quality of our Sancerre is remarkable and unique in its style. The wine is pale gold with green hints. Very expressive, intense and complex nose with boxwood, rhubarb, blackcurrant, kiwi fragrances and a light vegetal touch (marigold). The entry is soft and round. Bright freshness on the palate, delicate and lively purity. Well balanced and harmonious, it ends with a clean lingering finish.
2018 Sancerre Rosé, Chavignol
Domaine Delaporte's rosé wine is made from pinot noir grapes that grow on vines at least fifteen years old. Sixty per cent are planted in argilo-siliceous soil and the rest in limestone soil. These vines are worked according to sustainable agricultural methods, in order to show maximum respect for the ecosystem and the environment. Sparkly redcurrant tones give pause for admiring this wine in the glass. Fruit-packed, it exhibits the best characteristics of a young Sancerre rosé, with raspberry and wild peach aromas. Full and round in the mouth, it opens up gradually, with a fresh liveliness being tempered by a hint of tannins. It finishes on fruity notes (blackcurrant, raspberry) with a long, pretty aftertaste of citru
2017 Sancerre Rouge, Chavignol
Our red wine at Delaporte is crafted from pinot noir vines which range in age from twenty-one to forty years. Seventy per cent of these vines are planted in argilo-siliceous (clay and sandy-flint) soil. The remaining 30 per cent of the vines are planted in limestone soil. These vines are cultivated in sustainable manner, which shows maximum respect for the ecosystem and the environment. The beautiful deep ruby-violet colors of this pinot noir wine give way to aromas of very ripe red fruits (cherry, blackberry and raspberry). The nose is intense and well-integrated, with aromas of cooked red fruits and roasted coffee beans. There are also hints of graphite and cinnamon. Very round and smooth on the attack, with tight tannins on the palate. In the mouth come aromas of smoke and prune.
2017 Sancerre Rouge “Silex”
Forty-year-old vines, planted in 100 per cent flinty soil, they are cultivated sustainably, following traditional methods, in order to give maximum respect to the environment. These soils retard the maturation of the grapes, which allows for a later harvest and healthier grapes. This soil allows us to make a wine that has remarkable keeping potential. Balance and refinement are the underpinnings of the Cuvée Maxime. This is another Delaporte vin de prestige, crafted according to tradition. A beautiful ruby-crimson color with reflections of black cherry. The aromatics in are intense, with roasted, grilled and toasted notes dominating. On the attack, the wine is clean, with a roundness giving a delicious unctuousness. This is followed by the tannins, already soft and silky throughout. The Cuvée Maxime Rouge is a full-bodied red Sancerre vin de prestige with character. Its finish shows classic notes of maturity (caramel, fruit compote).
2017 Sancerre “Silex”
This white wine comes from Sauvignon Blanc vines that are more than 50 years of age, planted in flint soil “Silex”. They are cultivated following traditional, sustainable methods so as to maximise respect for the ecosystem and the environment. These soils encourage a slower maturation of the grapes, which allows a later harvest and an improved resistance to disease. This soil produces a wine with remarkable potential for ageing. The Cuvée Silex is a very prestigious wine. Pale gold in color, the Silex Blanc is an elegant embodiment of sauvignon blanc characteristic of the Sancerre region, with a nose of little white flowers. In the mouth it is silky, round and delicate, with a pleasing richness and complexity on the back palate. It has a good balance between alcohol and acidity levels in the mouth, marked with mellow notes of wood (acacia, well-ripened exotic fruits, with minerals in the background). Balance and refinement are the underpinnings of the Silex.
2017 Sancerre “Les Monts Damnés”
The Monts Damnée Hill is a very uneven and sharp plot of Chavignol, facing south/southeast, with a Kimmeridgian marl soil. It is one of the most reputed slopes of the Sancerre appellation. The name of the plot, literally the “The Damned Mountain” evokes the difficulty encountered by winemakers working in its very steep incline. Pale yellow with white gold lights. Intense and complex nose with first balsamic notes (pine resin, beeswax, eucalyptus) and then floral aromas (acacia flowers, linden) with kiwi, citrus fruits and macaroon notes. The attack is clean, the palate is firm, crispy and brings a nice acidity. After meringue and citrus zests notes, it ends with white flowers and woody notes.
2016 Sancerre Rouge “Le Cul de Beaujeu”
Le Cul de Beaujeu is a clos of vines established by the monks of Beaujeu in the Middle Ages. This slope of exceptional Kimmeridgian marl terroir was the only vineyard in Sancerre to produce wine before the arrival of phylloxera vine disease. The Domaine is the only one producing Pinot Noir from the Cul de Beaujeu. Dark red with purple highlights. It expresses nice empyreumatic scents (toasted bread, cocoa, coffee) and delicate aromas of tapenade, blueberries, black cherries and pastry. A pleasant animal note also delights the nose. The texture is ample with silky tanins giving a velvety feeling in the mouth. The palate offers aromas and texture of the blueberry tart but also crème brulée and whisky notes. Long finish with crunchy red fruit overtones.
Estate Bottled Petite Sirah
The inaugural release of our Estate Bottled Petite Sirah has everything you would expect from this intensely flavored grape. Seductive, heady aromas of ripe plum, cardamom, earth and vanilla are followed by bold flavors of blackberry cobbler, cracked pepper and spice. Firm tannins are balanced by a broad dark berry finish that lingers on the palate. Pair this full-bodied, rugged wine with juicy lamb sliders, spicy sausages or baby back ribs.
Estate Bottled Petite Verdot
The inaugural release of our Matchbook Estate Bottled Petit Verdot showcases the advantage of the Dunnigan Hills appellation’s long growing season: the varietal characteristics of this Bordeaux grape develop fully when allowed to slowly ripen well into the fall. The beautiful dark garnet color leads to inviting aromas of clove and brown spices. Dense flavors of plum, violets and mocha are layered over tart cherry and blueberry. Strong tannins are tamed by an appealing fruit sweetness. Pair this full-flavored red with aged cheese, lamb shank or roasted pork loin.