Premium Wine Selection
We have put together a premium wine selection of some of the most famous estates from around the world, our quantities are very limited but will make a perfect addition to any collection. We have picked some of the highlights for this post.
2017 Masettino, Masseto, Tuscany, Italy
Grapes: 92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc
2017 marks the first vintage of Masettino, the second wine of Masseto. Unlike Masseto, Masettino has some Cabernet Franc in the blend.
“This wine is more playful and ultimately more fruit-driven, with less fruit weight. The Merlot comes from the same blue clay soils that distinguish Masseto, and the wine sees a less intensive oak regimen. You sense this in the freshness of the aromas, the elegant weightless quality of the mouthfeel and the softer tannins. Both steel and oak fermenters are used for brief skin maceration before going into barrique for 15 months, followed by an additional nine months in bottle. In all honesty, I would gladly go with Massetino over Masseto if I devilishly intended to drink the whole bottle. While Masseto can sometimes be too much, Massetino is just right. Welcome to a beautiful new world, young Mr. Massetino.” (Monica Larner)
95+/100 Robert Parker
2011 Masseto, Tuscany, Italy
“From Italy’s most celebrated 7-hectare plot of Merlot, the 2011 Masseto is a wine of grand and lofty ambitions that happily materialize in the glass. This wine delivers on all the many promises it makes. First is the exceptional quality of the bouquet with seamless integration of dark fruit to spice, to chocolate, to Mediterranean herb. The aromas are presented in kaleidoscope effect so that many bright colors blend into one. Second, is the mouthfeel that is as supple, rich and persistent as you should expect of a wine of this pedigree. Lastly, is the wine’s aging potential that is already evident in terms of the integrated acidity and the richness of the tannins. In fact, the tannins are absolutely gorgeous here: They are silky, refined and delightful. It’s not the greatest Masseto ever made, but it performs beautifully nonetheless.” (Monica Larner)
95/100 Robert Parker
2002 Krug Clos du Mesnil, Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru, Champagne, France
“The 2002 reveals a great mineral structure and chalky texture on the palate. The highly complex, energetic finish reveals bracing freshness and vitality as well as the charm and creaminess from the vinification in barrels and possibly the dosage wine that seems to boost the Krug style. While terroir wine is the result of hands-off winemaking, Krug’s Clos du Mesnil is perhaps a very particular Krug Champagne—it has great quality, style and complexity that is the result of the winemaking and the addition of the dosage wine.” (Stephan Reinhardt)
98+/100 Robert Parker
2004 Soldera Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Tuscany, Italy
“The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is another epic wine. It is remarkably textured and vivid for a young Soldera, with endless layers of fruit. The wine literally explodes on the palate with sweet hard candy, expressive red fruits, licorice, tobacco and mint. Everything is held wonderfully in place by the silkiest of tannins. From start to finish this is a towering effort. The 2004 Riserva is so beautiful it can be enjoyed with no guilt whatsoever today. Readers should note there are three lots of the Riserva in 2004. This is Lot F77, which is made from Intistieti, the vineyard that has yielded virtually all of Soldera’s most legendary bottles.” (Antonio Galloni)
97+/100 Robert Parker
2008 Dal Forno Romano Amarone della Valpolicella ‘Monte Lodoletta’, Veneto, Italy
“The 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta marks a return to a slightly cooler vintage with a longer growing season slowed down during the summer’s moderate temperatures. Indeed, harvest was wrapped up during the first days of November. The blend is mostly Corvina, at about 60%, with smaller parts Corvinone, Rondinella, Croatina and Oseleta. The new Dal Forno winery was finished in 2008, complete with the unique vacuum-sealed fermentation tasks that help to avoid any intrusive oxygen during winemaking. Indeed, this wine is balanced and elegant with fruit that is still crunchy and very much alive. The tannins are firm and nicely integrated into the wine’s thick, fleshy consistency. This vintage is characterized by a very elegant and graceful approach, which must be taken into context given the enormity of a wine of this caliber. Happily, there is no doubt that this vintage should still evolve steadily over time.” (Monica Larner)
96/100 Robert Parker
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if any of these wines pique your interest.