Dalla Valle Vineyards Maya Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc
When it comes to points, this prestigious Napa Valley blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc is a centurion many times over. It’s the crown jewel in Dalla Valle’s shimmering portfolio, with quality and grace of an almost unrivalled pedigree. But that’s not even the best part. Maya’s Vineyard was planted to celebrate the birth of Gustav and Naoko Dalla Valle’s daughter in 1986. As fate would have it, Maya grew up to become one of America’s most promising young winemakers, continuing the remarkable legacy of her parent’s winery.
Clinet
Haut Bailly
Petit Mouton
Vérité La Muse
Vérité Le Désir
Ao Yun
Chateau Latour 1er cru classe
The formidable fortress depicted on the famed vanilla Latour label was built to withstand the Gironde pirate attacks of the 15th Century. And, truly, as well as the tower still stands, so does Latour and its consistent excellence regardless of vintage. Nominally Pauillac, this First Growth sits almost astride the border of St. Julien and its output as one would expect is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon with 10 per cent awarded to both Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Any experience with Latour is to be savoured with patience this notoriously slow-developing wine requires at least a decade or twos development. But the reward for this patience is a fulsome melange of power, finesse, depth and tone.
Chateau Ausone 1er grand cru classe
Though it has never been absolutely proven, Chateau Asone is rumoured to be the 4th century home of a Roman villa belonging to the classical poet Ausonius - and indeed, part of the estate does contain archaeological remains of a Roman villa. Needless to say, its a local estate of great pedigree and despite its incredibly lengthy history, it has only changed familial hands three times, culminating in the 17th century with the Dubois-Challon-Vauthier family, in whose descendents hands it remains today. Widely regarded among Bordeaux winemakers to be home to some of the best terroir in the region and that terroir, along with the skilled hand of Alain Vauthier, have made it one of the best producers of Bordeaux wine in the world. Renowned for its unique flavour and rich, full-bodied minerality, the 2016 has been lauded for its regal yet stunning and ethereal character, and widely regarded as one of THE wines of this years vintage.
Alter Ego de Palmer
Alter Ego is the second wine of Chateau Palmer and is widely considered one of the best value wines in Margaux. A fragrant and lush style, designed for earlier drinking, Alter Ego displays vibrant cassis fruit, supple tannins and a round plush mouth-feel. Maturation takes place in a 25-40% new French oak barriques for 18 months.