{"title":"Jan 27: Todd Alexander","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"clos-lointain-the-spectra-grenache-languedoc-roussillon-france-2023","title":"Clos Lointain, 'The Spectra,' Grenache, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2023 (TOP FIND)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_3X25Q-8OlU?si=DIMwiNaUJmTOyClz\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWe carry almost every wine Todd Alexander makes - he is a GENIUS and you should try them all! Holocene - Black Square - Clos Lointain - even a Chateauneuf du Pape that blows minds!\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eClos Lointain (pronounced cloh lwan-tahn) translates to “Distant Enclosure” or “Faraway Vineyard.” It suggests a quiet, hidden place—tucked away from the noise of the world—where something special is grown with care. In wine terms, a “clos” is a walled vineyard, traditionally protected and set apart. “Lointain” evokes distance, mystery, and the sense of a far-off land you dream about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA remote, peaceful place where time slows down, nature speaks clearly, and you are connected to something both grounded and timeless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have spent almost 20 years in the wine industry, and for the past 10, we have been in the Pacific Northwest, where we have helped to create what have become some of the most renowned brands in the region, such as Force Majeure, WeatherEye, and Cimento.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow working on two continents, we focus on crafting terroir-driven wines that are delicious, fresh, complete, textural, and age-worthy, true reflections of place and time made through our own lens and perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe want our wines to be among the very best of their regions with each and every vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimultaneously working with various partners and projects to achieve shared visions, we have undertaken endeavors that are 100% our own. These include brands like Holocene, Beatus, The Black Square, and now, Clos Lointain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA chance encounter in 2022 lead us down a path of ultimately acquiring two amazing 60 to 80-year-old vineyards in the Roussillon region of southeastern France, not far from Spain, nestled along the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. These old vines are grown on hillsides in schist and slate soils, dry farmed and farmed organically. Varietals we grow include Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, Carignan, and Macabeo. Our partners in the region are Jean-Roger and Marie Calvet of the stalwart winery Thunevin-Calvet in the village of Maury.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClos Lointain would not be possible without their help in the vineyards and winery. They are part of the Clos Lointain family, and we are indebted to them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe began making wine with the 2023 vintage and look forward to our first release in August 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTodd and Carrie Alexander\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape\/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e95% Grenache, 5% Grenache Gris\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eLanguedoc-Roussillon, France\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIn the glass, it’s electric yet composed—aromas of wild strawberry, redcurrant, and blood orange lift from the glass, followed by subtle hints of white pepper, dried thyme, and crushed rock. The small addition of Grenache Gris adds aromatic lift and tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe palate is focused, with precise acidity, supple tannins, and a lingering mineral note that echoes the stony soils from which it comes. There’s nothing heavy or overworked—just clarity, freshness, and pure vineyard expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfined, unfiltered, and made with minimal intervention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Owen Bargreen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe fabulous 2023 Clos Lointain ‘The Spectra’ Grenache comes from their La Coumo Estate Vineyard, where 70–90-year-old vines that are set on fractured black schist in the Catalan hills. This was all de-stemmed and come from a north facing slope, with 5% Grenache Gris blended in. Ultra-pure red fruits combine with shades of Mandarin orange rind, garrigue and suggestions of scorched earth. The palate is powerful and intense with serious tension, weight and texture. This is loaded with mouth-watering acidity. Full-bodied, heady and intense, this is a totally stunning wine that will rival any top CDP. Drink 2025-2039\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holocene","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51772809576753,"sku":null,"price":72.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Clos_Lointain_The_Spectra_Grenache_Languedoc-Roussillon_France_2023_92384a5e-6c9f-45e1-ae7e-cfe9351e9fb0.jpg?v=1775410666"},{"product_id":"clos-lointain-meditations-white-blend-languedoc-roussillon-france-2023","title":"Clos Lointain, 'Méditations,' White Blend, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_3X25Q-8OlU?si=DIMwiNaUJmTOyClz\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWe carry almost every wine Todd Alexander makes - he is a GENIUS and you should try them all! Holocene - Black Square - Clos Lointain - even a Chateauneuf du Pape that blows minds!\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eClos Lointain (pronounced cloh lwan-tahn) translates to “Distant Enclosure” or “Faraway Vineyard.” It suggests a quiet, hidden place—tucked away from the noise of the world—where something special is grown with care. In wine terms, a “clos” is a walled vineyard, traditionally protected and set apart. “Lointain” evokes distance, mystery, and the sense of a far-off land you dream about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA remote, peaceful place where time slows down, nature speaks clearly, and you are connected to something both grounded and timeless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have spent almost 20 years in the wine industry, and for the past 10, we have been in the Pacific Northwest, where we have helped to create what have become some of the most renowned brands in the region, such as Force Majeure, WeatherEye, and Cimento.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow working on two continents, we focus on crafting terroir-driven wines that are delicious, fresh, complete, textural, and age-worthy, true reflections of place and time made through our own lens and perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe want our wines to be among the very best of their regions with each and every vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimultaneously working with various partners and projects to achieve shared visions, we have undertaken endeavors that are 100% our own. These include brands like Holocene, Beatus, The Black Square, and now, Clos Lointain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA chance encounter in 2022 lead us down a path of ultimately acquiring two amazing 60 to 80-year-old vineyards in the Roussillon region of southeastern France, not far from Spain, nestled along the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. These old vines are grown on hillsides in schist and slate soils, dry farmed and farmed organically. Varietals we grow include Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, Carignan, and Macabeo. Our partners in the region are Jean-Roger and Marie Calvet of the stalwart winery Thunevin-Calvet in the village of Maury.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClos Lointain would not be possible without their help in the vineyards and winery. They are part of the Clos Lointain family, and we are indebted to them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe began making wine with the 2023 vintage and look forward to our first release in August 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTodd and Carrie Alexander\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape\/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e68% Grenache Gris, 32% Macabeo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eLanguedoc-Roussillon, France\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe nose is clean and quietly expressive, with notes of pear skin, lemon pith, almond, and faint herbal tones. On the palate, the wine is structured and mineral-driven, with fine phenolics and a savory, slightly saline finish. Grenache Gris provides depth and weight, while Macabeo adds lift and acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermented with native yeasts and bottled unfined and unfiltered, this is a restrained, site-driven white built for food and for aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Owen Bargreen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2023 ‘Meditations’ is a stunning new white wine made from Grenache Gris and Macabeo grapes sourced from the La Coumo Estate Vineyard in the Catalan foothills. This shows incredibly complex aromatics with banana and salted peach alongside toasted hazelnuts and shades of pie crust on the nose. The palate is elegant and refined with serious tension and weight alongside salty nuances. Drink 2025-2035\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holocene","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51772858990897,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Clos_Lointain_Meditations_White_Blend_Languedoc-Roussillon_France_2023.jpg?v=1756418855"},{"product_id":"holocene-pyxis-chardonnay-willamette-valley-oregon-2024","title":"Holocene, Pyxis, Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_3X25Q-8OlU?si=DIMwiNaUJmTOyClz\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Holocene Epoch began about 11,700 years ago, bringing a warm, stable climate after the last Ice Age. The stability allowed humans to start farming – and eventually, grow grapes and make wine. Our Mission is to craft terroir-driven wines that are delicious, fresh, complete, textural, age-worthy, and true reflections of place and time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe value the connections that wine has provided us along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are a small, family-owned wine brand with two generations at the helm. We source from dry-farmed vineyards using organic practices, and where sites possess a unique terroir. And while Holocene is focused on the varied soil types of the Willamette Valley, we also make wine in a few regions in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTodd Alexander\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Chardonnay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2024 Pyxis Chardonnay is an elemental and unadorned expression of site and variety. Fermented with native yeast and aged for nine months in terracotta and sandstone amphora, it saw no oak, no SO₂ additions at crush or post-malo, and was left untopped for six months to encourage a veil of flor yeast. The result is a wine of quiet intensity—textural, saline, and slightly oxidative—with layers of orchard fruit, crushed stone, and savory complexity. Just 96 cases produced.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Owen Bargreen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep, concentrated and heady, the 2024 ‘Pyxis’ Chardonnay was sourced from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA and then stored in neutral French oak before bottling. Rich melon fruits mingle well with sweet peaches, wet stone and shades of lemon rind on the palate. Deep and rich with serious texture and underlying tension, showing salty nuances, this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2025-2037\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holocene","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51772892873009,"sku":null,"price":78.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Holocene_Pyxis_Chardonnay_Eola-Amity_Hills_Willamette_Valley_Oregon_2024.jpg?v=1756213489"},{"product_id":"holocene-codex-pinot-noir-willamette-valley-oregon-2023","title":"Holocene, Codex, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_3X25Q-8OlU?si=DIMwiNaUJmTOyClz\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Holocene Epoch began about 11,700 years ago, bringing a warm, stable climate after the last Ice Age. The stability allowed humans to start farming – and eventually, grow grapes and make wine. Our Mission is to craft terroir-driven wines that are delicious, fresh, complete, textural, age-worthy, and true reflections of place and time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe value the connections that wine has provided us along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are a small, family-owned wine brand with two generations at the helm. We source from dry-farmed vineyards using organic practices, and where sites possess a unique terroir. And while Holocene is focused on the varied soil types of the Willamette Valley, we also make wine in a few regions in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTodd Alexander\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Pinot Noir\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWillamette Valley, Oregon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2023 Codex Pinot Noir is a transparent reflection of the Willamette Valley, as it is blended from multiple sites from within the AVA. Fermented entirely with whole clusters and native yeast, the wine developed over a long maceration using gentle extraction techniques to preserve elegance and aromatic complexity. Aged for 19 months in 20% new French oak, it offers a refined balance of red fruit, savory depth, and fine tannins. With 274 cases produced, Codex is a considered and expressive interpretation of the vintage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Owen Bargreen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2023 ‘Codex’ was stored in a small amount of new French oak (20%) before bottling. For 50 bucks USD, this is an incredible Oregon Pinot Noir. Silky and rich throughout the drinking experience, this exudes class with its core of Bing cherry, guava puree, cranberry and salty minerals, alongside Mandarin orange zest. This beautiful wine is already nicely evolved  and will cellar well for at least another ten years to coe. Drink 2025-2035\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51772946252081,"sku":null,"price":58.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Holocene_Codex_Pinot_Noir_Willamette_Valley_Oregon_2023.jpg?v=1756213685"},{"product_id":"beatus-chateauneuf-du-pape-rhone-france-2023","title":"Beatus, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBEATUS began with a dream and a friendship. Our dream was to make wine in Châteauneuf du Pape, one of the first regions to inspire the desire to pursue winemaking in general, and of working with Grenache in particular.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe developed a long-standing friendship with Anne-Charlotte Melia-Bachas, Proprietor of Chateau de la Font du Loup, who approached us with the idea to craft a wine together several years ago. After some discussions, touring the estate and working out some details, BEATUS was born.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main vineyard parcel selected for this wine is a single plot of 80-year old Grenache at the top of La Crau in Châteauneuf du Pape, the highest location in the AOC. It sits on a north-facing slope that helps guard against the sometimes intense summer heat that can affect the surrounding areas. This plot is called “Le Poteau” and has been generously granted to us by Anne-Charlotte as the core of this wine, with supplementation of Syrah and Mourvèdre from surrounding parcels also grown on the Chateau de la Font du Loup estate, to round out the blend. In 2023, we added an additional plot of land, called “Le Puy Rolland” – 100 year old Grenache on the southwest side of the estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winemaking is directed by myself and carried out by Anne-Charlotte, Stéphane Dupuy d’Angeac and their team. It is our hope to bring you one of the finest expressions of the elegant side of Grenache from this special region with each and every vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYields from this block are tiny due to the age of the vines and dry-farming. Therefore only up to 200 cases of Beatus will be produced each year, depending on the conditions of the vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTodd Alexander and Anne Charlotte Melia-Bachas\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eGrenache - old vines with small amounts of \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eSyrah and Mourvèdre\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eRhône, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A classic nose of red and black berry fruits, Provençal garrigue, spice box, and loamy earth. This medium to full-bodied beauty has wonderful complexity, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Ian Blackburn \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (AKA TEETH)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"white-space-pre\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e14.5 + 24.5 + 24.5 plus 34.5 = 98 points\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"white-space-pre\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis 2023 is a wonder! This is why we love wine! It’s plump, plush, exciting but balanced and refined. Only a great winemaker can explore inside and outside the normal lines. A killer bottle of Chateauneuf from a new name in the south of France, Todd Alexander.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTodd’s winemaking style has been defined from his travels in Napa, Washington, Oregon, and now Maury and Rhone. This wine provides an elite experience with a provocative nose of wild strawberry and plum compote and a sexy mouthfeel that is voluminous but nothing strays too far from a core of red and black fruit skins - but one does want to sit and study the nose. It is almost too daft to drink - flowers? spices? herb garden? In time, the primary fruits may diminish (although they are stacked to the sky) and reveal even more complexity, spice, and pepper. I suspect it will in 5-10 years. This is so elevated and bespoke! I want everyone to try it and tell me what you think. I think it's the Goldilocks of CNDP - not too big, not too quiet, not too ripe, not too restrained. It pushes into plush pockets and yet has the zeal to fill in all the spaces in-between! The focus on old vine Grenache is not lost but elevated. In a word: “fascinating”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling (2020 Vintage)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePlummy, supremely drinkable and seductive Chateauneuf with a full body and silky layers. Very soft and supple tannins give a gentle direction to the juicy plum and berry fruit. Clove and nutmeg notes persist. Fresh and irresistible finish. Grenache from 80-year-old vines co-fermented with 8% clairette, blended with about 10% each of mourvedre and syrah. Drink or hold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck (2020 Vintage)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is mostly very old vine Grenache (there are small amounts of Syrah and Mourvedre) from the sandy soils of the Le Poteau parcel in the Font du Loup lieu-dit. It saw a touch of whole clusters in the ferments and, I suspect, was brought up in neutral vessels. It’s as seamless as they come, offering a classic nose of red and black berry fruits, Provençal garrigue, spice box, and loamy earth. This medium to full-bodied beauty has wonderful complexity, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. While it's already drinking great today, it should easily evolve for 10-15 years. It's a seriously good bottle of Châteauneuf du Pape!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51900894118193,"sku":null,"price":133.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Beatus_Chateauneuf-du-Pape_Rhone_France_2023_Todd_Anderson_Chateau_de_la_Font_du_Loup.jpg?v=1759870345"},{"product_id":"holocene-the-black-square-cabernet-sauvignon-wallawalla-valley-oregon-2023","title":"The Black Square, Cabernet Sauvignon, The Rocks District, Milton-Freewater, Oregon, 2022 (Holocene - Todd Alexander)","description":"\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_3X25Q-8OlU?si=DIMwiNaUJmTOyClz\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e#5 - TOP 100 - Wine Enthusiast \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Holocene Epoch began about 11,700 years ago, bringing a warm, stable climate after the last Ice Age. The stability allowed humans to start farming – and eventually, grow grapes and make wine. Our Mission is to craft terroir-driven wines that are delicious, fresh, complete, textural, age-worthy, and true reflections of place and time.\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe value the connections that wine has provided us along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are a small, family-owned wine brand with two generations at the helm. We source from dry-farmed vineyards using organic practices, and where sites possess a unique terroir. And while Holocene is focused on the varied soil types of the Willamette Valley, we also make wine in a few regions in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTodd Alexander\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Rocks District, Milton-Freewater, Oregon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Black Square embodies elegance and grace framed by great structure, supple texture, and acidity to ensure longevity. It shows ample fruit with complex savory notes. This is not a heavy wine that is monolithic and dull—there are already plenty of those available. This wine offers a unique expression of Cabernet; it may be the most delicious wine Todd Alexander has ever crafted, venturing into new territory for Rocks District Cabernet Sauvignon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Wine Enthusiast - #5 on Wine Enthusiast's Top 100!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAs black as squid ink, The Black Square is balance personified. A concentrated blackberry aroma seems as dark as the wine's name, with equally dark espresso, olive and charred steak notes joining it in the abyss. A dark plum and ripe boysenberry flavor combo is accompanied by traces of salty Mission olives, wet slate and silky smooth tannins. The one bright feature illuminating the way is the wine's amped-up acidity. None so black. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51933928325425,"sku":null,"price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Holocene_The_Black_Square_Cabernet_Sauvignon_Willamette_Valley_Oregon_2023.jpg?v=1760444715"}],"url":"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/collections\/jan-27-todd-alexander.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}