{"title":"October 22: Merlot and Cab Franc","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"charles-joguet-chinon-les-petites-roches-loire-france-2020","title":"Charles Joguet, Chinon “Les Petites Roches”, Loire, France, 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eA family property located in the heart of the Val de Vienne, the Charles Joguet estate extends over 30 ha planted with Cabernet Franc and 2 ha with Chenin Blanc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rte-setting section--rte overlap__rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA forerunner of the parcel-based approach in Chinon, from the end of the 1950s, the vineyards, spread out on both banks of the Vienne, express the rich diversity of terroirs that the Chinon appellation offers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the beginning of the 1980s, Charles Joguet worked to perpetuate the work he had done to build up the estate and decided to surround himself with men of complementary skills, to whom he could gradually hand over the key to the winery to devote himself once again to painting and sculpture.\u003cbr\u003eIn 1985, the Genet family joined forces with Charles and contributed their land in Beaumont-en-Véron (Silènes) as well as a small hectare of vines planted on the pretty hillside of\u003cbr\u003eMonplaisir (Clos Monplaisir) in Chinon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1997, Charles Joguet took his leave of the wine industry to devote himself entirely to his other work, his other unquenched passion: painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA family property, it is a team of 6 people that surrounds Jacques Genet, Kevin Fontaine (vineyard \u0026amp; wine) and Anne-Charlotte Genet (marketing) today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eKevin Fontaine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCabernet Franc\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eLoire, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe great classic of Chinon with rillettes, rillons, poultry or fresh goat's cheese. \u003cspan\u003eThe cuvée Les Petites Roches, with its predominantly clayey and moderately chalky slopes and plateaus, offers wines with red fruit aromas and a nice mineral structure, to be enjoyed within five years of the vintage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"w-full pt-4\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePretty nose with plums, black currants, blueberries and stones with smoked paprika undertones. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and fresh acidity. Precise and well-crafted with harmonious structure. Succulent with some sour cherries and red currant at the center and a flavorful, developing finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90 Points - Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrafted from vines planted on clay, calcareous soils, the 2020 Chinon Les Petites Roches possesses a delicate, fresh bouquet of violet, dark berries and spices. Medium-bodied, layered and elegant, with a juicy core of fruit, it’s long and lively. More structured than Silènes, it also has bright acids and a longer mid-palate, concluding with a mouthwatering, ethereal finish. A great effort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merchant of Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44291522560305,"sku":"","price":29.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Charles_Joguet_Chinon_Les_Petites_Roches_Loire_France_2020.jpg?v=1762530273"},{"product_id":"j-bookwalter-winery-notebook-red-columbia-valley-washington-nv","title":"J Bookwalter Winery, Notebook Red, Colombia Valley, Washington 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eNow a vintage wine - and we have the 2023.  A great value. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe story of J. Bookwalter Winery is a story of family heritage, deep roots and a centuries-old commitment to the land. Ten generations of the Bookwalter family have been involved in American agriculture. But it was Jerry Bookwalter, generation nine and father of current company president John Bookwalter, who led the family into viticulture. After graduating from UC-Davis in 1963, Jerry spent 13 years farming in California’s San Joaquin Valley before moving his family in 1976 to the Tri-Cities in Washington State.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce there, he firmly stamped the Bookwalter name on the state’s nascent wine industry. From 1976 through 1982, Jerry helped manage the plantings of three iconic vineyards – Sagemoor, Bacchus and Dionysus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCameron Parry\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e62% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Syrah, 4% Malbec, 1% Cab Franc, 1% Petit Verdot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eColombia Valley, Oregon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e2023 was a gorgeous vintage for Washington. It provided relative consistency, and balance throughout the year. With a later than usual bud break in late April, it was shaping out to be a cooler vintage similar to 2022. But temperatures kicked up in spring to close the gap and created a relatively advanced bloom in some of our vineyards at the end of May. We saw verasion kick in on around mid-July. Steady temps through Sept-Oct retained phenolic balance throughout the harvesting period.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 1\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003eTaste: Juicy ripe entry full of dark cherries, plums and black currants. Suave mid-palate with a spicy edge of clove and black pepper. Good balance of silky tannins, and moderate acid.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003eAromatics: Ripe dark cherry, dried plums, baking spices, dark chocolate tones, hints of graphite and cola.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003ePairing recommendation: Sunsets, campfires, and good conversations; great with barbecue as well, from saucy baby back ribs to crisp burnt ends.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90 Points - Wine Enthusiast (NV Variety)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere's a lovely sense of purity to the blue fruit aromas of this wine, which are accented by notes of herb, whole green pepper, coffee and cherry. The palate delivering more of the same, with a coffee note linger on the finish. There's a whole lot of quality and value to be had.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighly Recommended - Ian Blackburn Wine Buyer  \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDon't buy this thinking its a $100 dollar wine that we are selling for less than $15 ... buy it because its a really good producer and these are the \"leftovers\" - nicely blended and guess what - there probably is a $100+ bottle or two blended into this baby to make it sing.  I have carried this for several iterations... the wine is SOLID and for a daily drinker - it doesn't get much better than this.  90 Points - Absolutely... Maybe 91.5!!!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wanderlust","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44638015127857,"sku":"","price":15.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/J_Bookwalter_Winery_Notebook_Red_Colombia_Valley_Washington_Cabernet_Based.jpg?v=1762530953"},{"product_id":"robert-foley-vineyards-merlot-napa-valley-california-2018","title":"Robert Foley Vineyards, Merlot, Napa Valley, California, 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eRobert (Bob) Foley began his wine making career in the Napa Valley in 1977, having just graduated from UC Davis with degrees in both Viticulture and Enology. He spent his first year working for Heitz Cellars, followed by 15 years as the founding winemaker for Markham Vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003eIn 1992, Bob began another 15 years as the founding winemaker for Pride Mountain Vineyards. During this period, he also created the highly acclaimed Switchback Ridge, Hourglass, Paloma, and School House wines. He now focuses mostly on Robert Foley Vineyards wines, but also creates the offerings from Shelter, Padis Vineyards, Engel Family, Herson Family Vineyards, and JennaMarise in the Napa Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBob’s reputation for producing very expressive wines that finish gracefully continues to develop at his winery facility on Napa County’s Howell Mountain, where more than 1,500 barrels are housed in an extensive cave system (completed in 2008) for the production of Robert Foley wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eRobert (Bob) Foley\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Merlot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eNapa Valley, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is what a fine Merlot really should be! Aromas of black currant, cassis, and ripe cherry follow through in a sweet lush mid-palate. Dark fruit flavors and velvety tannin balance with bright natural acidity to provide a long finish with a suggestion of chocolaty mocha. Masculinity and spiciness from Howell Mountain marry perfectly with the round femininity of Calistoga fruit to create a perfect textural balance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2018 vintage Napa Valley Merlot draws on the intensity and structure of mountain-grown fruit coupled with the soft richness of lower elevation Merlot to provide a perfect texture. Ripe black fruit flavors coat the entire palate and linger in a long delicious finish. This is a merlot for true Merlot lovers!\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/teW8tSgIeU4?si=c0f7rCFKns6c9gjB\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49985389003057,"sku":null,"price":62.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/RobertFoleyVineyards_Merlot_NapaValley_California_2018.jpg?v=1726336057"},{"product_id":"chateau-les-carmes-haut-brion-pessac-leognan-bordeaux-france-2016","title":"Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France, 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePatrice Pichet acquired the Carmes estate in late 2010. This investment had a hint of challenge about it, of course, but it was also driven by a genuine passion for wine harbouring the highest ambitions. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section templates\/block\/image-left-text-right.twig\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"image-and-text-wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container image-and-text\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"block-content right\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"record-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore taking over the estate, Patrice Pichet was an admiring neighbour. For many years, he enjoyed regular walks on the adjacent land before meeting the Chantecaille family in the early 2000s. That is when he discovered Carmes and fell instantly under its spell. The idea of purchasing a vineyard was not a new one, but this time it seemed an obvious choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpert craftsmen Stéphane Derenoncourt and Guillaume Pouthier form a complementary duo on the estate, working together with the same passion devoted to enhancing the vineyard and giving Carmes its unique signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe new winery, designed by Philippe Starck and Luc Arsène-Henry, which opened in 2016, marked the start of a new era for the chateau. Combining art with state-of-the-art equipment, it embodies a new pursuit of excellence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eGuillaume Pouthier\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e41% Cabernet Franc, 39% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAmong the classic elegance of Pessac-Léognan, the Carmes top wine has carved out its own niche. Unprecedented proportions of Cabernet Franc offer a silky power which is then supported by the intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon. Within this structure, Merlot develops rounded and refined fruitiness: balance is the order of the day, ensuring a style that is complex and delicious in equal measures.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section templates\/block\/slider.twig\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"slider slick-initialized slick-slider\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"slick-list draggable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"slick-track\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2016 was a year of contrasts, starting with a mild and rainy winter followed by a spring which remained gloomy right up until late June. The growing cycle was delayed accordingly, but flowering occurred during a precious spell of dry weather which ensured that the fruit was plentiful and of consistent quality. Summer was exceptionally dry, with no rain on over 100 days throughout 2016, halting the growth of the vines in time for the grapes to mature perfectly. A welcome dose of rain in early September tempered this maturing process at just the right time, without sacrificing the concentration accrued over the hot, dry summer. Finally, a dry and mild start to the autumn gave us an exceptionally generous amount of room for manoeuvre when it came to selecting the right harvest dates. These conditions have combined to produce wines of rich colour and dazzling aromatic power, whose balance of tannins, acidity and smooth texture will make for both short-term pleasure and long-term joy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReaders looking for the next superstar in Bordeaux need to jump on the bandwagon of Les Carmes Haut-Brion, who have produced one of the wines of the vintage in 2016. The 2016 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion checks in as a blend of 41% Cabernet Franc, 39% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon that hit 13.8% natural alcohol and spent 22 months in 65% new French oak. Its deep purple color is followed by a complex bouquet of high-class smoke tobacco, decaying flowers, charcoal, gravelly minerality and loads of sweet black and blue fruit. Possessing full-bodied richness, flawless integration of its acidity, fruit, and ultra-fine tannins, and a blockbuster finish, this is another 2016 that possess both power and elegance. Do your best to hide bottles for 5-7 years and it will keep for 3-4 decades. Don’t miss it. Tasted twice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - The Wine Cellar Insider\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe initial blast of crushed rock, salty tannins and pure, deep, red fruits is all it takes to get hooked here. The nose, with its smoky, cigar box, flowers, leafy herbs, wet earth and sweet cherry notes might have started the show, but it is the intensity and purity in the fruit on the palate, with the 50 second finish that makes it all work. This is a star in the making! I am pointing this out because even though this vintage seems to have doubled in price since we initially raved about it, for a wine of this quality, it is well worth the price. 99 Points\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - James Suckling\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTerrific ripeness, depth and complexity on offer here. This has a very attractive array of bright, ripe blueberries and cassis with some leafy and earthy notes. The palate has a quite deep, long and vibrant array of perfectly ripe dark plums and blueberries. So good. Best vintage this decade. Try from 2023.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Vinous\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2016 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is consistent with previous bottles. It soars from the glass with those (to use a word I used last time) disarming array of blackberry, iris, and fig aromas, but displaying a little more blue fruit than I recall. The palate is very well balanced with a velvety texture, pure with just a hint of black pepper. Interestingly, the 65% whole bunches are barely noticeable, just a guiding hand that shapes the finish. Sapid yet tender, this is an outstanding Pessac-Léognan. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the Icons of Bordeaux dinner at Legacy Records in New York.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2016 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a blend of 41% Cabernet Franc, 39% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 65% new and 35% one-year-old oak for 22 months. This vintage represents one of the largest percentages of Cabernet Franc for this wine. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it gives notes of kirsch, black raspberries and black plums with touches of cassis, violets, chocolate box and pencil shavings. The palate is medium-bodied, firm, grainy and lively with loads of layers and a long, well-poised finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Duclot","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51010922709297,"sku":null,"price":299.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Chateau_Les_Carmes_Haut-Brion_Pessac-Leognan_Bordeaux_France_2016.jpg?v=1742740967"},{"product_id":"tenuta-sette-ponti-oreno-toscana-igt-italy-2022","title":"Tenuta Sette Ponti, Oreno, Toscana IGT, Italy, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe estate of Sette Ponti lies in the heart of the Chianti zone, fifteen miles northwest of the city of Arezzo just past the village of San Giustino Valdarno. The Via del Monte, known locally as the Via dei Sette Ponti, leads into a beautiful hidden valley and to the estate. The name Sette Ponti, or \"seven bridges,\" refers to the seven bridges crossing the Arno River on the road from Arezzo to Florence. Erected in the mid 13th century, it took nearly forty years to build, and is perceptible in the right far background of Leonardo DaVinci's Mona Lisa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTenuta Sette Ponti, is, like many Tuscan estates, multi-faceted. The 750-acre property supports livestock and mixed agriculture, and although viticulture is not new to the estate, winemaking is; the yield of the property's vineyards was until 1997 sold to various respected Tuscan wine producers, among them Piero Antinori. Dr. Moretti's enjoyment of wine led him to ask Antinori if the estate vineyards could produce great wines, and Antinori thought they could. The estate has since been transformed through the consultation of respected oenologist Carlo Ferrini and his assistant, Gioia Cresti; Gilbert Bouvet, one of France's most skilled viticulturalists; and agronomist Benedetto d'Anna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOreno, named after the river that runs through the property, is the flagship of Tenuta Sette Ponti. The soils that produce the fruit for Oreno are a blend of clay, sand and the stony galestro limestone that is special to Tuscany. Clusters are reduced to one or two per stalk in May to assure maximum quality when they are hand harvested in autumn. In the winery, grapes are hand sorted and destemmed. Fermentation occurs in a combination of temperature-controlled and lined, open-top tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation. Oreno is aged in French Allier barriques and in bottle before release.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAntonio Moretti Cuseri\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTuscany, Italy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis label was born in 1999 with the idea of creating an elegant Bordeaux blend with a Tuscan touch. Relying on renowned nurseryman Gilbert Bouvet, they graft adult vineyards with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, which are well adapted to the Tuscan terrain. The name comes from a stream, Oreno, that runs through the estate, right in the area richest in clay where precisely our Merlot plants grow. While in the soils with a greater presence of pebbles, which ensure perfect drainage and perform a self-regulating function of temperature and humidity, Cabernet Sauvignon finds its natural place. Perfectly complementing the blend is Petit Verdot, traditionally used as a carrier of spicy notes and flavor intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOreno conquers with its extreme intensity and olfactory complexity rich in fruity notes of ripe small red fruits and berry jam, fused with balsamic notes of eucalyptus, chocolate, cocoa and spices. The mouthfeel is enveloping, warm and soft, the elegant tannins and long, unforgettable persistence enhanced by a delicious savoriness. The body, finesse and harmony make it a wine of extraordinary potential. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\"\u003e99 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003eA vertiginous tight-rope walk between savory and sweet on the nose, from white tea leaf to tart blackberries to bing cherries to damp earth and gunpowder on the nose somersaults into ripe blackberries, black cherries, orange peel then sticks the landing with savory notes of black olives, a hint of grilled meat and mixed bitter herbs. I have always enjoyed Oreno but the introduction of the Cabernet Franc is cataclysmic. I can't wait to see where this goes. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\"\u003e98 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003eA vertiginous tight-rope walk between savory and sweet on the nose, from white tea leaf to tart blackberries to bing cherries to damp earth and gunpowder on the nose somersaults into ripe blackberries, black cherries, orange peel then sticks the landing with savory notes of black olives, a hint of grilled meat and mixed bitter herbs. I have always enjoyed Oreno but the introduction of the Cabernet Franc is cataclysmic. I can't wait to see where this goes. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\"\u003e97 Points - Falstaff\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003eRich, dark ruby red with purple reflections. Very appealing and multi-layered aroma of preserved cherries, blackberries and elderberries, dark chocolate and maquis on the nose. Very dense and balanced on the palate with well-integrated tannins and a very long, juicy finish, ending on fruit. \u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Regal Wine Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51413888008497,"sku":null,"price":98.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Tenuta_Sette_Ponti_Oreno_Toscana_IGT_Italy_2022.jpg?v=1748370652"},{"product_id":"aia-vecchia-lagone-toscana-igt-italy-2023","title":"Aia Vecchia, Lagone, Toscana IGT, Italy, 2023 (Top Value)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb\u003eTOP VALUE!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe Pellegrini family, Aia Vecchia's owners, have been grape growers in the Bolgheri area for several generations and have sold their grapes to many of the most notable wineries in the region for decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter replanting their original vineyards in 1995, the following year they took the plunge and established their own winery with the goal of creating a portfolio of small-lot, high-quality Super Tuscan blends focusing on Bordeaux grape varieties.\u003cbr\u003eWith the help of the famous Hungarian winemaker Tibor Gal, the Pellegrini family purchased exceptional property in the Bolgheri DOC where the fusion of the microclimate, terrain and elevation creates an ideal location for growing premium grapes Aia Vecchia recruited well-known agronomist Daniel Schuster to assist with choosing varieties, clones, and different rootstocks, which come directly from Bordeaux in order to ensure the quality.\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTibor Gal (LEGEND) \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTuscany, Italy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn the glass, the wine is deep ruby with purple hues. On the nose, the wine is delicate with notes of cherry, vanilla, raw beef and herbs. On the palate, it is dry, structured and elegant with flavors of plum, ripe cherries, wild berries and a hint of spice, followed by a lengthy and smooth finish that begs for food.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis wine is very versatile and would pair well with both red and white meats, various pasta dishes and hard cheeses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Ian Blackburn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbsolutely fun and delicious - balanced and charming.  Soft elegant nose of  cherry compote and stone… mouth is tender and balanced with great length and style.  I think this wine is a kinder and gentler wine for fun consumption now.  14-23-23-32 - 92 POINTS \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chambers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51493475156273,"sku":null,"price":20.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Aia_Vecchia_Lagone_Toscana_IGT_Italy_2023.jpg?v=1760392228"}],"url":"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/collections\/october-22-merlot-and-cab-franc.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}