A custom cuvée for European Cellars and a joint project between Eric Solomon and Jean-Marc Lafage, Bastide Miraflors is a cuvée created from old vine Grenache (30%) grown on the schist and granite soils of Saint-Paul de Fenouillet, a terroir that always ripens late in the year, and Syrah (70%) from gravelly soils near the Mediterranean. After a long maceration of six weeks, the wine ages for 12 months in roughly 3/4 concrete vats and 1/4 600L French oak demi-muids.
This shows notes of cherries and red plums with hints of sweet spices and stone. Medium-bodied and textural with a mineral backbone and vivid red fruit. Dusty tannins and a polished finish. An easy and smooth malbec that shows freshness and poise. Drink n...
The 2023 Laroque might be the best wine David Suire has made since taking over here a few years ago. What I admire most about Laroque is its classicism—there is plenty of that on display here. Bright acids and persistent beams of supporting tannin frame d...
With Diatom, Winemaker Greg Brewer seeks to capture Chardonnay in its most pure and unadulterated state. Diatom is named for diatomaceous earth, which is a plankton fossil found in the oceanic landscape of Santa Barbara County.
"Diatom is motivated by the pursuit of subtraction and refinement. It is the polishing of a grain of rice until one has reached its ultimate inner core. Our Sta. Rita Hills marine landscape is stark and so are the wines of its provenance. We strive for a recognition of place with as little disturbance, distraction or interference as possible. The resulting wines have a sense of transparency and a purity of intent and purpose." Greg Brewer Winemaker
The 2023 Barbera d'Alba is a blend from various vineyards in Verduno. A burst of dark cherry, plum, spice, leather and cedar races across the palate. Deep and sensual, with terric balance, the Barbera is a winner in 2023. I loved it
The Fratelli Alessandria 2018 Barolo San Lorenzo di Verduno opens to a delicate and ethereal personality with fluttering aromas of blue flower, cassis, candied grapefruit and white pepper. The bouquet is fragrant and lifted, giving way to a subtle but ver...
This vineyard delivers slightly more concentrated fruit and a medium-dark appearance from loamy calcareous soils. The 2019 Barolo San Lorenzo di Verduno delivers more oomph and power with ripe cherry, blackcurrant, dark spice and earthy aromas. Fratelli A...