New Releases
Below is a listing of the wines we are presently offering. If you would like tasting notes on previous releases, please visit our Archive section.
2009 Hammel Willamette Valley Chardonnay
The long cool growing season in the Willamette Valley in Oregon boasts the ideal conditions for Chardonnay. This 2009 Hammel highlights the potential of this up and coming region. The color is a light white gold, almost platinum with brilliant clarity. Honeysuckle framed with pear skin and pretty white flowers draw you in to the nose. The body is creamy and round with juicy peach, punctuated with juicy nectarine and crisp lemon, finishing with notes of orange and minerals with vibrant acidity. Very clean and elegant but with nice weight all the way through.
2009 Symmetria California White Wine
This blend from California shines with Rhone varietals Viognier, Roussane and Marsanne. Pale yellow gold with brilliant clarity boasts a seductive, exotic nose full of honeydew melon, floral notes, racy minerals and a light hint of ginger. The body is vibrant with melon, pear, apple blossom and a touch of lemon grass. The style is opulent but has elegant acidity to move from rich texture to a smart, clean finish with nuances of orange rind, fig jam and a kiss of spice. Excellent with lighter fare and on its own as a mesmerizing aperitif.
2005 Knox Napa Valley Meritage
Pritchard Hill, Oakville and Stag's Leap appellations showcase their renowned character in this Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc blend. Deep crimson color with spicy currant, star anise, and floral notes on the nose, followed by black cherry, plum, mint and tobacco on the palate. The finish is full with rich dark chocolate, herbs and sweet spices. A dense and luscious wine which also shows complexity and Bordeaux-like nuances. Cellared to a great point, this is just now starting to hit its stride, with years to enjoy as well.
2009 Il Coro Rosso Marche IGT
From the unspoiled Marche region, hailed as the "new Tuscany", comes this vibrant blend of Sangiovese and Merlot. The brightly jeweled ruby color releases a fresh nose of ripe cherries laced with herbs, flowers and spice. The palate is smooth and savory, with plum, strawberry and red currant wrapped in earth and a hint of leather. Supple, decadent flavors lifted by juicy pomegranate and cherry in the mid-palate with a smooth finished framed by bright acidity. The style and structure lend to excellent food pairing, and if you haven't discovered the fabulous Marche yet, this would be a beautiful introduction.
2008 Moulin du Paradis Montagne Saint Emilion
This Right Bank Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend has a generous character and purity of expression. Stephane Derenoncourt and Pierre Bernault impart tremendous care on the historical vineyard allowing nature to shine through. Deep purple core with a magenta rim boasts rich aromas of cherry, tobacco and spice cake with a hint of pepper. The palate is rich with a medley of red and black fruits, with notes of dried flowers and earth. Blackberries, cherry skins and cigar box grace the finish with exotic spices lingering throughout. An intense yet elegant experience.
2008 Alexandre Rochette Hermitage Blanc
Top Rhone winemaker Greg Viennois crafted a masterpiece in this Hermitage Blanc. Coveted 50 year old Marsanne vines express singular character, resulting in a pinnacle achievement from world renowned terroir. The nose is vibrant with rich honeyed almonds, citrus-laced vanilla and piercing minerality. Velvety and dense fruit fill the palate with creamy lemon, pear and hints of wildflower moving seamlessly to a finish pulsing with citrus zest, minerals, white peach and oaken spice. Wet slate and granite are woven all the way through from start to finish. A rare and classic wine that has a decade or more of beautiful evolution ahead.
2006 Robert Renaud Terroir de Préhy Chablis
Chablis is a timeless and pure expression of Chardonnay which the Terroir de Préhy highlights in every way. Brilliant yellow gold releases a sensual yet vibrant nose—pear and apple butter, with a touch of white flowers and flint. The palate has lively acidity at its core, with citrus and lush, round green apple notes. The finish is long with citrus zest and distinctive mineral, oyster shell and chalk nuances. Classic and built to last as well as delicious now, pairing beautifully with seafood—especially oysters on the half-shell.
2006 Monti Coroni Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico
Lush, sensual Amarone from the historical Benedetti family. Amazing fruit from original holdings in Sant'Ambrogio, Valpolicella Classico. Deep dark purple with a brick rim gives a complex and rich nose full of dark chocolate-covered cherries, sweet pipe tobacco, blackberry and pepper. The body is decadent with black cherry liqueur, spice and peppered meats. The finish is long with hazelnut, vanilla, and a touch of smoke. Refined tannins and structure to drink now and cellar for many years.
2007 Montesquieu Derenoncourt Napa Valley Blend
A majestic Cabernet-based blend by Stéphane Derenoncourt from the esteemed 2007 vintage in Napa. The fruit is from high-elevation, extremely low-yielding parcels including Ink Grade, Caldwell and Stagecoach Vineyards chosen by Stéphane for their distinctive terroir. The power and intensity of this mountain Cabernet is matched with sophistication and finesse. Blackberry and blackcurrant laced with minerals give way to dark chocolate covered cherry with lush, supple tannins. The palate is full of deep blue fruits, pipe tobacco and spices with an impeccable finish. A beautiful expression of Napa terroir that is wonderful now, and will continue to evolve for many years to come from one of the great winemakers of our time.
2008 Kapelle Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc
Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc from pristine Alexander Valley and Russian River Valley fruit. This stunning example highlights the elite potential of these cool micro-climates. Exotic tropical fruits meet a crisp vibrant mouthfeel. Papaya and lemon with notes of grass are vibrant on the nose. The palate is full of grapefruit, mandarin and a touch of honey. The finish continues with the citrus notes and a hint of peach with bright acidity and gravel minerality. A knock-out with round mouthfeel and freshness all at once!
2009 Bel Canto Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
From rising star AVA Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey, California, comes the beautiful 2009 Bel Canto. Winemaker Jim Olsen showcases the rich and lush style capable from the region, from the ideal vintage in California for Pinot Noir. Perfect fruit harvested at the last possible minute from 15-20 year old vines gives this wine great character. The deepest purple hue releases an intensely aromatic nose of black plum, coffee and star anise. The body is full of raspberry jam and cherry woven through with earth and herbs. The finish is warm with notes of coffee and mocha, with bold, sweet tannins that frame beautifully. Great stand alone wine and fantastic for a wide variety of food pairing options as well.
2009 Chateau Petrus-Gaia L'Elue Bordeaux Supérieur
Gorgeous Right Bank gem by Stéphane Derenoncourt from the exceptional 2009 vintage. 100% Merlot from low-yielding vines and ultra-distinctive terroir which yields a singular wine. Deep magenta reveals a vibrant nose full of black cherry, spice, violets and black olives. The palate is rich with plum, blackberry and perfect chewy tannins. The finish is opulent with cheery skins, grilled herbs and decadent chocolate. A brilliant wine by a brilliant winemaker.
2009 Montesquieu Bordeaux Superieur
Beautiful Merlot-based Bordeaux with lovely fruit, excellent structured tannins and elegant finesse. Deep crimson gives way to rich aromas of cherries and raspberries with notes of earth and rose petals. The palate is full of red fruits, rounded out with spicy currant and a touch of licorice. The finish is velvety smooth with a touch of white pepper and soft oak. A versatile, stylish wine that is just so easy to adore!
2010 Castello di Roncade Prosecco
A wonderful Prosecco from the historical and lovely Castello di Roncade in Veneto. Classic nose with floral and citrus notes, very open and vibrant. White peach and nectarine flavors highlight the palate with undercurrents of soft citrus and green apple. Wonderful round texture with nice weight to complement the bright, juicy flavors. A huge crowd pleaser and food pairing treat, which makes this a versatile choice for parties, gifts, as well as any holiday or occasion.
2010 Montesquieu Juntarse Uco Valley
Our very first release presenting our new project with Michel Rolland to create a range of wines together exclusively for Montesquieu clients. Our mutual passion for excellence resulted in our focusing on Michel's top parcels in the Uco Valley. Our 2010 Juntarse ("to join together" in Spanish) is a ground-breaking blend of Cabernet, Syrah and Malbec. The color is the darkest eggplant with roasted blackberry, peppered meats and violets on the nose. The body is decadent with rich plum jam, melted licorice, and chocolate-covered boysenberry. The finish is layered with spice and leather framing the fruit, complementing the statuesque tannins perfectly. Incredible depth and purity highlight this luxurious wine- a pinnacle achievement!
Cuvee Montesquieu Grand Cru
Our first-ever Montesquieu Champagne, from Mailly. Prestige cuvee of select 100% Grand Cru Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the heart of Reims. This zero dosage blend allows the stunning terroir to shine, showing impeccable precision and depth, with a racy elegant style. Tiny fine bubbles with brilliant clarity release a beautiful nose of honeyed green apple, creme fraicheand brioche woven with smoky hazelnut and almond. The palate is at once rich yet delicate, with exotic flowers, citrus and hints of caramel. The finish is fresh with vibrant acidity, very long and precise with notes of zesty fresh grapefruit and crushed-rock minerality. The epitome of the good life!