It's been far too long since we've set our gaze on the exceptional work emerging from America's west coast; a wine-obsessed part of the world that produce some of the globe's greatest examples of power and warmth, balanced acidity and oak, and very high cellaring potential. It was one very special day back in March when we were able to sample each of the following beauties from Spottswoode, Far Niente, Au Bon Climat and Chateau Montelena, with world-class releases of Chardonnay, Cabernet, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir arriving fresh from the States to us last week.
With what couldn't be better timing, as the 48th anniversary of the famous Judgement of Paris approaches us on Friday, we look to celebrate at this Saturday's (25th) tasting, running from the usual 12 to 2pm! Take a peek at what will be on show, ranging from Spottswoode's stylish Sauvignon Blanc, through the terrific value shown by Au Bon Climat and pristine winemaking of Far Niente and Montelena, and finishing off with three complex Cabernets (including a 100-point Spottswoode from 2018!)
We hope you can join us, and see why we hold such a deep love for this part of the wine world.
California in Focus - Specials + Tasting (Saturday 25th May, 12 to 2pm)
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Spottswoode Napa Sauvignon Blanc 2019 - $68 on special; $79 RRP
// 98% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Semillon "Luscious aromas of passion fruit, white flowers, and key limes. The palate is plush, tropical and classy, with a juicy and edgy finish. A perennial classic, and one of the most consistently pleasant showings of Sauvignon Blanc in California. Comprised of 63% Sonoma and 37% Napa fruit, fermented in a mixture of stainless steel barrels, French oak, amphora and concrete." - 95 Points, Matthew Luczy, Decanter
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Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2022 - $67 on special; $78 RRP
"This is our 40th vintage creating Santa Barbara County Chardonnay. Au Bon Climat has been making balanced, food friendly Chardonnays since 1982. Even in the early 2000s when ripe, oaky Chardonnays were all the rage, Au Bon Climat stuck to a more subtle and refined style, with minerality and intensity. This is another in the long line of high quality, hand crafted, Santa Barbara County Chardonnays from Au Bon Climat. Santa Barbara has the climate and terroir to allow Au Bon Climat to consistently make balanced and lively wines. This wine keeps on evolving from delicious and fresh at release, to a richer more complex wine with age. The 2022 is another beautiful example of the ABC style. The wine is intense, but light on its feet and is built to compliment not over power food. At this young age, this wine would be perfect with shellfish or poultry. It will develop to a richer more complex wine with age for at least another decade." - Winemaker Notes
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Au Bon Climat 'Bien Nacido' Chardonnay 2021 - $96 on special; $109 RRP
(Not on tasting)
"The 2021 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection is super-expressive right out of the gate. Orchard fruit, spice, white flowers and a touch of vanillin all race out of the glass. The 100% new oak is very nicely integrated. Suave, silky contours wrap it all together in style." - 94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara Pinot Noir 2021 - $67 on special; $78 RRP
"Strawberries and blackberries aromas slowly rise out of the glass. Over time, more of the anise and clove will mix with these other aromas. At release, the wine is young with mouth filling intensity and suppleness. Complexity will increase as the wine ages, but this wine should stay “fresh” for 6 or 7 years. Like all Au Bon Climat wines, this is a food wine." - Winemaker Notes
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Far Niente 'Post & Beam' Chardonnay 2021 - $92 on special; $105 RRP
If there was ever a Californian Chardonnay that absolutely excels in the classic 'big, cuddly and comfy' archetype, we put forth this Post & Beam from Far Niente as one of the very strongest frontrunners! Effortless to drink, this thing is so lush and round, filled with oaky creaminess and warm toasty pastry, it descends further into some baked pear, quince and apple, circled by tinges of vanilla. This would be a delightful drop to pair with some fresh fish or oysters. Irresistible - Our Notes
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Far Niente Chardonnay 2021 - $175 on special; $195 RRP
Like many of the great Far Niente's of the past, this 2021 brings a richly aromatic presence and unique toasty complexity into full view. It builds and builds on the palate, coating the mouth with some savoury stonefruit and touches of zesty acidity before moving into some toasted oak, almonds, and a welcome kick of butter that's balanced with flicks of minerality. This is another pristine release from a Napa icon that is sure to age gracefully - though a glass or two right now will not disappoint! - Our Notes
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Chateau Montelena Napa Chardonnay 2021 -$166 on special; $189 RRP
"The aromatic diversity here is breathtaking. The wine cleanly and discreetly checks off all of the boxes of a great vintage. Orange blossom? Yes. Green apple? Plentiful. White peach? Absolutely. In warm years, the wines can occasionally lean too tropical in aroma, but that isn't the case here. The floral notes of chamomile and honeysuckle moderate the grandeur of the fruit but also slowly subside to unveil lemon balm, cinnamon and mint. The parade of bright, zesty fruit continues on the palate, but it’s just the beginning. The wine's texture and energy are on full display, brimming with minerality, lemon curd and crème brûlée. The delicate balance between the spine of acidity and the breadth of flavor is both dynamic and fluid. The ripe melon notes are particularly captivating, lending freshness and richness. While there are some soft barrel undertones magnified by a subtle chalkiness, it will take some time before this additional layer matches the surrounding opulence. The finish initially leans exotic and tropical, first as banana and then as starfruit before slowly yielding to D'Anjou pear and baking spice. Again, the texture here is beautifully integrated but still developing. For now, it’s easy enough to enjoy the candied citrus, vanilla and marzipan." - Winemaker Notes
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Chateau Montelena Estate Zinfandel 2019 - $99 on special; $115 RRP
"Deep garnet in color, the wine opens with cranberry, raspberry and vanilla on the nose. While the aromas lean toward red fruit initially, they’re bolstered by baking spices, cocoa and dried cherry. Medium in body, the palate brims with fresh strawberry and rhubarb, balanced by fine-grain tannins and plenty of breadth. The texture is seamless despite its youth, which bodes well for the future. A few minutes in the glass reveals additional depth as well as subtle notes of blackberry and spiced plum. The finish is slightly more candied and absent of any herbal character. Here, the tannins turn more silky or satin-like, extending and lingering with a hint of minerality." - Winemaker Notes
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Chateau Montelena Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 - $189 on special; $220 RRP
"Deliciously savoury and herbaceous, this Cabernet from the iconic Montelena Estate is a welcome throwback. Wild anise, turned earth, and wild lavender flowers announce the aromatics, followed closely by dusty red berries. The palate is fresh and lively with savoury dill and bay leaf notes and a tremendous chalky texture that envelopes a core of bright, concentrated berries. Perfectly tart blackberries, smoky clove, and white pepper provide brightness and spice. This delicious Cabernet's finish is marked by eucalyptus and mint." - 95 Points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter
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Chateau Montelena 'The Estate' Cabernet 2019 - $469 on special; $530 RRP
"The flagship wine of Chateau Montelena sourced from the winery's estate vineyard adjacent to the chateau near the base of Mount St Helena. Compact and restrained at first; give it some air and good things will come. Bright red-toned fruits and dried wild herb notes are tethered to rich cedar spices. Well-endowed with impressive depth and concentration, particularly evident in the mid-palate which is weighted by crushed stones and earthen minerality. Elongated tannins are crisp while acids are firm and tangy. Those capable of looking past its upfront approachability will be rewarded with patience as this wine will evolve and shine over the next four decades." - 99 Points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter
"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is heady and quite extroverted, especially compared with the 2018 tasted alongside it. Readers will have a very hard time keeping their hands off this jewel of a wine. Silky, plush tannins wrap around a core of dark fruit, chocolate, lavender, spice and leather. The combination of a generous, opulent style with the classically-leaning Montelena style makes for a hugely appealing Cabernet to drink over the next two decades or more." - 96 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 - $525 on special; $599 RRP
"Composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Spottswoode explodes from the glass with bombastic notes of crushed blackcurrants, fresh blackberries and wild blueberries with hints of cardamom, lilacs, incense and fragrant earth, leading into wafts of pencil shavings and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, elegant and yet so, so intense, it has layers of bright crunchy fruit and mineral sparks galore, framed by exquisitely ripe, finely pixelated tannins, finishing very long and energetic. Wowsers." - 100 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate
If you wish to buy any of these wines, please use the links above ? Alternatively, email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au, or contact us on (07)32521117 if you have any questions // Prices for valid until Wednesday the 29th of May