Domaine Benoit Ente

Bourgogne Aligoté 2017

9.5

Heady floral and lemon peel aromas that call to mind high-end perfumes with background notes of granny smith apple, hazelnuts, flint, and white linen. Reminds me of a cross between a Torrontes and a high-end white burgundy. Fabulous creamy finish that lasts for nearly a minute. Fantastic. — 8 days ago

Ira, Alex and 4 others liked this

Benoit Courault

Les Guinechiens Vin de France Chenin Blanc 2017

roland benedetti

9.1

A very good wine and great choice for this dinner, thanks @pascalinelepeltier.⁣
Very balanced and clean. Alive and tight. An exotic nose with slight notes of hydromel, dried apricot and vanilla. In the mouth, a surprising salinity and subtle bitters. — 2 months ago

Martin, Josh and 1 other liked this

Hartwell Vineyards

T5 Barrel 1 Red Blend 2013

Paul T- Huntington Beach

9.8

Thats some great juice @Benoit Touquette wine.👍🏼
Winery notes

STORY

Benoit Touquette has continued to serve as winemaker since 2006.

The first vines the family planted were one acre of Bosche clone Cabernet Sauvignon grafted to budwood provided by Dick Grace of Grace Family Vineyards. The first few vintages were also made at Grace Family Vineyards, until the winery on the estate was completed, with Andy Erickson as winemaker. The winery's first release was an estate Cabernet Sauvignon in 1990, which sold out immediately, and with subsequent vintages, Hartwell established a reputation for fine Cabernet Sauvignon.

Over the years, other parcels of the property were planted, allowing the winery to produce other Cabernet Sauvignons, as well as Merlot, a red dessert wine, and a red wine blend. In 2006, the Hartwells purchased a 4.5-acre vineyard in Carneros from which they produce a Bordeaux-inspired Sauvignon Blanc, and brought acclaimed winemaker Benoit Touquette on board to oversee production.

Hartwell Vineyards was founded in 1986 when Bob Hartwell purchased 90 acres of Wappo Hill—the half of Wappo Hill not owned by Robert Mondavi—in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley.

The fruit for the T5 Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the highest point on the Hartwell estate, blocks 14 and 15, which were planted to Bosche clone 30 years ago. The 100% Cabernet wine ages for two years in T5 barriques, rare and prized barrels from famed French cooperage house, Taransaud. These barrels are toasted and crafted from five-year seasoned staves by coopers who have been awarded the title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” (Best Craftsman in France). Much like some of the finest wines, they are available only to a select list of customers due to their limited availability.

Each year, a mere 100 cases of Hartwell T5 are produced, available only by allocation to members of the T5 Cabernet Sauvignon wine club. — a month ago

Shay, Jim and 36 others liked this

Severn Goodwin

2013👍👍

Eric

I’ve seen this on a few auctions. Will check it out. Sounds awesome!

Paul T- Huntington Beach

Hartwell had a Black Friday sale, $157.99

Emmanuel Brochet

Le Mont Benoit Extra Brut Champagne Blend

Matté

Manager The Wine Cellars

9.5

37% Pinot Noir, 33% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay.
Base of 80% 2016 and 20% 2015, aged in new to 12yo barrels for eleven months, and was then given two and a half years 'sur lattes' before disgorging. The malolactic fermentation was completed.

A lovely wine from a rather unheralded village (Villers-Aux-Nœuds), despite its 1er Cru status.

Manages to have both a wonderful richness while maintaining a baseline of briny freshness. — a month ago

Daniel P. and Ira liked this