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Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2017

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We love when our winery partners get the praise they deserve. This year we represent five wines on the list!

#7 Domaine Huet 2016 Vouvray Demi-Sec, Le Mont “A star of Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley, Domaine Huët was founded in 1928; the Hwang family bought it from the Huëts in 2003. The domaine was one of the early proponents of biodynamics in the region, converting in 1990. The estate mainly comprises three vineyards: Le Haut-Lieu, Le Mont and Clos du Bourg. The distinct terroir of Le Mont, with its clay and silex soils, yields fresh, minerally wines. The demi-sec has 20 grams per liter of residual sugar, and winemaker Jean-Bernard Berthomé ages the wine half in demi-muid and half in stainless-steel tanks for six months.”

#10 Booker 2014 ‘Oublie’ Rhone Blend, Paso Robles “In 2000, Eric Jensen gave up a high-powered career as a broker and concert promoter in Southern California to farm grapes and make wine in rural Paso Robles. He obviously knew what he was doing: his wines are among the best in the region. Farmed biodynamically, Jensen’s 45 acres of vineyards are planted almost exclusively to Rhône varieties atop steep hillsides with limestone soil. A blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Counoise, Oublié is Jensen’s ode to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. He fermented the 2014 in stainless steel and half the blend was aged from six to 12 months in used French oak barrels.”

#12 Bedrock 2015 Old Vine Zinfandel, California “Rich and supple, this is an explosion of pure, decadent fruit. Floral huckleberry and Chinese five-spice powder aromas open to layered blackberry, dark chocolate and licorice flavors that linger.”

#22 Saxum 2014 James Berry Vineyard, Paso Robles “A dramatic wine that weds power and opulence, maintaining impeccable balance along the way. Brooding dark berry and loamy mineral aromas lead to rich flavors of currant, licorice, dried sage and smoky pepper. Ripe tannins frame the finish. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Counoise and Roussanne. Best from 2018 through 2028.”

#85 Raventos 2013 ‘De La Finca’ Conca del Riu Anoia “A minerally version, with up-front petrol and spice notes lacing the poached cherry, salted almond and lemon peel flavors that ride the delicate mousse. Elegant and harmonious. Disgorged February 2017.”

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