Italian Village Wine Dinner

Italian Village “Crown Jewel of Napa - Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars” Wine Dinner

We attended the “Crown Jewel of Napa - Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars” Wine Dinner at Italian Village, Chicago. We were joined by fellow Pour Boys, Lyle and Terry, and Dan and Linda. This dinner celebrates the classic legacy of historic Italian and now American wine producer Marchesi Antinori, and their acquisition of legendary American Napa Valley producer, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. 

The Antinori family has been producing classic wines for over six centuries since 1385, for twenty-six generations managing the business directly.

This also celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the historic “Judgement of Paris”, where, on America’s two hundredth anniversary, a blind tasting was held between upstart American Napa Valley wines tasted aside classic French Ultra-premium First Growth wines. To the shock and dismay of all, the American wines were selected above their French counterparts, in both the white Chardonnay, from Chateau Montelena, and the red, Cabernet Sauvignon, from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. 

The evening was hosted by Italian Village Wine Director, Jared Gelband, and featured the cuisine of Chef David Rodriguez. 

Readers of these pages know Chicago’s Italian Village is Chicago’s longest continuously family owned and operated Italian Restaurant, since 1928, in the same location in the center of Chicago’s loop.  

We’ve attended many memorable and notable Italian Village special events including wine producer dinners, corporate functions and special family dinners, hosted by our friend and Wine Director, Jared, some of which have been featured in these pages in earlier blogposts: 

Sassicaia Owner Dinner and Vivere Vertical Tasting

Italian Village appoints Jared Gelband Wine Director

Team Dinner at Italian Village Chicago

Merry Christmas - Frozen and gala family wine 

Rick & Jared

Taking train into the City. 

The wine was curated by special guests Stephen Cracchiolo with Stags Leap Wine Cellars and Patricia Lello with Antinori.

As is the practice, the dinner featured five courses, each paired with a special wine. As I have written often in these pages, an optimal food and wine pairing amplifies and ameliorates the character and profile and thus the enjoyment of both the food and the wine. 

The Courses and their Wine Pairings. 

Carpaccio - Scallop, Tuna, Salmon Neonata, Salsa Verde 

Stag’s Leap “Aveta” Sauvignon Blanc 2023 

This is a blend of 68% Sauvignon Blanc, 27% Sauvignon Musque, 4% Sémillon, and 1% Muscat Canelli.

It was aged in a 50-50 mix of stainless steel and older barrels, 

Winemaker Notes - Fragrant and inviting, this Sauvignon Blanc offers aromas of mango, gooseberries, white peach, and pineapple, with a touch of orange blossoms and straw. This wine is bright with a refreshing mouthfeel, mineral and citrus notes, and a touch of grapefruit and grass on the vibrant finish.

This was rated 92 points by James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast, 91 by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 90 points by Vinous and 89 by Wine Spectator

Dungeness Crab Arancini with Sturgeon Caviar, Fine Herbs, Calabrian Buffalo, Old Bay

Stag’s Leap “Karia” Chardonnay 2024

Winemaker’s Notes - “This Chardonnay presents a complex bouquet with enticing aromas of ripe melon, honeysuckle, and juicy peach, complemented by delicate hints of citrus blossoms. The palate is greeted with a bright and vibrant entry, showcasing a harmonious blend of fruity flavors and a touch of hazelnut. Subtle notes of vanilla and oak add depth and richness, while the finish is enduringly savory, leaving a lasting impression with its lingering citrus notes. This wine's well-integrated acidity and balanced structure make it refreshing and satisfying.’ 

This release is a blend of 98% Chardonnay and 2% Muscat Canelli

It was rated 93 points and Editors' Choice by Wine Enthusiast, 92 points by James Suckling and  Vinous.

Waygu and Lobster Lasagna with Pesto, Romesco, Bechamel and Parmesan

Stag’s Leap Artemas Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Approximately three-fourths of the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis comes from Atlas Peak, where the Antinoris have a substantial vineyard. This standard label is intended to be enjoyed early in youth, soon after release. 

This release is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Cabernet Franc, and 0.5% Petit Verdot, aged for 15 months in 55% new French oak and 45% older French oak barrels.

Blend: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Petit Verdot 

Winemaker Notes - The nose reveals rich aromas of dark fruits, tobacco, ripe figs, raspberries, and cherry compote, with a subtle hint of oak. On the palate, a silky mouthfeel leads into a long, savory finish, showcasing milk chocolate, dark cherry, and boysenberry notes.

This release was rated  94 points by Decanter, 92 points by James Suckling,  91 by Jeb Dunnuck and Vinous, and 90 pints by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

Grilled Picanha with Wild Mushroom, Italian Rapini, Bordelaise and Fine Herb Crumble 

Stag’s Leap “Fay Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc (varies slightly per estate selection).

Aging: 20 months in 100% new French oak. 

Winemaker Notes - “This wine presents a captivating and complex aromatic profile, beginning with vibrant aromas of boysenberry, black and Amarena cherries, and raspberries. The fig marmalade adds a layer of richness and sweetness, balancing the bright fruit with its deeper, more savory notes. Floral spices elevate the nose, while the subtle touch of cigar box hints at a gentle oak influence, contributing a refined, earthy complexity. On the palate, the wine delivers a silky, smooth mouthfeel that feels both luxurious and inviting. The tannins are polished and persistent, providing structure without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors, leaving you with a satisfying and content feeling. The finish lingers with dark fruit notes, especially black cherry, creating a harmonious conclusion.”

This release was rated 95 points by James Suckling, 93 by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, and 92 by Jeb Dunnuck and Vinous.

Stag’s Leap “SLV” Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard. This vineyard achieved international fame after the 1973 vintage stunned the wine world when it bested some of France’s greatest wines in a 1976 blind tasting known as the “Judgment of Paris”. Today, this vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure.

Winery Notes: "For this wine the primary blocks were 2A, 3A, 1A, 3B and S.L.V. Block 4 – the “Grande Dame” of the vineyard – which was planted in 1972. These vines along with blocks on the eastern side of S.L.V., characterized by their fire-borne volcanic soils, give this wine its structure and sense of minerality along with concentrated dark fruit flavors and ripe, elegant tannins."

 

Winemaker Notes - “The 2022 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon entices the senses with its captivating aromas of dark fruits, including blackcurrants and ripe plums, beautifully intertwined with delicate notes of violets, graphite, and rich dark chocolate, all rounded off by the warmth of black tea. Flavors showcase a richness and texture that impresses from the outset. The tannins reveal a minerality that adds depth and character, while the youthful mouthfeel elevates the experience. As the wine lingers on the palate, complex layers of espresso, mocha, and dark fruit emerge, crafting a finish that is both sophisticated and unforgettable.”

This release was rated 96 points by James Suckling, 95 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 by Jeb Dunnuck and 92 by Vinous.

Aged 20 months in 100% new French oak.

Cheese and Dark Chocolate  with Saba, Thyme, Fig and Fleur de Sel paired with 

Marchesi Antinori Vin Santo Chianti Classico 2020 

As always, Italian Village crafted a fantastic dinner that was enhanced greatly by the artful and ideal pairing with spectacular wines. These dinners are always a special treat for a wonderful food and wine experience.

https://www.stagsleapwinecellars.com/

https://www.antinori.it/en/

https://www.italianvillage-chicago.com/

Joseph Phelps Private Tasting

Joseph Phelps Private Tasting

Fellow Pour Boy (our wine group), Dan, is a long time wine club member and procurer of Joseph Phelps wines. He has an extensive vertical collection of Phelp’s wines including their flagship Insignia and ultra-premium Backus labels spanning more than a decade. 

Dan has sponsored and hosted visits to the magnificent Phelps estate vineyards and winery in Napa Valley for our wine group including this fabulous tasting as part of our Napa Valley Wine Experience back in 2017 - .Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Winery Tasting.

Dan has brought or served Phelps ultra-premium selections to many of our Pour Boys group wine tastings as well as serving them at his daughter’ Hillary’s wedding. 

So it was that when Joseph Phelps considered Chicagoland members of their club for private tastings, Dan was chosen to host such an event. 

Our Pour Boys wine group was represented by Dan, me, Lyle, and Bill who came in from Charleston, via Napa Valley, SFO and Lake Tahoe, for the occasion. 

We were joined by long time dear friend, Jared Gelband, Wine Director of Italian Village Chicago, where and with whom we often frequent for special tastings, wine dinners, work team and family dinners  - as featured often in these pages - 

Italian Village appoints Jared Gelband Wine Director

Team Dinner at Italian Village Chicago

Merry Christmas - Frozen and gala family wine dinner

Sassicaia Owner Dinner and Vivere Vertical Tasting

The guests included Dan’s and my Linda’s as part of the group of Linda’s in attendance.

Dan put out a broad selection to hors d’ovres, charcuteries including special sausages, cheeses and small bytes for the tasting. 

The Joe Phelps estates today consist of eleven different vineyards in the acclaimed AVAs across Napa Valley and the western Sonoma Coast. Today’s flight featured wines from the Sonoma Coast and premiere Napa Valley sites. 

Joseph Phelps wine ambassador Christine came to Chicago and curated a special tasting of Phelps wines at Dan’s residence in northwest Indiana. 

The Phelps wine flight consisted of their Ovation sparkling wine, Freestone Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and the Phelps line-up of premium and ultra-premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. 

The wine flight:

Phelps Ovation Sparkling Wine 2018

Phelps Freestone Sonoma Coast Pastorale Vineyard Chardonnay 2024

Phelps West Sonoma Coast Quarter Moon Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023

Phelps Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 

Phelps Insignia Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Phelps Backus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 

The Ovation sparkling wine, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are sourced from Phelps estate vineyards on the western Sonoma Coastal area near the town of their namesake, Freestone. Freestone's wines are defined by two distinct estate vineyards: Pastorale and Quarter Moon. Each site, nestled on the fog-swept, rugged edge of the Sonoma Coast, possesses a unique terroir that imparts singular characteristics. The vineyards benefit from persistent coastal fog, sculpting winds, and soils shaped by ancient marine sediments, creating a micro-climate unlike any other.

These are limited release wines allocated for availability through the Phelps wine club. 

Phelps Ovation Brut Sparkling Wine 2018

In 2015, Phelps produced the winery’s first sparkling wine called Ovation, to honor the extraordinary life of Joe Phelps. It was comprised of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Pastorale Vineyards. 

Joseph Phelps notes -  “Ovation – Freestone Vineyards” sparkling wine is produced from estate fruit grown at the Freestone Ranch on the far Sonoma Coast, a region known for its cool climate and coastal fog. Joseph Phelps Vineyards began developing the Freestone property in the late 1990s, marking a major expansion from their original Napa Valley roots. “Ovation” reflects the winery’s commitment to crafting méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine with long lees aging and meticulous vineyard sourcing.”

Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Ovation Brut is a méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine from the Sonoma Coast's Freestone Estate vineyards, primarily Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, known for its fine bubbles, bright acidity, and complex notes of citrus, stone fruit, brioche, and toasted nuts. It's crafted with long lees aging, resulting in a creamy texture and elegant structure that develops with bottle age, showcasing the cool-climate terroir. 

Ovation is typically a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (e.g., 80/20 or 78/22). 

“The winery’s third vintage of Ovation Sparkling Wine is overflowing with aromatic green apple, citrus zest, stone fruit and toasted brioche with hints of citrus blossom. A wine of focused textural refinement with creamy layers of white peach, white raspberry, vanilla sponge cake and a pleasing saline character.” 

The 2018 has firm acid structure and tension with additional flavor benefits following cellar aging.

The winery’s third vintage of Ovation Sparkling Wine is overflowing with aromatic green apple, citrus zest, stone fruit and toasted brioche with hints of citrus blossom. A wine of focused textural refinement with creamy layers of white peach, white raspberry, vanilla sponge cake and a pleasing saline character.

Straw colored, medium bodied, “The winery’s third vintage of Ovation Sparkling Wine is overflowing with aromatic green apple, citrus zest, stone fruit and toasted brioche with hints of citrus blossom. A wine of focused textural refinement with creamy layers of white peach, white raspberry, vanilla sponge cake and a pleasing saline character.” 

Single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Pastorale and Quarter Moon Vineyards

Phelps Freestone Western Sonoma Coast Pastorale Vineyard Chardonnay 2024

Phelps acquired properties in western Sonoma County in Freestone in 1999 where they planted vineyards and built a winemaking facility. The area traditionally known for cattle, pasture and forest land, has ideal conditions for growing ultra-premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals. Just eight miles from the Pacific Ocean, the micro-climate is regularly shrouded in a marine layer of fog that lingers into the early afternoon on most summer days, surrendering to afternoon sunshine. The area’s Goldridge soils are ideal for growing quality grape varietals. 

Phelps planted the Pastorale Vineyard on what was a former dairy farm, to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines in 2000. A year later, they planted the Quarter Moon Vineyard down the road entirely to Pinot Noir in 2001. 

This Chardonnay is a blend assembled from four blocks within the Pastorale Vineyard in Freestone on the western Sonoma Coast. The Chardonnay blocks include clone 2A, Mt. Eden, Hyde Old Wente, Montrachet, Maro, and Old and New Calera. 

It is 100% Chardonnay from the Pastorale Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA, from Clone selection includes Mt Eden, 2A, 76, Old Calera, New Calera, Maro Barrel Aging: The wine was aged for fifteen months in 58% new French Oak and 42% used French oak puncheons before bottling

Winemaker’s notes - “This Chardonnay from Pastorale Vineyard opens with bright, perfumed aromas of lemon citrus, white flowers, and a hint of lemon custard that suggests subtle richness.”

https://go.cellartracker.com/wine/5711801

Phelps West Sonoma Coast Quarter Moon Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023  

This 2023 release is 100% Pinot Noir from the Quarter Moon Vineyard in the West Sonoma Coast AVA comprised of  Clone Selections: 459, 777, 828, Calera, and Pommard, 115. It was barrel aged for thirteen months in 52% new French Oak and 48% one-to-three year-old French oak barrels before bottling.

Winemaker’s notes - “This 2023 Quarter Moon Vineyard Pinot Noir is considerably savory, showcasing the darker, more structured side of the appellation. Black cherry and blackberry provide depth and concentration, while cranberry and pomegranate bring vibrant acidity. Sage and dried Mediterranean herbs create a complex profile that balances fruit and herbal elements. Elevated acidity and firm tannins give the wine a structured backbone that calls for food pairing.” 

Insignia, Cabernet Sauvignon from Backus Vineyard

While not part of the tasting, we were introduced to and able to order this limited release Napa Syrah. We’re eager to receive and try this Syrah from this iconic vineyard. 

Syrah from Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard

Single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Pastorale and Quarter Moon Vineyards

Phelps Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 

The Joseph Phelps 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is dominated by fruit from Yountville and Suscol; only 21% of the blend is from growers, as there's a push toward estate fruit. As always, there's some American oak in the mix, but that proportion is evolving downward. 

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 1% Merlot. 

The wine was aged for sixteen months in 48% new oak (50% French, 50% American) and 52% used French and American oak barrels before bottling 

This release was rated 94 points by James Suckling, 92 by Vinous, 91 by Jeb Dunnuck and 90 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

Winemaker’s notes - “Our Cabernet Sauvignon opens with an enticing bouquet of black and red fruits - juicy black cherry intertwined with fresh pomegranate and bright cassis. Notes of cedar spice and toasted coconut add intrigue and sophistication to the aromatic profile. On the palate, layers of raspberry compote and dried wild berries unfold across a full-bodied frame. The wine shows impressive density while maintaining elegance, supported by well integrated tannins that provide structure without overwhelming. This is a wine of both power and finesse.”

https://go.cellartracker.com/wine/4877025

Phelps Insignia Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

In 1974, the idea to blend the finest wine lots of the vintage into one bottling was revolutionary in America and in the Napa Valley. A true visionary, Joe Phelps was one of the first American winemakers to see the merit in blending, proving his conviction when he debuted “Insignia” in 1974. According to Robert Parker, “Insignia remains one of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blends.”

Phelps created “‘Insignia”, to signify a wine of excellence and superior quality, the ‘distinguishing mark’ allowed the wine to freely adapt to the varying combination of varietals from vintage to vintage. Insignia would quickly become the seminal wine of Joseph Phelps’ legacy.”

Insignia is sourced from up to eight Napa Valley estate vineyards planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc planted on select sites.

The 2022 release is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, and 2% Cabernet Franc. 

It is 100% estate grown from Phelps vineyards:

28% Yountville Vineyars in the Oak Knoll District

27% Banca Dorada Vineyards in Rutherford

19% Las Rocas Vineyard in the Stag’s Leap District

11% Home Ranch Vineyard in ST. Helena

9% Suscol Vineyard in South Napa Valley, and 

6% Barboza Vineyard in the Stag’s Leap District

It was aged 24 Months in 100% New French Oak 

It was rated 96-98 Points by Jeb Dunnuck.

Winemaker notes - “The 2021 Insignia captivates the senses with vibrant aromas of black cherry, hibiscus, and wild blackberry, subtly accented by fresh earth and a hint of Tahitian vanilla. On the palate, these dark fruit characteristics are harmonized with warm tones of redwood bark and baking spices. Plush, soft tannins and bright acidity enhance the length, complementing the rich fruit and savory undertones. A compelling tension infuses the wine with focused energy, promising it will express beautifully for years to come.”

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?4617350

Phelps Backus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 

Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyard is a highly-coveted, single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, known for its power, structure, and aging potential, often compared to Bordeaux wines. It's made from grapes grown on a specific hillside, aged in 100% new French oak, and features intense flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth, with a muscular, long finish. It is distinct from Phelps's multi-vineyard Insignia blend, as Backus is released in limited quantities and designed for long-term cellaring. Considered a wine that requires significant bottle age (often a decade or more) and can last for decades. 

This single vineyard designated label is 100% from the Phelps estate Backus Vineyard, a 21-acre site on the eastern slopes of Oakville, Napa Valley in the Oakville AVA.  

It is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon 9% Malbec and 7% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged for twenty-four months in 100% new French oak barrels before bottling.

From Oakville’s Backus Vineyard, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers plush notes of blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry compote, accented by cedarwood, warm clove, and a savory hint of black olive. Iron-tinged minerality adds firmness and depth to the profile. Plush yet structured, the palate finishes with mocha, black tea, and refined tannins that promise graceful aging for years to come.

Backus is a Phelps Preferred exclusive Cabernet Sauvignon. You must be an active Member and login to your account to access this rare wine.

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?4877026

https://www.josephphelps.com/

Return to Cellar Wine Bistro, Lafayette

Return to Cellar Wine Bistro, Lafayette

For the second time in as many weeks, we found ourselves in Lafayette (IN). Unfortunately, it was for another Celebration of Life of a recently departed dear friend of wife Linda, from her hometown. 

Following the gathering, we went back to the Cellar Wine Bistro in downtown Lafayette, which we enjoyed so much on our previous recent visit - featured in this blogpost - Kosta Browne Chardonnay at The Cellar Wine Bistro Lafayette.

Tonight, we had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Michelle, whose love of wine and hospitality was the impetus for opening the establishment. She personally manages the wine program. It was a pleasure meeting her and showing our support for the business, and learning more about her background, and wine country insights and experiences. 

 

We ordered the plate of olives, the bread plate of house-made Focaccia & whipped berry flavored butter …

And the Baked Brie with Tart black cherry, sage and crostini … 

And the Roasted Asparagus with whipped ricotta, jammy egg, parmesan, wtih lemon-dijon vinaigrette …

Invariably, when visiting a wine centered venue, I will customarily ask the server if they have any wines that are not on the winelist. Typically, there are, given the challenges and dynamics of keeping an extensive wine list up to date. So it was, tonight, that there were several recent acquisitions that had not been updated on the published list.

We selected a unique appellation varietal combination, never experienced before, a Tuscan Chardonnay, from a top reputable producer, whose wine we have enjoyed in the past. 

Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Chardonnay 2022

We discovered and enjoyed Isole e Olena wine at a spectacular wine and dinner outing at Bruna’s Ristorante in Chicago’s Little Italy as featured in this post - Wine & Dinner at Bruna’s in Chicago’s Little Italy.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2025/10/wine-dinner-at-brunas-in-chicagos.html 

Having enjoyed that label from this producer, I was eager to try another wine from their portfolio, especially a unique varietal and appellation offering such as this. 

This unique limited release Tuscan Chardonnay is from the historic Chianti Classico estate Isole e Olena. Founded in 1956 by Francesco De Marchi, Isole e Olena is located in the western part of the Chianti Classico denomination, near the village of Castellina in Chianti, in the commune of Barberina Val d’Elsa.

The De Marchi family were originally from the north of Piedmont, between Val D’Aosta and the Italian side of Switzerland, where they had very small vineyards which were abandoned after World War Two. 

The Isole e Olena estate was bought by Francesco De Marche, Paolo’s father in 1956. It consisted of two abandoned hamlets, Isole and Olena, and the surrounding vineyards. 

Francesco’s son, Paolo De Marchi, took over the estate in 1975. De Marchi was born in Turin and studied agricultural sciences, viticulture, and winemaking at the university there, and as soon as he graduated and finished his training, he moved to the estate in Tuscany, and was responsible for Isole e Olena until its eventual sale in 2022. 

When he arrived in Tuscany in the mid-1970s, the Chianti appellation required “a huge number” of white grapes in the blend. The appellation rules changed in 1984, greatly reducing the requirement for white grapes in the Chianti blend which dramatically improved the wines. From his second harvest, Pablo  tagged the best Sangiovese vines, through what was known as “massal selection” based upon how the grapes perform in the vineyard, and transitioned to making a 100% Sangiovese wine from these better-quality vines.

In 1980, De Marchi started bottling this wine under the name Cepparello, named for the little creek which runs dry most of the season through the estate, a Sangiovese from old vines, aged in barrique. At the time, pure Sangiovese wines could not legally be called Chianti Classico. This wine eventually became the flagship signature wine of Isole e Olena and one of the first Super Tuscan wines. 

After ten years of working with these tagging and tracking the wines, in 1987, he planted a vineyard grafted from the best vines to concentrate in one vineyard, vines of the same age with the same rootstocks.

In the end, the vine selections were registered by a nursery and ultimately many new vineyards in the Chianti Classico DOCG were planted with vine selections from Isole e Olena, becoming a standard bearer of quality for the area. 

When De Marchi was considering retirement, there were no direct family members to take over the estate. De Marchi’s son Luca was already running the original family estate Proprietà Sperino in Lessona.

In 2022, De Marchi sold the estate to the French luxury group EPI, whose portfolio includes Champagne houses Rare and Charles Heidsieck as well as Biondi Santi in Montalcino. 

De Marchi remained as CEO through the transition to new estate director Emanuele Reolon who was appointed to continue the vision of Paolo De Marchi’s legacy of quality and excellence in viticulture and winemaking in a faithful expression of the domaine’s terroir.

The Isole e Olena estate covers 138 acres of vineyards, sitting at 1,148 – 1,476 feet above sea level on soils of galestro and marly schist. 

This Tuscan Chardonnay release was rated 95 points by Jame Suckling and Robert Parker, 94 points by Wilfred Wong of Wine.com and 92 points by Wine Spectator.

My thoughts were the same as expressed by Wilfred Wong of Wine.com, who wrote, “ I admit it, I rarely think of Tuscany as a place to satisfy my Chardonnay cravings. The remarkable 2022 Isole e Olena Collezione Privata took me by surprise. At first sniff, I thought, "Hmm, pretty interesting!" As I continue to savor it, I realize how significant this experience was going to be.”

Winemaker Notes - “Light greenish gold in color, the Chardonnay is aromatic on the nose, with spicy, buttery perfumes. On the palate it balances ripe fruit, fresh bread crust from the oven, with a hint of spice from the oak aging and a long, slightly citrus finish.”

Pale golden, greenish straw colored, medium bodied, polished, balanced and somewhat elegant with subdued poached pear , peach and citrus notes on a layer of cinnamon spice, hints of stone fruits, vanilla, toasty oak and butterscotch, integrated acidity, a zesty acidic grip on the long persistent finish.

RM 93 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?4966621

https://cellar422wines.com/

Château Suduiraut Sauterne for pleasurable sipping

Château Suduiraut Sauterne for pleasurable sipping

We’re having fun watching the exclusive Apple TV Series “Drops of God”, a must see for ardent oenophile wine geeks. See the First Season “Drops of God” Trailor here. 

Tonight, we watched the episode where they relished the ultimate Sauterne dessert wine, Château d’Y’quem, we pulled from the cellar a suitable second tier alternative. It was great fun and delicious sipping with fresh fruit, nuts and artisan chocolates. While not quite a First Growth equivalent, Château Suduiraut is never-the-less a 1er Cru Classe rating, for a fraction of the price of the ultra-premium super label. The Château d’Y’quem that we hold in our cellar, is indeed being held for special occasions, as noted that several are birth year vintages of our kids and grandkids. 

Our cellar records indicate we have a dozen plus bottles of this wine, across a half dozen vintages. This bottle was the oldest vintage in our cellar, that I pulled somewhat at random, but was the appropriate selection for proper cellar management. At 25 years, it was delicious and had much life left. Thankfully we still have five bottles of this release for future enjoyment. The CellarTracker drinking window was shown as through 2026, which I edited to extend out to 2030. 

Château Suduiraut 1er Cru Classe Sauterne

This is a special wine, suitable for special occasions, and ideal for an intimate casual sipping such as tonight. We enjoyed this same wine at our special get-away weekend anniversary dinner celebration at “Goosefoot Restaurant”  Chicago, back in 2019, as featured in this blogpost - Goosefoot Chicago Anniversary Celebration Dinner. We also featured this wine in two other special tastings’blogposts - Super Big Red Wine Flight for Grilled Beefsteak Dinner, and “A Night in Sicily” Italian Village Donnafugata Covid Lock-in Virtual Wine Dinner.

These premium quality Sauterne dessert wines can have drinking windows as long as fifty years, and more in top vintages. Tonight, at twenty four years, the foil, label, and most importantly the fill level and cork, were pristine, like a three year old. The giveway of the age was the color has darkened from the golden straw color, upon release, to dark golden, and now to a weak tea color. Aside the color, it didn’t appear to have changed whatsoever in the six years since that tasting, except that it may have taken on a subtle mid-palate tone of smokiness, in addition to its earlier, traditional tasting profile. 

Château Suduiraut 1er Cru Classe Sauterne 2002

At that celebration dinner I wrote, “We enjoy sweet unctuous desert wines with salads, cheese or deserts. This was a nice finisher, a perfect complement to the final course.” 

This is a classic Sauterne, a blend of Semillon (94 %) and Sauvignon Blanc (6 %). Château Suduiraut is considered to be one of the finest Sauternes.

The history of Château Suduiraut, dates back to the 1600’s. It was classified as a Premier Cru during the official 1855 wine classification programme. The French conglomerate AXA Millésimes acquired Suduiraut in 1992. 

Golden honey, dark amber colored, full bodied yet delicate, nicely balanced fruit and floral aromas, complex roasted and candied notes of apple, vanilla and honey, medium sweetness and a long smooth silky finish.  Not as sweet and unctuous as some vintages, the fruit is more subdued lacking the apricot nectar and honey of some vintages. This showed plenty of botrytis, with predominate notes of smoke, marzipan, almond, ripe apple, and hints of vanilla on the tongue cloying finish.

RM 91 

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated this wine 90-93 points, Wine Spectator, 90 points.

https://www.suduiraut.com/en/vin/1/chateau-suduiraut

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?18468