{"title":"#30 - Vineyard Brands","description":"\u003cp\u003eHeather Smith\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"boekenhoutskloofthechocolateblockredblend2018-750ml","title":"Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block Red Blend 2023 - 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92pts James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is wonderfully fragrant, with attractive notes of olive, mulberry and peppercorn. It’s juicy, medium- to full-bodied and very bright, with fine-grained tannins and a lively finish. 74% syrah, 11% grenache, 8% cabernet sauvignon, 6% cinsault and 1% viognier. Delicious already. Drink now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91pts Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 The Chocolate Block, arguably the Cape's most successful brand in terms of both quantity and quality, is a mixture of 70% estate fruit (mainly from Porseleinberg) and 30% from partnership vineyards on reddish soils that have supplied fruit for 15 to 20 years. It matured for 12 to 14 months in 95% used barriques. Fruit picked after the rains was not included in the blend. The 2023 has a fresh nose with redcurrant and pomegranate fruit, earthy notes and a touch of tea leaf. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy red fruit and fine acidity, fresh and vibrant with brown spices and black pepper toward the finish. According to the label, production totaled 4,043 barrels in this vintage—it is some achievement to produce a label of such scale at this level of quality. The Cape couldn't ask for a better ambassador.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nose is rich and intense with its abundance of black- and blueberry fruit, ripe brambles, and notes of black olives, perfume and dust. Whiffs of white pepper and coriander seed add to the complexity. The bright dark berries of the nose follow through onto a juicy, abundant palate with classic red liquorice and fresh cherry flavours. The wine is medium to full-bodied, with a broad, weighty midpalate, yet the mouthfeel is smooth, gentle. Lively acidity and svelte, velvety tannins are balanced and add to the elegance, focus and energy of the wine. Hints of cherry tobacco and exotic spice linger\u003cbr\u003eon a pure, dry finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe quest to understand the name of this wine and the wine itself is now the stuff of legend. While we are not about to reveal all, we can say that the style of the wine is a reflection of our belief that the Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, is eminently suited to blended reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe make-up of this wine is tweaked from vintage to vintage to best reflect the season and the ancient vines of great character that are an integral part of the wine’s charm and personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlend:\u003c\/strong\u003e 74% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e6% Cinsault, 1% Viognier\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVegan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Breakthru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32062314446913,"sku":"089419759037","price":29.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2424\/3053\/files\/boekenhoutskloof-the-chocolate-block-red-blend-2022-750ml-802080.jpg?v=1715806171"},{"product_id":"domaine-delaporte-sancerre-silex-2023-750ml","title":"Domaine Delaporte Sancerre Silex 2023 - 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePale gold in color, the Silex Blanc is an elegant embodiment of Sauvignon Blanc characteristic of the Sancerre region, with a nose of little white flowers. In the mouth it is silky, round and delicate, with a pleasing richness and complexity on the back palate. It has a good balance between alcohol and acidity levels in the mouth, marked with mellow notes of wood (acacia, well-ripened exotic fruits, with minerals in the background). Balance and refinement are the underpinnings of the Cuvée Silex.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Cuvée Silex is better suited to refined dishes, such as firm-textured saltwater fish with traditional French sauces, Coquilles Saint-Jacques, lightly seared foie gras, poultry or veal escalope in cream sauce or with various cheeses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis white wine comes from Sauvignon Blanc vines that are more than 50 years of age, planted in flint soil “Silex”. They are cultivated following traditional, sustainable methods so as to maximise respect for the ecosystem and the environment. These soils encourage a slower maturation of the grapes, which allows a later harvest and an improved resistance to disease. This soil produces a wine with remarkable potential for ageing. The Cuvée Silex is a very prestigious wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocated in the heart of the Sancerre region, Domaine Delaporte is a family business that has been passed from father to son since the 17th century. The Domaine is found in the beautiful village of Chavignol, which is renowned for the goat cheese Crottin de Chavignol. Since 2010, Vincent Delaporte’s grandson, Matthieu Delaporte, has been focused on further improving the Domaine’s wine. Precision, balance, and complexity are the maxims of the Domaine Delaporte cuvées, with each delivering a strong sense of individual terroir, marked by considerable minerality, power, and freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Breakthru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51988554809708,"sku":"089419118032","price":44.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2424\/3053\/files\/domaine-delaporte-sancerre-silex-2023-750ml-458028.jpg?v=1745447378"},{"product_id":"caparzo-brunello-di-montalcino-2020-750ml","title":"Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino 2020 - 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95pts James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA bright red with firm, integrated tannins that provide length and focus. It’s medium-bodied with citrus and berry character and excellent length. I like it now, but give it two or three years to show its full potential. Same quality as 2019? Best after 2027.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93pts Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBright red in color, the 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino is inviting and pure with aromas of ripe red cherries, fresh Mediterranean herbs, dried lavender, and roses. Medium-bodied, it's inviting all the way throughout, with fine tannins, refreshing acidity, and a clean, orange citrus-noted finish, with gently tapering length. If it hasn't gone up in price, it's still one of the better values in the region. Highly consistent. Drink 2025-2040.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92pts Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the bottle with the green label and proprietor Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini's signature in gold, the Caparzo 2020 Brunello di Montalcino offers a lot of fresh fruit with cherry and redcurrant at the front. This vintage succeeds at bringing us a very elegant and streamlined style. The aromas take on more volume with time, adding hints of blue flower, rose and toasted coriander seed. It finishes with lean consistency, silky tannins and medium length.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92pts Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2020 Brunello di Montalcino lifts from the glass with an enticing blend of crushed plums and wild berries accentuated by lavender and flowery underbrush hints. This displays silken textures and a lifted feel, with tart red berry fruits guided by brisk acidity as a cascade of inner florals swirls throughout. The 2020 leaves a coating of sweet tannins and a bitter blackberry tinge while finishing with wonderful length and concentration.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91pts Wine Spectator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis harmonious red reveals ample energy and dimension, with a spice hint framing cherry, iron, sanguine and underbrush flavors. Its tannins are dense and present but not obtrusive. Fine length. Best from 2027 through 2042.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90pts Decanter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first property Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini purchased in Montalcino, Caparzo is one of five estates she now owns with her children, Igino and Alessandra. Vineyard holdings have grown from 30 hectares in 1998 to 110ha today. A blend of sites, the classic Brunello is relatively expressive with attractive perfumes of mint, pepper and bay leaf atop strawberry and blackberry. Well weighted though wanting a bit more definition, the palate proposes a mix of slightly confected red and dark berries. Juicy acidity keeps this bright and afloat, and pliant tannins say ‘drink now’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRuby, tending towards garnet with age. On the nose, penetrating, ample, and extremely complex, with wild berry fruit. Dry, warm, firm, harmonious, delicate and austere, and persistent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrink with roasts, grilled and spit-roasted meats, game, braised meats, and aged cheeses.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Breakthru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53173706424684,"sku":"089419075106","price":44.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2424\/3053\/products\/caparzo-brunello-di-montalcino-2013-908647.jpg?v=1691439368"},{"product_id":"j-de-villebois-pouilly-fume-2024-750ml","title":"J. de Villebois Pouilly Fume 2024 - 750ml","description":"\u003csection class=\"pipProdMakerNote\"\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessional Ratings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerfumed floral aromas brush up against dried twig and hay on the nose that rests on a foundation of muddled green apple. Rounded chalky acidity opens on the palate with a tart-and-ripe mix of orchard fruit that playfully lingers. Serve by the glass by itself, or pair with a meal.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine presents a pale color with yellow highlights. The refined and expressive nose reveals aromas of green citrus and blackcurrant bud, enhanced by notes of sansho pepper and exotic spices. On the palate, minerality shines through with vibrant green citrus and mandarin freshness, supported by subtle grapefruit zest bitterness. Balance and elegance take center stage, leading to a long finish with a pleasant saline touch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinery Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJ. de Villebois is a family winery owned by Joost and Miguela de Willebois. Over the last 15 years, Villebois has become one of the leading Sauvignon Blanc producers in the Loire Valley with a unique range of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines cultivated in its own vineyards. Villebois wines win multiple awards year-in, year-out at French and international wine contests.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Breakthru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53765331812716,"sku":"3760189780700","price":24.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2424\/3053\/products\/j-de-villebois-pouilly-fume-2019-750ml-687532.jpg?v=1691444048"},{"product_id":"mendes-symington-alvarinho-vinho-verde-2024-750ml","title":"Mendes \u0026 Symington Alvarinho Avesso Vinho Verde 2024 - 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 Alvarinho Avesso pulls Alvarinho from stony Monção soils along the Minho for salty snap and Avesso from Baião’s Douro-edge for ripe texture—hand-harvested, skin-soaked briefly, then slow-fermented and lees-aged three months for vibrancy with midpalate heft. Pale with green glints, it layers lemon zest and white peach over flinty florals; the palate drives fresh acidity through stone fruit and seashell into a long, mineral hum. This isn’t entry Vinho Verde: structured for 7–10 years, it’s Atlantic white with Douro polish and Monção cut.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnjoy with Oysters raw or grilled, ceviche, or light seafood risotto—its acidity cuts richness while fruit bridges herbs and spice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Breakthru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53889563165036,"sku":"089419236675","price":13.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2424\/3053\/files\/mendes-symington-alvarinho-avesso-vinho-verde-2024-750ml-362232.webp?v=1781050347"},{"product_id":"marques-de-caeres-gran-reserva-2019-750ml","title":"Marques de Caeres Gran Reserva 2019 - 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eDeep color with slightly reddish edges. \u003c\/span\u003eA complex nose, where notes of age-appropriate development blend with a background of wild berry jam. A spicy base provides continuity on the palate, with fine wood notes and hints of pepper and clove. As it evolves in the glass, it gains expressiveness, demonstrating that the sensations described coexist in harmony and\u003cbr\u003econtribute nuances that make the wine more interesting each time it is tasted again.\u003cbr\u003ePowerful and sustained on the palate, with round, long tannins that give the wine\u003cbr\u003econsistency and depth. Its sweet tannins combine substance with delicacy, leaving a\u003cbr\u003esmooth and sweet finish where tertiary aromas predominate at retronasal level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWInery Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecial selection of old vines from Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, aged between 65 and 85 years old. Very low yields of between 3,000 and 4,500 kg\/ha.due to the age and limited vigour of the vines. Produced mainly with Tempranillo grapes from vineyards planted at\u003cbr\u003edifferent altitudes in Cenicero, Elciego and Laguardia.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis vintage is blended with small quantities of red Garnacha and Graciano grapes. The red Garnacha grapes come exclusively from vineyards in Rioja Alta, located in Cenicero and Nájera, allowing us to achieve finesse, freshness as well as structure. The Graciano is mostly harvested in Elciego, where we obtain the unique character of\u003cbr\u003edelicacy, \"grace\", liveliness and colour. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Breakthru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54064862855532,"sku":"089419058703","price":26.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2424\/3053\/files\/marques-de-caeres-gran-reserva-2019-750ml-892921.jpg?v=1784681354"}],"url":"https:\/\/redneckwinecompany.com\/collections\/15at-27.oembed","provider":"Redneck Wine Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}