Monopole

A Fench term referring to a single vineyard or Climat with just one owner.

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A Fench term referring to a single vineyard or Climat with just one owner.

Most commonly used in Burgundy where vineyard holdings have been divided through hereditary title. Upon the death of the owner the land is split equally between all children. It is common for a single vineyard to have multiple owners. The Grand Cru, Chambertin, in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin had 23 owners with 40 producers last time I looked. Each owner may have as little as a few rows of vines yielding just enough fruit to make a single barrel of wine.

Famous Monopoles include La Romanée-Conti, La Tâche (both owned by Domaine de la Romanée Conti) and La Grand Rue (Francois LaMarche) in Vosne-Romanée, Clos de Tart (owned by Francois Pinot of Latour since 2017) in Morey-Saint-Denis, and, Clos des Ruchottes (Armand Rousseau) in Gevrey-Chambertin.

Outside Burgundy think  Clos de la Coulée de Serrant, Château-Grillet and Trimbach’s Clos Sainte Hune.

Some clearly denote Monopole on the label others do not.

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Oddero Barolo 'Rocche di Castiglione' 2017
Rare as Hens' teeth!

Nebbiolo from Castiglione Falletto, Barolo

Oddero Barolo ‘Rocche di Castiglione’ 2017

Rocche di Castiglione has to be one of my favourite Crus. The wines have incredible harmony, they are just so complete.I haven't had the chance to try this. I have devoured the 2017 Villero from just around the corner. Given Oddero's consistency through their range I'd say you're in for very safe bet here!The 2017 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is a beautiful wine that captures the natural intensity of the year while maintaining the style of the site. Silky aromatic and wonderfully nua

Vintage 2017
$295
$285ea in any 3+
$275ea in any 6+
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Joh Jos Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett Riesling 2022

Riesling from Mosel, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

Joh Jos Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett Riesling 2022

Always a favourite! In England they offer tea in the afternoon in the Mosel they offer Kabinett! The 2022er Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett initially proves slightly reductive and finely smoky, before it reveals notes of orchard fruits, spices, candied grapefruit, bergamot, and yellow peach. The wine is delicately juicy and fruity on the palate, as yellow and finely ripe yellow fruits currently dominate the aromatics. The finish is nicely focused, light-weighted, and airy, with a subtle t

Vintage 2022
$134
$129ea in any 3+
$124ea in any 6+
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Domaine Thierry Laffay Chablis Vielles Vignes 2020

Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy

Domaine Thierry Laffay Chablis Vielles Vignes 2020

Showing exactly how important vine age is! A step up, an extra zip of salty acid and that mid palate weight with excellent length. Florals, white stone fruit a little citrus pith and plenty of fun. That slight primary edge that disappeared as it opened revealing excellent depth and length with restraint. A little more complexity. Mid palate texture is excellent. Hazelnuts and an extra layer of pleasure here. Excellent.

Vintage 2020
$83
$80ea in any 3+
$77ea in any 6+
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Sadie Family Swartland Palladius 2022

White Blend from Swartland, South Africa

Sadie Family Swartland Palladius 2022

“The 2022 starts by almost playing hide-and-seek; the wine is more reserved and holding back. And only after warming up and a couple of minutes in the glass does the conversation start. The aromas are that of green apple and citrus flint, and then some of the stone fruit aromas begin to shine through. The wine needs time. The palate is already balanced, and the acidity is met by very firm tannins. The aftertaste is lingering. This bottling is a great vintage to follow the 2021. It is a strong

Vintage 2022
$355
$340ea in any 3+
$325ea in any 6+
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