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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Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva 'Ovello' 2019
KO 96 AG 94
The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is powerful, savory and intensely linear, in classico Ovello style, and yet it appears to have enough fruit behind its imposing tannins to develop well over the coming years. In this tasting, the Ovello feels pretty closed post bottling, but its inherent balance and qualities are there. Clean saline notes extend the finish in promising fashion.Antonio Galloni, Vinous 94 Points KO 96*NOTE Galloni tasted in Sept 2023 noting his intent to look at the P
$209
$199ea in any 3+
$189ea in any 6+

Domaine Armand Rousseau Grand Cru ‘Chambertin’ 2022

Pinot Noir | Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy

 The 2022 Chambertin Grand Cru conveys a sense of grandeur on the nose, leaning slightly more towards red than black fruit, very harmonious and complex, with pressed flower scents filtering through with aeration. It is difficult to drag your nose away from the glass. The medium-bodied palate has very finely sculpted tannins and great depth with a smoothly textured, lightly spiced finish that lingers very long in the mouth. Superb.Neal Martin, Vinous 96-98 Points Tasted Nov 2023 Drin

Montevertine ‘Le Pergole Torte’ 2022

Sangiovese | Tuscany, Chianti Classico

The 2022 Le Pergole Torte is every bit as magnificent as it was last year. Deep and expansive in the glass, with stunning depth, the 2022 stains the palate with layers of dark fruit, mocha, new leather and cedar. The 2022 starts to blossom with just a bit of time in the glass, leading to a finish that explodes on the back end. As has been the case for some time, the differences between Montevertine and Pergole Torte are increasingly mostly about style. The 2022 spent a year in Damy French oak
$495
$475ea in any 3+
$455ea in any 6+

Cogno Barolo ‘Ravera’ 2017

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

"These vineyards represent the classic side of our production. They make elegant, smooth, and fresh wines with a fine aroma." Valter Fissore "The 2017 Barolo Ravera is a beautiful, precise wine. Bright acids and veins of tannin give the 2017 terrific energy that carries all the way through to the finish. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, chalk, white pepper and spice all open with a bit of coaxing. This is very nicely done."Antonio Galloni, Vinous
$212
$202ea in any 3+
$192ea in any 6+