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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Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Gabutti’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

A wonderful expression of Serralunga, all of the tea, slate, graphite, exceptional quality tannins, with a presence and sophistication. The firm mouthfeel of seriously good Serralunga tannins. Again such a complete wine. The nose draws you in. Begging you to drink. A darkness and energy that is palpable.Impressive gear. Precise, and pure, wearing the vineyard and commune on its sleeve. Superb fruit of depth and length. Insane Texture! Great drinking here with much much more to come
$165
$160ea in any 3+
$155ea in any 6+
The 2022 Latricières-Chambertin Grand Cru has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis, dark berries and cherries mingled with hints of peony, spice and a discreet framing of new oak. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's bright and concentrated, with lively acids, powdery tannins and a penetrating finish.William Kelley, The Wine Advocate 94-96 PointsJM 93-96A combination of more discreet wood influence and very fresh if restrained red berry f

Domaine Trapet Père et Fils Chambertin Grand Cru 2022

Pinot Noir | Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy

The 2022 Chambertin Grand Cru is another terrific wine from Trapet, unfurling in the glass with deep aromas of plums, cherries and sweet berries mingled with hints of warm spices, rose petals and coniferous forest floor. Full-bodied, ample and satiny, it's seamless and complete, with a layered core of fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannins. It's as impressive for its harmony as it is for its plenitude.William Kelley, The Wine Advocate 95-97JM 96-98Note: from 3 different parce

Antoniolo Gattinara Riserva DOCG 2017

Nebbiolo | Italy, Alto Piemonte

The Gattinara Riserva has an entrancing set of aromas and flavours, dark fruits, woody herbs, a little savoury and truffly with a top note perfume to round it out. Fresh yet beautifully developed, flowing with generous fruit of a weightless feel. The mouthfeel has a vitalising grip that sits beautifully with juicy, fine acid. Fantastic drinking!It feels like the 2016 with a little extra pop of energy!That my friends is the 3-peat! Antoniolo's Gattinaras from 2015, 2016 & 2017 are
$152
$145ea in any 3+
$138ea in any 6+