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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Bruno Giacosa Barbera d’Alba Casa Vinicola 2022

Barbera from Neive, Barbaresco

Bruno Giacosa Barbera d’Alba Casa Vinicola 2022

One of Italy’s great value red wines, the Barbera d’Alba ‘Casa Vinicola’ is an expression of Barbera fruit sourced from around the Barolo and Barbaresco sub-regions. This is one of the longest standing labels in Giacosa’s stable having first been produced in 1969, just after the first Barolos and Barbarescos of the mid-60’s. These days it is a refreshing red that shows the ripe red berries of great Barberas from Alba, alongside notably sinewy tannins and a good mineral core.

Vintage 2022
$101
$96ea in any 3+
$91ea in any 6+
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Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard 1.5m Chardonnay 2023

Chardonnay from Picadilly Valley, Adelaide Hills

Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard 1.5m Chardonnay 2023

The build in intensity of this very complete wine is clear. Yes the acid is there, it has the depth and length to hold it. The mid-palate weight is exceptional and oak use (⅓ new) refined, layered and harmonious.Perfumed with white flowers, a little baking spice crème pat. Super citrus, white grapefruit and stunning intense lime.Tasting the 3 side by side as a great way to explore depth, length and shape of fruit.The separator from so many Chardonnays on the market is the texture,

Vintage 2023
$92
$88ea in any 3+
$84ea in any 6+
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Tenuta di Carleone Chianti Classico 2021
Tre Bicchieri 🍷🍷🍷

Sangiovese from Radda UGA, Chianti Classico

Tenuta di Carleone Chianti Classico 2021

Damn! My note is almost identical to the 2020!Radda is one of the cooler parts of Chianti Classico, as with the 2020, Sean has done the 2021 justice. Dominated by dark fruits with a pop of fresh red fruits layered with stalk spices & a little earthiness.There’s harmony & flow in this seamless elegant Chianti. Finishing with a fine sweep of bitterness that cleanses, followed by lingering flavours and a fine refreshing line of acid.A certain delicacy. The fine long tannins wi

Vintage 2021
$79
$75ea in any 3+
$71ea in any 6+
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Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Premier Cru 'Vaillons' 2021

Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy

Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Premier Cru ‘Vaillons’ 2021

From a huge 3.5 ha holding that is composed by <75% Vaillons proper with the remainder from Roncières, Mélinots and Châtains.Here too there is a vague suggestion of the exotic on the slightly riper aromas of pear compote, ocean spray, iodine and wet stone. The rich, vibrant and palate coating flavors are also supported by bright acidity that carries over to the wonderfully long, youthfully austere and firm finale. This beauty should age effortlessly91-93 points,  Drink: 2029+

Vintage 2021
$137
$132ea in any 3+
$127ea in any 6+
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