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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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Earthy, savoury, delicate spice, sitting beautifully with darker fruits and more apparent stalk tannin. The acid, tannin, alcohol complex working beautifully. A ripping edition of this perennial favourite. As with the other Cuvées it's more immediate approachability than previous vintages. I typically find Bouland's wines need at least 18 months to 2 year to resolve and for their tension to relax following bottling. This will undoubtedly offer more with time in bottle.
$60
$57ea in any 3+
$54ea in any 6+

Vietti Barolo ‘Lazzarito’ 2017

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Italy

Vietti's 2017 Barolo Lazzarito is absolutely gorgeous. Whatever the challenges of the growing season, they appear to have been no problem here. More than anything else, the Lazzarito impresses with its magnificent depth and stature. Super-ripe red fruit, white pepper, mint, tobacco, cured meat, spice and rose petal open gradually with time in the glass. I would not be in a rush to open bottles anytime soon. The Lazzarito has been one of the most improved wines at Vietti for a number of years. Th
$440
$430ea in any 3+
$420ea in any 6+
Lovers of flavourful Chardonnay will be happy here! Amiot makes wines toward the more generous end of the spectrum. Tasting this reminded me of a chat I had with Franco d'Anna about the pendulum from riper to leaner styles. 'Chardonnay should have flavour'My note on the 2017:Lovers of flavourful Chardonnay will be happy here. Vergers should have a solid line of acid and this does. Full of riper stone fruit, melon, creamy lees action, a pinch of baking spice all finishing with a little pi
$221
$211ea in any 3+
$201ea in any 6+

Roagna Barbaresco Crichët Pajè 2013

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

This! I can’t think of a better wine to end this tasting with than with the 2013 Barbaresco Crichët Pajé. Tasted from magnum, the 2013 dazzles with its combination of explosive energy and sheer elegance. Rose petals, cinnamon, crushed rocks, mint and white pepper are some of the many notes that emerge from this wonderfully complex, dynamic Barbaresco. Quite simply, the 2013 is unforgettable. Drink 2033-2063 Tasted May 2024Antonio Galloni, Vinous 99 Points