Solera

The unique yeast that grows on top of the sherry protecting it from oxidation.

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Spanish term. A method of perpetually ageing wine in a “pyramid” of barrels. Wine for bottling drawn from the bottom layer. The barrels from this layer, are then topped from the next layer up, and so on until the top layer is reached. This layer is topped by fresh wine made that year. The barrels are typically left 5/6ths full. Each layer in a Solera is called a Criadera, or layers. Fino sherries will have 7 criadera, Manzanilla at least 9 and up to 20. Practically, wineries, simply place them in batches representing a criardera rather than building actual solera stacks. The image below shows the basics of how the system works.

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The 2012 vintage is the second to be bottled from la Grande Ruelle by Benoît Marguet and it is outstanding. This is composed entirely of pinot noir and was finished non-dosé and disgorged in September of 2017. The wine is beautiful on both the nose and palate, with the bouquet offering up scents of white peach, patissière, a touch of tangerine, complex soil tones, a touch of hazelnut and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, complex and plenty deep at the core, with fine soi
$250
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'The 2018 Barolo Monvigliero is broad, ample and so expressive, all while showing the finesse and classicism that are such a signature of this wine. All elements are so well balanced in a Barolo that speaks to harmony above all else. Sweet red cherry, cedar, orange peel, tobacco and cinnamon give the 2018 tons of aromatic presence. Best of all, the 2018 will drink well with minimal cellaring. It's a gorgeous wine in every way.' Antonio Galloni, Vinous 95 Points
$235
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Layers of Silky Tannins!
The Lavaux is situated below Poissenot and next to Clos Saint Jacques. The Lavaux is situated below Poissenot and next to Clos Saint Jacques. This Lavaux is a superb effort, a complex array of red and dark fruits, wild strawberry, raspberry, cassis, liqorice and an exquisite deeply scented fragrant lift. The aromas of this wine are captivating. The palate is superbly structured with layers and layers of the silkiest tannins one could imagine that coat your palate. 2030-2050. Tom Carson
$270
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Super fine of deceptive weight, complexity & transparency. It achieves one of the greatest feats in white wine: elegance with real depth and length, particularly mid-palate weight. with loads of fun. Excellent acid profile and flow. The balance here is impressive. Just delicious, very good, thirst-quenching. Great purity and precision, layered and full of personality. Another terrific wine from this address, the 2020 Viré-Clessé Quintaine exhibits aromas of citrus zest, white flo
$183
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