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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Feeling Thirsty?

Montepuliciano from Abruzzo, Italy

Tiberio Montepuliciano d’Abruzzo DOP 2022

In it's youth it needs plenty of air. You could easily drink a bottle over a few days. Put your decanter to work and throw this puppy around. Immediately, it weaves together, the loose edges smoothen, and the expression builds. A rich wine that remains energetic. Red and dark fruited, layered with baking spices, cloves and florals. Slatey tannins with a playful grip cleanse. Proper wine that will offer much more with time in bottle. It's an impressive introduction to Tiberio's reds. I can't wait

Vintage 2022
$73
$69ea in any 3+
$65ea in any 6+

Shiraz/Syrah from Crozes-Hermitage, Northern Rhône

Domaine des Hauts Châssis Crozes Hermitage ‘Les Galets’ 2021

There's Crozes and then there's Crozes - Franck Faugier has made a cracker! Stunning Syrah 🍇 Perfume violets, draws you in with the depth and length of aroma. Beautiful integration finely spiced, with a earthy, seasoned wood from grape not oak rhubarb red fruit. Heart shape complete, beautifully weighted and sophisticated. Excellent drinking. Long fine delicious.Honest wines made by farmers of stone fruit & grapes with bloody good palatesGalets are pebbles, the vineyard is covered

Vintage 2021
$80
$76ea in any 3+
$72ea in any 6+

Nebbiolo from Castiglione Falletto, Barolo

Margherita Otto Langhe Nebbiolo 2019

2019 is the first vintage of Langhe Nebbiolo to be produced. It is made from a small part of vines registered as Nebbiolo Langhe in the Vignane MGA (in Barolo, next to Castellero) as well as some declassified fruit from the Barolo parcels. In 2019, the Nebbiolo was fermented on skins for about 10 days before being racked to preserve fruit and freshness. It went through malo in steel and was transferred to a single 1000L Mittelberger botti for aging. This is super fresh and aromatic with Baro

Vintage 2019
Original price was: $91.Current price is: $79.
$76ea in any 3+
$73ea in any 6+

Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune

Domaine Alex Moreau Chassagne-Montrachet Blanc 2023

Where the Bourgogne is immediately approachable the village Chassagne Blanc needs a little more time. The 2023 Chassagne-Montrachet Blanc opens in the glass with aromas of pear, hazelnut and nutmeg, followed by a medium-bodied, ample and lively palate that's quite generous and fruit-driven this year, though I suspect it will tighten up with a second winter on the lees. 1/3 from Les Masures next to Morgeot 2/3 Puligny side of Chassagne. William Kelley, The Wine Advocate 89-91 Points

Vintage 2023
$285
$275ea in any 3+
$265ea in any 6+
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