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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Giovanni Sordo Barolo 'Monvigliero' 2021
Gardini 98 ID 94 GW 93+
Perfumed. Wonderful shape and flow. Savoury and earthy with roses. A certain delicacy. Beautifully spiced, aromatically a little more developed yet fresh and vibrant, playful with a generosity. Clearly needs a little more time to come together and settle the acid tannin complex layering in nicely. Long and nutty tannins. The freshness of the 2021 vintage.A superb expression of Verduno.Gardini 98 Points ID 94 Points GW 93+ Points
$173
$166ea in any 3+
$159ea in any 6+
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Ar.Pe.Pe Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella Rocce Rosse 2018
The 2018 Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva Rocce Rosse is bright, lifted and translucent in the glass. It offers striking intensity and yet remains light on its feet. Crushed red berry fruit, white flowers, mint, chalk and tangerine peel build with time in the glass, filling out the layers effortlessly. There is a feeling of translucency here that is utterly beguiling. Readers will find a wine of real stature and pedigree. Antonio Galloni, Vinous 94 Points
$190
$183ea in any 3+
$176ea in any 6+
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Domaine Marc Morey Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru 'Les Vergers' 2022
This is also suffering from post-bottling reduction so some air would be helpful if you're going to crack a bottle young. More interesting are the slightly sleeker middleweight flavors that also possess a seductive mouthfeel while delivering solid depth and persistence on the balanced finale. This should also repay up to a decade of keeping though unlike the Chenevottes, it's a wine that will need at least a few years of bottle aging first. Drink: 2029+Allen Meadows, Burghound 91 Points �
$345
$330ea in any 3+
$315ea in any 6+
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Domaine Faiveley Bienvenues Bâtard Montrachet Grand Cru 2022

Domaine Faiveley Bienvenues Bâtard Montrachet Grand Cru 2022

Chardonnay | Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy

Mid lemon yellow. Some delicacy, without disputing the imminent power. A pure bench of fresh white fruit, actually this is more about nuances than power, though it maintains energy all the way through, to a fine long finish. Love the tension, and the finesse, while some other versions may be more intense.94-97 Points, Jasper Morris – Inside Burgundy Drink: 2030-2038The 2022 Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru unwinds in the glass with aromas of peach, ripe citrus fruits, white
$1,499
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