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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Georges Deschamps Chablis 1er Cru Fauchaume 'Vaupulan' 2020
Lovely wine, beautifully made harmonious, long fine layered, of great complexity, softer acid profile, yet plenty of acid, a textural feat! Excellent development.Citrus and pith, with a good phenolic textural play. Nicely balanced, on a lower perceived acid bent for the region. Chalky feel. Plenty of fun. Subtle leesy funk, with great clarity.Fauchaume has a number of Lieux Dits that you'll see on the label: Vaulorent, Fontenay, Vaupulan amongst them.
$110
$105ea in any 3+
$100ea in any 6+
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Domaine Alex Moreau Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru 'La Maltroie' 2023
The more elegant fo the 2 M's Maltroie vs Morgeot The 2023 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru La Maltroie is a high point of the range, as it was in 2022. Opening in the glass with notes of pear, orange zest, toasted nuts and white flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and racy, with good depth and cut and a pure, saline finish.William Kelley, The Wine Advocate 92-94 PointsA prominent petrol character suffuses the even spicier and cooler aromas of Granny Smith apple and lemongras
$485
$465ea in any 3+
$445ea in any 6+
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Domaine de la Pousse d'Or Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru 'Les Feusselottes' 2020
A slightly more elegant nose features notes of poached plum, black raspberry, violet and anise hints. There is a notably finer mouthfeel to the attractively textured medium weight flavors that conclude in a firmer and better-balanced finale where a touch of austerity slowly emerges. 2028+ (from a .42 ha parcel)Allen Meadows, Burghound
$385
$370ea in any 3+
$355ea in any 6+
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Figli Luigi Oddero Langhe Nebbiolo 2020

Figli Luigi Oddero Langhe Nebbiolo 2020

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

Serious Langhe playing at Barolo level. Poured blind I'd more than likely say it was at Barolo level. Excellent acid wonderful core of fruit, flowing with excellent shape. A vibrancy and energy with fruit weight toward La Morra sources. Outstanding aroma and flavour profile. Layered and complex earthy and truffled. Open and approachable. A serious wine & a wonderful expression of Nebbiolo. The textural elements in the Oddero wines just keep getting better and better year after year.
$87
$83ea in any 3+
$79ea in any 6+
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