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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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
$285
$275ea in any 3+
$265ea in any 6+
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Giacomo Conterno Barolo 'Francia' 2020

Giacomo Conterno Barolo ‘Francia’ 2020

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

The 2020 Barolo Francia is a soaring, classically austere wine built for the cellar. Medium in body and driving, with tons of mineral intensity, the 2020 is an evocative wine that makes me think about the future. This is what young Barolo should be - vibrant and stern, but with the purity of fruit that is typical here. The 2020 is so wonderfully alive.Antonio Galli, Vinous 98 Points
$850
$830ea in any 3+
$810ea in any 6+
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Cascina Penna-Currado Dolcetto d'Alba 'Bricco Lago' 2022
Vineyards lie in Monforte, in an area with particularly great natural biodiversity. Elena and Luca strongly believe in Dolcetto as an important “tool” for young wine drinkers and their entry level exposure to the Langhe. The grapes are vinified whole cluster and aging takes place in stainless steel for this fragrant rendition of Dolcetto.
$59
$56ea in any 3+
$53ea in any 6+
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Vietti 'Perbacco' Langhe Nebbiolo McKENZIE 5L 2020
Two of the best value Neb's on the market have to be Vietti's Castiglione Barolo and this wine Vietti's Perbacco! The 2020 Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco is another terrific entry-level wine from Vietti. In this vintage, the Perbacco is especially fine. Sweet dried cherry, herbs, mint, crushed flowers, anise and orange peel grace this striking, alluring Nebbiolo. There's tons of depth and sheer pedigree, things that have not always been present in recent editions. For years, Perbacco was a very seriou
$590
$570ea in any 3+
$550ea in any 6+
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