WMD "Wines of Mass Deliciousness" Half Case
Versatile Party Whites Half Case
Ultimate 2009 Bordeaux Half Case
The Ultimate Rhône Explorer's Half Case
Travel the World Half Case
Mixed Half Case • Red Wine • White Wine
There are four places in the world I love above all others when it comes to wine: Italy, France, Spain and South Africa. Whenever I feel like retracing my past steps through these beautiful, inspiring places, I don't flip through photos. I drink these countries' captivating wines.
OK, so on the escapism scale it's not quite the same as strolling through vineyards or dining at the locals' favorite spots. But who really has the time read more...
There are four places in the world I love above all others when it comes to wine: Italy, France, Spain and South Africa. Whenever I feel like retracing my past steps through these beautiful, inspiring places, I don't flip through photos. I drink these countries' captivating wines.Read more...
There are four places in the world I love above all others when it comes to wine: Italy, France, Spain and South Africa. Whenever I feel like retracing my past stepsRead more...
1 x 2006 Château Grand-Maison Grand Vin Bordeaux
1 x 2006 Tenuta Vitanza Brunello di Montalcino
1 x 2007 Altos El Convento Priorat
1 x 2008 Indalo South Africa Cabernet Sauvignon
1 x 2008 Sandro de Bruno Colli Scaligeri Soave
1 x 2009 Manuel Olivier Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Chardonnay
There are four places in the world I love above all others when it comes to wine: Italy, France, Spain and South Africa. Whenever I feel like retracing my past steps through these beautiful, inspiring places, I don't flip through photos. I drink these countries' captivating wines.
OK, so on the escapism scale it's not quite the same as strolling through vineyards or dining at the locals' favorite spots. But who really has the time and money for a four-country wine getaway? Yet if you want to start on a journey of discovering which country's wines are your favorites, this is the place to start. Considering the price for six bottles is what you'd pay for just one bottle at dinner a high-end wine trip, this half case is worth staying home for.
I've included wines you can quaff now (the Cabernet, the Soave and the white Burgundy) as well as bottles that will bowl you over now with their power and grace, but will reward your patience if you cellar them for a few years (the Bordeaux, the Brunello and the Priorat). But do as you please: This is a six-pack that's all about discovery, whether you're just getting started with wine or you have the palate of a pro. Just be sure to invite some friends along for the ride.
Nicole Niebisch has worked in the wine industry for the past decade. She started in New York restaurants as a sommelier and, prior to joining Lot18, spent five years working for Folio Fine Wine Partners, an importer and producer of wines from several of the world's top regions. Nicole holds certificates from the Society of Wine Educators and the American Sommelier Association, and the Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust. Read more about Nicole here, or follow her on Twitter.
Tasting Notes
2006 Château Grand-Maison Grand Vin Bordeaux
Need something for a Saturday dinner party? Go for this blend of Merlot and Malbec. Notes of black fruits, currant, berries and plum are layered with notes of sweet vanilla spice. The tannins are soft, and the oak flavors are integrated. This wine can age for another decade, but you'll be perfectly happy now if you pair this with a rare beef tenderloin with roasted fingerling potatoes finished with a red-wine reduction.
2006 Tenuta Vitanza Firma Brunello di Montalcino
This is the wine for a special occasion – tomorrow or 10 years from now. Made from Sangiovese grapes, this wine throws aromas of black cherry, currant and plum, alongside tobacco leaf, earth, cocoa and a bit of nutmeg. On the palate, ripe black cherry and raspberry notes are balanced by racy acidity. The earthy finish lingers. Decant this for an hour before serving it with roasted red meats or aged cheeses.
2007 Altos El Convento Priorat
When the occasion calls for a powerful red, you can do no wrong with this wine. It's brimming with blackberry and black cherry notes, but exhibits a complementary earthiness with notes of spice, mainly licorice and pepper. Lush and full-bodied, this has another seven to 12 years of life – but there's nothing wrong with opening it now, alongside cured meats, Spanish sausages or herb-seasoned meat ragù.
2008 Indalo South Africa Cabernet Sauvignon
Whatever red meat happens to be on the table, you can do no wrong pairing it with this intensely dark, inky, full-bodied, ripe, fruit-driven wine. Powerful aromas of black currant and plum dominate, but are well supported by leafy tobacco notes. Velvety and lush with balanced acidity, the wine manages to be pleasingly refreshing for a big-boned red. Pour this with thyme-roasted leg of lamb or a simple steak on the grill.
2008 Sandro de Bruno Soave Colli Scaligeri
This is about as enjoyable and versatile a summer-afternoon wine can get. It brims with rich aromas of pear, red apple skins, honeyed toast and fresh dairy cream. The palate plays with these aromas but is a bit less honeyed and more savory. Bright acidity keeps this rich wine refreshing, making it a perfect match for dishes that have a good punch of salt and acidity, particularly fresh seafood.
2009 Manuel Olivier Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Chardonnay Trio
I can't think of a better Sunday lunch wine, one that pairs so nicely with dishes such as smoked fish, crab cakes, salads or pasta with fresh veggies and a simple blend of olive oil, basil and Parmesan. This wine reveals delicate notes of white flowers, chalk and citrus fruits. Lovely, crisp green apple fruit hits the palate at first sip but gives way to some tropical and floral notes, and mouthwatering acidity.
Availability
This product ships to the following states:
Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Wyoming
