National & Import Wineries
Argentina
Achaval Ferrer
We work very hard in the vineyards to produce grapes that will need very little intervention in the winery. We want our wines to be balanced, complex and concentrated. We want them to show a sense of place, of the land that gave them birth.
The road to this goal is very low yields. Our Quimera blend has an average yield of 18 hectoliters per hectare. The Finca Altamira single-vineyard Malbec has a yield of 12 hectoliters per hectare.
We strive for aerated, sun-drenched canopies and for small bunches of very small grapes. When the location of a vineyard has been chosen with care and a plant has such low yields, the root system can create complexity and concentrate flavors and aromas in a natural way. Also the physiological maturity (tannin maturity) of the grapes will be in synch with their sugar development.
We harvest only until mid-morning for the grapes to be very cool when they arrive in the winery. We do severe triage both on the grape bunches before desteming and on the grapes themselves after desteming, to assure that only the best go into our tanks.
Finca Altamira Malbec 2007 - 94-97 POINTS Robert Parker
Finca Bella Vista Malbec 2007 - 94-97 POINTS Robert Parker
Finca Mirador Malbec 2005 - 94 POINTS Robert Parker / 93 POINTS Wine Spectator
Finca Mirador Malbec 2007 - 94-97 POINTS Robert Parker
Mendoza Malbec 2008 - 91 POINTS Wine Spectator
Quimera 2006 - 94 POINTS Robert Parker
Quimera 2007 - 91-94 POINTS Wine Advocate
Bodega Norton
Bodega Norton was founded by Edmund James Palmer Norton, an English engineer, in 1895. Brought to Argentina to work on the railroad projects for Buenos Aires al Pacifico, he fell in love with a young woman from the country and at the same time, with Mendoza. Norton bought an estate and land in Perdriel, Lujan de Cuyo and planted vines, and a winery soon followed, which was the first winery in Argentina south of the Mendoza River.
At Norton Winery, we are convinced that wine is born in the vineyard, that is the reason why, the experience and professionalism of our agriculturist engineer and enologist combine in our wines, jointly with the knowledge of our people and their hand-craft spirit, together with state-of-the-art technology.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Chardonnay 2008
Cosecha Tardia 2008
Gernot Langes 2003 - 92 POINTS Stephen Tanzer / 91 POINTS Wine Spectator
Malbec 2008 - 88 POINTS "BEST BUY" Wine & Spirits
Merlot 2008
Perdriel 2004
Privada 2006 - 92 POINTS Wine Spectator
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Reserve Malbec 2006 - 90 POINTS Wine Spectator / 90 POINTS Robert Parker
Reserve Merlot 2004
Reserve Syrah 2006
Rosado Malbec 2008 - 85 POINTS "BEST BUY" Wine & Spirits
Sangiovese 2007
Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Torrontes 2008
Kaiken
MONTES went into Argentina because of its grapes. From the start, KAIKEN searched for the best grapes in Mendoza, instead of worrying about big investments in land and winery. This has enabled us to “map” all the quality-producing areas in Mendoza: 1st Zone (Maipú, Cruz de Piedra, Ugarteche, Agrelo) and the Uco Valley.
To obtain grapes of real quality KAIKEN has changed the traditional way of buying grapes in Argentina. We enter into contracts with top producers with much anticipation. Seasonal works are closely supervised and the resulting low yields are also closely controlled. The producers are compensated by paying considerably above market price for their premium grapes. This has resulted in having large number of quality producers wanting to work with KAIKEN, enabling us to select the best amongst them.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Malbec 2007
Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - 90 POINTS Robert Parker
Ultra Malbec 2006 - 91 POINTS Robert Parker
Lo Tengo
From time memorial, those who know about wines have not hesitated to call Luján de Cuyo city in Mendoza province as “The First Zone” given the fact that it is located in a privileged spot for high quality wines production. The point is that this region has an average height of 900 m above sea level, it has a rocky soil of alluvial origin which is not deep, with a watering system of crystal water resulting from the Andes melt waters, one of the world´s highest luminosity rates with over 250 sunny days a year, little rains and a mild climate with big temperature differences between day and night. All these elements come together to provide an excellent fruit ripening and concentration, developing colors, aromas, flavours and textures in an ideal manner, thereby yielding balanced wines of highligted and particular characteristics, with deep colors, fruity aromas and intense flavours.
Malbec 2008
Torrontes 2008
Pascual Toso
As soon as Pascual Toso arrived in Argentina, he settled in Mendoza and started working in an import business. Very soon, however, he came to appreciate the exceptional quality of the grapes in the region and firmly believed that there was a promising future for winemaking in Mendoza. As he had been involved closely with the development of his family wine business in Piamonte, he decided to do the same in Mendoza. In 1890, Pascual Toso established his first winery in San José, Guaymallén.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, our founder decided to expand the business and acquired vineyards in Maipú, which he correctly believed contained the best quality grapes in the region. At his estate "Las Barrancas", he built another winery. Today, the Maipú area is considered by technicians to be the prime wine-producing area not only in the region of Mendoza, but throughout Argentina.
Alta Reserva Syrah 2006 - 91 POINTS Robert Parker
Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Chardonnay 2008
Magdalena Malbec 2005 - 92 POINTS Wine Spectator
Malbec 2008
Malbec Rosado 2008
Merlot 2005 - 88 POINTS Wine Spectator
Pedregal Single Vineyard Malbec/Cabernet 2005 - 93 POINTS Wine Enthusiast
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - 89 POINTS Wine Spectator / 89 POINTS Robert Parker
Reserve Malbec 2007 - 90 POINTS Wine Spectator
Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Syrah 2006
Torrontes 2008
Brut Sparkling (100% Chardonnay)
Extra Brut (100% Pinot Noir)
Australia
Andrew Peace
Wine grape varieties include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Semillon, Grenache, Mouvedre, Crouchen, Malbec, Merlot, Sangiovese, Sagrantino and Chardonnay. The winery’s 2003 rankings are 17th in Australia based on our grape intake and 14th in Australia based on export sales volume. Designed and constructed by Andrew Peace the winery has an emphasis on an even flow of must and juice with minimal oxygen contact to ensure maximum quality and fruit flavour retention.
The business consists of Andrew, Cathryn and Andrews parents, Jim and Pam. The Peace family’s achievements in creating a commercially successful vineyard/winery business in recent years have been little short of amazing demonstrating a strong capacity to utilize technology, with enormous hard work and exceptional planning skills. This continues today as the business expands with a growing export market, and the wine released on the Australian domestic market.
Chardonnay 2008
Red Blend 2008
Shiraz 2008
Master Peace
The company began as a vineyard in 1980, then in 1995 the decision to develop a winery was taken. In the first year the grape intake was 3,000 tonne. This has increased each year to crushing 16,250 tonne in 2003.
The business consists of Andrew, Cathryn and Andrews parents, Jim and Pam. The Peace family’s achievements in creating a commercially successful vineyard/winery business in recent years have been little short of amazing demonstrating a strong capacity to utilize technology, with enormous hard work and exceptional planning skills. This continues today as the business expands with a growing export market, and the wine released on the Australian domestic market.
Big Tail Blend 2006
Chardonnay 2006
Red Willie Blend 2006
Shiraz 2006
California
Crescendo
As soon as Pascual Toso arrived inn the early 1900s, Napa Main Street rivaled that of many larger cities. Saloons and gambling emporiums were numerous, but culture had also made its debut. There was a library and reading room, an agricultural society and an opera house that would inadvertently become home to one of the first “tasting rooms” in Napa Valley. In January of 1920, Prohibition was passed through the 18th Amendment. Even though the sale of alcohol was illegal, alcoholic drinks were still widely available at "speakeasies" and other underground drinking establishments. A few farmers were allowed to continue grape-growing to supply the wineries permitted to make sacramental wine during this teetotaler era, however. Though scarce, grapes could be had for a price. As the story goes, a speakeasy was opened in the basement of the Napa City opera house. The unofficial name of this operation was Crescendo, named after the singing technique made famous by opera singer Gioacchino Rossini. Crescendo was one of the few speakeasies in Napa Valley and was known for serving only wines from underground wineries down the road from what would later be known as the Oak Knoll area. More than simply a watering hole, it was a gathering place to maintain community, keep tradition and the area’s rich bounty alive. In 1930, after ten years of operation, Crescendo was raided by Federal Agents and records were purged. Many consider this an historic site and legend has it that Crescendo served as one of the area’s first “tasting rooms”. We present this ultra-premium wine in dedication to the rich history of Napa Valley and the opera house that kept the wine flowing during Prohibition.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Pinot Noir 2007 - 90 POINTS Wine News
Chile
Montes
One of T.G.I.C’s first imports, Montes started vineyard operations in 1987. Previously, the Chilean wine market had been satisfied to produce a low-quality bulk wine for export and consumption. However the vision of the Montes’ founding partners (Aurelio Montes, Douglas Murray, Alfredo Vidaurre and Pedro Grand), to produce world-class wines from Chile was achieved with their “Alpha” line of wines. Montes was named “Winemaker of the Year” by Wine Spectator in the years 2002 and 2006.
Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - 91 POINTS Wine Enthusiast / 90 POINTS Robert Parker
Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Alpha Chardonnay 2007 - 90 POINTS Stephen Tanzer
Alpha Merlot 2006 - 90 POINTS Stephen Tanzer
Alpha Pinot Noir 2007 - 89 POINTS Stephen Tanzer
Alpha Syrah 2006 - 91 POINTS Wine Spectator / 91 POINTS Robert Parker
Alpha Syrah 2007
Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - 90 POINTS Wine News
Classic Series Chardonnay 2008
Classic Series Malbec 2007
Classic Series Merlot 2007
Classic Series Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Folly Apalta Vineyard 2005 - 94 POINTS Wine Spectator / 94 POINTS Robert Parker
M Apalta Vineyard 2005 - 95 POINTS Wine Spectator / 93 POINTS Robert Parker
Purple Angel Apalta Vineyard 2006 - 92 POINTS Stephen Tanzer
Limited Selection Cabernet/Carmenere 2007
Limited Selection Cherub Rosé of Syrah 2008 - 89 POINTS Stephen Tanzer
Limited Selection Late Harvest Gewurtraminer 2008
Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2008
Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - 90 POINTS Wine Spectator / 90 POINTS Wine Enthusiast
Santa Ema
Another one of T.G.I.C’s first imports, Santa Ema was established by Pedro Pavone, the son of Italian winemakers from Piedmont in Italy. Having arrived in the Maipo valley of Chile in 1917, Pedro was an engineer by trade and spent his early years grape growing for other wineries, having planted his first vineyards in 1931 and harvesting his first cabernet, Merlot and sauvignon Blanc grapes four years later. He then established the winery with his son Felix in 1955. Santa Ema produces Chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc in addition to a reserve range, Barrel Select line, and a Bordeaux-style red blend called “Catalina” which consistently earns praise for each vintage. Santa Ema was named one of the 20 “World’s Finest value Brands” by Wine Spectator in 2005.
Amplus Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - 88 POINTS Wine Enthusiast
Amplus Carignane Old Vines 2006 - 90 POINTS Wine Spectator
Amplus One 2006 - 92 POINTS Wine & Spirits
Amplus Sauvignon Blanc 2007 - 90 POINTS Wine Spectator
60/40 Blend 2006 - 88 POINTS "TOP VALUE" Wine Spectator
Carmenere 2006
Rosado 2007
Syrah 2005
Catalina 2005 - 90 POINTS Robert Parker
Rivalta 2003 - 91 POINTS Wine Spectator / 90 POINTS Robert Parker
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - 90 POINTS Robert Parker
Reserve Chardonnay 2007
Reserve Merlot 2006
Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - 88 POINTS "Best Value" Wine Spectator
Chardonnay 2007
Merlot 2007
Sauvignon Blanc 2008
France
Domaine Delesvaux
Phillippe Delesvaux deserves to be considered among the Loire’s elite Chenin Blanc producers, a group that includes S.A. Huet, Forneau, N. Joly and Domaine des Baumard. Delesvauz founded his 35-acre Domaine in 1983, and the lights of his portfolio are the sweet vines from the Coteaux du Layon appellation.
Delesvaux came to the Loire through his agricultural studies. A Parisian by birth, he did not come from a family with a history of viticulture. During his time in the Loire, where he gained experience an Anjou farm managing cereal crops and raising livestock, he was exposed to the vine. And it clearly had a major effect on him. By 1983 he had purchased some vineyards and began to produce his first vintage in a shed. It only took a few years before he was turning out benchmark wine comparable to the very best of the appellation.
In 1983 he founded Domaine Delesvaux, in the Saint-Aubin-de-Luigne municipality in the Maine-et-Loire. His wife Catherine joined the winery in 1981, while also continuing her teaching career. She joined the Domaine permanently in 1997. Together, they form “the lively force” of Domaine Delesvaux.
For over 25 years, the essential philosophy is the ultimate respect of the vine, the earth that nourishes it, biological rhythms and the necessary maturation and aging of the wine. According to Delesvaux, “A good wine cannot be made without good grapes. The wines are born of the grape and nothing but the grape.”
The vineyard is cultivated in ultimate respect to the soil and terroir. All of the management practices are all natural and focus on working with the soil, leaf thinning and pruning, natural pesticides to control pests and disease, manual harvest and sorting all by hand. The Domaine refuses the means of technical manipulation including all ecologic additions such as wood chips, or enzymes. The wines are completely natural and the winery is certified bio dynamic.
The entire vineyard relies on natural farming and bio dynamic properties. Every bottle is verified and tested before and after bottling, in order to maintain quality and avoid defects. In addition, the corks, of the highest quality, are verified and tested by an independent laboratory.
As one of the premier producers in the region, and one of the world’s premier producers of botrytised dessert wines, Philippe has worked since 1985 to bring recognition to the importance of the Anjou region as well as the special wines of Les Grains Nobles. Having served as secretary for the association Grains Nobles from 1995-2002, he has worked tirelessly to bring recognition to the region, its wines, and its people.
In addition, Philippe is a founding member of SAPROS, an association of French winegrowers who specialize in dessert wines.
Anjou Authentique Demi Sec 2005 - 92 POINTS Wine Spectator
Coteaux du Layon Selection de Grains Nobles 2004 - 95 POINTS Wine Spectator
Coteaux du Layon Selection de Grains Nobles 2005 - 98 POINTS Wine Spectator
Coteaux du Layon St. Aubin 2006
Corteaux du Layon St. Aubin Clos de la Pavillion Moelleux 2004 - 93 POINTS Wine Spectator
Italy
Angelo Negro
Since 1670 the Negro family cultivates vineyards on the Roero hills. Giovanni Negro and his family work very hard to increase the value of this wonderful corner of Piemonte, dedicating their life to the prestigious native vines: Some of the grapes cultivated are La Favorita and white grape Arneis, For the red Nebbiolo, Barbera, Bonarda, the long grape Dolcetto and Brachetto. His prestigious wines are recognized worldwide. Giovanni Negro who has a great personality and is also the Mayor of the town of Roero dedicates himself with passion together with his sons Gabriele, Angelo the Grains Nobles from 1995-2002, he has worked tirelessly to bring recognition to the region, its wines, and its people.
Barbaresco Basarin 2004
Barbaresco Basarin 2005 - 93 POINTS Wine News
Barbera d'Alba Nicolon 2006
Pracchioso Roero 2005
Roero Arneis Perdaudin 2007
Sudisfa Roero 2004
Roberto Cipresso
Not every terroir fits into another, but with patience and consistency, almost like a zealot in a sect, Cipresso has now found a way to pursue his philosophy. As part of his discoveries, two other wines emerged; Pigreco and Eureka. Formed from discoveries along the way, a red blend and single vineyard bottling, respectively, are also products of his experiments. His goal for each vintage of Quadratura del Cerchio is to continue to combine compatible terriors wherever they are- Sicily + Piedmont, Tuscany + Puglia….the options are endless, as long as they blend together to form the solution of the problem…..La Quadratura del Cerchio. By experimenting and blending form year to year, the exciting wines of Roberto Cipresso are a platform for uninhibited winemaking, the passion of Roberto Cipresso.
Eureka 2005
La Quadratura del Cerchio 2006
Pigreco 2006
Clan Destino
Pinino wine estate was founded in 1874 in the famous part of Montalcino, Montosoli and Pinino wines were always regarded as one of the best Brunellos in Montalcino. In 2003, the property was purchased by Andrea and Hannes Gamon of Austria together with Silvia and Max Hernandez of Spain with the vision to produce 1st class wines, derived from a common passion.
Brunello di Montalcino 2004 - 90 POINTS Wine Spectator
Rosso di Montalccino 2006 - 90 POINTS Wine & Spirits
Conte D'Attimis-Maniago
Located in Buttrio, 12 kilometres south of Udine, in the district of the Colli Orientali del Friuli. A land of gently rolling hills known for its superior wines. The Estate unfolds across 110 hectares, nearly all covered with vineyards, and has belonged to our family for more than 500 years. The ancient records filed in our family archives contain many interesting references such as how in 1140, ten Buttrio farming contracts were donated to a Benedictine monastery so that the monks could make wine and oil. Until just a few years, the Estate still held another ten contracts. We are especially proud of using only grapes produced from our vines, 70% of which are vines grown in our vineyards from selected cloning on our Estate. These vines are therefore perfectly suited to the environment and produce truly typical wines. A “great” wine can, of course, only come from a “great” vineyard.
Pinot Grigio 2006 - 90 POINTS Wine News
Refosco 2006
Ribolla Gialla 2006
Ronco Briolo 2004
La Magia
La Magia is located directly above the Romanesque abbey of Sante Antimo. This means that it not only has one of the best areas for its vineyards, but also enjoys one of the most beautiful views of Montalcino. The farm is family run by the Schwarz, originally from South Tyrol. Avoiding the use of chemical substances on the vine, a healthier soil. The Schwartz family believes and a lower quantity of production, with a very high concentrated yield. The same principals are followed in wine making, where a technological advanced system is used. The farm owns 52 hectares, 16 of which are dedicated to a highly specialized vineyard. The products of this land, all of very high quality are Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino, a small quantity of Rose table wine and extra virgin olive oil from first pressing.
Brunello di Montalcino 2001
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2001 - 91 POINTS Wine Spectator
La Vela
La Vela Italia
Prosecco di Valdabbiadene - 91 POINTS Wine & Spirits
Pinino
Pinino wine estate was founded in 1874 in the famous part of Montalcino, Montosoli and Pinino wines were always regarded as one of the best Brunellos in Montalcino. In 2003, the property was purchased by Andrea and Hannes Gamon of Austria together with Silvia and Max Hernandez of Spain with the vision to produce 1st class wines, derived from a common passion.
Brunello di Montalcino 2003 - 91 POINTS Wine & Spirits / 90 POINTS Wine Spectator
Brunello di Montalcino 2004 - 90 POINTS Wine Spectator
Rosso di Montalccino 2007
San Luigi
The San Luigi Vineyard estate covers an area of 19 hectares, 16 of which are cultivated with vineyards and three olive groves. It is located in a splendid panoramic position at a height of 450 m. above sea level, with south and south-west exposure. The remainder of the estate is covered in woods of forest trees, which are typical of the Tuscan countryside. Most of the vineyards, which are grouped around the farmhouse, are entered in the DOCG register for the production of Chianti Classico (13 hectares) wines. Recently, part of these vineyards has been uprooted and replanted in a modern layout with selected clones of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet-Sauvignon. This process of renewal continues to be of particular importance in order to ensure that the vineyards are able to fully express their potential. The year 1996 was decisive for this winery: the winery bottling and packaging activities were moved from the historical underground cellars in the old town center to a former farmhouse, which was enlarged and renovated and which is situated amid the estate’s vineyards. For the moment however, the wine continues to be aged in barriques in the old village center, due to the excellent underground location. In fact, the optimal temperature and humidity found here provide the best conditions for aging the more prestigious wines in 225-liter oak barriques.
Chianti Classico Vendemmia 2005
Sante
Attilio Pagli graduated at the Agricultural Institute in Siena; he began working as Giulio Gambelli’s assistant winemaker, a great life master. After this experience, he started collaborating with several Tuscan wineries, including making wines for Casanova Di Neri, then he moved on in other Italian regions and abroad as well. In 1997 he was the founding partner of the Gruppo Matura along Alberto Altonini, committed to a relevant number of wine projects, which makes him one of the most awarded Italian winemaker. Now he manages some 64 clients many of them has been awarded worldwide
Chianti 2005
Vallo
After achieving a degree in Agriculture, Attilio Pagli embarked into the field of winemaking. In a few months, he reorganized the agronomic set up of the company and equipped the winery with technological equipment for wine making: he drew up an investment plan to obtain greater control of the quality of the finished product. He dedicates a great deal of his time to the professional training of his staff, which he manages with vigor and enthusiasm. He organizes refresher courses for his workers and has close connections with the sales and administrative offices in order to assess and improve company strategies. An all round manager for an ambitious project of Matura Brands.
Pinot Grigio 2006
New Zealand
Omaka Springs
Omaka Springs Estates produces cool climate varietal grapes from 136 acres of vineyards located on the Estates 178 acres of land in the Omaka Valley. These grapes are used to make medal winning wines at the on-site Omaka Springs Estates Ltd winery, where the aim - and, indeed, the philosophy - is to make only high quality wines at affordable prices. Omaka Springs Estates is a family business owned solely by Geoff and Robina Jensen. In 1990, seeking a location similar to Northern Portugal, Provence or Tuscany, the Jensens established their first olive grove near Nelson. In 1992, Geoff and Robina moved the olive grove to a site alongside a newly purchased 40 acre vineyard in the picturesque Omaka Valley, right in the heart of the world-famous Marlborough grape growing area.
Chardonnay Falveys 2004
Pinot Gris 2008
Pinot Noir Falveys 2007 - 88 POINTS Wine Enthusiast
Riesling 2007
Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - 89 POINTS Wine & Spirits
Sauvignon Blanc Falveys 2007 - 90 POINTS Wine & Spirits
| Year | Label | Ratings | Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Pascual Toso Finca Pedregal (Argentina) |
93 pts |
Wine Enthusiast |
| 2006 | Conte D'Attimis-Maniago Pinot Grigio (Italy) |
90 pts |
Wine News |
| 2005 | Santa Ema Amplus One (Chile) |
92 pts | Wine & Spirits |
| 2008 | Omaka Springs Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) |
89 pts |
Wine & Spirits |
| Year | Label | Ratings | Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | L'Aventure Optimus (California) |
94 pts | Robert Parker |
| 2005 | Haywood Estate Rocky Terrace (California) |
93 pts | Wine Spectator |
| 2007 | Mahoney Vermentino Carneros (California) |
89 pts |
Wine Enthusiast |
| 2006 | Napa Angel by Montes Cabernet Sauvignon (California) |
NEW RELEASE |
Top red wine choice now being served at the New York Bar (seen in the film Lost In Translation) in Tokyo, Japan! |