National & Import Wineries
Argentina
Achaval Ferrer - Mendoza Argentina
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.
| Wines | |
| Finca Altamira 2005 | Wine Advocate 95 2005 |
| Finca Bella Vista Malbec 2004 | Wine Advocate 97 2004 |
| Finca Mirador Malbec 2005 | Wine Advocate 94 2005 |
| Quimera 2005 | Wine Advocate 92 2005 |
| Mendoza Malbec 2006 | Wine Spectator 91 2006 |
Kaiken - Mendoza Argentina
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.
| Wines | |
| Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 | Wine Advocate 90 2006 |
| Ultra Malbec 2006 | Wine Enthusiast 91 2004 |
| Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 | Wine Spectator 85 2004 |
| Malbec 2005 | Wine Enthusiast 90 2004 |
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 through out Argentina.
| Wines | |
| Magdalena Malbec 2005 | Wine Spectator 90 2002 |
| Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 | Wine Spectator 87 2004 |
| Reserve Malbec 2005 | Wine Spectator 89 2004 |
| Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 |
Wine Spectator 87 2004 |
| Malbec 2006 |
"Best Buy" Wine Enthusiast 91 2006 |
| Merlot 2006 | Wine Spectator 88 2005 |
| Sauvignon Blanc 2007 | Wine Spectator 87 2005 |
| Chardonnay 2007 | Wine Spectator 87 2005 |
| Torrontes 2007 | |
| Brut Sparkling (100% Chardonnay) N.V. |
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.
| Wines | |
| Perdriel 2003 | Wine Spectator 94 2003 |
| Privada 2004 | Wine Spectator 91 2003 |
| Reserve Malbec 2005 | Wine Spectator 88 2005 |
| Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 | Wine Spectator 89 2004 |
| Reserve Merlot 2002 | Wine Spectator 88 2002 |
| Reserve Syrah 2002 | |
| Reserve Syrah/Cabernet 2002 | Wine Spectator 89 2002 |
| Malbec 2006 | |
| Merlot 2006 | |
| Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 | Wine Spectator 89 2004 |
| Sangiovese 2006 | |
| Chardonnay 2006 | " Best Buy" Wine Enthusiast 88 2006 |
| Torrontes 2006 | |
| Sauvignon Blanc 2006 | Wine Spectator 88 2004 |
| Rosado 2006 |
Lo Tengo
| Wines | |
| Malbec 2006 | |
| Torrontes 2006 |
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 utilise 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.
| Wines | |
| Shiraz 2005 |
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| Red Blend 2006 | |
| Chardonnay 2006 |
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.
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 utilise 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.
| Wines | |
| Shiraz 2006 | |
| Red Blend 2006 | |
| Cabernet Merlot 2006 | Wine Enthusiast 87 2006 |
| Chardonnay 2006 | |
| Rosé 2006 |
California
Crescendo
In 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.
| Wines | |
| Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 |
|
| Virtuoso 2004 |
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| Zinfandel 2004 |
Wine & Spirits 89 2004 |
| Pinot Noir 2006 |
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.
| Wines | |
| Icon Wines - Folly Apalta Vineyard 2004 | Wine Spectator 93 2004 |
| Icon Wines - “M” Apalta Vineyards 2004 | Wine Spectator 94 2004 |
| Icon Wines - Purple Angel Apalta Vineyard 2004 | Wine Spectator 93 2004 |
| Alpha Wines - Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 | Wine Advocate 89 2005 |
| Alpha Wines - Merlot 2005 | Wine Spectator 88 2004 |
| Alpha Wines - Syrah 2006 | Wine Spectator 90 2006 |
| Alpha Wines - Chardonnay 2006 | Wine Spectator 89 2005 |
| Limited Selection Wines - Late Harvest Riesling/Gewurztraminer 2004 |
Wine Enthusiast 92 2004 |
| Limited Selection Wines - Cabernet/Carmenere 2005 | Wine Spectator 88 2004 |
| Limited Selection Wines - Pinot Noir 2006 | Wine Spectator 93 2004 |
| Limited Selection Wines - Sauvignon Blanc 2006 | Wine Spectator 90 2006 |
| Limited Selection Wines - Cherub Rose of Syrah 2006 | Wine Spectator 90 2006 |
| Classic Series Wines - Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 |
Wine Enthusiast 89 2005 |
| Classic Series Wines - Merlot 2006 | Wine Enthusiast 87 2004 |
| Classic Series Wines - Malbec 2006 | Wine Spectator 88 2005 |
| Classic Series Wines - Chardonnay 2006 | |
| Classic Series Wines - Sauvignon Blanc 2006 | Wine Enthusiast 87 2006 |
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.
| Wines | |
| Icon Wines - Rivalta 2003 |
Wine Spectator 91 2003 |
| Icon Wines - Catalina 2003 | Wine Spectator 89 2003 |
| Amplus Wines - Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 |
Wine Advocate 90 2004 |
| Amplus Wines - ONE 2004 | Wine Advocate 91 2004 |
| Reserve Wines - Carmenere 2004 |
Wine Spectator 87 2003 |
| Reserve Wines - Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 | Wine Spectator 89 2004 |
| Reserve Wines - Merlot 2005 | Wine Advocate 90 2004 |
| Reserve Wines - Chardonnay 2006 | Wine Spectator 88 2004 |
| Barrel Select Wines - Syrah 2004 |
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| Barrel Select Wines - Carmenere 2004 | Wine Spectator 88 2003 |
| Barrel Select Wines - 60-40 2004 | Wine Spectator 87 2004 |
| Varietal Wines - Caberent Sauvignon 2005 |
Wine Spectator 87 2005 |
| Varietal Wines - Merlot 2005 | |
| Varietal Wines - Chardonnay 2006 | Wine Spectator 87 2006 |
| Varietal Wines - Sauvignon Blanc 2006 |
France
Domaine Delesvaux
Phillippe Delesvaux, 48, 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.
Phillippe 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. Durning 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 Delesvaux 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 of Domaine Delesvaux 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 terrior. 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 chapatalization and other means of technical manipulation including all eonologic additions such as wood chips, or enzymes. The wines are completely natural, and the winery is certified biodynamic
The entire vineyard relies on natural farming and biodynamic 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.
| Wines | |
| 2004 Sélection de Grains Nobles 2004 Coteaux du Layon |
Wine Spectator 95 |
| 2004 Clos du Pavillon Coteaux du Layon |
Wine Spectator 93 |
| 2003 Clos de la Guiberderie Coteaux du Layon, St. Aubin |
Wine Spectator 92 |
| 2005 Coteaux du Layon St. Aubin |
Wine Spectator 91 |
| 2004 Anjou La Montee de L’Epine |
Wine Spectator 91 |
| 2004 Anjou 2005, AOC Anjou |
Wine Spectator 90 |
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 house oenologist, and Emanuela. The wife Marisa, instead has the task to receive guests in the welcome wine cellar in S. Anna of Monteu Roero.| Wines | |
| Barbaresco Basarin 2004 |
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| Pracchioso Roero 2003 (Nebiolo) |
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| Barbera d' Alba "Nicolon" 2005 |
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| Roero Arneis Perdaudin 2006 |
Conte D'Attimis - Maniago
| Wines | |
| Ronco Brolio 2004 |
|
| Refosco 2005 |
|
| Pinot Grigio 2006 |
|
| Ribolla Gialla 2006 |
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 winemaking, 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.| Wines | |
| Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2001 |
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| Brunello di Montalcino 2001 |
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.¨mIn 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 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.| Wines | |
| Chianti 2005 |
Vallo
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.¨mIn 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 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.| Wines | |
| Pinot Grigio 2006 |
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.| Wines | |
| Chianti Classico Vendemmia 2004 |
Pinino
| Wines | |
| Pinino Brunello Di Monalcino 2001 | |
| Pinino Clandestino 2005 | |
| Pinino Rosso 2004 |
Roberto Cipresso Wines
Not every terrior 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.
| Wines | |
| Pigreco 2005 | |
| La Quadratura Del Cerchio 2005 | |
| Eureka 2005 |
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.
| Wines | |
| Pinot Noir Falveys 2004 | |
| Chardonnay Falveys 2006 | |
| Sauvignon Blanc Falveys 2006 | |
| Sauvignon Blanc 2006 | |
| Riesling 2005 | |
| Pinot Gris 2006 |
| Year | Label | Ratings | Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Pascual Toso Malbec |
91 pts |
"Best Buy" WE |
| 2005 | Dm. Philippe Delesvaux Anjou Rouge |
90 pts |
WS |
| 2006 | Bodega Norton Chardonnay |
88 pts | WS |
| 2005 | Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira |
94 pts | WS |
| Year | Label | Ratings | Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Water Wheel Shiraz (Australia) | 90 pts | WS |
| 2001 | Broman Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa) | 90 pts | WS |
| 2005 | Kaiken Ultra Malbec (2005) | 5/5 | |
| 2004 | Maysara Pinot Noir Delara (Oregon) |
90 pts |