25 Inspired Wines

Black Linen
Black UV Varnish
Orange Foil
INSPIRED WINES
The story of Alliance Wine began in 1984 when Christian Bouteiller and Jonathan Kennett
saw an opportunity to service the Scottish corporate and on-trade markets with premium,
predominantly French, wine.
Christian Bouteiller
The business was a success and, slowly but surely, Alliance evolved into one of the leading
on-trade players in the Scottish market. Further forays into Northern Ireland and the Midlands
were early signs of Alliance’s ambition to be more than a regional distributor…
So far, the 21st century has witnessed enormous change for Alliance Wine as the company
has embraced an ever evolving market, and reinvented itself as a national distributor and
producer of premium wines. Distribution channels have increased and Alliance is now a
major supplier to the on-trade, independent retail and multiple specialist sectors.
The company started with a French dominated list but in recent times it has developed a
more specialist portfolio, with well documented excellence in Spain and Australia particularly.
Purchasing from over 16 countries, Alliance has a broad portfolio of producers and an ever
burgeoning selection of own brand products. Indeed, the foundation of Alliance Wine Australia
in 2006 firmly reinforced that Alliance was certainly not just a regional distributor anymore!
I’ve lost count of the number of curious people I have frustrated by telling them that I do not have
a favourite wine – it’s just not something that I can answer. Wine is about the person who made
it, where you are drinking it, who you are drinking it with and what food you are accompanying it
with. Wine is so much more than a commodity beverage and all of us in the trade would do well
to remember that when seeking ways to maintain or grow our meagre margins!
Jonathan Kennett
When planning the tasting to celebrate 25 years of Alliance, I therefore wanted to avoid a
standard comparative format in favour of an event that celebrated that wine was personal,
contextual and, most importantly, inspirational.
Karen Cunningham
Alliance is unusual for a company that has changed so much in that it has great continuity of
staffing and a real calibre and expertise amongst them. Our staff enjoy working for Alliance
and we’re proud that so many of them are now long term stalwarts. We hope they’ll continue
to share their knowledge and passion for the next 25 years and beyond. Alliance Wine has
always been ahead of the pack in terms of the service levels we offer to our clients and we
are dedicated to continuing this as the business grows.
Our first 25 years has clearly demonstrated that, whenever possible, Alliance Wine
goes Beyond Boundaries to exceed the expectations of our many valued clients and
prestigious producers.
Perhaps it is the historian in me but I’ve always been as interested in the stories behind wine as
much as the liquid itself. Now don’t get me wrong, like everyone at Alliance, I have a deep seated
passion for wine but great wine is all about context.
Not everyone got the format. I tried to explain to each producer that what we wanted was
one wine from them of which they are proud and one wine that inspired them or they found
inspiring. Some people, as you will witness, embraced the idea wholeheartedly and had a clear
notion of which wine inspired them to begin their vinous journey. Others viewed the exercise
with a blend of suspicion and confusion but all those asked eventually complied!
The end result does not claim to be the finest tasting you will ever experience but what it does do
is give a rare insight into exactly what makes winemakers tick. It provides a yardstick for measuring
quite how close some winemakers have come in quality to matching the wine that inspired them
and it has produced a fascinating juxtaposition of flavours, textures, styles and tastes.
Miriam Spiers
Like everything we do at Alliance, we have strived to go Beyond Boundaries to deliver
what we hope is one of the most enlightening tastings of the year.
Cheers!
A huge thank you to all of those who have been involved in Alliance Wine over the years and
for those that have supported us with their wines and their custom – we are truly grateful.
Wishing you all the best for another exciting 25 years!
Fergal Tynan MW
Giles Cooke MW
Marketing and Buying Director
CLOVER HILL
Pipers River, Tasmania, Australia
Clover Hill was established in 1986 as a dedicated sparkling wine estate. The Clover Hill
vineyard, located in north east Tasmania, has ideal climatic conditions and terroir to create
Australia’s finest sparkling wine.
Planted solely to traditional sparkling wine varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier,
considerable variation in the vineyard’s aspect and soil profile adds further complexity to the
fruit sourced. Slow ripening conditions enable the grapes to develop a full flavour spectrum,
resulting in a sparkling wine of richness, concentration and superb structure.
Clover Hill Brut,
Tasmania, Australia, 2000
Gosset Grand Millésime,
Champagne, France, 1999
The Clover Hill Tasmania 2000 is the
perfect example of finesse and complexity
which can be found in the most premium
Australian sparkling wines. The cool
conditions of Northern Tasmania are a
major contributor to the quality of the
grapes and therefore the wine itself.
The weather conditions in 2000 enabled
us to craft this wine with crisp freshness
and great concentration; the years on
lees and extra time in the bottle create
a wonderfully creamy mouth feel and
beautiful doughy flavours.
The Champagne Gosset Grand Millésime
1999 displays all the characteristics loved
by many in Champagne - complexity,
length, concentration, freshness, creaminess
and elegance. It perfectly illustrates what
all Tasmanian sparkling winemakers set
out to achieve, a wine still fresh for its age
and with layers of flavours released by a
very refined mousse.
Loïc Le Calvez
Chief Winemaker
ALVAREZ Y DIEZ
ALVAREZ Y DÍEZ
Rueda, Spain
Alvarez y Diez was founded in the Rueda region in 1941 and has long been one of the most
important players in an increasingly important D.O. In 1985, major investments were made to
ensure that the winery was at the vanguard of changing wine styles in the region.
Concentrating on the indigenous Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc, they were one of the first to
produce the crisp, herbaceous style so associated with the region today. They own 80 hectares of
vineyards, mainly verdejo grape variety, and produce an average of 2 million bottles per vintage.
They remain pioneers and were the first winery in the D.O to move to screwcap.
Mantel Blanco Verdejo Sauvignon,
Alvarez y Diez, Rueda, Spain, 2008
Hermanos Lurton Verdejo
Rueda, Spain, 2008
Mantel Blanco Verdejo Sauvignon is our
most established brand and it is well
recognized as being amongst the first
of the new style wines from the region.
This was the first wine sold in the UK as a
recognition of its quality and personality
even in the foreign market. In this wine you
will find real identity of the Verdejo grape
and a modern and relevant wine style for
every consumer!
The Lurton brothers came to the area in early
90’s and they inspired many local wineries
to adapt the way they made wine – and to
change the way they were packaged and
marketed. The brothers came to Rueda only
when they had discovered all the possibilities
of the area, and that was a recognition
of Rueda DO and its indigenous grapeverdejo. This provided confirmation of the
outstanding potential of our wines and how
bright our future could be!
Juan De Benito
Winemaker
DOMÄNE WACHAU
Dürnstein, Austria
A fresh breeze has been sweeping through the 300 year old baroque wine cellar of Domäne
Wachau for the past four years. Under the new, young team headed by general manager Roman
Horvath MW and oenologist Heinz Frischengruber, Domäne Wachau has established itself among
Austria’s leading wineries. Their fresh ideas, personality and international experience bring a new
energy to the historic winery and make the future look brighter than ever.
"Working with what the Wachau has to give us” is the first priority of oenologist Heinz Frischengruber.
His conscientious and gentle handling of the fruit results in a precisely focused style with wines which
showcase the fruit character and mineral finesse provided by the Wachau valley's unique diversity.
Domäne Wachau, Grüner Veltliner
Smaragd Achleiten, Austria, 2008
Domäne Wachau, Grüner Veltliner
Kabinett Himmelstiege, Austria, 1968
Achleiten is one of Austrias most
prestigious single vineyards. Very few
vineyards express their terroir as precisely,
inimitably and in such a constant way as
the Achleiten. This wine displays all the
attributes that we wish to be associated
with – precision, focus, minerality and
expression of terroir.
Among my greatest experiences in wine
was (besides Dom Perignon 1969 and
Montrachet 1989 from Ramonet) a 40 year
old Grüner Veltliner from Wachau. The goal
of our wine style today is to reflect the
terroir, pure minerality, elegance and – very
importantly – longevity. We hope that our
Grüner Veltliner Achleiten 2008 will show as
inspiring and alluring as the last bottles of
our Grüner Veltliner Kabinett Himmelstiege
1968 we are presenting.
Roman Horvath MW
Winery Director
ZEPHYR
Marlborough, New Zealand
The name Zephyr characterises the prevailing winds that blow during Marlborough’s
unique ripening season. The Glover family vineyards, established in 1985,are situated in the
emerging Dillons Point sub-region of Marlborough. Our winemaking style concentrates on
producing exceptional fruit from the vineyards with minimal intervention in the winery to
achieve the full expression of our terroir.
Zephyr Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, New Zealand, 2009
Hugel, Gewürtzraminer,
Alsace, France, 2007
The 2009 Zephyr Sauvignon Blanc has
all those nuances that seduced the wine
media and consumers all those years
ago, along with the individuality of the
exciting Dillons Point sub region. Nettles,
lemongrass, tomato leaf and ripe guava
on the nose lead into a palate of textural
minerality and exquisite purity.
The vineyard was initially planted in Sauvignon
Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Semillon but
in 1990, at the back end of yet another harvest,
Owen had an inspiration. While leaning over
a barrel of fermenting Chardonnay, a glass of
Grand Cru Gewürztraminer was thrust in his
direction. The wonderfully scented flavour
of the wine left a lasting impression and in
the spring of 1991 the Glover Family planted
Gewürztraminer. The vineyard is now very
much an aromatic specialist with the focus on
Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Riesling.
Owen Glover
Winemaker
AMAYNA
Leyda Valley, San Antonio, Chile
Amayna is a family owned winery located in the Leyda Valley that lies between the
Coastal Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean. Its gentle coastal hills are characterized
by poor soils and a very dry and cool climate.
Inspired by its environment, the gravity fed winery produces 15 000 cases per year of five
wines – Sauvignon Blanc, Barrel Fermented Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Syrah.
Amayna Barrel Fermented Sauvignon
Blanc, Leyda, Chile, 2007
Didier Dagueneau, Pouilly Fumé Silex,
Loire, France, 2007
The Amayna Barrel Fermented Sauvignon
Blanc was the pioneer of 100% barrel
ferment but its success has been followed
by many others. The unique, complex
character of this wine is testament to the
potential that Chile has to make world
class whites and early indications are that
this will become a true classic.
We selected Didier’s Silex wine because he
made the most inspirational Sauvignons in
the world. He was also the first vigneron to
make Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc in
Pouilly sur Loire and, like Amayna, has been
followed by many others in the industry.
For us, his wines are the best Sauvignon
Blancs in the world . His passion, hard work
and attention to detail inspired us to do our
barrel fermented Sauvignon.
Matías Alberto Garcés Silva
Partner and General Manager
STELLA BELLA
Margaret River, Australia
The north-east facing shelter of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge at the southern end of the
Margaret River region provides for this unique vineyard site. Exposed to the converging
power of the Southern and Indian oceans, the cool maritime climate is characterized by
drenching winter rains and long dry summers cooled by omnipresent sea breezes.
Only 8ha in size and the most southern and western vineyard on the Australian continent, the
vineyard yields 5 tonnes per hectare, from vines with an average age of 16 years. Planted to
only Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Cabernet Sauvignon, two single vineyard wines are made,
the white blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon and a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon.
Suckfizzle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon,
Margaret River, Australia, 2005
Domaine de Chevalier Blanc,
Pessac Leognan, Bordeaux, France, 2000
In style the wine takes its cue from
the great white wines of the Bordeaux
appellation Pessac Leognan but
showcases the inimitable Suckfizzle style.
Characterized by a distinctive bouquet , a
driving fruit purity, varietal exactness and
a tightly woven mineral acidity the wine
implies complexity, layers, textures, depth
and intrigue with every smell and every
taste. It is a direct reflection of a unique
vineyard site in a classic year.
My fascination lead me to vintage at
Domaine de Chevalier in 1995 and a long
term love of the wine style, the Domaine and
the great white wines of Pessac Leognan.
Like Suckfizzle, the 2000 vintage is a classic
and enduring expression of the seasonal
fortunes and the single vineyard site.
As a winemaking student in the 1980s,
I was introduced to high end Bordeaux
Blanc and became fascinated by their
texture, complexity and longevity.
I was keen to learn from the Bordelaise
and apply the lessons to our own single
vineyard site in Margaret River.
Janice Mcdonald
Winemaker
WEINGUT MAX FERD. RICHTER
Mosel, Germany
The Max Ferd. Richter Estate has been owned by the family for more than 300 years. This estate
is one of the leading producers of top Riesling wines in the heart of the Mosel area. All grapes
are grown on steep, slate stone vineyards and subsequently display the spicy, fruity, animating
and refreshing character of elegant Riesling. The wine harvest is entirely done by hand and
subsequently driven by utmost quality precision. The wines ferment and mature in traditional
old oak casks (Fuder) and have got extreme longevity. Richter wines are ambassadors of the rich
cultural inheritance from the unique Moselland.
Veldenzer Elisenberg Riesling Auslese,
Richter, Mosel, Germany, 1999
The 1999 Veldenzer Elisenberg Riesling
Auslese represents Mosel at its best. Grown
on clay slate stone with lots of quartz
minerals it combines rich aromatic fruit,
luscious taste and crisp ripe tartaric acid
that concentrates taste and guarantees
a long dry lingering finish. The grapes at
harvest in November were mature and
healthy, thus taking full advantage of the
long ripening season and hang time, which
is so important when aiming for elegant,
classy and long living Riesling wines.
Mülheimer Helenenkloster,
Riesling Spätlese, Nikolaus-Wein Richter,
Mosel, Germany, 1970
The harvest of that Spätlese on 6th
December 1970 from our monopole vineyard
“Mülheimer Helenenkloster” was the last push
to get me convinced to take on the family
tradition and finally get involved in the wine
business. Picking grapes so late is unique
worldwide. It shows the exceptional role that
Riesling, micro climate and slate stone play
in the Mosel to produce intense and fruity
wines, loaded with fruit flavours and minerals
without being dependent on alcohol. Such
preconditions are unrivaled and must lead to
success and personal job satisfaction.
Dr. Dirk Richter
Mosel, Germany
BUIL & GINÉ
Priorat, Spain
Buil y Giné is fronted by the fresh-faced Xavi Buil, whose family decided, in the winter of 1996,
to return to the tradition of Priorat winemaking that had been a part of their family for so long.
Having brought this tradition back to life, the present generation of the family are dedicated to
producing wines from both Priorat and Montsant that are typical, authentic and accessible.
Indeed, by introducing extensive terracing, Buil y Giné have helped revolutionise the industry
and allow a many more people to samples the region’s wines through the introduction of
fresher, more economic wines than were previously available.
Buil & Giné, Giné Giné,
Priorat, Spain, 2007
Doña Beatriz Verdejo, Fermentado en
Barrica, Rueda, Spain 2006
Giné Giné was the first wine to be released
by Buil y Giné and was the culmination of
much hard work to re-establish the family
business. The name of the wine is derived
from Xavi Buil’s grandfather’s surname, a
wine grower and twice elected President
of the Cooperativa Agricola Falsetence.
Since then, Giné Giné has become
renowned for being the essence of Priorat.
Made with the two typical varieties of the
region, Garnacha and Carignan, it is a fresh,
fruity style of Priorat with very subtle oak
and a distinctly mineral character.
It is extremely difficult to find the right
balance of fruit and oak with Verdejo but
this wine is the perfect marriage of the two.
We’re always looking for the perfect balance
of a wine’s components and this wine has
also inspired us to try do the same with the
white varieties of Priorat and our Garnacha
Blanca uses this wine as a reference.
Xavier Buil
Winemaker
CILLAR DE SILOS
Ribera del Duero, Spain
Cillar de Silos is a dynamic family-run company producing premium Tempranillo
wines in Ribera del Duero, Spain. The winery’s style is terroir-driven, focusing
on the purity of fruit and elegance.
Uncompromising viticulture is the secret to the quality of the wines, and vinification seeks
to express the true nature and potential of Tempranillo rather than going for maximum
concentration. The Aragón family remains wedded to the unique land of the Ribera.
Cillar de Silos Tinto,
Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2006
Contino, Gran Reserva,
Rioja, Spain, 1996
The 2006 Crianza is the current signature
wine of Cillar de Silos, albeit not their most
expensive one. The Crianza style with
moderate oak and ageing highlights the
pure style of Ribera del Duero, with less
wood and oxidisation than with the more
traditional Rioja style. The 2006 Crianza is a
pure, elegant wine that balances intensity
and concentration with a refreshing acidity
and floral finesse.
Contino is a leading producer of Rioja, the
classic region that as Spain’s earliest worldclass wine region had great historical
significance for the younger Ribera del
Duero. Despite the stylistic differences of
the regions, the 1996 Gran Reserva reflects
the same philosophy and ideals as Cillar
de Silos holds dear – terroir, purity and
trueness to its own region’s style
of Tempranillo.
Amelia Aragon,
Export Manager
LUIS CAÑAS
Rioja, Spain
Luis Cañas is a family-owned winery that dates back to 1928 although the family has been
in the grape-growing and wine-making business for more than two centuries. Today, it is one
of the leading wineries in Rioja Alavesa and under the exacting eye of Juan Luis Cañas, has
emerged as one of the world’s most consistent producers.
The winery is equipped with the latest wine-making systems in order to produce the highest
quality wines – but the real quality lies in the old vines that produce the grapes for most of
the wines. The result is a loyal clientele and numerous awards from the most prestigious wine
competitions in the world.
Luis Canas Reserva Especial Amaren,
Rioja, Spain, 2001
Chateau Haut-Brion 1er Cru Classe, Pessac
Leognan, Bordeaux, France, 1995
From the Basque language meaning
“mother’s”, Amaren is made in honour of
the mother of Juan Luis Cañas, the owner
of Bodegas Juan Luis Cañas. As befits a
very special wine, it comes from the finest
grapes in the Rioja estate, handpicked
from 60-year-old vines cultivated under
very strict controls. Additionally, the 2001
harvest was considered to be excellent making this wine a great pleasure to
drink and enjoy.
We believe that all of our wines express the
terroir and minerality of the Rioja region.
Angeles, the mother of Juan Luis Cañas, to
whom Amaren is dedicated, loved wines
with a soft, fine structure coupled with
ripe aromas and minerality and Haut Brion
perfectly expresses all of those attributes. We
believe that Angeles would have been proud
to have the family’s wine shown in such
exalted company.
Juan Luis Cañas
Winemaker
REMELLURI
REMELLURI
Rioja, Spain
La Granja Nuestra Señora de Remelluri is a historic property which once belonged to the
Monastery of Toloño. The Estate covers some 152 hectares of which 105 are planted with vines.
Remelluri was a pioneer in the concept of a single estate vineyard in Rioja. The native grape
varieties which adapt perfectly to the semi-humid Atlantic climate are Tempanillo, Graciano and
Garnacha. We work on the vineyard so we can get the highest quality grape, under integrated
agriculture criteria and with traditional growing methods, without using pesticides or herbicides.
Colección Jaime Rodríguez, Bodegas
Remelluri, Rioja, Spain, 2004
Viña Tondonia Reserva, Bodegas López
Heredia, Rioja, Spain, 2000
The Remelluri Colección Jaime Rodríguez
wine represents our dedication to produce
the very best that our winery and estate
has to offer, vintage after vintage. The
Jaime Rodríguez 2004 Collection is an
“assemblage″ wine comprising different
grape varieties sourced from diverse
vineyards which have been carefully
blended to produce a balanced wine which
symbolises the “Remelluri style” for this
vintage 2004. Each vineyard is located on
limestone soil which gives the wine its
unique and authentic flavour.
We have chosen the Viña Tondonia Reserva
2000 from Bodegas López Heredia because
it is a first-class winery, the oldest in Haro,
founded in 1877. They started planting
vineyard from the beginning of the last
century, and building the winery little by little.
For over a century their emotions have been
rooted in love and passion for this land and
its harvest. They cherish their heritage, and
this combination of love and the rigorous
quality standards they apply, have become
their trademark and remains their maxim for
today and the future
Jaime Rodríguez Salis
Proprietor
EL ESCOCES VOLANTE
Calatayud, Spain
El Escoces Volante is the winemaking company set up in Calatayud by Norrel Robertson MW who
has been based there since 2003. The wines are made through a collaboration between Norrel and
Bodega San Gregorio where he has been able to work with individual growers for the last 6 years
to source old vine blocks of exceptional quality and make wines with real character.
The winery philosophy is to sustain the lifestyle of the local growers. All fruit is hand picked and
selected where we try to maintain the traditional methods of the Ribota valley and surrounding
villages. Vines are only grubbed up when they become extremely unproductive and the growers
have a positive replanting philosophy where garnacha still makes up over 70% of the vineyards.
Manga del Brujo, El Escoces Volante,
Calatayud, Spain, 2007
3000 Años, Norrel Robertson MW/
Luis J Perez, Bullas, Spain, 2006
I selected this wine because for me this
is the ultimate expression of Old Vine
Garnacha from Calatayud. Combined with
Tempranillo and Shiraz, the wine has a real
sense of place and character which when
coupled with the great 2007 vintage led to
one of the region’s great wines.
This wine is the result of my collaboration
with Dr Luis Javier Pieto Perez in the
tiny D.O. of Bullas in Murcia. This, for me,
represents the ultimate expression of Old
Vine Monastrell combined with Shiraz and
I think Bullas represents the best area to
produce intense and balanced wines from
Spain based on Old Vine Monastrell.
Norrel Robertson MW
Winemaker
UCCELLIERA
Tuscany, Italy
Uccelliera is the ancient name of a farm in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, near the abbey of S. Antimo.
The roots of history, like those of the vine, run deep here. Uccelliera prides itself on being an
expression of the soil in which it is rooted, conveying its virtues through oil and wine making: the
farm’s natural vocation. This is the land that the owners have chosen for their 6 ha of vineyards.
Simple and strict growing criteria are adopted. Only perfectly ripe, healthy and fragrant grapes are
selected, which are fit to yield a well-balanced wine, rich in body, suited to short or lengthy aging.
Temperature is kept constant throughout the lengthy process, from fermentation until the aged
wine leaves the cellar. The estate produces Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Rosso di Montalcino
DOC, and Rosso IGT “Rapace,” in addition to a grappa and extra virgin olive oil.
Rapace, Uccelliera,
Tuscany, Italy, 2006
Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido,
Tuscany, Italy, 2006
Having had plenty of experience of working
with Sangiovese, I really wanted to produce
wine that didn’t follow the same route
of tradition or legal discipline. I therefore
decided to produce a wine that has since
become known as a “super-tuscan”.
In an area where everyone is expected to
produce either Brunello di Montalcino or
Rosso di Montalcino, it was a real departure
to make a wine with Merlot, Cabernet
Sauvignon and Sangiovese but through
serious experimentation in the vineyard and
some pretty hard work in the cellar, Rapace
emerged. Though the quality of this wine
depends on the quality of the grapes, Rapace
is as much an expression of our winery as of
the region’s better known wines.
Tuscany has a long and noble history of
making great wines from indigenous varieties
and so it was a brave man that tried to
challenge the status quo. Mario Incisa della
Rochetta’s courage to break with tradition
has been an inspiration not just to his fellow
Tuscans but the wine world in general.
The introduction of Sassicaia back in 1968
heralded a new era in Italian wines and has
inspired many producers. As a wine grower,
I observed the evolution of the industry and
was moved to make Rapace as a result.
Andrea Cortonesi
Producer
RAATS
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Bruwer Raats has received international and local acclaim during his career as cellar master
and winemaker par excellence. After several successful stints at prestigious wine estates
in the Banhoek Valley sub-region of Stellenbosch, Raats established his own winery and
tasting room near Stellenbosch in 2005. The Raats Family Wines label focuses on his two
specialities, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.
Raats Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch,
South Africa, 2001
I am passionate about Cabernet Franc and
firmly believe that this variety has much to
offer South African winemakers. The variety
has the vibrancy of fruit, coupled with
great structure that I seek in red wines.
Its expressiveness makes it ideal both for
early drinking and extended maturation.
2001 was my maiden vintage of Cab Franc
under my own label and therefore a wine
of which I am very proud.
Château Cheval Blanc, 1er Grand Cru
Classé A, St Emilion, Bordeaux,
France, 2001
Understandably, I view the Cheval Blanc as
the benchmark for this varietal worldwide.
This exceptional wine has proven itself with
incredible consistency and quality for many
years and this is something that I aspire
to and hope to build as my own label and
legacy matures.
Bruwer Raats
Winemaker
Land’s End
Cape Agulhas, South Africa
Land's End Vineyard is located in the Elim Ward near Cape Agulhas - South Africa’s
most Southerly point. A full 200 kilometres from the winery, the mineral rich soils
of Lands End are home to vines that are continuously buffeted by salt laden winds
blown in from the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The resulting
wines reflect this austere landscape with deep rich flavours and hints of minerality,
reminding one of their unique origins.
Land’s End Syrah, Cape Agulhas,
South Africa, 2006
Alain Graillot
Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France, 2006
This wine is very much a product of
one particular vineyard and no amount
of winemaking can imprint such
fundamental personality. The 2006 season
was very cool, resulting in a drawnout vintage and grapes with immense
complexity and character. White pepper,
spice, minerals and complex meaty,
savoury notes characterize this wine.
The 2006 Alain Graillot, Crozes-Hermitage is
a wine that we always aspired to make, but
it is something that no winemaking trickery
can fake or come close to without having
the right grapes. The natural perfume and
spice combined with its beautiful tannin,
has always inspired us. Though both very
different, we believe that they share a
fundamental belief in the importance of
terroir rather than wine.
Louis Nel
Winemaker
FAMILLE QUIOT
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France
Famille Quiot is a family owned business which has been in operation since 1748.
Located in the Southern Rhône and Provence regions, they produce wonderfully rich, full-bodied
wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Ventoux and Côtes de Provence. They recently bought
Château du Trignon which produces Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Sablet, Rasteau, Plan de Dieu, Côtes
du Rhône and Beaumes-de-Venise. They offer the largest private estate range of wines from the
Rhône Valley and Provence (more than 17 appellations).
Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Cuvée
Exceptionnelle, Châteauneuf-du-Pape,
Famille Quiot, Rhône, France, 2001
The Cuvée Exceptionelle is a cuvée
carefully selected by the family Quiot,
from the twenty vats of the Domaine.
It is selected based on concentration
and ability to age but perhaps the most
“exceptionelle” aspect of this wine is
that, for once, all the members of the
family agreed on one thing! 2001 was
quite a difficult vintage with important
temperature variations which gave
complexity to this wine.
Neige,
Ice Cider, Quebec, Canada
My choice for an inspirational wine is a
little unusual as it is not a wine but the
product of an apple! What inspires me is
new experiences and opportunities to view
different cultures and to open one’s mind to
new possibilities. Ice cider has a wonderful
balance of sugar and acidity, which despite
how little known this product is, makes it
a very surprising and versatile food match.
It’s a truly unique product, capable of being
made only in very specific conditions and it
is this openness and experimentation that
inspires me to create wines.
Jérôme Quiot
Président
ODFJELL
Maipo Valley, Chile
Over 20 years ago, the pioneering Norwegian Armador, (ship owner) Dan Odfjell discovered a small
corner of the famous Maipo Valley, Chile’s premium red wine producing valley. Having fallen in love
with the region, Odfjell set about making wines that full maximize the great potential of the region.
With soothing coastal breeze producing a microclimate conducive to distinct and beautiful wines,
the unique gravity flow winery, designed by Laurence Odfjell, allows for extremely gentle handling of
the grapes, which results in fine wines capable of preserving all the subtle fruit characteristics from
our vineyards to the final bottle. The philosophy of Odfjell is based upon teamwork, combining world
class experience with youthful energy. The international team of winemakers has included California
vintner Paul Hobbs, resident oenologist Arnaud Hereu from Bordeaux and now Patrick Ducourneau.
Odfjell, Odfjell Vineyards,
Maule, Chile, 2005
Troplong Mondot, 1er Grand Cru Classé,
St. Émilion, Bordeaux, France 1995
The Maule region is often dismissed in
terms of fine wine production but the
region has wonderful natural resources in
the shape of very old vine Carignan.
Making a 100% Carignan from Chile is
in our hearts, something unique and
passionate driving us to create the very
best. Part of our philosophy is to steer off
the beaten track and look for different and
adventurous wines, in a world where it is
difficult to break new ground – with this
wine we believe that we have done so…
With a Norwegian founder and a Bordelaise
wine maker, our inspiration was always likely
to be European but it is wines such as the
Pavie Maquin that spur us on to make wines
of great balance and finesse. As Chilean
winemaking matures, we hope to capture
the finesse of wines such as this along with
a little of the power and fruit purity that we
see in the Odfjell wine.
Arnaud Hereu
Winemaker
FAMILIA ZUCCARDI
Mendoza, Argentina
In 1963, in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of his irrigation systems, Don Alberto purchased
the site of what is now the family’s Maipú vineyard.
Don Alberto’s son José Alberto assumed responsibility for management of the family business and
like Don Alberto, José Alberto is innovative and bold: traits that make him one of Argentina’s most
colourful and enthusiastic wine ambassadors.
José Alberto’s son Sebastian works closely with his father and grandfather. He has inherited both
their business acumen and their passion for wine.
Zeta, Familia Zuccardi,
Mendoza, Argentina, 2006
Vega Sicilia Valbuena,
Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2004
Argentina is often linked inextricably
with Malbec and, while this variety can
be stunning, we believe that many of the
world’s best wines are blends – where
the whole is greater than the constituent
parts. Zeta is our flagship wine and this
clearly shows the complexity, minerality
and power that Argentina can be
associated with.
When making Zeta we looked at
inspirational blends from around the world
and one winery stood out for us, Vega Sicilia.
They consistently make world class blends
using Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet and
even Malbec. It is both elegant and powerful
and shows the utmost balance – a real
inspiration to Familia Zuccardi.
Jose Alberto Zuccardi
Director
DOMAINE A
Tasmania, Australia
Domaine A / Stoney Vineyard is a tiny 11.5 hectare site in the Coal River valley in Southern
Tasmania. The favourable climatic conditions in the Coal River Valley allows the Althaus’ to grow
healthy, grapes with thick skins which in turn produce wines of great intensity.
Peter and Ruth Althaus have worked passionately to make what will in time become a Grand Cru
for the New World. All of the vines are site specifically planted based on soil analysis. They produce
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Domaine A is one of only 12 Cabernets in
the Langton Classification.
Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon,
Tasmania, Australia, 1998
This wine is now beginning to show some
very interesting tertiary aromas. It is still
developing into a very complex wine. It
shows clearly the potential of this tiny
site in the south of Tasmania. The wine is
grown in cracking black clay with a Jurassic
dolorite base . It still has a further 10 years
minimum in cellar.
Château Mouton Baronne Phillipe
“En Homage à Pauline” 5ème Cru Classé,
Pauillac, Bordeaux, France, 1985
I first visited Mouton in 1972 at the
very beginning of my journey into wine
exploration. I then had the chance to speak
with Monsieur Blondin, cellar master. I have
never forgotten this encounter and hope
to have the opportunity over the next 20
years to return. The wine I have chosen
isn't the premier Grand Cru but I think it
displays all of the interesting qualities and
characteristics which I find inspiring in many
of the old world wines. The price of the
Grand Crus from Mouton also inspired me to
find a site to make my own wines in the new
World. Salut!
Peter Althaus
Winemaker
MAJELLA
Coonawarra, Australia
Majella Wines is owned by the Lynn family who have been farming for three generations. George
Lynn purchased the property to farm sheep but was later persuaded to plant grape vines. The
farm is located in the heart of the ‘Terra Rossa’ strip of Coonawarra and it was not long before the
property became known to produce outstanding grapes. Wine production began in 1991 with
Shiraz and was soon followed by Cabernet and six other wines that make up the Majella wine
portfolio. Majella has excelled in the last couple of years winning 55 international trophies so far…
Majella Malleea,
Coonawarra, Australia, 1998
Wynns, John Riddoch Cabernet,
Coonawarra, Australia, 2006
I have chosen the Majella Malleea 1998
because it symbolises what Majella is all
about. The wine is a classic Aussie blend
of Cabernet and Shiraz grapes a blend
not seen much in other parts of the world.
1998 was a near perfect year for growing
grapes and making wine. This wine exhibits
wonderful fruit up front, a complex palate
and a long lingering finish. It is the balance
and elegance from start to finish, a wine
that evolves in the glass, a wine that
Majella tries to replicate every year…
I have chosen the 2006 Wynns Coonawarra
John Riddoch as the inspired wine because
this is where Majella began… The John
Riddoch is the premium reserve Cabernet
from Wynns that was first produced in 1982.
Back in 1982 Majella was not a maker but a
grower of some pretty good grapes, so we
thought… The 1982 John Riddoch went on
to become a benchmark Australian Cabernet
that was made almost entirely of Majella
grown fruit. It was after tasting this wine
that Brian and Tony Lynn knew that weren’t
just growing some pretty good grapes but
some bloody excellent grapes….
Peter Lynn
Global Sales & Marketing
SHELMERDINE/PHI
Heathcote, Australia
For three generations the Shelmerdine family has been at the forefront of the modern wine
industry in Victoria. Our philosophy is simple: employing our understanding of soil, site and season
to craft wines that express the unique characters of our unique vineyard sites.
Production methods are more old-world than new, with sustainable viticulture being paramount.
Vines are hand-tended and organic and biodynamic principles are followed by fermentation with
natural yeasts in a single 4 tonne open oak fermenter.
Shelmerdine Merindoc Shiraz,
Heathcote, Australia, 2006
Jasmin, Côte Rôtie,
Rhône, France, 2006
Merindoc Vineyard Shiraz from our
southern Heathcote farm seeks to pay
homage to the ethereal beauty of Syrah
and Viognier. It was in 1999, the year of
Robert Jasmin’s premature death, that we
harvested the first Shiraz from this special
site. After only a few vintages, this wine has
been called ‘one of the beacon wines of
the Heathcote region’ by renowned wine
author Campbell Mattinson.
The Northern Rhône wines of Côte Rôtie
were an inspiration and a revelation when I
was first introduced to them by Robin Yapp
of Yapp Bros. in the late 1970’s. Through
Robin’s charming and evocative wine
travelogues, I toured the Rhône and met
Robert Jasmin. The sun-drenched, wildflower-strewn steep hillside terraces, the
mica-schist ampitheatre vine-gardens above
Ampuis, and the artisan’s craftsmanship give
rise to the purity, minerality and finesse of
Jasmin’s fine Côte Rôtie.
Stephen Shelmerdine
Vigneron
TWO HANDS
Barossa Valley, Australia
The Two Hands are Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz, who established the company in
1999 with the aim of making the best possible Shiraz-based wines from prized Shiraz-producing
regions in Australia.
Their intention was, and still is, to show the diversity of Australian Shiraz by highlighting regional
characteristics and allowing the fruit to be the primary feature of Two Hands Wines.In a relatively
short space of time, Two Hands have established themselves at the top of the tree and, under
the watchful eye of Michael Twelftree and winemaker Matt Wenke, have confounded sceptics by
producing consistently classic expressions of Australian terroir.
Samantha’s Garden Shiraz, Two Hands,
Clare Valley, Australia, 2004
Volnay 1er Cru ‘Clos de Chênes’,
Remoissenet, Burgundy, France, 1978
Richard and I have always had a soft spot
for our Clare Shiraz. We started in 2002
and by 2004 thought we had started to
really define our style.
My dear friend Bernie Repolt runs
Remoissenet, based in Beaune. The
Remoissenet cellars are like a library of aged
wines for many good and great vintages
from a patchwork of vineyards. I have been
lucky to taste many of the older wines with
Bernie over several lunches and one bottling
that has always struck a chord has been the
1978 Volnay “Clos des Chênes”. Richard has
always questioned why I like the wines of
Burgundy so much but when I pulled out a
bottle of the 1978 Remoissenet Volnay “Clos
des Chênes” to drink with our wives on a
Saturday evening at Per Se in New York a
few years back, that light, for Richard, finally
went on!
Samantha’s Garden is always aged in
older French oak, whereas the other
5 Garden Series wines are aged in, on
average, 20% new oak. We love that our
Clare Shiraz always shows opulence and
lovely tannin density, in a very elegant
and pleasurable framework. Richard and
I are very proud of all the wines we
produce in the Garden Series but always
share a bottle of Samantha’s when our
families get together for lunch.
Michael Twelftree
Proprietor
PAUL HOBBS
Napa Valley, USA
Whether in California or Argentina, where he is the owner/winemaker at Paul Hobbs Winery and
Vina Cobos respectively, or in Chile, Hungary and other countries where he is a leading consultant,
Paul knows that the essence of profound wines can be traced back to meticulous care and
expertise in the vineyard.
Meticulous vineyard management followed by minimally-invasive winemaking techniques is our
approach for producing wines that express their vineyard origins with utmost finesse, complexity,
and authenticity; in other words, wines with a sense of place. Our wines are fermented with native
yeasts, aged in French oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Our Estate consists of fourteen
acres in the Russian River Valley, planted to five clones of pinot noir.
Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon,
Beckstoffer To Kalon, Napa Valley, USA,
2005
During my early career with Robert
Mondavi and Opus One I was privileged to
work with fruit from the original 300+ acre
To Kalon Vineyard; legendary for helping
establish the Napa Valley wine region
in the 1880’s and for producing world
class wines. In 1993, Andy Beckstoffer
purchased BV4, an 89 acre parcel from
Beaulieu Vineyards holdings of the original
To Kalon estate. He immediately set out
to replant the entire vineyard to Bordeaux
varietals and offered me to be among the
first to personally select blocks and rows
and a homecoming opportunity to make
wine again from this storied site.
ArvayTokaji Aszu, 6 Puttonyos,
Tokaji, Hungary, 2000
On a wintery night in Buffalo, N.Y., my father
served at the family table the first wine I had
ever tasted. He served it in paper Dixie cups to
conceal the nature of the beverage. The wine
was delicious—Chateau Y’Quem 1962.
The year was 1969 and I was 16. And it changed
the course of my life. Years later as a graduate
student of oenology at UC Davis, I discovered
yet another magical wine in roughly the same
vein, the great Azsu wines of Tokaj with yet more
history than the fabled Sauternes and every bit
the panache.
Paul Hobbs
Winemaker
GUTIÉRREZ COLOSIA
Jerez, Spain
Bodegas Gutiérrez Colosía are heirs to a long and noble viticulture and wine producing tradition.
The bodega, dating from 1838 and preserved virtually intact, was acquired by the Gutiérrez
Colosía family at the start of the 20th century.
Its unique location - the only bodega in Puerto de Santa Maria situated alongside the river mouth
- ensures the perfect humidity for producing artisan, 100% natural wines from the traditional
crianza-solera method: noble wines from a noble tradition.
Gutiérrez Colosia Palo Cortado Reserva
Familiar, Jerez, Spain
Oloroso,
Sangre y Trabajadero, Jerez, Spain
Our Palo Cortado Reserva Familiar is,
on average, over 50 years old. It is a classic
Palo Cortado – which is, depending on who
you talk to, something of an enigma.
It starts its life as a fino, selected for its
finesse and structure with the intention
of becoming an Amontillado style.
However, at some point it decides not to
support the flor growth and instead ages,
like an oloroso, oxidatively. The result
is a very unique style with the finesse
of an amontillado and the robustness
of an oloroso.
The curiously and somewhat startlingly
named “Sangre y Trabajadero”
(Blood and Worker) is the wine broken
over the bows of ships launched from the
great Cadiz shipyards, thus uniting two of
the most notable and admirable regional
traditions: noble wines and great seafaring.
An emblematic wine, it has inspired
oenologists and sailors thought the ages.
Originally from the Cuvillo bodega, at its
demise we acquired the label to keep the
wine and the tradition alive.
Juan Carlos Gutiérrez Colosía
Winemaker
GRANDJO
Douro, Portugal
Quinta do Casal da Granja is a property located in the plateau of Alijó. The property consists
of 160ha of gently undulating vineyards planted high above the Douro river. At an altitude
of between 520 and 640 metres above sea level, the Alijo area is cooled by fresh breezes that
optimize the potential of the white varieties planted there. Harvested and fermented under strictly
controlled conditions, this Quinta produces extraordinary white grapes which result in aromatic,
fresh and acid-balanced wines. One of our company’s objectives is to demonstrate that Douro
also has the potential for white grapes, especially in the highlands. In the region, Real Companhia
Velha is known for its’ continuous effort in research and development of new styles of wines using
sustainable vineyard management practices.
Grandjo Late Harvest, Real Companhia
Velha, Douro, Portugal, 2006
Chateau D’Yquem, Sauternes 1er Cru
Classé Supérieur, Bordeaux, France, 2004
Grandjo Late Harvest is produced from
rigorously hand-selected Semillon
grapes affected by naturally occurring
Botrytis. It is the most surprising wine
that we produce as nobody expects to
taste such a high class dessert wine in a
region better known for Port. The wine is
characterized by vibrant, tangy marmalade
fruit with crisp, balancing acidity.
We have great confidence in the quality
of Grandjo and on this special occasion,
we really wanted to give it some stiff
competition. We therefore chose what is,
arguably, the world’s greatest dessert wine,
Chateau D’Yquem as our inspirational wine.
We strive to have the consistency and style
of this great wine and despite its problems
over the years, D’Yquem remains the
biggest inspiration to aspiring dessert
wine producers.
Pedro Silva Reis
President of Real Companhia Velha
Inspired Notes
Inspired Notes
Black Linen
Black UV Varnish
Orange Foil