QUINTESSENTIAL IMPORTER | MARKETER | DISTRIBUTOR www.quintessentialwines.com Quintessential is a family owned‐and‐operated import, marketing and sales company headquartered in Napa, CA. We are dedicated exclusively to representing multi‐generational, family owned‐and‐operated wineries who have the same passion for winemaking as we have in strategically marketing and selling their wines. These producers, from most of the top wine regions around the world, create wines that offer the best, most authentic expression of the terroir from their respective vineyards. 2013 Family Wineries Road Trip!
Pictured left to right, front row: Colin Kay, Franco Luisi, Doroteo Navarro Doñada, Peter Binderer,
Jill Stacey, Luisella Manzone, Sally Connolly, Ellen Shull, Summer Chaney,
Tiffany Mills, Luis Montoto, Oriol Domenech, Bob Pepi, Al DeWinter, Paolo Manzone,
Dennis Kreps, Guillermo Arce, Georges Lorentz, Haley Lindsay, Kim Longbottom,
Ingrid Lorentz, Arturo Larrain, Steve Kreps Jr., Michael Wehrs, Raul Bianchi, Federico Nino,
Antonio Figuero, Luca Bosio, Joao Roquette Alvares, Chema Ryan, Carla Shirvington,
Lorraine Raguseo, Mark Shirvington, Max Undurraga, Jorge Matetic, Alfonso Undurraga,
Hunter Smith, Marco Icardi, Dave Fabozi, Alan Robb Hickinbotham, David Hickinbotham,
Bob Larkin Javier Murua, Adolph Huesgen, Chris Kearney, Steve Kreps Sr., Johan Malan
www.quintessentialwines.com
INDEX 
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Argentina Valentin Bianchi, San Rafael, Mendoza. Pg. 1‐2 Sensual, San Rafael, Mendoza. Pg. 3 Leo, San Rafael, Mendoza. Pg. 4 Australia 3 Rings, Barossa Valley. Pg. 5 Paringa, Riverland. Pg. 6 Henry’s Drive, Padthaway. Pg. 7‐8 Frankland Estates, Frankland River. Pg. 9 Kay Brothers, McLaren Vale. Pg. 10 Shirvington, McLaren Vale. Pg. 11 California Ironstone, Sierra Foothills, Pg. 12 Eponymous, Napa & Sonoma Valley. Pg. 13 Two Angels, Pg. 14 Chile Koyle, Maipo & Colchagua Valley. Pg.15 Matetic, San Antonio. Pg. 16 Terrapura, Central Valley. Pg. 17 France Esprit du Rhone, Rhone. Pg. 18 Cachette, Rhone. Pg. 18 Gustave Lorentz, Alsace. Pg. 19 Hungary Count Karolyi Estate, Tolna. Pg. 20 Germany Villa Huesgen, Mosel. Pg. 21 
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Italy Ascevi Luwa, Fruili Collio. Pg. 25 Agricole Vallone, Salento Penninusla. Pg. 26 La Mannella, Montalcino, Tuscany Attilio Ghisolfi, Piedmont. Pg.27 Paolo Manzone, Piedmont. Pg.28 Luca Bosio, Piedmont. Pg. 29 Vignole, Tuscany. Pg. 30 Mochetto, Veneto. Pg. 31 Tropical Moscato, Italy Pg. 32 Vino dei Fratelli. Pg. 33‐34 Portugal Quinta do Vallado, Douro. Pg. 34 Vila Nova, Douro | Vinho Verde Spain Bodegas Muriel, Rioja. Pg. 37 Viña Eguia, Rioja. Pg. 38 Real Compania, La Tierra de Castilla. Pg. 39 Vallformosa, Penedes Pg. 40 Tinto Figuero, Ribera del Duero. Pg. 41 Navarro Lopez, Valdepenas. Pg. 42 Pancho Sangria, Spain, Pg. 42 South Africa Simonsig, Stellenbosch Villa de Varda, Trentino, Italy. Pg. 43‐44 New Age, San Rafael, Mendoza Argentina. Pg.45‐46 www.quintessentialwines.com
San Rafael, Mendoza
Argentina
In 1928 Italian immigrant Valentín Bianchi realized his dream of owning
a vineyard and winery. His wines were awarded the ‘Maximum Quality
Prize’ at the Official Wine Exhibition event held in Mendoza in 1934. In
the early 1950s, Valentín's sons joined the successful winery which was
eventually handed down to them and his grandsons. With the continued
expertise of their fathers, Raul Bianchi leads the thirdgeneration to run
the winery. In 1996, Raul hired famed Napa Valley winemaker Bob Pepi
as a consultant to introduce new techniques while maintaining the wines'
Argentine character. Bob Pepi is an expert in vineyard management and
possesses a remarkable talent at producing "wine lovers" wines.
Elsa Bianchi Torrontes
2012 - “Top 100 Best Buys of 2013” Wine Enthusiast
2010 - ‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
Elsa Bianchi Chardonnay
2010 - ‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
Elsa Bianchi Malbec
2013 - ‘Best Buy, Wine & Spirits
2012 - ‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
2011 - 90 Wine Advocate
‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
2010 - ‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
2008 - ‘Best Value’ Wine Spectator
‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
‘Top 100’ Wine & Spirits
Elsa Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon
2010 - ‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
2005 - ‘Best Value’ Wine Spectator
Valentin Bianchi Cabernet
2011 - 90 “Best Buy” Wine Enthusiast
Valentin Bianchi Malbec
2011 - 88 “Top Value” Wine Spectator
2010 - 88 Wine Advocate
2009 - ‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
Raul Bianchi, owner
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The original home of Valentin and Elsa Bianchi now sits in the middle of the Elsa vineyards.
Enzo
2010 - 93 Wine Spectator
92 Wines & Spirits
92 Vinous/IWC
90 Wine Enthusiast
2009 - 92 “Editors Choice”
Wine Enthusiast
91 Wine Spectator
90+ Int’l Wine Cellar
2007 - 91 Wine Advocate
2005 - 92 Wine Advocate
2003 - 93 The Wine News
2002 - 95 Wine & Spirits
Particular
Famiglia
Malbec
2009 - 91 Int’l Wine Cellar
90+ Wine Advocate
2008 - 89 ‘Best Buy’
Wine Enthusiast
2007 - 90 Wine Spectator
2003 - 91 ‘Editor’s Choice’
Wine Enthusiast
Malbec
2012 - Grand Trophee
‘Worlds Best Dry Red’
Cabernet
2007 - 91 Wine Advocate
90+ Int’l Wine Celler
2004 - 90 Wine Spectator
2003 - 91 Wine Enthusiast
2010 2009 2008 2006 2002 -
www.quintessentialwines.com
Vinalies Internationales, Paris 2014
2011 2010 2008 2007 -
89 Wine Enthusiast
90 Wine Advocate
89 Wine Advocate
89 Wine Spectator
Cabernet
89 International Wine Cellar
90 Wine Advocate
90 Wine Advocate
90 Wine News
91 ‘Top 100 List’
Wine Spectator
2
San Rafael, Mendoza
Argentina
LiketheseductivestrainsofaTango,Sensual’sfresh,richandracyaromas
and lavorsimmediatecaptureyourattentionandtransportyoutothe
atmosphericbarsandoutdoorcafesonwideboulevardsinBuenosAires.
Torrontes
2009 - ‘Best Buy’
Wine Enthusiast
Malbec
2009 - 88 ‘Best Buy’
Wine Enthusiast
2009 - 86 ‘Best Value’
Wine Spectator
Cabernet Sauvignon
2009 - ‘Best Buy’
Wine Enthusiast
3
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San Rafael, Mendoza
Argentina
In Collaboration with the Messi Foundation,
Valentin Bianchi presents Leo wines,
honoring the Argentine soccer super-star.
Proceeds from the sale of Leo wines will
help fund health and educational initiatives
for disadvantaged children.
Leo wines are a
real kick! Score
big with all your
friends, with Leo.
Leo Premium Malbec
90 -Wine Enthusiast
90 –International Wine Cellar
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Barossa Valley
RINGS
Australia
The 3 Rings label was founded in 2004 and soon thereafter was earning 90+ ratings for its Shiraz
and Reserve Shiraz in the world wine media, with the grapes coming from the rich terroir of
Australia’s famed Barossa Valley. The vineyards for 3 Rings Shiraz lie on an east-west slope
with predominantly north-south rows, at an average age of 35 years. The soils are ancient and
primarily clay over calcrete and slate bedrock, moving to more weathered slate at the bottom of
an ancient glacier. Over the hills, the soils are deep, sandy loam and black clays. The grapes for
3 Rings Reserve Shiraz come from the nearby Kalimna sub-region of Barossa. It is a single vineyard owned by David Hickinbotham (one of the “three rings” of the wine’s name). The terroir
here also is sandy loam over black clay – and the age of the vines is an average of 85 years.
3 Rings Shiraz
3 Rings Reserve Shiraz
2013 - 92 ‘Smart Buy’ Wine Spectator
2012 - 90 Wine Spectator
2008 - 91 ‘Editors Choice’ Wine Enthusiast
90 Wine Spectator
2007 - 90 Wine Spectator
90 Wine Advocate
2006 - 91 Wine Advocate
91 Wine Spectator
2004 - 91 Wine Spectator
2006 - 93 “Editors Choice” Wine Enthusiast
93 Wine Spectator
2005 - 92 Wine Advocate
91 Wine Spectator
2004 - 96 Wine Advocate
92 Wine Spectator
David & Alan Robb Hickinbotham
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RIVERLAND
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The Hickinbotham family has a longstanding history in the Australian wine industry beginning in
1936 when Alan Robb Hickinbotham established the famed Roseworthy Enology course at
Roseworthy Agricultural College in South Australia. In 1972, Alan Robb and his son, David
established their first vineyard together. In 1995, the Hickinbotham family purchased 1,760 acres in
the Riverland. The Paringa vineyards are located near Renmark on the River Murray and cover
approximately 800 acres. Today, David along with his wife and son, Alan Robb, named after his
grandfather, manage and oversee all aspects of the vineyard and winemaking.
Shiraz
2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2008 2007 2005 2002 2001 -
Cabernet Sauvignon
89 “Best Values” Wine Spectator
88 Wine Spectator
“Daily Wine Pick” Wine Spectator
90 “Top 100 of 2013” Wine Spectator
89 Best Value Wine Spectator
89 Best Value Wine Spectator
86 Wine Advocate
87 Wine Advocate
88 “Best Value” Wine Spectator
88 Wine Advocate
#40 Top 100 of 2002 Wine Spectator
#4 Top 100 of 2002 Wine Enthusiast
Sparkling Shiraz
2012 - 88 “Best Buy” Wine & Spirits
2008 2007 2005 2003 2002 -
86 Wine Advocate
86 Wine Advocate
87 Wine Spectator
88 “Best Value” Wine Spectator
89 Wine Advocate
88 Wine Spectator
2001 - 88 Wine Spectator
2000 - 90 Wine Spectator
Merlot
2008 2007 2004 2003 -
85 Wine Advocate
85 Wine Advocate
86 Wine Spectator
87 Wine Spectator
87 Wine Advocate
David & Alan Robb Hickinbotham
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HENRY’S DRIVE
Padthaway, Australia
Named after the proprietor of the 19th century mail coach service that once ran through their property,
Henry’s Drive Vignerons is the wine operation established by Kim Longbottom and her late husband
Mark. During the nineteenth century establishment of the farming and wine industries of south eastern
South Australia, only horse drawn coaches provided the transit of mail and passengers. The coach
drivers reigned supreme on top of their coaches and won the respect and admiration of their passengers.
The coach service proprietor in this part of the state was a certain Henry John Hill. His operation drove
directly through a property, owned more recently by the Longbottom family. Today, Kim continues to
build the business in honor of Mark; with fine winemaking. These wines are testament to Kim and
Mark’s dedication to crafting fine wines from Padthaway.
In 1992, the first Henry’s Drive vines were planted. The best suited sites from the Longbottom farming
properties were selected and have proven to consistently produce fruit with great depth of color, flavor and
aroma. Since 1992, we have steadily grown the acreage in Padthaway to 300 and have an additional 30 acres in
McLaren Vale. The vines are planted in several sites throughout the Padthaway valley; the differing aspects and
soil types provide a variety of flavor profiles which allows us to build more complexity into our wines.
Pillar Box White
2008 - 89 “over-delivers in a big way” Wine Advocate
2006 - 88 Wine Advocate
Pillar Box Red
2010 - 89 Wine Advocate
89 Wine Spectator
2008 - 89 “perennial Best Buy” Wine Advocate
2007 - 90 Wine Advocate
2006 - 91 Wine Advocate
Pillar Box Shiraz
2008 - 92 Wine Spectator
2007 - 91 Wine Advocate
2007 - 90 “Editor’s Choice” Wine Enthusiast
2006 - 92 Wine Advocate
Pillar Box Cabernet
2010 - 91 Wine Enthusiast
2009 - 88 Wine Advocate
Morse Code Chardonnay
2010 - 86 The Wine Advocate
2009 - 87 “Best Buy” Wine Enthusiast
Morse Code Shiraz
2011 - “Under $15” Wine Pick Wine Spectator
2008 - “Best Buy” Wine Enthusiast
2008 - 88 “Smart Buy” Wine Spectator
Postmistress Blanc de Blanc Chardonnay
2010 - ‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
2011 Hot Prospect Brands!
Featured in September 1st & 15th issue of Impact Global Newsletter
and a feature story in the October issue of Market Watch
Pillar Box
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Kim and Mark Longbottom
2012
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2008
2006
2005
2004
2009
2007
2006
Henry’s Drive ‘H’ Syrah
93 James Halliday
91 Wine Advocate
Gold Spiegelau Int’l Wine Competition
Dead Letter office Shiraz
90+ Wine Advocate
90 Wine Spectator
91 Wine Enthusiast
90 Wine Advocate
90 Wine Advocate
90 Wine Spectator
90 Wine Advocate
90 Wine Enthusiast
90 Wine Advocate
90 Stephen Tanzer’s Int’l Wine Cellar
Parson’s Flat Shiraz/Cabernet
90 Wine Spectator
90 Wine Enthusiast
91 Wine Advocate
92 Wine Spectator
93 Wine Advocate
Trial of John Montford Cabernet
90 ‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
90 Wine Spectator
89 Wine Advocate
Henry’s Drive Magnus
2010 - 95 James Halliday
91+ Wine Advocate
Henry’s Drive ‘M’ Reserve Shiraz
2009 92 Wine Advocate
92 Wine Enthusiast
91 Wine Spectator
2008 91 Wine Advocate
Henry’s Drive Reserve Shiraz
2008 93 Wine Advocate
93 Wine Enthusiast
90 Wine Spectator
2007 92 Wine Advocate
92 Wine Enthusiast
91 Wine Spectator
2006 91 Wine Spectator
92 Wine Spectator
92 Wine Advocate
2005 93 Wine Advocate
90 Wine Spectator
Henry’s Drive Shiraz
2008 92 Wine Advocate
90 Wine Enthusiast
2007 91 Wine Advocate
2006 90 Wine Spectator
2005 91 Wine Advocate
2004 91 Wine Advocate
2003 93 Wine Advocate
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Frankland River
Western Australia
Frankland Estate was established in 1988 by Barrie Smith and Judi Cullam who continue to be actively involved in every
aspect of the vineyard and winery. They are now assisted by their daughter Elizabeth Smith, son Hunter Smith and a small,
hard-working team who enjoy working in a family business. The winemaking philosophies reflect these influences as well as
the hard-earned lessons gained from some 17 vintages in the Frankland River region. “Our approach to winemaking is based
on the principle that the most significant characteristics of a wine come from the soil and the vineyard environment. We aim
to make wines that reflect nature rather than the hand of the winemaker. This is the basis of our commitment to sustainable
farming and to working the land in accord with the cycles of nature. We carefully nurture the health of the soils in our
vineyard and only take from our vineyards as much as can be replaced by natural processes. Our use of viticultural practices
resulted in us gaining organic certification in 2009. The 2010 vintage was released with the certified organic “bud” logo”.
5-RED STAR WINERY | James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companian 2013
2012 2011 2010 2008 2011 2010 2009 -
2008 2007 2011 -
2010 2008 2012 2011 2009 2011 2010 2008 -
SmithCullam Riesling
91 Wine Enthusiast
97 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
92 Wine Enthusiast
96 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
90 International Wine Cellar
Olmos Reward
93+ Wine Advocate
95 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
95 Jeremy Oliver’s Australian Wine Annual
94 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
92 Wine Advocate
91 Wine Enthusiast
95 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
91 International Wine Cellar
Isolation Ridge Chardonnay
94 Jeremy Oliver’s Australian Wine Annual
91 Wine Enthusiast
90 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
90 Wine Advocate
94 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
92 Wine Advocate
90 International Wine Cellar
Rocky Gully Riesling
93 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
89+ Wine Advocate
92 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
90 International Wine Cellar
Rocky Gully Shiraz
93 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
91 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
93 James Halliday Top 100 for 2010
2010 2009 -
2008 2014 2013 2012 2011 -
2010 2013 2012 2011 -
2010 2009 2013 2012 2011 2010 -
Isolation Ridge Shiraz
95 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
94 Jeremy Oliver’s Australian Wine Annual
94 ‘Years Best’ Wine & Spirits
92 Wine Enthusiast
91 Wine Advocate
91 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
90 Wine Spectator
91 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
Isolation Ridge Riesling
97 James Suckling
96 Tyson Stelzer
90 “Cellar Selection” Wine Enthusiast
96 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
92 Wine Enthusiast
96 Jeremy Oliver’s Australian Wine Annual
94 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
91+ Wine Advocate
95 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
95 Tyson Stelzer
93 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
90 Wine Enthusiast
93 Jeremy Oliver’s Australian Wine Annual
92 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
91 Wine Advocate
94 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
92 International Wine Cellar
Netley Road Vineyard Riesling
95 Tyson Stelzer
95 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
91 Wine Enthusiast
96 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
92+ Wine Advocate
94 Wine Advocate
Hunter Smith, Owner & Winemaker
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McLaren Vale
Australia
Established in 1890 by Australian born brothers Herbert & Frederick Kay, it is the oldest McLaren Vale winery
still in the hands of the founding family, with Herbert’s grandson Colin Kay continuing the family winemaking
tradition. Bordering St. Vincent’s Gulf, 24 miles south of Adelaide, the Kay Brothers McLaren Vale vineyards
grace the rolling foothills of the Southern Mt. Lofty Ranges. The winery is located at the top of a hill three miles
from the McLaren Vale Township & the cellar door, which is part of the original winery complex, boasts some
stunning panoramic views of the surrounding picturesque valleys and hillsides. The Kay’s are specialists of
traditional grape growing & winemaking, utilizing grapes from their own 54 acre vineyards to produce their
wines. The main grape variety grown is Shiraz, including the 1892 planted Block 6. Colin’s winemaking philosophy is to make rich full-bodied fruit-driven wines (using the original open fermenters and basket press) with a
minimum of 18 months ageing in small American oak casks. The Block 6 Shiraz & Hillside Shiraz spend up to
two & a half years maturing in a combination of American, Eastern European and French oak barrels.
5-RED STAR WINERY | James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companian 2015 - 3rd Year in a row!
2011 2010 -
2008 2007 2006 2005 2011 2010 2008 -
Kay Brothers Shiraz Block 6
94 James Halliday
93+ Wine Advocate
95+ Wine Advocate
95 James Halliday
94 “Cellar Selection” Wine Enthusiast
94 “Cellar Selection” Wine Enthusiast
96 James Halliday
94+ Wine Advocate
93 Wine Advocate
95 Wine Advocate
97 Wine Advocate
Kay Brothers Cuthbert Cabernet
95 James Halliday
90+ Wine Advocate
93 James Halliday
94 James Halliday
2011 2010 -
2009 2008 2006 2005 2013 2012 2011 2010 -
Kay Brothers Hillside Shiraz
93+ Wine Advocate
92 James Halliday
94 James Halliday,
93+ Wine Advocate
90 ‘Years Best’ Wine & Spirits
92+ Wine Advocate
91 Wine Advocate
92/100 Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
93 Wine Advocate
96 Wine Advocate
Kay Brothers Basket Pressed Shiraz
94 James Halliday
94 James Halliday
90+ Wine Advocate
92 James Halliday
90+ Wine Advocate
94 James Halliday,
90 Wine Advocate
5-RED STARS - Outstanding winery regularly producing wines of exemplary quality and typicity.
Will have at least two wines rated at 94 points or above, and had a five-star rating for the previous two years.
A winery generally acknowledged to have a long track record of excellence – truly the best of the best.
Colin Kay, Owner/Winemaker
Herbert & Frederick Kay circa 1890
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McLaren Vale Australia Our story started in 1996 when we, the Shirvington Family (Lynne, Paul and sons Tony and Mark), purchased 39
acres of prime land in Willunga, South Australia. After extensive researching and touring of Australia’s major
wine regions, this area was chosen for its ability to consistently produce outstanding wines of great character and
quality. Willunga is just south of McLaren Vale on the Fleurieu Peninsula, an area internationally renowned for
its red wine. In the winter of 1996, work began on the development of our first vineyard, Redwind. Further
purchases in 1997 and 2001 saw the development of a new vineyard, Manjalda, in McLaren Vale.
2011
2010
2009
2008
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2011
2011
2010
Cabernet Sauvignon
91+ Wine Advocate
93 James Halliday
92 Wine Advocate
91 Wine Enthusiast
93+ Wine Advocate
91 International Wine Cellar
92 Wine Advocate
95 Wine Advocate
90 Wine Advocate
94 Wine Advocate
96 Wine Advocate
94 Wine Advocate
The Redwind Cabernet
93+ Wine Advocate
The Redwind Shiraz
94 Wine Advocate
91 Wine Spectator
95+ Wine Advocate
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
Shiraz
92+ Wine Advocation
94 James Halliday
94 Wine Advocate
93 Wine Enthusiast
94 Wine Advocate
92 International Wine Cellar
92 Wine Advocate
91 “Years Best Aussie Shiraz” Wine & Spirits
92 Wine Advocate
90 Wine Spectator
95 Wine Advocate
93 Wine Advocate
95 Wine Advocate
96 Wine Advocate
99 Wine Advocate
98 Wine Advocate
Carla, Mark, Lynette and Paul Shirvington
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IRONSTONE
Sierra Foothills
California
“Top 25 Most Awesome Tasting Rooms in California”
Michael Cervin – intowine.com
Family owned & operated by the fourth generation of the Kautz Family
State of the Art Winery & Caverns Lodi & Sierra Foothills appellations
2012 Grower of the Year California Association of Wine Grape Growers
Distinctive, elegant wines of world class quality

Sierra Foothills offers iron rich & volcanic soils that provide depth & complexity Lodi offers clay & sandy loam soils with warm days & cool Pacific Ocean breezes 
Practicing Integrated Pest Management, sustainable viticulture and biologically integrated farming systems

Culinary & Hospitality Center, Jewelry Shop & Gold Rush museum with world’s largest gold piece, 11.5 acres of landscaped gardens, outdoor Amphitheater, music room with theater pipe organ
2013
2012
2010
2010
2012
2011
2013
2012
2013
2013
Obsession Symphony
88 “Best Buy” Wine Enthusiast
Silver Medal - CA State Wine Fair
Silver Medal - SF Int’l Wine Competition
Ironstone Reserve Chardonnay
91 - Wine Enthusiast
Ironstone Reserve Old Vines Zinfandel
90 - Wine Enthusiast
Ironstone Reserve ‘Rous’ Zinfandel
Gold Medal - SF Chronicle Wine Comp.
Silver Medal - CA State Wine Fair
Ironstone Chardonnay
88 “Best Buy” - Wine Enthusiast
Ironstone Cabernet Franc
89 “Best Buy” - Wine Enthusiast
Ironstone Petite Sirah
“Best Buy” - Wine Enthusiast
Ironstone Old Vines Zinfandel
89 “Best Buy” - Wine Enthusiast
Leaping Horse Chardonnay
86 “Best Buy” - Wine Enthusiast
Leaping Horse Cabernet 2013
Bronze Medal - CA State Wine Fair
12
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Napa | Sonoma, CA
In 1966, my family bought a ranch with vineyards in Napa Valley. In 1980, my retired father and I decided
to start a winery on the property, giving it the name we each carried, Robert Pepi. Our first harvest was in
1981, and I’ve been making wine ever since. After the winery sold, I became a consulting winemaker, working mainly in California, but traveling also to Argentina, Colorado, and Texas. Eponymous began in 2000
with an opportunity to work with grapes that I felt would produce some of the best Cabernet in Napa Valley.
Three vintages later, another opportunity presented itself through a friend and passionate vineyard manager,
Javier Renteria; he was managing, and still is, MacAllister Vineyard just off the Mt. Veeder ridge. Through
planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the vineyards differing soils and exposures gave
me the chance to produce an elegant Bordeaux-style blend from Sonoma County. In 2008 I found a Syrah
vineyard with which I wanted to work, and in 2009 I made Cabernet Franc from the MacAllister Vineyard
and a Cabernet Sauvignon from Spring Mountain in Napa Valley. I am sure that the story will not end there,
as the chance to work with a great vineyard is not one that I can easily pass up.
The definition of Eponymous is: “one for whom or which something is or is believed to be named.” Bob Pepi has given
it his own playful definition: “a play on words by one who is unable to use his family name on his own bottle of wine.”
Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
2007 - 92 pts Wine Enthusiast
2006 - 93 pts Wine Enthusiast
2005 - 90 pts The Wine News
2004 - 92 pts The Wine News
2003 - Best of the Best - 5 stars
Quarterly Review of Wines
2002 - 92 “Cellar Selection”
Wine Enthusiast
2008 2006 2006 2005 2003 -
MacAllister Vineyard
89 pts Wine Enthusiast
93 pts Wine Enthusiast
90 pts Wine & Spirits
91 pts The Wine News
Best of the Best - 5 stars
Quarterly Review of Wines
Robert Pepi, Owner/Winemaker
Photo credit: Rocco Ceselin
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www.quintessentialwines.com
Syrah
2009 - 92 pts Wine Enthusiast
92 pts Wine Advocate
Spring Mountain Cabernet
2009 - 90 “Cellar Selection”
Wine Enthusiast
Two Angels
Sonoma & High Valley, CA
Two Angels wines are crafted by famed California consulting winemaker Robert Pepi and
owned by the Kreps family. Two Angels Petite Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc vineyards are
located in the new AVA of High Valley in Lake County at an elevation between 1700-2200 ft.
The Cabernet Sauvignon was grown in the Mayacamus Mountains in Sonoma County and the
Pinot Noir was grown on the Napa County side of Carneros.
The label art was created by Jacob de Backer in 1591 and the theme is the hilarity of inebriation
and the trauma of the morning after. Excessive joy must be countered by equally excessive
sorrow, with penitential atonement for pleasure. Related to the Oriental "yin and yang" concept,
it was created as an allegorical warning to "use wine sparingly or suffer the consequences."
Two Angels Petite Sirah
2009 - 91 “Gold Medal” LA Int’l Wine Competition
2007 - ‘Best Buy’, Wine Enthusiast
2006 - 90 Wine Enthusiast
Two Angels Sauvignon Blanc
2013 - 88 ‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
2006 - 91 ‘Best Buy’ | Top 100 of 2007 #48
Wine Enthusiast
Two Angels Cabernet Sauvignon
2007 - 92 Robert Whitley, Winereviwonline.com
Robert Pepi, winemaker
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Colchagua Valley
Chile
For six generations, starting in 1885 with Francisco Undurraga Vicuna, the Undurraga family has been growing
grapes and making fine wines in Chile. Today, Alfonso Undurraga Mackenna, the great-nephew of the aforementioned Francisco, alongside his three sons, Cristobal, Max and Alfonso, is pursuing a lifelong dream growing
vines and making wine in the Los Lingues zone of Alto Colchagua (DO Colchagua Valley), in the foothills of the
Andes Mountains. Koyle is a Chilean Indian name for the beautiful purple native plant that grows next to oak
forests and blossoms with an exotic, desirable fruit. It can be found in the mountainside vineyards of Koyle.
2013 2012 2012 -
2010 2008 2007 2009 2008 -
2007 -
2010 2010 2009 -
Koyle Costa Sauvignon Blanc
92 James Suckling
93 Decanter Magazine
Koyle Costa Pinot Noir
90 Wine Spectator
90 Wine Enthusiast
Koyle Reserva Syrah
90 Wine Enthusiast
91 Wine Advocate
90 ‘Very Good +’ Ken’s Wine Guide
Koyle Royale Syrah
90 Wine Enthusiast
91 Wine Advocate
91 Wine Enthusiast
90 Stephen Tanzer
91 Wine Advocate
90 Wine Enthusiast
90 ‘Very Good +’Ken’s Wine Guide
Koyle Reserva Malbec
89 ‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
Koyle Auma
92 James Suckling
91 Wine Enthusiast
90 Wine Spectator
2011 2008 2011 2010 2008 2007 2012 2009 -
2012 2011 2010 2009 -
Koyle Gran Reserva Cabernet
90 Wine Spectator
90 Wine Advocate
Koyle Royale Cabernet
93 James Suckling
91 Wine Spectator
90 Wine Advocate
92 Wine Enthusiast
Koyle Gran Reserva Carmenere
91 James Suckling
91 Robert Whitley's winereviewsonline.com
90 Wine Advocate
90 Years Best’ Wine & Spirits
Koyle Royale Carmenere
91 James Suckling
91 Wine Enthusiast
91 Wine Spectator
91 “Top 100” Wine Spectator
90 International Wine Cellar
Cristobal, Max & Alfonso Undurraga
15
www.quintessentialwines.com
San Antonio
Chile
The story of the Matetic Winery began in 1999 when the Matetic family decided to diversify their business
ventures and enter the world of wine. Confident in the virtues of the climate and soils in the Rosario Valley,
they planted 222 acres of vineyards. The Matetic vineyards are located in the Rosario Valley, a subdivision
of the San Antonio Valley. This completely enclosed valley is perpendicular to the ocean and features ideal
climatic and topographic conditions for both red and white wines. The vineyards are certified organic by
CERES GmbH and follow Biodynamic practices as well. All wines are hand-picked and estate bottled.
2014 TOP 100 WINERIES OF THE YEAR Wine & Spirits 2014, 2012, 2011 & 2008
EQ Syrah
2012 - 91 Wine Enthusiast
2011 - 93 Wine & Spirits
92 Wine Advocate
92 James Suckling
2009 - 92 Wine & Spirits
91 Wine Advocate
91 Wine Spectator
2008 - 93 Wine & Spirits
92 Wine Enthusiast
91 Wine Spectator
91 Stephen Tanzer
2007 - 92 Wine Enthusiast
90 Wine Spectator
90+ Wine Advocate
EQ Pinot Noir
2012 - 93 Wine Advocate
93 James Suckling
91 Wine Enthusiast
2011 - 90 International Wine Cellar
2009 - 90 Wine Spectator
90 International Wine Cellar
2008 - 90 Wine Spectator
2007 - 90 Wine Advocate
EQ Chardonnay
2012 - 91 Wine Advocate
2009 - 91 Wine Advocate
2008 - 90 Wine Advocate
90 Wine Spectator
EQ ‘Coastal’ Sauvignon Blanc
2014 - 94 “Best Buy” Wine & Spirits
90 Wine Enthusiast
2013 - 93 Wine Advocate
93 Wine & Spirits
2012 - 90 Wine Spectator
2011 - 94 ‘Years Best’ Wine & Spirits
91 ‘Editors Choice’ Enthusiast
2010 - 90 Wine Advocate
Matetic Syrah
2010 - 91 Wine Spectator
2009 - 92 Wine & Spirits
91 Wine Enthusiast
2008 - 92 Wine Advocate
92 Stephen Tanzer
92 Wine Spectator
91 Wines & Spirits
2007 - 93 Wine Enthusiast
92 Wine Advocate
92 Wine Spectator
Corralillo Sauvignon Blanc
2013 - 89 ‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
2012 - 91 ‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
2011 - 91 ‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
Corralillo Chardonnay
2010 - 90 ‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
2009 - 90 Wine Advocate
Corralillo Syrah
2012 - 89 Wine Enthusiast
2011 - 91 Wine Spectator
2009 - 91 Wine Enthusiast
90 Stephen Tanzer
90 Wine Advocate
90 Wine Spectator
2008 - 92 Wine & Spirits
90 Wine Spectator
Corralillo Pinot Noir
2012 - 90 Wine Enthusiast
90 Wine & Spirits
2011 - 89 International Wine Cellar
2010 - 90 Wine Advocate
89 Wine Spectator
2009 - 89 Wine Spectator & Wine Advocate
Corralillo Winemaker’s Blend
2012 - 93 James Suckling
90 Wine Enthusiast
2011 - 92 Wine & Spirits
91 Wine Enthusiast
2010 - 92 Wine Enthusiast
91 Wine & Spirits
2009 - 91 ‘Years Best’ Wine & Spirits
2008 - 90 Wine Spectator
Jorge Matetic Founder & GM
16
www.quintessentialwines.com
Curico|Colchagua Valley
Chile
Rooted in the history of Chile are the indigenous Mapuche people. The accounts from that era
remember that the ancient people had a deep connection to nature in their culture and named the
stars, birds, animals, insects… This profound and ancient relationship with the earth can be
understood as the Mapuche people believed they were children of the earth. Terrapura is the
recognition of this rich history, the origins of the Mapuche and the care and reverence of their
land. Terrapura was formed in 2005 by two Chilean entrepreneurs, Alfonso Undurraga and Jose
Miguel Ovalle, whom after years of friendship joined their viticulture dreams in creating this
winery. They both carry the love for wine production and passion for the land in their souls.
Sauvignon Blanc, Curico Valley
2009 - 88 Pts, ’Very Good’ Ken’s Wine Guide
2009 - 87 Pts, Wine Advocate
Chardonnay, Curico Valley
2010 - ‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
2008 -88 Pts, ‘Very Good’ Ken’s Wine Guide
Alfonso Undurraga
|
Merlot, Curico Valley
2008 - 87 Pts, Wine Advocate
Carmenere, Colchagua Valley
2008 - 87 Pts, ‘Very Good’ Ken’s Wine Guide
2008 - 88 Pts Wine Advocate
Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley
2008 - 87 Pts, Wine Advocate
Jose Miguel Ovalle
17
www.quintessentialwines.com
France
Situated on the right bank of the Rhone River, our grapes are sourced from both appellations
of Laudun & Chusclan, straddling eight communes. Laudun & Chusclan are part of the
twenty five villages where the AOC Cotes du Rhone originated. The vineyards are planted in
a terroir of sandy soil and terraces featuring limestone soil and pebbles. They are situated on
the right bank of the Rhone Valley, six miles from Chateauneuf du Pape.
Esprit
Cachette
2009 - 89 ‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
88 - Wine Spectator
2009 - 88 Wine Spectator
18
www.quintessentialwines.com
Alsace
France
Gustave Lorentz winery is based in the village of Bergheim, in central Alsace, and is family owned and
managed by president Georges Lorentz. The winery has been in existence since 1836 and has been
passed down from father to son, now in its sixth generation. The region benefits from a continental
climate, receiving ample sunshine and dry winters thanks to the rain shadow effect off the Vosges
Mountains. The intricate relationship between the terroir and climate is what sets these wines apart.
All 85 acres are harvested exclusively by hand and in 2012 became certified organic with “Ecocert”.
Le Rose
2011 - 90 “Best Buy” Wine & Spirits
Riesling Reserve
2013 - 91 ‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
2011 - 92 ‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
Pinot Gris Reserve
2010 - 88 Wine Enthusiast
2010 - 88 Wine Enthusiast
2009 - 88 Wine Enthusiast
2005 - 88 “Best Buy” Wine Enthusiast
2008 - Best Buy Wine & Spirits
Pinot Gris Schofweg
Riesling Burg
2007 - 91 Wine Spectator
2010 - 90 Wine Enthusiast
Pinot Gris Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim
2009 - 89 Wine Enthusiast
2007 - 90 Wine Enthusiast
2008 - 91 Wine & Spirits
2005 - 89 Wine Enthusiast
Riesling Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim
Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim
2007 - 92 Wine & Spirits
2010 - 92 Wine Enthusiast
91 ’Cellar Selection’ Wine Enthusiast
2007 - 93 Wine & Spirits
2005 - 90 Wine Enthusiast
91 Wine Enthusiast
Ingrid & Georges Lorentz with their three daughters
19
www.quintessentialwines.com
Pannon
Hungary
GRÜNER VELTLINER
Dr. Herold Binderer founded the company
Binderer St. Ursula in 1951 and worked
tirelessly until his late eighties. His son,
Peter, who took over the business, carries on
the family tradition. After the fall of the
“Iron Curtain” Peter decided in the mid-90’s
to buy one winery in the north and to build
another winery in the south of Hungary
because he knew about the long tradition and
excellent potential of Hungarian wine
making. Together with Lazlo Károlyi, a
Hungarian aristocrat with a turbulent life,
shaped by escape from war and comebacks
in different continents, Peter created his first
white wine in 1998. Since then, quality and
innovative concepts have been the key factors in the success of these two gentlemen.
As Lazlo loves the taste of the important
white wine variety Grüner Veltliner, he gave
his name “Count Karolyi” to create this
brand. This fresh white wine has a real
varietal character. Enjoy its lemony aromas
with a spicy, peppery touch typical of
Gruner from Pannon, south west Hungary –
a region spoiled by sunshine.
2013
88
“Best Buy”
Best of the Year Issue
DECEMBER 2014
Peter Binderer, Owner
20
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Friuli Venezia Giulia
Italy
The City of San Floriano del Collio nestles among gently rolling hills covered with vineyards,
cherry trees and acacia woods, within the Friuli Venezia Giulia region near the Slovenian border.
It is here that Mariano and his wife Loredana planted their first vineyard on a small plot of land
in 1972. Over the years their great commitment and enthusiasm has allowed the estate to
increase its area to approximately 74 acres, situated in the Collio and Friuli Isonzo DOC zones,
which have always been prime winegrowing country.
The hamlet of Ascevi is the name of the area where the largest vineyard (approximately
14 acres) is located. Luwa is derived from combining the names Luana and Walter,
Mariano and Loredana’ s children. “...that’s why we decided to call the estate Ascevi Luwa.”
The Collio vineyards are situated at an altitude between 590 - 820 feet above sea level
in soil with good structure and mineral content made up of stratified marl and sandstone. Most of the estate’s production comes from these vineyards. Ronco dei Vignali is
a zone within this area. The winery’ s production is based on several key factors:
Vineyards with good sun exposure, Guyot-trained vines, low yields,
“Wine is a product of the land, and good land makes good wine.”
Mariano Pintar Owner/Winemaker
Ceròu is the historic name of that area located
in San Floriano where Mariano, the owner and
winemaker, and his family started their first
vineyards in the 1970’s. These vineyards
represented a great challenge for the family
because of having to transform the heavily
forested area into terraced vineyards as well as
the discovery of old bombs from the first
World War during excavation of the hillside.
This Pinot Grigio comes from this area
forming part of DOC Collio, a hilly area of
Friuli, near the border with Slovenia, now
referred to as Cerou Superiore.
25
www.quintessentialwines.com
Brindisi
Salento Peninsula
Italy
Agricole Vallone was founded in 1934 by the Vallone family. Passed down generation to generation, today it is
owned by Vittoria and Maria Teresa Vallone. The Vallone family believes their wines are the mirror of this part
of the world whose “reflections show a unique personality and unveil the kept promise of a taste like no other”.
The winery covers 420 acres and is made up of three different vineyards, Castel Serranova, Flaminio and Iore.
All of the vineyards contain both newly-planted blocks as well as sections over 50 years old, especially of headtrained vines; this mixture ensures a balanced production and one of high quality. The vineyards are planted on
well-drained calcareous-clay soils, with low nutrient content. They are largely flat and sit 300 ft above sea level.
The Salento lies wholly within the Mediterranean macroclimate, and its vineyards benefit from light rainfall in
autumn and winter, and dry, windy summers. Agricole Vallone produces high quality, rich and complex wines
that reflect the unique qualities of the indigenous varieties on the Salento peninsula.
Graticciaia
2009 - 93+ International Wine Cellar
93 Wine & Spirits
Vereto Riserva
2008 - 91 International Wine Cellar
Flamino Riserva
2008 - 89 International Wine Cellar
26
www.quintessentialwines.com
Montalcino, Tuscany
Italy
The La Mannella vineyards, owned
by the Cortonesi family, covers a
surface of 138 acres, 20 of which
especially devoted to the production
of Brunello di Montalcino. The
vineyards are located in one of the
most valuable areas of the region,
both north and south-east of
Montalcino. The Cortonesi family
works according to tradition, yet
employs modern winemaking
techniques that help enhance the
quality of their wines. The favorable
location of its vineyards, and the
rocky soil where they are planted,
all contribute to the making of a
deep and elegant Brunello, well
suited for a long ageing period.
Tommaso Cortonesi (pictured right)
Brunello di Montalcino
2009 - 90 Wine Advocate
4 Stars “Highly Recommended”,
Decanter Magazine
2010 - 95 -James Suckling
90 - Wine Advocate
Brunello di Montalcino Il Poggiarelli
2009 - 90 Wine Spectator
2010 - 92 - Wine Enthusiast
91 - James Suckling
27
www.quintessentialwines.com
Piedmont
Italy
Gianmarco and Attilio Ghisolfi
Carlo Ghisolfi bought a small property of approximately nine acres in 1985 in what is now known as the "Cru
Bussia" and started making wine. Carlo’s son and grandson expanded the property accumulating 21 additional
acres of neighboring lands. The wines under the Ghisolfi label were made in 1988 and it included a Barolo Bricco
Visette, which is the name of the hill of Carlo’s original nine acres. Until 1987, the land was used for both vines
and other agricultural products. At that time, Carlo’s great grandson Gianmarco Ghisolfi had come into thefamily
business and, with his father Attilio, converted most of the land over to grapevines in order to start producing wines
under their own label. While not organically certified, the vineyards are eco-friendly and cultivated with a great
respect for the environment. They do not use chemical fertilizers or herbicides (weeds are killed mechanically).
2005 2007 -
2010 -
2009 -
2008 2007 2006 -
Alta Bussia
90 Wine Enthusiast
Langhe Nebbiolo
90 Wine Spectator
89 Wine Enthusiast
Barolo Bussia Bricco Visette
93 Wine Spectator
93 Wine Enthusiast
93 James Suckling
92 International Wine Cellar
90 Wine & Spirits
94 Wine Spectator
‘tre bicchieri’ Gambero Rosso 2014
90+ International Wine Cellar
94 Wine Spectator
95 Wine Spectator
94 Wine Spectator
94 Wine & Spirits
2010 -
2009 2008 2007 2005 -
2009 2008 2007 2006 -
www.quintessentialwines.com
Barolo Bussia
93 Wine Spectator
93 Wine Enthusiast
92 James Suckling
“Best Buy” Wines & Spirits
94 Wine Spectator
91 International Wine Cellar
93 Wine Spectator
“Best Buy” Wine & Spirits
93 Wine Spectator
91 Wine Enthusiast
90 Wine Spectator
Barolo Fantini Reserva
94 Wine Spectator
95 “Cellar Selection” Wine Enthusiast
93 International Wine Cellar
90 International Wine Cellar
90 Wine & Spirits
94 Wine Spectator
Piedmont
Italy
Paolo Manzone, Winemaker/Owner, his father Armando,
his wife Luisella and his mother, Angela.
Paolo Manzone is the sixth generation of his family involved in the wine industry. Paolo’s father and
grandfather were well-known farmers and grape-growers before they started making wine in 1970.
Paolo is the winemaker and vineyard manager for the 24 acres of vines the family owns in the two
villages of Sinio and Serralunga d’Alba, in the heart of the legendary Piedmont region. The age of the
vineyards in Sinio on average are 20-25 years, while vines in Serralunga range from 25-60 years. With
the continued support of his wife and family, Paolo carries on the family tradition.
Dolcetto d’Alba
2010 - 91 ‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
Barbera d’Alba Fiorenza
2011 - 92 “Best Buy” Wine & Spirits
Barolo DOCG
2010 - “Best Buy” Wine & Spirits
2007 - ‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
89 Wine Spectator
89 Wine Enthusiast
Langhe Rosso Ardi
2009 - ‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
Barolo Meriame
2010 - 92 James Suckling
92 Wine Enthusiast
2009 - 93 Wine Enthusiast
90 International Wine Cellar
2007 - 92 Wine Advocate
2007 - 90 Wine Enthusiast
Barolo Serralunga
2010 - 92 Wine Enthusiast
2009 - 91 Wine Enthusiast
2007 - 93 Wine Spectator
90 Wine Enthusiast
89 Wine Advocate
28
www.quintessentialwines.com
Piedmont
Italy
Luca Bosio Vineyards, now in its 3rd generation, was established in 1967 by farmers
Egidio and Angela. Their son, Valter Bosio married Rosella and along with their son
Luca, a graduate winemaker, work tirelessly to keep up the family tradition. Luca has
brought a wave of freshness and novelty both in technical and commercial areas. After
the success of his innovative and progressive ideas, and under the constant support of
the family, the company has taken the name of Luca Bosio Vineyards. The winery is
located in the center of the Langhe region of Piedmont and has 60 acres of vineyards.
Moscato d’Asti
2012 - 90 “Best Value” Creator’s Syndicate
(Robert Whitley)
2011 - 87 Wine Enthusiast
2010 - 87 Wine Enthusiast
Barolo
2010 - 92 “Best Buy” Wine & Spirits
2008 - “Best Buy” Wine & Spirits
2007 - 90 Wine Enthusiast
“Best Buy” Wine & Spirits
Barbaresco
2008 - “Best Buy” Wine & Spirits
2007 - 89 Wine Enthusiast
Barbera D’Asti
2011 - “Best Buy” Wine & Spirits
2008 - “Best Buy” Wine & Spirits
Luca Bosio
Owner & Winemaker
29
www.quintessentialwines.com
Tuscany, Italy
Vignole farm is situated in the heart of Chianti Classico, in proximity of the town of
Panzano. The Nistri family, who has worked in the wine sector since 1865, acquired the
property in 1970. Today the vineyard is managed and the wine is produced by brothers
Massimo and Fabrizio Nistri. The vineyards, covering 51 acres, are situated along the
river Pesa, better known in the Panzano zone as "the Conca d' Oro", because of the high
quality wines that come from here. The altitude varies between 950–1050 ft. above sea
level and the vineyards get long sun exposure to the SE and SW.
Chianti Classico
2007 - 90 Pts Wine Spectator
Chianti Classico Riserva
2006 - 90 Pts Wine Spectator
Massimo & Fabrizio Nistri
30
www.quintessentialwines.com
Italy
Tropical Passion Fruit and Mango Moscato bursts with real, 100%
natural passion fruit and mango. Delicious Moscato blends that
captures the aromas and flavors of the tropics. Fresh, fruity and fun!
You’ll be swept away into tropical daydreams with your first sip.
“Bright and refreshing. Paradise in a glass!”
32
www.quintessentialwines.com
ITALY
“Our label shows an ancient Roman coin struck in 46 BC depicting two of the most famous Fratelli
brothers in the Roman religion. Castor and Pollux fell in love with beautiful sisters who were already
betrothed to suitors. The brothers challenged and slew their rivals, but Castor was mortally wounded.
In the end, Zeus placed both their immortal souls together in the sky as symbols of brotherly love.
Today we refer to them as the constellation Gemini.”
The Fratelli line is produced by several different families throughout Italy. Each specializes in the
indigenous varieties grown in their regions and produce some of the best wines in those areas.
2010 & 2011 Hot Prospect Brands!
Vino Dei Fratelli
Featured in September 1st & 15th issue of Impact Global Newsletter and a feature story in the October issue of Market Watch
Fratelli Montepulciano Fratelli Chianti Fratelli Nero d’Avola Fratelli Primitivo Fratelli Casa Rosa Fratelli Prosecco Fratelli Pinot Grigio Fratelli Moscato IGT Fratelli Moscato d’Asti Fratelli Moscato Rosa 33
www.quintessentialwines.com
Pinot Grigio
The Mosolo family history dates back to 1447, where the family originated near Munich, in the Bavarian region
of Germany. In the 18th century, the family relocated to Friuli Venezia Guilia to farm vineyards and produce
wines. Angelo Mosolo started the winery at the beginning of the 20th century when he started to increase wine
production and selling to local markets. In the early 1970’s, his son, Gleni, inherited the vineyard and expanded
into the Colli Orientali del Fruili region. In more recent years, Gleni and his son Michele manage the family
business. The Mosolo family has a state of the art production facility and promotes sustainable and
environmentally friendly vineyard management practices.
Chianti
The Nistri winery is one of the oldest in Tuscany, dating back to 1865 when Francesco Nistri set up a wine
trading business in Mezzana, on the outskirts of Prato. Today the Nistri winery is run by Mario and Piero Nistri
(4th generation) and Massimo and Fabrizio Nistri (5th generation). The winery’s central office is in the Chianti
Classico production zone. Radical changes have been made at the winery in recent years with investments in new
technology and machines, and intensified focus on the production and bottling of fine quality wines.
Montepulciano
The Tiberio family winery was inherited by Alberto in 1980 from his Grandfather, Donato. The vineyard is located in Casalbordino province, in the Abruzzo region and has 39 acres of which, 35 acres are devoted to grape vineyards and four acres are olive groves. At present, both vineyards and olive groves cultivation follows the biological methods, in respect of the environment and human health. Alberto is both the wine-grower, and since 2008 has
also been the wine producer. Together with his wife and two children, Alberto works tirelessly to produce only the
best wines from exclusively indigenous varietals of the Abruzzo region.
Moscato IGT | Moscato D’Asti | Moscato Rosa | Casa Rossa
Bosio vineyards, now in it’s 3rd generation, was established in 1967 by farmers Egidio and Angela. Their son,
Valter Bosio married Rosella and along with their son Luca, a graduate winemaker, work tirelessly to keep up the
family tradition. Luca has brought a wave of freshness and novelty both in technical and commercial areas. He
has brought innovative and progressive ideas and is carrying on the family tradition of making superior wines.
The winery is located in the center of the Langhe region of Piedmont and has 60 acres of vineyards.
Prosecco | Primitivo | Nero D’Avola
The Contarini family works with vineyards in Veneto, Puglia and Sicily. They produce their wines in Veneto. The
Prosecco vineyards are located in the heart of the Conegliano region in Veneto. It is described as “the pearl of Veneto” for the beauty of the city and the surrounding hillsides that have made it famous through the world for
Prosecco. The 30 acres of vineyards overlook the peaks of the Dolomites.
Michele Mosolo | Fabrizio Nistri | Alberto Tiberio | Luca Bosio
34
www.quintessentialwines.com
Veneto
Italy
This lightly effervescent wine is a unique blend of Moscato and Brachetto. The
Moscato exhibits fresh, fruit flavors, while the Brachetto adds the delicate pink hue,
weight and structure. It possesses the delightful aroma and taste of dried peaches
and strawberries, with a hint of fresh-cut roses in the background.The grapes for both
the Moscato and Brachetto come from traditional cultivation areas within Fruili
Venezie. They are vinified separately and then blended. The Moscato undergoes a
second fermentation and the resulting wine has a fine “frizzante” effervescence.
A poetic collision of
Moscato &
Brachetto
31
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REAL COMPAÑÍA DE VINOS
La Tierra de Castilla, Spain
The Real Compañia winery is owned and managed by the Murua family, whose history in the
wine business dates back to 1926. Julian and his son Javier, manage the family business. The
Murua family run their winery with the mission to meld the long-held winemaking traditions of
the region with new technologies in order to make wines that express the “best qualities” of the
grapes coming from the La Mancha region in Central Spain. The grapes come from 30 to 70 year
old vines and are grown in red calcareous and stony soils. The climate is this region is
continental, with cold winters and hot summers. During the summer months, there is great
contrast between the day and night temperatures, which help the grapes reach optimum ripeness.
Blanco
2010 - ‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
Verdejo
2011 - ‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
Garnacha
2012 - 91 winereviewonline.com
Tempranillo
2010 - ‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
Javier Murua
39
www.quintessentialwines.com
Rioja
Spain
Founded in 1982, when Julian Murua Entrena revived his father, Jose Murua’s winery, which dates back to 1926
in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa (one of the three sub-regions that make up Spain’s Rioja appellation). The cellars
are in the quaint, historic village of Elciego, which is renowned for being surrounded by some of the best
“terrior” in Rioja. The name “Muriel” comes from the combination of the family name, Murua, and the name of
the town itself, Elciego. Today, Julian and his son Javier run the winery with the mission to meld the long-held
winemaking traditions of the region with new technologies and techniques in order to make wines that express
the “best qualities” of the grapes coming from these fertile Riojan vineyards. Like most of red wines in the region, all Bodegas Muriel wines are 100% Tempranillo, the “signature” grape of the region. Due to the special
micro-climate of the region, there is a triple influence from the Mediterranean, Continental and Atlantic climates,
which helps the vines produce very aromatic and elegant wines, whose main characteristic is the potential to age.
Blanco
2012 - 89 winereviewonline.com
Crianza
2009 - 89 winereviewonline.com
2005 - 90 International Wine Cellar
JME
2011 - 90 Wine Enthusiast
89 Wine Spectator
2008 - 90 Wine & Spirits
2007 - 88 Wine Spectator
Reserva
2009 - 91 Wine Spectator
2008 - 95+ “Outstanding” Top 10 Wines of 2013! Decanter
2007 - 90 Wine Enthusiast
‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
89 Wine Spectator
2005 - 90 Wine Advocate
2004 - 91 Wine Advocate
Gran Reserva
2005 - 89 “Best Buy” Wine & Spirits
2004 - 92 winereviewonline.com
90 Wine Advocate
2001 - 91 Wine Advocate
Heraldry is the practice of designing, displaying, and
recording coats of arms and heraldic badges. Heraldry, as it
is known in the world today, was first introduced in Spain
as an art form. Historical records indicate that it was
initiated in the 11th century and was developed for the
purpose of assigning ranks to knights and nobles in the
battlefield. These two heraldic shields represent the
founders of the Bodegas Muriel winery. The first shield is
the heraldic shield of the Murua surname, representing
Julian’s fathers family and the other, belongs to the
surname Entrena representing Julian’s mothers family.
37
www.quintessentialwines.com
D.O.C.a Rioja
SPAIN
The Vina Eguia winery and vineyards were established in 1973 in Elciego and purchased
by Bodegas Muriel in 2010. Elciego is a historic village in the Rioja Alavesa, which
borders the Spanish “Basque” region, and the language spoken there often includes
Basque words, such as “Eguia” which means “truth.” The brand is symbolized by an
open hand over the label, which is in the shape of an open book – analogous to
putting one’s hand on a bible to swear to the truth of what one is saying.
Viña Eguia Reserva
Viña Eguia Crianza
2009
2008
90 International Wine Cellar
91 Wine Advocate
2009
2007
89 Wine Spectator
92 Wine Advocate
92 ‘Editor’s Choice’
‘Ranked #18 in Top 100 Wines of 2011’
Wine Enthusiast
Julian and Javier Murua
38
www.quintessentialwines.com
Penedes, Spain
Vallformosa is a family-owned winery, now managed by the fifth generation of the Domènech
family. The winery was established in 1865 in Vilobí del Penedès, southwest of Barcelona in the
heart of the Cava D.O. appellation. The vineyards are located in a valley between the Mediterranean Sea and the Catalan Pre-coastal Mountain Range. It is considered a prized land with unique
characteristics for viniculture, particularly with the white varietals that make up Spain’s best Cavas.
The family name first appeared in local history as far back as the 10th Century. In 1865, Don Francisco Jose Domènech planted vines on the land that became the family’s first vineyards. After
Phylloxera destroyed almost all the vines in Spain in the late 1880’s, Vallformosa was among the
pioneering wineries to replant non-contaminated rootstock. In the late 1930s, the Spanish Civil War
erupted and part of winery was destroyed during fierce fighting near the end of the war. In 1940,
when the Domènech family returned to rebuild the winery, Don Jose Domènech Torne (the son of
Don Francisco) produced the first three bottles of Vallformosa Cava. Since the beginning, the
Domènech family has been passionate about their wines and, even today, follow the teachings of
their ancestors that the “soul of the wine is in the soil and in their family roots.”
The Domenech family is heavily involved with charitable endeavors, and are actively
involved in cancer research through the Catalan Oncology Institution Foundation.
Origen Brut | Origen Brut Rose | Clasic Brut | Col.leccio Brut Pinot Noir | Florinda Brut
Oriol Domenech, Owner/Winemaker
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Ribera del Duero, Spain
Tinto Figuero is the great dream of José María García and Milagros Figuero, couple who have devoted their entire lives to looking after their “majuelos,” with the aim of producing “top quality” grapes. They are the proud
heirs to a culture that has come down to them through several generations. “What make us different is that 62 of
our 131 acres, are older than 60 years. These high quality grapes is what makes our wines so prestigious around
the world.” The winery boasts of state-of- the-art technology and has the best resources to produce great wines
including gravity flow, automatic topping and computer-controlled fermentation. The barrels are made from the
best American and French oak, toasted by renowned master coopers and renewed every three years. These
barrels are instrumental in endowing Tinto Figuero wines with their unmistakable bouquet.
2009 2007 -
2011 2010 2009 2008 2006 2008 2006 -
2005 -
4 Months in Barrel
90 Wine Advocate
88 Wine Enthusiast
88 ‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
88 Wine Advocate
Crianza (12 Months in Barrel)
90 Wine Advocate
90 Wine Spectator
90 International Wine Cellar
91 Wine Advocate
89 Wine Enthusiast
91 Wine Advocate
Reserva (15 Months in Barrel)
89 Wine Enthusiast
92 Wine Advocate
91 Wine Enthusiast
91 International Wine Cellar
91 Wine Advocate
2010 2009 2006 2005 2004 2009 -
2006 -
2005 2010 2009 -
Left to right: Antonio Garcia Figuero his wife, Pilar Ruiz Figuero,
Henar Garcia Figuero, her husband Felipe Cabezon Martin, Carlos
Garcia Figuero his wife Esther Regidor Figuero and parents
Milagro Figuero and Jose Maria Garcia Figuero
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Noble (21 Months in Barrel)
90 Wine Advocate
92 “Cellar Selection” Wine Enthusiast
92 International Wine Cellar
94 Wine Advocate
93 Wine Advocate
95 Wine Advocate
Viñas Viejas ‘VV’
96 winereviewonline.com (Robert Whitley)
92 “Cellar Selection” Wine Enthusiast
Vendimia Seleccionada ‘VS’
94 ‘Editors Choice’ Wine Enthusiast
90 ‘Years Best’ Wine & Spirits
90 International Wine Cellar
‘Best of Ribera Del Duero’ Intl Wine Challenge
Tinus
94 “Cellar Selection” Wine Enthusiast
93 Wine Advocate
93 International Wine Cellar
Valdepenas
Spain
Don Juan Megia Sanchez founded the winery in 1904. It began as a small family
affair that has been since, passed down from generation to generation. In 1989
the winery was acquired by and is currently run by president Doroteo Navarro
Doñada and his three children. The vineyards 370 of 427 acres are exclusively
dedicated to Tempranillo. The high-tech facilities have stainless steel vats, a
microfiltration room, automated production lines and laboratory with the best
technology available. The winery stands out in the industry for controlling
temperature and moisture throughout the entire year.
Old Vines Crianza
2010 - 89 Wine Advocate
2006 - 87 “Red Values Under $25” Wine Advocate
2004 86 Wine Advocate
Old Vines Reserva
2000 - 86 Wine Advocate
Old Vines Gran Reserva
2002 - 89 Wine Advocate
2001 - 90 Wine Advocate
Granrojo Tempranillo
2008 - 87 The Wine Advocate
2007 - 87 “Red Values Under $25” Wine Advocate
Best Buy Wine Enthusiast
Granrojo Garnacha
2008 - 85 Wine Advocate
2007 - 87 “Red Values Under $25” Wine Advocate
“Navarro Lopez’s new releases
offer considerable value”
Wine Advocate, April 2010
Guillermo Arce & Doroteo Navarro Doñada
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Stellenbosch
South Africa
The Malan family's winemaking dates back to 1688 when the first Malan arrived in South Africa. As a
French Huguenot, he was given land at the Cape of Good Hope by the Dutch to plant new vineyards. Soon
thereafter, he moved to the Stellenbosch region, which became famous for the quality of its grapes. In 1953,
one of his descendants, Frans Malan, planted vineyards on De Hoop, in the foothills of the Simonsberg
Mountain outside Stellenbosch. Endowed with quintessential terroir, this farm subsequently became the nucleus of the Simonsig Wine Estate. 1968 saw the introduction of his first wines, sold under the Simonsig Estate label - literally translated meaning Simon's View - named after the spectacular views of the Simonsberg
Mountain. In 1983, Frans' three sons - Pieter, Francois and Johan - formed a unique partnership to manage
the fast-growing Simonsig Wine Estate. Equipped with progressive winemaking skills and a proud heritage,
producing superior wine is still a family tradition as the new generation competes in the global wine market.
Chenin Blanc
2012 - ‘Today’s Wine Pick
Wine Spectator
2011 - 90 Wine Advocate
88 ‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
2010 - ‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
2009 - 88 ‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
‘Global Value’ Wine Spectator
Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rose
2012 - 90 Wine Advocate
2007 - 90 Wine Enthusiast
90 Wine & Spirits
2011 2010 -
2011 2010 2011 2009 -
Tiara
90 Wine Spectator
90 Wine Advocate
90 Wine Enthusiast
89 Wine Spectator
Frans Malan
90 Wine Spectator
91 Wine Advocate
Merindol Syrah
92 Wine Enthusiast
Pinotage
‘Best Buy’ Wine Enthusiast
Johan Malan
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Redhill Pinotage
2011 - 92 ‘Editors Choice’
Wine Enthusiast
2010 - 90 Wine Advocate
90 Wine Enthusiast
2009 - 92 ‘Cellar Selection’
Wine Enthusiast
2008 - 91 ‘Editors Choice’
Wine Enthusiast
91 The Int’l Wine Review
90 Wine Spectator
2007 - 88 Wine Spectator
2006 - 90 Wine Enthusiast
Trentino, Italy
The Dolzan family, now in its fifth generation, is led by Michele Dolzan alongside his
brother Mauro and their father and president of Villa de Varda, Luigi Dolzan. The family
has owned their vineyards and have been producing wines and grappa since 1678. Villa de
Varda is located in the Trentino region at the foot of the Alps and is situated in the heart of
the Piana Rotaliana, a wide alluvial plain crossed by the Noce and the Adige rivers. This
area has a long history in the art of winemaking that dates back to 6th century BC where
archaeologists have discovered many artifacts including Situla that were bronze vessels
used for wine offerings to the gods. The vineyards, cultivated using the pergola system,
have well-drained fertile soil, rich in calcareous and porphyritic elements (a geological
term used to describe igneous rocks that have distinct difference in the size of their crystals). The climate is a blend of continental and Mediterranean. The summers are mild with
considerable temperature ranges between night and day which contributes greatly to the
complexity of the grapes from which the best pomace is derived for making Grappa.
Mauro, Luigi, Clara and Michele Dolzan
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Grappa is a spirit made by distilling pomace (seeds, pulp and stems), which is left after pressing of
the grapes. Luigi Dolzan, an expert and master distiller, has assigned the name ‘de Varda’ method to
the four stages of production that Villa de Varda performs. Each phase is critical and performed with
extreme care to create top quality Grappa. Phase one begins with a fresh pomace, still dripping from
soft pressing. Phase two begins immediately where pH is checked, yeasts and enzymes are added,
and the pomace is immediately sent to fermentation at controlled temperatures in copper stills.
Distillation is the third phase and is performed carefully and scrupulously. The distillation phase is
very slow in order to get all the correct evaporation of the volatile components responsible for the
fragrance of the final product. Once distillation is complete, phase four begins and the grappa is aged
for six months in stainless steel containers. Prior to bottling, the alcohol content is reduced by the
addition of demineralised mountain spring water, after which and the grappa is filtered and bottled.
In centuries of cultivation of their vineyards, the Dolzans have accumulated a
considerable quantity of authentic and ancient farming tools and equipment. The
collection has become a museum showcasing over 1600 cataloged ancient tools and
distillery implements that the Dolzan family proudly displays at the winery.
44
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Douro, Portugal
Quinta do Vallado estate, now in it s sixth generation, has been family-owned since 1716 originally owned
by the legendary Doña Antonia Adelaide Ferreira. Today the winery is owned by João Ferreria Alvares
Ribeiro, Francisco Ferreira and Francisco Olazabal. It is one of the oldest and most famous “Quintas” in
the Douro region. Two thirds of the vineyards are planted in terraces with a single row of vines and pruned
according to the double cordon system. The old vines, which make up almost 40% of the vineyards are at
least 80 years old. A new state-of-the-art winery was built in 1997 and a newly built, ultra-modern hotel
was completed in 2012 making Quinta do Vallado a travel destination in the Douro Valley.
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Douro Red
89 Wine Enthusiast
91 James Suckling
89 Wine Spectator
‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
90 Wine Spectator
90 Wine Advocate
89 Wine Advocate
93 Wine Spectator
92 ‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits
90 Wine Advocate
Tawny Port
20 Year 95 winereviewonline.com
93 Wine Spectator
90 Wine Enthusiast
10 Year 91 Wine Spectator
2012
2011
2009
Adelaide Vintage Port
93 Wine Spectator
96 Wine Spectator
95 Wine Enthusiast
91 Wine Spectator
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Reserva Red
95 “Cellar Selection”
Wine Enthusiast
96 “Highly Recommended”
Wine Spectator
91 Wine Advocate
93 “Cellar Selection
Wine Enthusiast
91 Wine Spectator
91 Wine Advocate
91 ‘Years Best’ Wine & Spirits
94 “Cellar Selection”
Wine Enthusiast
92 Wine Advocate
92 Wine & Spirits
91 Wine Spectator
93 Wine Advocate
92 Wine Enthusiast
96 Wine Spectator
96 Wine & Spirits
92 Wine Advocate
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www.quintessentialwines.com
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Touriga Nacional
91 Wine Enthusiast
95 “Hot Wine” Wine Spectator
94 Wine Advocate
90 James Suckling
92 “Cellar Selection”
Wine Enthusiast
91 Wine Spectator
90 Wine Advocate
95 “Highly Recommended”
Wine Spectator
92 Wine Advocate
92 Wine Enthusiast
95 #7 in Top 100! Spectator
92 Wine Advocate
90 Wine Enthusiast,
94 Wine Spectator
91 Wine & Spirits
91 Wine Enthusiast
Vila Nova Douro | Vinho Verde,
Portugal
Bernardo Lencastre, sister Luisa, father Luis Lencastre (the actual Baron of Varzea do Douro), sister Sofia and brother Filipe
The Lencastre family is of royal Portuguese lineage, descending from Antonio Pinot Garces Mandureira, who was named the First Barão da Varzea do Douro by Portugal’s Queen Maria II on July 16, 1846. The family’s royal resi‐
dence is Vila Nova, near the town of Penafiel which is close to the eastern border in Portugal’s Vinho Verde wine region. The estate has been in the family since the 12th century. The only rem‐
nant of that time is an ivy‐covered stone tower, now totally surrounded by Vila Nova, (new house) that was built in the 1700s. In the late 1970s, the family planted white grape vines over 29 acres, mostly the native Portuguese varietals that are most often used in Vinho Verde wines – Loureiro, Arinto, Avesso and Trajudura. In 2003, Bernardo Lencastre, who will be the Fifth Baron in the family, took over the property with his sib‐
lings. He spearheaded revitalization efforts, re‐
storing Vila Nova into the showplace it is today.
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# 1 ‘Best Selling’
Argentine White Wine Nationally
Source: AC Nielsen Data
45
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Valentin Eduardo Bianchi, 3rd
generation winery owner was given the
nickname “Tincho” as a boy, a term of
affection that, loosely translated, means
“young Valentin”. It is “Tincho” that
first added the lime to New Age White.
“Tincho”, the drink, quickly became one
of the most popular, refreshing cocktails
served in the restaurants, bars and nightclubs in trendsetting Buenos Aires.
Valentin Eduardo Bianchi ‘Tincho’
Tincho
New Age
over ice with
a slice of lime
46
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www.quintessentialwines.com
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