Demeine Estates is proud to represent our winery partners in the most reputable publications in the world, and to share our own successes with the larger wine industry.
Concerto di Fonterutoli represents a fantastic experiment between tradition and innovation with the blend of these two grapes and a breathtaking expression of two special parcels. The Sangiovese grapes come from some of their best parcels in the lower part of the Fonterutoli estate with rocky, chalky soil and the Cabernet comes from a tiny plot surrounded by an oak forest that has calcareous rocks, with both sitting around 1,150 feet of elevation; showcasing the individual purity and finesse of each variety that share a special bond of both having a affinity for terroir expression.
The partnership marks the first-ever DESTINATIONS by Lexus winery offering, and as part of the program, Lexus is the preferred vehicle of Lawrence Wine Estates. Each individual winery will feature a Lexus luxury model paired with their vineyard tour, and many vehicles in the fleet will be hybrid models in alignment with Lawrence Wine Estates’ commitment to sustainability.
“Our entire philosophy is rooted in providing the highest level of hospitality and luxury, values we share with Lexus,” said Lawrence Wine Estates CEO Carlton McCoy, Jr., MS. “Through this partnership, guests will enjoy truly unique and unforgettable wine country experiences not found anywhere else in Napa Valley.”
A darker red Chianti with tart cranberry and cherry notes, this mid-priced wine will give you a good reason to stay home on a cool fall night. “While Chiantis are more approachable these days, we are seeing many more that are getting creative with their use of oak, making them feel more textured on the palate,” says Liz Martinez, general manager of Kiln, in Alexandria, Virginia. “You definitely want to pair it with Tuscan cuisine. Think steak Florentine or pasta with red sauce.”
“It’s hard to pinpoint what the most underrated wine is, but one in particular I’ve enjoyed is Burgess Cellars Contadina Cabernet Sauvignon, which we currently pour by the glass at Element 47. The estate is quite historic and the team involved is incredibly talented, producing wines of great flavor intensity, depth, and balance for a modest price relative to others in its stylistic arena.” —Chris Dunaway, wine director and advanced sommelier, The Little Nell, Aspen, Colo.
“The goal in viticulture is doing less and balancing things to diversity of plant material so it is naturally balanced each year. We took a deep dive into ancient farming techniques. Sometimes technology and science has pushed us away from the natural process of the vine.” He (McCoy) stated “We dug into the ancient viticulture on Arigultura Promiscua and this was a viticulture book written over a thousand years ago. How can we implement this? We are re-developing different blocks and how can we interplant different fruit trees and bring pollinators that can bring bio-diversity.”
The estate itself has roughly 150 different species of plants and trees. McCoy noted that the new vineyard plantings “Are thriving with the new work we are doing on the viticulture side.” I loved the 2021 Burgess ‘Quartz Creek’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which was very concentrated and nervy, showing plenty of power and flavor range
The new wine, labeled under the Trailside Vineyard name, will debut with a ’22 vintage bottling in spring of 2025. The wine is sourced from a choice selection of the vineyard, which is farmed following biodynamic principles (though not certified). Production is a modest 500 cases; a price has not yet been confirmed.
“The vineyard definitely has history,” notes McCoy. “It was partly owned by Spring Mountain Vineyard before Treasury, and was their primary fruit source before the 1980s. Since then, major replantings were done in a few waves starting in the early 2000s and so now the oldest vines are nearing 15 to 20 years old. The clonal selection is a wide mix, but the rootstock is fairly consistent. What makes it interesting is that while it’s Rutherford Bench, it has a mix of soils.”
Charles Philipponnat of Champagne Philipponnat agreed that it is a ‘healthier’ year than 2023, because while downy mildew can affect the yield, it does not necessarily affect quality. Somewhat more predictably, Chardonnay, despite being later to ripen, seems to have yielded better, possibly missing the troublesome weather at flowering.
Planted in the 1940s, Stony Hill is one of Napa Valley’s oldest remaining wineries from a bygone era of trailblazers. The 160-acre parcel on Spring Mountain was purchased in 1943 by Fred and Eleanor McCrea, originally to be used as a summer home. After the war, Fred wanted to find a use for the land and decided to plant grapes. Said to be the first post-Prohibition development in Napa, the McCreas planted Chardonnay in 1948 with cuttings from Wente Winery in Livermore, along with Riesling (originating from Inglenook), a little Gewurztraminer, and a few other white grapes. Even then, it was uncommon to devote an entire vineyard to white varieties, but from the outset, it was clear that Stony Hill would march to a different drummer.
One of the great historic sites in the Napa Valley, Heitz Cellar is under the leadership of Lawrence Wine Estates, as the winery was purchased in 2018. Tasting with Lawrence Wine Estates CEO Carlton McCoy, MS, was a treat as he shared the rich history of the property. McCoy, MS, became a Master Sommelier in 2013 at just 28 years old as he was one of the youngest people and the second African American to become a MS. Sharing his thoughts about Heitz, he talked about the importance of the winemaking team understanding the land. McCoy stated “Brittney Sherwood had been the winemaker at Heitz since 2012 and the winemaking at this location is so unique. We didn’t need to tweak a lot but we challenged Brittney to see how they can be better. For someone who really admired something we wanted them to be better and we have more knowledge now. A lot of the changes that we made were in the vineyard. Balancing yields better, managing canopies better and preserving more natural acidity in the fruit. Trying to get more length in the wines. We worked with our cooperage and reduced the new barrique.”
The 2019 Andosol Red Field Blend is an elegant, well-structured wine that perfectly captures the terroir of its vineyard. The aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and violet offer a sophisticated bouquet that leads to a palate marked by bright acidity and integrated tannins. Notes of pomegranate and cedar culminate in a long, satisfying finish. This refined blend is a perfect option for intimate dinners or as a gift for the discerning wine connoisseur.
Demeine Estates will join California Wines Europe at Vinexpo Paris. President Philana Bouvier will be representing exceptional wines from Heitz Cellar Ink Grade Estate and Burgess Cellar at hall 5.2 booth E077-109.
Demeine Estates Wineries Heitz Cellar, Ink Grade, Mazzei, Villa Sandi, and Boscarelli will all be participating in James Suckling Great Wines of the World Miami on February 29th.
Visit Villa Sandi and Boscarelli at Tre Bicchieri in Los Angeles!
Each year, Gambero Rosso facilitates a global tour at which producers of Tre Bicchieri-awarded wines are invited to showcase their wines to wine importers, wholesale buyers, retailers, restaurateurs, educators and the press.
Visit Villa Sandi and Boscarelli at Tre Bicchieri in New York City!
Each year, Gambero Rosso facilitates a global tour at which producers of Tre Bicchieri-awarded wines are invited to showcase their wines to wine importers, wholesale buyers, retailers, restaurateurs, educators and the press.
Visit Villa Sandi at Tre Bicchieri in Chicago!
Each year, Gambero Rosso facilitates a global tour at which producers of Tre Bicchieri-awarded wines are invited to showcase their wines to wine importers, wholesale buyers, retailers, restaurateurs, educators and the press.
Burgess, Haynes, Heitz Cellar, Ink Grade, La Chablisienne and Mazzei will all be spotlighted at the Ojai Food + Wine Festival this October!
Demeine Estates producer partners Castello di Fonterutoli, Heitz Cellar, and Boscarelli were featured in the famous New York Wine Experience Grand Tasting.
Ca’ Rome’ joins James Suckling’s Great Wines of Italy New York 2023 on September 6.
Philana Bouvier represented Demeine Estates at ProWein 2023, bringing Burgess, Heitz Cellar and Ink Grade overseas.
Burgess, Heitz Cellar, Ink Grade and Stony Hill participated in events and auctions throughout the week of Premiere Napa Valley, including legacy and future auctions.
Episode 225- Meghan Zobeck, Burgess Cellars
Napa Valley-based Fine Wine Importer Demeine Estates is excited to announce that President Philana Bouvier has been recognized as part of North Bay Business Journal’s 2024 Women in Wine Awards. North Bay Business Journal’s annual awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of female winemakers and wine industry professionals in the North Bay.
Demeine Estates proudly announces an exclusive import partnership with Sassetti Livio. Beginning April 2024, Demeine Estates will manage the US distribution and marketing of Sassetti Livio’s Brunello di Montalcino DOCG wines from their famed vineyards in Montosoli, as well as the Montecucco Rosso DOC selection from their estate in Maremma.
Fine wine importer Demeine Estates is pleased to announce Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant, will represent Heitz Cellar and Ink Grade, two estates from their Napa Valley portfolio, in the UK market. Both wineries are part of the Lawrence Wine Estates portfolio, which Demeine Estates markets and distributes both in North America and globally.
Demeine Estates is proud to announce their exclusive import partnership with premier Champagne House Philipponnat, a celebrated legacy producer with more than 500 years of winegrowing history. They have owned and farmed vineyards in Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ for 15 generations, including the legendary Clos des Goisses, a vineyard unparalleled in the Champagne region that has been owned by Philipponnat for nearly a century.
Philipponnat offers a portfolio of Champagnes with discerning quality and character, known as one of the great vintage producers. Demeine Estates is importing the full range, including three non-vintage cuvees, three vintage cuvees, and four prestige cuvees. Founded in 1522, this historic House in the heart of Champagne has undergone a renaissance since 15th generation family member Charles Philipponnat took the helm in 2000.
Fine wine importer Demeine Estates is pleased to announce their exclusive import partnership with Poderi Boscarelli, the premier producer of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Located in the Tuscan historic appellation, the winery was founded by Egidio Corradi in 1962 and today is led by Egidio’s daughter Paola De Ferrari Corradi, together with her sons Luca and Nicolò De Ferrari Corradi.
Fine wine importer and marketer Demeine Estates proudly announces their exclusive import partnership with Villa Sandi, Italy’s leading Prosecco producer. Beginning in January 2024, Demeine Estates will manage the US distribution and execute the marketing activities of Villa Sandi’s renowned portfolio of Proseccos from DOC and DOCG designations of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene and Asolo, as well as their wines from Collio winery, Borgo Conventi.
Napa Valley-based Fine Wine Importer Demeine Estates is thrilled to announce that President Philana Bouvier has been named to the Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Future 40 Tastemakers list. Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 award recognizes tastemakers who inspire innovation and are bringing the drinks business into the future.
Fine wine importer Demeine Estates is thrilled to report Q2 2023 results, with the company’s net sales up 105% for the year vs last year across the entire portfolio. Growth is being driven by the import business, both in terms of an overall increase in revenue and by the value of imports. Additionally, this year Demeine Estates is on track to hit 100,000 case depletions within its wholesale partner network.
The Residence at Stony Hill, located on Spring Mountain in Napa Valley, opens this week, reimagining a historic and iconic winery for a modern era. Encompassed by forest and the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, the Estate is a hidden pearl surrounded by nature with unparalleled views of the Napa Valley. The Residence, originally owned by Fred and Eleanor McCrea, was redesigned to preserve the legacy and aesthetic of the original home while bringing new life and a luxury focused experience.
A historic estate that embodies authenticity and regenerative farming, Burgess is a winery built for the future, but made from the past. The tasting room is designed to reflect the brand’s evolution, creating a symbiotic experience with the vineyard’s narrative.
“Lemon confit, almonds, white flowers, chamomile and a hint of graphite give this dynamic layered Sauvignon tons of complexity. This is fabulous
“Sliced melon and green apple. Lavender and other flowers. Medium body, crunchy and fruity with lovely sliced apple and melon. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink now.”
Find us at ProWein!
Heitz Cellar, Burgess, Ink Grade are arriving in Düsseldorf with our team next week
Find us at ProWein!
Heitz Cellar, Burgess, Ink Grade are arriving in Düsseldorf with our team next week
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