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.

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feature coverage

The 27 Best Cabernet Sauvignons for 2023

VinePair
- by Keith Beavers
 - May 2023

Burgess Cellars ‘Contadina’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Tom Burgess’s winery is a place that has not only produced exceptional wines, but has also been an inspiration and training ground for some of the greats in Napa Valley. Today, winemaker Meghan Zobeck carries on the legacy of Burgess while also transitioning the property to regenerative farming. This Cab is drinking so well right now. It can still age but it has entered its refined aroma phase. The nose is all rosemary and roasted prunes with some aged balsamic vibes. The balance on the palate is extremely awesome with the softened tannins on level with the fruit and that hillside acidity lifts it all up.

Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Joe Heitz came to Napa Valley in 1961 and blew everyone’s mind. Now, this winery has been wowing the U.S. with seriously focused wine for decades. Heitz Cellars can take the W of being the first winery to offer a single-vineyard bottling in Napa. This is Napa Valley elegance. Soft everything. Soft savory fruit on the nose. Soft textures on the palate. The tannins are in the background but doing the work of keeping balance. Some of Napa at its finest.

The 14 Best Mother’s Day Wines in 2023

Gayot
- by Dirk Smits
 - May 2023

This wine shows off a beautiful pale golden color, aromas of lemon zest, pear and some tropical notes. The palate starts with fresh peeled green apple, some tropical elements again and finishes with a touch of minerality. This wine has a lot to offer and delivers an amazing finish.

15 Best Bottles of Chardonnay Worth Splurging On

Food & Wine
- by Brian Freedman
 - May 2023

2021 Heitz Cellar Quartz Creek Vineyard Chardonnay Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley

Deftly balanced between mashed almonds and gunflint alongside cooked honey, dried apples,  persimmon, preserved lemon peel, and candied ginger, this is a rich yet very lively Chardonnay whose salt-kissed finish makes it both irresistible right now, but still full of promise for future evolution.

What Does the Future Hold for the Wine World? We Asked the Experts

Food & Wine
- by Ray Isle
 - May 2023

Just for one example, in our no-till rows at Heitz, we’re looking at testing how much carbon is being suppressed in the soil. We’re looking at bottle weight and sizes and the impact all that has on carbon footprint. But will the consumer notice that we’ve gone to no-till farming? No.

Mommy Wants a Drink this Mother’s Day – A Gift Guide

Champagen Living
 - May 2023

2019 Cooper’s Reed Cabernet Sauvignon

Cooper’s Reed Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in large vessels sealed with reeds. Engrained with the wisdom of the past, sip this bottle with Mom to learn more from her wisdom, too. A fresh take on a crowd-pleasing classic, this pure expression of Cabernet Sauvignon evolves with each sip and gracefully unfolds on the palate.

Cooper’s Reed pairs deliciously with Full Moons. Long nights. Poker (now that’s MY kind of Mom’s day activity).

8 Outstanding Cabernet Sauvignons From Napa Valley’s Storied Oakville Region

Robb Report
- by Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen
 - April 2023

The 15 Best Wines You Need In Your Wine Cellar

Luxe Digital
- by Georgie Darling
 - April 2023

Martha’s Vineyard is known for its unique microclimate, and 2014 was an especially strong year for its grapes. This Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best that money can buy; known for its aroma of bay leaf, mint, anise, and dark chocolate and its distinctive palate.

A Winery Guide to Trade Show Success

SevenFifty Daily
 - April 2023

For example, Shafer Vineyards, Chappellet, Heitz Cellar, and Staglin Family Vineyard, among other producers, were all part of a jointly manned Napa Valley Vintners booth, each taking turns pouring and discussing their wines with potential buyers and distributors.

Things to do in Napa Valley during Bottlerock, plus hotels and restaurants

SFGATE
- by Jean Chen Smith
 - April 2023

Brendel Tasting Lounge is also fun with a more contemporary setting and a range of 100% organic reds and whites.

7 Biodynamic Wines to Drink on Earth Day and Every Day

Wine Enthusiast
- by Margot Mazur
 - April 2023

All biodynamic growers use organic methods of grape growing, and they take additional steps to use methods that add vigor to the vineyard, including using compost and different plants to increase microbial activity and enrich the soil. Biodynamic growers focus on building strong vineyards that work in tandem with their ecosystem for healthy soils and vines that, ideally, don’t fall victim to disease.

“Biodynamic farming brings us closer to our land and teaches us that the vines are just one part of a complex ecosystem,” says Carlton McCoy, M.S., CEO of Lawrence Wine Estates. “It reminds us that we ourselves are a part of this ecosystem.”

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videos & Podcasts

2023 SVB State of the Wine Industry Report | 1/18/23

Silicon Valley Bank
 - January 2022

Meet Carlton McCoy

Heritage Radio Network
 - November 2022

Episode 92 – Philana Bouvier of Demeine Estates on Women in Wine, Demeine’s Portfolio, and Champagne

Uncorked Corner
 - November 2022

A Master Sommelier’s Holiday Meal Wine Pairings

The Rachael Ray Show
 - November 2022

Served Up: Carlton McCoy, Jr.

Served Up
 - October 2022

The Untraditional Journey feat. Philana Bouvier

Nine One Wine Podcast
 - October 2022

Regenerative Farming with Meghan Zobeck

GuildSomm
 - September 2022

Carlton McCoy is Changing the Wine World

The Takeaway
 - July 2022

Sip, Sip, Hooray: Philana Bouvier of Demeine Estates, Ep. 46

Sip Sip Hooray
 - July 2022

Guildsomm: Consumer Trends with Philana Bouvier

GuildSomm
 - July 2022

Sommelier and chef Carlton McCoy explores unique places around the globe through food in ‘Nomad’

wbur
 - June 2022

VinePair Podcast: Why Are Speakeasies Suddenly Trendy Again?

VinePair
 - October 2021
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press releases

Ink Grade Estate Vineyard Recognized as Largest Demeter Certified Biodynamic Ranch in Napa County

May 2022

Lawrence Wine Estates is thrilled to announce that its Ink Grade Estate Vineyard, located in the northeast corner of the Howell Mountain AVA in Napa Valley, has been recognized as the largest Demeter Certified Biodynamic ranch in Napa County. The 750-acre property spans the Howell Mountain AVA with 220 certified acres under vine.

Fine Wine Importer Demeine Estates is Celebrating 100-year Anniversary of Premiere Chablis Producer La Chablisienne

April 2022

Fine wine importer Demeine Estates is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of import partner La Chablisienne, which was founded on April 8, 1923. The cooperative has weathered many challenges, both societal and agricultural, and today consists of 270 winegrowing families who together own vineyards and produce 25% of the wine made in the Chablis AOC. Vineyards including the crus of Fourchaume, Côte de Léchet, Grenouilles and Les Clos were among those owned by the 180 initial members in 1923 and are still among the vineyards producing La Chablisienne today.

Fine Wine Importer Demeine Estates Announces 2023-2024 Dream It, Live It Partner, Stephanie Love with Epicurous One

March 2023

Demeine Estates is thrilled to announce their partnership with Stephanie Love, owner of Epicurious One, LLC, as their official Dream It, Live It partner for 2023-2024. Love is a wine professional, wine educator, and the founder and owner of Epicurious One, LLC. Drawing on her WSET III level certification and more than 10 years of experience in the wine industry, including service, staff training, events, tasting, dinners, classes and other events, Love is in the process of becoming the first African American woman to provide WSET I and II wine education instruction.

Demeine Estates President Philana Bouvier Recognized in San Francisco Business Times’ the Most Influential Women in Business of 2022

October 2022

Luxury fine wine importer Demeine Estates announced today that President Philana Bouvier has been honored by the San Francisco Business Times as one of the Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business of 2022. The honorees were unveiled in the October 14, 2022 issue of the San Francisco Business Times.   

Honorees are top executives, C-suite leaders and entrepreneurs that exemplify creativity, passion, vision and perseverance. Honorees span a variety of industries including technology, real estate, finance, hospitality, non-profits, law, medicine, education and more.

Fine Wine Importer Demeine Estates Nominated for “Importer of the Year” in Wine Enthusiast’s 2022 Wine Star Awards

October 2022

Napa-based Fine Wine Importer Demeine Estates is thrilled to announce that they have been nominated for “Importer of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast as part of their 2022 Wine Star Awards. The Wine Star Awards are a 23-year tradition honoring changemakers and innovators in the Wine and Spirits Industry. At under two years in business, this is a remarkable accomplishment for Demeine Estates and their producer partners.

Heitz Cellar’s Erik Elliott Is Named to Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas Prestigious Ranks

September 2022

Demeine Estates is excited to announce that the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas ™ has welcomed Heitz Cellar’s Estate Director Erik Elliott to the organization. Erik is one of 10 individuals who successfully met the qualifications to be awarded the title of Master Sommelier. The results were announced at the Krug Reception on August 31, 2022, at the Royal Sonesta in Portland, Oregon.

Fine Wine Importer Demeine Estates Announces Exclusive U.S. Partnership with Italy’s Historic Mazzei Family

September 2022

Fine wine importer Demeine Estates is thrilled to announce their partnership with the Mazzei family of Chianti Classico, based in the historic property of Castello di Fonterutoli. Established in 1435, the Mazzei family is widely considered one of the founding families of Chianti Classico. Today, the winery remains family-owned after 25 generations and is one of the most awarded wineries in Tuscany.

Fine Wine Importer, Demeine Estates Appoints Andrew Deitz to the Role of Senior Vice President, Sales

August 2022

Demeine Estates is thrilled to announce the appointment of fine wine professional Andrew Deitz to the role of Senior Vice President of Sales. With a history of success and leadership in on and off-premises accounts, Andrew will be instrumental to the continued growth of Demeine Estates. He will initially lead a team of seven sales managers across the country. Andrew will report to President Philana Bouvier and join Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Brand Strategy Scott Diaz on the senior leadership team.

Napa Valley’s Burgess Cellars names estate director

August 2022

Garrett Hales has been hired as estate director by Burgess Cellars, a Napa Valley winery founded by Tom Burgess in 1972 and acquired by the Lawrence Wine Estates in 2020.

“We’re very excited to welcome such an incredible talent to Burgess,” stated Lawrence managing partner Carlton McCoy Jr. “Garrett has a deep knowledge of luxury hospitality, from Michelin-starred restaurants to Napa Valley, and understands how to seamlessly blend creating those guest experiences for Burgess while upholding the winery’s roots and mission.”

Fine Wine Importer Demeine Estates Opens 2023 Dream It, Live It Applications

August 2022

Fine Wine Importer Demeine Estates is excited to announce that 2023 applications for their Dream It, Live It initiative are now open. Dream It, Live It is a professional partnership opportunity aimed at fostering inclusivity by supporting entrepreneurs in the wine industry. Following the initiative’s launch earlier this year, Demeine Estates is seeking one additional partner that has a focus on sustainability and climate action.

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acclaim

92

2013 Mazzei Philip

Vinous
 - July 2016

The 2013 Philip is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Mazzei family’s holdings in both Chianti Classico and Maremma. Dark, sensual and inviting, the 2013 possesses terrific balance and integrity throughout. Black cherry, menthol, licorice, herbs and dark spices blossom into the creamy, expansive finish. It would be nice to see a little more varietal character. Still, this is very well done.

95

2015 Belguardo “Tenuta Belguardo”

James Suckling
 - September 2018

Gorgeous aromas of blackcurrants, dark chocolate, hazelnuts and hints of licorice. Full body, very polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Classy and well done. 90 per cent cabernet sauvignon and ten per cent cabernet franc. Better in 2020.

93

2015 Belguardo “Tenuta Belguardo”

Wine Advocate

Here is a wine that is really coming into its own. The 2015 Maremma Toscana Tenuta Belguardo is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc (aged in oak for 18 months) that has now earned Maremma Toscana DOC status. This is a rich and beautifully integrated blend that offers balanced power and a fully rich or concentrated style. Dark fruit, spice and leather peel back in thick, delicious layers.

92

Burgess Cellars ‘Contadina’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

VinePair
 - May 2023

Tom Burgess’s winery is a place that has not only produced exceptional wines, but has also been an inspiration and training ground for some of the greats in Napa Valley. Today, winemaker Meghan Zobeck carries on the legacy of Burgess while also transitioning the property to regenerative farming. This Cab is drinking so well right now. It can still age but it has entered its refined aroma phase. The nose is all rosemary and roasted prunes with some aged balsamic vibes. The balance on the palate is extremely awesome with the softened tannins on level with the fruit and that hillside acidity lifts it all up.

93

2015 Belguardo “Tenuta Belguardo”

Vinous
 - July 2018

The flagship 2015 Tenuta Belguardo is positively gorgeous. Silky and resonant on the palate, with plenty of Maremma radiance, the Tenuta is especially beautiful in 2015. Mocha, espresso, raspberry, and wild flowers all develop in the glass, but it is the wine’s textural depth and alluring personality that leave the most lasting impression. More than anything, the Tenuta is flat out delicious and also a terrific example of how seductive the best Maremma wines are.

96

Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

VinePair
 - May 2023

Joe Heitz came to Napa Valley in 1961 and blew everyone’s mind. Now, this winery has been wowing the U.S. with seriously focused wine for decades. Heitz Cellars can take the W of being the first winery to offer a single-vineyard bottling in Napa. This is Napa Valley elegance. Soft everything. Soft savory fruit on the nose. Soft textures on the palate. The tannins are in the background but doing the work of keeping balance. Some of Napa at its finest.

96

2017 Castello di Fonterutoli “Castello Fonterutoli”

James Suckling

Lots of ripe fruit with walnuts, tile, dried berries and chocolate powder. Full-bodied, velvety and chewy. This is a very powerful and structured Chianti Classico that will rival many top Brunellos. Needs time to come completely together. Better after 2022.

96

2017 Mazzei Siepi

Vinous
 - August 2020

The 2017 Siepi is a total knock-out and one of the best recent vintages I can remember tasting. All the elements simply fall into place. Succulent dark cherry, spice, chocolate, leather and licorice build as the 2017 gains volume in the glass. Sangiovese and Merlot have rarely been so complementary. The 2017 is a gorgeous wine that offers plenty of the richness readers have become accustomed to over the years, but in a slightly less extracted style.

93

2017 Castello di Fonterutoli “Castello Fonterutoli”

Wine Advocate

The Mazzei 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is Sangiovese with a tiny component of Malvasia Nera. The wine is elegantly streamlined and subtle—in fact, more so than I would have expected from this largely opulent and exuberant vintage. The bouquet is both floral and fruity with wild berry, rose hip, lavender and cassis. These aromas are central to the Sangiovese playlist. This wine delivers on all the fundamental elements, although I feel that we got a little more depth and delineation in the previous, cooler-vintage release. The tannins are silky and elegant.

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