Product Line
-
Idlewild The Bee Flora and Fauna White Wine 2017
Proprietor Sam Bilbro has spent virtually a lifetime around wine. His family owns Marietta, while brothers Jake and Scot are behind the reborn Limerick Lane. At Idlewild, Sam Bilbro focuses on Italian and other less well-known varieties. In addition to these wines, I also tasted the, Arneis Fox Hill Vineyard, Vin Gris Dry Creek Valley and Grenache Gris Gibson Ranch. The best wines in this range are compelling, and point to a bright future. ANTONIO GALLONI, www.vinousmedia.com
Having had a relationship with the Bilbro family as importers of the Marietta wines some years ago we were delighted to find youngest son, Sam, was behind this new venture, Idlewild. In many ways the wines are the anitpathy of what so many believe Californian wines are supposed to be. Hunting out heritage stands of Italian and Rhone varietals (mostly in Mendocino County) Bilbro makes extremely interesting wines characterised by texture, savouriness and subtlety. Skin contact is a part of the wines as is a relatively non-interventionist approach; both indicative of the preferences of the younger brigade of Calfornia producers. PWS
The 2017 White The Bee Flora & Fauna, is a classy, polished wine to drink now and over the next few years. Green pear, mint, white flowers and light tropical overtones all grace this very pretty, expressive wine. The Muscat in particular adds an attractive aromatic flair. ANTONIO GALLONI2017Arneis, Cortese, MuscatUSA362$63.00 As low as $56.70 -
Willie Smiths Pommeau de Tasmanie 18.2%
Aged in small apple brandy casks for over 12 months, this rich and generous liqueur is a result of blending pressed French and British heirloom apple varieties with our apple spirit.
Complex and well-structured with baked apple and spice, balanced with firm tannins and cask influence.
Our take on the traditional aperitif from North-West France – enjoy as such or serve with blue cheese or dessert. WILLIE SMITH
NVCalvadosFrance$90.00 As low as $81.00 -
Henriques & Henriques Madeira Sercial 10yo 500mL
Sercial is the driest style of Madeira and this 10-year-old has vibrant acidity. A rich tawny colour with aromas of fruit cake, nuts, dried orange peel and citrus freshness. An initial figgy richness on the palate gives way to notes of fresh citrus, toasted almonds, walnuts and savoury umami notes. Finishes crisp and dry with a delicious salty tang. This type of Madeira won't improve with bottle age, but an open bottle can keep for several months. DECANTER
100% Sercial grown on mixed volcanic soils and hand-harvested mid to late September. Fermented with some whole-clusters with skin maceration in lagares with native yeasts. Matured in canteiro; aged in balseiro (large cask) and pipas (pipes) for a minimum of 10 years. Winemaker: Humberto Jardím. Vegan. TA 5.8 g/l, pH 3.52, RS 55.1 g/l.
Pale tawny. Edgy, sour marmalade with real refreshment and raciness. Clean as a whistle, and so fresh! JANCIS ROBINSONNVMadeiraPortugal428$63.00 As low as $56.70 -
Henriques & Henriques Madeira Boal 15yo 500mlThe non-vintage 15-Year-Old Bual is initially reticent, but it blossoms in the glass to reveal notes of nutmeg, cloves and honey, although the toffee-ish element is conspicuous. The palate is very smooth with toffee notes on the entry. Neal Martin, ROBERT PARKERNVMadeiraPortugal428$82.00 As low as $73.80
-
Henriques & Henriques Madeira Verdelho 15yo 500mlThe non-vintage 15-Year-Old Verdelho has a Baume of 1.9 degrees. It has a terse, orange rind, California raisin and dried apricot-scented bouquet with attractive resinous aromas emerging with aeration. The palate is well-balanced with superb acidity, crisp, honeyed fruit and a delicious spicy finish that is focused and tense. This is one of the best in their range. Neal Martin, ROBERT PARKERNVMadeiraPortugal428$90.00 As low as $81.00
-
Henriques and Henriques Monte Seco Extra Dry 3 y.o NVThis is a relatively new concept for Madeira: a dry aperitif style wine. I like it. It sits in the glass with a very pale color and a slightly nutty nose. There is a rounded feel to the palate with notes of apple and some saltiness. WILL LYONS, The Wall Street JournalNVMadeiraPortugal428$31.00 As low as $27.90
-
Henriques & Henriques Madeira Verdelho 10yo 500mlPlanted at altitudes up to 400-metres located in the north of the island (Ponta Delgada and São Vincente), this late maturing grape is used to produce fruity, medium-dry styles. Considered a favourite amongst Madeira’s winemakers due to it’s ability to balance acidity, sugar and alcohol, at this level Verdelho produces a striking, off-dry wine that can also be served as an aperitif, with tapas dishes or more complex seafood dishes. With age, the wines grow in intensity, developing delicious honeyed depths and a creamy texture that is balanced by its racy acidity.NVMadeiraPortugal428$63.00 As low as $56.70