The first vines were planted in 1973, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate began producing wine in 1978 with the release of its first vintage, Shafer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 1978. This wine quickly attracted the attention of critics and wine lovers alike for its exceptional quality. Over the years, Shafer Vineyards has continued to build its reputation by producing world-class wines, notably its Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, which has become one of the Napa Valley's iconic wines. The vineyard has also expanded over time, adding new plots and introducing new grape varieties. The Shafer family has always had a commitment to quality and innovation, and the estate has become a leader in the adoption of sustainable and environmentally-friendly viticultural techniques.

Today, Shafer Vineyards is one of the most respected wineries in the Napa Valley and continues to produce premium wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Stags Leap District. The Shafer family remains heavily involved in the management of the estate, carrying on the legacy and tradition established by John Shafer decades ago.

L’article Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 est apparu en premier sur Riviera Cellars Wine Supply French Riviera.

In the wine glass, this Californian wine is a bright straw yellow. Fruity-tropical notes of white peach, kiwi and grapefruit unfold in the bouquet and are underlined by hints of toasted almonds. The aromas of the nose are also reflected in the palate and are complemented by a pleasant minerality and a bright, radiant acidity.

This white wine is remarkably pure and structured as well as elegant, dense, balanced and full-bodied with a slight creaminess given by the barrel ageing. A long, lingering finish completes this expressive California wine.

Winemaking of Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay

The grapes are sourced from the Red Shoulder Ranch, named after the Red Shoulder Hawk, which is located in the area around the vineyard.

After the Chardonnay grapes have been carefully harvested by hand, they are immediately taken to the cellar. Here the grapes are strictly selected and prepared for fermentation. The must is fermented exclusively with natural yeasts. Thanks to the absence of malolactic fermentation, this white wine retains its fresh acidity. Finally, this wine is aged on the lees (storage on fine lees) for 14 months. 75% of the wine is stored in French oak barrels and 25% in stainless steel barrels.

L’article Shafer: Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2016 est apparu en premier sur Riviera Cellars Wine Supply French Riviera.

Angel's Envy was founded by Lincoln Henderson, a whisky industry legend with over 40 years' experience at Brown-Forman, where he worked on brands such as Woodford Reserve. The brand was launched in 2011 by Lincoln Henderson and his son, Wes Henderson. Lincoln wanted to create a whisky that was unique and different, using unconventional cask finishing techniques. What sets Angel's Envy apart from other bourbons is its finishing in port casks. After the traditional maturation in American white oak casks, the bourbon is transferred to port casks for a 3-6 month finish, giving it rich, complex notes of dried fruit, vanilla and caramel. The brand has also explored other types of finish, such as rum casks for their Rye whisky, adding additional layers of flavour.

In 2016, Angel's Envy opened its own distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, on Main Street, in a historic area known as ‘Whiskey Row’. This modern facility allows the brand to control the entire production process. Since its inception, Angel's Envy has won numerous prestigious awards and has been recognised by critics and whisky lovers alike for its exceptional quality and innovative approach. Sadly, Lincoln Henderson passed away in 2013, but his legacy lives on through Angel's Envy. Wes Henderson and his sons continue the family tradition, continually innovating and maintaining the high standards set by Lincoln. The brand remains true to the Lincoln philosophy: ‘Never rest on your laurels and always seek to improve the product’.

Angel's Envy - Cask Strength Port Wine Barrel Finish 2017 is a limited and highly sought after edition of the Angel's Envy range. Angel's Envy launched its first Cask Strength release in 2012. Each year the brand releases a new limited edition version, and the 2017 edition has generated a lot of interest and excitement among whisky lovers. The 2017 edition was launched in November of that year. This version is particularly notable for its rarity and uniqueness, being one of the brand's most prized expressions.

The 2017 edition was bottled at 124.5 proof (62.25% ABV), making it a powerful and robust bourbon. Like the other Angel's Envy releases, this edition was finished in port casks, adding layers of complexity and depth to its flavour profile. The 2017 edition is described as having rich, intense aromas and flavours, including notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, caramel, vanilla and sweet spices. Finishing in port casks adds nuances of red fruit and toasted oak.

The casks used for the Cask Strength version are carefully selected for their exceptional quality. Only the finest barrels are chosen for this expression, guaranteeing a superior tasting experience. The bourbon is aged in American white oak casks before being transferred to port casks for an additional finish. This double maturation method is what gives Angel's Envy its distinctive flavour profile.

The 2017 edition was critically acclaimed, receiving high marks and praise for its complexity and depth. Whisky lovers particularly appreciated the rich flavours and power of Cask Strength. Like Angel's Envy's other Cask Strength editions, the 2017 edition has won several awards and accolades in spirits competitions, solidifying its reputation as one of the finest bourbons available.

Due to its limited production, the 2017 edition of Angel's Envy Cask Strength has become a highly sought-after collector's item. Bottles of this edition are often traded on the secondary market at premium prices, reflecting their rarity and desirability. For collectors and spirits investors, owning a bottle of the 2017 edition is a symbol of prestige and can be a valuable investment. Angel's Envy - Cask Strength Port Wine Barrel Finish 2017 represents an outstanding example of the brand's commitment to innovation and quality. This limited edition continues to be celebrated by bourbon lovers for its complexity, depth of flavour and unique character.

L’article Angel’s Envy Bourbon Edition Limitée 2017 est apparu en premier sur Riviera Cellars Wine Supply French Riviera.