Stella Bella
Stella Bella Wines is a small, privately owned wine company, located in the Margaret River region of Western Australia that makes wines under the quixotic brand names of Stella Bella, Suckfizzle and Skuttlebutt. Margaret River wine producer Stella Bella aims to be as:
"+ " CREATIVE - while curious about new and different wine styles and grape varieties they never neglect the virtues and lessons of tradition.
OPPORTUNISTIC - Their vineyards provide much of their fruit yet they are always in search of grape growers with a Stella Bella vision.
EXCELLENT - They aim to deliver an individual range of crafted, quality wines.
The Stella Bella wines are the creation of fruit selected from vineyard sites and blends of sub-regions within Margaret River. These wines provide the future production growth, with deference to the regional expression of Margaret River, and without compromising quality, individuality or character.
"+ "The recognition achieved over a very short period of time, and consequent demand, highlighted the need and desire to expand. In 2001, capital was secured from investors overseas and locally. This provides a robust financial platform to ensure production growth and support future brand extension.
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"1. Stella Bella Tempranillo 2005 "+ //wine tasting notes " Typically strong colour; the intriguing touch of lemon, herb and thyme seems to be the mark of the variety in Australia; red fruit flavours at the core. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"2. Stella Bella Pink Muscat 2008 "+ //wine tasting notes " Delicate pink, a blushing pink bouquet of exotic fragrances of rose petals, musk and spicy Turkish delight. Lightly sweet, delicately fizzy with a bright acidity and full of the fresh flavours of gooseberries, lychees, sauteed summer berries and rose water. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"3. Skuttlebutt Sauvignon Semillon 2008 "+ //wine tasting notes " A blast of citrus zest, passion fruit, gooseberry and savory nettles. The palate is bustling with the zing and zest of citrus and dripping with juicy ripe melon and white peach flesh. To finish, a gentle acidity kindly reclaims the bold fruit of the palate. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"4. Skuttlebutt Shiraz Cabernet 2006 "+ //wine tasting notes " Aromas of oak spice and dark chocolate roused with the scents of rich crimson and soft red fruits. The palate is a bold offering of blood plums, mulberries, redcurrants and blueberries. A composite of powdery oak and fine chalky fruit tannins impart a gentle grip to finish. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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Bruno Giacosa
The story starts in a simple way, with the native varietals of the Langa and Roero regions and vineyards cultivated with loving care. It continues with pure, meticulous vinification, with ageing in grand oak barrels and with unforgettable Reserves. But it also includes, naturally enough, the choice not to bottle those mediocre vintages deemed unworthy of vinification.
"+ "Bruno’s art encompasses passion and clear judgment but, above all, the utmost respect for his product, its admirers and for the beautiful countryside where he and his family were born and raised.
"+ "Giacosa’s vines are all located in prime sites and total just over 20ha. They include 5.5ha of Barbaresco Asili and 14.5ha of Barolo Falletto di Serralunga d’Alba – two vineyards with optimum exposure and perfect soil for producing great Barbaresco and Barolo. All the fruit for the Giacosa wines come from vines at about 400 meters above sea level, south/southwest facing in an amphitheatre-like location which produces a very protective, low-cropping microclimate.
"+ "Some of thier wines are produced with grapes grown by those farmers who have always worked its winery and whose prestigious vineyards truly deserve the ‘Bruno Giacosa’ label.
" + "La Spinetta
La Spinetta is located in Castagnoe Lanze, and is run by Giorgi Rivetti. The estate has developed a fine reputation outside of the classic northern Italian regions of Barolo and Barbaresco.
" + "La Spinetta's most significant wine is Pin, a blend of 50% Nebbiolo with 25% each of Barbera and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is produced under the Monferrato Rosso DOC (there is a Monferrato Bianco DOC also), a catch-all classification designed to bring the many blends made by the local producers under one umbrella. Both the red and white DOCs permit a wide range of varieties for blending. The Monferrato Bianco DOC even permits the use of red grapes vinified as white.
" + "La Spinetta also produce Barbaresco cuvées Vigna Gallina and Vigneto Valeirano, a Chardonnay Lidia and a Moscato d'Asti Bricco Quaglia.
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"1. Bruno Giacosa Dolcetto d’Alba Falletto 2007 "+ //wine tasting notes " Ruby red colour with violet reflections. Winey and fragrant bouquet. Dry and full flavour with a pleasing, bitterish aftertaste typical of this variety. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"2. Bruno Giacosa Barbera d’Alba Falletto 2006 "+ //wine tasting notes " A full-bodied wine made from Barbera grapes from very old vines in and around Neive. It shows strength and character, and is a good ready-to-drink wine, though great vintages will also keep for many years. Ruby-red with purplish highlights, its vinous nose has overtones hinting at plums and wild black cherries. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"3. La Spinetta Barbera D’Alba Gallina 2006 "+ //wine tasting notes " Solid ruby red in color. The bouquet is concentrated, scents of ripe red fruit and peppery black cherry and chocolate. This Barbera D’Alba Gallina is intense, feminie and full-bodied, yet acidity. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"4. La Spinetta Monferrato Pin 2005 "+ //wine tasting notes " Dark Red in color. In the bouquet there are luscious and complex aromas of plum, red cherry and raspberry. In the palate, it tastes gentle mint flavor, silky texture and persistent finish. Very Elegant wine. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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Bordeaux
No other wine producing region resonates with same level of international acclaim and is heir to such instant recognition among lovers of fine wine. It is at the same time one of the most misunderstood and frequently disappointing regions for those who are not initiates to its often confusing maze of Chateaus, appellations, classified growths, and diverging styles.
"+ "Those expecting all the allure and promise of a first or even fifth growth in a common, generic “Bordeaux” are all but certain to be sorely disappointed. The price is also inflated naturally by the demand for its brand over the world. Bordeaux is definitely the safe guide to the best wines of the region. It is useful to note that it is a huge region that produces more wine than the entirety of Australia.
"+ "While famed for its red wines, produced from a number of varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, but also smaller amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot as well, Bordeaux also makes the famous dessert wine, Sauternes, and some elegant and delicious dry whites from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
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"1. Les Hauts de Smith, Pessac Leognan 2005 "+ //wine tasting notes " A rich sweet nose of dusty blackcurrants and dark berry fruits. This is already showing some classic Graves character with earthy/mineral qualities overlayed with layers of ripe seductive fruit and a quite muscular tannic structure. A spicy grip in the finish shows this wine has plenty of class and offers superb value for a second wine of a leading Bordeaux Chateau. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"2. Moulin de la Lagune, Haut-Medoc 2004 "+ //wine tasting notes " The wine is bright ruby red with notes of crushed red fruits on the nose. A good attack on the palate with a supple mouth feel and well rounded tannins on the finish. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"3. Pavillon de Poyferre, Saint Julien 2004 "+ //wine tasting notes " Nice red garnet and bright in color, this wine is structured, supple and silky. This unique Bordeaux blends reflect on the beautiful St Julien fruity and well balanced tradition. Aromas of vanilla and cedar on the palate. It replaces Moulin Riche as the second wine of Chateau Leoville Poyferre. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"4. La Chapelle Lafon-Rochet, Saint Estephe 2005 "+ //wine tasting notes " Powerful, rich, and concentrated, this helps it stand the test of time, whilst staying full, smooth and civilised. A subtle balance. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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Newton
Widely acclaimed as a California wine trailblazer, Newton Vineyard was one of the first wineries on Spring Mountain, a rugged yet serene appellation located west of St. Helena on the eastern flank of the Mayacamas range which separates Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Newton Vineyard was established in 1977, the vision of founders Dr. Su Hua and Peter Newton, who recognized the potential of Spring Mountain as a prime viticultural region.
"+ "The dominant feature of this remarkable site appears at the vineyard’s highest point where a single pine tree crowns the ridge line. This lone pine, over 100 feet tall and visible from many points in Napa Valley, is called Pino Solo. Pino Solo appears as the icon on the label of Newton Vineyard wines, a mark designating singular wines created from a singular passion.
"+ "The founding mission of Newton Vineyard, one carried on to this day, is to make wines of purity fully expressing the unique terroir of the mountain estate for red Bordeaux varietals and cool climate, marine-influenced vineyards for Chardonnay. Respect for nature is reflected in all aspects of Newton Vineyard, from the terraced vineyards and organic winery design to the meticulous winemaking practice. The vineyard blocks are interspersed with forested land to maintain a balance with the natural habitat, and the winery itself was built to blend in with the natural surroundings.
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"1. Red Label Chardonnay 2007 "+ //wine tasting notes " Delicate aromas of white flowers, crisp apple, fresh pear, and toasted bread translate to rich fruit flavors on the palate. A burst of freshness unfolds with flavors of citrus, pear, apple, and honeydew melon. A discreet presence of oak evolves into spring like acidity on the finish. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"2. Red Label Claret 2006 "+ //wine tasting notes " A sophisticated blend in the Bordeaux tradition, this Newton Vineyard Claret is a dark garnet color with vibrant, lifted aromas of black cherry, currant supported by spicy and smoky hints of nutmeg and white pepper.
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"3. Unfiltered Chardonnay 2006 "+ //wine tasting notes " An inviting dark straw hue. This powerful wine opens with rich crème caramel, butterscotch and fresh vanilla bean aromas, later revealing baked apple and nutty characters. Flavors of white peach and caramel with a touch of honey round out this full-bodied, balanced wine with a lingering creamy finish. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"4. Unfiltered Merlot 2002 "+ //wine tasting notes " Deep ruby in color, the aromas of dried lavender, green olive and savory characters expose a hint of red fruit. Intense flavors of fresh red currants, black plum and cedar are supported by fine-grained tannins, suggesting this wine will age gracefully. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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Alta Vista
Alta Vista is part of Edonia, a French family company engaged in the production of high qualities wines in France, Argentina and Hungary, distributing them in the most demanding international markets.
"+ "This background has provided Alta Vista winery with the know-how and passion of several generations in a harmonious French-Argentine fusion.
"+ "Owning 4 vineyards located in the Mendoza region with 175 has in production. Alta Vista was pioneer producing wines which represent the expression of the Terroirs of Argentina. In each vineyard, they carry out terroir management, a system they are deeply knowledgeable of, and which allows them to adapt their work according to the characteristics of each terroir. Thus establishing their paradigm that “quality begins in the vineyard”.
"+ "The winery is located in the heart of Chacras de Coria, south of city of Mendoza. It has been restored with state-of-the-art technology, keeping its original architecture and it has an annual production capacity of 2.200.000 bottles of high quality wines.
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"1. Classic Torrontes 2008 "+ //wine tasting notes " Pale yellow color with a delicate greenish reflection. The nose has intense and delicate aromas typical of this varietal, and is reminiscent of white roses, grapefruit and pears. On the palate, it is fresh and has suitable intensity and volume, with a flinty character accompanying a balanced acidity. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"2. Classic Malbec 2008 "+ //wine tasting notes " Bright violet-like red color. This wine has an intense nose, with aromas of red fruit, particularly plums, and with vanilla notes and subtle coffee touches resulting from its storage in oak. On the palate one finds freshness and soft, rounded tannins, recalling those fruity sensations in the nose. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"3. Premium Chardonnay 2008 "+ //wine tasting notes " Soft gold with yellow and green notes. Good intensity with some flowers notes. Medium acidity, medium body and notes of pears and citric. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"4. Premium Malbec 2007 "+ //wine tasting notes " Gorgeous intense cherry black colored wine which has good balance and elegance. On the nose there are black fruits, cherries and a streak of meaty earthiness. There is an aroma of an uncooked piece of steak which is very interesting. On the palate there is creaminess to the fruit from the oak which is yummy. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"5. Grand Reserve Malbec 2006 "+ //wine tasting notes " Definite new world style, with a luminescent ruby/purple color and fruit forward. On the nose it has a clean, black peppery but not overly fruity. On the palate, it is velvety smooth with amazing mouth feel yet dry. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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