GIUSEPPE MASCARELLO E FIGLIO Monprivato, Barolo DOCG

2014 was one of the most demanding years in memory of, and has allowed us to produce high quality wines that are offering great delight. The late ripening of the grapes allowed the fruit to fully express its liveliness and freshness. What is particularly striking is the high quality of the tannins on the palate: silky, refined, without rough edges. This year represents the heart of the estate, Ornellaia's 'Essence': its natural style, the exceptional quality of its terroir, and the competence of those who work in the vineyards and the cellar. The Ornellaia Estate was founded by Marchese Lodovico Antinori in 1981, very close to the Castello di Bolgheri in Tuscany. Their philosophy revolves around an obsession for excellence. This obsession is followed at all levels of production - no shortcuts allowed! At Ornellaia, the concept of environmental sustainability is of utmost importance. The vineyards are all farmed organically, and a program of increasing soil health is in place. Since 2005, Ornellaia Estate has been owned by the Frescobaldi family. For 700 years the Frescobaldi family has combined tradition, experience and innovation with creativity and the pursuit of excellence. The family has always looked to develop and celebrate the diversity of Tuscanys terroir, being proud owners of some of the greatest vineyards in this region.

Every now and then, in life and in wine, we are presented with unique opportunities to express ourselves and create something truly remarkable. When these rare opportunities arise, we need to capture, nurture and develop them so that their potential is fulfilled. So when Torbreck were given the opportunity to work with one of the most famous vineyards in the Barossa Valley, they were determined to use all their experience to ensure the resulting Shiraz was truly remarkable.

Château la Mission Haut-Brion is on uniquely stony soil in the Pessac-Léognan appellation close to the city of Bordeaux. It is a Cru Classé in the Graves Classification of 1953. The 22.5 hectare red wine vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (46%), Merlot (44%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). The chateau wine is vinified in large (180hl) temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats and aged in 100% new French oak for an average of 22 months. Annual production is 6000-7000 dozen. The famous white wine of the chateau comes from 3.5 ha planted to Semillon (62%) and Sauvignon Blanc (38%). Overall planting density is 10,000 vines per hectare (red) and 8000 vines per hectare (white). Since 1983, under the ownership of Domaine Clarence Dillon (which also owns the neighbouring Chateau Haut Brion), the entire estate has been renovated vineyards, winemaking facilities and the chateau itself. The property got its name in the 1600s when it was owned by the Catholic Church.

Based on Cabernet, Sassicaia is one of the first Italian reds to be made in the image of Bordeaux. In the late 1990s Sassicaia was granted its own DOC, the only wine from a single vineyard to enjoy this privilege.