Team C&J
Wine Business – Butterfly Completes $1.95 Billion Acquisition of The Duckhorn Portfolio (Press Release)
This deal was originally announced back in October of last year. The company, founded by Dan and Margaret in 1976, they went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021 under the ticker symbol NAPA.
SF Chronicle – Red Wine Sales Are Tanking At S.F. Restaurants: ‘we’ve Never Seen Anything Like This’
Perhaps it is time for restaurants to rethink the 3X mark-up on a bottle of wine. Or you can always bring your own bottle. From the article:
So far in 2024, Acquerello’s wine sales are 24% lower than what they were in 2023. White wine is down by 13%, red wine by 27%.
“This is going to be our worst year since we’ve kept records,” he said. “We have a big cellar full of fancy wine that rarely gets utilized these days.”
Acquerello is not an anomaly.
JamesSuckling.com – Top 100 Wines of China 2024
Want to try some excellent wines at an affordable price. James Suckling thinks that Chinese wines are on the rise. From the article:
Our Top 100 Wines of China list is drawn from the more than 540 bottles we tasted over the past 12 months, and we hope it delivers the message that today’s Chinese wines are affordable, diverse and fun to drink – all factors that could boost demand amid a declining mainland market. And it’s these X-factors that we’ve taken into consideration when compiling this list, along with our usual criteria of quality, value, availability and the “wow” factor. But after thorough consideration of all these components among the top wines we tasted from the country, we have picked the Chapter and Verse Syrah Huailai Reserve 2019 as our Chinese Wine of the Year. (95 PTS)
Unfortunately, I can’t find anywhere to buy these wines if you live in the US. I’d love to try some, so drop me a line if you know of an importer.
BBC – Whisper It – Alcohol-Free Wine Has Arrived In France
Personally, I have never tasted a even remotely good NA wine. And I don’t think they should even be allowed to be called “wine”. But the trend toward NA wine is growing and now Bordeaux has seen the opening of the first wine shop – dedicated solely to non-alcohol wines.
In the past – and still today for cheaper brands – the method has simply been to boil away the alcohol and then add compensatory flavours. The result – especially for reds – is at best mediocre. Such drinks cannot even call themselves wine, but “beverages based on de-alcoholised wine”.
Now though, there are new methods of low-temperature vacuum distillation, and of “capturing” aromas for putting back into the de-alcoholised wine. The result is wines that can legally call themselves wines, and are beginning to hold their own among discerning consumers.
Gruet Winery in Albuquerque, NM
Winery Rating: ★★★★★5/5 Wine Club Rating: ★★★★★5/5
New Mexico is home to one of America’s best sparkling wine houses! Gruet Winery’s Albuquerque tasting room offers a delightful experience for any wine lover, with a charming patio, friendly service, and exceptional wines at great prices.
Craving a glass of exceptional sparkling wine? Who would have thought you could find one of the best sparkling wine houses in America in New Mexico?! Gruet Winery’s inviting tasting room in Albuquerque offers a wonderful wine-tasting experience for those new to wine or experienced enthusiasts.
2018 Château La Haye Saint-Estèphe
The 2018 Château La Haye Saint-Estèphe is a quintessential representation of the Saint-Estèphe appellation, offering an exceptional balance of finesse and power at a highly accessible price point of $25. (You can still get this over at Wine.com)
With its blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and a dash of 5% Petit Verdot, this wine is a testament to both the unique terroir of Bordeaux and the skill of its acclaimed winemaker, Eric Boissenot. Scoring 95 from our tasting panel and 4.2 on Vivino, it has earned widespread praise for its character, depth, and remarkable aging potential.
Restaurant Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5 Cost Rating: $$ 2/4
Sedona is renowned for its dramatic red rock scenery, and what better way to experience it than while enjoying a delicious meal? Hideaway House Sedona offers the perfect combination of stunning views and casual dining, making it a must-visit for any visitor to Sedona or if you happen to be wine tasting in Jerome.
Whether you’re looking for a post-hike refuel or a relaxed lunch or dinner, Hideaway House has something for everyone.
Corkage Fee: No Outside Alcohol Allowed
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