letuffeau.com
(Link)
Darling Estate
King Valley
&
Little Frances
Beechworth
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“I implored Sophie Darling, of her family’s Darling Estate, to revert her labels back to their original late-20th C style (see here
(Link) ). That is not to say that the new packaging for her wines is not elegant, but I can grow frightfully nostalgic. Her beautifully elegant and classically claret-styled Cabernet from old vines in the King Valley recalls all the positives of a bygone era of winemaking and family estates.
Last night we hosted Sophie and Erin Frances Pooley, of Little Frances, to mingle with customers while we poured their wine. This was a genteel evening of in-depth conversation, and exploration of all things Aligote, and a wonderful end to our first year and our monthly tastings.
Erin and Sophie, as you may have guessed at their inclusion in our missive reader, make fabulous wine. There is nothing showy here (except maybe a fantastically riche edge imparted by quality French oak on Erin’s Chardonnay): quality fruit and quality winemaking. Indeed, I am roundly impressed by the sheer value the wines represent.
Fine King Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Claret) and Beechworth Chardonnay (Alpine Valley White Burgundy) at prices that evoke nostalgia? Sign me up.”
— David
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~ please note : discounts are automatically applied at the digital check-out! ~
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Darling Estate
I
Darling Estate 2024 King Valley Aligote
(Shelf Price: $45.00)
Offer: $40.00
6-pack: $222.00 ($37/bottle)
“Unwinding in the glass with charming precision and varietal typicite, this 2024 Aligote from Victoria’s second plantings of such possesses an aromatic profile of green walnuts, grass clippings, zesty citrus fruit, and hints of white asparagus. Aeration brings struck rock minerality and a weightier, brown spice inflected orchard fruit profile to the fore. The palate is refreshingly medium to light weight, textured with chalky phenolics, and has classic ‘bite’ on the finish.
I would not hesitate to pour another glass in a bistro setting, at home with fresh fish for lunch, or right now writing this note.”
— David
Order here
(Link)
II
Darling Estate 2023 King Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
(Shelf Price: $49.00)
Offer: $45.00
6-pack: $240.00 ($40/bottle)
“Offering up a refined aromatic profile of dark cherries and mulberry, a hint of preserve, marjoram, bitter chocolate, and loamy soil; the classic Claret from the King Valley is at once alluring and reserved. Behind the initial appeal there is a latent complexity, bound around a mineral almost saline core which strikes me as interesting given the far from coastal position of the vineyard. The aromatic profile has the barest suggestion of sweet tobacco, perhaps an instinctual reference to the history of the King Valley. The palate is silken and caressing, impossibly elegant for a wine of this price and cool vintage. Fine tannins make their present gradually felt towards the conclusion, gradually mounting in soft insistence until a long finish which has more drive than expected completes the picture. Red cherry preserve, blackberries; soft and dark herbs like bay, sage, and marjoram; baking chocolate and spices; and a hint of dried orange peel. Very fine.
Proper Claret.”
— David
Order here
(Link)
Little Frances
III
Little Frances 2024 Beechworth Chardonnay
(Shelf Price: $45.00)
Offer: $40.00
6-pack: $222.00 ($37/bottle)
“Harking back to an older style of Chardonnay making, the 2024 Beechworth Chardonnay from Erin Pooley, of Little Frances, is ripe with white Beechworth fruit including pear and nectarine, granite minerality, and baking spices all dusted in custard powder. The palate possesses fine balance between opulence and freshness, even if it veers ever-so-slightly to the former; then finishes compact with typical phenolics and a brush of fresh acidity. White orchard fruit, particular pear and nectarine skin, lemon curd, vanillin, and granite chips.
There is so much charm here to usually brutish Beechworth power that it is hard to resist taking another sip. The only true value prospect in the world of fine Beechworth Chardonnay. Nostalgic wine with a price to match.”
— David
Order here
(Link)
If you would like any of the above, would like to come by for a private appointment, or just have some questions — please let us know.