Fall Into These Superb Napa Reds From Hestan Vineyards

This trio of Napa reds offers power and grace just right for the fall season.

By Dave Nershi, CSW

Hestan Vineyards is a solar-powered estate nestled in Napa Valley’s Gordon Valley region. Established in 1996 by Helen and Stanley Cheng, the property was once a working cattle ranch. Today, it’s home to organically farmed vineyards and gardens, reflecting the Chengs’ enduring appreciation for Napa’s landscape and their commitment to sustainability. Stanley, known for pioneering hard-anodized cookware and founding Hestan Culinary, a brand known for chef-driven kitchen appliances, brings a thoughtful precision to the estate’s winemaking philosophy.

We had the opportunity to taste three magnificent reds from Hestan’s fall release: the 2021 Meyer Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 Stephanie Malbec, and 2021 Stephanie Prorietary Red Wine.

The Stephanie Proprietary Red Wine is a bold yet polished blend of 39% Petit Verdot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, and smaller amounts of Merlot and Cab Franc. The wine is aged 50/50 in new and neutral French oak. There are silky black cherry notes laced with minerality and floral accents. Limited to 486 cases, this small batch wine retails for $75.

We paired the superb 2021 Napa Valley Malbec from Stephanie with a pan-fried pork chop and a garlic wine reduction sauce. Home-made French fries and fire-roasted corn rounded out the dish. This sensational Malbec boasts a rich, luxurious mouthfeel with flavors of black fruit, blueberries, cassis, and cocoa. The finish is long and delicious.

I brined the chops for an hour in sea salt, herbs de Provence, and a pinch of brown sugar. The seasoning was smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary from the garden, plus salt and pepper.

The robust seasoning of the juicy chops paired wonderfully with the Stephanie Malbec. We highly recommend this exceptional wine. SRP is only $55.

The Stephanie wines are named for Stanley and Helen’s only daughter. The bottle features a golden silkscreened harp in a nod to Stephanie’s musical talents. 

This line is crafted by acclaimed winemaker Jeff Gaffner. He is known for his work with Bordeaux varieties, producing elegant and refined wines. Jeff started at Chateau St. Jean, working with legendary winemaker Richard Arrowood to produce the winery’s 1996 Cinq Cepages, saluted as Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine. We only wish these wines were available in magnum format.

Thomas Brown is the winemaker behind the renowned Meyer Cabernet Sauvignon. He is one of Napa Valley’s most exciting winemakers with an impressive array of accolades. Among his accomplishments are unprecedented double 100-point scores from the Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker. Thomas joined the Hestan team in 2009. 

The 2021 Meyer Cabernet Sauvignon appears destined for greatness as well. The wine is crafted for intensity as well as long-term aging. Made with 100% Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a big wine that is enjoyable now, but can age gracefully for 10 years and beyond. 

On the nose, there is the aroma of cassis and crushed herbs. Robust dark plum, black cherry, and cedar flavors anchor the palate. The tannins are structured with minerality and vibrant acidity, providing complexity. The finish is long and gripping.

There were 1,267 cases produced, and the wine is aged in 75% new French oak. This latest vintage of Meyer Cabernet is priced at $90.

These selections from Hestan’s fall release reflect precision, depth, and a clear sense of place. From the expressive Meyer Cabernet to the graceful Stephanie reds, each bottle speaks to the estate’s commitment to stewardship of the land and the talent behind its label. These are wines to enjoy now, and to revisit as they evolve.

Lone Star Wine Shines Bright As Texas Earns Growing Acclaim

By Dave Nershi, CSW

Texas wine is an immense topic. That’s not surprising, considering the state of Texas is larger than France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, or Germany. I recently had the opportunity to delve deeply into Texas wine during the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association's annual conference, held in Lafayette, Louisiana. I participated in a pre-conference Texas Wine Ambassador certification class and then assisted with a Texas winemaker panel and tasting.

Texas winemakers aim for a refreshing style of wine, said Kelsey Kramer, DipSET, the education director for the Hill Country Wine Academy, who conducted the certification class. Grapes are typically harvested early to retain acidity and avoid exposure to high heat and other extreme weather conditions. 

The early harvest, sometimes four months earlier than other regions, and the warm-plus (don’t call it “hot”) climate define a Texas style with big flavors, with a soft and opulent texture. Wine lovers will discover wines that are fruitier, lighter in tannins, and high in minerality. Herbaceousness is another Texas calling card.

The Lone Star State is a mosaic of more than 1,300 soil types spread across 11 degrees of latitude (France has 10), five different climate zones, and elevations that range from sea level to 8,751 feet. 

There are about 3,700 named rivers and streams in Texas, with about 15 major river basins. Grapes from different river basins result in strikingly different-tasting wine. Rivers like the Brazos and Colorado carve through limestone and clay, shaping soils that give Hill Country wines their bold character. Texas was once completely underwater, with marine influence and sea sediments creating layered sedimentary rock across the state. 

As a result, Texas wines focus on regionality. That’s the reason more than 70 grape varieties are grown in the state’s eight AVAs. While the familiar Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape in the state, the second most popular is Tempranillo. The most planted white grape is Blanc de Bois, the unofficial signature grape of the state. It is a hybrid grape prized for its resistance to Pierce’s Disease and its adaptability to hot, humid climates. Pierce’s Disease is a bacterium that is spread by sap-feeding insects, and grapevines are especially vulnerable.

The Texas High Plains AVA has a cold semi-arid climate and is located on a large flat plateau in an area once called the “Great American Desert.” No indigenous grapes were planted there in the early days, and it is considered disease-free. That’s a good thing, since 80% of Texas wine grapes are grown there. It is the “engine room” of the Texas wine industry.

We tasted six wines, including some from Texas High Plains, and three from areas currently in the review process to gain AVA status.

2024 Grower Project Picpoul, Texas High Plains – This historic French grape, whose name means “lip stinger,” has found a home in Texas. This wine is pale in color with mouth-watering acidity, with flavors of apricot and lemon zest. 

2024 La Valentìa Chenin Blanc, Dell Valley – Pale gold in the glass, it’s made with 40-year-old vines and is aged for six months in neutral oak. Soft texture and subtle flavors of lychee and Meyer lemon.

2019 William Chris Mourvèdre, Texas High Plains – One of my favorites in the tasting. Red brick in color, it is herbaceous with delicate flavors of red fruit, sage, and mint.

2023 William Chris Sangiovese, Texas High Plains – I found the ABV a little too hot at 14.6%, but others praised its voluptuous taste and termed it a boisterous wine.

2020 William Chris Blackmon Ranch Blend, Hickory Sands District – This is a 56-44 Merlot/Malbec blend from the Llano Uplift AVA and specifically the Hickory Sands area, which will soon become its own AVA. It has rich cherry fruit with cola notes and a focused mineral edge.

2020 William Chris Tannat, Pedernales River Basin – A bold wine with flavors of plum, black currant, and dried herbs. The Pedernales River Basin is known for its limestone-rich soils, which add freshness to the wines.

At the conclusion of the day-long session, I was proud to receive the lapel pin as an officially certified Texas Wine Ambassador.

Texas wine kept flowing during the IFWTWA conference during a standout wine panel and tasting that explored the Texas Hill Country and Texas High Plains wine regions. The panel was organized by IFWTWA Vice President Andy Harris and moderated by our new friend Kelsey Kramer.

The panel of all-stars included:

• Kim McPherson of McPherson Cellars, a second-generation winemaker and a pioneer of Texas winemaking.

• Nikhila Narra Davis of Kalasi Cellars, a winery known for its bold wines and South Indian inspiration.

• Jon McPherson of Carter Creek Winery & Resort, a luxury retreat in Texas Hill Country. He is the brother of Kim and also a second-generation winemaker.

• Katy Jane Seaton of Farmhouse Vineyards, a family-owned grape grower and boutique wine producer. They provide grapes to more than 20 Texas wineries, and their own wines often feature Rhône and Italian varieties with a Texas twist.

1. Carter Creek Sparkling Tempranillo Rosé 

2. 2022 McPherson Cellars Moore Family Vineyards Tokio Block Tempranillo 

3. 2022 Farmhouse Vineyards “The Vault”

4. 2022 Kalasi Cellars “Kanchi”

Kim and Jon McPherson are key figures in Texas wine, continuing the legacy of their father, Doc McPherson, a pioneer of Texas viticulture and founder of one of Texas’s earliest modern wineries.

Kim founded McPherson Cellars in Lubbock, focusing on grape varieties that thrive in the Texas High Plains, such as Sangiovese, Mourvèdre, and Viognier. Jon moved to California in 1985 and became a winemaker at Culbertson Winery, focusing on sparkling wine. He is now the winemaker at Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa in the Texas Hill Country, bringing his rich experience back to Texas.

The Carter Creek sparkling Tempranillo is crisp and dry with notes of red berries and a frothy effervescence. Following on was the McPherson Cellars Tokio Block Tempranillo, crafted from a block near Tokio, a tiny town in the High Plains known for its sandy loam soils and its elevation. It has notes of raspberry with subtle oak and accents of leather.

The Farmhouse Vineyards “The Vault” is a delicious blend of 50% 2020 Mourvèdre and 50% 2019 Montepulciano. This wine was one of my favorites from my Texas wine tasting in Louisiana. It is distinctly Texan with plum and cocoa flavors wrapped in a savory package.

Kalasi Cellars "Kanchi" is a red wine blend made from Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 8. Flavors of black cherry and plum lead in this elegant wine. The tannins are supple, and mocha flavors linger in the finish.

The IFWTWA was a delightful detour into the world of Texas wine. Texas winemakers also poured wines in the hospitality suite. It was there I imbibed a memorable wine: McPherson Cellars 2021 Sagmor Vineyard Sangiovese. This is undoubtedly the best Texas Sangiovese I have ever tasted.

Sagmor Vineyard was planted in 1967 by Doc McPherson and his Texas Tech colleague Robert Reed. It was one of the first commercial vineyards in the state. The Sangiovese is a flagship bottling for McPherson, with very limited quantities (in 2021, only 224 cases were produced).

It features cherry and berry flavors with accents of vanilla and spice. The balance between acid and tannins is perfection itself. It is savory, with understated oak notes delivered in a dry wine with a medium body. Leather and mushroom notes contribute to the layered enjoyment. 

Texas wine is a dynamic, evolving force shaped by geology, grit, and generations of visionaries. From the limestone river basins to the windswept High Plains, each bottle tells a story of perseverance and passion. As a newly minted Texas Wine Ambassador, I’m honored to help share that story. Texas invites you to taste beyond the expected—and discover a wine world as vast as the state itself.

Cherry Creek Cellars Scores Michigan Governor's Cup Win with Cool Climate Pinot Noir

Cherry Creek Cellars Owner Patrick Spensley and winemaker Kyle Baker produced the 2025 Michigan Governor's Cup-winning wine, a cool climate Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir is a finicky grape that drives vineyard managers mad and the wine-loving public wild. Notoriously difficult to grow, Burgundy, California, and Oregon produce sterling examples of this variety, so you may be caught off guard to hear of an award-winning Pinot Noir from Michigan. 

By Dave Nershi, CSW

Michigan has been a rising star in the growing cool climate wine movement. Most vineyards are located within 25 miles of Lake Michigan or Lake Erie, and the insulating effect makes it an ideal location for cool-climate varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. While climate change has created havoc for many traditional wine-growing regions, Michigan has actually gained four extra weeks of growing season due to rising temperatures.

Cherry Creek Cellars 2022 Charamar Pinot Blanc and
Governor's Cup-winning 2023 Charamar Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir’s ascent in Michigan was validated at the 2025 Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup Competition, organized by the Michigan Wine Collaborative. Earning the Michigan Governor’s Cup winner (best of show) for 2025 was Cherry Creek Cellars, with their 2023 Charamar Collection Pinot Noir. It ranked the highest out of 154 entries from 33 wineries submitted to the competition. The Governor’s Cup is Michigan’s only statewide industry-driven wine competition.

Cherry Creek Cellars, with its distinctive historic schoolhouse tasting room, is located in Brooklyn, Michigan, and is part of the River Raisin Wine Trail. Patrick Spensley is the owner. His introduction to the wine industry was while traveling abroad in New Zealand. He spent 10 months working off and on in vineyards and cellars while exploring the country. 

Upon return to the US, he served as vineyard manager and winemaker at Cherry Creek under the former owners before purchasing the operation. “It really was the perfect situation, an established business with a loyal customer base and great wines, my real job was just to keep the train on the tracks and bring a few new ideas and events into the mix,” he said.

How exactly is winemaking in Michigan different from New Zealand? According to Spensley, much of it is the same. “In my mind, the major difference is just the climate and, therefore, the profiles in the wines produced,” he said. “New Zealand is known for amazing Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, but I wouldn’t ever try to tell you that our Pinot or Sauv Blanc is similar to the wines they are producing there. However, I would tell you that you could line ours up next to one of theirs and experience two very different, but equally great wines.”

In the glass, the light garnet color of the Charamar Pinot Noir was a surprise. Sipping provides delightful notes of raspberry and cherry, with hints of earthiness and silky tannins. It’s juicy and savory with the right touch of richness.

“Personally, I think there are some amazing Pinot Noirs in Michigan,” said Spensley. “Sure, some years the weather/climate doesn’t cooperate, but that's true of any wine region around the country or even the world. In other years, we produce amazing Pinot Noir across the state. In our experience, our best Pinots are typically lighter-bodied than most, but that allows a lot of the rest of what makes Pinot Noir so special to shine through. The Charamar Pinot is light-bodied, but full of fruit; it has enough tannin and acid to hold up to the right pairing; the barrel notes are present and not overshadowed by the other components.”

The Charamar Collection is Cherry Creek’s premium line of wines. It typically, but not always, features vinifera grapes. It's named after the family farm Spensley grew up on and features small batch runs of their best wines.

We also sampled the 2022 Charamar Pinot Blanc, a lively white with just a whisper of sweetness. It is crisp with plentiful minerality and peach and white floral notes.

Cherry Creek Cellars vineyard

Cherry Creek’s location in South Central Michigan limits the varieties they can grow, so they rely on contracts with other vineyards around the state. The estate vineyard exclusively features cold-hardy hybrids like Frontenac and Adalmiina, among others, that mostly end up in blends. Most contracts are with growers of premium vinifera from the Lake Michigan Shore AVA, though they do get some fruit from the Leelanau Peninsula. All the grapes in their wines are proudly grown in Michigan.

The hybrid grapes provide challenges of their own, but according to Spensley, their resilience is unmatched. “In my 15 years here, we’ve had some brutal winters, but the vines wake up in the spring like nothing ever happened,” he said. “I love our vines and working in the vineyard when I’m not pulled in 100 different directions.” He notes that some of their most popular wines are produced with hybrids.

Cherry Creek Cellars historic schoolhouse tasting room

Their charming tasting room is a historic one-room schoolhouse. Square footage is limited, but they have an exceptional outdoor space used year-round with bands and live music in the summer and igloos and events throughout the winter. A winemaker dinner series is offered as well as a regular café menu of shareable dishes.

As if sipping the tip-top wine in the state isn’t enough, Cherry Creek also offers cider and beer. “We have four to five staple ciders and a couple of rotating taps, depending on the season,” said Spensley. “Like our wines, they range from dry to sweet and feature some fun and unique flavors. We chose to offer ciders (and beer) because they fit our 'something for everyone' mantra. We understand that not everyone is a wine drinker, but we promise that whether it's wine, beer, or cider, we have something on our list that you’ll enjoy. Honestly, our list is probably too big for a small winery, but it's our mission to make sure everyone walks away having enjoyed their time here.” 

Sabrage, Sparkles & Sips: A Wine Lover’s Tour Through British Columbia’s Fraser Valley

British Columbia’s wine scene is overflowing with cool-climate elegance, and the Fraser Valley—just a short drive from Vancouver—is one of its most accessible and charming regions. 

After visiting the Canadian wine strongholds of Ontario and Okanagan, we were eager to check out this new-to-us area. Known for its crisp whites, expressive reds, and growing reputation for traditional method sparkling wines, the Fraser Valley offers a mix of boutique wineries, passionate winemakers, and unforgettable tasting experiences. During our recent visit, we explored three standout wineries that showcased the artistry and soul of BC wine: Township 7, Backyard Vineyards, and Chaberton Estate Winery.

Saber & Sip at Township 7 Vineyards & Winery

As many of you know, I love to saber sparkling wine—and on this trip, I had the chance to perform my first international sabrage! Thanks to Township 7 Vineyards & Winery, a winery acclaimed for its Seven Stars sparkling collection, I got to pop a bottle in style during their Saber & Sip tasting experience.

This unique offering includes a guided tasting of their traditional method bubbles and the thrilling opportunity to saber a bottle yourself—outdoors, with a vineyard view and a gleaming Champagne saber in hand. The setting featured a perfect “launch” area for sabrage, with a stack of wine barrels as a target. I was offered a plastic face guard, which was similar to one on an NHL helmet. Needless to say, I declined.

Polaris, a Chardonnay-based sparkler, was the one I chose to saber. The wine offers a taste of brioche with creamy perlage and citrus notes. In the interest of improving international relations, we shared the sabered wine with our new Canadian friends. We also sampled the Riegel (Riesling-based), Sirius (a Pinot-Chardonnay blend), and Aurora, a Pinot Noir Blanc de Noir. It was surprising to discover a winery specializing in bubbles in the midst of Langley, BC.

Our host, Zulie Visram, led us through a delightful tasting overlooking the vines. Each of the Seven Stars wines had its own personality, and the experience was pure magic. If you’re visiting the Vancouver area, Township 7 should absolutely be on your itinerary—especially if you’re ready to channel your inner sword-wielding sommelier.

Legacy and Rare Grapes at Chaberton Estate Winery

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Chaberton Estate Winery, one of British Columbia’s oldest and largest estate wineries. We were warmly welcomed by winemaker Gary Zhygailo, who gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyard, production area, and barrel room. Joining my wife and me were Margot Savell (@writeforwine) and her husband, Dave—dear friends from our Wine Bloggers Conference days dating back 15 years.

Gary, originally from Ukraine, brings heart and energy to every bottle. His guided tasting introduced us to Chaberton’s 55 acres of vines, including rare grapes like Ortega, Bacchus, and Siegerrebe. The 2024 Dry Bacchus was a revelation—floral and peachy with lovely stonefruit notes. This was our first taste of this grape – and we loved it. The winery also offers an off-dry Bacchus, which is their best seller.

The 2024 Pinot Gris, aged partially in barrel and on the lees, delivers a smooth, textured package with notes of grapefruit, ginger, and lemon. The 2023 La Fleur de Chaberton Rosé, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, was fresh and minerally with hints of watermelon.

Among the reds, the 2023 Estate Zweigelt (15 months in neutral oak) stood out with vanilla and spice, while the 2019 Cabernet Franc Reserve was silky and rich with cocoa and currant. The crowning wine was the 2020 Meritage from the Okanagan Valley VQA —a heavenly blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.

Chaberton is a true gem, offering unexpected varieties and a warm welcome that made our visit an epic wine adventure. 

Cozy Charm and Bold Reds at Backyard Vineyards

Our final stop in Langley was Backyard Vineyards, nestled in the Fraser Valley just 45 minutes from Vancouver. This cozy, welcoming winery is the second-oldest in the region, with roots dating back to 2000. We opted for the reserve tasting and paired it with a delicious charcuterie board—an ideal way to unwind after a day of vineyard hopping.

Backyard Vineyards is known for its 100% BC wines, and the 2022 Bacchus white wine was a standout. This grape thrives in the Fraser Valley’s cooler climate, and the wine was bursting with peach and tropical fruit. The reds were equally impressive. These grapes are sourced from the southern Okanagan Valley, except for five acres of estate Pinot Noir. The 2020 Reserve Cabernet Franc dazzled with cranberry, plum, and pepper, while the limited-production 2020 Reserve Meritage (just 120 cases!) offered crushed strawberry and tobacco notes.

We couldn’t resist bringing home the award-winning 2020 Reserve Syrah, a savory treat layered with raspberry, dried herbs, and licorice. With its gazebo and outdoor seating overlooking the vines, Backyard Vineyards is a perfect sipping spot for your next BC adventure.

Final Thoughts

British Columbia’s Fraser Valley is more than just a wine region—it’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and every tasting comes with a story. Langley is a short drive from Vancouver, giving you a chance to escape the big city for a relaxing day in wine country. Whether you’re sabering sparkling wine at Township 7, sipping Syrah at Backyard Vineyards, or exploring rare grapes at Chaberton Estate, you’ll certainly find something to love. And for me, it was a chance to reconnect with old friends, discover new favorites, and raise a glass to the brilliance of BC wine.

Collavini's Broy: Evolution Of An Iconic Friuli White Wine

Friuli Venezia Giulia is a compact yet captivating wine region nestled along Italy’s northeastern border with Slovenia. The complexity of its wines stems from a unique interplay of Alpine and Mediterranean influences—cold winds from the Alps lend high acidity, while coastal breezes bring salinity and body.

By Dave Nershi, CSW

The Social Soul of Friuli Wine Culture

Wine is woven into Friulian life, and few bottles speak its language more eloquently than Broy DOC Collio from the historic Collavini Winery, founded in 1896 in Rivignano. First crafted in 2003, Broy is a white blend of 50% Friulano, 30% Chardonnay, and 20% Sauvignon Blanc—an elegant trifecta that reflects the region’s terroir and winemaking philosophy.

Tracing the Broy Timeline

At a recent online tasting, I had the privilege of sampling six vintages of Broy, each illustrating a distinct era in its evolution. According to Luigi Collavini, great-grandson of founder Eugenio, the wine has seen three stylistic phases:

- 2003–2008: A bold, powerful white wine

- 2008–2018: A focus on purity—“less winery and more vineyard”

- 2018 onward: Introduction of barrel aging and a new label

Let’s take a stroll through each vintage.

2022 Vintage

The growing season was highlighted by drought and an early harvest. The lack of rain caused some trees to die. Hot winds signaled the reality of climate change. Irrigation in Friuli is only used in emergencies and only in the valleys. Luigi likened irrigation in the vineyard to doping in sports.

In the glass, the wine is a straw yellow color with golden highlights. On the palate, notes of tree fruit and pineapple are present. The wine gets nine months of oak aging, but it is done with finesse. The wine is elegant and balanced with an engaging minerality.

2021 Vintage

This year had a more typical season, with a cool spring and some frost. This edition of Broy offers more acidity while maintaining good balance. The vineyard soil was once a seabed, and that adds beautiful minerality. Salinity, a trademark of Broy, is also evident.

The wine is complex, and the fascinating aroma weaves together wildflowers, spice, and peach. It is creamy and round, lifted by bright acidity. The palate offers apricot, honeyed peach, and flint. This wine, a favorite with critics, delivers elegance with a flourish.

Luigi Collavini - Photo courtesy of Collavini

2018 Vintage

“Revolutions are very welcome,” Luigi says, referring to this vintage, which introduced barrel aging to the Broy line. Growing conditions were perfect, and the crop was more abundant than in previous years. 

The color is a rich golden yellow. The aroma is a layered bouquet of ripe peach, mango, and a touch of banana. The barrel aging is done in a restrained Burgundian style, present but not obtrusive. The palate opens with juicy peach and tropical fruit, followed by some salty mineral notes and vibrant acidity, leading into a lingering finish.

2017 Vintage

The harvest season was warmer than average, with the overall crop reduced by 20%. The last vintage before the introduction of the barrel-aging regimen, this wine tasted very different than the newer vintages. Stainless steel finishing resulted in a focus on freshness and minerality.

The wine, eight years on from harvest, is deep gold in the glass. It tasted more austere and focused, contrasting with the opulence of the 2022 and 2021. The tropical notes were more muted with a mineral-driven leaness. This was a wine that looked suspect when I received the shipment due to a moldy-looking cork. However, the wine inside was fine, and this turned out to be one of my favorites.

Collavini vineyards and winery - Photo courtesy of Collavini

2013 Vintage

My 2013 vintage bottle was faulted, not surprising when you are tasting a white wine that’s 12 years old, shipped halfway around the world. (Collavini was kind enough to send another bottle, but it didn’t survive the shipping process.)

Fellow participants enjoyed the candied fruit and savory flavors of the wine, which still maintains its structure and minerality. 

2011 Vintage

The 2011 vintage began with temperatures above average. The summer was characterized by cool and humid weather, interrupted by a brief period of intense heat. The harvest season was warm and dry.

A deep golden color captures your attention before the first sip. The aroma is of tropical fruit and flint, hinting at aged elegance. The palate has deep savory notes, including tart apple, dried herbs, and sweet spice. This is a wine to sip and contemplate while enjoying the surprising freshness of a 14-year-old wine.

My first tasting experience with Collavini’s Broy made an indelible impression. The wine is rich, aromatic, and complex. Decades may come and go, but the elegant Broy DOC Collio remains a benchmark in Friuli wine.