The best way to learn about wine is the drinking.

WARNING: The general public reports that unless you have an insatiable curiosity and quest for the road less traveled, you must stay away from VGS Explorer.  Those who have ignored this warning have experienced new flavors, nuance, layers and multiple dimensions – many have never returned to a world of mediocrity and boredom.  Drink at your own risk.

6 billion people on earth… 6 billion individualities…

Around 10,000 grapes varietals and people drink mostly
Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot.

Here is your chance...

Because wine is my life but also my passion. Because I love diversity. Because it is not only about the wine tasting good but
ME feeling good, I drink plenty of different wines warm and friendly and I want to share these beauties with you. Strap on your boots and embark on an exploration of your senses.

VGS explorer… because there is a whole world waiting for you!

Enjoy!
Jean-Noel
Jean-Noël Fourmeaux du Sartel
Wine Stylist

*These wines are subject to change on a regular basis including on our wine clubs with the exception of Sauvignon Blanc and The Illegitimate
10Sauvignon Blanc
TASTING NOTES
Click here for full tasting notes

The bouquet is extremely aromatic: grapefruit and ripe peaches jump from the glass inviting you in to explore this wine’s vivacious character. Then, the wine reveals some more complex aromas of dried apricot that the oak comes to enhance. The wine fills your mouth with nice goodies: layers of tropical fruit flavors including passion fruit are subtly accented with creamy oak nuances. All this makes this Sauvignon Blanc a complete pleasure to drink!  Just allow yourself a little time to discover the nuances and see how the wine grows on you.

And the bottle... so square... so sexy... such a gorgeous bottle! A stand alone and outstanding “dress” for a unique wine. A pleasure to the eyes and to the palate.

RECIPE

Fish Soup with Tomato, Fennel and Saffron

SPECIFICATIONS
Grapes
97% Sauvignon Blanc
3% Semillon
Aging
5 Months in French oak barrels; stainless steel fermented
Soils
Gravelly loam
Appellation
Napa Valley
Bottle  $25.00
Wine Club  $20.00
Elevation
200-400 ft.
Fermentation
Whole cluster pressed with native yeasts
Harvest Date
September 21st, 2010
Cases Produced
780 cases
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Grapefruit/ Peach
Lively
Fruity
Creamy
Mature Now To 3 years
PAIRINGS
sushi
goat cheese
shellfish
poultry
spicy
What you are saying about this wine
I honestly don’t think the VGS Explorer Sauvignon Blanc could be any better. Absolutely delicious!
Gary L, CA
07The Illegitimate
TASTING NOTES
Click here for full tasting notes

For making such a blend... we would go to jail in France! Too bad for them... they don’t know what they are missing! These four uniquely blended grapes marry in beautiful harmony. It gives a powerful aromatic bouquet (Zinfandel and Syrah) and a structured and mellow mouth (Cabernet and Merlot).  The exuberance and generous character makes The Illegitimate a wine extremely versatile when it comes to food pairing.  Delicious by itself and then let your imagination go...it will match perfectly! Buy this stunner by the case as it will quickly become your go to red wine for all occasions! The Illegitimate became fast a favorite of our club members.  Wonder why?

SPECIFICATIONS
Grapes
39% Cabernet Sauvignon
33% Merlot
17% Zinfandel
11% Syrah
Aging
14 Months in French oak barrels
Soils
Gravelly loam and volcanic
Appellation
Napa Valley
Bottle  $37.00
Wine Club  $29.60
Elevation
400-1,800 ft.
Fermentation
Whole cluster pressed with native yeasts
Harvest Date
October 3-November 21st, 2007
Cases Produced
150 cases
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Oak Nuances
Bright Fruit
Velvety
Full Body
Mature Now To 6 years
PAIRINGS
beef
lamb
pasta/pizza
pork
chocolate
10Epice
TASTING NOTES
Click here for full tasting notes

How many requests did we get for that wine over the years? A wine we have not produced for 11 years and nobody seems to have forgotten. A delicious blend of Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and Viognier...yummy! The bouquet is extremely aromatic: a lot of flowery nuances blended with the tropical fruit of the Chardonnay, rich and luscious mouthfeel of the Viognier and the zesty, spicy character of the Gewurztraminer.  Wow, what a blend. The perfect wine for Asian cuisine, as a cocktail or...by the pool!

SPECIFICATIONS
Grapes
61% Chardonnay
28% Gewurztraminer
11% Viognier
Aging
7 Months in French oak barrels
Soils
Gravelly loam and volcanic
Appellation
Napa Valley
Bottle  $26.00
Wine Club  $20.80
Elevation
400 – 1,800 ft.
Fermentation
Whole cluster pressed with native yeasts
Harvest Date
October 3 – November 21, 2010
Cases Produced
183 cases
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Stong Aromas
Flowery
Fruity Leeches
Thick & Rich
Mature Now To 3 years
PAIRINGS
aperitif
curry
mexican
dry & strong cheeses
10Zinie
TASTING NOTES
Click here for full tasting notes

Late Harvest Zinfandel

Back by popular demand!  A delicious wine made from grapes that hang on the vines longer (and God the harvest was late because the weather so cold and wet). The bouquet is SO ZINFANDEL – long and fruity.  The mouth has a nice weight and the balance between the acidity, alcohol, and sweetness perfect. 2010 was THE year to make a late harvest Zinfandel. Loaded with ripe, sweet juicy fruit with flavors of red raspberries and chocolate...YUM!  

The grapes come from our Estate vineyard in Paso Robles, which happens to be the steepest vineyard where Zinfandel is grown in California!

SPECIFICATIONS
Grapes
100% Zinfandel
Aging
5 Months in French oak barrels
Soils
Limestone
Appellation
Paso Robles
Bottle  $28.00
Wine Club  $22.40
Elevation
1000-1200 ft.
Fermentation
Native yeast fermentation
Harvest Date
November 21-29th, 2010
Cases Produced
150 cases of 12 x 500ml
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Aromatic
Full Body
Sweet
Mature Now To 3 years
PAIRINGS
cheese
chocolate
nuts
after dinner