.. Beyond the Clouds! (monday 27 April)

“Beyond the Clouds” has transformed over recent years into a well-muscled yet graceful expression that relies more on purity than power. That said, it’s still built for the cellar. As for the lesser-known single-vineyard range from Castel Ringberg in Caldaro and Kastelaz in Tramin, they are all stunning.” Vinous

Originally an architect from Milan, Elena Walch married into a fifth-generation winemaking family and quickly recognised the potential of their vineyards up there in Alto Adige. Focusing on quality, she elevated two sites at Castel Ringberg and Kastelez both now classified as prestigious “Vigna” single vineyards, a standard she helped pioneer across Italy.

Her architectural influence is evident in the estate’s gravity-fed “smart” winery above Kastelez, while Castel Ringberg features a restored Renaissance castle dating back to 1620. Together, these elements reflect her brilliant approach to both design and winemaking, set against a landscape of remarkable beauty. Today, both daughters Julia & Karoline lead the estate. Sustainability is the key to almost every aspect of the winery, and they’ve begun planting at higher altitudes to protect their viticultural heritage against rising temperatures. They have also acquired the prestigious Viva certification from the Italian government.

We have been shipping & drinking ‘Beyond the Clouds’ since 2006, twenty years ago now (the first vintage produced was in 2000). Today, we received our allocation of the current vintage, 2023.

12 bottles 2023 ‘Beyond the Clouds’ E.Walch £69bt

My note follows:

”Rich, intense bright light yellow. Complex mix of exotic fruits, pineapple dominant backed with white flower blossom. Toasty & tasty dry nutty finish.” 16 months of some serious bâtonnage followed by six months of bottle age before it’s release! – 99/100pts – WPH

From hi-altitude Northern Italy to the bottom of the World’s Patagonia. Last night Rio Negro’s Viking Winemaker, Hans Vinding-Diers, was in town showing us his new Patagonique ¡ cojones ! ..

– Han’d’s –

A.Lisa 2021 in magnum, 2023, 2024

The 2021 was a bold start. Rich & opulent. Dense violet. Dark cherry-berry and a touch of cocoa. 2023 was a bit tighter and closed. The 2024 was my favourate. Full, rich rose petal & black cherry. Delightful long finish.

J.Alberto 2021, 2023

Both vintages where full blackberry, plum & a cigar boxy finish. They where reserved and need time to show their stuff.

Noemia 2021, 2022

Classy Malbesc, both, one of Argylands best without doubt. Dense violet and plum. Eldeberry, chamomile and subtle layers of cedarwood, dark chocolate & a big grown up finish.

Noemia ‘2’ DUE 2024

Not made every year (past vintages: 2013/2017/2021) but this excellent 2024 (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) offered intense cassis & cherry. Soft elegant tannins and a wonderful almost Claret finish. This is a drinker but will be offering the keeper huge gifts in 10 years +

Noemia Pinot Noir 2024 in magnum

Fresh & floral nose, vibrant red berry & pomegranate. Pure fruit, tense and almost silky. Red berry mouthfill with a mourish finish. More please!

– Head & Shoulders –

We have good stocks of all the wines from Bodega Noemia lying at LCB VT including some outstanding and now mature 2013 ´2´DUE (100/100pts)

Contact: william@worldwineconsultants.com

– May 1st 2026 –