Blame it on South Africa.

Our first taste of Paul Cluver's wines instilled in us an irrevocable love of South African wines. We met one of Cluver's partner winemakers, Julien Schaal, and swooned our way through his truly diverse portfolio. A talent mostly unknown in our home market (though he's a "rising star" in Europe and South Africa), we yearned to bring his vino back to the States - the stuff was just too good to keep to ourselves. Besides, we didn't want to be without it ever again.

And that's how we got started.

Exclusively available from Distinctive Domaines, we are very pleased to offer wines from both Schaal - whose products range from Grand Cru Alsatian Riesling to Elgin Syrah - and Mythic, a century-old family winery in the heart of Mendoza.

Currently, you can find our wines in Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington D.C..

The winemaking team from Mythic.

Some of our wines. A few are highlighted below:

Julien Schaal.

2013 Montenero Primitivo

This sells as Zinfandel in Europe. But while it shows the brawny, unbrindled richness of good California Zinfandel, there's a distinctly Italian character to this, too.

2013 Olivier Cuvee Premium Red

This rich, smooth red - from late picked Rhone Valley Grenache and Syrah - is absolutely delicious. In fact, in its purity and silky-supple style, it's almost like a richer Pinot Noir.

2012 Biecher & Schaal Riesling Grand Cru Sommerberg

From a very steep, perfectly south-facing plot in this high-altitude vineyard borders Albert Boxler and perhaps has the same elegant, even rarified intensity thaat makes Boxler's such a cult wine.

2013 Cittadini Pinot Noir

Pure, precise, and food-friendly, this Pavian Pinot Noir might be mistaken for a Bourgogne Rouge.

2014 Mythic Estate Malbec

Only in Argentina could you find values like this. From prime estate vineyards and made by perhaps the most accomplished winemaker in Argentina, this is simply bursting with rich, smooth, delicious flavor. Minimally oaked, not too alcoholic, extremely versatile with food.