4/26/16
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Staff Pick; Cayuse Arriving May 5th; Island Vibes: Lower, Spring-appropriate Prices on Three Antoine Arena Wines; Agathe Bursin Feature; Arriving This Friday; Dujac & Montille & Marojallia in May – Oh My!; Chateauneuf-du-Pape Pre-Arrivals; Saint-Siffrein; One Last Chance for Biondi-Santi Riserva ‘06
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Staff Pick
Girl, You Know It’s True
JB Becker Martinsthaler Rodchen Spatlese Trocken 1990 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 34 bottles available (This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
My, how time flies! Much as I don’t want to make anyone feel old, I’d like to highlight the fact that Milli Vanilli were the biggest thing in the world at the time this wine was made. While the R&B duo from West Germany may have soared –peaked-crashed-and-burned, Hans-Joseph Becker from the Rheingau has only now begun to enjoy the spotlight. At 70!
I drew out Sunday night’s dinner with little tipples from this old bottle – a dark brown, star-stamped bottle from which copper-gold splashed out brilliantly. In the decanter, the wine caught candlelight in so gorgeous a way I literally sighed. Then came drinking! At once, a sense of energy and integration, yet I could easily sift through the layers to reveal essences which had been tucked away across the past quarter-century. Over time, orange rind and sea mist gave way to lime, rain-soaked stones, and a delicate hint of petrol. I’d describe it as charming, deliberate, and tangible; as fun as it is serious.
Mr. Becker farms organically and prefers native yeast fermentation, but seems to make no fuss of either. Fermentation takes place in pressurized tanks in order to achieve it quickly and steadily; Becker then racks the wine into barrel for at least two years of aging. Many bottlings are held back for years and years and years. As my comrades at Vom Boden – Becker’s US importer – phrase it, “go as quick as you can; then slam on the brakes and wait out all the others.” Not unlike Milli Vanilli, you could say, except that the voice is entirely Becker’s own.
– Tyler
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Cayuse
Arriving May 5th
Cayuse Vineyards Armada Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special, 2 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “Another longer-term prospect is the 2012 Syrah Armada Vineyard. One of the more burly, structured releases from this estate, it’s always poured after the Bionic Frog and is the last Syrah we taste in a vintage. The 2012 gives up lots of iodine, raw meats and floral notes that are balanced by a core of distinct black raspberry fruit, which in most vintages veers more toward the darker, more plummy side of the spectrum. Full-bodied, tight and yet nicely concentrated, with good tannin, it should be at its best from 2018-2028.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “This wine displays a broader fruit profile than The Rocks is often known for, with aromas of plum leading to crushed rock, cracked pepper, olive, herbs and smoked meat. The texture is captivating, both elegant in its styling yet rich, commanding attention with floral notes on the finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cayuse Vineyards ‘Widowmaker’ En Chamberlin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2011 750ML ($199.95) $179 pre-arrival special, 4 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Cellar Selection. This glorious, evocative wine calls up a rich and sensuous catalog of scents and flavors. Black truffle, sea salt, clean earth, fungus, strawberry, liquid rocks, umami, tar…? the words pour out with each sniff and swallow. It’s detailed, substantial and refined, gathering itself for a long, generous, captivating finish. Drink now through 2030.”
Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2011 The Widowmaker is a beauty. One of the top Cabernet Sauvignons in the vintage, it offers up classic red and black currant fruit, earth, smoked meats and spice to go with a medium to full-bodied, elegant, seamless texture on the palate that carries masses of beautifully polished tannin. Aged 18 months in 50-60% new French oak, it’s a relatively forward vintage for this cuvee (which is the norm for the vintage) that can be enjoyed anytime over the coming 15 years or more. ”
Also Available Currently from Cayuse:
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2008 750ML ($319.95) $249 special, 1 bottle remaining
Wine Advocate 97 points “I thought the 2008 Syrah Bionic Frog was insanely good. Checking in at 14.4% natural alcohol (the 2009 was 14.7 and the 2010 14.8), it has soaring notes of cassis, black raspberries, violets, white flowers, mint and olives to go with a full-bodied, ultra-pure, silky, yet concentrated and layered feel on the palate. One of the more elegant, silky and finesse driven examples of this cuvee, it has heavenly aromatics and will have upward of two decades of longevity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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Island Vibes:
Springtime Lower Prices
Antoine Arena
Domaine Antoine Arena ‘BG’ Bianco Gentile, Corsica 2012 750ML ($49.95) Was $24, Now $21.90; 36+ bottles available
Vinopolnote: From a miniscule, half-hectare vineyard of clay and limestone soils planted in the late-90’s. Bianco Gentile is an ancient varietal which Arena had discovered and had genetically tested; the wine is rich, complex, tangy, and broad. Salty sea air and peach fruit qualities make for great concentration and a long, lingering finish – this would be fantastic with rich seafood dishes!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $31.20
Domaine Antoine Arena Muscat du Cap Corse, Corsica 2012 750ML ($49.95) Was $33, Now $21.90; 13 bottles available
Vinopolnote: 100% Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains – a rare varietal planted on steep limetone soils. The wine boasts apricot, peach, and Mirabelle plum notes, alongside honey and lightly floral elements which lead to a caramel-tinged finish. A no-brainer accompaniment to foie gras.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Antoine Arena Patrimonio Grotte di Sole Rouge, Corsica 2011 750ML ($49.95) Was $29, Now $21.90; 36+ bottles available
Wine Spectator 89 points “The dark cherry and black currant fruit has an edgy feel, with lots of bramble, holly and cassis bush notes rippling underneath. Tangy anise and sanguine accents line the finish, presenting a light hint of leather in the background.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $31.20
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Agathe Bursin
Alsace. Grand Cru.
Tucked within the gorgeous hillside villages of Alsace, the domaine of Agathe Bursin has been active since 2000. Coming from a family of winemakers, Bursin was trained in both Chablis and the Rhone before returning home to establish her estate.
Across 5.5 hectares – including Grand Cru holdings in Zinnkoepflé as well as the lieux-dits Bollenberg, Dirstelberg, and Strangenberg, she tends to Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sylvaner, Muscat, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. A rather wonderful anecdote from alsace-wine.net traces Bursin’s relationship with wine to a very early age:
“When Agathe was a child, her grandmother let her smell wines and decide if it was dominated by ‘fleure’ or ‘fruit’. In the kitchen, her grandmother made Agathe close her eyes and guess what was put in her mouth. These childhood experiences have contributed to Agathes current interest in flavours and fragrances.”
Since those early training regimens – and after fifteen years at the helm of her own operation – Agathe Bursin has firmly established herself as a winemaker-to-watch and a steward of great Alsatian wine. We’re excited to carry a wide range of her wines – 2013’s arriving on Friday and 2015’s arriving in August. All are listed below:
Agathe Bursin Wines Arriving this Friday:
Agathe Bursin Riesling Dirstelberg, Alsace 2013 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Ian D’agata–Vinous 90 points “Pale straw-green. Pear and citrus notes vie for attention on the perfumed nose. Fresh and clean on the palate, with balsamic nuances to the stone fruit and spicy flavors. Finishes with lovely freshness and length. The Riesling vines are planted on mainly pink sandstone soil in a cooler microclimate toward the top of the hill and have a southeast exposure.”
Agathe Bursin Riesling Zinnkoepfle Grand Cru 2013 750ML ($41.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Ian D’agata–Vinous 91+ points “Bright golden-yellow. Aromas and flavors of peach, green papaya and lemon verbena. Lively on the palate, displaying a bright, lemony finish and good floral lift. Strikes me as deeper than the 2012 and still very young and closed down. Forget about this for another three years in the cellar, then watch it develop and expand over the next eight to ten. In my experience, this wine rarely develops diesel fuel aromas but rather hints at silex and gunflint, even in old age.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Agathe Bursin Sylvaner Eminence Zinnkoepfle, Alsace Grand Cru 2013 750ML ($31.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Ian D’agata–Vinous 92 points “Gold-tinged straw. Delicate aromas of peach, apricot and poached apple. Rich and dense on the palate, with lively acidity lifting the sweet flavors of orchard and tropical fruits. Finishes very long, with impeccable balance. These Sylvaner vines grow in the grand cru Zinnkoepflé, the soils of which are marked by calcaires à entroques. Planted in 1930 with a southeast exposure, these vines give the description vieilles vignes real meaning, but Bursin doesn’t care to use this wording on the label since she believes the term has been reduced to mainly marketing purposes. “In France, vieille vigne wines are made with vines ranging anywhere from as little as 20 years to as much as 100 years of age, so what‘s the point?” she asks.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Agathe Bursin Wines Arriving in August:
(Ratings and notes will be posted once available!)
Agathe Bursin Gewurztraminer Dirstelberg, Alsace 2015 750ML ($26.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Agathe Bursin Gewurztraminer Zinnkoepfle, Alsace Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($41.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Agathe Bursin L’As de B, Alsace 2015 750ML ($21.95) $16.60 pre-arrival special
Agathe Bursin Pinot Blanc Parad’ Aux 2015 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Agathe Bursin Pinot Gris Dirstelberg 2015 750ml ($26.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Agathe Bursin Pinot Gris Zinnkoepfle Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($41.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Agathe Bursin Riesling Dirstelberg, Alsace 2015 750ML ($26.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Agathe Bursin Sylvaner Eminence Zinnkoepfle, Alsace Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($31.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Agathe Bursin Sylvaner Lutzeltal, Alsace 2015 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Every single one of these are the only listing in the USA today!
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Just a reminder about our current shipping specials during this season:
We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25
These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason.
Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment
do not qualify for flat rate shipping.
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Arriving this Friday
Vigneti di Canalupo 09’s
Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo ‘Agamium’ Colline Novaresi, Piedmont 2009 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2009 Colline Novaresei Agamium is floral, bright and deeply expressive, with plenty of lift and red stone fruit character. Feminine and gracious throughout, the 2009 offers considerable grace and plenty of near to medium-term appeal. A final burst of Chambolle-like fruit rounds out the finish.”
Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo Collis Carellae, Ghemme DOCG 2009 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “A big, dense wine, the 2009 Collis Carellae shows the wilder, gamier side of Ghemme. Leather, smoke, cedar, tobacco and menthol make a strong first impression. The 2009 possesses tons of depth and vertical structure. Some of the initial elements of rusticity blow off with air, so readers should be ready to open the 2009 in advance. There is no shortage of personality. That much is clear.”
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Dujac & Montille & Marojallia in May – Oh My!;
Arriving in May
Maison Dujac Fils et Pere Les Damodes, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($99.95) $88 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni–“Dried cherries, tobacco and crushed flowers meld together in the 2011 Nuits St. Georges Les Damodes. The 2011 is soft, juicy and approachable, with plenty of near-term appeal, but less of the structure typical of Damodes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine de Montille Les Greves, Beaune Premier Cru 2007 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90+ points “Medium red. Spicy redcurrant, raspberry, minerals and subtle earth tones on the inviting nose. Then rather reticent and firmly built, with good energy and lift to frame the red berry and spice flavors. Precise, juicy wine with very good aging potential. This is a modest 12.5% alcohol with a rather low 3.4 pH, according to Etienne de Montille.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine de Montille Les Greves, Beaune Premier Cru 2009 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90+ points “The 2009 Beaune Les Grèves is a weighty, powerful wine graced with a solid core of fruit. Hints of smoke, tar and ash add complexity to the dark fruit. This has more than enough energy and sheer heft to develop nicely for at least a few years in bottle. Crushed rocks frame the intense finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine de Montille Les Pezerolles, Pommard Premier Cru 2009 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2009 Pommard Les Pezerolles is rich, round and seductive. Layers of fruit caress the palate in this enveloping, textured Burgundy. There is plenty of intensity in the glass. Hints of hard candy and licorice wrap around the finish. The Pezerolles was made with 100% destemmed fruit. Although I like the wine’s frank immediacy, I also think it will age gracefully.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Chateau Marojallia, Margaux 2009 750ML ($179.95) $138 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 95+ points “This is possibly the finest wine I have ever tasted from this property, run by Jean-Luc Thunevin and his partner Murielle Andraud. An absolutely stunning nose of violets, creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, forest floor and subtle new oak burst from the glass. The wine has great fruit, superb texture, a full-bodied mouthfeel and an extravagantly rich, concentrated palate with low acidity and ripe tannin. Give it another 3-4 years to firm up and lose some baby fat, then drink it over the following 20+ years.” RP
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Knights of Chateauneuf
Vieux Donjon / Chateau Fortia
Chateau Sixtine /Brunier
Arriving in May
Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2014 750ML ($719.95) $636 pre-arrival special
Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2014 375ML ($34.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92-94 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Smoke-accented aromas of red and dark berry preserves, star anise and candied flowers convey a subtle hint of garrigue in the background. Sweet, seamless and broad on the palate, offering concentrated black raspberry and rose pastille flavors that turn spicier with air. Rich but vibrant as well, with no excess fat. Supple tannins build steadily on a very long, incisive finish that leaves behind notes of dark berries and candied flowers.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Vignobles Brunier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Piedlong, Rhone 2012 750ML ($59.95) $46 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Vignobles Brunier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Piedlong, Rhone 2012 750ML ($519.95) $459 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Deep ruby. Assertive aromas of fresh black and blue fruits, potpourri and garrigue, along with hints of cola and anise. Sappy and seamless on the palate, with juicy boysenberry, cassis and floral pastille flavors that flesh out with air. Fine-grained tannins build on the finish, which lingers with excellent tenacity and resonating spiciness.”
Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Baron, Rhone 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Baron, Rhone 2013 750ML ($419.95) $359 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “(aged in old foudres for 16 months): Dark ruby. Smoke-accented cherry, dark berries and cured meat on the deeply scented nose. Lush and open-knit, offering sappy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of cracked pepper. Game and candied lavender qualities linger on the finish, which features velvety tannins and a sweetening touch of cola. On the slightly wild side, but in a good way.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition, Rhone 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition, Rhone 2013 750ML ($419.95) $359 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.92/btl!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “(raised in old foudres for 16 months): Brilliant ruby. Smoke-accented raspberry, cherry and potpourri aromas are sharpened by a peppery nuance. Fleshy, broad and seamless, offering juicy red fruit flavors and a hint of candied lavender. Shows very good depth and focus on the nervy, youthfully tannic and persistent finish, with a hint of garrigue coming on late.”
The case price is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Chateau Sixtine Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2014 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91-93 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Vibrant aromas of blackberry, licorice, garrigue and incense are lifted by a smoky mineral topnote. Gently sweet and expansive in the mouth, offering ripe cherry and dark berry flavors that become livelier and spicier with air. Shows excellent clarity on the long, penetrating finish, which is framed by smooth tannins.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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Saint-Siffrein of Chateauneuf
Arriving in August
Domaine de Saint-Siffrein Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Rhone 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 91 points “A classic white from the region that’s made from mostly from Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne and Bourboulenc, the 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc smells of citrus, freshly picked apple and mint. Very fresh and crisp aromatically (this is the mark of the vintage), it’s more rich than you’d think on the palate and is medium-bodied, nicely textured and finishes with outstanding length. It’s very well done and if you’re looking for a classic white from the region, here you go. I’d drink it over the coming 3-4 years, but it will evolve for longer.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine de Saint-Siffrein Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Domaine de Saint-Siffrein Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2012 375ML ($27.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 90 points “Kicking off the 2012s, Saint Siffrein’s straight Châteauneuf du Pape offers loads of kirsch, mulled spice, blackberry and garrigue in its classic, medium to full-bodied, ripe and textured style. Made from 65% Grenache, 15% each of Mourvedre and Syrah and the rest Cinsault, aged 12 moths in stainless steel and foudre, it’s an outstanding, Provencal effort to drink over the coming 8-10 years.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Saint Siffrein Chateauneuf Terre d’Abel 2012 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 91 points “While the classic Châteauneuf can be described as traditional, the same can’t be said about the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Terre d’Abel. Made from a blend of 50% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache and 20% Syrah that’s aged all in small barrels, it offer loads of chocolate-laced dark fruits, roasted meats, wood spice and licorice to go with a structured, tannic and medium to full-bodied profile on the palate. Regardless of whether it’s typical or not, it’s a smoking bottle of wine that will have 15 years or more of longevity.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine de Saint-Siffrein Cotes du Rhone Villages, Rhone 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Domaine de Saint-Siffrein Cotes du Rhone Villages, Rhone 2014 750ML ($299.95) $246 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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One Last Chance!
Sale Ending Midnight April 30th
Price Goes to $359 on May 1st
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2006 750ML ($699.95) $319 special, 32 bottles remaining
Wine Spectator 97 points “A mix of sweet cherry, raspberry, floral, tobacco, tea and balsamic flavors mingle in this complex and layered red. The acidity and tannins are present and well-integrated as this remains elegant and harmonious on the lingering finish. There’s a racy aspect, with a tobacco and mineral aftertaste. Best from 2016 through 2035.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva comes across as a bit reticent. It reveals lovely detail and nuance, but without the firmness of many other young vintages. Today the 2006 is quite accessible. I will be surprised if it doesn’t start shutting down at some point. Regardless, the 2006 appears to be built more on finesse rather than power. Freshly cut flowers, hard candy and licorice are layered into the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2046.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $499
The average price is $626
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