In Today’s Newsletter:
Diamond Creek: Iconic Wines at Icon June Sale Prices
Trending: Hot Wines of the Week
Montevertine’s Landmark Tuscan Treasure
2005 Giacosa: A Vinopolis Cellared Treasure
A Producer’s Dream Vintage: Raynolds on ’16 N. Rhone
A Tour Through the Bargain Garden of France
Napa Highlights: More June Clearance Deals
Bonus Feature: 2016 Fevre Le Clos
James Sucklings’ Highlight 2016 White Burgundy!
Diamond Creek
A California Icon
At Iconic, June Sale, Pricing
Diamond Creek invented much of what we think of as pillars of cult California Cabernet. The single vineyard bottlings, the exclusive mailing list and the high price tags all seemed to spring from this tiny estate on the hillsides of Diamond Mountain. The wines are as iconic as ever—monuments to the greatness of their Napa terroir.
Stylistically, these are powerful Cabernets. Although there are distinct differences between the three vineyards, the wines show a common vein of Diamond Mountain ruggedness—an intensity of flavor and minerality that’s unique to the AVA. Diamond Creek manages to harness it to produce wines that dazzle with their complexity and age worthiness; wines that rival the finest in Bordeaux.
We have the three single vineyards from Diamond Creek in stock now and have just added them to our June Clearance Sale at what are (relatively) the lowest of low prices. These are wines that are incredibly discounted and perfect for a prime spot in your cellar. The major critics haven’t yet reviewed the trio (though the 2014’s were all in the 95-97 point range from Vinous, for example), but the venerable (by blog standards) Ken’s Wine Guide has tried two to a great deal of excitement.
Diamond Creek On Our June Sale & In Stock Now:
Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2015 750ML ($249.95) Was $225, Now $179 Clearance Price
Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2015 375ML ($149.95) Was $119, Now $99 Clearance Price
(The 2014 scored 97 points from Antonio Galloni)
Ken’s Wine Guide 96 points “This dark red colored Cabernet Sauvignon from Diamond Creek is Excellent! It opens with a cassis and black cherry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium to full bodied, balanced and super smooth. The flavor profile is a tasty cassis and minerality blend with notes of mild oak. I also detected hints of blueberry and green olive. The finish is dry and its well-managed tannins drift away so nicely. This Cab would be a perfect pairing with a filet mignon. Enjoy – Ken”
Winery notes: “Volcanic Hill is comprised of 8 acres of south facing hillside vineyard. It is the warmest of all our micro-climates. The color of the soil is gray, and the consistency is that of fluffy, volcanic ash, originally deposited from the eruption of Mt. Konocti 8 million years ago. Volcanic Hill is the longest lived of our wines. Our winemaker describes these wines as “full bodied, loaded with intense ripe berry fruit, cassis, violets and a smoky richness, finishing with good length and firm tannins. The Volcanic Hill bottling includes a small amount of the extra-ordinary Petit Verdot grape.”
The next best price is $189.99
The average price is $213
This is the only listing in the USA today for the half-bottle
(The 2014 scored 95 points from Antonio Galloni)
Ken’s Wine Guide 93 points (Very Good+) “This bright red colored Cabernet Sauvignon from Diamond Creek is very good. It opens with a fragrant red raspberry bouquet with a hint of cranberry. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced and smooth. The flavor profile is cherry-vanilla with a pebbly minerality. I also detected hints of cola and red plum. The finish is dry and it fades away nicely. I would pair this very good Cab offering with a filet mignon. Enjoy – Ken”
Winery notes: “Red Rock Terrace, a warm microclimate, is 7 acres of north facing vineyard. The red tinted soil is high in iron content. The wine from Red Rock Terrace is the most accessible and earliest drinkable of all our wines. Our winemaker describes Red Rock Terrace as “having velvety tannins, rich and well balanced, medium dark ruby color with cherry, mint and black currant flavors.”
The next best price is $189
The average price is $213
This is the only listing in the USA today for the half-bottle
(The 2014 scored 95 points from Antonio Galloni)
Winery notes: “Our second coolest micro-climate is our five-acre Gravelly Meadow vineyard. Originally a pre-historic river bed, this stony, gravelly soil drains rapidly and the vines struggle for moisture. Gravelly Meadow is our lowest yielding vineyard. The wines are described as “earthy, cedary, jammy and ripe blackberry with a spicy expansive finish.”
The next best price is $192.99
The average price is $210
This is the only listing in the USA today for the half-bottleWant to see all of the incredible deals in the June Clearance Sale?See the complete list at the bottom of this newsletter!
Trending:
The Hottest Wines of the Week
In Stock Now
Wine Enthusiast 97 points– Cellar Selection “Still young but already boasting extraordinary pedigree, this fantastic wine opens with hallmark scents of wild berry, new leather, chopped herb, tilled soil and a whiff of violet. The polished, full-bodied palate delivers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and licorice while youthfully assertive, noble tannins and bright acidity provide age-worthy structure. A pipe tobacco note lingers on the finish. Drink 2023–2038.”
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “The Barbaresco Riserva Montefico shows all the energy and focus that is typical of this great site, but there is so much depth to the fruit that some of the more angular contours have been softened. Bright saline-infused notes lead to wild flowers and an exotic melange of red fruits in this beautifully delineated, vivid Barbaresco. All the elements are simply in the right place.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “This beefy red evokes cherry, licorice, herb, mineral and tobacco aromas and flavors. Rich and densely structured, with iron, tobacco and cherry notes lingering on the long finish. Best from 2023 through 2035.”Piaggia Il Sasso, Carmignano DOCG 2015 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special
Case-12 Piaggia Il Sasso, Carmignano DOCG 2015 750ML ($419.95) $339 special (that’s only $28.25/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Piaggia’s 2015 Carmignano Il Sasso is rich, ample and voluptuous in what is a very representative expression of the year. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice, tobacco and dried herbs develop in the glass, but the 2015 is all about fruit intensity and texture. There is not much subtlety here, but wow, is the 2015 gorgeous.”
Case-12 Domaine Lafage Novellum Chardonnay, IGP Cotes Catalanes 2016 750ML ($179.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points – Wine Advocate “A sensational wine that will compete with wines five times the price, the 2016 Novellum Chardonnay is the real deal and actually reminded me of a Chardonnay from Mark Aubert in California’s Sonoma County. White peach, crushed rocks, spice and brioche notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied Chardonnay that has depth, layered texture and length. Buy it.”Charles Smith K Vintners Morrison Lane Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2014 Syrah Morrison Lane Vineyard from Walla Walla offers a perfumed bouquet of incense, white pepper, plum and hoisin sauce, as well as full-bodied richness, building tannin and a great finish. It needs short term cellaring to integrate those tannin, but is an impressive Syrah.”Chateau La Vieille Cure, Fronsac 2014 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2014 La Vieille Cure is soft, supple and radiant throughout. Succulent red cherry, sweet tobacco, raspberry and flowers all flesh out in a deep, expressive Fronsac endowed with real class. Bright fruit-toned fruit and lively acids give the 2014 its distinctive personality. The interplay of succulent fruit and lifted aromatics is compelling.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Ripe and structured, this sports a vivid core of cassis and plum that races along, with fine-grained structure and light anise, bay and chalk notes hanging in the background. The long finish has cut and drive, with the cassis accent pushing through with determination. Rock-solid. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2018 through 2026.”
James Suckling 96 points “Beautiful clarity on the nose with lavender, raspberry and violet aromas. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, fresh and simply fantastic finish. Best ever. Better in 2021.”Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Brand, Alsace Grand Cru 2014 750ML ($99.95) $69 special
James Suckling 96 points “A dense and linear riesling with sliced limes, lemons and flint. Bright and precise. Full-bodied, layered and beautiful. Great finish to this. Big and flavorful. Yet not showy. Drink now.”
The next best price is $89.94
Wine Spectator 91 points “Stylish, with a perfumed mix of raspberry, cassis, bergamot, rooibos tea and mineral notes. Offers a long, silky finish. Shows lots of charm. Drink now through 2021. 3,450 cases made.”
Montevertine’s Pergole TorteFantastic Pricing on the Tuscan Icon
One of Chianti’s greatest wines isn’t labeled as a Chianti, despite being made in the heart of the Classico zone. This, on face, isn’t surprising, because lots of winemakers in Tuscany use Cabernet or make wines that are otherwise unlike traditional Chianti and bottle them as IGT wines, but Montevertine is different. Montevertine originally left the appellation because at the time, white grapes were required to call a wine Chianti and Sergio Manetti, the owner, wanted to make a wine that was 100% Sangiovese, a scandalous thing at the time. Thus Le Pergole Torte was born.
Time has gone by and rules have changed, but the wines of Montevertine, despite being very traditional in style, are not called Chianti, out of pride and because the wines have built their own following. Le Pergole Torte is the top wine that the Manetti family makes and is among the most expensive wines made in Chianti. It’s a special wine, though, one that stops conversation everytime you get a chance to taste it. This is one of the icons of Tuscany and at this price, should be a star of your cellar, as well.
Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($134.95) $108 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The flagship 2014 Le Pergole Torte possesses striking depth, nuance and pliancy, all in the midweight, slightly slender style of the vintage. Sweet red cherry, plum, cinnamon, dried flowers, mint, cinnamon and pomegranate infuse this super-expressive, sexy Pergole Torte.”
James Suckling 96 points “A transparent wine with flowers, dark fruit and citrus fruit on the nose. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a bright and fresh finish. I love the dynamic cherry and vivid floral character. Mineral, too. Bright acidity. This is one of the best wines of the 2014 vintage in Tuscany. Auguri. Drink or hold.”
The average price is $125
A Vinopolis-Cellared Treasure:Giacosa’s Incredible 2005 Barolo Falletto
Now Entering Its Prime Drinking Window
A Barolo legend to enjoy now, or in the years to come…
We have several original import cases of 2005 Bruno Giacosa Falletto Barolo DOCG that have been in our (temperature-controlled) care almost 10 years:
“In my opinion, the 2005 Barolos are the best balanced of the last decade.” – Sergio Germano, winemaker, Ettore Germano estate, Serralunga d’Alba
The perfect marriage of Bruno Giacosa and his winemaker Dante Scaglioni came full circle with the classic 2005 vintage. Just a few years shy of Scaglioni’s resignation in order to pursue his own label, this bottling presents the absolute best of their 16-year partnership. As we revisit tasting notes and scores, it comes to our attention that this cuvee from the now deceased Signore Giacosa is just beginning to enter the early stages of a drinking window which will extend, most likely, across many years. We raise our glass to that!Falletto di Bruno Giacosa ‘Falletto’, Barolo DOCG 2005 750ML ($249.95) Buy Now: $169 special, 36+ bottles availableAntonio Galloni 94 points “The 2005 Barolo Falletto offers up a gorgeous bouquet of red cherries, flowers, spices and menthol. This is a relatively delicate, elegant Barolo Falletto yet it offers gorgeous balance, tons of inner perfume and a long, refined finish. It is one of the overachievers in 2005. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”WA
Stephen Tanzer 94 points “Medium red. Backward yet precise aromas of red cherry, blood orange, dried flowers and spices; there’s something almost Chambolle-like about this. Then suave and silky in the mouth, but with superb density and energy to the savory red fruit and spice flavors. Finishes very long and chewy, with a broad dusting of tannins and sneaky length.”
The average price is $208
A Producer’s “Dream Vintage”Josh Raynolds Delivers Great News
on the 2016 Northern Rhones
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Bright violet. Vibrant and focused on the nose, displaying intense blue fruit, olive and cracked pepper scents and a hint of cola. Appealingly sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering juicy boysenberry and cola flavors and a touch of allspice. Supple tannins build steadily on the clinging finish, which features rounded tannins and a hint of candied flowers. “
The next best price is $27.59
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90-92 points “(no new oak) Bright violet. Lively and focused on the nose, displaying spice-accented blue fruit, olive and floral scents and a hint of earthiness. Juicy boysenberry and bitter cherry flavors show very good depth and clarity and betray no excess fat. A smoky mineral note builds steadily on the long, floral-tinged finish, which is framed by smooth tannins. This wine should be quite approachable soon after release, as will many examples from the vintage.”
The average price nationally is $29
Emmanuel Darnaud Saint Joseph La Dardouille, Rhone 2016 1.5L ($99.95) $89 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “(no stems; raised in a combination of one- to three-year-old barriques and demi-muids) Brilliant violet. Potent, mineral-accented black and blue fruit, spicecake and floral pastille aromas show outstanding clarity and pick up a smoky mineral nuance with air. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering vibrant bitter cherry, blueberry and star anise flavors that deepen and spread out steadily on the back half. Finishes floral, sweet and impressively long, displaying repeating spiciness and well-knit tannins.”
The next best price is $41.25
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “(made from destemmed fruit and raised in one-third new oak barriques and demi-muids) Deep bright-rimmed ruby. Smoke-accented black and blue fruits, mocha and a hint of olive paste on the perfumed nose. Silky, sweet and open-knit, offering energetic blackberry, cola and vanilla flavors that are energized by a vein of juicy acidity. Shows the energy of the vintage and finishes long and silky, with even tannins building slowly and adding shape and subtle grip.”
The next best price is $26.25Incredible Value – Arriving Friday, June 15th:
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “Bright purple. A complex, expansive bouquet evokes candied dark berries, olive, smoked meat and incense, and floral and mineral notes build steadily. Sweet, focused and penetrating on the palate, offering sappy boysenberry, cherry and violet pastille flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Impressively blends concentration and energy and finishes with impressive, gently tannic persistence.”
The next best price is $68.95
The average price is $72Arriving in July:
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “Lurid ruby. High-pitched red and dark berry scents are complemented by exotic spice and floral pastille accents. Sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry, cherry cola and violet flavors sharpened by a spicy jolt of cracked pepper. Shows impressive purity and no rough edges on a very long, silky, floral-driven finish.”
The next best price is $61.99
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94-96 points “Bright purple. Powerful, smoke-accented aromas of ripe dark berries, licorice, olive and incense on the deeply perfumed nose. Juicy and sharply delineated on the palate, offering concentrated, mineral-accented boysenberry, cherry liqueur and spicecake flavors that show alluring sweetness and no rough edges. In an ample but energetic style, finishing sweet and extremely long; building tannins contribute framework and youthful grip.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arriving in August:
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95-97 points “(vines over 100 years old vines and no new oak) Brilliant purple. A complex, expansive bouquet evokes fresh black and blue fruits, Asian spices, incense, smoky minerals and olive paste. Deeply concentrated yet lively boysenberry, cherry pie, spicecake and bitter chocolate flavors are underscored by a building mineral quality. Shows a compelling blend of depth and litheness and finishes on a youthfully tannic note, displaying remarkable clarity and insistent mineral character. I don’t think I have ever tasted as profound a wine as this one from Vincent Paris, who seems to be one of the most underrated and under-the-radar producers in the northern Rhône.”Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60, Rhone 2016 750ML ($69.95) $55 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93-95 points “(no new oak) Inky ruby. Smoke-accented black and blue fruits, licorice and olive on the intensely perfumed nose. Plush, sweet and broad on the palate, offering sweet blackberry, cassis and spicecake flavors that are energized by a vein of juicy acidity. Shows excellent depth as well as energy and finishes extremely long and smooth; rounded tannins build steadily and add shape and gentle grip to the lush, creamy dark fruit.”Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 30, Rhone 2016 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 30, Rhone 2016 750ML ($419.95) $359 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.91/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “(no new oak) Opaque ruby. Potent, mineral-accented dark berry scents are complicated by floral oil and peppery spice nuances. Smooth and seamless on the palate, offering gently sweet black raspberry, blueberry and violet pastille flavors that become livelier with air. Sappy and open-knit, closing with solid thrust, silky, even tannins and strong persistence.
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “Deep violet. An expansive, highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe cherry and boysenberry, and suave mocha and floral accents build in the glass. Broad and weighty but lively as well, offering sweet dark fruit, spicecake and violet pastille flavors supported by a spine of smoky minerality. Rounded tannins build steadily on the finish, which displays excellent clarity and spice-tinged persistence. “
The average price is $52
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “Lurid violet. Vibrant and focused on the nose, displaying fresh, mineral-inflected black and blue fruit scents and hints of incense and black cardamom. Shows impressive energy and spicy lift to the sweet boysenberry and black raspberry flavors, which pick up a smoky aspect with air. Displays outstanding clarity and appealing sweetness on the floral-accented finish, which is shaped by silky, even tannins. This is showing more liveliness but marginally less richness than the Les Granits right now.”
A Loire Tour:Exploring the “Bargain Garden of France”
David Schildknecht once described the Loire as the “bargain garden of France” in a Wine Advocate article. We tend to agree with him—it seems as though everywhere we look along the lengthy river we find wines that are excellent deals. We don’t just mean at the low end of the market either, as some of the most expensive wines from the Loire are often incredible value compared to their peers.
Whether you’re after racy whites, bright and fresh reds or richer, more powerful versions of both colors (plus some excellent rosé) the Loire Valley is a source of a laundry list of notable wines.
Starting from the mouth of the river we find Muscadet, the crisp, white wines made from Melon de Bourgogne. These are perfect summer whites for the patio or winter wines to pair with oysters and all manner of shellfish. Moving upriver, you hit Anjou and it’s subregions—the white grape of choice is now Chenin Blanc, probably dry (ala Savennieres, the most notable AOC in Anjou, but occasionally sweet (Quarts de Chaume/Layon). Reds come from Cabernet Franc, mostly, though some more obscure varieties sneak into the picture as well.
Next to Anjou is Saumur, known for excellent bubbly, and some of the most powerful red wines in the Loire, made from Cabernet Franc. Touraine, perhaps the most famous of all of the Loire regions is next, and is home to Vouvray (Chenin, dry to sweet), Bourgueil, and Chinon (Cabernet Franc). Don’t sleep on the light red wines of Cheverny, though—blends of varying preportions of Franc, Pinot, Gamay and occasionally Côt. They can be real charmers and are often radically undervalued for the deliciousness they provide.
Finally, we hit the upper Loire, home of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. It’s the latter that’s the name to know, actually, as Sancerre’s neighbor tends to fly in the shadows and is therefore the much better deal for Sauvignon Blanc in France. These are wines you should be drinking and to get you started, we’ve got a list of some of the best picks from the region. If you want to see all 73 of our wines in stock from the Loire, just click here to view a full list on our website!
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Clisson, Loire 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Clisson, Loire 2015 1.5L ($64.95) $51.90 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Winery Note “Set in the Clisson Valley, in the heart of the “Muscadet” appellation, the production area of this “cru” is on the best hillsides of the “Sèvre et Maine” region. The cru CLISSON is produced on the most southern part of the armoricain massif. The granitic subsoil is covered with gravels and sand or clays associated with river shingles. The deep-rooting is provided by the high draining qualities of these soils, which gives all the essential minerals to this exceptional cru. Fruit of much hard work, the grapes are pressed carefully. After fermentation, the ageing begins. The yeasts which compose the “lie” are regularly stirred in the vats. This technique, called “bâtonnage” in French, gives a great aromatic complexity and gustatory richness to this wine. A minimum two-year maturing provides this cru CLISSON with a great ageing potential. Served decanted at 12°-14°, this powerful, charming, exceptionally delicate wine is the ideal aperitif. Naturally served with scallop, smoked salmon and other fish cooked in a sauce, it twill astound you with a pan-fried “foie gras” (duck livers preserved in fat) or with mature cheese such as goat cheese or Comté.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
VinopolNote: A sweet wine made from 100% Chenin Blanc
Winery note “A wine with the sweetness of Anjou, whose palate is velvety and round, and the ending is dominated by a pleasant freshness with notes of exotic fruits. The development of Botrytis cinerea as noble rot is best produced by alternating dry and wet periods. The damp nights, dew and morning mists of the Layon valley will stimulate the fungus, while the autumn sun of the afternoon will restrict its growth. So the specific conditions are met to develop a great sweet wine.”
VinopolNote: Located in Montreuil-Bellay, this vineyard was planted to Cabernet Franc in 1955. The soils here are clay under a layer of sand and gravel. The grapes are grown organically with a local pruning technique known as Guyau Val de Loire. At harvest, the grapes are completely destemmed before macerating for up to two months. The wine is fermented with natural yeasts before being aged for 12 months in 2-3 year old oak barrels.June Clearance Sale Wine!
Thierry Germain Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny La Marginale, Loire 2015 750ML ($59.95) $29 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Cabernet Franc. Biodynamic. Marginale is Germain’s old-vines cuvée, drawn from parcels on the limestone Fosse de Chaintre (lieux-dits of les Dares and Clos Maurice) and from a small parcel of old vines on Turonian limestone in Les Poyeux. Made from the estates oldest and lowest yielding Cabernet Franc vines, the wine is given an extra 6 months élevage. Perhaps more than any other red, Marginale encapsulates the metamorphoses of Germain’s wines from powerhouse intensity to the profound elegance that today defines this domaine’s reds. The wine is now raised in large 25-hectolitre foudre ) for 12 months before finishing its elevage in three-year-old Burgundian piéces purchased from a grower in Vosne-Romanée. Since 2013, Germain has also managed his vines and harvest to deliver ripeness at lower beaume, as well as employing a shorter maceration. The resulting wines have been more balanced and comparatively low in alcohol.”
The next best price is $49.99
Wine Spectator 89 points “Features a fresh red currant and pomegranate fruit core, laced with light chalk, savory and green olive accents, maintaining chalky cut through the light-bodied finish. Approachable, but pure and balanced enough to cellar for a touch. Drink now through 2020. 115 cases imported.”
The average price is $25
Case-6 Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Demi-Sec, Loire 2016 750ML ($299.95) $249 special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Gorgeous, with creamy-edged nectarine, yellow and green apple, pear and quince flavors that are brightly defined from start to finish, flecked with verbena and honeysuckle hints and backed by a off-dry edge on the finish. Stays fresh and pure throughout. Tempting now but there’s no rush. Drink now through 2032.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “From 30-year-old vines on calcareous loam soils, the 2016 Vouvray Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec offers a clear, pure, fine and intensely aromatic bouquet with tropical fruit and chalky aromas. Round, lush and exotic on the palate, with a silky texture and salty piquancy on the finish, the 2016 needs up to a decade to integrate the 19 grams of residual sugar. The finish is lovey, concentrated, juicy and well structured, with a lingering and stimulating salinity. Tasted February 2018.”Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Haut Lieu’ Sec, Loire 2016 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
John Gilman 90 points “The 2016 Le Haut Lieu Sec from Domaine Huet is a pretty wine and much less powerful than the 2015 version. The wine offers up lovely youthful aromatics of quince, tart pineapple, chalky minerality, orange peel, lanolin, a whisper of the honeycomb to come with bottle age and a gently floral top note. On the palate the wine is crisp, full-bodied and nicely detailed, with good, but not great depth at the core, sound acids and very nice length and grip on the nascently complex finish. I like the shape of this wine very much, which does not have quite as much in reserve as many recent vintages of this bottling, but which has plenty of complexity and really impeccable balance. It may well age like the 1988 vintage here. 2017-2045.”
Jancis Robinson 17/20 “Already has the lanolin character very prominently on the nose, then fairly light-bodied fruit with a ripe, tropical citrus character, plus a bit of peach. Perhaps a little brief, but has lovely typical Chenin funkiness. Drink 2017-2022.”
Case-12 Andre Dezat & Fils Domaine Thibault Pouilly-Fume, Loire 2017 750ML ($269.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
VinopolNote: The Dezat family name is basically etched into the historical record of Sancerre; municipal records refer to the Dezats as early as 1550. In 1948, André Dezat took over his family’s vineyard holdings and took an active role in promoting the domaine as well as Sancerre-at-large. His sons Louis and Simon joined him in the 1970’s, and in the ensuing years have expanded to now include Sancerre, Menetou Salon, and Pouilly Fume.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Want to see all the wines in stock now from the Loire?
June Clearance SaleMore Napa Highlights!
Kapcsandy Family Winery State Lane Vineyard Grand-Vin Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2015 750ML ($499.95) Was $449, Now $389 Clearance Price, 5 bottles in stock nowWine Advocate 99 points “Composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard sports a deep purple-black color and has a classic nose of crushed black currants, black plums and cedar with hints of dried Mediterranean herbs, underbrush, smoked meats and cloves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has youthful exuberance with tight-knit, muscular black fruits and spicy suggestions framed by firm, grainy tannins, finishing with great length and depth. Should age incredibly!”
Robert Parker 98-100 points “Another potentially perfect wine, with off-the-charts richness, is their largest cuvée of 700 cases, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard. The wine is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot harvested Sept. 10-25. Notes of graphite, black chocolate, crème de cassis, blackberry and subtle smoke are all present in this dense, seamless, full-bodied wine that has magnificent fruit purity, richness and depth. This is a 30-year wine, and a fabulous one at that.”
The average price is $391
Wine Advocate 95+ points “A blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot, the 2014 Rapszodia has a deep garnet-purple color and wonderfully spicy nose of cloves, vanilla and cinnamon stick over a core of red and black currants, black cherries and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied with plenty of baking spice flavors complementing the ripe, expressive red and black berry flavors, it has a very fine-grained texture and plenty of freshness, finishing long.”
Robert Parker 98-100 points “Their 100% Cabernet Franc cuvee, the 2015 Rapszodia Proprietary Red, spent its whole life in 100% new French oak and is an exhilarating wine with off-the-charts richness, an exquisite bouquet of spring flowers, forest floor, rich blue and black fruits, voluptuous texture, incredibly fine, silky tannins, and, for a Kapcsandy wine, relatively elevated alcohol at 14.5%. This is a “wow” wine that should drink beautifully young and last 20-30+ years.”
Wine Advocate 98 points “Made from 100% Merlot, the 2015 Merlot Roberta’s Reserve has a deep garnet-purple color and gorgeous nose of black plums, warm blueberries and mocha with touches of anise, red roses and spice box. Medium to full-bodied and densely packed with layers of blue and black fruits and perfumed notions, it has a firm yet plush backbone to support and a very long, layered finish.”
Robert Parker 95-98 points “Their 100% Merlot cuvée, the 2015 Merlot Roberta’s Reserve, is another fabulous product with outstanding purity, great balance, loads of chocolate, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, silky, juicy tannins and terrific concentration, depth and overall balance. It will also be approachable upon release and last 20-25 years.”
Now it’s even lower!Browse the complete list of our June Sale wines below!
Bonus Offer!Illustrious Chablis
James Sucklings’ Top White Pick for Brilliant Burgundy in the 2016 Vintage!
James Suckling 96 points “The complexity, concentration and drive make this an excellent Clos in 2016. The fruits vary from citrus to exotic stone fruits. Green tropical and white floral notes, too. The palate has a staggeringly concentrated core of acid-drenched lemons, lime, peaches and green mangoes. Incredible depth, high acidity and a very long finish. A great Clos! Drink or hold.”