vinopolis 05 september 2011 newsletter

special hours today – labor day- 10am to 4pm

 

new week –new arrivals

 

USA:

Lundeen Pinot Noir Reserve 2009 ($29.95) $26 net special

Ken Wright Pinot Noir Abbott Claim 2009 ($59.95) $47 net re-release special Wine Spectator 93

“Light on its feet, but shows some flesh to the raspberry, cherry, cream and cinnamon flavors, pulsing gently against polished tannins on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2019”

Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard 2008 ($69.95) $59 net special Wine Advocate 95 points

“The 2008 Champoux Vineyard is made up of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. It sports an inviting bouquet of sandalwood, rose petal, Asian spices, a hint of leather, black currant, and blackberry. This is followed by a succulent, plush, pleasure-bent wine that deftly conceals enough structure to evolve for 5-7 years.”

Januik Syrah Lewis Vineyard  2009 ($31.95) $28 net special Wine Spectator 93 points

Smooth and inviting, with hints of bay leaf and tomato leaf adding depth to the ripe blackberry and cassis flavors, finishing with an earthy cast. Offers depth and savory complexity. Drink now through 2018.”

Shafer Vineyards Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch 2009 ($49.95) $41.90 net special Tanzer 90

“Bright, pale yellow-gold.  Aromas of lemon drop, citrus blossom and fresh herbs.  Juicy, intense and light on its feet, with a strong floral character providing lift to the flavors of lemon, apple and spices.”

Shafer Vineyards Merlot Napa 2008 ($59.95) $49 net special Stephen Tanzer 90

“ Redcurrant, cherry, cedar and rose petal on the nose.  Supple, silky and sweet, with an essentially gentle quality to the red fruit flavors.  Finishes with suave, fine-grained tannins and very good length.  This juicy merlot wears its alcohol gracefully”

Shafer Vineyards Cabernet Stags Leap 2008 ($69.95) $61.90 net special Robert Parker 92 points

“The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five should turn out to be just as good. Slightly more powerful with sweeter fruit as well as more glycerin and fat, this is a big, full-bodied Stags Leap Cabernet offering abundant notes of roasted herbs, chocolate, cassis, incense and earth. Drink this deep, powerful 2008 over the next 10-15 years.”

AUSTRALIA:

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2008 ($19.95) $12.50 net super special Wine Spectator 90 points

“distinctive for its greengage plum and gooseberry aromas and flavors, finishing with integrity and length. Drink now-2020. “

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2007 ($89.95) $69 net super special Wine Advocate 95 points

“ still youthfully mute revealing a moderate intensity of peaches, oatmeal, chalk, lemon zest, ginger, anise and jasmine with the oak barely perceptible in the background. Rich, ripe, full bodied yet wonderfully structured with crisp acidity and a real minerality, this beauty has a very long finish with the oak integration already nearly seamless. Consider drinking it from 2013 to 2020+.”

Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vyd Chardonnay 2006 ($39.95) $24 net super special Wine Advocate 90 points

“The 2006 Chardonnay Prelude Vineyard was barrel-fermented and aged in one-third new French oak. Medium straw-colored, it offers up an alluring bouquet of buttered toast, spiced apple, and tropical notes. Crisp and refreshing on the palate, it has superior depth, ripe flavors of pineapple and mango, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish.”

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2005 ($39.95) $24 net super special Wine Advocate 91 points

“While Leeuwin Estate’s red wines remain a step behind the whites, the 2005 Art Series Shiraz is first-class. Purple-colored, it exhibits an expressive nose of cedar, spice box, leather, black cherry, and plum. Medium-bodied, smooth-textured, and ripe, it has excellent grip and depth, some early complexity, and solid length”

Leeuwin Estate Art Siblings Shiraz 2004 ($19.95) $11.90 net super special Stephen Tanzer 89 points

“Deep red. Pure red berry aromas are deepened by woodsmoke, licorice and black cardamom. Juicy and fresh, with energetic raspberry and cherry flavors, gentle acidity, and a soft, silky texture. Finishes with a refreshing jolt of bitter cherry skin and very good length.”

Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz Barossa 2006 ($39.95) $24 net super special Wine Advocate 92 points

“The 2006 Covenant Shiraz was aged in French and American oak, 30% new. Five percent Viognier was co-fermented with the Shiraz. Saturated purple in color, it exhibits an alluring bouquet of pain grille, violets, truffle, espresso, and blueberry. Intense and rich on the palate, this layered, nearly opulent Shiraz has gobs of spicy, savory blue fruits, excellent concentration, and several years of aging potential. This pleasure-bent wine will be in its prime from 2011 to 2021.”

John Duval Entity Shiraz 2004 ($44.95) $29 net super special Wine Advocate 94 points only 10 bottles

“The 2006 Entity is a 100% Shiraz cuvee exhibiting a bit more restraint than the Plexus. It presents an aromatic array of smoke, pepper, Asian spices, tar, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. On the palate it is full-bodied, smooth-textured, deep, and intensely flavored but not over the top. Its impeccable balance should permit 5-7 years of additional cellaring and it should offer prime drinking from 2014 to 2028. It, too, is a superb value.”

John Duval Plexus GSM 2007 ($44.95) $29 net super special Wine Advocate 92 points only 6 bottles

“The 2007 Plexus Grenache (28%)-Shiraz (51%)-Mourvedre (21%) was aged for 16 months in predominantly seasoned French oak. It is dark ruby-colored with a perfumed nose of cedar, tobacco, lavender, kirsch, and black cherry. Velvety-textured, rich, and concentrated, it is packed with flavor, is impeccably balanced, and will drink well for a decade.”

DEUTSCHLAND:

JJ Prum Graacher Himmelreich Auslese 2006 ($49.95) $39 net special Wine Spectator 95 points “Seamless from start to finish. Aromas of rose, slate and smoke segue into lime and peach flavors in this elegant, stately white. Crisp and transparent, with precise balance and a classic Mosel profile. Has a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2035.” Only 6 bottles left

JJ Prum Graacher Himmelreich Spatlese 2006 ($34.95) $26.90 net special Stephen Tanzer 90 points “Pale, green-tinged yellow. Fresh bouquet of bosc pear, white cherry and apple blossom. Delicately sweet on the palate, offering a nice interplay of apricot and luscious citricity. Although unusually rich for a spatlese from this estate, the long finish offers lipsmacking elegance.”

JJ Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spatlese 2006 ($39.95) $33 net special Wine Spectator 93 points “Aromatic, offering smoke, slate, peach and floral aromas and picking up a lime accent on the palate. Lighter than air, with a silky texture and a long, tangy aftertaste. There’s a nice combination of intensity and delicacy. Drink now through 2030.”

FRANCE:

Pol Roger Extra Cuvee de Reserve Brut 2000 ($99.95) $79 net special Wine Enthusiast 94, Spectator 93

“An elegant version, whose silky texture meshes seamlessly with the grapefruit, apple and ginger flavors. Detailed and harmonious, with a graphite accent on the finish. Drink now through 2024″ WS

Veuve Cliquot Le Grande Dame Brut Rose 1998 ($299.95) $269 net special Stephen Tanzer 92 points

“Copper-pink with a frothy mousse. Smoky strawberry and cherry aromas are complicated by buttered toast, blood orange and dried flowers. Deep and chewy, with vivid red berry and bitter cherry flavors underscored by dusty minerals. Gains power on the broad, focused and gently nutty finish. Already complex, and ready to drink.”

Billecart-Salmon Brut Cuvee Nicolas Francois Billecart 2000 ($129.95) $99 net special Stephen Tanzer 92

“Bright gold. Intensely perfumed scents of dried pear, nectarine, peach skin and musky flowers, with a bright mineral overtone. Deep in orchard fruit and citrus flavors but there’s a weightless quality to this Champagne that’s really intriguing. Very pure and precise on the finish, with the peach and floral qualities echoing. This would be superb with simple fish preparations.’

Regis Forey Nuits St Georges 2006 ($49.95) $29 net super special Stephen Tanzer 89 points

“Good full red. Reticent, dark aromas of cassis and licorice. Then surprisingly silky on the palate, but with good power behind the black fruit and licorice flavors. Less aromatic and detailed than the Vosne villages but more powerful and solid on the back end.”

Regis Forey Vosne-Romanee 2006 ($49.95) $29 net super special Stephen Tanzer 89 points

“Good deep red. Aromas of black fruits, menthol and licorice. Sweet and flavorful, but with rather serious structural underpinning. Finishes with substantial chewy, tongue-dusting tannins and hints of iron and flowers. Nicely balanced, brisk wine.”

Simon Bize Bourgogne Rouge Les Perrieres 2009 ($29.95) $26 net special Burghound

“A ripe, fresh and unusually complex nose of violets, red berry fruit and earth that gives way to rich, firm and equally complex flavors that are long, serious and deep. A terrific Bourgogne and easily delivers villages-level quality plus it will age if desired.”

Simon Bize Savigny Les Beaune Les Bourgeots 2009 ($54.95) $44 net special Burghound 88-91 points “Here the nose is similar if a bit more elegant with more obvious floral influence that slides into ripe, pure and solidly complex middle weight flavors that possess even better overall depth and length. This is a potentially outstanding Savigny villages.”

Simon Bize Savigny Les Beaune Aux Vergelesses 2009 ($69.95) $59 net special Burghound 92-94

“This possesses the most elegant nose among these Savigny 1ers with complex and fresh aromas of violets, plum, earth, wet stone and a smoky hint that precede rich, intense, detailed and highly energetic middle weight flavors that are shaped by the very firm tannins on the impressively persistent finish. “

Simon Bize Savigny Les Beaune Aux Vergelesses 2008 ($59.95) $49 net special John Gilman 93 points ” jumps from the glass in a beautiful mélange of black raspberries, orange peel, cassis, espresso and a great base of minerality. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very, very transparent, with a rock solid core of fruit, zesty acids, ripe, suave tannins and stunning length and grip on the poised and focused finish.. Stellar stuff. 2016-2040.”

Pas St Martin La Vie en Rose Saumur NV ($21.95) $17.90 net special

“Methode Ancestrale”. This method pre-dates the “Methode Champenoise” and employs one interrupted fermentation rather than an induced second fermentation. Centuries ago fermentation would stop naturally or at least retard due to the cooling temperatures in the late fall and winter. The warmer temperatures of spring would reenergize and recommence the fermentation. The “Methode Ancestrale” takes advantage of this natural cycle by taking the partially fermented juice and bottling it in the spring where it finishes its fermentation. Laurent Charrier makes this sparkling wine from Grolleau Noir that is grown in his Anjou vineyard. Grolleau Noir is a centuries old grape type native to the Loire and one that is used primarily in Rosé d’Anjou.—all this and tasty too!

Chais St Laurent Chinon La Vigne en Veron 2009 ($13.95) $11.90 net special

“This Chinon comes from the villages of Riviere, Beaumont-en-Veron and Savigny-en-Veron. The soils here are a mix of Argilo-Calcaire and gravel which tend to produce wines that are a bit more approachable with soft tannins and lovely fruit. The core of the blend is a cuvee of old vines (45-50 years) raised mostly in used barriques, 1-3 years old. The balance is aged in tank, creating a wine that is bright, fresh and aromatic, with lovely cut. A perfect wine for picnics or by-the-glass in bistro-like settings.”

Domaine Pallieres Gigondas 2006 magnums ($59.95) $49 net special Stephen Tanzer 92 points

( vines averaging 75 years of age) Medium red. Complex nose offers scents of strawberry, raspberry, fresh flowers, minerals and Asian spices. Focused and pure, reminiscent of a serious Burgundy, with sweet red berry flavors and a firming note of cherry skin. Silky tannins add focus to the long, sappy finish.”

Eric Texier Cotes du Rhone Brezeme Rouge 2009 ($24.95) $21.90 net special

Brezeme is one of the most northerly outposts of the Cotes du Rhone appellation, and this wine is not your typical Grenache based slurper. In fact it is not Grenache at all. Syrah, North Rhone Syrah, and a very good representation at that. Fully flavorful at only 12% alcohol, has the edge of youth and will repay a few years in the cellar.

Eric Texier Cotes du Rhone Villages St Julien en St Alban 2009 ($39.95) $33 net special

Another North Rhone, remarkably intriquing and complex. Syrah, or maybe not- it is said to be the little known Serine grape, which in turn may be an ancestor to Syrah. Or it might be a long isolated Syrah clone. The genotypers will sort this out eventually, but in the meantime it is a dead ringer for a $50+ Cornas grown Syrah.

Eric Texier Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Vieilles Vignes 2009 ($29.95) $24.90 net special

Here is Eric’s Grenache. But it is not your typical Grenache based slurper either. 70 year old vignes above limestone, yielding a brilliant wine at a relatively modest 13.5% alcohol, and of course unfiltered. Eric has the “real wine’ touch; which is of course not to touch it much.

ITALIA:

La Calcinaie Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2010 ($17.95) $14.90 net special

Charming- Vernaccia from a small one man estate winery is so so better better than the ocean of industrial plonk. Very nice wine.

Lorenzo Costantini Frascati Superiore 2010 ($14.95) $11.90 net special

Wow, the first Frascati to cross our threshold. And it is very good. Rome’s favorite, now we know.

Trinchero Barbera d’Asti Superiore 2004 ($17.95) $14 net special

The Trinchero family are Barbera specialists and true believers in making serious long lived wines from their estate. This wine has plenty of body and a touch of rusticity in a good way. Guaranteed to hold your attention towards a second glass.

Cantalupo Il Mimo Rosato di Nebbiolo 2010 ($17.95) $14.90 net special

Ready for your Fall Rose? That’s what we have here; rather full-bodied, red fruits wrapped  in a floral bouquet. Very versatile, pair it with anything except breakfast cereal.

Cantalupo Ghemme 2006 ($37.95) $29 net special

Ghemme is an appellation tucked between the Po River and the Alps, near to the better known Gattinara. Not all Ghemme is 100% Nebbiolo, but this one is. The climate here is similar to Barolo, but the soils are entirely different- glacial, yielding a more red fruited and spicy wine, but with intense complexity.

Cantalupo Agamium Colline Novaresi 2007 ($21.95) $17.90 net special

Agamium is Latin for Ghemme. By comparison to the classic Ghemme, this wine is advanced by spending a year in small casks. Compares very favorably to most of the young $20-$30 Barbaresco in the market today.

Nino Negri Sfursat 5 Stelle Valtellina 2007 ($79.95) $69 net special Antonio Galloni 94 points

“The 2007 Sfursat 5 Stelle is a drop-dead, gorgeous wine laced with dark red fruit, licorice, new leather and French oak. All of the elements meld together with notable grace in this rich, expansive 5 Stelle. The fragrant, silky fruit flows through to an enveloping, generous finish. This is another superb effort from Nino Negri. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. ” Note- this is another Nebbiolo wine, but the “Sfursat” tells us that vinification is in the amarone mode—air dried grapes to concentrate the must and ensuing wine. Deep, dry,dark, and delicious.

Montepeloso Eneo Maremma 2008 ($44.95) $37 net special

Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2008 Eneo literally sparkles on the palate with vibrant red fruit, freshly cut flowers and spices. It shows remarkable tension and delineation all the way through to the resonant finish. This is a striking wine in every way. Floral notes reappear on the finish, along with iron, smoke and ferrous notes, all of which add considerable complexity. This is a dazzling effort from proprietor Fabio Chiarellotto. It is composed of 40% Montepulciano, 35% Sangiovese, 15% Marselan and 10% Alicante Bouschet. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.

Fabio Chiarellotto has done a fabulous job with his 2008s. The Eneo in particular remains one of the best –priced wines from Tuscany’s Maremma.”

Calabretta Etna Rosso 2000 ($27.95) $21.90 net special

Old school wine from eastern Sicily. Nero Mascalese, and this is the current release. The wine is aged fully 6-7 years in large botti, than at least another year in bottle- until Massimiliano Calabretta deems it ready. The wine press likens this wine to aged Barolo or Burgundy, but it had me thinking in the direction of Lopez-Heredia in Rioja. Similar body and juxtaposition of still youngish  fruit with evolved structure.

ESPAGNE:

Oriol Rossell Cava Gran Reserva NV ($21.95) $18 net special

Here is a Cava for Champagne people. Very hand-crafted, and this Gran Reserva bottling is a big step up from the entry level that the Oregonian was touting a few months back- and only a couple dollars more. A prolific bubbler, but still graceful.

Baron de Ley Gran Reserva 2001 ($49.95) $39 net special Wine Advocate 93 points

“The 2001 Gran Reserva, from another superb vintage, spent 30 months in French and American oak. It reveals beautiful, nearly ethereal aromatics from its extended stay in barrel and bottle. Smoke, Asian spices, incense, violets, black cherry, and blackberry notes are followed by a round, silky wine of finesse. As approachable as it is now, it still has the balance and structure for continued evolution. Drink this lovely (and well priced) offering over the next 8-10 years.”

PORTUGAL:

Quinta do Portal Vintage Port 1999 ($49.95) $39 net special Roy Hersh- fortheloveofport.com 92+ points

Magenta color. It’s such a harmonious Vintage Port and if this were offered in my neck of the woods, I’d own a case of it. I buy a couple of bottles every time I visit Portal. Gentle scents of lavender and anise with dark cherry notes. It offers a medium body weight and is more like a super LBV in style. Who cares? It is delicious, with chocolate covered raisins and cherry fruit that is uber-smooth and with underpinnings of acidity and round tannins to keep it all in synch. I knew that if Portal could deliver this much pleasure in a vintage like 1999, greatness was just around the corner – and so it was! Drink 2010-2022.

 

real wine shop:

2550+ different wines actually and factually available:

www.vinopoliswineshop.com

 

highlight almost arrivals

not just any vin santo  sweet discounts arrive  tomorrow

“the Vin Santos, which in 1997 are nothing short of utterly profound” AG

 

Avignonesi Vin Santo 1997 375ml ($199.95) $179 net special

Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 1997 Vin Santo di Montepulciano offers up a compelling array of toffee, coffee beans, dried figs and licorice in a full-bodied, totally opulent style. This luxurious, sumptuous wine reveals superb balance and an eternal finish, with closing notes of mocha and espresso that linger on the close. The Vin Santo is a touch lighter – if that is truly the right word – than the Occhio di Pernice, with a more pronounced floral component. In this vintage they are both profound and very close in terms of quality. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2029.”

Avignonesi Occhio di Pernice 1997 375ml ($249.95) $219 net special

Antonio Galloni 98 points “There isn’t much to say about the 1997 Vin Santo di Montepulciano Occhio di Pernice except that it is nearly perfect. The wine flows from the bottle with an impenetrable brown coffee-like color. Sweet mocha, espresso, spice, licorice and worn-in leather aromas and flavors all meld together in a wine of unusual grace. As ususal, the style is opulent and totally full-throttle, yet the wine’s balance is superb, with all of the elements in the right place. This is a majestic Occhio di Pernice for the ages. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2029”

 

more highlight almost arrivals

cheaper than Belgian beer  gone soon discounts arrive here tomorrow

burgundy best buys- buy bester than ever- hurry if you want some

 

Joseph Faiveley Macon-Villages 2008 ($19.95) $13.50 net special final 10 cases

Wine & Spirits 91 points ! “An elegant Macon with concentrated flavors of nectarine and fennel, this has the mouthwatering acidity of the vintage and a long, spicy finish.

Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne Blanc 2008 ($21.95) $14.90 net special final 4 cases

Burghound “A very fresh nose of cut grass, straw and lemon leads to rich, round and very forward flavors that possess good volume and a sappy texture, all wrapped in a lemony finish. Correct.”

Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne Rouge 2008 ($24.95) $16.60 net special final 3 cases

A lighter-brighter sort of Pinot Noir, red berry fruits, tangy. Just right for red wine with chicken or salmon people.

Louis Jadot Marsannay 2005 ($27.95) $19 net special final 3 cases

Prince of Pinot “Subdued but pleasant perfume of black cherries and sandalwood. Tart and crisp black cherry flavors with a notable citrus tug, plenty of acidity and supporting oak in the background.”

 

even more highlight almost arrivals

celebrating diversity  always discounts all here by friday

 

Gramercy Cellars Lagniappe Syrah 2008 ($49.95) $41.90 net pre-arrival special

Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2008 Syrah Lagniappe was aged for 15 months in French barriques and puncheons. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it reveals a perfume of Asian spices, mineral, lavender, smoked meat, and blueberry. On the palate it is round and elegant with no hard edges to be found. Medium-bodied, spicy, and pleasure-bent, it will drink well over the next 8-10 years.”

Domaine Carneros Brut Sparkling 2006 ($24.95) $19 net pre-arrival special

Wine Spectator 91 points “Festive and vibrant, but rich and complex, with bright aromas of fresh cherry and lemon that lead to luscious flavors of raspberry, yeasty pear and crisp mineral.”

Mount Eden Estate Chardonnay 2008 ($59.95) $49 net pre-arrival special

Antonio Galloni 95 points “The Mount Eden 2008 Chardonnay Estate is made from the estate’s best barrels, with the aim of producing a wine that can age 20 years. That shouldn’t be a problem for the 2008. It reveals gorgeous scents of citrus, crushed rocks and smoke, all of which come together nicely in the glass. The 2008 remains a tightly wound, subtle and finessed wine that needs another few years in the cellar, but it is striking even today. This is all finesse and elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2028”

Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia 2005 magnums ($319.95) $279 net pre-arrival special

Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The recently-bottled 2005 Barolo Cascina Francia is, as expected, somewhat closed down at this stage from an aromatic perspective. That said, it is impossible to ignore the wine’s richness and depth, both of which are impressive. With time in the glass hints of sweet roses, cherries, spices and tar emerge, all framed by impeccably silky tannins. As always, readers should taste this wine as soon as possible, as it will almost certainly head for a slumber during which it will be impossible to evaluate with any accuracy. Today, this mid-weight, graceful Barolo Cascina Francia looks to be accessible relatively early, which means around age 10-12 give or take. It is another superb Barolo from Giacomo Conterno. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030.”  subscriber special- save another $30- $249 until Friday

Cuvee du Vatican Chateauneuf du Pape ‘Sixtine Reserve’ 2006 ($59.95) $33 net special

Wine Spectator 93 points “This is dark and reticent for now, but also pure and loaded with a big core of plum and blackberry fruit, mocha, graphite, licorice and fig cake notes. The long, velvety finish just sails along, with latent grip in reserve. Best from 2009 through 2028″ Case-12 : $359 net special

Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf du Pape 2006 375ml ($29.95) $19 net special

Wine Spectator 93 points, Stephen Tanzer 91-94 points “Deep ruby. Smoky cherry and blackcurrant aromas convey a wild, gamey quality, along with suave floral and mineral lift; smells like a northern Rhone wine. Deep dark fruit liqueur and olive flavors are sharpened by zesty minerals and finish with impressive grip and thrust. Combines energy and depth deftly.”

Olivier Hillaire Chateaneuf du Pape Les Petites Pieds d’Armand 2008 ($59.95) $39 net special

Wine Spectator 93 points “A very stylish, perfumy version, with alluring incense and black tea aromas giving way to a silky palate loaded with kirsch, pepper, shiso leaf and lingering plum skin notes. The long finish lets a hint of anise check in. Best from 2011 through 2022″

Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2006 ($89.95) $39 net special

Wine Spectator 95 points Supertight and pure, with blanched almond, star fruit, acacia and lemon verbena notes all gliding along a bright, minerally frame. Lingering hints of orange blossom, honeysuckle and lime add further complexity. Should age beautifully. Drink now through 2017″ case of 12- $399 net special

 

2000+ cases above ground

3000+ cases below

www.vinopoliswineshop.com

 

our greatest month ever foretold

wine parade   keep them moving discounts arrive september

we’ll be marching double time in September,

wines like these and very many more:

 

Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes 1998 ($299.95) $259 net pre-arrival special

Robert Parker 95 points “The 1998 Chateu Yquem was released several months ago.  This estate does not allow tasting from cask (where the wines spends 42 months), and it is not released until five years after the vintage.  The 1998 Yquem (95 points) is a great success.  Made in an elegant style, it is not a blockbuster such as 1990, 1989, and 1988.  It is well-delineated, with wonderfully sweet aromas of creme brulee, pineapples, apricots, and white flowers.  Medium to full-bodied, it is not as sweet as the biggest/richest Yquem vintages, but it is gorgeously pure, precise, and strikingly complex.  Already approachable, it should evolve for 30-50 years…without a doubt.”

Christian Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2009 ($59.95) $49 net pre-arrival special

Burghound 91-93 points, Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2009 Chablis Valmur emerges from the glass with tiny bursts of energy and vibrancy. This is a minimalist, understated wine graced with tremendous classiness from start to finish. It is also quite cool and reserved for the vintage. All in all, this is another winner from Moreau. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019”

Domaine Faiveley Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2009 ($149.95) $129 net pre-arrival special 12 bottles left

Burghound 92-94 points, Stephen Tanzer 92-94 points “Good dark red. Complex nose combines red fruits, wild herbs, spices and mint. Tight and penetrating on the palate; much less expressive today than the Echezeaux but dense, pure, vibrant and delineated. Showed increasing minerality with aeration but this very closed wine will need extended bottle aging to gain in pliancy. Finishes long and stylish’ subscriber special- save another $10- $119 until Friday

Louis Jadot Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 2009 ($199.95) $169 net pre-arrival special

Burghound 92-95 points, Stephen Tanzer 92-95 points, John Gilman 95 points “The 2009 Chapelle-Chambertin from Maison Jadot reminds me very strongly of the great 1985 version in its youth. The nose is deep, ripe and very pure, as it offers up a complex mélange of black cherries, cassis, espresso, great minerality, woodsmoke, a touch of the grilled meats to come and cedar. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very, very pure, with lovely, old vine sappiness at the core, ripe tannins, stunning focus and balance and absolutely great length and grip on the stunning finish. A great bottle in the making’

Louis Jadot Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru 2009 ($299.95) $319 net pre-arrival special

Antonio Galloni 92 -95 points Burghound 94-95 points, Stephen Tanzer 94-97 points, John Gilman 98 points

“If I have had a better young vintage of Jadot Clos de Beze than the 2009, then I cannot recall it. This is a profound example of the vintage, as it soars from the glass in a blaze of red and black cherries, cassis, plums, smoke, coffee, raw cocoa, beautifully complex soil tones and a discreet framing of new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and utterly refined, with a great core of fruit, ripe, very fine-grained tannins and simply stunning length and grip on the seamless finish. A great, great vintage for this consistently superb Clos de Beze. 2025-2100.”

 

Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee 2003 ($179.95) $149 net pre-arrival special

Robert Parker 97 points (reviewed in 2010) “The 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee stands out as one of the all-time great wines made by Laurence Feraud and her father, Paul. I remember first tasting it from a large tank as it was still fermenting and it was already impressive! It is a full-bodied, powerful wine that must tip the scales at close to 15.5% natural alcohol. I don’t think this big, chewy, voluptuously textured wine will ever close down. Dark plum/garnet with the classic Provencal display of garrigue, lavender, pepper, kirsch and Asian plum sauce, this full-throttle wine has splendid concentration, silky tannins, and a very voluptuous texture. It should continue to drink well for another 25 years.”

 

Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia Ornellaia 2008 ($199.95) $159 net pre-arrival special

James Suckling 98 points “I love Ornellaia. Amazing aromas of currants, blackberries, and hints of vanilla cream. Licorice too. Full bodied, with soft and velvety tannins and an amazing depth of fruit. Balanced and super long. I can’t get over the wonderful texture to this young red. It touches every inch of your palate and caresses it. Leave it for four or five years still, but it’s hard not to drink…98.”  Antonio Galloni 96+ points “The 2008 Ornellaia has really come together beautifully over the last few months. Up until fairly recently it was a tightly wound, inaccessible wine, but it has begun to blossom quite nicely. The 2008 is a cool, inward Ornellaia graced with exquisite finesse in its dark fruit, mocha, licorice, tar and spices. I especially like the minerality and focus. There is a fabulous balance between the tannins of this structured, powerful vintage, but with gorgeous fleshiness and pliancy that makes the wine very attractive, even at this early stage. It will be fascinating to watch the 2008 develop over the coming years and decades. The 2008 growing season was marked by a rainy, wet spring which resulted in an irregular flowering and naturally low yields. The summer was hot, but temperatures cooled towards the end of the summer, particularly at night, so important for the development of color, aromatics and full phenolic ripeness in varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is a big, massively structured Ornellaia built for the cellar. In 2008 the blend is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. The 2008 Ornellaia spent about 20 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028.”

Costanti Brunello di Montalcino 2009 ($69.95) $59 net pre-arrival special

Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a dazzling wine. The aromatics alone are haunting. Sweet red cherries, rosemary, sage, tobacco and cedar are woven into a fabric of nearly indescribable elegance. Costanti’s straight Brunello can sometimes lack a little depth in its fruit, but not in 2006. This totally complete, harmonious Brunello is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. It is a stunner. As delicious as the wine is now, it really needs at least a handful of years for the firm tannins to start melting away. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031.”

Marcarini Barolo La Serra 2007 ($49.95) $35 net pre-arrival special

Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2007 Barolo La Serra emerges from the glass with a bouquet redolent of perfumed red berries, flowers and mint, all quite typical of this site. In 2007 La Serra shows a touch more volume and depth than is usually the case, which helps to balance the hard, firm tannins that are often found in this wine. This is a beautifully proportioned, harmonious Barolo from Marcarini. It is already so open and expressive, it is hard for me to envision a long life, but most of the bottles will have been long consumed before that is likely to be an issue. The fruit was harvested on October 1 and 2. The wine saw 15 days of fermentation, followed by another 39 days of contact with the skins. The wine then spent two years in large, neutral casks prior to being racked into steel to rest before being bottled. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.”

 

a pair of thiesers

two frontrunners  bubbling discounts arrive October

 

We are still waiting for final confirmation on our Terry Thiese Selection Champagne mega-order for October.

But to keep us contented while we wait out the process, he did flip us a confirmed allocation on new vintages of a couple of our every-year favorites. If you too are a fan:- lock and load!

Gaston Chiquet Brut Special Club 2002 ($79.95) $69 net pre-arrival special

Pierre Peters Brut Les Chetillons 2004 ($119.95) $99 net pre-arrival special

 

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