04-05-22 Newsletter

Schaller is in the process of converting to organic farming methods with the majority of their fermentations taking place in steel and used oak in the case of Premier and Grand Cru bottlings. If that wasn’t enough they also do a champagne-method sparkling under the Cremant de Bourgone appellation, comprised of a blend of Chardonnay, Aligote and Pinot Noir. With the characteristic high acidity and tertiary salinity of Chablis juxtaposed against a delightfully refreshing Bosc pear and hazelnut character   

Trevor: A perfect Champagne-Alternative that’s refreshing and light with similar notes to classically styled champagnes. Subtle floral notes against red fruit, Golden Delicious apple, Lemon peel with beeswax  😉 

Sam: Yellow Apples that is delightful and fun, perfect for springtime!   

Schaller wines in stock now: 

Domaine Camille et Laurent Schaller Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Burgundy  NV ($29.95) $26 special, 32 bottles in stock now
55% Pinot Noir, 33% Aligote, 12% Chardonnay. Methode Traditionelle. 6.8 g/L dosage.
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

This is the only listing in the USA today!

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

This is the only listing in the USA today!

 

Did you know Vermouth was originally a medicinal product? The product we associate with modern vermouth was first made in Italy around 1786 by Antonio Carpano. The original formulation was derived from infusing wormwood and white wine together, with later formulations being what we now know as Carpano Antica and marketed as a general curative. In the centuries since there are now vermouths made all over the world, including Italy, South Africa, and France! We carry a vast array of styles in house from rich and spicy, light and botanical, and from syrupy sweet to bone dry. 

The legendary Carpano Antica is a mainstay in any professional’s bar cart for a variety of reasons beyond being the originator of the category. It is among the most versatile ingredients for cocktail mixing, and also possesses enough stuffing to be enjoyed on its own. Orange marmalade, allspice and date flavors are cushioned by a medium body and long finish that’s both sweet and bitter in a way that’s synergistic.  

Carpano in stock now: 

Carpano ‘Antica Formula 1786’ Vermouth Italy 1L ($49.95) $41.90 special, only 2 bottles in stock now
Kara Newman Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Rich, fruity and enticing, this sweet vermouth is warmed with notes of fig and dried cherries, and just faint hints of spiced gingerbread and bitter orange peel. Drinkable solo as an apéritif, or use it as a cocktail-mixing favorite.

Carpano ‘Punt e Mes’ Vermouth Italy 750ML ($39.95) $24 special, only 6 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Punt e Mes has a golden orange color with topaz tones, herby aromas and dark red, black dahlia with vermilion shades. The initial taste is one of sweetness, characterised by an intriguing accent of orange. This is followed by the characteristically bitter taste of the quina and ends on a sweet note. Punt e Mes is delicious served straight with a slice of orange peel but is also perfect as a base for cocktails such as the famous MITO, the Manhattan or the legendary 70’s Punt e Mes.”
 

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Credited with being the first white vermouth seen on the market, Comoz debuted in 1881 and was based in the alpine village of Chambéry, France. Comprised of wines and botanicals foraged on site the alpine character is evident in the cool finish and textured body. This was the original white vermouth used in the seminal 1915 cocktail bible, Manual del Cantinero and was used in drinks like the El Presidente. Blanc de Chambery is best mixed with clear spirits but also shines when married with Añejo tequila or Cachaça.   

Comoz in stock now: 

C. Comoz Vermouth Blanc de Chambery Savoie NV 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, only 3 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Established in 1856, Comoz was the second-oldest of Chambéry vermouth producers after Dolin, and was the first to produce in a crystal-clear style. (Dolin preceded with a sweet pale, rather than crystal clear, blanc vermouth.) Introduced in 1881, Comoz Vermouth Blanc expressed Claudius Comoz’s selection of wines, plants and fruits, many of which come from the hills above Chambéry. Comoz came to fame as the essential vermouth in the El Presidente cocktail in Cuba. Comoz is less sweet than other vermouth blanc, with notes of stone fruits, alpine flowers and a deep, resonant undercurrent of wormwood. This deeper profile marries with whiskey better than any other pale vermouth.”

Hammer & Tongs Sac’Resine Vermouth Oregon 750ML NV ($39.95) $29 special, only 4 bottles in stock now
From the Producer: “Sac’Resine is an original formula vermouth crafted with botanical resins of antiquity. These “Sacred Resins” were used as perfumes in rituals from birth to burial, prescribed medicinally both internally & externally, and were among the most valuable commodities dominating the ancient trade routes of South Asia and China. In my youth, my grandmother would bring us to the old mission where she used to attend mass and they would burn incense made from these resins. For more than a century, the monks and other devotees would ritually burn these very same resins as ceremonial incense, leaving the essence behind to permeate the stone walls and wood of the structure, as well as the memories of countless children accompanying their elders. A compound of these powerfully pungent saps with delicate herbs and flowers, is blended with a lightly fragrant wine and fortified with spirits to make a unique style of vermouth best categorized as something between a Bianco and a Rosso.  Loosely inspired by the most ubiquitous vermouth in the world, this light, citrusy and distinctly aromatic draft is meticulously crafted using both traditional and innovative methods.”

Archival Spirits Vin D’Orange Vermouth, Oregon NV 750ML ($28.95) $24 special, only 6 bottles in stock now
Producer note “Pulled from the pages of early 20th French winemaking journals, this aperitif wine aims to reproduce the classic Provencal vin d’orange.  It combines aromatic white wine varietals with seville oranges and a quantity of botanicals like coriander and rose petals.  Several months of aging yields a golden orange color, floral bouquet, and well-balanced bitter finish to rival the best aperitif wines of Europe.  Seasonal ingredients dictate that our vin d’orange is available in limited quantities.”
Distributor note “As a young chef Alex Morrow spent time cooking in restaurants in the South of France and in Northern Italy. He became intrigued by the culture of Aperitivo and Digestivo from these areas. Alex later went back to school and finished a PhD in History where, as an archivist, he was able to research historic texts and recipes for these Aperitivo and Digestivo. He spent 10 years experimenting with these in his garage until he perfected his own recipes based on these historic texts.”
Double Gold – Oregon Wine Competition 2021.

Lillet Rose Aperitif France 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, only 6 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Like Lillet Blanc, the main grape variety in Lillet Rosé is Sémillon. These wines are combined with natural liqueurs, handcrafted in Podensac from sweet and bitter oranges and berries. It is this meticulously balanced blend that gives Lillet Rosé its delicate aromas.  Tasting note: Light aromas of berries, orange blossom and grapefruit. Fresh, lively and fruity. Balanced structure. Slightly acidic.”
 

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Lillet Blanc Aperitif France 750ML ($23.95) $18 special, only 4 bottles in stock now
Winery note “The main grape variety in Lillet Blanc is sémillon, which gives it a full, fleshy structure. Lillet is a range of refreshing aperitifs with a smooth, fruity taste.  Tasting note: Aromas of candied oranges, honey, pine resin and exotic fruits. Full and fleshy on the palate.”

Bonal Gentiane-Quina France NV 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, only 4 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Since 1865, this spicy, earthy aperitif has been known as ‘ouvre l’appetit’ – the key to the appetite. Serious in its role as aperitif, and then popular with sportsmen, Bonal became an early sponsor of the Tour de France. It is made by an infusion of gentian, cinchona (quinine) and renowned herbs of the Grande Chartreuse mountains in a mistelle base. While tradition is to drink neat with a twist, Bonal also mixes well with fresh or hard cider, sparkling wine, and Scotch or American whiskies. Excellent with hard, salty cheeses, salted nuts, or earthy, spicy foods.”
 

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L.N. Mattei Cap Corse Quinquina Blanc Aperitif Corsica NV ($24.95) $21.90 special, only 4 bottles in stock now
Importer note “A true Quinquina Blanc, and unique among aperitif wines. The profile of the Cap Corse Mattei Blanc aperitif wine is defined by its distinctly Corsican components. Its all-mistelle base is of Vermentinu and Muscat Petit Grains, lending a terrific minerality, acidity and floral tones. The local Cedrat (aka citron) adds unique citrus aroma and a silky texture. Since its creation in 1872 by Louis-Napoléon Mattei, Cap Corse Mattei is the oldest and best known aperitif of Corsica. Still today family owned, and all macerations, aging and bottling are done in house. As a quinquina, Cap Corse Mattei BLANC is flavored with cinchona bark (quinine), which adds spice and depth in the mid and back palate. Fantastic on ice with tonic or soda, and even more so with a pour of gin or an agave spirit.”
 

 

Müller-Catoir is a star in the world of German Riesling and is on their way to becoming the face of the Pfalz wine scene as a whole. Founded in 1744 their family holdings fall on some of the most premium terroir in the area, encompassing 5 different “Grand Cru” level holdings and giving them access to the entire spectrum of Pfalz terroirs. These terroirs include multiple types of sandstone, fossilized shell limestone, gravel and loess, allowing for a dizzying spectrum of Riesling to be made across the Prädikatswein spectrum. The “House style” is characterized by minimal intervention in the cellar with extended lees aging to emphasize crisp minerality, aromatic complexity and a refreshing salinity British wine critic and writer Jancis Robinson describes the Pfalz as “One of Germany’s most exciting regions” and it’s clear to see why!       

Müller-Catoir in stock now: 

Muller-Catoir Haardter Burgergarten ‘Im Breumel’ Riesling Grosses Gewächs Pfalz 2017 750ML ($79.95) $49 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 98 Points “Stand back for the arrival of a giant! Super-fresh nectarine, vanilla and Thai-basil aromas that don’t leave you in any doubt that this is a very remarkable dry riesling. Then the tidal wave of minerality comes through at the finish and sweeps everything away. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
Stephen Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94+ Points “From a 2.8 hectare clos that is the highest, coolest and stoniest (sandstone/gravel) plot of the Bürgergarten, the 2017 Riesling Bürgergarten “Im Breumel” GG offers a deep, ripe, lush and intense bouquet with fascinating flavors of crushed stones and ripe fruits. Lush and intense on the palate, this is a deep, dense, very complex and powerful dry Riesling with lingering salinity and very fine tannins. Great but way too young. Tasted in Haardt, December 2019.”
Wine Spectator 94 Points “Extremely elegant and precisely crafted, with notes of star anise and lavender framing the core of crunchy pear and blood orange flavors. The acidity is appreciable, fueling the flavors and spice accents. Savory mineral details linger on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2031.”
 

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Muller-Catoir Haardter Burgergarten Riesling Spatlese, Pfalz 2017 750ML ($49.95) $33 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott – Jamessuckling 95 Points “Stunning nectarine, peach and papaya character, together with lovely succulence and enormous vitality, make this a breathtaking sweet Spätlese with a finish that’s straight as a laser beam and super-clean. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.” 
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!
 

Muller-Catoir Haardter Burgergarten Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2017 750ML ($49.95) $29 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 94 Points “Effusive aromas of apricots and lemon zest with hints of summer flowers. At once succulent, graceful and finely nuanced on the palate, then very long and filigree at the finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
Grapelive 93 Points “The Burgergarten in the Haardt vineyard as used by the famed Mueller-Catoir, or hill garden, is a Premier Cru site that is composed of weathered yellow sandstone interspersed with layer of loess and clay giving the perfect conditions to make a lush, but crisply dry Riesling of refined elegance and with a concentrated underlying power, which in 2017 is incredible and joyously perfumed. ….The 2017 Burgergarten Trocken [has] exotic tropical fruit and floral aromas with plumeria, jasmine, dried pineapple, gingery/peppery notes and grilled citrus leading the way on the racy palate, this Riesling feels a bit like Trimbach’s Cuvee Frederic Emile, adding layers of wild peach, while cherry, tangy apricot and zesty lime notes along with loads of tannin like structure, zippy acidity, chalky stones and a Chablis like steely edge! Air brings more body out and clears the touch of reduction that easily blows and this Riesling becomes in fact more white Burgundy like in some ways, while also gaining hints of spearmint, chamomile and verbena, which clearly are Riesling influences and it is strikingly impressive for keeping its tension , clarity and severity, like a firm GG should…This area can produce monumental dry Riesling, as witnessed here with this Erste Lage Trocken from Mueller-Catoir….Terry Theise, Mueller-Catoir’s famous importer, says the estate produces wines of outstanding transparency and density, and remains emblematic of Riesling at its most sophisticated, and I totally agree, these are amazingly pure wines that are both wildly entertaining in expression and wines of remarkable class and finesse…. This Burgergarten grows on you with every sip and should get even more intriguing with 3 to 5 years more are on it, patience I think will be well rewarded, and I hope I get to revisit it a few more times.”
Stephen Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92+ Points“From yellow-colored sandstone soils, the 2017 Riesling Bürgergarten “VDP. Erste Lage” is intense yet fine and pure on the slightly salty/stony, very elegant nose with its ripe and concentrated yellow-fleshed fruit aromas. The palate is pure and salty, very long and intertwines weathered terroir aromas with an airiness and lingering, very stimulating salinity. The wine is less textured than the Haardter but even more pure, deep, finessed and salty. Bone dry, with less than three grams of residual sugar, this is a concentrated yet still young Riesling that will shine in five years. Tasted in Haardt, December 2019.”
 

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Muller-Catoir Gimmeldingen Riesling, Pfalz 2017 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-Jamessuckling 93 Points “Ripe white and yellow peaches and just enough acidity to lift the medium-full body and give the long finish some real drive. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Muller-Catoir Haardter Muskateller Trocken Pfalz 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-Jamessuckling 92 Points “Wonderful pink-grapefruit and muscat nose that bowls you over. So joyful and really rather subtle for a seriously aromatic grape variety. Very bright finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.”

Muller-Catoir Haardter Riesling Trocken Pfalz 2017 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-Jamessuckling 94 Points “A stunning, bone-dry riesling for this moderate price level! Fine nose of sliced pears and honeysuckle. Stunning freshness and purity on the medium-full palate. The finish is subtlety reminiscent of Mosel. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
Grapelive 92 Points “The 2017 Müller-Catoir Haardt Trocken is exotic and highly aromatic with lovely fruit and mineral intensity, it is a wonderful and crisply dry Riesling that reflects the vintage and its remarkable Pfalz terroir.… the talented Martin Franzen [is] running the cellar here. Franzen, who in the past ran the operations at Schlossgut Diel, employs a strict program with a move to organic practices and severe selections in the vineyards, where everything is worked and picked by hand now and focuses on ultra-transparency in the wines with a reductive approach, with every wine getting a hand crafted attention to detail. The Haardt, a village bottling is a pure example with expressive bright flavors and a heavenly floral perfume, while being brisk, tangy and dusty dry on the light framed palate. Müller-Catoir does a gentle crush and gives the juice plenty of time on the skins before a slow and soft pressing before an stainless steel fermentation and aging, all to preserve vibrancy and purity, the wines are always stylish and evocative.…The Haardt Riesling Trocken is all from organic grapes that were grown on standstone soils, which gives this wine its pretty nose and steely form, and this 2017 is absolutely seducing with a complex array of sensations that ranges from tropical essences to flinty wet stones, it is clear and with a tiny hint of sunshine in the glass. In the mouth this calcareous influenced Riesling shows jasmine, oyster shell, peach, tart apricot, green apple and saline notes, adding guava/papaya, rosewater and hint of zesty lime.…this one itself is fabulous and a true value offering from this great estate. I am glad I got a few bottles of Müller-Catoir from 2017, they are looking like classics. This is a great Summer refresher, but serious enough to hang out with haute cuisine, it gets more intriguing with matching food, it can go with a wide variety of foods from fresh shellfish, spicy prawns, sushi as well as cured meats, picnic fare, street tacos and Moroccan lemon chicken even. This vivid and zippy young Riesling is a quality white that makes for a nice alternative for Chablis, Kiwi Sauv Blanc and or Albarino, drink it over the next 3 to 5 years.”
Stephen Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 90 Points “From younger vines and partly from sandier soils than the regular, yellow-colored Buntsandstein, the 2017 Riesling Haardt is deep, fine and ripe on the elegant and balanced nose. Full-bodied, lush and intense on the palate, this is a deep, dry, well-balanced and textured Riesling with a ripe but salty-mineral acidity and a long, well-structured and slightly salty finish with nice bitters and citrus flavors. This is an excellent vin de terroir that slowly opens up. It’s an impressive wine in the lower/medium price range. Tasted in December 2019.”
 

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Muller-Catoir Haardt Scheurebe Pfalz 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now 
Stuart Pigott-Jamessuckling 93 Points “The whiff of smoke gives the cassis nose of this wine an extra dimension. Concentrated and racy with a dangerous amount of energy. So juicy and vibrant with a long and very clean finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

Muller-Catoir Gimmeldinger Mandelgarten Riesling Auslese Pfalz 2015 375ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 7 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 94 Points “The 2015 Riesling Auslese Gimmeldinger Mandelgarten is super pure and fine on the nobly concentrated, stony nose with its honey and bright fruit aromas. Rich, sweet, lush and piquant on the palate, this is an excellent Auslese with great finesse and a lingering piquancy. Despite its sweetness, this is a very stimulating and pure Auslese with great ageing potential.”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Muller-Catoir Haardter Mandelring Scheurebe Trocken Pfalz 2017 750ML ($59.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-Jamessuckling 95 Points “Why drink a dry white called scheurebe? Here’s the answer. An enormously complex nose of grapefruit, cassis and pineapple, then breathtaking purity and elegance on the palate and a totally uplifting and super-long finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
Grapelive 93 Points “I love Scheurebe and this Mueller-Catoir is one of, if not the, best dry version, with this ripe and expressive 2017 showing everything the grape has to offer, it delivers intensity and aromatic quality.  It’s a thrilling German white wine from one of the most admired wineries in the Pfalz. This vintage is bursting from the glass with jasmine, liquid roses and spearmint lifting to the nose while the light to medium bodied palate delivers tangy grapefruit, white peach, quince, sour apple and pineapple fruits along with chalky mineral, saline, clove spice, wild fennel and the crisp, lip smacking finish keeps things severe and refreshing.… Scheurebe grows best in Calcareous soils, with Muller-Catoir’s Pfalz version regarded as maybe the greatest expression of this grape, in particular their Trocken single Cru Haardter Mandelring example. The full range of wines at this property are amazing from the thrilling dry wines to the finely balanced sweet wines, everything at Mueller-Catoir is class, when it comes to the Pfalz, this and Von Winning are must try wines….Müller-Catoir has gone holistic in recent years and farm mostly organic, but remain very practical with absolute quality demanded of the grapes here, there is no compromise at this place, they focus on purity and terroir. The vineyards in Haardt, where this wine comes from, are composed of primary rock (urgestein) and sandstone, with an increasing proportion of gravel lower on the slopes. This estate and the region has a long history of winegrowing with the Burgergarten site being first planted close to 700 years ago, and, as the winery notes. Mueller-Catoir which has a tradition of reductive winemaking implementing a gentle crush, a long skin contact, slow gentle pressing, and then ferments at warmer, according to the winery again, than customary fermentation temperatures in stainless steel to promote transparency, which this lovely Scheurebe shows, drink it over the next 3 to 5 years.”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Check out our full selection of Müller-Catoir wines on our web store today!

 

 

We now carry Saké! Our offering encapsulates a range of styles from some of the most lauded production regions of Japan. For those unfamiliar with Saké let us provide some context. Fundamentally different in production and classification than the wines that we carry, Saké is produced from milled rice that is then fermented with yeasts and fungi (known as kōji). This process leads to higher levels of residual sugar on average, with lactic acid providing movement on the palate and lessening the perception of sweetness. The higher alcohol content of 16-20% also creates a dryer perception, making the majority of Saké taste off-dry.   
Kōji is ubiquitous in East Asian food production and plays a role in everything from soy sauce to miso production due to the fungi’s ability to convert starch and other carbohydrates into sugars. Because rice doesn’t contain juice like winegrapes water is also added, oftentimes from mountain runoff or underground spring water. The primary variables that lend to the difference of flavors, aromas and sugar range from the constitution of the water used, yeast cultivar, rice varietal and most importantly: the polishing ratio or amount of milling that occurs prior to fermentation.  

Saké in stock now: 

Ozeki Taruzake Sake Japan 300ML ($13.95) $10.90 special, 
Cedar aged
Vinpol Note: “Founded in 1711 Ozeki roughly translates to “Master” in Japan’s national sport: Sumō and is the highest rank one can achieve without regularly competing. Based in Hyogo Prefecture the house’s biggest asset is their access to the regions legendary mineral water, called miyamizu. A type of hard water containing a variety of minerals it’s one of the most prized in sake brewing for the additional flavors that are imparted due to the aforementioned mineral content. The flavors of the saké are taken to the next level with élevage in Yoshino cedar barrels (A Traditional medium dating back centuries when sake was sold by the cask).The resulting sake is highly mineral driven with notes of woodsy spice though not as aromatically dominant as incense cedar that many associate with the cultivar. Additional characteristics include lemon pith and honeydew melon with a fuller body and off dry level of sweetness.”   
 

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Ama No To ‘Heaven’s Door’ Tokubetsu Junmai Sake Japan 720ML ($39.95) $33 special, 
Vinpol Note: “Ama No To is A “Grower Saké” (Made by the farmers who grew the rice since the brewery’s founding in 1917) from Akita Prefecture, one of the most northerly areas of the Japanese Mainland. Translating to “Heaven’s Door” the name and magatama on the label is derived from Shinto scriptures regarding Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess and patron of rice cultivation. Tasting notes include dried chamomile, Arabian Jasmine, cloves, golden apple and white miso with an off dry level of sweetness and light body.”

Akishika Omachi Yamahai Nama Genshu Sake Japan  720ML ($54.95) $44 special, 
Region: Osaka. Rice Variety: Omachi. Type: Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu. Ingredients: rice, water, koji. Brewing: Yamahai slow ferment, unpasteurized, undiluted, unfiltered. Serving Temperature: lightly chilled to lightly warmed.
Vinpol Note: “One of the few Biodynamic growers of Saké rice in the world, the house specializes in Heritage varietals, primarily Omachi (Of which most modern varietals descend from). Founded in 1886 and based in Osaka Prefecture, the brewery is considered a cult producer within Japan. Eschewing any additives or post-industrial practices the idea is to present a highly traditional sake as seen in centuries past. Slow fermented to dryness and bottled without any pasteurization, dilution or filtration the resulting Saké is earthy, weighty and loaded with umami with additional tasting notes of huángchá tea, grapefruit rind, and lily flower.”
 

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Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($479.95) $419 pre-arrival special, only 5 bottles arriving 
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “A total blockbuster is the 2015 Angelus and it’s reminiscent of a slightly more elegant 2009. Made from 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc brought up in new barrels, this rich, opulent beauty boast killer notes of blackcurrants, blackberry liqueur, truffle, chocolate and scorched earth. With full-bodied richness, building, ripe tannin and a stacked profile on the palate, this hedonistic Bomb of a wine from Hubert de Boüard needs 4-5 years of cellaring and will keep for three decades or more.”

Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L ($1049.95) $899 special, only 8 magnums in stock now 
Case-6 Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L ($5999.95) $5099.95 special, (that’s $849.83 per magnum)
Wine Enthusiast 100 points “Top 100 Cellar Selection In 2019. This is a rich, perfumed wine, with dense tannins and intense layers of black plum and spice. The palate is firmly built yet broadened out by plump dark-fruit tones and honed by a solid, dry core. Drink from 2025. -Roger Voss”

Duffau-Lagarrosse Chateau Beausejour Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2008 750ML ($149.95) $99 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 95 points (tasted in 2018) “The 2008 Beauséjour Héritiers Duffau-Lagarrosse is evolving into one of the standout wines of the vintage. From a modest showing in barrel, it seemed to improve when I last tasted it in 2012 and now at a decade old, it has upped the ante further. Intense wild strawberry and blackberry notes struck through with minerals and graphite, all beautifully defined and immediately take you aback and yet you know there is much more to come. The palate is very well balanced with a firm but not imposing structure. The acidity is beautifully judged and it counterbalances the impressive fruit concentration, whilst there is a killer sorbet-like freshness on the finish that leaves the mouth tingling. Sometimes this Saint Émilion can surpass your expectations and whilst the 2008 might not be as spectacular as the 1990, it is one of the hidden gems of the vintage. (Tasted at the château.)”
 

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Duffau-Lagarrosse Chateau Beausejour Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2017 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 97 points “Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Beausejour (Duffau Lagarrosse) prances out of the glass with energetic notes of crushed black and red plums, black cherries and black raspberries plus wafts of potpourri, oolong tea and lavender. The medium-bodied palate is oh-so-pretty with bags of fragrant fruit and a firm, plush frame, finishing long and perfumed.”

Chateau Bourgneuf Pomerol 2016 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Bourgneuf is composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. Medium garnet-purple colored, it opens with very pretty notions of crushed red cherries, blackberry pie, wild blueberries and potpourri plus hints of tapenade, camphor and tobacco leaf. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a great intensity of perfumed black fruits, framed by rounded tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and perfumed.”

Chateau Branaire-Ducru Saint-Julien 2016 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, only 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “The core of this red is loaded with pure plum, blueberry and black currant fruit flavors. The polished structure is integrated, with alluring ganache, anise and sweet tobacco notes throughout, all in a polished and balanced frame. A very classy red that isn’t shy about its power but pushes its purity to the fore.

Chateau Calon-Segur Saint-Estephe 2009 750ML ($199.95) $169 special, only 2 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “This strikes exactly the right note aromatically: it’s wonderfully sexy, smoky, intriguing and tantalising. On the palate it follows up these aromatics perfectly with silky-smooth tannins and well brushed damson and black cherry fruits. It’s fully ripe but still with give and subtlety. Great stuff! 2009 saw the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon ever included in this wine. (JA) ‘(2/2019)

Chateau Canon la Gaffeliere Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($179.95) $135 pre-arrival special only 9 bottles arriving
James Suckling 100 points “Seductive. The nose draws you in deep: It’s like staring into a well of pristine dark cherries, dark plums, blackberries and mulberries. All the oak is perfectly subsumed. The palate’s flawless with immense depth and power and it’s so balanced as to appear to float. Immaculate fresh dark-berry and plum flavors. Silky and deep, ribbon-like finish. Perfect. Best from 2022.”

Chateau Canon Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 96+ points “[Reviewed in 2020] Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Canon features wonderfully expressive notes of dried mulberries, stewed plums and baked black cherries with hints of mocha, bay leaves and fallen leaves. Full-bodied, opulent and super spicy, it has a plush texture with a racy line supporting the hedonic fruit, finishing with jaw-dropping persistence.”

Chateau Canon Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2014 750ML ($159.95) $135 special, only 10 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Intense aromas of minerals, chalk, bright cherries and stones. Full-bodied, tight and silky; very linear. Like a straight shot. Give it three to four years to soften. Vibrant is the word.”

Chateau Canon Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($399.95) $349 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 100 points “From the very beginning, the 2015 Canon has made an eloquent case for itself as one of the wines of the vintage. Multiple tastings from bottle only confirm what several early tastings hinted at: the 2015 Canon is simply extraordinary in every way. Sumptuous and exotic, with no hard edges and exceptional balance, the 2015 grabs hold of all the senses and never lets up. A rush of red fruit intermingled with floral notes, spice and smoke notes effortlessly runs up the wine’s vertical structure as the 2015 thrills with every twist and turn. The 2015 Canon is a rare wine that is both hedonistic and intellectual – well, maybe it is a bit more hedonistic-leaning. It doesn’t matter. Don’t miss it. This 2015 is masterpiece from General Manager Nicolas Auderbert and his team at Canon.”

Chateau de Chantegrive ‘Benjamin de Chantegrive’ Graves 2015 750ML ($34.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Chateau de Chantegrive ‘Benjamin de Chantegrive’ Graves 2015 750ML ($199.95) $149 special (That’s $24.83 per bottle) 
Importer note “Another beautiful 2015, seductive, complex bouquet, ripe fruit balanced with earth, leather and spice and all things Bordeaux.  Medium to full bodied, yet silky smooth tannins – very well balanced, not a fruit bomb.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Chateau de Chantegrive Henri Leveque Graves 2010 750ML ($41.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
“A stunning vintage / aged release.  This near perfect 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot blend is the ‘flagship’ cuvee from their very best vineyard plots, paying homage to Henri Leveque, founder of Château de Chantegrive. Cold pre-fermentation followed by alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Malo-lactic fermentation in 100% new oak then barrel aged at least 15+ months, and obviously aged in bottle for several additional years in accordance with their desire to offer an ‘aged release.’    As a result, immediately present is a beautiful intense ruby color with a touch of dark plum. On the nose, lots of fruits with hints of chocolate and a slight suggestion of vanilla. Full-bodied and polished on the palate, a rich, generous wine with refined silky tannins.” –Importer note
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

La Chapelle d’Ausone Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2009 750ML ($279.95) $249 special, only 5 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This is always made with the young vines. Full-bodied, with super velvety tannins and gorgeous mineral, dark berry and spice character. Lovely velvet texture. Amazing quality for a second wine. Best in 2017.”