04-08-2022 Newsletter

In This Newsletter:

New Arrivals 


The Dujac has landed: 


Somewhere over the Ridge: 
Arriving Late April



Best of the Iblei: Gulfi

   
Staff Pick:
Ferrer Bobet



Top Shelf Selections: 


Collector’s Corner:
Latour’s Romanee-Saint-Vivant


 

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New Arrivals

Rose- 

Enderle & Moll Spatburgunder Rose Baden 2020 750ML ($28.95) $27 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Vom Boden importer note
 “The estate known as Enderle and Moll is really just a tiny cellar, a basket press, a few hectares of old vines and a hell of a lot of buzz. Absolutely no use of insecticides/pesticides; demeter-approved spraying for fungus with minimal copper
use (1/3 amount as allowed by organic certifications), minimal plowing, excess vegetation is trimmed, otherwise the soil is left alone.
All vineyard work and harvesting is done by hand.”

 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

France – Champagne 

Lilbert-Fils Perle Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Champagne  NV ($89.95) $75 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 93 points
 “The Perle style is a comparative rarity in Champagne, bottling the wine at a lower than usual pressure. This dry Champagne is therefore softly textured with an open mousse. It does however have all the fine, tight minerality of great Chardonnay in Champagne and will surely develop further. Drink from 2021.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The latest release of the NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Perle was disgorged in fall 2018 with five grams per liter dosage, and it’s a blend of equal parts 2015 and 2014, complemented by some 10% reserve wines. Offering up a lovely bouquet of fresh peach, lemon oil, white flowers and hints of the elegantly nutty complexity to come, the wine is medium to full-bodied and textural but incisive, with a creamy low-pressure mousse, a tight-knit core that needs a little time on cork to unwind and an elegantly chalky finish.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Ripe pineapple and white cherry fruit flavors are accented by honeysuckle and spice notes in this appealing blanc de blancs Champagne, which is lithe and harmonious, with a fresh, lightly chalky finish. Disgorged autumn 2018. Drink now through 2023. 200 cases made, 40 cases imported.”
[Disgorgement date may vary from reviews]

Lilbert-Fils Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Champagne  NV 750ML ($69.95) $51.90 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points
 “Grand cru grapes from the Côte des Blancs give this Champagne great intensity and texture. While the bottling is still a little young, it does have hints of the richness of maturity that will shine through the white fruits and lemon flavors. Drink this fine bottling from 2021. -Roger Voss”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The latest rendition of Lilbert’s NV Grand Cru Cramant Blanc de Blancs was disgorged in spring 2019 with a low three grams per liter dosage. It’s based on the 2016 vintage, complemented by 50% reserve wines. Offering up a crisp and pure bouquet of green apple, wet stones and lemon oil, as well as subtle suggestions of freshly baked bread, it’s medium to full-bodied, racy and incisive, with fine depth at the core, a delicate mousse and a chalky finish. This is quite a tender, charming rendition of this cuvée, despite the very low dosage, but as usual it will amply reward some aging on cork.”
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is a very pretty entry-level wine in this lineup. Citrus and floral overtones give the Brut lovely freshness to match its weightless, gracious personality. Understated and classy, the Brut is an absolute delight. I would prefer to drink it as an aperitif or alongside lighter foods. The low dosage of 3 grams per liter adds to the wine’s taut feel. The current release is based on 2016, with 50% reserve wines.”

Spain- Rioja

CVNE ‘Cune’ Ecologico – Organic Rioja DOCa 2019 750ML ($17.95) $12.50 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 91 points
 “There is a new organic red, the debut of which is the 2019 Cune Organic, a blend of 60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano from external suppliers. That’s quite an unusual blend for them, as they tend to use more Tempranillo, and it brings a different combination of freshness and power. The grapes were handpicked and fermented separately by variety with indigenous yeasts, and the wine matured in used 300-liter oak barrels for six months. I nearly fell off my chair when I put my nose in the glass, as the wine screamed GARNACHA—but traditional Garnacha at its floral and herbal best, with the sweet cherry fruit, red licorice and the chalky tannins from the limestone soils. It’s balanced, tasty and juicy, truly delicious. The idea is to eventually produce this wine with their own grapes, as they are moving toward organic farming and removed herbicides years ago. They have never released a wine like this or such a young red. Amazing young Garnacha for the by-the-glass market. Bravo!”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Italy – Tuscany 

Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT Tuscany 2018 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96+ points
 “A pure expression of Sangiovese, the Montevertine 2018 Le Pergole Torte works hard in this vintage to preserve its most elegant and timeless style. There is a point of ripeness and a hint of extra cherry concentration that gives this wine beautiful intensity and verticality. The expressive bouquet incorporates mild touches of spice, earth, pressed rose and lavender bud. I’m putting a plus sign next to my score to underline the aging potential of this vintage. The tannins are shapely and fine, but they reveal tight youthfulness that will soften with more time in the bottle. Silky, supple tannins are a hallmark of Le Pergole Torte. This is a 29,000-bottle production.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2018 Le Pergole Torte is dense, creamy and nuanced from the very first taste. Red/purplish berry fruit, spice, rose petal and a touch of new French oak all build as the Pergole Torte opens with aeration. As always, Pergole shows that extra touch of richness from the selection of fruit used here, with that added texture from French oak. As appealing as the 2018 is today, it is of course a very young wine that will need years to be at its very finest.”

Germany – Mosel 

Wein-Erbhof Stein ‘Vom Berg’ Cabernet Sauvignon Mosel 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Importer note 
“Steep slate soils; sourced from multiple vineyards throughout the village; 25 yo vines; élevage in old barriques.”

 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!


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The Dujac has landed: 

The Burgundy house that needs no introduction, Domaine Dujac remains one of the biggest cult producers in the world. With record setting auction prices and a reputation for being at their prime after at least 30 years of bottle age; these are only for the most serious collectors. This is unlikely to change after the 2019 vintage delivered ripeness and concentration at a level that’s never been seen in history. The increased weather severity as a result of climate change made for an exceptionally small crop that still retained elegance. Quantities are extremely limited, and with even smaller harvest volumes in 2020 there’s no telling how much will be in the pipeline next year.

In stock now: 

Domaine Dujac Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Cote de Nuits 2019 750ML ($519.95) $469 special, 2 bottles available 
Neal Martin-Vinous 95-97 points 
“The 2019 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru has an airy and generous bouquet with lifted black fruit, hoisin and light roasted chestnut aromas, all well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, a beautiful line of acidity, svelte and harmonious with a slightly grainy-textured finish. I adore the discrete crescendo in this Grand Cru and the unimposing but long aftertaste. “It’s been growing in stature over the last 10 to 15 years,” remarked Alex Seysses. Proof of that is evident by tasting this superb Charmes-Chambertin.”
Decanter 94 points “Produced from several parcel acquired by the domaine beginning in the 1970s. Some of these are located in Mazoyères and some in Charmes, proper. The vineyard was green harvested in 2019, a technique which used to be invariably applied, but now only as needed. The result is a wine of uncommon intensity for Charmes-Chambertin; a bit closed on the nose and very grippy on the palate. With time, however, it reveals substantial fruit and extract. Should open well with time. Drinking Window 2024 – 2049.”
Burghound 91-94 points “Here too the floral elements take center stage on the earthier and more sauvage-inflected dark pinot fruit and underbrush scents. There is also a relatively sleek mid-palate to the slightly bigger and tautly muscular flavors that firm up quickly on the youthfully austere and borderline rustic finale where a touch of warmth slowly emerges. At least some patience will be required.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Dujac Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Cote de Nuits 2019 750ML ($319.95) $279 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Decanter 94 points
 “This is a blend of four different lieux-dits, including Les Ruchots (which forms a majority of the blend) along with Clos Sorbé, Les Millandes and Les Charrières, all just below the Route des Grands Crus. Alec Seysses of Dujac feels it is representative of the village. My impression is very ripe fruit, more plum than cherry; dense, firm and tannic on the palate, with elegance and a substantial finish. Drinking Window 2024 – 2049.”

Domaine Dujac Morey-Saint-Denis Blanc Cote de Nuits 2019 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 6 bottles in stock now 
Decanter 92 points
 “This elegant Chardonnay is made from vines in the lieu-dit Les Davreaux. There is a ripe apricot fruit character and a lovely, approachable texture, although the wine is still fairly substantial. The grapes are gently pressed and fermented in tank, followed by ageing in used casks for a year and a further six months in tank after blending. Drinking Window 2024 – 2049.”

Domaine Dujac Monts Luisants Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru 2019 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Decanter 95 points 
“From a 0.6ha parcel of Chardonnay that Dujac rents, this has noticeably more depth and nuance than the village-level white. This is a substantial, serious white Burgundy, with an apricot character but also hints of lemon peel and a salty minerality. There is more depth and extract on the palate, but also more freshness. This will doubtless reward mid-term ageing if you have the patience to wait. Drinking Window 2024 – 2049.”

Domaine Dujac Les Folatieres Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2019 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Domaine Dujac Les Folatieres Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2019 1.5L ($699.95) $599 special, 1 magnum in stock now 
Burghound 91-93 points
 “Outstanding! Smoky reduction currently overshadows the underlying fruit though there is fine freshness and verve to the nicely delineated middle weight flavors that are supported by firm acidity on the clean, dry and linear finale. Like the 2018 version, this attractively persistent effort could use better depth, but the underlying material appears to be present for that to occur.”
Decanter 91 points “The aromas are rich, almost tropical and the wine feels dense, almost a bit heavy, reflecting the character of the year more than the position on the slope. From 1.16ha of fairly young vines, this is fermented and aged with relatively modest use of new oak. Drinking Window 2024 – 2049.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières 1er Cru, a majority of the vines under 20 years old, was picked on 10 September. It is well-defined on the nose with light orange rind and very subtle muscat-like aromas, tight and benefitting from modest aeration. The palate is well balanced with a lightly spiced opening. There is a fine bead of acidity here given the warmth of the growing season, hints of praline and almond shaving towards the composed finish.”

Domaine Dujac Puligny-Montrachet 1er Combettes, Montrachet Premier Cru 2019 750ML ($319.95) $279 special, 1 bottles in stock now
Decanter 95 points
 “Produced from vines of about 60 years of age (Alec Seysses of Dujac isn’t entirely certain, since the planting records have been lost), the vines lie at the northern extremity of Puligny, bordering Meursault Charmes. This has some of the rich, buttery notes of Meursault, but it’s firmly structured feel and lemony fruit on the palate, place it firmly in Puligny. The wine shows both power and complexity, with the depth and definition to help this age and improve for decades. Drinking Window 2022 – 2034.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 92-94 points “The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes 1er Cru comes from vines in excess of 50-year old vines and was picked on 11 September. It demonstrates more precision and a little more tension than the Les Folatières. This contains a very subtle smokiness that complements the green apple and pear aromas – more Puligny and less exotic than the Folatières. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, lovely dried apricot and Clementine notes segue into a very composed finish that lingers with traces of white chocolate on the aftertaste. Excellent.”
Burghound 92-94 points “Sweet Spot Outstanding! This also reflects notes of smoky reduction. Otherwise there is impressive density to the relatively powerful, even robust (which is quite unusual for Combettes) flavors that exude evident minerality on the even firmer finale. I very much like the balance and density and I suspect that the elegance this cru is so rightly known for will develop with time in bottle.”
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Somewhere over the Ridge: 
Arriving Late April

 
There are few producers with a portfolio as storied and extensive as Ridge Vineyards. Championing organic practices and limited inputs since 1962 they were among the first to recognize the potential of meticulously farmed old-vine sites. Their holdings include some of the oldest vineyards in all of California with their crown jewel being the Monte Bello Vineyard (Yes that Monte Bello from the landmark Judgement of Paris in 1976). We’ve recently confirmed our allocation for a number of their wines from the highly promising 2019 vintage. Fruit quality was noted for exceptional concentration and power, with lower acidities wines from the vintage promise early enjoyment and aging potential alike. 

Ridge Vineyards arriving April 29th:

Ridge Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains 2019 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles arriving 


Ridge Vineyards Geyserville Alexander Valley 2020 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles arriving 

Ridge Vineyards East Bench Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2020 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles arriving

 
 
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Best of the Iblei: Gulfi

 
Looking for a wine that hits the same notes as Cabernet Sauvignon but with a distinctive Sicilian flair? Nero D’Avola would like to make your acquaintance. Also known as Calabrese and often called “The Cabernet of Sicily” Nero D’Avola was originally brought to the island by Greek settlers in the 8th century. Now commanding a large portion of the island’s red production, you see a tremendous style diversity based on producer, cultivation style and site.

Gulfi represents the best of Sicily’s new generation of winemakers, and is a champion of indigenous Sicilian varietals and growing practice. This is exemplified by his work with Nero D’Avola, which he farms without any chemical input, mechanized farming or even irrigation! Exclusively using the Sicilian bushvine for production and biodynamic farming practices, Gulfi is critically undervalued to say the least. Across their portfolio of Nero D’Avola, there is a pervasive minerality, clean aromatics and nuanced finishes to each wine that is unlike anything you experience in an example from Marsala or Agrigento. This is on account of the protection and shadow provided by the Iblei Mountains of Southeastern Sicily, which encourages a phenolic driven course of ripening.

Gulfi wines in stock now: 

Gulfi ‘Valcanzjria’ Sicilia Sicily2019 750M ($21.95) $18 special, 3 bottles in stock now

 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Gulfi Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG Sicily 2019 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Gulfi Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG Sicily2019 750ML ($299.95) $228 special, (That’s only $19 per bottle!)
Eric Guido-Vinous 90 points
 “The 2019 Cerasuolo di Vittoria is lifted, presenting a pure display of sweet violets, black cherries and hints of wet stone. It impresses further with silky textures that envelop the palate in bright red and blue fruits, along with a refreshing wave of juicy acidity. Hints of spiced orange and inner florals linger long through the lightly structured finale. This is an equal-parts blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato that is aimed at immediate satisfaction, but in a nicely balanced style.”

 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Gulfi Nerojbleo Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT Sicily 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Gulfi Nerojbleo Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT Sicily 2018 750ML ($299.95) $228 pre-arrival special

Sourced from Chiaramonte Gulfi (Ragusa) in Monti Iblei grown at 1,000+ foot above sea level. Organically grown without irrigation in the traditional bushvine of Sicily.

Gulfi Rossojbleo Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT Sicily 2019 750ML  ($21.95) $18 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Gulfi Rossojbleo Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT Sicily 2019 750ML (259.95) $199 special

Grown without synthetic inputs or irrigation, this is the entry-level offering from Gulfi. Meant to be a light and juicy iteration of Nero D’Avola.

Check out our entire stock of Sicilian wines on our web store and in-store

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Staff Pick:
Ferrer Bobet

  
Priorat remains one of the most sought after and highly lauded wine producing regions in all of Spain. The high concentration of old vines, cult level producers, high elevation and Mediterranean climate have made it a hotbed for Spain’s fine wine revolution. Priorat wines are largely based around Grenache and Carignan, grapes usually associated with being medium-to-full bodied and fruity. However they take on a whole new dimension on the terraced vineyards of martian-esque shale. Called llicorella by the locals it’s famous for the savory minerality that’s imparted to the grapes, in addition to ripening grapes faster by heat radiation. Pushing those bold flavors to the next level often involves colonizer grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah which Bobet has since added to their estate bottlings.  

The 2016 vintage in Priorat is highly lauded even compared to her sister, the juggernaut of 2015 in that ripeness was also met with elegant levels of acid promising a long life in the bottle. The primary flavors are a plethora of black fruits with the most pronounced being blackberries and blackcurrant with additional fruits like Marionberry revealing themselves with time. 
  
The flavors continue to develop and refine after time in the glass; revealing grilled strawberry, sage, za’atar, wet slate and ash salt. Impressively lifted for how full bodied and tannic the other elements are but provides balance and synergy. This is beautiful now but promises to become a work of art after more time in the cellar to shed it’s baby fat.   

Ferrer Bobet in stock now: 

Ferrer Bobet Priorat DOCa 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Ferrer Bobet Priorat DOCa 2016 750ML ($359.95) $279 special, (That’s $46.50 per bottle!) 
James Suckling 97 points
 “Such purity of ripe blackberries and dark cherries, as well as redder, cherry notes, really makes a striking impression on the nose. The fresh florals and leafy nuances are followed by such pure berries and red plums. The tannins are stunning, so polished and perfectly formed, holding super long and fresh. Wow. Drink or hold.” 
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
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Top Shelf Selections: 
 
Did you know that Tête de Cuvee’s can also be non-vintage? While it’s true that non-vintage bottlings are every champenois “Bread and butter” there can still be top offerings made from the style. Often done from an artistic decision rather than economic, Clouet cites blending masters Laurent Perrier and Krug for the inspiration behind the cuvee. Taking the concept of using assemblage to create “A perfect year” within the bottle and combining it with a solera of reserve wines is how Clouet has melded the two styles and has clearly succeeded.   

Andre Clouet crafts their 1911 cuvee from the 10 best plots in their portfolio in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy. The village shares borders with 3 other Grand Cru villages and specialized in powerfully structured Pinot Noir. As such, the 1911 is entirely Pinot Noir and exemplifies the village’s reputation beautifully. Comprised of a single vintage that’s at least 7 years old and a solera based reserve wine that was started in 1998, this is champagne that encapsulates both maturity and youthful vigor. Complex doesn’t begin to cover this wine with the solera aging for the reserve wine portion adding incredible nuance like white truffle, rose petal, ground coffee, and miso to the flavor profile. The aromas are equally compelling, delivering a spectrum of white flowers like jasmine and orange blossom against a chalky backdrop. 

In stock and available now: 

Andre Clouet Un Jour de 1911 Champagne, NV 750ML ($99.95) $74.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93+ points 
“[Review is for a prior disgorgement] The NV Grand Cru Cuvee 1911 emerges from the glass with the most haunting of perfumes. Sweet rose petal and jasmine are some of the nuances that emerge over time. Despite recent disgorgement, the purity of the fruit and the extraordinary elegance of the mousse are hard to miss. This is an exceptional, elegant version of the 1911 that should drink beautifully for years to come. The bottle I tasted needed quite a bit of air to open up, so readers should be patient with the wine at this stage.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!

La Jota’s roots in Howell Mountain date back to 1898, but their modern reincarnation began in 1982. Over the ensuing 40+ years, La Jota has secured its reputation as one of Howell Mountain’s benchmark producers. The combination of high elevation, mineral rich soil and some of the oldest Cabernet Franc vines in Napa make for an indelibly unique expression of the varietal. The vineyards positioning above the fog line allows for a lack of pyrazine in the finished wine, largely removing the “green” flavors commonly found in Cabernet Franc. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is equally as compelling, with the vineyard benefiting from their perch above Napa Valley’s stubborn fog line, resulting in wines that are not only more structured and fresh, but also (paradoxically) more generous. There’s a reason why many Napa enthusiasts remain so enchanted by the region’s hillside vineyards, with most examples having some of the longest aging trajectories in the appellation.

La Jota in stock now: 

La Jota Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2014 375ML ($59.95) $39 special, 36+ half bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96+ points 
“Checking in as a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is another gorgeous wine from winemaker Chris Carpenter. Brought up in 90% new French oak, this classic, tight, focused beauty boasts sensational notes of crème de cassis, graphite, toasty oak, and ample minerality. These all flow to a full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, layered, tannic 2014 that has remarkable purity, impeccable balance, and a great, great finish. It’s classic, old-school, yet awesome Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that needs 3-4 years of bottle age and will keep for 2-3 decades.”
Robert Parker 95 points “The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is 75.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec, aged in 89% new French oak. The wine displays the great fruit that is possible from these two sites owned by the Jacksons. It has an opaque purple color, a big, sweet kiss of crème de cassis and blackberry with a touch of lead pencil shavings, vanilla and incense. It is full-bodied and dense, with moderately high tannins but beautiful sweetness and fruit. Drink it over the next 25-30 years.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Cellar Selection. Blended with small percentages of 12% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, and then aged in 90% new French oak for 19 months, this stellar effort offers reduced oak, bark, toast and clove aromas and flavors alongside sizable, structured tannin and hearty ripeness. Black currant and chocolate dust a layer of tobacco. Enjoy best 2024 through 2034. -Virginie Boone”

La Jota Vineyard Cabernet Franc Howell Mountain 2016 750ML ($109.95) $89 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97 points
 “The deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Franc Howell Mountain (100% Cabernet Franc) gives up exuberant bramble fruits, baked raspberries, mulberries and wild blueberries with suggestions of pencil shavings, kirsch, rose hip tea and tobacco leaf. Full-bodied and with a very firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins, it has wonderful perfume and depth, finishing long and mineral laced. 537 cases produced.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Cellar Selection. This standout varietal wine is complex and lengthy in a wealth of juicy red and black fruit, with lasting accents of dried herb, sage, lavender and violet. Built to last, it should develop even more in bottle. Drink 2024–2026. -Virginie Boone”
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ points “Lots of spring flowers, chocolate, damp earth, and blue fruits emerge from the 2016 Cabernet Franc Howell Mountain, which is 100% varietal brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. With medium to full body, bright acidity, incredible elegance, and a still tight, focused style on the palate, hide bottles for 3-5 years and it should drink beautifully over the following 15-20 years.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

La Jota Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown- Wine Advocate 97+ points
 “A blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 7% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is deep garnet-purple colored and features gregarious crème de cassis, black cherry preserves and baked plums with touches of Indian spices, cigar box and charcuterie. Full, firm and decadently fruited, it has a fantastic foundation and very long, layered and expressive finish. 3,202 cases produced.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain checks in as a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It offers a sensational bouquet of blackcurrants, blackberries, black cherries, savory herbs, bay leaf, and earth. It’s medium to full-bodied, beautiful, elegant, has vibrant acidity, fine tannins, and a smoking good finish. It’s another age-worthy wine from this terrific estate that needs short-term cellaring and will keep for 30+ years.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Tête de Cuvees are the crown jewel of any Champagne producer, and that goes double for a Grande Marque due to their roles as the region’s metaphorical “Face”. Of these houses, few are as synonymous with Chardonnay as Perrier-Jouët. Their first vintage of the Belle Époque was in 1964, and has only been made 30 times in decades since. In comparison Dom Perignon has been made 74 different times between Brut and Rose bottlings. Sourced from 5 different villages and aged for 6 years prior to disgorgement, there is meant to be both fruit and tertiary character present. We have released our final allotment of the 2011 bottling with no ETA on our next vintage!

Perrier-Jouët in stock now: 

Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque – Fleur de Champagne Millesime Brut Champagne 2011 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 94 points
 “Always a light, ethereal style of wine, this is also very fresh and still young. It will age with its taut minerality from the Chardonnay in the blend. A softer background will become toasty over the next few years. The vintage date on this bottle is 200 years after the foundation of this producer. Drink from 2021.”

Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque – Fleur de Champagne Brut Rose Millesime Champagne 2005 750ML ($319.95) $279 special, only 2 bottles in stock now 
Wine Enthusiast 95 points
 “The palest of rosés, this crisp, bright and fruity wine is full of tight acidity, freshly picked raspberries and steely acidity. It could age a few more years to bring out a toastier character.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Founded in 1936, the Domaine is now under its third generation of grower-producer and has only improved since its founding. Farming their 32 acres organically and without any chemical input, Gelin’s crown jewels are a number of monopoles throughout Fixin. The wines made by Gelin are famous for their age worthiness, to the point of being quite shy in their early years. This is partly on account of the time the wines spend in oak, which Gelin does longer than most in the Côte de Nuits with a year minimum en elevage. 

With time in bottle, these are some of the most multidimensional Pinot Noir’s in Burgundy, encompassing both refinement and potency. With a house style they describe as “Pure and Honest” these are absolutely stunning examples of the textural lightness associated with Côte de Nuits, with the flavor intensity that comes from meticulous practices in the vineyard and cellar. The ripeness and intensity of fruit make these wines ideal for cuisine that emphasizes umami and multispectral flavor, such as Japanese, Korean, French and Ghanaian cuisines.  

Gelin in stock now: 

Domaine Pierre Gelin Clos Prieur Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points 
“Shows plenty of cherry and pomegranate flavors, along with a racy structure that defines the berry, spice and mineral notes. Stays firm on the finish but should settle down with time. 40 cases imported.”
Burghound 90 points “Noticeable wood frames the more deeply pitched dark currant, spice and once again pungently earthy nose. The supple medium-bodied flavors possess a more refined mouth feel thanks to the relatively fine grain of the supporting tannins, all wrapped in a contrasting finish that is borderline robust. This will need a few years to fully harmonize.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Pierre Gelin Clos de Meixvelle Gevrey-Chambertin 2010 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 89 points
 “A supple, expressive red, with aromas of cherry, licorice and cinnamon. On the chewy side, featuring dense tannins and a gripping, spicy finish. Best from 2016 through 2029. 250 cases imported.”
Burghound “Outstanding 89 Points. This is a bit more deeply pitched than the Clos Napoléon with a lovely mix of both red and dark pinot fruit scents where the earth character is different as well as it’s slightly less pungent and it’s less iron-infused as well. There is good freshness and verve to the ultra-refined medium weight flavors and the tannins are incredibly fine grained, particularly for a villages level wine. A Gevrey of finesse and refinement.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Pierre Gelin Clos de Meixvelle Gevrey-Chambertin 2012 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points
 “Rich, displaying candied cherry, currant, earth and spice flavors. This stays fresh and balanced on the long finish, with well-integrated tannins. Best from 2016 through 2028. 156 cases imported.”
Burghound “Outstanding 89 points. A notably ripe and intensely earthy nose of assorted dark berries, humus and game nuances is trimmed in just enough wood to notice. The very generous and equally ripe middle weight flavors are very Gevrey in character with a robust finale that displays only a trace of austerity. This well-balanced effort should reward up to a decade of cellaring. Very solid quality here and worth your consideration.”

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Collector’s Corner:
Latour’s Romanee-Saint-Vivant

 
 
Have you ever wanted to try Pinot Noir from a Romanée-Conti site but didn’t want to shell out thousands of dollars? Romanée St. Vivant is among the most famous appellations in the entire world, most famously led by the legendary Domaine Romanée-Conti as the majority landholder. As a result of the site’s location near the bottom of the hill, the soil is largely comprised of decomposed limestone and clay.

These soil conditions lend themselves to a light and highly aromatic expression of Burgundian Pinot Noir. Thankfully Louis Latour possesses historical tonnage contracts, allowing for them to make some of the most affordable examples from this appellation on the market. 

Louis Latour Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru Les Quatre Journaux Cote de Nuits 2016 750ML ($699.95) $519 special, only 9 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 100 points
 “This is a grand cru that shows its intensity and complexity and greatness from the beginning. Blackberry, licorice and stone aromas. Full body and a center palate that shows ripe fruit and full richness. Then the tannins kick in. Great wine. Drink in 2024.”