Foradori Reloaded
After the explosive success of our initial offering, we’ve doubled down on our Foradori wines across the board. If you were one of the many who missed out on our initial offering, here’s your second chance to secure your own supply!
Foradori wines in stock now
Foradori Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 20 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “Maybe the greatest natural white wine I have ever tasted. Complex and strikingly original lemon-zest, smoke and dried-chamomile aromas pour from the glass. Then comes the concentrated but very refined palate,followed by a super-long finish that’s a cascading waterfall of wet-stone minerality. Just doesn’t want to stop! From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
Foradori Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Case-6 Foradori Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($199.95) $159 special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 94 points “A subtle yet complex red with blackberry, blueberry, mineral and black-tea aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied, yet very polished and refined. Lightly chewy and very focused. All in balance. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but better in 2023.”
Foradori Fontanasanta Nosiola Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($49.95) $47.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 95 points “Complex nose of toasted nuts and chocolate, but this is so much fresher than that sounds, thanks to the intense, wild-herb character that expands with aeration. Just a hint of funk. The stunning interplay of oxidative (mature) and reductive (fresh) character makes this so animating and fascinating. Very long, delicate finish. Drink or hold.”
Foradori ‘Fuoripista’ Pinot Grigio Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($59.95) $55 special, 6 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 95 points “Skin fermentation has given this pinot grigio a rosé color, but also a lot of peach-skin, rose-petal and candied-orange character. Notes of wet earth and umami, which you normally associate with red wines, develops as it aerates in the glass. Then comes the surprisingly delicate, medium-bodied palate that is so fresh, the delicate tannins and rose-petal notes lifting the long, almost weightless finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
Foradori Vigneto Sgarzon Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 94 points “This red has an extreme mountain-wine personality that’s expressed through a ton of wild-herb and cranberry aromas, crisp acidity and a tightly wound body. Somehow the generous and slightly sappy tannins neatly fold into the wine’s sleek profile. Long, crisp and mineral finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
Foradori ‘Morei’ Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 97 points “Incredibly deep wild-berry nose that has just a whiff of funk, but this also gives the wine enormous energy. Sleek, but densely concentrated with a stunning interplay of fruit and fine tannin, the dangerously lively acidity whipping this into a mineral and herbal frenzy at the breathtaking, long finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
Foradori Granato Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 97 points “Enormously deep and subtle wild-blackberry aromas with a thousand herbal nuances lead you into this concentrated and beautifully proportioned red that is so delightful and fascinating. Very long finish that’s crisp and very mineral. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
No Dealmaking required:
New Vintage of Faust Cabernet
Considered the younger sibling to Quintessa’s legendary Cabernet blend, Faust is a cult wine in its own right. In spite of being a secondary bottling the Faust offers earlier enjoyment while still having the stuffing for long term cellaring. Biodynamically farmed to boot this is an essential Napa Cabernet for all levels of collector at an everyman price point
Faust in stock now:
Faust Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 75OML ($54.95) $44.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Very attractive aromas of blackcurrants, black olives and dark leather with some cedar. It’s full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and a refined, polished finish. Shows finesse and focus. Grows on the palate. Really delicious now, but will improve with age. Drink or hold.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Distinctive, with sweet bay leaf, sassafras and a sanguine note all taking the lead, while a core of gently mulled red currant and blackberry fruit follows. Shows a nice herbaceous/brambly energy through the finish. Drink now through 2028. 40,000 cases made.”
Captain of Chavignol:
2020 Boulay’s arriving soon
Gerard Boulay Sancerre La Cote Loire 2020 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Trending Rose
Etna has become the newest hottest region in Sicily, and for good reason. Jancis Robinson even called it “The Burgundy of the Mediterranean,” which is an apt description of most of the new wines coming off of the high altitude slopes of Sicily’s volcano. There is another traditional style of wine made on Etna as well, though, one that tends to have a foot in Barolo rather than in Burgundy, and among its best practitioners is Terre Nere.
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Rosato Etna Sicily 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Lightly hued, this refined, onion-colored rosato, made with organically grown Nerello Mascalese grapes, has delicate aromas suggesting Mediterranean scrub and wild berries. The dry, savory palate offers pomegranate, peach and citrus before a tangy mineral finish suggesting oyster shell. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The 2020 Etna Rosato lifts up wonderfully fresh and perfumed, offering notes of sweet peach and white smoke backed by honeyed florals and wedges of candied lime. It’s silky-smooth and round yet spry, washing nuances of ripe pear and nectarine across a core of saturating saline-minerality. There’s simply so much going on here for a Rosato as the 2020 punches well above its class, finishing incredibly long yet juicy, and fizzling out to hints of sour citrus and cheek-puckering green apple.”
J.K Carriere is known for their deliciously crisp and mineral driven rose of Pinot Noir vintage after vintage, and the 2021 is no exception! Sourced entirely from their estate vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains, you can expect the AVA’s trademark umami combined with a refreshing, dewy finish in addition to delightfully ripe flavors that you find in warmer vintages.
J.K Carriere in stock now:
J.K. Carriere Glass White Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2021 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Think summer patio and a turn-of-the-century dry rosé Champagne with no bubbles.”
Easily our best-selling rose in house, and rightly so! The Ameztoi Rubentis is a blend of both Hondarribi Beltza and Zuri sourced from a series of organically farmed, high elevation sites in the Basque Region with the oldest vines being over 100 years old. Fermented in the traditional style of the Basque region which leaves it slightly sparkling and naturally low in sulfur! Fully dry and incredibly nuanced yet delicate with a whole spectrum of fruits ranging from strawberry to white peach.
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2020 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “The pink sibling of Ameztoi’s flagship white, this vibrant rosé is made from a mix of red and white indigenous grapes and is bottled with a little residual carbonation to give it a light spritz.”
Stellar Swartland: Johan Meyer
Mother Rock ‘Holocene’ Swartland 2018 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “Fragrant and distinctive, this tangy red is light- to medium-bodied and racy, offering an expressive profile of steeped raspberry and peach fruit flavors meshed with notes of dried flowers, blood orange zest and medicinal herbs. Lingering, zesty finish. Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2025. 222 cases made, 56 cases imported. — AN”
Mother Rock ‘Force Majeure – Force Celeste’ Cuvee PN Pet Nat Swartland 2021 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “A Pet-Nat that puts Pinotage in the spotlight. South Africa’s native grape is best known for its bright fruit and deep earthy character, which translate beautifully in this joyful rosé fizz. Slightly hazy salmon-pink in the glass, with aromas of raspberries, blood orange and earthy rhubarb. Fresh in the mouth, with crunchy cranberry fruit and a savoury edge. Delicious and dangerously drinkable at only 11%!”
Get Schisty with Clos Erasmus
Priorat or Tarraconensis as it was once called has cultivated winegrapes since the Roman Empire first occupied the area, but it was Clos Erasmus and their collegues who transformed Priorat from sleepy backwater to a global wine powerhouse in the 1980’s and 90’s. Farming biodynamically since their inception Clos Erasmus has maintained very low production throughout the stratospheric rise of the region, and rarely exceeds 140 cases per year from their 25 acres in production. Limited does not begin to describe the scarcity of these wines, with these bottles being the crown jewel of wine lists around the world.
Clos Erasmus Wines in stock now:
Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus Priorat DOCa 2018 1.5L ($699.95) $579 special only 1 magnum in stock now
Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus Priorat DOCa 2018 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate Luis Gutierrez 99 points “A blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Syrah, 2018 Clos Erasmus comes from a year with good yields and enough rain for good ripeness of the grapes. The vines are now 36 years old on average, and the grapes fermented after a cold soak in 1,000-, 1,500- and 2,000-liter oak vats with indigenous yeasts and a five-week maceration. It matured in new and second use Burgundian 228-liter oak barrels, with around 40% new oak. This is a very elegant and perfumed vintage for Clos Erasmus, a wine that reveals a bright ruby color and a exotic nose that mixes flowers with tons of sweet spices. It is still very young and influenced by the élevage in oak, with something herbal and fresh, reminiscent of pine needles. The palate is textured and velvety, lace and dust, with fine-grained tannins that bring back the memories of the slate rocks; it is pure and detailed and has terrible balance, focus, inner strength, filigree and subdued minerality. I’d wait a little bit for the oak to get integrated before pulling the cork. It has the ingredients, stuffing and balance to develop nicely in bottle for a long time. 3,319 bottles and 100 magnums produced. It was bottled in May 2020.”
Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’ Priorat DOCa 2018 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’ Priorat DOCa 2018 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The second wine here and one that is easier to drink, the 2018 Laurel was produced with fruit from the younger vines, a couple of barrels that are declassified from Clos Erasmus and the Cabernet Sauvignon, more or less 70% Garnacha and 15% each Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has good ripeness and still a pH of 3.3. It fermented mostly in oak vats and 2,000-liter concrete vats with indigenous yeasts and matured for 18 months in 20,000-liter oak and concrete vats, second use barriques and some clay amphorae. It’s a bright translucent ruby color and has a perfumed and delicate nose with notes of orange peel and flowers; this is the most elegant and ethereal vintage of Laurel as far as I can remember, with red rather than black fruit and a kind of cranberry quality. The palate is medium-bodied, textured and fluid, with subtleness, balance and very fine tannins. The oak is perfectly integrated, and the wine is easy to drink, approachable and very pleasurable right now. It’s a fresh vintage with energy and finesse, quite different from previous vintages. I love it. 22,825 bottles and 515 magnums produced. It was bottled in May 2020.”
After the explosive success of our initial offering, we’ve doubled down on our Foradori wines across the board. If you were one of the many who missed out on our initial offering, here’s your second chance to secure your own supply!
Foradori wines in stock now
Foradori Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 20 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “Maybe the greatest natural white wine I have ever tasted. Complex and strikingly original lemon-zest, smoke and dried-chamomile aromas pour from the glass. Then comes the concentrated but very refined palate,followed by a super-long finish that’s a cascading waterfall of wet-stone minerality. Just doesn’t want to stop! From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $37
The average price is $37
Foradori Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Case-6 Foradori Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($199.95) $159 special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 94 points “A subtle yet complex red with blackberry, blueberry, mineral and black-tea aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied, yet very polished and refined. Lightly chewy and very focused. All in balance. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but better in 2023.”
Foradori Fontanasanta Nosiola Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($49.95) $47.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 95 points “Complex nose of toasted nuts and chocolate, but this is so much fresher than that sounds, thanks to the intense, wild-herb character that expands with aeration. Just a hint of funk. The stunning interplay of oxidative (mature) and reductive (fresh) character makes this so animating and fascinating. Very long, delicate finish. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Foradori ‘Fuoripista’ Pinot Grigio Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($59.95) $55 special, 6 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 95 points “Skin fermentation has given this pinot grigio a rosé color, but also a lot of peach-skin, rose-petal and candied-orange character. Notes of wet earth and umami, which you normally associate with red wines, develops as it aerates in the glass. Then comes the surprisingly delicate, medium-bodied palate that is so fresh, the delicate tannins and rose-petal notes lifting the long, almost weightless finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Foradori Vigneto Sgarzon Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 94 points “This red has an extreme mountain-wine personality that’s expressed through a ton of wild-herb and cranberry aromas, crisp acidity and a tightly wound body. Somehow the generous and slightly sappy tannins neatly fold into the wine’s sleek profile. Long, crisp and mineral finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Foradori ‘Morei’ Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 97 points “Incredibly deep wild-berry nose that has just a whiff of funk, but this also gives the wine enormous energy. Sleek, but densely concentrated with a stunning interplay of fruit and fine tannin, the dangerously lively acidity whipping this into a mineral and herbal frenzy at the breathtaking, long finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Foradori Granato Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 97 points “Enormously deep and subtle wild-blackberry aromas with a thousand herbal nuances lead you into this concentrated and beautifully proportioned red that is so delightful and fascinating. Very long finish that’s crisp and very mineral. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $85
The average price is $85
No Dealmaking required:
New Vintage of Faust Cabernet
Considered the younger sibling to Quintessa’s legendary Cabernet blend, Faust is a cult wine in its own right. In spite of being a secondary bottling the Faust offers earlier enjoyment while still having the stuffing for long term cellaring. Biodynamically farmed to boot this is an essential Napa Cabernet for all levels of collector at an everyman price point
Faust in stock now:
Faust Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 75OML ($54.95) $44.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Very attractive aromas of blackcurrants, black olives and dark leather with some cedar. It’s full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and a refined, polished finish. Shows finesse and focus. Grows on the palate. Really delicious now, but will improve with age. Drink or hold.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Distinctive, with sweet bay leaf, sassafras and a sanguine note all taking the lead, while a core of gently mulled red currant and blackberry fruit follows. Shows a nice herbaceous/brambly energy through the finish. Drink now through 2028. 40,000 cases made.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Captain of Chavignol:
2020 Boulay’s arriving soon
“Given the crystalline purity of his Sauvignon Blancs, he has become one of my favorite producers of the central Loire. If you want to know what true Sancerre tastes like, try one of his single-vineyard bottlings. It does not come any better!” – Joel Payne, Vinous
You’ve heard of Didier Dagueneau and his $150+ Sancerre’s, but have you heard of Gerard Boulay?
Gerard Boulay is one of the handful of producers in the world that makes exceptionally age worthy, collectible and profound Sauvignon Blanc’s from his family’s estate. This is a cult level producer that’s still at an accessible price point. It’s remarkable that these wines are available on the open market, considering the Boulay family has been known for exceptional quality since the 14th century as the Cathedral of Bourges “Church white”.
We were able to secure a complete assortment of their portfolio, ranging from their entry level wines to their rarest and most collectible labels. For the prices that Boulay charges, these are some of the most electric and profound whites in all of France. While low-tier Sancerre always seems overpriced, the top producers in the region make extraordinary wines that seem to be completely undervalued (with the obvious exception of Vatan). 2019 and 2020 were fantastic years in the Loire and Boulay has had some of the best bottles in his career during this unprecedented streak of “Good to Exceptional” vintages.
Boulay’s vineyards are based in Chavignol, the true beating heart of Sancerre and the host of all the best names in the region (Vatan, the Cotats, Boulay, Dagueneau, etc.) and Boulay owns some of best located sites in some of the best vineyards in the town. From his parcel in La Grande Cote to Monts Damnes to the famed Clos Beaujeu, all of his wines ring with terroir and the unique minerality that’s inherent to Chavignol. Gerard Boulay says “Nature makes the wine” and strives for age worthiness above all else, having examples of his work dating back to the 1960’s still drinking beautifully. The estate’s farming is entirely chemical free, and was one of the first producers in the region to convert to organics. We’re expecting his 2020 vintage to arrive by month’s end, with this being one of our “Once-a-year” allocations. Given the recent success of other allocated producers, it’s highly recommended that you purchase online or call in your order if you want to secure what you’d like.
Boulay wines arriving by May 1st, 2022:
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Chavignol Loire 2020 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Blend of young vine parcels on kimmeridgian slopes in the village of Chavignol.”
You’ve heard of Didier Dagueneau and his $150+ Sancerre’s, but have you heard of Gerard Boulay?
Gerard Boulay is one of the handful of producers in the world that makes exceptionally age worthy, collectible and profound Sauvignon Blanc’s from his family’s estate. This is a cult level producer that’s still at an accessible price point. It’s remarkable that these wines are available on the open market, considering the Boulay family has been known for exceptional quality since the 14th century as the Cathedral of Bourges “Church white”.
We were able to secure a complete assortment of their portfolio, ranging from their entry level wines to their rarest and most collectible labels. For the prices that Boulay charges, these are some of the most electric and profound whites in all of France. While low-tier Sancerre always seems overpriced, the top producers in the region make extraordinary wines that seem to be completely undervalued (with the obvious exception of Vatan). 2019 and 2020 were fantastic years in the Loire and Boulay has had some of the best bottles in his career during this unprecedented streak of “Good to Exceptional” vintages.
Boulay’s vineyards are based in Chavignol, the true beating heart of Sancerre and the host of all the best names in the region (Vatan, the Cotats, Boulay, Dagueneau, etc.) and Boulay owns some of best located sites in some of the best vineyards in the town. From his parcel in La Grande Cote to Monts Damnes to the famed Clos Beaujeu, all of his wines ring with terroir and the unique minerality that’s inherent to Chavignol. Gerard Boulay says “Nature makes the wine” and strives for age worthiness above all else, having examples of his work dating back to the 1960’s still drinking beautifully. The estate’s farming is entirely chemical free, and was one of the first producers in the region to convert to organics. We’re expecting his 2020 vintage to arrive by month’s end, with this being one of our “Once-a-year” allocations. Given the recent success of other allocated producers, it’s highly recommended that you purchase online or call in your order if you want to secure what you’d like.
Boulay wines arriving by May 1st, 2022:
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Chavignol Loire 2020 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Blend of young vine parcels on kimmeridgian slopes in the village of Chavignol.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Gerard Boulay Sancerre La Cote Loire 2020 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Trending Rose
Etna has become the newest hottest region in Sicily, and for good reason. Jancis Robinson even called it “The Burgundy of the Mediterranean,” which is an apt description of most of the new wines coming off of the high altitude slopes of Sicily’s volcano. There is another traditional style of wine made on Etna as well, though, one that tends to have a foot in Barolo rather than in Burgundy, and among its best practitioners is Terre Nere.
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Rosato Etna Sicily 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Lightly hued, this refined, onion-colored rosato, made with organically grown Nerello Mascalese grapes, has delicate aromas suggesting Mediterranean scrub and wild berries. The dry, savory palate offers pomegranate, peach and citrus before a tangy mineral finish suggesting oyster shell. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The 2020 Etna Rosato lifts up wonderfully fresh and perfumed, offering notes of sweet peach and white smoke backed by honeyed florals and wedges of candied lime. It’s silky-smooth and round yet spry, washing nuances of ripe pear and nectarine across a core of saturating saline-minerality. There’s simply so much going on here for a Rosato as the 2020 punches well above its class, finishing incredibly long yet juicy, and fizzling out to hints of sour citrus and cheek-puckering green apple.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
J.K Carriere is known for their deliciously crisp and mineral driven rose of Pinot Noir vintage after vintage, and the 2021 is no exception! Sourced entirely from their estate vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains, you can expect the AVA’s trademark umami combined with a refreshing, dewy finish in addition to delightfully ripe flavors that you find in warmer vintages.
J.K Carriere in stock now:
J.K. Carriere Glass White Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2021 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Think summer patio and a turn-of-the-century dry rosé Champagne with no bubbles.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Easily our best-selling rose in house, and rightly so! The Ameztoi Rubentis is a blend of both Hondarribi Beltza and Zuri sourced from a series of organically farmed, high elevation sites in the Basque Region with the oldest vines being over 100 years old. Fermented in the traditional style of the Basque region which leaves it slightly sparkling and naturally low in sulfur! Fully dry and incredibly nuanced yet delicate with a whole spectrum of fruits ranging from strawberry to white peach.
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2020 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “The pink sibling of Ameztoi’s flagship white, this vibrant rosé is made from a mix of red and white indigenous grapes and is bottled with a little residual carbonation to give it a light spritz.”
Stellar Swartland: Johan Meyer
Johan Meyer is one of the biggest names in the “New School” of South African wine. Working exclusively with old vines in Swartland, he strives to be as low intervention as possible. That philosophy is present from grape to glass as it were; with irrigation and chemical input not practiced in the vineyard and the finished wines receiving no filtration, fining and minimal sulfur. As you can expect after almost a year of not exporting, South African wine has become a rarity in the United States market with what remains being in highly limited quantities.
The Holocene is a blend of Cinsault, Carignan and Mourvèdre sourced from a single vineyard in Malmesbury. Dry farmed and practicing organic this could be seen as South Africa’s riposte to the GSM blends of the Southern Rhone. Very easy to enjoy in that Holocene is perfectly juicy with a minerality that brings to mind crushed lava rock with the classic fynbos you find with South African wine.
Cinsault is rapidly becoming one of the top red varietals in South Africa and the world on account of it’s drought tolerance and ability to retain acidity during heat waves. As a single varietal there is often a spectrum of blue and red fruits with high acidity and perfumed aromatics. Cinsault pairs beautifully with various cuisines including Nigerian, Lebanese, Greek and barbeque on account of the fruit tea esque tannins and refreshing acidity.
Most unique out of the Mother Rock wines is their Pet-Nat. Comprised of Chenin Blanc and Pinotage sourced from a single farm. Grown at over 1,000 feet above sea level, the wine is bottled before fermentation completes, creating bubbles from the last of the remaining sugars. Pinotage takes on a spectrum of blue, black and purple fruits underscored by a tertiary plethora of smoke and earth, with the Chenin contributing beeswax, honeysuckle, chamomile, quince and yellow apple. If one had to summarize the wine in a word: Crushable.
Mother Rock wines in stock now:
Mother Rock ‘Force Majeure – Force Celeste’ Cinsault Swartland 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Importer note “A medium-bodied red with ripe tannins, depth and drinkability from whole bunch fermentation. A great addition to the Force Majeure range.”
The Holocene is a blend of Cinsault, Carignan and Mourvèdre sourced from a single vineyard in Malmesbury. Dry farmed and practicing organic this could be seen as South Africa’s riposte to the GSM blends of the Southern Rhone. Very easy to enjoy in that Holocene is perfectly juicy with a minerality that brings to mind crushed lava rock with the classic fynbos you find with South African wine.
Cinsault is rapidly becoming one of the top red varietals in South Africa and the world on account of it’s drought tolerance and ability to retain acidity during heat waves. As a single varietal there is often a spectrum of blue and red fruits with high acidity and perfumed aromatics. Cinsault pairs beautifully with various cuisines including Nigerian, Lebanese, Greek and barbeque on account of the fruit tea esque tannins and refreshing acidity.
Most unique out of the Mother Rock wines is their Pet-Nat. Comprised of Chenin Blanc and Pinotage sourced from a single farm. Grown at over 1,000 feet above sea level, the wine is bottled before fermentation completes, creating bubbles from the last of the remaining sugars. Pinotage takes on a spectrum of blue, black and purple fruits underscored by a tertiary plethora of smoke and earth, with the Chenin contributing beeswax, honeysuckle, chamomile, quince and yellow apple. If one had to summarize the wine in a word: Crushable.
Mother Rock wines in stock now:
Mother Rock ‘Force Majeure – Force Celeste’ Cinsault Swartland 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Importer note “A medium-bodied red with ripe tannins, depth and drinkability from whole bunch fermentation. A great addition to the Force Majeure range.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Mother Rock ‘Holocene’ Swartland 2018 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “Fragrant and distinctive, this tangy red is light- to medium-bodied and racy, offering an expressive profile of steeped raspberry and peach fruit flavors meshed with notes of dried flowers, blood orange zest and medicinal herbs. Lingering, zesty finish. Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2025. 222 cases made, 56 cases imported. — AN”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Mother Rock ‘Force Majeure – Force Celeste’ Cuvee PN Pet Nat Swartland 2021 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “A Pet-Nat that puts Pinotage in the spotlight. South Africa’s native grape is best known for its bright fruit and deep earthy character, which translate beautifully in this joyful rosé fizz. Slightly hazy salmon-pink in the glass, with aromas of raspberries, blood orange and earthy rhubarb. Fresh in the mouth, with crunchy cranberry fruit and a savoury edge. Delicious and dangerously drinkable at only 11%!”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price in the world today!
This is the lowest listed price in the world today!
Get Schisty with Clos Erasmus
Priorat or Tarraconensis as it was once called has cultivated winegrapes since the Roman Empire first occupied the area, but it was Clos Erasmus and their collegues who transformed Priorat from sleepy backwater to a global wine powerhouse in the 1980’s and 90’s. Farming biodynamically since their inception Clos Erasmus has maintained very low production throughout the stratospheric rise of the region, and rarely exceeds 140 cases per year from their 25 acres in production. Limited does not begin to describe the scarcity of these wines, with these bottles being the crown jewel of wine lists around the world.
Clos Erasmus Wines in stock now:
Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus Priorat DOCa 2018 1.5L ($699.95) $579 special only 1 magnum in stock now
Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus Priorat DOCa 2018 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate Luis Gutierrez 99 points “A blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Syrah, 2018 Clos Erasmus comes from a year with good yields and enough rain for good ripeness of the grapes. The vines are now 36 years old on average, and the grapes fermented after a cold soak in 1,000-, 1,500- and 2,000-liter oak vats with indigenous yeasts and a five-week maceration. It matured in new and second use Burgundian 228-liter oak barrels, with around 40% new oak. This is a very elegant and perfumed vintage for Clos Erasmus, a wine that reveals a bright ruby color and a exotic nose that mixes flowers with tons of sweet spices. It is still very young and influenced by the élevage in oak, with something herbal and fresh, reminiscent of pine needles. The palate is textured and velvety, lace and dust, with fine-grained tannins that bring back the memories of the slate rocks; it is pure and detailed and has terrible balance, focus, inner strength, filigree and subdued minerality. I’d wait a little bit for the oak to get integrated before pulling the cork. It has the ingredients, stuffing and balance to develop nicely in bottle for a long time. 3,319 bottles and 100 magnums produced. It was bottled in May 2020.”
Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’ Priorat DOCa 2018 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’ Priorat DOCa 2018 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The second wine here and one that is easier to drink, the 2018 Laurel was produced with fruit from the younger vines, a couple of barrels that are declassified from Clos Erasmus and the Cabernet Sauvignon, more or less 70% Garnacha and 15% each Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has good ripeness and still a pH of 3.3. It fermented mostly in oak vats and 2,000-liter concrete vats with indigenous yeasts and matured for 18 months in 20,000-liter oak and concrete vats, second use barriques and some clay amphorae. It’s a bright translucent ruby color and has a perfumed and delicate nose with notes of orange peel and flowers; this is the most elegant and ethereal vintage of Laurel as far as I can remember, with red rather than black fruit and a kind of cranberry quality. The palate is medium-bodied, textured and fluid, with subtleness, balance and very fine tannins. The oak is perfectly integrated, and the wine is easy to drink, approachable and very pleasurable right now. It’s a fresh vintage with energy and finesse, quite different from previous vintages. I love it. 22,825 bottles and 515 magnums produced. It was bottled in May 2020.”
Zany for Zuni
Collector’s Corner: Top Tier Cellar Gems
Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Les Feusselottes Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2008 750ML ($749.95) $649 special, only 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “The 2008 Chambolle-Musigny Les Feusselottes is notable for many outstanding qualities, starting with its totally striking, captivating bouquet. Firm yet elegant tannins frame the fruit in this hugely promising yet very young wine. The balance is simply first-class, suggesting the future is very bright.”
Domaine Fourrier Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieille Vigne Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($899.95) $799 special, only 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Advocate 94-96 Points “The 2014 Griottes Chambertin Grand Cru has a very intense bouquet with maraschino, blueberry and violets blossoming in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe black fruit, blueberry and a hint of balsamic, leading to a quite a structured and dense finish that just needs a touch more finesse. I think that will develop with time. Superb.”
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 94+ points “Good medium red. Strawberry and rose petal on the nose. At once dense and brisk, displaying a penetrating quality to its seamless, fine-grained flavors of red fruits and orange zest. Wonderfully taut and energetic but also fine-grained and suave. Less saline today than the Clos Saint-Jacques but boasts terrific fruit and mineral extension on the long, savory finish.”
Georges Laval ‘Les Longues Violes’ Brut Nature Champagne 2013 750ML ($899.95) $779 special, only 1 bottles in stock now
No reviews available for the 2013 vintage. 2012 review provided for reference.
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2012 Brut Nature Les Longues Violes is one of the most distinctive wines in Champagne. Weightless and perfumed in the glass, the Longues Violes possesses unreal finesse and stunning beauty. Floral, citrus and orchard fruit notes are all finely sketched in this a Champagne that sizzles with tension. This is a fabulous showing. Les Longues Violes is 90% Pinot Noir planted in 1964 and 1974 and 10% Meunier planted in 1947.”
John Gilman 96 points “The 2012 is the first release of les Longues Violes from Vincent Laval. This is a single vineyard bottling of pinot noir and pinot meunier that Monsieur Laval just started producing when he had to replant a parcel of very old pinot noir from his neighboring lieu à dit of les Hauts Chèvres, as those 1931 vines finally gave up the ghost after the 2009 harvest. However, in this adjoining vineyard, Vincent wanted to wait until the youngest vines (planted in 1984) were sufficiently mature to go into a single vineyard cuvée. The meunier here dates back to 1947 and most of the Lavals’ pinot noir in les Longues Violes was planted in 1964 for this bottling. The vins clairs were barrel-fermented (as is the case for all of Vincent’s wines) and aged until August of 2013 prior to bottling up for secondary fermentation; the wine was disgorged at the end of May of 2019. It delivers a marvelously pure and youthful bouquet of white peach, apple, hazelnut, a touch of buttery oak, lovely soil tones, warm bread and just a touch of upper register smokiness. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, focused, complex and perfectly balanced, with excellent mid-palate depth, elegant mousse, bright, buried acids and outstanding length and grip on the complex and utterly refined finish. This is gorgeous young wine, but like all of Vincent’s cuvées, it really needs some cellaring to blossom. 2028-2075.”
Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L ($1049.95) $899 special
Case-6 Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L ($5999.95) $5099 special (That’s only $849.83 per bottle)
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”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2016 Angélus erupts from the glass with powerful notes of blackberry pie, ripe black cherries and juicy black plums with an undercurrent of star anise, rose petals, chocolate mint, pencil shavings and woodsmoke plus a waft of allspice. The palate is pure decadence. Medium to full-bodied, rich and generously fruited, this wine is by no means heavy—it positively glimmers with freshness and vivacity, lending an ethereal nature to all that richness and power, beautifully framed by velvety tannins and finishing with epic length. The generosity, layers and plushness make for an absolutely DELICIOUS drink right now, but I’d suggest waiting 3-5 more years for the fireworks to really begin.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 97 Points “The 2016 Angélus has an intense, powerful bouquet with copious black cherries, boysenberry, orange pith and iodine scents that threaten to overwhelm the senses. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a dash of black pepper and impressive detail and persistence on the finish. This is an outstanding Angélus that clearly requires several years in bottle to realize its full potential. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2016 Château Angélus is incredibly elegant and finesse-driven, with a soaring perfume of crème de cassis, white flowers, crayon, forest floor, and spice. Compared to the 1996 by the Angélus team, it has a deep, layered style, its oak is beautifully integrated, there are ample tannins, and despite leaning toward the finesse-driven side of the spectrum, it has thrilling depth of fruit and length. It’s a brilliant wine from this estate that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 30+ years or more. The blend of the 2016 is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, brought up all in new French oak.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This goes for the gusto, with a deep and broad swath of well-roasted tobacco, espresso and loam out front. The core of dark currant and fig fruit will have to catch up, but this red has the energy and juicy drive to eventually do so. When it melds fully, this will be a smoky, alluring, tobacco-fueled wine. Best from 2024 through 2040. 8,333 cases made. — JM”
After the explosive popularity of our exclusive Evening Land/Brasserie 19 offer last year, we jumped at the chance to offer another exclusive wine from Rajat Parr’s Sta. Rita Hills winery, Sandhi. Oregon wine fans may best know Parr for his Willamette Valley winery Evening Land and their pioneering Seven Springs vineyard. Some years before signing on to Evening Land, Parr’s founded Sandhi, an elite, small production winery that highlights the terroirs of Santa Barbara County. He and co-founder Sashi Moorman eschew extremes of ripeness, oak, or alcohol, instead crafting wines of elegance and restraint. Vineyard sources for the Sandhi lineup include the legendary cool climate Bien Nacido, best known by the single vineyard bottlings produced by the Bien Nacido estate, Au Bon Climat, and Qupe Winery, and the world-classic, historic Sanford & Benedict.
This Chardonnay is a barrel selection from these illustrious vineyards. It was crafted with the wine director at one of SF’s finest restaurants, Zuni Café. We knew it would be a charming and food-friendly wine, but we were stunned by the quality when we tasted a sample bottle last week. Fans of Evening Land will be dazzled by the beauty and elegance through a Californian lens, fans of Sandhi will be impressed by the price.
Zuni Chardonnay in stock now:
Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($399.95) $239 special, (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
Winery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation.”
This Chardonnay is a barrel selection from these illustrious vineyards. It was crafted with the wine director at one of SF’s finest restaurants, Zuni Café. We knew it would be a charming and food-friendly wine, but we were stunned by the quality when we tasted a sample bottle last week. Fans of Evening Land will be dazzled by the beauty and elegance through a Californian lens, fans of Sandhi will be impressed by the price.
Zuni Chardonnay in stock now:
Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($399.95) $239 special, (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
Winery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Collector’s Corner: Top Tier Cellar Gems
Domaine Faiveley Chambertin-Clos de Beze Les Ouvrees Rodin Grand Cru Burgundy 2016 750ML ($1499.95) $1199 special, only 3 bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru Les Ouvrées Rodin is showing brilliantly from bottle, unfurling in the glass with a rich bouquet of cassis, cherries, red berries, grilled game, licorice, spices and smoky new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and expansive, with a deep and intense core of sapid fruit that cloaks its satiny but abundant structuring tannins, underpinned by succulent acids and concluding with a seriously long, penetrating finish. This special cuvée hails from a parcel of vines planted in 1966 on the Chambertin side of Clos de Bèze, and its name commemorates a Faiveley family connection with the sculptor Rodin.”
Stephen Tanzer 95-98 points “(like the “regular” Clos de Bèze, this special cuvée from 60+-year-old vines on the Chambertin side of the cru was totally destemmed): Dark red-ruby. Less expressive but slightly riper aromas of purple and black fruits and pungent spices. Then utterly seamless and suave on the palate, offering a lacy, feminine texture with great energy and sophistication. The penetrating red berry and white pepper flavors are amplified by the wine’s mineral underpinning. The endless rising finish combines serious power and refined tannins. Ultimately a bit less expressive and tight-grained than the classic Clos de Bèze but this is even deeper.”
Burghound 94-97 points “(a selection of the oldest vines in one of their 3 parcels). This is aromatically similar to the regular cuvée save for being even spicier and displaying a bit more wood influence. There is almost painful intensity to the super-sleek big-bodied flavors that possess a positively gorgeous mouthfeel due to a mid-palate that brims with sappy dry extract that coats the mouth on the hugely long and impeccably well-balanced finale. While this may change given that these are barrel samples but based on the two that I tasted, this is actually slightly less structured though I emphasize slightly. Either way, this is a seriously impressive effort that should age effortlessly. (94-97)/2034+.”
Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Les Feusselottes Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2009 750ML ($799.95) $699 special, only 1 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 92+ points “The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Feusselottes is oddly enough much more typical of this wine than the 2010 tasted alongside it. The Feusselottes is quite closed, though. With time in the glass some of the red fruit and flowers begin to emerge, but the 2009 remains somewhat shut down. It shows lovely textural richness and depth all the way through to the layered, sexy finish.”
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru Les Ouvrées Rodin is showing brilliantly from bottle, unfurling in the glass with a rich bouquet of cassis, cherries, red berries, grilled game, licorice, spices and smoky new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and expansive, with a deep and intense core of sapid fruit that cloaks its satiny but abundant structuring tannins, underpinned by succulent acids and concluding with a seriously long, penetrating finish. This special cuvée hails from a parcel of vines planted in 1966 on the Chambertin side of Clos de Bèze, and its name commemorates a Faiveley family connection with the sculptor Rodin.”
Stephen Tanzer 95-98 points “(like the “regular” Clos de Bèze, this special cuvée from 60+-year-old vines on the Chambertin side of the cru was totally destemmed): Dark red-ruby. Less expressive but slightly riper aromas of purple and black fruits and pungent spices. Then utterly seamless and suave on the palate, offering a lacy, feminine texture with great energy and sophistication. The penetrating red berry and white pepper flavors are amplified by the wine’s mineral underpinning. The endless rising finish combines serious power and refined tannins. Ultimately a bit less expressive and tight-grained than the classic Clos de Bèze but this is even deeper.”
Burghound 94-97 points “(a selection of the oldest vines in one of their 3 parcels). This is aromatically similar to the regular cuvée save for being even spicier and displaying a bit more wood influence. There is almost painful intensity to the super-sleek big-bodied flavors that possess a positively gorgeous mouthfeel due to a mid-palate that brims with sappy dry extract that coats the mouth on the hugely long and impeccably well-balanced finale. While this may change given that these are barrel samples but based on the two that I tasted, this is actually slightly less structured though I emphasize slightly. Either way, this is a seriously impressive effort that should age effortlessly. (94-97)/2034+.”
Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Les Feusselottes Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2009 750ML ($799.95) $699 special, only 1 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 92+ points “The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Feusselottes is oddly enough much more typical of this wine than the 2010 tasted alongside it. The Feusselottes is quite closed, though. With time in the glass some of the red fruit and flowers begin to emerge, but the 2009 remains somewhat shut down. It shows lovely textural richness and depth all the way through to the layered, sexy finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Les Feusselottes Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2008 750ML ($749.95) $649 special, only 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “The 2008 Chambolle-Musigny Les Feusselottes is notable for many outstanding qualities, starting with its totally striking, captivating bouquet. Firm yet elegant tannins frame the fruit in this hugely promising yet very young wine. The balance is simply first-class, suggesting the future is very bright.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Fourrier Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieille Vigne Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($899.95) $799 special, only 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Advocate 94-96 Points “The 2014 Griottes Chambertin Grand Cru has a very intense bouquet with maraschino, blueberry and violets blossoming in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe black fruit, blueberry and a hint of balsamic, leading to a quite a structured and dense finish that just needs a touch more finesse. I think that will develop with time. Superb.”
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 94+ points “Good medium red. Strawberry and rose petal on the nose. At once dense and brisk, displaying a penetrating quality to its seamless, fine-grained flavors of red fruits and orange zest. Wonderfully taut and energetic but also fine-grained and suave. Less saline today than the Clos Saint-Jacques but boasts terrific fruit and mineral extension on the long, savory finish.”
Georges Laval ‘Les Longues Violes’ Brut Nature Champagne 2013 750ML ($899.95) $779 special, only 1 bottles in stock now
No reviews available for the 2013 vintage. 2012 review provided for reference.
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2012 Brut Nature Les Longues Violes is one of the most distinctive wines in Champagne. Weightless and perfumed in the glass, the Longues Violes possesses unreal finesse and stunning beauty. Floral, citrus and orchard fruit notes are all finely sketched in this a Champagne that sizzles with tension. This is a fabulous showing. Les Longues Violes is 90% Pinot Noir planted in 1964 and 1974 and 10% Meunier planted in 1947.”
John Gilman 96 points “The 2012 is the first release of les Longues Violes from Vincent Laval. This is a single vineyard bottling of pinot noir and pinot meunier that Monsieur Laval just started producing when he had to replant a parcel of very old pinot noir from his neighboring lieu à dit of les Hauts Chèvres, as those 1931 vines finally gave up the ghost after the 2009 harvest. However, in this adjoining vineyard, Vincent wanted to wait until the youngest vines (planted in 1984) were sufficiently mature to go into a single vineyard cuvée. The meunier here dates back to 1947 and most of the Lavals’ pinot noir in les Longues Violes was planted in 1964 for this bottling. The vins clairs were barrel-fermented (as is the case for all of Vincent’s wines) and aged until August of 2013 prior to bottling up for secondary fermentation; the wine was disgorged at the end of May of 2019. It delivers a marvelously pure and youthful bouquet of white peach, apple, hazelnut, a touch of buttery oak, lovely soil tones, warm bread and just a touch of upper register smokiness. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, focused, complex and perfectly balanced, with excellent mid-palate depth, elegant mousse, bright, buried acids and outstanding length and grip on the complex and utterly refined finish. This is gorgeous young wine, but like all of Vincent’s cuvées, it really needs some cellaring to blossom. 2028-2075.”
Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L ($1049.95) $899 special
Case-6 Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L ($5999.95) $5099 special (That’s only $849.83 per bottle)
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”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2016 Angélus erupts from the glass with powerful notes of blackberry pie, ripe black cherries and juicy black plums with an undercurrent of star anise, rose petals, chocolate mint, pencil shavings and woodsmoke plus a waft of allspice. The palate is pure decadence. Medium to full-bodied, rich and generously fruited, this wine is by no means heavy—it positively glimmers with freshness and vivacity, lending an ethereal nature to all that richness and power, beautifully framed by velvety tannins and finishing with epic length. The generosity, layers and plushness make for an absolutely DELICIOUS drink right now, but I’d suggest waiting 3-5 more years for the fireworks to really begin.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 97 Points “The 2016 Angélus has an intense, powerful bouquet with copious black cherries, boysenberry, orange pith and iodine scents that threaten to overwhelm the senses. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a dash of black pepper and impressive detail and persistence on the finish. This is an outstanding Angélus that clearly requires several years in bottle to realize its full potential. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2016 Château Angélus is incredibly elegant and finesse-driven, with a soaring perfume of crème de cassis, white flowers, crayon, forest floor, and spice. Compared to the 1996 by the Angélus team, it has a deep, layered style, its oak is beautifully integrated, there are ample tannins, and despite leaning toward the finesse-driven side of the spectrum, it has thrilling depth of fruit and length. It’s a brilliant wine from this estate that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 30+ years or more. The blend of the 2016 is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, brought up all in new French oak.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This goes for the gusto, with a deep and broad swath of well-roasted tobacco, espresso and loam out front. The core of dark currant and fig fruit will have to catch up, but this red has the energy and juicy drive to eventually do so. When it melds fully, this will be a smoky, alluring, tobacco-fueled wine. Best from 2024 through 2040. 8,333 cases made. — JM”