In This Newsletter:
Subscriber Special:
Stellar Salvioni:
Amazing Avinyo:
The Pride of Penedès
Producer Spotlight:
Crowley Wines
Schatzel:
Tiffany Blue Treasures
Collectors Corner:
Vega Sicilia
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Subscriber Special:
2017 Scavino Barolo
Buy and 3 bottles and receive a 5% discount
Buy and 6+ bottles and we’ll apply a 10% discount
Sale Ends at 10:00 AM PST on Thursday June, 16th
Scavino is one of the truly great estates in Barolo, a region with no shortage of famous names. Despite a recent trend towards a more traditional approach, the wines still skew modernist. Rich and powerful in their youth, their true greatness develops after time in the cellar – something that can’t be said about all of Scavino’s modernist peers. Complex and nuanced upon release, the wines are built to age. With access to some of Barolo’s most prized vineyards and a winemaking team that embraces the best of both modern and traditional techniques, the wines are arguably the smartest buys in Barolo today.
2017 Scavino Barolo in stock now:
Paolo Scavino Bricco Ambrogio Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Located in Roddi, the 2017 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is marked by perfume of chalky earth, violets, and kirsch. The palate moves into dark fruits, with ripe currant, sweet tobacco, and tannins that emerge on the finish. Hold for 2-4 years and drink 2024-2042. Helmed by fourth generation winemaker Elisa Scavino, the estate owns and manages 30 hectares spanning eight of the 11 communes of the Barolo region and is based in Castiglione Falletto. Since 2007, they have implemented the use of a netted, submerged cap cylindrical system developed by Elisa’s father, Enrico, which achieves a delicate extraction during fermentation. They have moved to slower, longer fermentation periods, and as of 2018 will only be utilizing large casks. In the vineyard, there is great attention to the compression of the soils, creating a healthy ecosystem rich in oxygen and microorganisms and a sustainable approach.”
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2017 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is laced with succulent black cherry, mocha, licorice, dark spice and lavender. The Bricco Ambrogio is usually a bit juicier, while the 2017 is decidedly on the lighter side.”
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Paolo Scavino Bric del Fiasc Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($99.95) $88 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2017 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is another gorgeous wine in the line up from the Scavino family. Readers will find a Barolo that is more nuanced and less bombastic than in the past. Bric del Fiasc has plenty of power on its own, so this style works so well. Dried rose petal, mint, spice, kirsch and iron all blossom with a bit of coaxing. I can’t wait to see how it ages.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2017 Barolo Bric Del Fiasc has pure aromatics of stony graphitic earth, licorice, violets, and cherry liqueur. The palate is balanced, with a full structure, noted by dried apricot, blood orange, and cinnamon. The Bric del Fiasc has both floral lift as well as noble structure and has a refreshing nature. Drink 2024-2046.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Aromatic, this red offers rose, plum, cherry, licorice, leather and spicy tobacco notes. Firm, yet surprisingly open and balanced at this stage. Remains fresh and long on the savory finish. Best from 2024 through 2038. —B.S.”
Paolo Scavino Carobric Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2017 Barolo Carobric is one of the standouts in this range, as it often is. It has an extra dimension of depth and volume that works so well here. Sweet red cherry, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, anise and brambly notes build as this striking, expressive Barolo shows off its considerable charm. What a pretty wine it is.”
Paolo Scavino Ravera Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Barolo Ravera is dazzling. Deep, potent and virile, the 2017 has a lot to say, but it won’t be ready to drink anytime soon. Black cherry, graphite, licorice, smoke, game, lavender and licorice convey a real impression of gravitas that is reinforced by the wine’s overall feel. This powerhouse Barolo is magnificent today in a sort of old-school meets new-school style.”
Paolo Scavino Monvigliero Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Barolo Monvigliero is classy and polished right out of the gate. Sweet dark cherry, rose petal, mint and cinnamon are some of the nuances that open in the glass. Even with all of its immediacy, the 2017 has plenty of tannin. I would prefer to cellar it for at least a few years. The 2017 is undoubtedly an attractive wine, but its best days lie ahead.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “From the northern MGA within Verduno, the 2017 Barolo Monvigliero is soft and floral, with crushed violets, ripe black raspberry, and licorice candy. The palate is drying, with cherry pit, sweet herbs, and turned earth. Ripe yet balanced, drink or hold 2022-2040.”
Paolo Scavino Prapo Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2017 Barolo Prapò is yet another stellar wine in this range. Dark and brooding in the glass, the Prapò expresses all of the natural weight of this Serralunga cru, but with more overt fruit and a bit less tannic heft than is often the case. That should make the 2017 a real pleasure to drink, with just a handful of years in the cellar. Succulent black cherry, licorice, menthol, gravel and cured meats build into the heady finish.”
Stellar Salvioni:
You’ve heard of iconic Brunello’s like Biondi Santi but Salvioni should also be on your radar. With less than 10 acres or 1/5th of their property planted to grapevines, pampered doesn’t begin to cover the winegrowing philosophy. Grown at over 1,200 feet above sea level, there is a near constant breeze that assists in maintaining acidity and reducing disease pressure. The confluence of breezes and high elevation ensure that freshness is maintained even in exactingly hot vintages like 2017. The resulting wines combine jammy ripeness with lifted acidity, almost Napa-esque. In order to maximize the power of their old vines, yields are highly reduced and spend more than the required time in vat and bottle.
Salvioni Wines in stock now:
Salvioni Cerbaiola Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2016 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’keefe-Wine Enthusiast 100 points “Cellar Selection. Absolutely stunning, this gorgeous red has enticing aromas of wild rose, forest berries, new leather and camphor. Full-bodied and delicious, the smooth, structured palate is all about flavor, focus and finesse, doling out succulent black cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and white pepper notes framed in tightly knit, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Beautiful now and will continue to age and develop even more complexity for years to come”.
Eric Guido-Vinous 97+ points “The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino slowly comes to life, opening with a smoky, brooding and dark bouquet. It first unleashes its florals with crushed roses and hints of geranium, then deepens to reveal black cherry and raspberry, and finally a chorus of tobacco and wild herbs. You could lose yourself in the glass. The 2016 is incredibly silky and textural, displaying a youthful density that tempts the imagination while casting a savory display of mineral-tinged dark fruits, more black than red, with hints of dried orange and exotic spice. A saturation of fine tannin awaits on the finish, previously masked by the Salvioni’s primary power, as a mix of sage and hints of licorice slowly fade. There is so much potential here; but today, the 2016 is in dire need of cellaring. I tasted the 2016 multiple times over the course of two days and it didn’t budge.”
Salvioni Arriving June 30th:
Salvioni Cerbaiola Rosso di Montalcino Tuscany 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-Arrival special, 24 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The 2018 Salvioni Rosso di Montalcino leads off with a zesty, fresh display of Sangiovese fruit, as a mix of cherry and strawberry is complemented by hints of sweet spice, leather and gorgeous exotic florals. On the palate, I’m finding a wonderfully pure expression, focused on ripe red fruits with energizing acids and subtle spice, as pretty inner rose develops toward the close. Hints of fine tannin and minerals mingle throughout the finish, and a staining of black cherry lingers on and on. What a beautiful, feminine, and truly enjoyable vintage for the Salvioni Rosso.”
Ian D’agata-Vinous 93 points “Medium bright red. Candied raspberry, blueberry, and flowers on the nose and in the mouth. Suave but still youthfully tight, vibrant and perfumed on the long steely finish. A bright Rosso that finishes clean and seamless, featuring terrific cut and length.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Giulio Salvioni’s 2018 Rosso di Montalcino La Cerbaiola is a silky and fine expression of Sangiovese, a welterweight offering that jabs with little punches of wild berry, tilled soil and blue flower. This Rosso accomplishes an important feat here: It is not a less intense expression of the mighty Tuscan grape, but rather a more nuanced one. That’s exactly what a top-ranked Rosso di Montalcino should be. We’re not looking for that characteristic Brunello power. This wine instead provides us with an approachable yet pleasurable experience, packed tight with varietal and territorial purity. This release weighed in at a relatively sprightly 10,133 bottles.”
Salvioni Wines in stock now:
Salvioni Cerbaiola Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2016 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’keefe-Wine Enthusiast 100 points “Cellar Selection. Absolutely stunning, this gorgeous red has enticing aromas of wild rose, forest berries, new leather and camphor. Full-bodied and delicious, the smooth, structured palate is all about flavor, focus and finesse, doling out succulent black cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and white pepper notes framed in tightly knit, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Beautiful now and will continue to age and develop even more complexity for years to come”.
Eric Guido-Vinous 97+ points “The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino slowly comes to life, opening with a smoky, brooding and dark bouquet. It first unleashes its florals with crushed roses and hints of geranium, then deepens to reveal black cherry and raspberry, and finally a chorus of tobacco and wild herbs. You could lose yourself in the glass. The 2016 is incredibly silky and textural, displaying a youthful density that tempts the imagination while casting a savory display of mineral-tinged dark fruits, more black than red, with hints of dried orange and exotic spice. A saturation of fine tannin awaits on the finish, previously masked by the Salvioni’s primary power, as a mix of sage and hints of licorice slowly fade. There is so much potential here; but today, the 2016 is in dire need of cellaring. I tasted the 2016 multiple times over the course of two days and it didn’t budge.”
Salvioni Arriving June 30th:
Salvioni Cerbaiola Rosso di Montalcino Tuscany 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-Arrival special, 24 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The 2018 Salvioni Rosso di Montalcino leads off with a zesty, fresh display of Sangiovese fruit, as a mix of cherry and strawberry is complemented by hints of sweet spice, leather and gorgeous exotic florals. On the palate, I’m finding a wonderfully pure expression, focused on ripe red fruits with energizing acids and subtle spice, as pretty inner rose develops toward the close. Hints of fine tannin and minerals mingle throughout the finish, and a staining of black cherry lingers on and on. What a beautiful, feminine, and truly enjoyable vintage for the Salvioni Rosso.”
Ian D’agata-Vinous 93 points “Medium bright red. Candied raspberry, blueberry, and flowers on the nose and in the mouth. Suave but still youthfully tight, vibrant and perfumed on the long steely finish. A bright Rosso that finishes clean and seamless, featuring terrific cut and length.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Giulio Salvioni’s 2018 Rosso di Montalcino La Cerbaiola is a silky and fine expression of Sangiovese, a welterweight offering that jabs with little punches of wild berry, tilled soil and blue flower. This Rosso accomplishes an important feat here: It is not a less intense expression of the mighty Tuscan grape, but rather a more nuanced one. That’s exactly what a top-ranked Rosso di Montalcino should be. We’re not looking for that characteristic Brunello power. This wine instead provides us with an approachable yet pleasurable experience, packed tight with varietal and territorial purity. This release weighed in at a relatively sprightly 10,133 bottles.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Salvioni Cerbaiola Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2017 750ML ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 95 points The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino La Cerbaiola grows in intensity in the glass, with delicate aromas that are especially floral and light in character. Instead of blackberry or blackcurrant, this elegant wine delivers cassis and cranberry. Instead of overt spice, you get licorice, balsam herb and camphor ash. The Salvioni house style is ethereal and light, and although that extra vintage ripeness and concentration does register on the palate, farming and winemaking at this estate puts an emphasis on acidity over power or structure. These choices were particularly important in 2017.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Check out our full selection of Italian wines from Piedmont and Sicily as well as Brunello on our website today!
Amazing Avinyo:
The Pride of Penedès
Avinyo is synonymous with delivering exceptional quality at a proletariats price. Growing organically and with holdings at 820 feet above sea level and higher, these are benchmark examples of “Grower Cava”. Their entry level is sourced from an indigenous cultivar of Muscat grown at 1,000 feet above sea level and bottled as a Petillant, resulting in lower pressure than the Champagne method. Delivering the classic navel orange, musk, sea salt and pear flesh with the slightest hint of residual sugar the petillant is perfectly suited to everything from spicier fare to more delicate options like sushi.
Their other offerings are equally as compelling even before their price point is considered, with Avinyo being one of the few producers to grow enough Pinot Noir to vinify by itself. Coming from a single vineyard nestled in the mountains, there is a distinctively oceanic and botanical flavors reminiscent of Mont Blanc’s Ultra Blue cologne. Additional notes include Fuji apple skin, orange peel, seashell and mint making this taste more like it came from the Aube in Champagne over Penedès.
Avinyo wines in stock now:
Avinyo Blanc de Noirs Reserva Cava, 2018 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Avinyó was one of the very first wineries in Spain to plant pinot noir on an experimental basis when Avinyó founder Joan Esteve returned from France with vine cuttings in 1980. The resulting Blanc de Noirs comes from this original single-vineyard called La Fassina, planted in 2000 in Avinyonet del Penedès at 250m to 275m. La Fassina receives the most rain of the estate’s vineyards while being protected from the easterly winds by mountains. The fertile soil is deep and well-drained with a silty-clay-loam texture and accumulations of calcium carbonate ideal for pinot noir to flourish and express the unique terruño of the site. The surrounding mountains provide a perfect channel for the cool air to enter the vineyard at night, preserving pinot noir’s trademark acidity. Blanc de Noirs is an extremely elegant expression of the La Fassina vineyard, a limited release once a year. Farming is organic.”
Their other offerings are equally as compelling even before their price point is considered, with Avinyo being one of the few producers to grow enough Pinot Noir to vinify by itself. Coming from a single vineyard nestled in the mountains, there is a distinctively oceanic and botanical flavors reminiscent of Mont Blanc’s Ultra Blue cologne. Additional notes include Fuji apple skin, orange peel, seashell and mint making this taste more like it came from the Aube in Champagne over Penedès.
Avinyo wines in stock now:
Avinyo Blanc de Noirs Reserva Cava, 2018 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Avinyó was one of the very first wineries in Spain to plant pinot noir on an experimental basis when Avinyó founder Joan Esteve returned from France with vine cuttings in 1980. The resulting Blanc de Noirs comes from this original single-vineyard called La Fassina, planted in 2000 in Avinyonet del Penedès at 250m to 275m. La Fassina receives the most rain of the estate’s vineyards while being protected from the easterly winds by mountains. The fertile soil is deep and well-drained with a silty-clay-loam texture and accumulations of calcium carbonate ideal for pinot noir to flourish and express the unique terruño of the site. The surrounding mountains provide a perfect channel for the cool air to enter the vineyard at night, preserving pinot noir’s trademark acidity. Blanc de Noirs is an extremely elegant expression of the La Fassina vineyard, a limited release once a year. Farming is organic.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Avinyo Seleccio La Ticota Gran Reserva Cava 2014 750ML ($49.95) $37 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Importer note “La Ticota, Avinyó’s oldest single vineyard, is a 2ha plot planted in 1940 by their grandfather to 85% xarel-lo and 15% macabeo, in primarily clay-calcareous soil. La Ticota produces one of the most distinctive and complex single-vineyard méthode traditionnelle wines from Spain. Produced in very limited quantities from the best vintages, it is among the great single-vineyard sparkling wines of the world. La Ticota is currently undergoing the certification process in the newly-formed Cava de Paraje designation of the Cava D.O., a new category that recognizes the uniqueness of “a smaller area” of the appellation on the label, similar to Burgundy’s climats or lieux-dits.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Avinyo Petillant Blanc Catalonia 2021 750ML ($19.95) $17 Special, 10 bottles in stock now
De Maison importer note “Avinyó Petillant is a vi d’agulla, the Catalan term for a prickly wine bottled with a little natural effervescence retained from the winemaking process. This vibrant and refreshing wine is the traditional summertime quaffer of the Penedès region of Catalonia, and it’s perfect for drinking out of a porrón. Petillant is made with a blend of two organically-farmed, estate vineyards. Finca La Guardia is the highest, most rugged vineyard on the property at 350 meters; here muscat de Frontignan was planted in 2003 in the stony calcareous-clay soils. Macabeo and xarel-lo are grown in the Finca Can Fontanals vineyard, planted from 1978 to 1988. Grapes: 70% Muscat de Frontignan / 20% Macabeo / 10% Xarel-lo.”
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Producer Spotlight: Crowley Wines
You would be hard pressed to find better representation from the Coast Range than Crowley Wines. Still a relatively undiscovered growing area in Oregon, the wines generally feature high toned acidity, vibrant fruit and a finish that meanders from alpine to oceanic. This is on account of multiple cooling factors including coastal winds from the Pacific Ocean, the surrounding forest, and the Van Duzer corridor. They’re stunning examples of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that are only represented in a handful of vineyards.
Crowley is lucky enough to work with not only old vines but in a high elevation site no less, and delivers masterpieces with every vintage. Their house style is described as “A focus on transparent, terroir-driven winemaking to create the most direct evidence of both vintage and place” and can be seen throughout their portfolio. Natural fermentations are employed, and new oak is deliberately judicious as to not hide the varietal character of their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. As President of the Deep Roots Coalition, Tyson Crowley eschews irrigation of any kind in order for the grapevines to fully express themselves.
In addition to the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that they produce from the Coast Range vineyard: Four Winds there is also a Dundee Hills bottling sourced from La Colina Vineyard. If that wasn’t enough there’s even an entry level line that is perfectly representative of the house style, but created from a cuvee of different vineyards. You also can’t forget their rose as well, which is entirely composed from Four Winds and is a dream pairing with any kind of seafood you can think of.
Crowley Wines in stock now:
Crowley Chardonnay Willamette Valley ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “Vineyard info: Four Winds was planted in 1993 to Wente clone Chardonnay (1.5 acres) and Dijon clone Chardonnay (.75 acres), and beginning in 2017 (2.5 acres) of Draper clone. Elevation is 825 feet and south facing. Own rooted and dry farmed. Tasting Note: 2019 was year 2 of absorbing the grafted Draper clone into the cellar and we’re beginning to see our Chardonnay’s take shape in the best way possible. More austerity, saltiness, minerality and piercing electricity. Un-fined and unfiltered, this 2019 Willamette Valley Chardonnay compromises nothing of mouthfeel to match the high acidity and 12.5% alcohol. Opening with spice, lemon zest and crème brulee on the nose you know you’re in for a taut and rich experience. Aged in oak and finished in steel the wine displays warmth and expanse of barrel aging with the linearity of steel. High energy in all aspects, the mouth begins with typical purity and sense of place, doubles down on the citrus elements, and gracefully expands into peach, orange, clove, and cinder and closes with delicate lees roundness.”
Crowley is lucky enough to work with not only old vines but in a high elevation site no less, and delivers masterpieces with every vintage. Their house style is described as “A focus on transparent, terroir-driven winemaking to create the most direct evidence of both vintage and place” and can be seen throughout their portfolio. Natural fermentations are employed, and new oak is deliberately judicious as to not hide the varietal character of their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. As President of the Deep Roots Coalition, Tyson Crowley eschews irrigation of any kind in order for the grapevines to fully express themselves.
In addition to the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that they produce from the Coast Range vineyard: Four Winds there is also a Dundee Hills bottling sourced from La Colina Vineyard. If that wasn’t enough there’s even an entry level line that is perfectly representative of the house style, but created from a cuvee of different vineyards. You also can’t forget their rose as well, which is entirely composed from Four Winds and is a dream pairing with any kind of seafood you can think of.
Crowley Wines in stock now:
Crowley Chardonnay Willamette Valley ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “Vineyard info: Four Winds was planted in 1993 to Wente clone Chardonnay (1.5 acres) and Dijon clone Chardonnay (.75 acres), and beginning in 2017 (2.5 acres) of Draper clone. Elevation is 825 feet and south facing. Own rooted and dry farmed. Tasting Note: 2019 was year 2 of absorbing the grafted Draper clone into the cellar and we’re beginning to see our Chardonnay’s take shape in the best way possible. More austerity, saltiness, minerality and piercing electricity. Un-fined and unfiltered, this 2019 Willamette Valley Chardonnay compromises nothing of mouthfeel to match the high acidity and 12.5% alcohol. Opening with spice, lemon zest and crème brulee on the nose you know you’re in for a taut and rich experience. Aged in oak and finished in steel the wine displays warmth and expanse of barrel aging with the linearity of steel. High energy in all aspects, the mouth begins with typical purity and sense of place, doubles down on the citrus elements, and gracefully expands into peach, orange, clove, and cinder and closes with delicate lees roundness.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Crowley Entre Nous Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($49.95) $37 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Vivid garnet. Raspberry, blueberry, candied flowers and a deeper suggestion of licorice on the perfumed, spice-accented nose. Juicy red and blue fruit, cola and spicecake flavors put on weight as the wine opens up. Nicely concentrated yet lively as well, finishing long and smooth, with harmonious tannins lending subtle grip.”
Winery note “The first wine Crowley ever created. Over time, Entre Nous has morphed into a blend of our favorite barrels in the cellar, and represents our La Colina and Four Winds Vineyards. This wine is consistently intriguing – notes of mushroom, cedar, citrus melt into bright cherry, strawberry and light chocolate.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Jasmine, lemongrass and salty mist jump out of the glass initially. Striking minerality melts into honeysuckle nectar on the palate. Earthen complexity is backed by apricot and white peach which lead into an incredibly long finish. A touch of wood frames this wine with firm structure. Wente, Dijon & Draper clones. Native fermentation. 200 cases.”
VinopolNote: A riotously fragrant release, this shows notes of dried lemon zest, sea salt, lime flower, and pear tart. Its creamy mouthfeel balances the bright, palate-cleansing acidity. One of the finest vintages to date.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Deep, shimmering garnet. Intensely perfumed red and blue fruits, potpourri, incense and exotic spice scents show excellent clarity and take on a suggestion of blood orange with air. Juicy and precise on the palate, offering concentrated raspberry, boysenberry, cherry cola and spicecake flavors and a suave rose pastille nuance. Plays power off delicacy with a sure hand and finishes very long and smooth, with polished tannins framing repeating red fruit and floral notes.”
Winery note “Cool aromas of tangerine tea mingled with spicy sativa weave into ripe cherry. This intriguing nose leads into an airy palate layered with pomegranate, mushroom and lean strawberry. Acidity is crisp and determined and framed by a complex and restrained fruit profile. 100% Pommard clone. Native fermentation. 200 cases.”
VinopolNote: A reserved nose hints at red forest berries, iodine, and loam. There’s layers of flavors on the palate, with tart red berries, rose petals, gentian, tea berries and soy. Its austerity hides a subtle, lingering richness that melts into fine, grippy tannins on the finish. Bravo!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Crowley La Colina Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Limpid ruby. Highly expressive aromas of raspberry liqueur, cherry cola, baking spices and succulent herbs show fine definition and acquire a suave floral note as the wine opens up. Silky and expansive on the palate, offering appealingly sweet red and blue fruit, candied lavender and exotic spice flavors that tighten up on the back half. Finishes sappy and impressively long, with strong red fruit thrust, repeating florality and gently gripping tannins.”
Winery note “Our La Colina bottling is a pure expression of this corner of the Dundee Hills. We have been working with this site since our first vintage in 2005. A nose of tangerine, spicy sativa and ripe cherry weave into an airy palate layered with ripe pomegranate and wild mushrooms.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Schatzel: Tiffany Blue Treasures
Much like German wine in general, the Rheinhessen is in the midst of a wine renaissance. While being credited with the first established vineyard in the entire country dating back to the Roman era, the majority of the area was previously too cold to produce Riesling at a satisfying level of ripeness. As a result, the region became largely devoted to bulk wine production post-WW II (most notably the infamous Liebfraumilch). That has all changed largely due to Weingut Schatzel, a family producer that has been growing wine grapes since 1304. The vineyards managed by Schatzel in the Roter Hang (Red Slope) have been compared to the terraces of Côte-Rôtie and the Mosel due to their steepness and distinctive soil. Composed of bright red slate and quartzite that reflects and absorbs heat to assist in ripening, this is the “Grand Cru” of the Rheinhessen.
In order to express the varietal character as well as the terroir differences, Schatzel bottles their wines by vineyard. Encompassing over five separate vineyards within the Rhineterasse, the resulting wines walk a tightrope of minerality between fleshy and austere fruit expression, encompassing a spectrum of flavor ranging from passionfruit, lemon curd, ginger juice and peaches. The cornucopia of jasmine, valerian flower, lavender stem, wet slate, crushed nutmeg and charred grapefruit aromas challenge you to not finish the glass in record time. In spite of drinking beautifully now, these are built to age and should only get more ethereal. These are fabulous examples of why Riesling is considered one of the rare “universal pairing” wines of the world.
Schatzel wines in stock now:
Weingut Schätzel Hipping Riesling Trocken, Rheinhessen 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 94 points “Could a white wine be fresher than this? Fabulous white-peach and herbal character with lots of mineral power at the complex, racy finish.”
In order to express the varietal character as well as the terroir differences, Schatzel bottles their wines by vineyard. Encompassing over five separate vineyards within the Rhineterasse, the resulting wines walk a tightrope of minerality between fleshy and austere fruit expression, encompassing a spectrum of flavor ranging from passionfruit, lemon curd, ginger juice and peaches. The cornucopia of jasmine, valerian flower, lavender stem, wet slate, crushed nutmeg and charred grapefruit aromas challenge you to not finish the glass in record time. In spite of drinking beautifully now, these are built to age and should only get more ethereal. These are fabulous examples of why Riesling is considered one of the rare “universal pairing” wines of the world.
Schatzel wines in stock now:
Weingut Schätzel Hipping Riesling Trocken, Rheinhessen 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 94 points “Could a white wine be fresher than this? Fabulous white-peach and herbal character with lots of mineral power at the complex, racy finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Schatzel Nierstein Riesling Kabinett Rheinhessen 2017 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-Jamessuckling 92 points “So much freshness and energy with tons of elderflowers and white fruit. Super-crisp and very clean palate and a breathtaking finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut Schätzel Nierstein Silvaner, Rheinhessen 2017 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Honeydew melon, white fruits and earthy undertones. Slightly reductive, herbal, nutty and mineral character. Bone dry and juicy on the palate. Extremely complex for 11% vol.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Schätzel Olberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs, Rheinhessen 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling 94 points “Considering this has only 11.5 per cent alcohol, there is extraordinary depth and vitality. The long finish is sleek and fine-grained, without any hint of edginess. Attractive white-fruit aromas, too. Drink or hold.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Schätzel Pettenthal Riesling Kabinett Grosses Gewächs, Rheinhessen 2017 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 15 bottle in stock now
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling 95 points “Forget the rules, pack your bag, grab this bottle and leave your old life behind! Savage mineral beauty, combined with light body and enormous brightness. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut Schätzel Reinschiefer Riesling, Rheinhessen 2017 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 92 points “Delicate white-fruit character and a delightful lightness of touch make this rather charming, in spite of its slightly eccentric personality. Long, lemon and mineral finish. A blend of wines from the top sites in Hipping, Ölberg and Pettentha. Screw cap.”
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Collectors Corner:
Vega Sicilia
If Spain had an aristocracy of wines, Vega Sicilia would be king. Founded in 1864, over a century before creation of the Ribera del Duero DOC, the estate’s various owners have made singular wines ever since. In fact, Vega Sicilia can hardly be compared to other Spanish wines, not even the greats of Rioja. For one thing, the grape varieties originally planted and still grown in Vega Sicilia’s 500-acre limestone-soil vineyard include Bordeaux varieties, though eighty percent of the vines are Tempranillo. As a result, Vega Sicilia doesn’t taste like other Tempranillo-based wines from Spain.
They’re dense and sumptuous, intense but full of finesse, complex and long-lingering on the palate, with the individuality of a monarch. Vega Sicilia is one of the rare instances were a singular producer is synonymous with the entire region as a whole, not unlike Biondi-Santi in Brunello, Dönnhoff and the Nahe and Ridge Vineyards in Sonoma. Prized and often fought over by celebrities, collectors and the best restaurants in the world these are “Blink and you’ll miss it wines” given the exceedingly low production.
Vega Sicilia in stock now:
Vega Sicilia Tinto Valbuena 5 Ribera del Duero 2016 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, only 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Valbuena was produced with a blend of 94% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and 6% Merlot from 140 hectares dedicated to this wine. It fermented with indigenous yeasts, and the first year it matured in barrels (75% French, 25% American) and the second year in large oak vats. This is again a floral and elegant vintage of Valbuena, very much in line with what has happened in the best vintages since 2010. 2016 is going to be a wine that the public is going to like; it has an extroverted personality and is perfumed and generous, juicy and tasty and nicely textured, with fine-grained tannins and very focused and clean flavors. 2016 was a year of very good freshness in Ribera del Duero, a year they like even better than 2018.
Wine & Spirits 96 points “This is the second vintage of Valbuena for Gonzalo Iturriaga, the Rioja-born technical director of Vega-Sicilia. And if it is any indication of his talents, the young Iturriaga has a lot to contribute to this iconic Castilian estate. The fruit for Valbuena comes from vines on Vega-Sicilia’s north-facing hillside in Valladolid, below the parcels that go into Unico, and above the road that separates the hillside from the bodega itself and the richer soils approaching the Duero river. In 2016, it has the exuberant energy of spring, cool and sunny with scents of Queen Anne’s lace and wild anise. The floral fruit ranges from the high-toned brightness of an August tomato to the deeper tones of green figs and dark plums. Then, the spicy note of crystalized ginger in the finish has an earthiness that calls to mind the crystalized gypsum in the soil on this hill. A remarkably elegant take on Valbuena, this is a wine to covet for your cellar.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Dark violet. Powerful red and dark fruit preserve, pipe tobacco and potpourri aromas are complemented by exotic spice, mocha and incense flourishes. Sappy and energetic in character, offering palate-staining blackberry, cherry liqueur, floral pastille and spicecake flavors underscored by a vein of juicy acidity. Gently chewy tannins build steadily on an impressively long, focused and penetrating finish that leaves smoky mineral, floral and juicy dark berry notes behind.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “This red shows both power and finesse, with generous flavors of ripe red plum and currant accented with anise, cedar, olive and wild herb. Spice and loamy earth notes fine-tune the finish. Tinto Fino and Merlot. Drink now through 2040.
They’re dense and sumptuous, intense but full of finesse, complex and long-lingering on the palate, with the individuality of a monarch. Vega Sicilia is one of the rare instances were a singular producer is synonymous with the entire region as a whole, not unlike Biondi-Santi in Brunello, Dönnhoff and the Nahe and Ridge Vineyards in Sonoma. Prized and often fought over by celebrities, collectors and the best restaurants in the world these are “Blink and you’ll miss it wines” given the exceedingly low production.
Vega Sicilia in stock now:
Vega Sicilia Tinto Valbuena 5 Ribera del Duero 2016 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, only 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Valbuena was produced with a blend of 94% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and 6% Merlot from 140 hectares dedicated to this wine. It fermented with indigenous yeasts, and the first year it matured in barrels (75% French, 25% American) and the second year in large oak vats. This is again a floral and elegant vintage of Valbuena, very much in line with what has happened in the best vintages since 2010. 2016 is going to be a wine that the public is going to like; it has an extroverted personality and is perfumed and generous, juicy and tasty and nicely textured, with fine-grained tannins and very focused and clean flavors. 2016 was a year of very good freshness in Ribera del Duero, a year they like even better than 2018.
Wine & Spirits 96 points “This is the second vintage of Valbuena for Gonzalo Iturriaga, the Rioja-born technical director of Vega-Sicilia. And if it is any indication of his talents, the young Iturriaga has a lot to contribute to this iconic Castilian estate. The fruit for Valbuena comes from vines on Vega-Sicilia’s north-facing hillside in Valladolid, below the parcels that go into Unico, and above the road that separates the hillside from the bodega itself and the richer soils approaching the Duero river. In 2016, it has the exuberant energy of spring, cool and sunny with scents of Queen Anne’s lace and wild anise. The floral fruit ranges from the high-toned brightness of an August tomato to the deeper tones of green figs and dark plums. Then, the spicy note of crystalized ginger in the finish has an earthiness that calls to mind the crystalized gypsum in the soil on this hill. A remarkably elegant take on Valbuena, this is a wine to covet for your cellar.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Dark violet. Powerful red and dark fruit preserve, pipe tobacco and potpourri aromas are complemented by exotic spice, mocha and incense flourishes. Sappy and energetic in character, offering palate-staining blackberry, cherry liqueur, floral pastille and spicecake flavors underscored by a vein of juicy acidity. Gently chewy tannins build steadily on an impressively long, focused and penetrating finish that leaves smoky mineral, floral and juicy dark berry notes behind.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “This red shows both power and finesse, with generous flavors of ripe red plum and currant accented with anise, cedar, olive and wild herb. Spice and loamy earth notes fine-tune the finish. Tinto Fino and Merlot. Drink now through 2040.