Weekend Newsletter 2-11-22

Oregon: Willamette Valley

Vincent Pinot Blanc Willamette Valley 2020 750ML ($21.95) $18.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Vincent Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($24.95) $22.75 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Like the Ribbon Ridge bottling, the Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills reflects what is special about its appellation. The wine is fruit from Zenith, Bjornson and Temperance Hill vineyards, blended and bottled after 10 months of aging in older French oak. A signature element of the Eola-Amity Hills is the wind. Each afternoon during the growing season, ocean breezes come through the coast range and cool the western valley including the Eola-Amity Hills. This translates in the wines as structure – acid from the cooler afternoons and nights, and tannin from the grapes growing just a bit tougher in the wind. They’re subtle differences, but you can taste them. The 2019 is classic Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir, with red raspberries fruit, all the red fruit sweetness with the tang of a proper raspberry. The aromas are a bit lifted in the 2019, giving a drive to the fragrance of the wine. Where the Ribbon Ridge is a touch broader, the Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir has just a bit more nerve. Good now and for several years. Four barrels produced.”
 

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Vincent Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir Oregon 2019 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
 

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Zena Crown Vineyard Slope Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills  2018 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “A wine of presence and personality, with dynamic black raspberry and guava flavors that take on stony mineral and dusky spice accents as this gathers richness and tension toward broad-shouldered tannins. Best from 2022 through 2032. 487 cases made. — TF”
 

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California – Napa Valley 

Joseph Phelps Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 1.5L ($179.95) $128 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Very pretty blackberry, blackcurrant, walnut, forest-flower and dark-walnut aromas follow through to a full body with round, juicy tannins that are fine-grained and beautiful. Lovely length and generosity, but reserved at the finish to give it tension. Mostly from the Soscol vineyard. 97% cabernet sauvignon. Drink or hold.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Velvety thick in caramel, oak and rich layers of dark fruit, this wine offers hints of cedar and dried herb that complement and help to make it more complex. Made in a generous, full-bodied style, it shows heft and depth, the tannins structured and robust. -Virginie Boone”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Ripe and lush up front, with waves of cassis, mulled plum and blackberry compote underscored by singed alder and graphite on the finish, adding grip. This is packed and well-built. Best from 2022 through 2032. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 36,000 cases made. — JM”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is bright, punchy and full of energy. Sweet red berry, mocha, licorice, spice, menthol and a kiss of new French oak all grace the 2018. Plummy and pliant, the 2018 will drink well right out of the gate, but it has the pedigree to develop nicely for a number of years. Most of this fruit is sourced from vineyards in the southern end of the valley.”
Decanter 93 points “From the excellent, solar 2018 vintage in Napa. This has dark and ripe berry fruits on the nose – smells rich and vibrant. The texture is soft and smooth on the tongue but there’s an incredible amount of density and depth to the tannins and overall flavour. The mouth is filled with generous and chewy blackcurrant fruit and a menthol freshness that gives an enjoyably cool finish. Round and powerful. A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec from estate and grower vineyards in St. Helena, south Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District and the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. The wine was aged for eighteen months in 40% new oak (49% French, 51% American) and 60% one- to two-year-old French and American barrels before bottling. Drinking Window 2023 – 2033.”


France- Champagne 

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne 2004 750ML ($349.95) $279 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “I am thrilled with the way the 2004 Comtes de Champagne continues to evolve in bottle. A few years ago, the 2004 was quite focused and linear, in the style of the vintage, but more recently, the wine has begun to fill out beautifully. The 2004 remains bright, with a full range of citrus, white flower and mineral nuances that dance on the palate. A brisk, saline-infused finish rounds things out beautifully in a Comtes that impresses for its crystalline purity. I expect the 2004 will always remain a bit cool next to the more opulent 2002, but it is still drop-dead gorgeous.”
Decanter 96 points “It was a dry vintage up to August, which turned exceptionally wet and cool. September saved the vintage with the ideal weather conditions – low rainfall and cool nights. The graceful nose opens to white flowers, ripe apricot and citrus hints. It is tense and refined, with a vivid mineral core balanced by pristine acidity and some toasted notes on the finish. It’s not the most expressive today, but wait for it to awaken. This is built for cellaring. Drinking Window 2025 – 2040.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “A rich and enticing aroma of roasted hazelnut heralds this elegant blanc de blancs, with flavors of pastry, poached apple, crystallized honey and candied ginger riding the finely detailed mousse. This is a touch smoky, presenting a resonant minerality on the finish. Drink now through 2029. 500 cases imported. — AN”

Pascal Doquet ‘Arpege’ Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Brut Champagne  NV ($69.95) $55 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Arpège is now the basic, non-vintage wine at the estate, with the “Horizon” bottling now being firmly established in other markets. “Horizon” hails from the Côte du Pertois, south-east of Chalons and east of the Côte de Sézanne. It is a parcel that Pascal’s father planted in 1971. “Arpège” is in a different league; it’s finer in tone and more complex. The chardonnay comes from Vertus, Villeneuve and Mont Aimé—the grapes that are not in the Coeur de Terroir series. The assemblage is 50% 2011, 50% reserve wine. It was bottled in May, 2013 and disgorged March, 2016 with 3.5 grams dosage MCR. There is substantial reserve wine in the blend, preserved in enamel tanks to maintain freshness. Aromas of spice, black tea and pear dominate the flinty-silex soils from the Mont Aimé and lend smokiness and depth to the structure.”
 

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Pascal Doquet ‘Diapason’ Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne  NV ($79.95) $69 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “‘Diapason’ Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Brut. Pascal’s grandfather consolidated to 1 hectare in which Pascal still owns 60 acres of, including “Les Migraines” where he has very old vines planted in 1929. 45% was fermented in enamel, 20% in neutral barrel. It’s an impressive non-vintage Champagne and is available anywhere. There are aromas of ginger, anise, zest and sandalwood, and the Champagne emphasizes the spicy characteristics of Le Mesnil. The wine finishes with some cut which helps focus the finish.”
 

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Pascal Doquet Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Extra Brut Champagne 2008 750ML ($99.95) $89 special,5 bottles in stock now
Importer note “This Champagne is the first in Doquet’s “Coeur de Terroir” series and it comes from the chalk and clay soils from Pascal’s best sites in the mid-slope of Vertus.”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Italy- Franciacorta

Berlucchi ’61 Rose Brut Franciacorta DOCG  NV 750ML ($44.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case- 6 Berlucchi ’61 Rose Brut Franciacorta DOCG  750ML ($269) $149 special, (That’s only $24.83 per bottle) 
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Bright and savory, this refreshing, polished sparkler boasts alluring aromas of juicy raspberry, wild cherry, baking spice and a whiff of bread crust. The inviting aromas follow over to the vibrant palate along with a continuous refined perlage. A tangy candied nectarine note closes the finish.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Enticing aromas and flavors of ripe strawberry and raspberry fruit are set on the fine, lively bead in this clean-cut, mouthwatering rosé, with a chalky underpinning. Lightly spiced on the lingering finish.”
#93 Wine Spectator Top 100 Of 2021 “Classic (Champagne) Method Rose from the most important quality sparkling region in Italy… Pinot Nero, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay. It’s just killer! This producer created the Franciacorta sparkling wines in 1961, hence ’61 on the label.”
 

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

F.X. Pichler Durnsteiner Gruner Veltliner Smaragd, Wachau 2019 750ML ($47.95) $39 special
James Suckling 94 points “The perfect introduction to high-end Wachau dry riesling with so much depth and structure, but also plenty of peachy fruit and some nice, minty freshness. Long, very intense and crisp finish. Drink or hold.”
 

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F.X. Pichler Loibner Klostersatz Gruner Veltliner Federspiel, Wachau 2019 750ML ($41.95) $33 special
James Suckling 93 points “Very fresh with great summer-meadow and herbal aromas, married to a medium body that’s full of energy and wet-stone character. Crisp and deep at the finish. Drink now.”
 

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F.X. Pichler Durnsteiner Liebenberg Gruner Veltliner Smaragd, Wachau 2019 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
James Suckling 95 points “A very striking gruner veltliner that’s seriously introverted, offering so much herbal and licorice character, but almost no fruit. The power is underplayed, the body restrained and the salty finish is still tightly wound. Great aging potential here. Drink or hold.”
 

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F.X. Pichler Loibner Gruner Veltliner Federspiel, Wachau 2019 750ML ($39.95) $31.90  special
James Suckling 91 points “Positively green aromas with so much freshness and energy, but still far removed from anything sauvignon blanc-like. Lovely juicy fruit, but also good depth at the finish. Drink now.”
 

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The average price is $35

F.X. Pichler “M” Gruner Veltliner Smaragd, Wachau 2019 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
James Suckling 98 points “Very full-bodied with Grand Cru Burgundy-like personality, but there’s still only a hint of exotic fruit. The tannin-mineral-acidity structure is really extraordinary, because not only does it give the wine such sharp contours, but it also provides a very clean, intense finish. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96+ points “The 2019 Grüner Veltliner Smaragd M is from Lucas Pichler’s top Veltliner sites (alone, the Loibenberg makes 50% of the assemblage, but there is also fruit from the Kollmütz and the Mühlpoint), predominantly vinified in oak, but with a monthly bâtonnage to manage the higher alcohol. It has an intense citrus color and opens with a deep, intense and fresh, finely mineral and lemony, refreshingly flinty bouquet with just a very attractive hint of toast and oak. Fine and juicy on the palate, this is a full-bodied, rich, intense, dry and elegant M with a lovely roundness but also mineral tension and this fascinating crystalline acidity that lifts the candied pineapple aromas and the alcohol on the aftertaste. This is a generous but elegant M that has the body and texture of a Rhône wine but the sharp and crystalline acidity of the Wachau. A great wine to enjoy over many years. 14.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in June 2021.”
 

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The next best price is $99.98

F.X. Pichler Loibner Burgstall Riesling Federspiel, Wachau 2019 750ML ($41.95) $36 special
James Suckling 92 points “Super crisp and crunchy with a slightly tart peach character that is so invigorating. Great mineral freshness at the finish. Drink or hold.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39.98

F.X. Pichler Durnsteiner Kellerberg Riesling Smaragd, Wachau 2019 750ML ($119.95) $95 special
James Suckling 99 points “Unbelievably deep and complex, yet so cool, precise and still, this is one of those rare wines that stops you dead in your tracks. Yes, there is super fine, peachy character here and yes, there’s a ton of minerality. But the most important thing is the extremely graceful way in which it glides over the palate and out into the distance. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2019 Ried Kellerberg Riesling Smaragd shows a beautifully ripe and aromatic Muscat aroma in the beginning but also the deep and flinty complexity of the cooler, southeast-facing part of Pichler’s terraced Kellerberg that is close to the forest. Round, lush and intense, again with super aromatic fruit aromas (peaches, passion fruit), amazing finesse and salty crystallinity, this is one of the most fascinating Kellerberg Rieslings I have had. Absolutely adorable in its freshness, elegance and perfect fruit ripeness. A Must Buy for Wachau fans. 13.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in June 2021.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $99.98

F.X. Pichler Loibner Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd, Wachau 2019 750ML ($74.95) $66 special
James Suckling 97 points “It’s hard to imagine a more attractive and enticing dry riesling than this cornucopia of peach, apricot and mandarin that’s so curvaceous and seductive. However, behind all this extravagance is a firm core and that’s why it doesn’t seem in any way too much. The long, elegant finish teases you gently back to the glass. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2019 Ried Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd is beautifully clear and radiant in its lime-green color. The nose is terrific in its refreshing mineral and stunningly coolish aromas of limes and lemons, white peach and apricots and crisp paprika notes. Round and lush but refined and crystalline on the palate, this is a tight and crisp, beautifully phenolic and stimulating Riesling with super ripe and almost sweet fruit (extract) but also fine tannins and a crisp and grippy finish. Very elegant. A classic! 13.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in June 2021.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $69.98

 

Newly Reviewed and In Stock Now:
 

At this point it goes without saying that Oregon is the epicenter for Burgundian varietals in the United States. Josh Raynolds of Vinous couldn’t have put it better when he mentioned that Oregon Pinot is in the midst of a Golden Age. Across the Willamette Valley you can find stellar examples of Pinot Noir, with several past vintages being masterpieces in their own right. We took liberty of compiling standouts from his writing that we happen to have in stock now, with even more on the way!

Sequitur Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge 2019 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 96 points “Saturated magenta. Powerful red and blue fruit, floral and exotic spice scents show excellent clarity and mineral lift. Sappy, alluringly sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering juicy boysenberry, Chambord, candied violet and star anise flavors that deftly blend depth and vivacity. Shows bright clarity and repeating florality on the strikingly persistent finish, which is framed by smooth, polished tannins.”
 

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Beaux Freres ‘The Beaux Freres Vineyard’ Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge 2019 750ML ($109.95) $91.90 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Saturated garnet. Energetic, finely etched red fruit and floral scents pick up smoky mineral, blood orange and baking spice flourishes with air. In a lively style, showing excellent clarity and spicy lift to the juicy raspberry, mulberry and cherry cola flavors. Puts on weight with air, with no loss of energy, and finishes impressively long and precise, the floral and spice notes repeating.”

Bergstrom ‘Cumberland Reserve’ Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton District 2019 750ML ($44.95) $35.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Vivid ruby. Musky cherry and red currant aromas, along with hints of botanical herbs and allspice. Gently chewy and focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry, red berry, spicecake and licorice flavors that turn sweeter through the back half. Dusty tannins add shape and grip to the long, spicy finish, which leaves cherry pit and baking spice notes behind.”
 

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Colene Clemens Vineyards ‘Dopp Creek’ Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
Josh Raynolds 91 points “Full magenta. Musky red and blue fruits, lavender, succulent herbs and a hint of spiciness on the fragrant nose. Smooth and open-knit, offering sweet cherry cola and boysenberry flavors and a smoky topnote. The floral and spice notes recur on a long, subtly chewy finish framed by well-knit, even tannins. 15% new French oak.”

Cristom ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($79.95) $69 special , 10 bottles in stock now
Cristom ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2019 375ML ($41.95) $36 special, 16 half-bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 96 points “Saturated garnet. Vibrant red fruit, floral and exotic spice qualities on the nose; deeper dark berry and licorice notes arrive with air. Juicy and tightly wound on entry, offering appealingly sweet raspberry, boysenberry, cherry cola, candied lavender and allspice flavors and a touch of vanilla. Shows superb clarity and mineral lift on the persistent finish, which features gently firming tannins and repeating cherry, floral and spice notes. 44% whole clusters and 43% new French oak.”

Cristom ‘Marjorie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Cristom ‘Marjorie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2019 375ML ($41.95) $36 special, 14 half-bottles in stock now 
Josh Raynolds 96 points “Bright ruby-red. Assertive red berry, cherry, lavender and incense scents show outstanding clarity and spicy lift. Concentrated yet nervy black raspberry, cherry cola, spicecake and floral pastille flavors pick up a hint of smokiness. A discreet blood orange nuance adds refreshing cut to the strikingly long finish, which features polished tannins and reverberating spice and floral notes. 50% whole clusters and 48% new French oak.”

Cristom ‘Jessie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2019 375ML ($41.95) $36 special, 7 half-bottles in stock now     
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Dark garnet. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh red and blue fruits, Asian spices, botanical herbs and potpourri, and a smoky mineral topnote builds in the glass. Sweet, broad and supple on entry and then tighter in the midpalate, offering bitter cherry, Chambord, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that show sharp delineation and vibrant lift. The cherry note carries strongly through the impressively long, subtly tannic finish, which leaves lavender and baking spice notes behind. 45% whole clusters and 42% new French oak.”

Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML (79.95) $69 special
Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2019 375ML ($41.95) $36 special 
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Deep, vivid red. Vibrant red and blue fruit, floral and incense scents show fine clarity and a strong, spicy topnote. Energetic raspberry, boysenberry, allspice and floral pastille flavors deepen steadily with aeration. Manages to come off rich as well as lithe and finishes smooth and very long, with well-integrated tannins and repeating red fruit and spice notes. 45% whole clusters and 37% new French oak.”

Domaine Drouhin Laurene Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 14 bottles in stock Now
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Deep, vivid garnet. Assertive aromas of fresh dark berries, cherry cola, potpourri and exotic spices, along with vanilla and espresso notes that emerge as the wine opens up. Appealingly sweet, fleshy and seamless in texture, offering concentrated black raspberry, cherry liqueur, vanilla and spicecake flavors and a suave pastille nuance. Velvety tannins build steadily on the finish, which hangs on with superb, floral- and spice-driven persistence.”

Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($44.95) $39 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Saturated crimson. Cherry, blueberry, candied flowers and baking spices on the perfumed nose, along with subtle earth and vanilla flourishes. Smooth and expressive on the palate, offering gently sweet red and blue fruit flavors complemented by woodsmoke and cola nuances. The floral and cherry notes drive a long, subtly tannic finish that shows fine definition and spicy cut.”

J.K. Carriere Provocateur Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24.40 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 91 points “Deep magenta. Spice-accented black raspberry and blueberry on the fragrant nose. Lively and precise in style, offering juicy raspberry and boysenberry flavors that unfurl slowly through the midpalate. Shows a touch of appealing jamminess on the long, smooth finish, which shows just a hint of tannins. 15% new French oak.”

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

Patricia Green Cellars Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Deep, brilliant red. Spice-accented raspberry, boysenberry and candied rose aromas are complicated by suggestions of star anise and incense. Silky, sweet and fleshy in the mouth, offering plush red and blue fruit preserve and exotic spice flavors that pick up floral pastille and botanical herb nuances as the wine opens up. Round, even tannins add shape to a long, supple finish that leaves behind sappy red berry liqueur, floral and spice notes. 5% new French oak.”

St. Innocent Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($69.95) $49 special     
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Glistening magenta. Spice- and mineral-accented raspberry, boysenberry and cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of five-spice powder and candied rose. Seamless, energetic and appealingly sweet, offering concentrated red and blue fruit, exotic spice and floral pastille flavors braced by a smoky mineral undertone. Shows superb definition and floral lift on the penetrating finish, which is framed by supple, harmonious tannins.”

St. Innocent Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($47.95) $35.50 special     
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Deep garnet. Highly perfumed raspberry, cherry and candied rose scents are joined by slowly emerging nuances of baking spice and freshly turned earth. Juicy and sharply focused, offering energetic cherry cola, raspberry and lavender pastille flavors that deepen and turn spicier with air. Shows outstanding clarity and firm cut on the strikingly persistent, red-fruit-driven finish, which is given shape by fine-grained, even tannins.”
 

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

The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($44.95) $39 special 
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Vivid red. Ripe cherry and raspberry scents reveal building floral and succulent herb flourishes. Juicy and broad in the mouth, offering plush red fruit and candied rose flavors and a spicy topnote. The spiciness carries through a long, smooth finish framed by gentle, pliant tannins.”
 

 

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner we’ve compiled a few selections that would be right at home in your gift basket or romantic dinner. Regardless of your giftee’s gender, we’ve got something for everyone!

Selection’s in stock now: 

Charles Ellner Brut Rose Champagne NV 375ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 5 half bottles in stock now 
Charles Ellner Brut Rose Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Soft pink: an invitation to the eyes, strong on the nose with hints of strawberry, this champagne offers intensive fruity aromas. The chardonnay that represents half of the blend gives freshness, but also longevity.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Moet & Chandon Brut Rose Grand Vintage Champagne 2013 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Like a dancer, this graceful rosé is lithe and limber yet powered by a sculpted frame, in this case, well-honed acidity and a minerally underpinning. That frame and the satiny mousse support a delicate range of wild strawberry, peach skin and smoked almond flavors with accents of oyster shell, lemon thyme and Mandarin orange peel. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged September 2019. Drink now through 2031. — AN”
Decanter 93 points “A blend of 44% Pinot Noir (including 14% of red wine), 35% Chardonnay and 21% Pinot Meunier. The bouquet is simply sumptuous, with strawberry, pomegranate, sour cherry, spring flowers, and flinty touches. It has a tense and subtle palate, elegant and precise, with a delicately phenolic finish. A gastronomic Champagne. Dosage: 5g/L. Disgorged: September 2019. Drinking Window 2021 – 2028.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This latest Moët & Chandon vintage rosé is the product of a cool year, giving intensity to the texture as well as to the acidity. Combined with the light tannins from the red wine in the blend, the Champagne is taut, bringing fruit and freshness together. It obviously can age and will probably be at its best from 2023. -Roger Voss”

Domaine de la Pousse d’Or En Cailleret Clos des 60 Ouvrees Volnay Premier Cru 2016 750ML ($149.95) $128 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91-93 points “Bright ruby-red. Expressive, scented nose combines blackberry, spices, violet and lavender pastille. At once supple and vibrant on the palate, conveying serious density of texture and juicy flavors of black fruits and spices. This wine stands out for its intensity and inner-mouth perfume. Finishes ripe and chewy, with excellent length. A very strong performance for a cool spot in a warm year.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des 60 Ouvrées has an elegant bouquet with perfumed, violet-tinged black and red fruit, well defined with touches of brown spice and iris emerging with time. This shows a pleasing restraint. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red and black fruit on the entry, well-judged acidity, then toughening up a little toward a structured and almost Pommard-like finish that suggests that it will need several years in bottle.”
 

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La Fiorita Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG Tuscany 2015 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “Highly Recommended. This rich red is energetic and balanced, saturated with black cherry, plum and mineral flavors. Accents of wild rosemary and sage chime in as this remains fresh and long on the iron and underbrush aftertaste. Best from 2024 through 2045. 310 cases made, 100 cases imported. — BS.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “This Riserva from La Fiorita boasts a full and generous style with pretty richness, concentration and ample intensity. This pretty wine really does hit those 2015 vintage expectations dead on. The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva offers plush fruit and good softness with cherry, cassis, spice, potting soil and candied orange peel. There is balanced intensity here with Sangiovese purity that cedes to lightly toasted aromas.”
James Suckling 95 points “Aromas of plums and berries with flowers and dried meat. It’s full-bodied with round, juicy tannins and an extremely polished and beautiful finish. Hints of walnut and spice at the end, not to mention ash. Very attractive to taste now, but better after 2025.”

La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG Tuscany 2012 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Case-6 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG Tuscany 2012 750ML ($699.95) $515 special, (That’s only $85.83 per bottle!) 
Wine Spectator 97 points “Perfumed, with wild herb aromas and a subtle mix of strawberry and cherry fruit. Vibrant and dense, with fine acidity driving the long finish. Though elegant, there is intensity and fine energy on the aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2028.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!