Opus One Returns; Subscriber-Only Beaux Freres Deal Ends Friday; New Week – New Arrivals; Staff Picks; Spectacular Burgundy Arriving in April: Clos de Tart; K Vintners New Releases Here Tomorrow; Il Poggione Vigna Paganelli – In Stock Now!; Bjornson Vineyard Arriving Friday; Meo-Camuzet Arriving April 21st; April Sales Recap; 2013 Barolo
Opus One Proprietary Red, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($279.95) $259 special
James Suckling 100 points “The greatest Opus ever. Terrific aromas of crushed black currants, blueberries and flowers with hints of sweet tobacco. Roses continue to exude opulence and class. Full body, superb balance of ultra-fine tannins and vibrant acidity. Complex aftertaste of black fruits and citrus fruit. Extremely persistent. So approachable now and enjoyable. But will be even better in 2019 and beyond. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 6% petit verdot, 2% malbec. This will always be beautiful to drink.” (01/2016)
James Suckling 100 points “The greatest Opus ever. Terrific aromas of crushed black currants, blueberries and flowers with hints of sweet tobacco. Roses continue to exude opulence and class. Full body, superb balance of ultra-fine tannins and vibrant acidity. Complex aftertaste of black fruits and citrus fruit. Extremely persistent. So approachable now and enjoyable. But will be even better in 2019 and beyond. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 6% petit verdot, 2% malbec. This will always be beautiful to drink.” (01/2016)
New Week – New Arrivals
Oregon
00 Wines VGW Chardonnay 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Resonance Resonance Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Light and focused, showing distinctive subtlety. A layer of crinkly tannins underlies a pulsing core of mineral-accented cherry and red berry flavors, hinting at cinnamon as the finish lingers gently.” HS
VinopolNote: The Resonance project is Maison Louis Jadot’s first venture outside France since their inception in 1859 and their first vineyard purchased outside France since 1826 (Clos des Ursules). The wine is made by famed Jadot Winemaker, Jacques Lardière from the dry-farmed vineyard with original rootstock. It is farmed biodynamically.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $64
The average price is $64
Matello Fool’s Journey Deux Vert Vineyard, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
94% Syrah, 6% Viognier
Winery note “From the Willamette Valley’s first planting of Syrah, this cool climate, low alcohol wine will redefine your idea of the possibilities of new-world Syrah. If you like your Syrah French, here is a kindred but one of a kind wine from Oregon.”
94% Syrah, 6% Viognier
Winery note “From the Willamette Valley’s first planting of Syrah, this cool climate, low alcohol wine will redefine your idea of the possibilities of new-world Syrah. If you like your Syrah French, here is a kindred but one of a kind wine from Oregon.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
California
Tablas Creek Vineyards Vermentino, Paso Robles 2016 750ML ($31.95) $26 special
Winery note “The 2016 Vermentino has a classic Vermentino nose of grapefruit pith, citrus leaf, fresh herbs and sea spray, but with an extra level of creaminess beyond what we usually see, like key lime pie. The palate is zingy with flavors of lemon, nectarine, and a briny mineral note that comes out on the long, clean, bright finish. Drink now and over the next few years.”
Winery note “The 2016 Vermentino has a classic Vermentino nose of grapefruit pith, citrus leaf, fresh herbs and sea spray, but with an extra level of creaminess beyond what we usually see, like key lime pie. The palate is zingy with flavors of lemon, nectarine, and a briny mineral note that comes out on the long, clean, bright finish. Drink now and over the next few years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Tablas Creek Vineyard Patelin de Tablas Rose, Paso Robles 2016 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Winery note “The 2016 Patelin de Tablas Rosé is a pretty light peach color. On the nose are spicy aromatics of nectarine, grapefruit pith, yellow roses, and petrichor. The mouth is bright with flavors of yellow peach and raspberry, with mouthwatering acidity giving focus to a long finish with flavors of lemon drop and salty minerality. Drink now and over the next year.”
Winery note “The 2016 Patelin de Tablas Rosé is a pretty light peach color. On the nose are spicy aromatics of nectarine, grapefruit pith, yellow roses, and petrichor. The mouth is bright with flavors of yellow peach and raspberry, with mouthwatering acidity giving focus to a long finish with flavors of lemon drop and salty minerality. Drink now and over the next year.”
Shafer Vineyards One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District 2013 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Robert Parker 94+ points “The Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five takes its name from the fact that John and Doug Shafer, as father and son, have worked together for a generation and a half – hence the name. This wine comes from their Stags Leap property and is a beauty. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five is a stunner made from 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest other varietals. It is aged in 100% new oak, but you would never tell that given its richness of blackcurrant fruit, classic flowers and unsmoked cigar tobacco. The wine needs 3-4 years, as most 2013s do, and should be a 30-year wine. It is a beautiful baby, but bottle age will definitely unleash more subtleties and richness. This is a full-bodied classic that is superb.”
Robert Parker 94+ points “The Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five takes its name from the fact that John and Doug Shafer, as father and son, have worked together for a generation and a half – hence the name. This wine comes from their Stags Leap property and is a beauty. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five is a stunner made from 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest other varietals. It is aged in 100% new oak, but you would never tell that given its richness of blackcurrant fruit, classic flowers and unsmoked cigar tobacco. The wine needs 3-4 years, as most 2013s do, and should be a 30-year wine. It is a beautiful baby, but bottle age will definitely unleash more subtleties and richness. This is a full-bodied classic that is superb.”
Italy – Tuscany
Le Cinciole Chianti Classico DOCG 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Antonio Galloni 89 points “Le Cinciole’s 2013 Chianti Classico is a very pretty, delicate, mid-weight wine. Lifted and gracious in style, the 2013 will drink nicely for at least the next few years. Crushed flowers, sweet red fruit, cherry pit and spices add lovely shades of nuance throughout. This is a very pretty, understated Chianti Classico from Le Cinciole.”
Antonio Galloni 89 points “Le Cinciole’s 2013 Chianti Classico is a very pretty, delicate, mid-weight wine. Lifted and gracious in style, the 2013 will drink nicely for at least the next few years. Crushed flowers, sweet red fruit, cherry pit and spices add lovely shades of nuance throughout. This is a very pretty, understated Chianti Classico from Le Cinciole.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2004 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is awesome. This finessed, regal Brunello flows onto the palate with seamless layers of perfumed fruit framed by silky, finessed tannins. The wine remains extremely primary at this stage, and its full range of aromas and flavors have yet to emerge, but the sheer pedigree of this Brunello is unmistakable. The elegant, refined finish lasts an eternity, and subtle notes of menthol, spices, licorice and leather add final notes of complexity. The estate’s 2004 Brunello is a wine to buy and bury in the deepest corner of the cellar. Brunello is never inexpensive, but this is the real deal, and in relative terms, it is one of the world’s great values in fine, cellar worthy wine. Incredibly, there are 18,000+ cases of the 2004 Brunello, so it should be fairly easy to source in various markets. The Brunello is made from four vineyards ranging from 250 to 400 meters in altitude, all in Sant’Angelo in Colle. The wines from the various vineyards were aged separately in French oak casks prior to being assembled and bottled.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is awesome. This finessed, regal Brunello flows onto the palate with seamless layers of perfumed fruit framed by silky, finessed tannins. The wine remains extremely primary at this stage, and its full range of aromas and flavors have yet to emerge, but the sheer pedigree of this Brunello is unmistakable. The elegant, refined finish lasts an eternity, and subtle notes of menthol, spices, licorice and leather add final notes of complexity. The estate’s 2004 Brunello is a wine to buy and bury in the deepest corner of the cellar. Brunello is never inexpensive, but this is the real deal, and in relative terms, it is one of the world’s great values in fine, cellar worthy wine. Incredibly, there are 18,000+ cases of the 2004 Brunello, so it should be fairly easy to source in various markets. The Brunello is made from four vineyards ranging from 250 to 400 meters in altitude, all in Sant’Angelo in Colle. The wines from the various vineyards were aged separately in French oak casks prior to being assembled and bottled.”
Stella di Campalto Podere San Giuseppe Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2009 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Antonio Galloni–Vinous 92 points “The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is quite open-knit, radiant and accessible. Raspberry jam, white pepper, flowers, mint and sweet spices hove on the palate in a decidedly mid-weight Brunello that emphasizes grace and agility. The persistent, textured finish is striking. It will be interesting to see if the 2009 puts on weight in bottle, or if it remains the slightly fragile, fleeting wine it is today. Stella di Campalto’s wines never lack intrigue, that is for sure.” AG
Antonio Galloni–Vinous 92 points “The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is quite open-knit, radiant and accessible. Raspberry jam, white pepper, flowers, mint and sweet spices hove on the palate in a decidedly mid-weight Brunello that emphasizes grace and agility. The persistent, textured finish is striking. It will be interesting to see if the 2009 puts on weight in bottle, or if it remains the slightly fragile, fleeting wine it is today. Stella di Campalto’s wines never lack intrigue, that is for sure.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Italy – Friuli
Terlato Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2015 750ML ($24.95) $16 special
The Tasting Panel 93 points “No doubt this prestigious region in northeast Italy shines when it comes to white wines; an envious position on the world wine stage. This pretty, crisp white certainly shows ripeness in its concentrated notes of pear, peach and grapefruit but its stoney frame is a nod to the iconic mineral rich sloped terraced vineyards responsible for its pizazz and charm. The finish is clean, punctuated with an apricot accent.”
James Suckling 90 points “A rich and lightly oily pinot grigio with sliced mango and light banana aromas and flavors. Dense and flavorful. It’s a white that offers plenty of flavor and interest for the buck. Delicious finish. Drink now.”
The Tasting Panel 93 points “No doubt this prestigious region in northeast Italy shines when it comes to white wines; an envious position on the world wine stage. This pretty, crisp white certainly shows ripeness in its concentrated notes of pear, peach and grapefruit but its stoney frame is a nod to the iconic mineral rich sloped terraced vineyards responsible for its pizazz and charm. The finish is clean, punctuated with an apricot accent.”
James Suckling 90 points “A rich and lightly oily pinot grigio with sliced mango and light banana aromas and flavors. Dense and flavorful. It’s a white that offers plenty of flavor and interest for the buck. Delicious finish. Drink now.”
Italy – Sicily
Azienda Agricola Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Bianco Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Ian D’Agata–Vinous 91+ points “Dark golden-yellow. The complex nose offers a curious but intriguing mix of macerated peach, aromatic herbs, capers and custard cream. Fresh and clean on entry, then delivers noteworthy tannic bite to the orchard fruit and saline flavors. Finishes with explosive lemony freshness on the long back end. Made in a macerated style (not quite an orange wine, though), but cleaner and livelier than most such wines.”
Winery note “60% Moscato di Alessandria and 40% Albanello. 15 year old vines farmed organically in red sand and chalky soils. Aged for 6 months in concrete vats and 1 month in bottle. Unfiltered.”
Ian D’Agata–Vinous 91+ points “Dark golden-yellow. The complex nose offers a curious but intriguing mix of macerated peach, aromatic herbs, capers and custard cream. Fresh and clean on entry, then delivers noteworthy tannic bite to the orchard fruit and saline flavors. Finishes with explosive lemony freshness on the long back end. Made in a macerated style (not quite an orange wine, though), but cleaner and livelier than most such wines.”
Winery note “60% Moscato di Alessandria and 40% Albanello. 15 year old vines farmed organically in red sand and chalky soils. Aged for 6 months in concrete vats and 1 month in bottle. Unfiltered.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price is $29
The average price is $29
Spain
Bodegas Olivares Altos de la Hoya Monastrell, Jumilla 2014 750ML ($41.95) $10.90 special
Wine Advocate 89 points “The 2014 Monastrell Altos de la Hoya is produced from the fruit of dry-farmed, ungrafted, old Monastrell vines and some 5% Garnacha. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in 10,000-liter stainless steel tanks and matured for six to eight months in used barriques and larger oak vats. The nose is clean and textbook Mediterranean with aromas of esparto grass, tree bark, blackberries and thyme, with perfectly integrated oak. The palate feels compact and balanced, with fine tannins and good acidity. I think this shows very well for such a challenging vintage in Jumilla.”
Wine Advocate 89 points “The 2014 Monastrell Altos de la Hoya is produced from the fruit of dry-farmed, ungrafted, old Monastrell vines and some 5% Garnacha. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in 10,000-liter stainless steel tanks and matured for six to eight months in used barriques and larger oak vats. The nose is clean and textbook Mediterranean with aromas of esparto grass, tree bark, blackberries and thyme, with perfectly integrated oak. The palate feels compact and balanced, with fine tannins and good acidity. I think this shows very well for such a challenging vintage in Jumilla.”
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Staff Picks
Saul:This wine is always my favorite from the Lauer lineup. I’ll concede that perhaps Stirn or Schonfels is ‘greater’ but the wine I consistently crave is the Senior (Faß 6). It’s bottled with less residual sugar than the Kabinett, but isn’t austerely dry—this is the style of wine that Florian’s grandfather (the namesake Senior) liked to drink. It’s all you want in a wine from the Saar—limey and mineral with fruit and salt in equally in force. We’ve gone and lowered the price, so you can pay basically what we do for it, which makes it ultra-cheap for now. It perplexes me that mediocre, B.S. versions of Chardonnay sell (easily) for $50 and exemplary Riesling from a great vineyard (Ayler Kupp) has to be discounted below $20. Anyway, I’d buy two cases of it and watch it age (especially this vintage)—the 2010 is singing right now.
Peter Lauer Senior Fass 6 Riesling, Mosel 2015 750ML ($27.95) Was $24, Now $19
Mosel Fine Wines 89+ points “This offers bright and delicately flowery scents of ginger, candied grapefruit peel, Provence herbs and slate. The wine is mineral and delicately fruity on the palate and leaves a clean and linear feel in the still slightly hard finish. This is best left alone for a year to give it time to integrate. 2017-2025.”
Mosel Fine Wines 89+ points “This offers bright and delicately flowery scents of ginger, candied grapefruit peel, Provence herbs and slate. The wine is mineral and delicately fruity on the palate and leaves a clean and linear feel in the still slightly hard finish. This is best left alone for a year to give it time to integrate. 2017-2025.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Saul:
Chassagne, as a village, used to be planted to more red than white grapes—and unlike Puligny, its soils vary considerably, and so much of the land is better suited for red. Pillot is best known for his whites, but the red he makes from a vineyard just outside of town is always an incredible deal. 2015 is the kind of year where the lower tier wines in Burgundy drink well above their price-points, and so the combination here is too much to pass on.
Chassagne, as a village, used to be planted to more red than white grapes—and unlike Puligny, its soils vary considerably, and so much of the land is better suited for red. Pillot is best known for his whites, but the red he makes from a vineyard just outside of town is always an incredible deal. 2015 is the kind of year where the lower tier wines in Burgundy drink well above their price-points, and so the combination here is too much to pass on.
Domaine Jean-Marc Pillot Bourgogne Les Grandes Terres Rouge, Burgundy 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Importer note “This little red is a favorite of ours for its rustic, wild berry fruit and ebullient palate presence. The vineyard is located south of Chassagne in the town of Remigny. Some of the vines are quite old, approaching the 60-year mark (as of 2012).”
Importer note “This little red is a favorite of ours for its rustic, wild berry fruit and ebullient palate presence. The vineyard is located south of Chassagne in the town of Remigny. Some of the vines are quite old, approaching the 60-year mark (as of 2012).”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Spectacular Burgundy
Arriving Late April
Domaine du Clos de Tart ‘Clos de Tart’ Grand Cru Monopole 2014 750ML ($519.95) $438 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The 2014 Clos de Tart Grand Cru will contain 40% whole bunch fruit in the final. It was picked from September 17 until September 22. This blend that I tasted included the young vines at the bottom of the vineyard that may or may not be deselected to make a Forge de Tart (the decision will be made next year). It is also the first vintage that does not include old vines at the northwest corner that were pulled up in spring 2014, due to be replanted in four years’ time. It has a very well defined bouquet with cranberry and wild strawberry fruit, fine mineral tones and is quite harmonious with hints of wet limestone. The palate is medium-bodied and I feel this has tightened up since I tasted it in September 2015. The fruit also seems a little darker. Blackberry and wild cherry, with a hint of cola and certainly more tangible mineralité on the finish, as you can feel the mouth tingling long after it has bid adieu.”
Decanter 96 points “Vibrant, ripe blackberry plus delicate notes of rose, a gorgeous silky texture and sweet-spice finish. I tasted the seven parcels that make-up this final wine and it’s clear there’s a sensational synergy in the blending.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $449
The average price is $481
The next best price is $449
The average price is $481
Domaine du Clos de Tart ‘La Forge de Tart’, Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($299.95) $239 pre-arrival special, 3 bottles available
“This is aromatically quite similar to the grand vin but not quite as perfumed and complex. Otherwise there is good volume and punch to the slightly less concentrated flavors that still manage to retain solid power on the lightly mineral-inflected finish that delivers fine length.”-Burghound
“(from the estate’s young vines): Moderately saturated medium red. Fruity, high-pitched scents of red cherry and mint accented by white pepper. Tangy flavors of sour cherry candy, cranberry and flowers show a slightly green quality but little in the way of Morey earthiness, with the white pepper quality carrying through in the mouth. This vibrant wine is already quite seductive thanks to its nicely integrated tannins.”-Stephen Tanzer
“This is aromatically quite similar to the grand vin but not quite as perfumed and complex. Otherwise there is good volume and punch to the slightly less concentrated flavors that still manage to retain solid power on the lightly mineral-inflected finish that delivers fine length.”-Burghound
“(from the estate’s young vines): Moderately saturated medium red. Fruity, high-pitched scents of red cherry and mint accented by white pepper. Tangy flavors of sour cherry candy, cranberry and flowers show a slightly green quality but little in the way of Morey earthiness, with the white pepper quality carrying through in the mouth. This vibrant wine is already quite seductive thanks to its nicely integrated tannins.”-Stephen Tanzer
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $250
The average price is $260
The next best price is $250
The average price is $260
I’ve Got a Crush on K
K Vintners
New Releases
“These latest releases from Charles Smith check in at the top of the pyramid and are flat out incredible wines that I wish every reader could taste.” – Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
Arriving Tuesday, April 11th
New cuvee!
K Vintners Syrah Powerline Vineyard, Walla Walla 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94-97 points “A new cuvee that’s all from the Powerline Vineyard in the southern part of the Walla Walla Valley, the 2014 Syrah Powerline is all from the Phelps clone, was fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged in puncheons. One of the more bloody, meaty, iron-laced and savory Syrahs in the lineup, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a thick, unctuous texture, ripe tannin and a finish that makes your heart beat a touch faster. Give bottles a few years in the cellar and enjoy over the following decade.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Fierce!
K Vintners ‘M.C.K. Motor City Kitty’ Syrah, Washington 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points –Editors’ Choice–“This aromatically brooding wine brings aromas of brown stems, scorched earth, smoked meat, iron, violets, orange peel and blue and black fruit. The flavors coat the palate from end to end with silky soft, unabashedly appealing fruit and savory notes. It hits the delicious gong hard, with an enduring finish.”
VinopolNote: From the highest elevation parcels in the Boushey vineyard at almost 1,300 feet.
K Vintners ‘M.C.K. Motor City Kitty’ Syrah, Washington 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points –Editors’ Choice–“This aromatically brooding wine brings aromas of brown stems, scorched earth, smoked meat, iron, violets, orange peel and blue and black fruit. The flavors coat the palate from end to end with silky soft, unabashedly appealing fruit and savory notes. It hits the delicious gong hard, with an enduring finish.”
VinopolNote: From the highest elevation parcels in the Boushey vineyard at almost 1,300 feet.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $40
The next best price is $40
Bjornson Vineyard
Arriving Friday
This well-loved vineyard is often seen as a single vineyard from some of our favorite Willamette Valley producers. The vineyard, planted mostly to Pinot Noir on Jory and Nekia- soils, is part of a larger 107 acre farm nestled in the idyllic hills of the Eola-Amity. Patty and Mark Bjornson make tiny quantities of estate wine from their vineyard, and we went right to the certified sustainably-farmed source! Delightfully delicious, these wines are carefree and enjoyable now.
Bjornson Vineyard Auxerrois, Eola-Amity Hills 2015 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Winery note “Our priorities are simple: care for the land, make exceptional wine, and enjoy life’s journey. To support these goals we use soft farming practices to protect the ecosystem in the vineyard, and gentle wine making methods to create elegant, balanced wines. Auxerrois, pronounced aus ser whah, is a ’sister’ of chardonnay and grown primarily in Alsace, Germany and Luxembourg.”
Winery note “Our priorities are simple: care for the land, make exceptional wine, and enjoy life’s journey. To support these goals we use soft farming practices to protect the ecosystem in the vineyard, and gentle wine making methods to create elegant, balanced wines. Auxerrois, pronounced aus ser whah, is a ’sister’ of chardonnay and grown primarily in Alsace, Germany and Luxembourg.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $19.99
The next best price is $19.99
Bjornson Vineyard Chardonnay Reserve, Eola-Amity Hills 2015 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 pre-arrival special
Bjornson Vineyard Rosé ‘Argenta,’ Eola-Amity Hills 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Bjornson Vineyard Gamay Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2015 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Bjornson Vineyard Rosé ‘Argenta,’ Eola-Amity Hills 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Bjornson Vineyard Gamay Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2015 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
These are the only listings in the USA today!
Bjornson Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Supple, expressive and generous, positioning the blueberry, currant, pomegranate and spice flavors against polished tannins, finishing with presence and transparency. Drink now through 2021.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Bjornson Vineyard Pinot Noir ‘Edward’ Barrel Selection, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 750ML ($41.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Firm, with peppery tannins around a sleek core of black cherry and plum flavors, gliding into a long, harmonious and open-textured finish. Best from 2018 through 2024.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Firm, with peppery tannins around a sleek core of black cherry and plum flavors, gliding into a long, harmonious and open-textured finish. Best from 2018 through 2024.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Arriving April 21st
Meo-Camuzet
“one of the most celebrated domaines of the Côte d’Or, located in the heart of prestigious Vosne-Romanée” – Kermit Lynch
“Meo-Camuzet is one of the undisputed star estates of Burgundy” – Jasper Morris
Meo-Camuzet Vosne-Romanee 2014 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special, 8 bottles available
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2014 Vosne Romanée Villages comes from two parcels, one in Les Communes, the other Les Barreaux. It has a very well defined bouquet, very pure and harmonious. The palate is medium-bodied with a grainy texture, firm structure, good depth for a village cru and plenty of material on the finish. Impressive for a village cru, though it will need a year in bottle.”
Burghound 89-91 points–Outstanding– “Noticeable wood frames the overtly spicy nose of dark pinot fruit, cassis and Asian-style tea nuances. There is excellent richness to the velvety medium-bodied flavors that coat the palate with dry extract on the delicious, complex and well-balanced finish. This is not an especially elegant Vosne villages but the quality is clearly excellent.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 89-91 points “Bright, deep red. Sexy aromas and flavors of cassis, smoke, minerals and coffee. Supple, creamy, seamless and sweet but with firm minerality giving definition and tension to the mid-palate. Finishes with suave tannins, excellent grip and perfumed length. Three-quarters of this very promising blend is from the climat Les Barreaux, located high up on the slope (this is the same lieu-dit from which Anne Gros makes her consistently superb Vosne villages, by the way. ) The vines were planted in the mid-1970s and are now maturing, noted Méo.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $117
The average price is $117
Meo-Camuzet Aux Murgers, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($199.95) $159 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2014 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Aux Murgers has a well defined, precise bouquet that is reserved at first, but opens up nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a prickle of white pepper on the entry. Certainly one can appreciate the structure here, though I discerned a little oak to be absorbed. It comes across as harmonious on the sweet yet linear finish.”
Burghound 89-92 points “This is also overtly spicy with its ripe and fresh array of earth-inflected violet, plum and red berry fruit aromas that are trimmed in just enough wood to notice. Once again there is fine richness and volume to the bigger-bodied and muscular flavors that deliver excellent persistence on the dusty finish that is mildly austere and on the more rustic side than usual. The tannins also stick out somewhat at present though given this wine’s consistent track record, I suspect that it will harmonize over the mid-term.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 89-92 points “Dark red-ruby. Restrained, soil-driven aromas of cherry, mocha and minerals. Strong musky earth tones complicated by milk chocolate, leather and rust. Offers an attractive blend of sweetness and inner-mouth energy and finishes with substantial dusty tannins that avoid dryness.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2014 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Aux Murgers has a well defined, precise bouquet that is reserved at first, but opens up nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a prickle of white pepper on the entry. Certainly one can appreciate the structure here, though I discerned a little oak to be absorbed. It comes across as harmonious on the sweet yet linear finish.”
Burghound 89-92 points “This is also overtly spicy with its ripe and fresh array of earth-inflected violet, plum and red berry fruit aromas that are trimmed in just enough wood to notice. Once again there is fine richness and volume to the bigger-bodied and muscular flavors that deliver excellent persistence on the dusty finish that is mildly austere and on the more rustic side than usual. The tannins also stick out somewhat at present though given this wine’s consistent track record, I suspect that it will harmonize over the mid-term.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 89-92 points “Dark red-ruby. Restrained, soil-driven aromas of cherry, mocha and minerals. Strong musky earth tones complicated by milk chocolate, leather and rust. Offers an attractive blend of sweetness and inner-mouth energy and finishes with substantial dusty tannins that avoid dryness.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Meo-Camuzet Aux Boudots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 93 points “Dark red-ruby. Highly complex nose melds aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, licorice, game, woodsmoke and musky minerality, plus a hint of dark chocolate. Utterly seamless wine with terrific mineral pungency and lift to its dark berry flavors, along with a peppery suggestion of stems. This may not have quite the sweetness of the 2015 but it’s classically dry, soil-inflected and very long.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 93 points “Dark red-ruby. Highly complex nose melds aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, licorice, game, woodsmoke and musky minerality, plus a hint of dark chocolate. Utterly seamless wine with terrific mineral pungency and lift to its dark berry flavors, along with a peppery suggestion of stems. This may not have quite the sweetness of the 2015 but it’s classically dry, soil-inflected and very long.”
Meo-Camuzet Les Chaumes, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($169.95) $136 pre-arrival special, 9 bottles available
Wine Spectator 95 points “Black currant and blackberry aromas and flavors are complemented by licorice, smoke and spice in this taut red. Sports density and concentration, yet manages to stay elegant and lively on the long aftertaste. Best from 2020 through 2038. 818 cases made”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Black currant and blackberry aromas and flavors are complemented by licorice, smoke and spice in this taut red. Sports density and concentration, yet manages to stay elegant and lively on the long aftertaste. Best from 2020 through 2038. 818 cases made”
Meo-Camuzet Au Cros Parantoux, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($1,199.95) $999 pre-arrival special, 4 bottles available
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2014 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru Cros Parantoux has a really quite wondrous nose that really shows its class. Beautifully defined, very pure, very intense dark berry fruit with a seam of mineralité underneath. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin, a fine seam of acidity, great depth and intensity on the finish that lingers long in the mouth. This is a classy Cros Parantoux, maybe the standout from the domaine this year.”
Burghound 92-96 points– Don’t Miss – Outstanding “Once again there is enough reduction present to render the nose difficult to assess though there are wisps of spice and floral nuances discernible in the background. Otherwise there is terrific intensity to the sleek and stony medium weight flavors that possess lovely delineation while delivering simply fantastic length on the ultra-serious and moderately austere finale. This wonderfully refined and restrained effort is also going to require extended cellaring.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 92-95 points “Bright ruby-red. Intense berry aromas are complicated by smoky minerality. Much more open in the early going than the Brûlées, offering a wonderfully velvety texture, but perfectly integrated acidity gives shape and verve to the intense dark fruit and spice flavors. The firm, suave tannins dust the front teeth and the very long, slowly building finish leaves the salivary glands vibrating. This vineyard was actually harvested later than the Brûlées and Richebourg and has the density to prove it.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2014 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru Cros Parantoux has a really quite wondrous nose that really shows its class. Beautifully defined, very pure, very intense dark berry fruit with a seam of mineralité underneath. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin, a fine seam of acidity, great depth and intensity on the finish that lingers long in the mouth. This is a classy Cros Parantoux, maybe the standout from the domaine this year.”
Burghound 92-96 points– Don’t Miss – Outstanding “Once again there is enough reduction present to render the nose difficult to assess though there are wisps of spice and floral nuances discernible in the background. Otherwise there is terrific intensity to the sleek and stony medium weight flavors that possess lovely delineation while delivering simply fantastic length on the ultra-serious and moderately austere finale. This wonderfully refined and restrained effort is also going to require extended cellaring.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 92-95 points “Bright ruby-red. Intense berry aromas are complicated by smoky minerality. Much more open in the early going than the Brûlées, offering a wonderfully velvety texture, but perfectly integrated acidity gives shape and verve to the intense dark fruit and spice flavors. The firm, suave tannins dust the front teeth and the very long, slowly building finish leaves the salivary glands vibrating. This vineyard was actually harvested later than the Brûlées and Richebourg and has the density to prove it.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Meo-Camuzet Richebourg Grand Cru 2014 750ML ($1,499.95) $1,199 pre-arrival special, 1 bottle available
Wine Spectator 97 points “Lush and toasty, this red features black cherry and blackberry flavors, shaded by sweet spice and a hint of sandalwood. Balanced, with a velvety texture and firm, discreet tannins. With air, this gains purity and focus, indicating future promise. Best from 2020 through 2038. 137 cases made.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 94-96 points “Full dark red with ruby tones. Stunningly pure aromas of purple fruits, violet and crushed rock. Wonderfully silky if a bit youthfully shy, conveying pronounced soil-driven salinity to the very intense flavors of blackberry, boysenberry and minerals. A classic example of the 2014 vintage at its best in its combination of richness, dimension and elegance. Finishes extremely long and aristocratic, with a rising crescendo of dark fruit and saline flavors and a major mass of sweet, tongue-saturating tannins.”
Burghound 94-96 points “An emphatically floral nose displays a panoply of Asian style spice elements as well as plum, violet, exotic tea and sandalwood. The superbly intense, powerful, focused and wonderfully rich imposingly-scaled flavors terminate in a palate staining, austere and balanced finish that seems to go on and on. This linear and backward effort is presently a block of stone and is clearly going to require many years of cellaring to shed the firm core of supporting tannins.”
Wine Spectator 97 points “Lush and toasty, this red features black cherry and blackberry flavors, shaded by sweet spice and a hint of sandalwood. Balanced, with a velvety texture and firm, discreet tannins. With air, this gains purity and focus, indicating future promise. Best from 2020 through 2038. 137 cases made.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 94-96 points “Full dark red with ruby tones. Stunningly pure aromas of purple fruits, violet and crushed rock. Wonderfully silky if a bit youthfully shy, conveying pronounced soil-driven salinity to the very intense flavors of blackberry, boysenberry and minerals. A classic example of the 2014 vintage at its best in its combination of richness, dimension and elegance. Finishes extremely long and aristocratic, with a rising crescendo of dark fruit and saline flavors and a major mass of sweet, tongue-saturating tannins.”
Burghound 94-96 points “An emphatically floral nose displays a panoply of Asian style spice elements as well as plum, violet, exotic tea and sandalwood. The superbly intense, powerful, focused and wonderfully rich imposingly-scaled flavors terminate in a palate staining, austere and balanced finish that seems to go on and on. This linear and backward effort is presently a block of stone and is clearly going to require many years of cellaring to shed the firm core of supporting tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $1,599.99
The next best price is $1,599.99
April Sale Recap
Don’t miss these three trending April sales. See the full list of all 26 wines on sale now below!
Charles Smith K Vintners Rock Garden Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($69.95) Was $59, Now $47
Wine Advocate 95 points “More Northern Rhone in style, with lots of red and black fruits, olive, peppered meats and sweet fruit, the 2013 Syrah Rock Garden is seamless, downright sexy and layered on the palate, with a voluptuous, yet classy and focused texture. Like all of the Rhone blends from this estate, it was fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged mostly in neutral barrels and puncheons. Give bottles a year or two and enjoy over the following decade.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “More Northern Rhone in style, with lots of red and black fruits, olive, peppered meats and sweet fruit, the 2013 Syrah Rock Garden is seamless, downright sexy and layered on the palate, with a voluptuous, yet classy and focused texture. Like all of the Rhone blends from this estate, it was fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged mostly in neutral barrels and puncheons. Give bottles a year or two and enjoy over the following decade.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $58
The average price is $58
Saint Cosme Cote Rotie, Rhone 2014 750ML ($69.95) Was $49, Now $44
Wine Spectator 94 points “A firm, taut, minerally style, with lots of iron-edged grip striding from start to finish, while red currant and damson plum fruit push out from the core. White pepper and singed juniper details fill in the background. This will need some time to stretch out fully. Best from 2019 through 2030.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “(made, as usual, from vineyards in the Côte Brune): Opaque ruby. Vibrant, sharply focused black and blue fruits on the nose, complicated by peppery spice and mineral notes. Lithe and precise, showing strong lift to the intense blueberry, violet pastille and spicecake flavors. Picks up a smoky quality with air and finishes sweet, seamless and very long, with sneaky tannins adding shape and grip.”
Jeb Dunnuck-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2014 Cote Rotie is a solid step up from the Crozes Hermitage and St Joseph releases. Fermented with 100% stems and aged in 30% new barrels, it has a crazily perfumed bouquet of rose garden, peppery, stems, black raspberries and sweet oak. This gives way to a medium-bodied, nicely concentrated Cote Rotie that has solid mid-palate depth, good freshness and a great finish. It should have 10-15 yeas. of overall longevity.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “A firm, taut, minerally style, with lots of iron-edged grip striding from start to finish, while red currant and damson plum fruit push out from the core. White pepper and singed juniper details fill in the background. This will need some time to stretch out fully. Best from 2019 through 2030.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “(made, as usual, from vineyards in the Côte Brune): Opaque ruby. Vibrant, sharply focused black and blue fruits on the nose, complicated by peppery spice and mineral notes. Lithe and precise, showing strong lift to the intense blueberry, violet pastille and spicecake flavors. Picks up a smoky quality with air and finishes sweet, seamless and very long, with sneaky tannins adding shape and grip.”
Jeb Dunnuck-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2014 Cote Rotie is a solid step up from the Crozes Hermitage and St Joseph releases. Fermented with 100% stems and aged in 30% new barrels, it has a crazily perfumed bouquet of rose garden, peppery, stems, black raspberries and sweet oak. This gives way to a medium-bodied, nicely concentrated Cote Rotie that has solid mid-palate depth, good freshness and a great finish. It should have 10-15 yeas. of overall longevity.”
This was already the lowest listed price in the country, now it’s even lower!
The average price is $64
The average price is $64
Peter Lauer Senior Fass 6 Riesling, Mosel 2015 750ML ($27.95) Was $24, Now $19
Mosel Fine Wines 89+ points “This offers bright and delicately flowery scents of ginger, candied grapefruit peel, Provence herbs and slate. The wine is mineral and delicately fruity on the palate and leaves a clean and linear feel in the still slightly hard finish. This is best left alone for a year to give it time to integrate. 2017-2025.”
Mosel Fine Wines 89+ points “This offers bright and delicately flowery scents of ginger, candied grapefruit peel, Provence herbs and slate. The wine is mineral and delicately fruity on the palate and leaves a clean and linear feel in the still slightly hard finish. This is best left alone for a year to give it time to integrate. 2017-2025.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price in the USA is $27
The average price in the USA is $27
The Glory of 2013 Barolo
Offers are trickling in from Piedmont for the out-of-this world vintage. Below are just a few of many more to come!
Here’s your quick recap on arrivals, click buy & read full reviews!:
Thank you for reading!