October 4, 2014
Saturday Super Specials
Just Arrived
Wine Spectator 94 points “Big and rich, this red is filled with powerful flavors of blackberry, dark currant, black olive and dark chocolate that are built on an ironclad frame. Notes of cocoa powder and cream chime in as well, and the muscular finish lingers with hints of savory herb. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2014 through 2022.”
The average listed price is $79 / bottle
Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta Colchagua Valley 2009 1.5 LITER ($249.95) $189 special
Wine Spectator 96 points
“This gorgeous wine deftly balances polished cassis, dark cherry reduction and blueberry notes on a compact frame. Structured, with silky tannins lining the long finish that lingers on with hints of apple wood, spice box and underbrush. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2014 through 2020.”
Case-6 Bollinger Brut Special Cuvee NV ($359.95) $282 special (that’s only $47 / bottle)
Case-12 Bollinger Brut Special Cuvee NV ($719.95) $540 special (that’s only $45 / bottle)
Wine Spectator 93 points “This is firm and tightly knit, with a backbone of steely acidity, showing a fine, creamy texture that imparts an overall sense of finesse to the layers of poached apple, mille-feuille, black currant, kumquat and honey, showing hints of ground spice and smoky mineral. Drink now through 2020.”
Domaine Matrot
2012 Burgundy
“You follow the vines. You follow the grapes and you
try to make something very natural out of them. “
-Thierry Matrot
2012 Matrot Wines
Arriving Late October
Brughound 86 points “Light reduction is enough to mask the detail of the nose. Otherwise there is good freshness and verve to the detailed and delicious flavors that display just enough gas on the cool and clean finish to warrant suggesting that it would be desirable to decant it first.”Matrot Meursault 2012 ($59.95) $44 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer 88(+?) points “Pale yellow. Peach and spices on the nose. Juicy, spicy and energetic, showing lovely lift and cut to the flavors of lime and minerals. Riper and sappier than the 2013 version, with a long, perfumed finish that promises more ahead. A seriously built village offering.”
Matrot Meursault Les Chevalieres 2012 ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Burghound 89 points “A discreet application of wood toast sets off a ripe, pure and elegant nose that features an airy mélange of wet stone, citrus and floral nuances. This is markedly finer than the straight villages cuvée with much more evident minerality as well that adds lift to the delicious medium-bodied flavors that deliver fine length on the saline-inflected finish. This is a bit bigger than it usually is but it retains its intrinsic sense of finesse. Recommended.”
Matrot Meursault Blagny Blanc 2012 ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Burghound 88 points “Pungent aromas of sulfur and reduction presently completely dominate the nose. There is fine volume and vibrancy to the lightly mineral-infused middle weight flavors that display a distinct leesy character on the ever-so-slightly bitter finish that is akin to quinine water. Whether this is a passing phase or not is frankly difficult to say but what is clear is that this is presently awkward.”
Matrot Puligny Montrachet Les Chalumeaux Premier Cru 2012 ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer 93+ points “(no new oak): Bright, light yellow. Brisk, inviting aromas of peach, fresh hazelnut, white flowers and spices. Boasts superb purity and richness, with soil-driven minerality supporting the sweet stone fruit, hazelnut and toast flavors. This dense, sappy, solid wine has a very long, spicy finish that leaves the mouth perfumed. More serious than the very promising 2013 version but in need of four or five years of cellar time. An outstanding premier cru.”
Matrot Bourgogne Rouge 2012 ($29.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Matrot Bourgogne Rouge 2012 ($349.95) $239 pre-arrival special
Burghound 87 points OUTSTANDING TOP VALUE “An earthy and overtly rustic nose features primarily dark berry fruit aromas. There is good volume and excellent concentration to the relatively big-bodied flavors that possess fine punch and notably better depth and length than is typical for the genre. This could be approached young or held for a few years first. Recommended.”
Matrot St Aubin En Creots 2012 ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Burghound 89 points “An earthy and overtly rustic nose features primarily dark berry fruit aromas. There is good volume and excellent concentration to the relatively big-bodied flavors that possess fine punch and notably better depth and length than is typical for the genre. This could be approached young or held for a few years first. Recommended.”
Matrot Monthelie 2012 ($49.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Burghound 88 points “Not surprisingly this is a good deal more deeply pitched with its cool but ripe nose of both red and dark currant along with plenty of earth and humus scents. There is good volume to the delicious middle weight flavors where the supporting tannins are remarkably mature for a vineyard that was hit very hard by hail. A quality Monthelie.”
Matrot Meursault Rouge 2012 ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Burghound 86 points “Reduction completely flattens the fruit and I would strongly suggest decanting this if you’re going to try a bottle young. By contrast there is excellent concentration to the rich and mouth coating flavors where the supporting structure is quite prominent and while this stops short of being hard the balance of the overtly rustic finish isn’t what it usually is.”
Matrot Volnay Santenots Premier Cru 2012 ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Burghound 88 points “Matrot noted that this would be the only red that would be partially bottled in magnum format. Like the Meursault there is enough reduction to fight with the fruit and while it appears to be ripe, it’s impossible to say with certainty. There is a notably finer mouth feel to the mineral-inflected and energetic medium-bodied flavors that possess plenty of palate coating dry extract, all wrapped in a moderately rustic finish that isn’t hard though it is presently quite austere. This will be a 2012 that will require at least some patience before it will be accommodating to most palates.”
Matrot Blagny La Piece Sous le Bois Premier Cru 2012 ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Burghound 87 points “This is also somewhat reduced but in this case it is sufficiently light that the underlying cool red berry fruit can still be appreciated. There is a lovely sense of tension to the lighter weight flavors that possess a refreshing mouth feel if notably more limited depth and length than this wine typically displays. In sum this is pretty enough but lacks that extra dimension that I’m used to seeing.”
Matrot Wines
Available Now
Matrot Meursault Charmes Premier Cru 2010 ($84.95) $66 special 1 bottle available
Stephen Tanzer 93(+?) points “Good pale yellow. Ripe aromas of peach, fresh apricot and hazelnut; a quintessence of Meursault. Rich, ripe and sweet but framed and energized by a stony mineral underpinning, strong spice notes and a flavor of underripe pineapple. The building, palate-staining finish displays excellent structure and verve. This needs a good eight years of bottle aging. As with the Perrieres 2010, the yields here were tiny (22 h/h) owing to millerandage, noted Matrot.”Matrot Meursault Les Chevalieres 2011 ($44.95) $37 special 12+ bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 89-91 points “Ripe fresh apricot and marzipan on the nose, along with a mineral component. Juicy, spicy and minerally; more taut and less fat than the basic village offering. Showing its oak but finishes with good cut and grip”
Matrot Saint Aubin Creots Premier Cru 2011 ($44.95) $29 special 10 bottles available
Matrot Meursault Rouge 2010 ($49.95) $39 special 12+ bottles available
Winery notes (translated) “Harvested from a nearby local Santenots this wine is a beautiful expression of Pinot Noir . The elegance and purity of fruit, it can be served alongside some fish such as pike , burbot . It will be very comfortable with poultry and grilled meats.”
Matrot Meursault Rouge 2011 ($49.95) $39 special 12 bottles available
Burghound “A very fresh and bright nose of raspberry, dark cherry and earth nuances introduces equally earthy, round and vibrant medium weight flavors that possess ripe tannins that shape the moderately rustic but utterly delicious finish that delivers fine persistence. Like the Monthelie, this could already be enjoyed but should remunerate well a few years of bottle age.”
Matrot Monthelie 2010 ($44.95) $29 special 12+ bottles available
Burghound” A pretty and attractively layered nose of plum, red raspberry, cherry and soft warm earth nuances. There is good energy to the supple and round flavors that are shaped by light and fine-grained tannins that, like the Bourgogne, will allow this to be enjoyed almost immediately.”
Matrot Monthelie 2011 ($49.95) $29 special 12+ bottles available
Burghound “This is less refined but a bit more complex with an earthy and mildly rustic nose of dark berries and pungent earth aromas. The same touch of rusticity can be found on the delicious, round and already approachable medium-bodied flavors that possess good depth and reasonably good length. This should drink well almost immediately yet reward a few years of cellar time as well.”
Matrot Volnay Santenots Premier Cru 2010 ($64.95) $44 special 12+ bottles available
Burghound 89 points “This is both riper and more elegant with a lovely and beautifully layered blend of red currant, plum, spice and earth. There is good mid-palate density to the suave, even opulent flavors that exude a fine minerality on the equally spicy and persistent finish. While the Matrot style is for reds that will be agreeable when they’re young, this will also be capable of rewarding 3 to 5 years of cellar time.”
Matrot Volnay Santenots Premier Cru 2011 ($69.95) $44 special 12 bottles available
Burghound 90 points “This is also quite cool and restrained with ripe and attractively elegant red currant, spice and plum aromas leading to supple, round and utterly delicious middle weight flavors that exude a fine minerality on the notably longer and more complex finish where some earth character appears. This is quite firm and while it could be appreciated young my advice would be to allow this to cellar for at least 5 to 6 years first.”
Matrot Blagny La Piece Sous Le Bois Premier Cru 2010 ($64.95) $49 special 12+ bottles available
Burghound 90 points “An overtly fruity yet solidly complex nose features notes of cassis, plum, violet and black raspberry. There is an appealing mineral streak to the delicious medium-bodied flavors that exude both floral and spice elements on the delicious, long and balanced finish. This too will drink well almost immediately yet there is good underlying material to suggest 3 to 5 years of upside development potential.”
Saturday Flash Sale Specials
#1
Antonio Galloni 92 points ” Moët’s 2006 Brut Grand Vintage is beautiful, finessed and expressive. Smoke, slate, apricot and pastry notes emerge as the wine gradually unfolds. Rich and textured on the palate, yet beautifully supported by veins of minerality, the 2006 is simply impeccable from the very first taste. The richer, honeyed notes typical of Chardonnay in this vintage are particularly evident today while the Meunier, which has higher acidity, keeps things bright, although it plays a lesser part in the overall blend than in years past. The 2006 is 42% Chardonnay, 39% Pinot Noir and 19% Pinot Meunier. Dosage is 5 grams/liter.”
The average listed price in the USA is $75 / bottle
Moet Chandon Grand Vintage Brut 2004 ($79.95) $59 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Pear, spices, yellow stone fruits and smoke meld together in the Brut Grand Vintage. Rich and ample on the palate, the 2004 impresses for its balance, richness and volume. This bottle is quite a bit fresher and more vibrant than the bottle I reviewed last year. Early signs of development are just now starting to appear, but the flavors remain on the bright side for a ten year-old Champagne. If anything, the 2004 needs a bit more time to fully come together. Overall. this is a terrific showing.The blend is 38% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir and 29% Pinot Meunier”Moet Chandon Grand Vintage Brut Rose 2004 ($89.95) $59 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Much more typical of the year, 2004 Brut Grand Vintage Rosé is pure chalk, rhubarb, pomegranate and rose petals. The flavors possess striking delineation and nuance in a style that is all about tension. I very much like the sense of energy here. Stylistically, the Rosé is quite a bit more focused than the Blanc in 2004, with fewer oxidative overtones and plenty of drive. This is a hugely appealing Champagne from Moët Chandon. 2014 – 2024.”
Saturday Flash Sale Specials
#2
Case-12 Perrone Tasmorcan Barbera d’Asti 2012 ($179.95) $119 pre-arrival special (that’s only $9.92 / bottle)
Antonio Galloni 88 points “The Barbera d’Asti Tasmorcan is a wonderfully joyous, exuberant, vinous Barbera to drink over the next few years. Sweet spices, flowers, mint and dark berries all jump from the glass in this hugely delicious, mid-weight Barbera from Perrone. 2013 – 2016”
The average listed price in the USA is $18 / bottle~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday Flash Sale Specials
#3
Arriving October 10th
“Trio wines benefit from three principal features of winegrowing in Eastern Washington: exceptional fruit, outstanding soils, and the perfect climate for growing grapes. That’s what Trio represents to us. We are proud to craft wines from this spectacular region reflecting our personal tastes in wines we love to share with friends and family: low-oaked, high-acid, affordable, food-oriented wines that will enhance any dining experience.Cheers!”
– Karen LaBonte, Owner and Winemaker
Winery Notes “This varietal very much in demand, and what a treat this vintage is! The Red Mountain area is one of our favorite areas for fruit because it’s known for grapes that are both high in sugar as well as acidity, an exceedingly rare and desirable trait for wine production. This block of fruit is in the Heart of the Hill Vineyard owned by Scott Williams of Kiona Vineyards, and is a small 5 acres parcel with fine silty sandy soils superior for drainage. A single varietal (100%, no blending!) and from a single vineyard (all the fruit came from the same vineyard) making this a great testament to not only the Red Mountain area but the fine vineyard (and owner) as well!
Semi opaque ruby color with seductive aromas of blueberries, blackberry, cassis, mulberry and cedar. Lavish and pervasive flavors with a rich patina of dark fruits on the palate, interwoven with licorice, cola, and Red Mountain earth and minerality. The seduction continues on the back with sensations of gently squeezed berries, kirsch liqueur, crème de cassis and dried orange peel. A final sweetish thrust of blueberry and currant juices is followed by a lingering, lightly spiced and nutted finish. Medium tannin finish.”
The average listed price in the USA is $29 / bottle
Trio Vintners Mourvedre Yakima Valley 2010 ($29.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Winery Notes “Despite the challenge of the early freeze experienced at the tail-end of harvest 2010, we were so thrilled to be able to bring in this beautiful batch of Mourvedre from our favorite vineyard block. This particular block of Mourvedre is owned and farmed by Art Den Hoed and is grown on land that was never farmed prior to planing the vineyard. Sitting 1400 feet above the Yakima Valley floor, tucked high up on a south slope of the Rattlesnake Hills Mountains, the Far Away Vineyard is a perfect place to slowly ripen fruit in the hot summer sun is a spot where the risk of an early freeze is seldom experienced.
Making the Seattle Times Top 100 Wines list last year, our 100% Mourvedre is rapidly becoming the all time favorite within our current line-up. This is our fourth vintage and we’re confident it will continue to please! Once more commonly known as a blending grape (think Chateauneuf-du-Pape), Mourvedre is now recognized as an incredibly versatile and food-friendly single varietal wine. Whether enjoying alone or paired with your favorite food, this wine bridges the flavor gap between the familiar spicy characteristics of a bold Syrah and the fruitful acidity of an Argentinean Malbec. ”
The average listed price in the USA is $28.41 / bottle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dozen Deals Recap
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “(90% nebbiolo and 10% barbera; aged for 18 months in new French oak): Good medium red. Perfumed aromas and flavors of plum, redcurrant, tobacco and spices. Intense and vibrant, with lovely inner-mouth aromatic lift. Very classy, delineated wine.”Case-6 Leoville Barton Saint Julien 2009 ($999.95) $699 special (that’s only $116.50 / bottle)
Wine Spectator 95 points #6 TOP 100 2012 “This is powerful Cabernet, with gutsy weight, but also polished feel to the fresh plum, warm blackberry sauce, bittersweet ganache and roasted apple wood notes. Long and tarry through the finish, but still invigorating despite its heft. Needs some time to round fully into form. Best from 2017 through 2035. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.”
Case-6 Moet Chandon Brut Imperial NV ($279.95) $199 special (that’s only $33.16 / bottle)
Wine Spectator 92 points “The minerally undertow imparts a subtle, smoky note that blends with flavors of dried pineapple, biscuit, salted almond and white peach. A balanced version, with a fine bead and well-honed acidity. Drink now through 2018.”
Case-6 Ruinart Blanc De Blancs NV ($419.95) $319 special (that’s only $53.16 / bottle)
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Pale yellow. Complex, high-pitched aromas of orange zest, lemon pith, iodine, smoky minerals, anise and jasmine. Sappy and tactile on the palate, offering impressive volume to its ripe citrus and orchard fruit flavors accented by smoke and minerals. Finishes tangy and long, with lingering smokiness and an echo of anise.”
Case-6 Donnhoff Dellchen Grosses Gewachs 2012 ($299.95) $279 special (that’s only $46.50 / bottle)
Fine Wine Review 95 points“The Dellchen GG is from a combination of slate and volcanic soils. The nose is a bit smoky and has dust elements. The mouth is austere and deep with clarity, excellent acidity, and great penetration. (Issue #142; 2014)”
John Gilman 94 points (View From the Cellar): “The 2012 Dellchen Grosses Gewächs is a superb wine in the making, jumping from the glass in a youthfully complex mélange of grapefruit, tart orange, wild yeasts, complex slate tones, citrus peel and smoke. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and has laser-like focus, with a rock solid core, ripe acids and a very, very long, primary finish. This superb Grosses Gewächs will need a good six or seven years’ worth of bottle age to really blossom and come into its own, and it should prove to very long-lived. 2020-2045+. (Mar/Apr 2013)”
Case- 12 Columbia Crest Chardonnay Grand Estates 2012 ($149.95) $99 special (that’s only $8.25 / bottle)
Wine Spectator 90 points “Silky and seductive, with pear and spicy grapefruit flavors on a taut, polished frame, lingering with intensity and brightness on the glowing finish. Impressive for the price. Drink now.”
Case-12 Arroyo Val Sotillo Crianza 2006 ($249.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58 / bottle)
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Vibrant and honest, with expressive raspberry and cherry aromas and flavors accented by mint leaf, liqueur and cassis. Really hits the spot and then fades away in no hurry. A smoking-good crianza that hammers home the fact that Ismael Arroyo’s wines are still leaders in RDD. Drink now-2015”
Case-12 Atalon Pauline’s Cuvee Napa Valley Red 2010 ($359.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58 / bottle)
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This Merlot-based blend is a huge success. It’s a big, tannic, tight wine, packed to bursting with black cherry liqueur, cola and spice flavors. Yet it maintains an exciting balance, with the tension between acids, tannins and oak in equilibrium. Seems like it wants 5-6 years in the cellar to let it throw some tannins and mellow.”
Case-12 Bernabeleva Camino Navaherreros 2012 ($199.95) $169 special (that’s only 14.08 / bottle)
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Vivid ruby-red. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of raspberry, potpourri and Asian spices. Silky, penetrating red fruit and rose pastille flavors pick up a mineral nuance with air. Clings with excellent tenacity on the vibrant finish, which features fine-grained tannins and a touch of blood orange.”
Case-12 Bodegas Borsao Tinto Garnacha 2012 ($119.95) $89 special (that’s only $7.41 / bottle)
Stephen Tanzer & Wine Advocate 89 points” (85% garnacha and 15% tempranillo; all stainless steel): Vivid purple. Expressive aromas of black raspberry, violet and white pepper. Supple, spicy and pliant, with an appealingly sweet quality to the dark berry, spice and floral flavors. Plenty of personality here, especially at the price. Finishes on a refreshingly bitter note, with silky tannins and very good persistence. “ST
Case-12 Borsao Vina Borgia 2012 ($99.95) $86 special (that’s only $7.16 / bottle)
Stephen Tanzer 88 points “Bright purple. Jammy black and blue fruits on the nose and in the mouth. Plump, juicy and tannin-free, making for very easy drinkability. For the money, this really delivers, a point not missed by the numerous restaurants that are pouring this fruit bomb by the glass. ”
Case-12 Breca Garnacha Del Fuego 2012($119.95) $99 special (that’s only $8.25 / bottle)
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “Bright purple. Ripe dark berries and cracked pepper on the nose. Smooth and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering tangy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of licorice. Sweeter on the finish, with the cherry and licorice notes echoing. This is an amazing value.”
Case-12 Chainier Quintessence Pouilly Fume 2011($199.95) $119 special (that’s only $9.92 / bottle)
Wine & Spirits 89 points ‘Years Best Buy” It is a fragrant and refreshing aromatic wine, with white fruit and acacia flower aromas, round and slightly creamy in mouth, with a delicate “smoky” note.
Case-12 Clos Du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Les Quartz 2009 ($899.95) $599 special (that’s only $49.92 / bottle)
Robert Parker 94 points “The opaque ruby/purple-colored 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Quartz is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah from one of the appellation’s more obscure lieu-dits. This stunning 2009 offers copious floral notes intermixed with crushed rock, wet stone, kirsch and black currant characteristics.”
Case-12 Coltibuono Chianti Cetamura 2012 ($119.95) $89 special (that’s only $7.42 / bottle)
Winery notes (translated) “… bright, intense ruby red color and is expressed on the nose with aromas of cherry, blackberry, cinnamon and cloves. The taste is full, balanced, full-bodied and soft, with excellent structure. The acidity is well balanced, clean and persistent aftertaste.”
Case-12 Domaine La Roquete Chateauneuf du Pape 2010 ($499.95) $399 special (that’s only $33.25 / bottle)
Wine Spectator 92 points “Silky and briary, with lots of pepper, savory and tobacco notes coursing along, while a hint of shiso leaf separates them from the blackberry and black currant confiture flavors. Lovely, finely beaded acidity offsets the tarry grip. Great range and tension. Best from 2014 through 2028. 1,200 cases imported.”
Case-12 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge 2009($519.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92 / bottle)
Wine Spectator 91 points “This is focused on its graphite and slate flavors, with crisp accents of dried raspberry and cherry in the background. Cream and cocoa powder notes linger on the refined finish, supported by medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2018.”
Case- 12 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge 2010 ($519.95) $349 special (that’s only $29.08 / bottle)
Wine Spectator 90 points “Notes of sanguine and rosemary line the core of taut cherry preserves and red currant paste. A singed alder hint flitters through the finish, showing good persistence. Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan. Drink now through 2020.”
Case-12 Emilio Moro Finca Resalso Ribera Del Duero 2012 ($249.95) $192 special (that’s only $16 / bottle)
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Vivid purple. Ripe boysenberry and blueberry aromas and an undercurrent of mocha on the nose, with candied licorice and vanilla qualities coming up with air. Lush, weighty and round, showing good thrust to its dark berry liqueur and cocoa flavors. Finishes creamy, round and long, with soft tannins and building notes of plum and dark chocolate.”
Case-12 Lopez Heredia Tondonia Reserva Rioja 2001 ($399.95) $369 special (that’s only $30.75 / bottle)
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2001 Vina Tondonia Reserva is bridled with a lovely nose of decayed red fruit, fireside hearth, a touch of mulberry and small red cherry. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, crisp red fruits (wild strawberry and cranberry) with a sharp, vibrant, tense, tannic finish that has immense precision. There is a slight saline note lingering in the mouth after the wine has (regretfully) departed…”
Case-12 Olivares Altos Hoya Monastrell Jumilla 2011 ($139.95) $89 special (that’s only $7.42 / bottle)
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Bright purple. Black raspberry and cassis aromas, with spicy mineral and floral elements gaining power with air. Powerful dark fruit flavors are sweetened by vanilla and cola nuances and lifted by juicy acidity. Impressively velvety wine, with very good finishing breadth and lingering spiciness. Plenty of bang for the buck here.”
Case-12 Sori Paitin Barbaresco La Serra 2010 ($399.95) $336 special (that’s only $28 / bottle)
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Dark cherries, menthol, tobacco, licorice and tar all emerge from the glass in the 2010 Barbaresco Serra. This is a decidedly dark, powerful, brooding vintage for the Serra. Readers will find a powerful, structured Barbaresco that will require considerable cellaring. The broad-shouldered, brooding style typical of this part of the Barbaresco zone comes through in spades. The Serra spent 18 months in cask.”
Case-12 Souverain North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2010 ($179.95) $119 special (that’s only $9.92 / bottle)
Winemaker’s notes “Deep ruby-purple in color, this Cabernet boasts bright and vivid aromas of roasted vanilla, mocha and baking spices which meet elegant layers of blackberry and ripe cherry flavors. The full mouth feel is extracted and rich and framed by thick mouth coating tannins. The fully balanced fruit, tannins and acidity, lead to a juicy and lengthy finish.”
Case-12 Stonestreet Monument Ridge Cabernet Alexander Valley 2010 ($379.95) $336 special (that’s only $28 / bottle)
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “A lovely Cabernet, ripe and delicious, yet complex enough to hold your interest. It’s just beginning its journey in the bottle. Very dark in color, with hard tannins, it has an immense core of blackberries and cherries. Give it at least 6-8 years, but it could still be rocking in 2022.”
Case-12 Zorzal Garnacha Vinas Viejas 2010 ($149.95) $89 special (that’s only $7.42 / bottle)
Stephen Tanzer 88 points “Bright purple. Jammy black and blue fruits on the nose and in the mouth. Open-knit and juicy, with good clarity and lift. Not the last word in complexity but extremely easy to like. Finishes with good clarity and subtle spiciness.”