2/15/16
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Featured New Arrival; New Arrivals; Re-Arrivals; Arriving This Week; Arriving Soon; Isole e Olena Feature; Diamond Creek & Napa 2012’s
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Featured New Arrival
“Tasting a Dagueneau wine for the first time was a revelation. His Sauvignon Blancs had an unexpected purity and clarity to them. The flavors were intense but nuanced. It wasn’t the fruit that was piercing, as in so many Sauvignon Blancs, but the freshness and the focus. As powerful a personality as he was, his wines did not exalt the stature of the winemaker so much as the beauty of the terroir.”
– Eric Asimov
Didier Dagueneau Blanc Fume de Pouilly 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 24 bottles available
Joel Payne – Vinous “Pale straw. Pure aromas of lemon, lime and white flowers. Finely grained and youthful, showing precise citrus and orchard fruit flavors and brisk energy. Tactile and taut, this sauvignon blanc finishes with pleasing structure and mineral grip.”
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Just a reminder about our current shipping specials during this season:
We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25
These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason.
Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment do not qualify for flat rate shipping.
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Featured New Arrival
New Vintage from Domaine Didier Dagueneau
“Tasting a Dagueneau wine for the first time was a revelation. His Sauvignon Blancs had an unexpected purity and clarity to them. The flavors were intense but nuanced. It wasn’t the fruit that was piercing, as in so many Sauvignon Blancs, but the freshness and the focus. As powerful a personality as he was, his wines did not exalt the stature of the winemaker so much as the beauty of the terroir.
– Eric Asimov
Didier Dagueneau Blanc Fume de Pouilly 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 24 bottles available
Joel Payne – Vinous “Pale straw. Pure aromas of lemon, lime and white flowers. Finely grained and youthful, showing precise citrus and orchard fruit flavors and brisk energy. Tactile and taut, this sauvignon blanc finishes with pleasing structure and mineral grip.”
Importer’s note: Farmed biodynamically. The domaine employs twice the number of employees than a conventional winery would use for the same acreage. The goal is to produce, on the average, 75% of the yields common to neighboring wineries. Vinified and aged in tank; the aim with the cuvee is to produce the most direct, pure expression of Sauvignon from a typical Pouilly Fumé vineyard. Packed full of chalky minerality and citrus notes, grown from younger parcels on Kimmeridgian, clay-limestone soil.
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New Week – New Arrivals
OREGON
Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Vinopolnote: Declassified Yamhill-Carlton bottling from, as always, non-irrigated vines. Sourced from the Briscoe Vineyard, all-Wadensweil clone.
WASHINGTON
Mark Ryan Winery Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2013 750ML ($59.95) $44 special
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “More straightforward and focused, with lots of mineral nuances intermixed with graphite, ground herbs, black cherry and blackberry fruit, the 2013 Dead Horse Ciel du Cheval Vineyard (87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and a splash of Petit Verdot) is full-bodied, structured and backward, yet certainly has potential. Holding things a little closer to the vest at the moment, I suspect it is best left alone for 3-4 years once released.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $52
Mark Ryan Winery Long Haul Proprietary Red, Red Mountain 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2012 Long Haul Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is another terrific Bordeaux blend from this team. Made from 49% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, it was vinified in stainless steel and aged in once used French oak barrels. It exhibits subtle hints of coffee bean in its red and black fruits, roasted meats, spice and licorice-styled bouquet, and picks up more and more floral nuances with time. Full-bodied, tight, focused and a little backward, it opens up nicely in the glass, has integrated acidity and a clean finish. Give it 2-4 years and drink it through 2032.”
Mark Ryan Winery Lost Soul Syrah, Yakima Valley 2013 750ML ($59.95) $44 special
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2013 Lost Soul Syrah should be as good as the ’12, if not better. Inky purple in color, it exhibits lots of cooler-climate notes of pepper, bouquet garni, crushed rock and pure blackberry fruit. Aged in 40% new French oak puncheons and all from the Red Willow Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, it’s rich, medium to full-bodied, and perfectly balanced, with lively acidity and no shortage of texture or depth. It should benefit from short-term cellaring and age gracefully.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $49
Betz Family Winery Clos de Betz, Columbia Valley 2011 750ML ($69.95) $47 special
Betz Family Winery Clos de Betz, Columbia Valley 2011 1.5L ($129.95) $99 special
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “(67% merlot, 28% cabernet sauvignon and 5% petit verdot; aged in 65% new oak): Good bright, deep red. Redcurrant, cocoa powder and musky tobacco on the nose. Gentle and creamy in the mouth for 2011, with harmonious ripe acidity framing the sweet red berry, cherry and cocoa powder flavors. This floral merlot-based wine is supported by firm acids and tannins but comes across as quite feminine in style. Betz notes that 2011 was a very good year for merlot.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $52.99
The average price is $59
CALIFORNIA
Foxglove Chardonnay, Central Coast 2012 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Jeb Dunnuck-Wine Advocate 89 points “The 2012 Chardonnay Foxglove is my favorite of the bunch and gives up clean and classy white peach, apple blossom and subtle spice in its medium-bodied, juicy and delicious style. Brought up in stainless steel, it’s hard to beat at the price and should be purchased by the case for drinking over the coming year or so.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 89 points “Lemon oil, white flowers, mint and slate meld together in the 2012 Chardonnay. Racy and beautifully layered on the palate, this tank-fermented, non-malo Chardonnay delivers exceptional quality for the money.”
FRANCE-CHAMPAGNE
Christophe Mignon Brut, Champagne 2008 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2008 Pur Meunier is all about focus and understatement. Floral and lifted in style, the 2008 shows the more aromatic, nuanced side of Meunier, along with lovely textural finesse and impeccable overall balance to match. There is so much to like here. Disgorged March 2014, non-dosé.”
FRANCE-BURGUNDY
Dauvissat-Camus La Forest, Chablis Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 93+ points “Bright pale yellow. Penetrating mineral aromas of crushed stone and oyster shell, with a hint of ripe grapefruit in the background. Wonderfully juicy and vibrant if youthfully taut, offering uncanny intensity and tactility for the vintage. Finishes saline and extremely long, with notes of lime, oatmeal and powdered stone. This palate-staining wine left my salivary glands quivering. Dauvissat does a vendange entier, practically no debourbage and almost no stirring of the lees.” ST
Dauvissat-Camus Les Clos, Chablis Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($219.95) $199 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 96 points “Pale yellow. Bracing aromas of lemon, ginger, chalk and spices. At once dense and penetrating, with outstanding citric cut to the complex, slightly high-toned flavors of lemon zest, white pepper, minerals and subtle resiny spices. Here, too, the wine’s intense chalky character gives it an impression of stronger acidity than the numbers would suggest. Boasts terrific fruit intensity, and the wonderfully precise finish goes on and on. A great showing today, and one of the superstars of the vintage.” ST
Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Les Chaignots, Nuit Saint Georges Premier Cru 2011 ($179.95) $149 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Mugneret-Gibourg’s 2011 Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Chaignots is remarkably polished and refined in this vintage. Sweet rose petals, spices and red berries emerge from a gracious Burgundy that shows the more finessed side of Nuits. This is one of the more classically structured 2011s readers will come across. Today, the Chaignots is drop-dead gorgeous. Dried rose petals, sage, mint and crushed raspberries linger on the close.” AG
Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Macon Chardonnay Clos de la Crochette, Burgundy 2014 750ML ($47.95) $38 special
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “(from 2.5 hectares of vines planted in the 1980s on the second hill in from the Saône; Lafon purchased this vineyard along with the Uchizy acreage in 2003; half in foudres and half in demi-muids): Bright yellow. Pear, licorice and flowers on the nose, plus a subtle crushed-rock nuance. Lovely elegant, fine-grained wine with good palate presence and ripe acidity to its flavors of sweet pear, peach and citrus fruits; chewy and saline but also smooth and refined, with the strong clay element in the soil contributing to the wine’s structure. Lemony acidity keeps the wine light on its feet. Melts into the palate in a sake-like way and finishes with very good length. This Clos ripens very quickly at the end and is now harvested in just one and a half days, noted Gon. Remarkable for its humble appellation.”
Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Macon Milly-Lamartine, Burgundy 2014 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 88 points “(bottled in July; made from two large parcels planted in 1985 and 1986 at an altitude of 350 meters on argilo-calcaire soil on mother rock): Pale yellow. Ripe stone fruits and lemon zest on the slightly reduced nose, along with leesy and smoky nuances. Quite tightly wound in the mouth, with citrus and saline flavors showing good freshness but only moderate dimension today. Seriously structured wine but tough going following the Mâcon Chardonnay. Am I underrating this?”
FRANCE-BEAUJOLAIS
Philippe Pacalet Moulin-a-Vent 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Vinopolnote: A new Cru Beaujolais cuvee from the star Burgundian; Pacalet is a natural winemaker and negociant who carefully chooses his vineyard sources on a yearly basis, rejects industrial winemaking techniques, and takes close consideration of individual terroirs.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
FRANCE-BORDEAUX
Chateau Paret, Cotes de Bordeaux 2014 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Vinopolnote: A blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
FRANCE-RHONE
Domaine Jamet Cote Rotie 2012 750ML ($199.95) $169 special
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2012 Cote Rotie is smoking good and should be up with the top wines from this estate. Inky colored, full-bodied and beautifully concentrated, it offers classic pepper, violets, bacon fat, olive and sweet cassis-like fruits. Opening up with time in the glass, it has the approachable, supple feel of the vintage, yet has more than enough mid-palate depth and fine tannin to keep it drinking beautifully for another two decades.” WA
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “(15% new oak): Deep ruby. Complex, highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh red and dark berries, incense, violet and cracked pepper, along with a vibrant mineral overtone. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering intense blackberry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors that stretch out slowly with air. This concentrated yet lively Côte-Rôtie finishes with superb clarity and even tannins.” JR
FRANCE-LOIRE
Domaine Philippe Tessier Cheverny Blanc 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18.80 special
VinopolNote: The estate was founded in 1961 by Philippe’s father, Roger Tessier. Philippe took over in 1981. The Cheverny is a blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc, with Chardonnay and de Orbois. The soils are poor, sandy clay. The wine is fermented with natural yeast and aged for 6 months in tank.
Domaine Philippe Tessier Cour-Cheverny Blanc 2012 750ML ($21.95) $18.80 special
VinopolNote: The estate was founded in 1961 by Philippe’s father, Roger Tessier. Philippe took over in 1981 and works organically with native yeasts. The Cour-Cheverny is 100% Romarantin; soils are composed of sandy loam.
FRANCE-SOUTHERN
Domaine de la Casa Blanca Collioure, Languedoc-Roussillon 2014 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Importer note “This dry red wine is made from a blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan. Small yields and old vines bring out the essence of these varietals while aging in oak casks adds roundness to the wines. The bouquet is immediately attractive, like a bowl of freshly crushed raspberries. The palate is very concentrated berry fruit with a velvety texture due to the ripe, mature tannins. A deep, complex wine.”
Domaine de la Casa Blanca Banyuls, Languedoc-Roussillon 2014 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Importer note “Levano makes his sweet red wine in the style of a Vintage Port, emphasizing the fresh fruit flavors in youth and meant for long aging. This type of Banyuls is called Rimage in the local Catalan dialect and is made in a reductive fashion (by law, it has to be aged 4 to 20 months). Other type of Banyuls are made in an oxidative way: “Banyuls Traditionnel” (aged for at least 30 months) or “Banyuls Hors d’âge” (5 years of aging, either in glass “bonbonnes” or in barrels left outside or in the cellar). Made solely from Grenache Noir, the grapes macerate for 2 weeks after the mutage (addition of grape spirits to stop fermentation). The wine then ages in 400 liters old casks for 12 months. The result is a deep, intense wine with layers of flavors, ranging from cooked plums and dark berry fruits to chocolate and spice. The finish is long, lingering and clean. 80 to 90 gr RS – the minimum by law is 65 gr RS, but some Banyuls have up to 120 gr RS.”
ITALY-TUSCANY
Avignonesi Rosso di Montepulciano 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Winery note: Medium ruby red in colour, the Rosso di Montepulciano 2014 is bursting with bright aromas of strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate. Notes of violets and rose petals complement the flavours of cherry, red currant and white pepper. A delicate finish of sage and thyme lingers on the tongue.
ITALY-PIEDMONT
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Serra’, Barbaresco DOCG 2012 750ML ($39.95) $29 special
James Suckling 93 points “This is very silky and refined with chocolate, meat and coffee aromas and flavors, but it’s so refined and beautiful. Impressive for its delicate complexity. Drink now or hold.” JS
SPAIN
Bodegas El Maestro Sierra Oloroso 15 Anos Sherry, Andalucia 375ML ($21.95) $16 special
Wine & Spirits 92 points “At just over one dollar for each year of aging, this wine’s price is nearly absurd. What you’ve stolen is viscous and generous, with the precise balance of acidity to rein in the sweetness and frame the voluptuous maturity. It’s a decadent pleasure, trailing nuts, earthy savor and dried fruit in its wake.”
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Noteworthy Re-Arrivals
OREGON
Cameron Dundee Hills Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($21.95) $19 special
Winemaker’s note “The wine got a full 12 months of lees contact which gives it exceptional mouth feel. The total production came from 35 year-old vines at Abbey Ridge Vineyard so I guess we could put “Vieille Vigne” if we wanted (except we’re not that obnoxious!).”
Johan Vineyards Petillant Naturel Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “Deep, lurid pink. A wild, highly perfumed bouquet evokes medicinal red fruits, blood orange, potpourri and quinine, with a zesty white pepper overtone; smells exactly like a Negroni. The palate offers incisive redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors and a jolt of orange pith, along with a hint of candied ginger. Dry and minerally on the long, precise finish, which shows resonating spice and floral notes. The Brooklyn and Portland crowd will especially go nuts for this but I suspect that plenty of un-hip wine lovers will as well; I did and I’m an old suburban guy.” JR
WASHINGTON
Cadence Winery Camerata Cara Mia Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2011 750ML ($69.95) $55 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2011 Camerata is the Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blend that’s all from the estate Cara Mia Vineyard. Incorporating 7% each of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot and spending 23 months in roughly 50% new French oak, it’s a thrilling 2011 that makes the most of the vintage. Loaded with red and black currants, black cherry, dried spices, toast and graphite, this medium to full-bodied effort has a stacked mid-palate, masses of ripe tannin, and a savory, chewy finish. It will be better in another couple of years and be long lived.” WA
FRANCE-BORDEAUX
Chateau de Grandchamp, Montagne-Saint-Emilion 2012 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Vinopolnote: A structured-yet-easygoing blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Chateau Aney, Haut Medoc 2008 750ML ($31.95) $28 special
From the importer “The final blend of the wine matches the proportions in which they are planted throughout the thirty hectares of vineyards: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. This traditional Haut Médoc is more like what you might remember of the classic Bordeaux styles of the 1960s and 1970s. Not at all cloaked in new wood or over-extracted tannins, Château Aney’s wines have finesse and balance that make them both approachable now and perfect for longer aging. They are a great choice for any cellar.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
FRANCE-LOIRE
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie 2014 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Importer’s note: Ollivier’s Muscadet-sur-Lie is the authentic item — it has lees contact until the time of bottling, generally in late May. This extended contact gives it the crispness that makes Muscadet so refreshing, and the classic wine match for seafood. It is the traditional way to make Muscadet, but has become the exception as growers and shippers rush to bottle “technically correct” wines by early January. Ollivier takes his time. He hand harvests (also a rarity in the region), uses natural yeasts, waits for the wine to finish and bottles with a very light filtration. The vineyards are in old vines (40 years and older) with a particularly good exposition on a plateau overlooking the river Sèvre. All the vineyards are from original stock: Ollivier is the only grower in the Muscadet who does not have a single clonal selection in his vineyards.
SPAIN-VERMOUTH
Destilerias Manuel Acha Blanco Vermouth 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Importer’s note “Acha’s Vino Vermouth Blanco is made in accordance with an old recipe passed down through the Acha family. It is made from a blend of a neutral wine and alcohol macerated with a selection of traditional botanicals including wormwood, gentian and bitter orange. Tasting Notes – Fresh, floral aromas followed on the palate by a hint of sweetness and bitter flavor framework. Serving Recommendation – The Vino Vermouth White is a sipping vermouth. Try serving as an aperitif over ice and garnished with an orange wedge or lemon slice. This Vermouth will also work exceptionally well in your favorite cocktail.”
Arriving This Week
OREGON
J. Christopher ‘Lumiere’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2013 750ML ($41.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Winery note: Beautifully structured wine sourced from several sites in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Dark in color, with beautiful depth. Crushed-berry fruit is clearly revealed on the palate, supported by excellent grip on the mid-palate and a solid, strong-boned structure. 345 cases produced.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
J. Christopher Nuages Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Winery note: Named in tribute to one of winemaker Jay’s favorite gypsy jazz tunes, “Nuages” Pinot Noir is our Chehalem Mountains blend. Nuages (French for “clouds”) also pays homage to the moderating influence of Oregon’s autumn cloud cover, which slows ripening to allow for the long hang time that creates fully developed flavors.
J. Christopher Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($29.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Winery note: Our flagship wine is a classic Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley, blended from excellent vineyards from several AVAs including the Dundee Hills, Chehalem Mountains and Eola-Amity Hills.
Domaine Lafage Cotes du Roussillon Cuvee Centenaire, Languedoc-Roussillon 2014 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 91 points “In the same ballpark, with beautiful minerality, stone fruits, saltiness and citrus blossom, the 2014 Côtes du Roussillon Centenaire Blanc (80% Grenache Blanc, 20% Roussanne) is medium-bodied, fresh, crisp and pure. It’s a year in, year out, spectacular value that should not be missed.” JD
Bodegas Julia Roch e Hijos – Casa Castillo Monastrell, Jumilla 2014 750ML ($17.95) $14 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Bodegas Julia Roch e Hijos – Casa Castillo Monastrell, Jumilla 2014 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special (that’s only $12.41/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “Lurid ruby color. Fragrant ripe cherry and red plum. Sappy and incisive, the palate offers bitter cherry and berry skin flavors, showing very good lift and energy. Fat-free, focused and brisk, with strong closing cut, fine-grained tannins and lingering berry skin and cherry pit notes.”
ITALY
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2007 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special, ETA February 19th
Case-6 La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2007 750ML ($599.95) $499 pre-arrival special (that’s only $83.17/bottle!), ETA February 19th
Wine Spectator 97 points “Spicy oak aromas greet the nose, while concentrated flavors of cherry, currant and tobacco are buried underneath. Very vibrant, with refined tannins and a lingering finish of fruit, spice and mineral. Builds on the finish, with a long aftertaste. A combination of power and finesse. Best from 2015 through 2030.” WS
James Suckling 95 points “Intense aromas of dried fruits and Christmas pudding. Turns to plums and raspberries. Full and concentrated with an intense palate of dried fruits and vanilla. Powerful and concentrated style here.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $96
Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2011 750ML ($699.95) $519 pre-arrival special (that’s only $43.25/bottle!)
Wine Spectator & Antonio Galloni 94 points “Felsina’s 2011 Fontalloro is wonderfully expressive today. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, rose petal and sweet spices all blossom in the glass. Impeccably layered and sensual, the 2011 captures all the best qualities of the year. Sweet floral and red-toned notes burst with great energy on the structured finish. Fontalloro seems to have come a long way over the last few years. The 2011 is another drop-dead gorgeous beauty.” AG
Gulfi Nerobaronj Sicilia IGT 2010 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Ian D’Agata 92 points “Dark ruby-red. Plum and mineral aromas are lifted by a violet topnote. Then sleek, bright and juicy on the palate, offering refined mineral-driven flavors of black cherry and dark plum complicated by a delicate note of anchovy. Clean and persistent on the floral, saline finish. An extremely elegant version of Nerobaronj.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Gulfi Neromaccarj Sicilia IGT 2005 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Gulfi’s 2005 Neromàccarj is a dark, brooding wine that shows the darker side of Nero d’Avola in its wild cherries, plums, scorched earth, melted road tar, minerals and smoke. Despite the wine’s imposing structure, there is plenty of clarity and definition. This dramataic, large-scaled wine should continue to offer superb drinking over the next few years.” AG
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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Arriving Next Week
Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special, ETA February 26th
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2012 Le Pergole Torte is brilliant. In fact, this is one of the best showings of the 2012 that I can recall. The flavors are bright, focused and pulsing with energy. Because of its mid-weight structure and not overly complex personality, the 2012 looks like it will start drinking well sooner rather than later. Even today, the 2012 is extremely beautiful. This is a terrific showing for the 2012.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Chateau Grand Village, Bordeaux Superieur 2010 750ML ($27.95) $24 pre-arrival special, ETA February 26th
Case-12 Chateau Grand Village, Bordeaux Superieur 2010 750ML ($299.95) $259 pre-arrival special, ETA February 26th
James Suckling 90 points “A soft and silky wine with a hazelnut, chocolate and berry character. It’s full-bodied, with lovely depth and fruit. Gorgeous finish. Tangy and pretty. 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot. Drink now.” JS
Chateau La Grave a Pomerol Trignant de Boisset, Pomerol 2010 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special, ETA February 26th
Wine Spectator 94 points “Broad and creamy, with plum, boysenberry and blackberry fruit carried by seamless, polished structure. Despite the lush flavors, this is serious a wine, boasting a strong graphite spine that strides through the finish and lovely flecks of anise and black tea hanging in the background for added range. Should age well. Best from 2015 through 2030.”
James Suckling 94 points “Wonderful charming nose with wild strawberries, milk chocolate and raspberries. Opens up with eucalyptus and licorice. So soft and velvety on the palate with a beautiful finesse-driven texture. Full and with silky tannins. Long and very enjoyable. Drink from 2016.”
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Isole e Olena New Releases
Arriving February 26th
In the 1950’s, two neighboring, centuries-old estates along the hills of Chianti – “Isole” and “Olena” – were purchased by Paolo De Marchi and his family. As the lands were combined, so too was the name, and thus Isole e Olena came to be.
The terroirs of Isole e Olena are unmistakable; De Marchi believes his terroirs to be his true reason for success. Across his ancient soils, he is convinced that work within the vineyard and well-tended crop are the secret to making outstanding wine. De Marchi pioneered the growth of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah in the region, earning a surprisingly amount of acclaim in doing so. Even so, he is careful when and where to use his “international” grape varieties, vying to always represent his terroir and its traditions deservedly well. In turn, “classically-Chianti” bottlings remain under the Isole e Olena name, while the international stylings fall under the “Collezione” monikers.
The top cuvee, Cepparello, is 100% Sangiovese aged in barriques. It was (and still remains) classified as Toscana IGT at its first release in the 1980s at a time when 100% varietal Sangiovese wines could not be legally classified as Chianti.
Isole e Olena is a postcard estate for Chianti, and De Marchi seems as proud of his homeland as the world is of his creations – his wines are exported to no fewer than 26 countries and have achieved no shortage of acclaim. We’re thrilled to offer some of Isole e Olena’s finest cuvees with some fine scores & prices, all listed below. The newest releases arrive in February 26th.
Isole e Olena Wines Arriving February 26th:
Isole e Olena Collezione De Marchi Chardonnay Toscana IGT 2014 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Wine-Searcher notes “Grapes sourced from four separate burgundy clones grafted onto old Cannaiolo vines in the late 1980’s and made in a similar way to quality white Burgundy.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 2012 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 2012 1.5L ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2012 Cepparello is magnificent. Radiant, pliant and super-expressive, the 2012 offers magnificent intensity, with silky tannins wrapped around a core of rich, dark-toned fruit. The intensity of the fruit suggests a warm vintage, but the structure is more medium in body and typical of a cooler year. Today, the 2012 gives the impression it will drink well pretty much upon release, but history has taught me Cepparello often shuts down in bottle. Either way, the 2012 is superb.” AG
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico DOCG 2013 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2013 Chianti Classico brings together the fresh aromatics of a cool year along with lovely mid-palate pliancy. The flavors are bright, high-toned and decidedly leaning towards the red-fruit end of the spectrum. Crushed flowers, herbs and anise grace the soft, aromatic finish. The overall impression is of lovely mid-palate juiciness, even if the technical stats suggest a lighter-bodied wine. That is why wine can never be measured by numbers alone.”
Isole e Olena Syrah Collezione de Marchi Toscana IGT 2008 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2008 Syrah Collezione Privata jumps from the glass with expressive, pungent aromatics and waves of super-expressive dark red/black stone fruits. Mint, sage, tobacco, rosemary and plums all develop in the glass, adding further dimensions of complexity. An intensely floral, savory finish laced with lavender, violets, rose petals and spices rounds things out. At six years of age, the 2008 Syrah remains fresh, vibrant and impeccable in its purity. In particular, the interplay of dense fruit and cooler, varietal Syrah notes is compelling.” AG
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Isole e Olena Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata, Toscana IGT 2011 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata is superb. Black cherry jam, crème de cassis, smoke, plums, menthol, licorice and violets form a stunning backdrop as the 2011 opens up in the glass. Sumptuous and layered yet also quite fresh (especially for the year), the 2011 possesses superb balance and exceptional finesse. The intensity of the fruit nearly buries the tannins, but they are there. My impression is that the 2011 will offer a long and wide window of pure drinking pleasure.” AG
Isole e Olena Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2006 375ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2006 Vin Santo is quite powerful and viscous in the glass, perhaps a bit more so than is the norm. An exotic mélange of dried fig, honey, sage, baking spices and sweet herbs are all thrust forward. This is one of the most intense Vin Santos I can remember tasting at Isole e Olena. The 220 grams of residual sugar are clearly felt in the wine’s heft, yet all the elements are in the right place.” AG
Isole e Olena Wines Available Here Now
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 2011 750ML ($89.95) Was $66, Now $55, 36+ bottles available
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 2011 1.5L ($159.95) Was $133, Now $119 special, 2 magnums available
Case-6 Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 2011 750ML ($499.95) Was $376, Now $299, 3 six-packs available (that’s only $/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points “Aromas of currant, bark and orange peel. Nutmeg powder. Full body and chewy tannins. Savory, with balsamic and nuts. I love the juicy, decadent character to this. Drink or hold.” JS
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “Isole e Olena’s 2011 Cepparello is remarkably silky, polished and refined, especially considering the challenges of the vintage. Dark red stone fruits, wild flowers, menthol and sweet spices all meld together gracefully in the glass. Voluptuous and racy but also an impeccably balanced wine with phenomenal length and a super-expressive finish. The 2011 will offer a wide window of drinking pleasure pretty much upon release. Drink: 2017-2026.” AG
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Isole e Olena Syrah Collezione de Marchi Toscana IGT 2007 750ML ($69.95) Was $59, Now $49, 13 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2007 Syrah Collezione De Marchi bursts from the glass with masses of dark red fruit, smoke and spices, all of which flow effortlessly from this exuberant, caressing wine. This is a first-class effort from start to finish. Expressive aromatics are woven throughout, adding to an impression of total finesse and harmony. Mint, flowers and raspberries linger on the caressing finish. This is a dazzling effort.” AG
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Isole e Olena Collezione de Marchi (Collezione Privata) Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana IGT 2008 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 12 bottles available
Case-6 Isole e Olena Collezione de Marchi (Collezione Privata) Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana IGT 2008 750ML ($479.95) $419 special, 2 six-packs available (that’s only $69.83/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 97+ points “At the beginning of what promises to be a long drinking window, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione De Marchi is stunning. Savory herbs, tar, licorice, cassis, graphite and melted road tar seduce the intellectual and hedonistic senses in a wine that has everything. A vibrant, powerful, structured wine underpinned by intense saline notes, the 2008 possesses remarkable finesse and fabulous overall balance. This is another fabulous wine from Paolo De Marchi.”
Isole e Olena Collezione de Marchi Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana IGT 2010 750ML ($99.95) Was $79, Now $61.90, 9 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 98 points “The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione De Marchi is magnificent. Violets, smoke, plums and cassis jump from the glass in a stunning wine. All I can say is the 2010 is incredible. Just bottled one month ago, the 2010 shows no hard edges, incredibly expressive aromatics and beautifully delineated fruit. The 2010 isn’t a huge wine, but rather one built on exceptional finesse and elegance. It is one of the great wines of what has turned out to be a great Tuscan vintage.” AG
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Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 2005 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special, 2 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2005 Cepparello is striking. It possesses stunning depth and a darker profile of fruit than is typical. The 2005 was quite compact when first released, but what a difference a few years in bottle make. Today the 2005 has begun to blossom into a big, dramatic wine for the year. As was the case throughout most of Chianti Classico, 2005 was shaping up to be a great year until the rains arrived just before harvest. This is a fabulous effort on its own, but especially notable for the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030.”
Isole e Olena Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2003 375ML ($59.95) $39 special, 31 half-bottles available
“High-toned nose, rich in dried fruit, marmalade and salted nut aromas. Utterly delicious; intense and crammed with flavour – raisins, figs, orange peel – but relatively light on its feet with cracking freshness.”–Decanter Magazine
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Isole e Olena Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2004 375ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ half-bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 94 points “Deep amber-yellow. Sexy, kaleidoscopic nose combines exotic tropical fruits, chestnut honey, raisin, dried fig, caramel and a musky iodine note. Then sharply delineated and penetrating on the palate in spite of its honeyed sweetness, with superb acidity giving spine to the dried fruit and ripe citrus flavors. This wonderfully vibrant yet thick and rich Vin Santo coats the mouth on the long, smooth finish. Great stuff.” ST
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Isole e Olena Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2005 375ML ($59.95) $47 special, 3 half-bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2005 Vin Santo shows subtle signs of a warm vintage with candied orange peel, caramel, canned peach, honey and blanched almond. It spreads with thick intensity over the palate, offering sweetened, syrupy thickness. Cost; $55/375ml.” WA
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Orange peel, dried flowers, herbs, almonds, mint and sweet tobacco meld together in Isole e Olena’s 2005 Vin Santo. Delicate and lifted in style, the 2005 captures the essence of what can make Vin Santo compelling; namely a fabulous interplay between the oxidative notes the wine develops over the many years it spends in barrel, and the fresh, vibrant acidity conferred by white grapes.” AG
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The History of Diamond Creek,
The History of Napa
Al Brounstein and his wife founded Diamond Creek in 1968 on the tranquil Diamond Mountain just south of Calistoga. Planting Bordeaux varietals – with a particular affinity for Cabernet Sauvignon – they’ve grown to be among the most celebrated producers in the country. As pioneers of California winemaking, their efforts helped to establish the state as a force to be reckoned with worldwide.
The story has humble beginnings – Mr. Brounstein was initially a drug salesman in Southern California whose drink of choice was cheap rosé. He enrolled in a wine-appreciation course at UCLA for kicks and, as we say, caught the bug. He bought the land which would become his winery in ’68 for just over $100k from someone who had the initial intention to construct a small golf course. Enamored with Bordeaux, he smuggled vine cuttings from France via Mexico in so that he wouldn’t have to have them quarantined.
The rest, in brief, is history.
Renowned by their concentration and intensity, the wines show surprising restraint in terms of alcohol levels – the 2010’s topped out at 14.1% during a hot vintage, and 13.5 follows for 2011 and 2012. Tannin roars through the layers of the Cabernets; these are considered to be some of the most age-worthy wines in the country.
Australian wine critic James Halliday once remarked that Diamond Creek had “the subtlety and finesse of a Panzer tank brigade.” A more helpful remark would be that the wines are best with food, and certainly benefit from time spent in the bottle. Times have changed, too, for Robert Parker dubbed a 1978 bottling “among the greatest Cabernet-based wines I have tasted from anywhere in the world”, only to rip the domaine to proverbial shreds in the late 80’s. Come the mid-2000’s, his opinion shifted back, awarding 95+ and 96+ to certain cuvées.
The domaine covers a mere 20 acres, but with three extremely distinct soils. When he and long-time employee Sergio Canchola were clearing the land, they noticed that their clothes were covered in starkly different hues as they emerged from working each plot. From there onward, each was worked and vinified separately. Volcanic Hill is warmest, with iron-rich soils which makes big, surly, but ultimately approachable wines. Gravelly Meadow is cooler, with quick drainage forcing the vines to struggle to find moisture; these wines are marked by fine minerality and structure. Red Rock Terrace is warmer and supplies the most fruit-forward wines.
Diamond Creek Wines Available Here Now:
Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($249.95) $169 special, 4 bottles available
James Suckling 97 points “Aromas of dark fruits such as blackcurrants as well as chili spices. Maybe some tar. It’s full-bodied with wonderful depth and intensity. It starts slowly and grabs your attention. Voluptuous fruit style to this. Better in 2020.”
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Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2011 750ML ($219.95) $149 special, 2 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Dark raspberries, plums, smoke, mocha, licorice, tar and lavender notes burst from the glass in Diamond Creek’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace. Pliant, juicy and expressive, the 2010 covers every corner of the palate with gorgeous depth and pure richness. Layers of fruit built to a deeply resonant, generous finish marked with expressive, perfumed aromatics. Right now, the Red Rock Terrace is showing a little more French oak influence in its flavors and textures, but all the elements are beautifully balanced.”
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The average price is $219
Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2011 750ML ($219.95) $149 special, 2 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill is soft, pliant and nicely resonant in the glass. Plums, black cherries, mocha, spices and new leather are all laced together. This is a distinctly forward, supple Volcanic Hill to drink now and over the next 15-20 years, give or take.”
Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($249.95) $189 special, 6 bottles available
James Suckling 98 points “Blackberries, blackcurrants and minerals. Full body and tight tannins. Powerful and long. Amazing depth and structure. Muscular. Classy tannin structure. This needs a few years to soften but amazing. Try in 2018.”
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Other Top Tier Vintage 2011’s from Napa Valley:
Spottswoode Family Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena 2011 750ML ($169.95) $99 special, 3 bottles available
James Suckling 95 points “A solid Spottswoode with mint, currants, berries and flowers. Sweet tobacco and rose petals. Full body with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Tangy, energetic and lively. A wine with form, tension and beauty. This is classic California. 89% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.” JS
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Spottswoode’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is beautiful, immediate and impeccable in its balance. The 2011 doesn’t have the layered, explosive personality of some of the iconic vintages, but it isn’t too far off that level. Spottswoode fans should drink the 2011 relatively early, while some of the more powerful, structured vintages age. I will not be surprised if the 2011 turns out to be one of the jewels of this vintage. The medium-bodied structure argues for early drinking, but there is more than enough energy and acidity to suggest the 2011 will age gracefully for a number of years. Incidentally, the 2011 is the first Spottswoode Cabernet under 14% in a decade. Once again, the winemaking team led by Aron Weinkauf has done a fabulous job. The 2011 is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petite Verdot.” AG
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The average price is $152
Round Pond Estate ‘Kith & Kin’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2011 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 30 bottles available
Wine Spectator “Offers an easy-drinking allure, with vivid, snappy notes of berry, light oak, dried herb and fresh tannins. Drink now through 2022.”
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The average price is $33
Round Pond Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 10 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Herbs, tobacco, cedar, iron, smoke and incense emerge from the glass in the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate. A gorgeous, savory and totally expressive wine, the 2011 impresses for its balance and pedigree. This is without question one of the most beautiful wines of the year. The profile is decidedly European-influenced in its aromatics and structure, but the fruit is pure Napa Valley. There are only a handful of values left in first-class Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; this is one of them.” AG
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Rodney Strong Symmetry Meritage, Alexander Valley 2011 750ML ($59.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles available
Winery note “The 2011 Symmetry greets you with an opulent bouquet of blackberries, cassis, and sweet spices. It unfolds on the palate with layers of black fruits, dark chocolate and spice. This mouth-filling wine is rich and silky in texture with a long, lingering finish and the structure for several years in the cellar. Intended to be enjoyable on release, the 2011 Symmetry is destined for evolution in the bottle.”
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Colgin Cellars Tychson Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2011 750ML ($499.95) $349 special, 2 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 97+ points “The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill opens with the most exquisite of aromatics. Sage, rosemary, graphite, tobacco, menthol, black cherries, plums all flesh out in a dark, voluptuous wine loaded with class. The interplay of savory notes with layers of fruit is simply breathtaking. Vivid, nuanced and beautifully structured, the 2011 is firing on all cylinders. There is a level of aromatic lift and pure finesse that is simply striking. Hints of orange peel and white pepper add an exotic flair on the close. Tychson Hill is Cabernet Sauvignon with splashes of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Shades of the 2001 linger in the empty glass.” AG
Hundred Acre Few and Far Between Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2011 750ML ($419.95) $299 special, 5 bottles available
Robert Parker 94-96 points “Another great success that escaped the insidious spread of botrytis on the valley floor is the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Few and Far Between. One of the top wines of the vintage, the Cabernet Franc component gives the wine a multidimensional aromatic display of forest floor, blueberries, mulberries, black raspberries, plums, black currants and a wet rock-like minerality. The rich, full-bodied flavors seem almost an anomaly in this vintage given its extraordinary irregularity and frequent disappointments. This prodigious 2011 is a candidate for the wine of the vintage.”
And Some Noteworthy Napa 2012’s:
Signorello Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 4 bottles available
Case-6 Signorello Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($549.95) $428 special, 1 half-case available
Robert Parker 91+ points “The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a blend of 93.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.5% Cabernet Franc from the estate vineyards on the Silverado Trail, south of Stags Leap. Made in a good structural style with plenty of barrique in the background as well as lots of blackcurrant, licorice, new saddle leather and spice characteristics, this tastes like a Cabernet Sauvignon made by someone of Italian origin. I say that because of its tannic structure and spice. This serious, full-bodied, concentrated 2012 will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well for two decades.” RP
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Signorello Vineyards Padrone Proprietary Red, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 5 bottles available
Robert Parker 94 points “The 2012 Proprietary Red Blend Padrone is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot. It reveals more structure and tannin than its younger sibling following its élevage in barriques. The color is a saturated purple and the nose offers up aromas of blackberries, blueberries, forest floor and charcoal. While approachable, this full-bodied 2012 requires 3-4 years of bottle age, and should evolve for two decades or more.” RP
Spottswoode Vineyard Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena 2012 750ML ($89.95) $71.90 special, 8 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Bold, intense and racy, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndernhurst wraps around the palate with supple fruit, expressive aromatics and a silky, inviting finish that gives the wine so much of its immediacy and pure appeal. The style is round and succulent to the core; in other words classic 2012. Dark red stone fruits, spices, new leather and mint meld into the generous finish in this pretty Cabernet from Spottswoode.” AG
Snowden Vineyards The Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 8 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon The Ranch is plump, racy and intense to the core. Dark red cherries, plums, clove and new leather blossom in an explosive, resonant Cabernet Sauvignon built on pure texture. Interestingly, in 2012 Snowden did not bottle their Reserve, so all the best fruit went into the Ranch, a wine that delivers considerable value by Napa Valley standards. Healthy dollops of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot round out the blend.” AG
Snowden Vineyards Lost Vineyard Merlot, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($44.95) $39 special, 5 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 88 points “The 2012 Merlot Lost Vineyard is a pretty wine to drink now and over the next few years. Silky and nicely textured in the glass, the 2012 shows good depth along with the outgoing personality of the vintage. Hints of tobacco, cedar and spice are laced into the finish.” AG
Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 14 bottles available
Case-12 Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($599.95) $519 special, 3 cases available
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The highlight in this range, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon captures the richness and exuberance of the vintage while keeping a classic, mid-weight feel. Sweet red cherry, plum, cedar, herb and smoke add shades of nuance in a hugely appealing Cabernet Sauvignon that will drink well for another two decades plus. This is the first Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon made from estate fruit.” AG
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‘one drop of wine
is enough to redden
a whole glass of water’
– victor hugo