In This Newsletter:
Rhone Whites
Trending
Grape of the Week: Viognier
Italian Magnums
Rhone Whites
Boldness Is All!
Shop our fifteen in-stock white Rhône selections now!
Trending Spanish Finds Under $30
Grape of the Week:
Viognier
Multitude of Magnums:
Italian Edition
It’s party time.
Shop ‘em all here!
Don’t miss our sales going on now:
Envinate
5% off any 4-7 in-stock bottles of Envinate
10% off any 8+ or more in-stock bottles of Envinate
Prinz
5% off any 4-7 in-stock bottles of Prinz
10% off any 8+ or more in-stock bottles of Prinz
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Envinate sale ends Friday, August 1st at 9 am Pacific. Prinz sale ends Saturday, August 2nd at 9 am Pacific.
Rhone Whites
Trending
Grape of the Week: Viognier
Italian Magnums
Rhone Whites
Boldness Is All!
From light and piquant to luxuriously creamy to honeyed and fragrant, the one thing Rhône whites never are is boring. Red wines dominate in the Northern and Southern Rhone regions, accounting for about 90% of production. But their most consistently intriguing and delicious wines are white. There’s multiple grape varieties and village blends to keep track of, so here’s a quick guide if you need it:
Grapes to know:
Viognier: seductive, rich, and perfumed, Viognier is an enchanting grape that ages magnificently and is produced in a fresh and balanced style in modern winemaking practices.
Marsanne: with a rich, oily body and low natural acidity, Marsanne’s tannins and texture provides a bitter counterpoint to its inherent opulence.
Roussanne: a flower-bomb, it’s more likely to play a supporting role to Marsanne in a blend.
Clairette: a refreshing grape, this produces wines with delicate, citrusy aromas, high alcohol, and low acidity.
Grenache Blanc: is a white grape mutation of Grenache Noir and hails from Spain. It produces hefty whites with orchard fruit aromas.
Village-by-village guide:
Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, St. Joseph: Marsanne and Roussanne blends that, particularly in the case of Hermitage, offer long cellaring potential, a chick body, and tropical aromatics.
Condrieu: Here, the wines are exclusively Viognier.
Cotes du Rhone: this region covers the entire Rhone, but the majority of our whites are from the Southern Rhone section. It covers a wide range of styles and blends, but will generally be medium-to-full bodied with bold yet refined aromatics and moderate acidity.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape: The grape to know is Grenache Blanc, which tends to be the dominate player in most of Southern Rhone whites, with Clairette and others adding complexity.
Gigondas: Newly anointed for whites, these wines are Clairette-dominate. The grape was chosen for its freshness even in hot vintages.
In Stock Now:
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2023 750ml $44.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 90 points “Mixing 80% Marsanne with 20% Roussanne from over 40-year-old vines growing on sandy soils, the 2023 Crozes-Hermitage Blanc launches with zesty lemon flesh, yellow apple, white flowers and a slice of pear. Medium-bodied and sapid, the 2023 leaves the spotlight with phenolic bitterness on the nuanced finish. (Drink between 2025-2028).”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Benjamin et David Duclaux Condrieu Les Caillets 2019 750ml $59 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “I loved the 2019 Condrieu Les Caillets. A real beauty, this supple, sexy Condrieu has classic yellow and citrus fruits, lots of honey and flower notes, medium to full body, and a great finish. It brings lots of fruit yet stays fresh, silky, and clean, and is just a joy to drink. It’s geared for the dinner table and should be enjoyed over the coming 2-3 years.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Emmanuel Darnaud Hermitage Blanc 2022 750ml $145 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Yohan Castaing-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Entirely crafted from Marsanne planted on granite soils facing southwest, the 2022 Hermitage Blanc is one of the most imposing white wines of the year. Unfurling from the glass with notes of flowers, pear, spices, lemon oil and a deft touch of youthful reduction, it’s full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with a hugely concentrated, deep core of fruit framed by racy acids, granite dry extracts and a long, flinty, slightly smoky finish. This wine will require patience and should be decanted before serving. Only three barrels were produced.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Paul Jaboulet Aine Domaine de Thalabert Mule Blanche Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2017 750ml $49 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 94 points “A barrel-fermented blend of 50% Marsanne and 50% Roussanne, the 2017 Crozes Hermitage Domaine Mule Blanche is a terrific example of what those varieties can do when they’re grown in the right location and vinified with care. Gentle toasted grain scents waft from the glass, along with notes of marshmallow and melon. It’s full-bodied and richly textured, with notes of pineapple, crème brûlée and citrus on the long finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine la Remejeanne Cotes du Rhone Les Chevrefeuilles Blanc 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 90 points “The 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Les Chèvrefeuilles Blanc is based on 50% Clairette and 25% each Roussanne and Grenache Blanc and spent six months in concrete tanks before bottling. Exotic citrus, melon, honeyed flowers, and salty mineral aromas and flavors all emerge from this medium-bodied, clean, classy, refreshing white, which has a savory, complex, mineral-laced style.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine Rene Rostaing Condrieu La Bonnette 2022 750ml $95 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 93 points “The fragrant 2022 Condrieu La Bonnette dazzles with vivid quince, apricot, ripe peach and spring blossom aromas. Viscously textured and fruit-forward, it is built around a juicy core of stone fruits and brings it home with a complex finale.”
Saint Cosme Condrieu 2021 750ml $69 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Hefty, modern and lush, with an enticing cascade of creamed pear, mango and papaya flavors cut through with dried herbs and chamomile, backed by a refreshing kick of bitter quinine. A brioche accent adds warmth, but the vein of tangy acidity keeps this clean. Drink now through 2027. 90 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Hominis Fides Blanc 2022 750ml $59 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Limestone sand from the Miocene sea, in the ‘Hominis Fides’ named vineyard. Fermentation in used casks and ageing on fine lees for 10 months. Gunflint, anise, pear and quince. The young massal selection vines in Hominis Fides are growing, developing, putting down deep roots and producing beautiful fruit. Every year, we can see the identity of the vineyard asserting itself and differentiating itself from Le Poste. It is true that the Miocene sea sand offers a truly remarkable foundation both for Grenache and Clairette. We prune the vines as bush vines and lift them on stakes so that we never have to top the shoots in spring. I am against the use of topping in a Mediterranean climate – it makes no sense to use this mini-pruning technique and force vines to grow secondary buds just when they need their fruit to flower.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Saint Damien Cotes du Rhone Le Blanc 2022 750ml $16 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “White wine. Southern Rhône, France. Organic. Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Viognier. Notes of white peach and citrus on the nose and palate. After some time in the glass, fines herbs and hints of almond complement the citrus and fruit flavors. Full-bodied, but shows good and balanced acidity and minerality.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Saint Cosme ‘Micro-Cosme’ Sauvignon – Viognier, Vin de France 2022 750ml $14 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 88 points “Based largely on Sauvignon Blanc with a smaller amount of Viognier, the 2022 Micro-Cosme Sauvignon Blanc And Viognier has plenty of citrus and green apple notes as well as some honeyed floral nuances. It’s medium-bodied, juicy, and easygoing on the palate and as gulpable as they come.”
Grapes to know:
Viognier: seductive, rich, and perfumed, Viognier is an enchanting grape that ages magnificently and is produced in a fresh and balanced style in modern winemaking practices.
Marsanne: with a rich, oily body and low natural acidity, Marsanne’s tannins and texture provides a bitter counterpoint to its inherent opulence.
Roussanne: a flower-bomb, it’s more likely to play a supporting role to Marsanne in a blend.
Clairette: a refreshing grape, this produces wines with delicate, citrusy aromas, high alcohol, and low acidity.
Grenache Blanc: is a white grape mutation of Grenache Noir and hails from Spain. It produces hefty whites with orchard fruit aromas.
Village-by-village guide:
Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, St. Joseph: Marsanne and Roussanne blends that, particularly in the case of Hermitage, offer long cellaring potential, a chick body, and tropical aromatics.
Condrieu: Here, the wines are exclusively Viognier.
Cotes du Rhone: this region covers the entire Rhone, but the majority of our whites are from the Southern Rhone section. It covers a wide range of styles and blends, but will generally be medium-to-full bodied with bold yet refined aromatics and moderate acidity.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape: The grape to know is Grenache Blanc, which tends to be the dominate player in most of Southern Rhone whites, with Clairette and others adding complexity.
Gigondas: Newly anointed for whites, these wines are Clairette-dominate. The grape was chosen for its freshness even in hot vintages.
In Stock Now:
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2023 750ml $44.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 90 points “Mixing 80% Marsanne with 20% Roussanne from over 40-year-old vines growing on sandy soils, the 2023 Crozes-Hermitage Blanc launches with zesty lemon flesh, yellow apple, white flowers and a slice of pear. Medium-bodied and sapid, the 2023 leaves the spotlight with phenolic bitterness on the nuanced finish. (Drink between 2025-2028).”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Benjamin et David Duclaux Condrieu Les Caillets 2019 750ml $59 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “I loved the 2019 Condrieu Les Caillets. A real beauty, this supple, sexy Condrieu has classic yellow and citrus fruits, lots of honey and flower notes, medium to full body, and a great finish. It brings lots of fruit yet stays fresh, silky, and clean, and is just a joy to drink. It’s geared for the dinner table and should be enjoyed over the coming 2-3 years.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Emmanuel Darnaud Hermitage Blanc 2022 750ml $145 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Yohan Castaing-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Entirely crafted from Marsanne planted on granite soils facing southwest, the 2022 Hermitage Blanc is one of the most imposing white wines of the year. Unfurling from the glass with notes of flowers, pear, spices, lemon oil and a deft touch of youthful reduction, it’s full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with a hugely concentrated, deep core of fruit framed by racy acids, granite dry extracts and a long, flinty, slightly smoky finish. This wine will require patience and should be decanted before serving. Only three barrels were produced.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Paul Jaboulet Aine Domaine de Thalabert Mule Blanche Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2017 750ml $49 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 94 points “A barrel-fermented blend of 50% Marsanne and 50% Roussanne, the 2017 Crozes Hermitage Domaine Mule Blanche is a terrific example of what those varieties can do when they’re grown in the right location and vinified with care. Gentle toasted grain scents waft from the glass, along with notes of marshmallow and melon. It’s full-bodied and richly textured, with notes of pineapple, crème brûlée and citrus on the long finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine la Remejeanne Cotes du Rhone Les Chevrefeuilles Blanc 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 90 points “The 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Les Chèvrefeuilles Blanc is based on 50% Clairette and 25% each Roussanne and Grenache Blanc and spent six months in concrete tanks before bottling. Exotic citrus, melon, honeyed flowers, and salty mineral aromas and flavors all emerge from this medium-bodied, clean, classy, refreshing white, which has a savory, complex, mineral-laced style.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine Rene Rostaing Condrieu La Bonnette 2022 750ml $95 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 93 points “The fragrant 2022 Condrieu La Bonnette dazzles with vivid quince, apricot, ripe peach and spring blossom aromas. Viscously textured and fruit-forward, it is built around a juicy core of stone fruits and brings it home with a complex finale.”
Saint Cosme Condrieu 2021 750ml $69 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Hefty, modern and lush, with an enticing cascade of creamed pear, mango and papaya flavors cut through with dried herbs and chamomile, backed by a refreshing kick of bitter quinine. A brioche accent adds warmth, but the vein of tangy acidity keeps this clean. Drink now through 2027. 90 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Hominis Fides Blanc 2022 750ml $59 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Limestone sand from the Miocene sea, in the ‘Hominis Fides’ named vineyard. Fermentation in used casks and ageing on fine lees for 10 months. Gunflint, anise, pear and quince. The young massal selection vines in Hominis Fides are growing, developing, putting down deep roots and producing beautiful fruit. Every year, we can see the identity of the vineyard asserting itself and differentiating itself from Le Poste. It is true that the Miocene sea sand offers a truly remarkable foundation both for Grenache and Clairette. We prune the vines as bush vines and lift them on stakes so that we never have to top the shoots in spring. I am against the use of topping in a Mediterranean climate – it makes no sense to use this mini-pruning technique and force vines to grow secondary buds just when they need their fruit to flower.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Saint Damien Cotes du Rhone Le Blanc 2022 750ml $16 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “White wine. Southern Rhône, France. Organic. Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Viognier. Notes of white peach and citrus on the nose and palate. After some time in the glass, fines herbs and hints of almond complement the citrus and fruit flavors. Full-bodied, but shows good and balanced acidity and minerality.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Saint Cosme ‘Micro-Cosme’ Sauvignon – Viognier, Vin de France 2022 750ml $14 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 88 points “Based largely on Sauvignon Blanc with a smaller amount of Viognier, the 2022 Micro-Cosme Sauvignon Blanc And Viognier has plenty of citrus and green apple notes as well as some honeyed floral nuances. It’s medium-bodied, juicy, and easygoing on the palate and as gulpable as they come.”
Shop our fifteen in-stock white Rhône selections now!
Trending Spanish Finds Under $30
Shop some of the best budget-friendly deals in stock now from Spain:
Pares Balta Pink Brut Cava, Catalonia NV 750ml $19 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Winery Note ” …a coupage of Grenache and the indigenous catalan varieties Parellada and Macabeo made according to the traditional method. A vintage wine carefully matured in underground cellars on its lees during 18 months and finally bottled with zero dosage … Thanks to its aromatic and richness nose with scents of strawberry and raspberry that follow through onto the palate and then develops into a wonderfully intense and concentrated pastry finish and spicy background.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Ameztoi Txakoli, Getariako Txakolina 2024 750ml $21.90 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Producer Note “Visual: pale white with greenish, his bright tone has a fine and elegant bubbles. Smelling: fine and sophisticated fragrance, reminiscent of green apples and grapes, with a minty note. To taste: dry in the beginning, harmonious in the mouth, has a wide and aromatic final, and cheerful by their bubbles.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Jorge Ordonez Botani Old Vines Moscatel, Sierras de Malaga 2023 750ml $18 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Joaquin Hidalgo-Vinous 93 points “The 2023 Moscatel Old Vines Botani was sourced from the villages of Almáchar and El Borge in Alta Axarquía, Sierras de Málaga, overlooking the Mediterranean. This bright yellow wine offers aromas of roses, herbs and lychee, along with iron and yeasty notes. Dry, refreshing and vibrant on the palate, it lingers with a joyful, savory finish. This solar wine was harvested at the perfect time.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Nanclares y Prieto ‘Dandelion’ Albarino, Rias Baixas 2023 750ml $28 special, 8 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “A lovely albarino with aromas of sea breeze, brine, oyster shells and grapefruit zest. The palate is crisp with a fresh saline profile and a fresh, clean finish. The grapes are from 13 parcels in the Salnes area (Ribadumia, Meano and Cambados). Fermented and aged in vats on the lees for seven months. Does not undergo malolactic fermentation. Drink now.”
4 Monos Viticultores ‘GR10’ Tinto, Vino de la Sierra de Gredos 2022 750ml $26 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The red 2022 GR-10 Tinto is a blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Cariñena that fermented with full clusters and matured in barrels of different sizes and one 4,200-liter oak vat for seven months. It’s fruit-driven, the profile of the year, with 13.5% alcohol, good freshness and some more austere tannins as the grapes come from the lower part of Cadalso and Cenicientos. It’s expressive, aromatic and clean, with a medium-bodied palate that is juicy and tasty, with a supple finish. This is delicious and really impressive for the year. It represents very good value for money and a great introduction to the elegant style of the Garnachas from Gredos. They produced some 31,000 bottles. It was bottled in late August and early September 2023.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Envinate ‘Albahra’ Tinto, Levante 2023 750ml $26 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “After the Chingao bottling, there is a creamy and spicy whiff in the 2023 Albahra, which makes it feel more mainstream. It’s juicy and aromatic and has a medium-bodied palate, contained ripeness, 13% alcohol and good balance, with some fine-grained tannins. Last year, they introduced some white Pardilla grapes in the blend that seem to have given it freshness and a kick in the palate, which is Mediterranean, with good freshness and a balanced mouthfeel. 67,000 bottles and 600 magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2024.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bodegas Ordonez Vatan Tinta de Toro, Toro 2021 750ml $19 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Guia Penin 95 points “Style: complex, full-bodied, juicy. Color: cherry, purple rim. Aroma: red berry notes, floral, spicy, creamy oak. Flavour: flavourful, fruity, good acidity, long.”
Sierra Cantabria Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml $20.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Joaquin Hidalgo-Vinous 93 points “An intense Sonsierra wine with a modernist touch, the 2020 Crianza is 100% Tempranillo sourced from San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Labastida, Rioja. Aged for 14 months in oak barrels, this purple wine presents aromas of violets and cherry against a balsamic and herbal backdrop. Dry, juicy and compact on the palate, the taut, fine-grained tannins lead to a lingering, mouthwatering finish. This is a wellcrafted Rioja with an enticing style.”
Sierra de Tolono Tempranillo, Rioja DOCa 2022 750ml $24 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Tim Atkin 92 points “The altitude and freshness of Rivas de Tereso were an advantage in the heat of the 2022 growing season. This old-vine Tempranillo really over-delivers at the price, with very little oak, lots of zip and freshness, succulent strawberry and red cherry fruit and undertones of pine and wild thyme. 2024-27.”
Pares Balta Pink Brut Cava, Catalonia NV 750ml $19 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Winery Note ” …a coupage of Grenache and the indigenous catalan varieties Parellada and Macabeo made according to the traditional method. A vintage wine carefully matured in underground cellars on its lees during 18 months and finally bottled with zero dosage … Thanks to its aromatic and richness nose with scents of strawberry and raspberry that follow through onto the palate and then develops into a wonderfully intense and concentrated pastry finish and spicy background.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Ameztoi Txakoli, Getariako Txakolina 2024 750ml $21.90 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Producer Note “Visual: pale white with greenish, his bright tone has a fine and elegant bubbles. Smelling: fine and sophisticated fragrance, reminiscent of green apples and grapes, with a minty note. To taste: dry in the beginning, harmonious in the mouth, has a wide and aromatic final, and cheerful by their bubbles.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Jorge Ordonez Botani Old Vines Moscatel, Sierras de Malaga 2023 750ml $18 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Joaquin Hidalgo-Vinous 93 points “The 2023 Moscatel Old Vines Botani was sourced from the villages of Almáchar and El Borge in Alta Axarquía, Sierras de Málaga, overlooking the Mediterranean. This bright yellow wine offers aromas of roses, herbs and lychee, along with iron and yeasty notes. Dry, refreshing and vibrant on the palate, it lingers with a joyful, savory finish. This solar wine was harvested at the perfect time.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Nanclares y Prieto ‘Dandelion’ Albarino, Rias Baixas 2023 750ml $28 special, 8 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “A lovely albarino with aromas of sea breeze, brine, oyster shells and grapefruit zest. The palate is crisp with a fresh saline profile and a fresh, clean finish. The grapes are from 13 parcels in the Salnes area (Ribadumia, Meano and Cambados). Fermented and aged in vats on the lees for seven months. Does not undergo malolactic fermentation. Drink now.”
4 Monos Viticultores ‘GR10’ Tinto, Vino de la Sierra de Gredos 2022 750ml $26 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The red 2022 GR-10 Tinto is a blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Cariñena that fermented with full clusters and matured in barrels of different sizes and one 4,200-liter oak vat for seven months. It’s fruit-driven, the profile of the year, with 13.5% alcohol, good freshness and some more austere tannins as the grapes come from the lower part of Cadalso and Cenicientos. It’s expressive, aromatic and clean, with a medium-bodied palate that is juicy and tasty, with a supple finish. This is delicious and really impressive for the year. It represents very good value for money and a great introduction to the elegant style of the Garnachas from Gredos. They produced some 31,000 bottles. It was bottled in late August and early September 2023.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Envinate ‘Albahra’ Tinto, Levante 2023 750ml $26 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “After the Chingao bottling, there is a creamy and spicy whiff in the 2023 Albahra, which makes it feel more mainstream. It’s juicy and aromatic and has a medium-bodied palate, contained ripeness, 13% alcohol and good balance, with some fine-grained tannins. Last year, they introduced some white Pardilla grapes in the blend that seem to have given it freshness and a kick in the palate, which is Mediterranean, with good freshness and a balanced mouthfeel. 67,000 bottles and 600 magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2024.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bodegas Ordonez Vatan Tinta de Toro, Toro 2021 750ml $19 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Guia Penin 95 points “Style: complex, full-bodied, juicy. Color: cherry, purple rim. Aroma: red berry notes, floral, spicy, creamy oak. Flavour: flavourful, fruity, good acidity, long.”
Sierra Cantabria Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml $20.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Joaquin Hidalgo-Vinous 93 points “An intense Sonsierra wine with a modernist touch, the 2020 Crianza is 100% Tempranillo sourced from San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Labastida, Rioja. Aged for 14 months in oak barrels, this purple wine presents aromas of violets and cherry against a balsamic and herbal backdrop. Dry, juicy and compact on the palate, the taut, fine-grained tannins lead to a lingering, mouthwatering finish. This is a wellcrafted Rioja with an enticing style.”
Sierra de Tolono Tempranillo, Rioja DOCa 2022 750ml $24 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Tim Atkin 92 points “The altitude and freshness of Rivas de Tereso were an advantage in the heat of the 2022 growing season. This old-vine Tempranillo really over-delivers at the price, with very little oak, lots of zip and freshness, succulent strawberry and red cherry fruit and undertones of pine and wild thyme. 2024-27.”
Grape of the Week:
Viognier
Did we mention how seductive, rich, and perfumed this beauty can be? Viognier is a classic Rhone white grape that is often bottled as a varietal wine in its native region and in the United State. We highlighted a few French examples above, so we figured it was as good a time as any to highlight some local favorites.
In Stock Now:
Cristom Louise Vineyard Viognier, Eola-Amity Hills 2023 750ml $29 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Owen Bargreen 93 points “The 2023 ‘Louise Vineyard’ was sourced from this location set on basalt soils. Stored in all neural oak barrels, this delivers honeysuckle and juicy peach aromatics that combine with salty soils and shades of ginger on the nose. The palate is fresh and lithe with a smooth texture and good sense of length. Nervy and intense, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight plus years.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Peter William Vineyard Daisy Creek Vineyard Viognier, Rogue Valley 2023 750ml $26 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Norm Roby-Wine Review Online 95 points “Though most Rhône varieties thrive in its estate vineyard, the winery reaches out for Viognier from the nearby Daisy Creek Vineyard. The result is an exceptionally rich and balanced Viognier that sets the bar high. All the fruit for this 2023 was harvested on September 19th, and was whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented. Light yellow in color, it offers a lovely mix of ripe peach, mango and honeysuckle on the nose. Medium-bodied and concentrated, it opens up and delivers plenty of peach and lychee flavors with some ginger in its aftertaste. Balanced and creamy in texture with nuanced oak in the background, it ends on a long note of delicious fruit.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
K Vintners Art Den Hoed Viognier, Yakima Valley 2023 750ml $19.50 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “With a kiss of reduction in its white peach, honeyed flowers, and subtle tangerine notes, the 2023 Viognier Art Den Hoed hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a round, lush mouthfeel, and a clean, light, graceful, incredibly drinkable style. It’s a beautiful, incredibly classy Viognier that I’d happily put side by side with anything from the Northern Rhône. Drink bottles over the coming couple of years.”
Domaine de Triennes Sainte – Fleur Viognier, IGP Var 2022 750ml $24 special, 10 bottles in stock now
“Friendly citrus and floral notes jump out, but this is a mineral-driven white, with smoky crushed stone and fresh alpine elements on the mouthwatering finish. Drink now.” -Wine Spectator
In Stock Now:
Cristom Louise Vineyard Viognier, Eola-Amity Hills 2023 750ml $29 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Owen Bargreen 93 points “The 2023 ‘Louise Vineyard’ was sourced from this location set on basalt soils. Stored in all neural oak barrels, this delivers honeysuckle and juicy peach aromatics that combine with salty soils and shades of ginger on the nose. The palate is fresh and lithe with a smooth texture and good sense of length. Nervy and intense, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight plus years.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Peter William Vineyard Daisy Creek Vineyard Viognier, Rogue Valley 2023 750ml $26 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Norm Roby-Wine Review Online 95 points “Though most Rhône varieties thrive in its estate vineyard, the winery reaches out for Viognier from the nearby Daisy Creek Vineyard. The result is an exceptionally rich and balanced Viognier that sets the bar high. All the fruit for this 2023 was harvested on September 19th, and was whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented. Light yellow in color, it offers a lovely mix of ripe peach, mango and honeysuckle on the nose. Medium-bodied and concentrated, it opens up and delivers plenty of peach and lychee flavors with some ginger in its aftertaste. Balanced and creamy in texture with nuanced oak in the background, it ends on a long note of delicious fruit.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
K Vintners Art Den Hoed Viognier, Yakima Valley 2023 750ml $19.50 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “With a kiss of reduction in its white peach, honeyed flowers, and subtle tangerine notes, the 2023 Viognier Art Den Hoed hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a round, lush mouthfeel, and a clean, light, graceful, incredibly drinkable style. It’s a beautiful, incredibly classy Viognier that I’d happily put side by side with anything from the Northern Rhône. Drink bottles over the coming couple of years.”
Domaine de Triennes Sainte – Fleur Viognier, IGP Var 2022 750ml $24 special, 10 bottles in stock now
“Friendly citrus and floral notes jump out, but this is a mineral-driven white, with smoky crushed stone and fresh alpine elements on the mouthwatering finish. Drink now.” -Wine Spectator
Multitude of Magnums:
Italian Edition
It’s party time.
In Stock Now:
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2016 1.5L $399 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “A certified organic wine, the Cavallotto 2016 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe is born in vineyards on a beautiful ridge in Castiglione Falletto with wide views of both the sunrise and the sunset. From this magical site at the heart of the Barolo appellation comes a wine that represents the very best of vintage and territory. Dark fruit, dried cherry, wild plum, rose and iron ore meet a perfect intersection that gives this Barolo a beautiful sense of balance and inner energy. Fruit comes from a 2.4-hectare plot with southwest-facing vines that are 60 years old. After destemming, the grapes see 28 days of skin contact (semi-submerged caps) in steel tanks. Secondary fermentation occurs in cement in the spring following the harvest. The wine is aged in Slavonian oak for 60 months. Production is 8,794 bottles and other larger formats.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast for the magnum!
Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2018 1.5L $128 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “To my palate, the 2018 vintage sometimes feels a little too ripe or baked. I was reminded of those characteristics when tasting the Fèlsina 2018 Fontalloro. There is plenty of dark fruit at its core, but this wine also reveals dry tones of jarred oregano, grilled Mediterranean herb, crushed aspirin and graham cracker. The mouthfeel is pleasantly lean and silky, and perhaps the wine delivers more in terms of length than it does weight or texture. A little more bottle age should help flesh out and soften these results.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
Foradori ‘Fuoripista’ Pinot Grigio Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 1.5L $119 special, 4 magnums in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “…So much caramelized-orange aroma, plus pomegranate, oolong tea and rose-petal character. Bone-dry and incredibly lively, this makes you feel glad to be alive! From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2018 3L $1,349 special, 1 double-magnum in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95+ points “The 2018 Barolo Francia is powerful, deep and also a touch austere. It shows the edginess of all the 2018s, but also has a feeling of textural creaminess that adds tons of character. Spice, menthol, leather and a whole range of balsamic overtones build into the deep, imposing finish. Roberto Conterno decided to forego his Barolo Monfortino in 2018, opting instead to blend all the casks into his Francia bottling. When that happens, Francia often surprises down the road. That could very well turn out to be the case here.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the double-magnum!
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 3L $379 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “The 2017 Cepparello is another in a series of stunningly beautiful Cepparellos from Paolo de Marchi. Bright and beautifully focused in the glass, with tremendous depth, the 2017 is positively stellar from the very first taste. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice, menthol and coffee all open up with a bit of air. Here, too, Paolo De Marchi has done a tremendous job in preserving freshness in the wine. Readers who can muster the patience will be rewarded with a spectacular wine.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum and double-magnum!
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 1.5L $219 special, 2 magnums in stock now
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 3L $449 special, 2 double-magnums in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 96 points “Smoldering with remarkable depth, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gli Angeli makes itself known with a blend of spicy citrus peels and minty herbs giving way to masses of black cherry, strawberries, hints of iodine and smoke. This is a textural thrill ride, velvety and almost weighty in feel, while finding wonderful balance in its vibrant acidity and the tart wild berry fruits and savory spices that are unleashed upon the palate. Hints of mocha combine with sour cherry and almond paste through the impressively long and classically structured finale. In the end, the 2016 Gli Angeli is the total package. This Riserva is a single-vineyard bottling from La Gerla’s northern Montalcino vineyard, which was planted by Biondi-Santi in 1968.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2021 1.5L $625 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 98+ points “The 2021 Le Pergole Torte is a real stunner. Rich, deep and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2021 is captivating from the very first taste. In bottle, this is quite a bit more reticent than it was as a barrel sample, which, in my view, is a positive. Even so, readers should be prepared to cellar the 2021 for a number of years at a minimum.
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 1.5L $179 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is perhaps the most complete of the 2019 Riservas at this stage. It offers fine depth, plenty of tannin and nascent emerging inner sweetness to tie it all together. A wine of stature and textural depth, the Montestefano is my early favorite in this lineup.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 1.5L $199 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is redolent of dark fruit, crushed rocks, graphite, sage, menthol and lavender all race across the palate, supported by bracing, young Rabajà tannins that make themselves felt. This mid-weight, powerhouse Barbaresco packs quite a punch.”
Rocca di Montegrossi ‘Ridolfo’ Toscana IGT 2015 1.5L Was $179, Now $159 special, 14 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 98+ points “The 2015 Ridolfo is a new Cabernet Sauvignon/Pugnitello blend from Marco Ricasoli bottled only in magnum. Vibrant and finely sculpted, the 2015 impresses right out of the gate. A whole range of savory aromatics, lavender, spice, licorice and mocha open with time in the glass. Sweet rose petal and cinnamon appear later, adding brightness and lift. Cabernet Sauvignon and Pugnitello are not obvious varieties to blend, as they are, on paper, more similar than complementary. Even so, the combination works so well. I can’t wait to see how this ages. The 2015 is a total knock-out!”
Paolo Scavino Bric del Fiasc, Barolo DOCG 2019 1.5L $249 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2019 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is the hallmark wine of the estate, and it shows. Taking on more concentration, it is pure and generous with kirsch, star anise, nutmeg, and menthol and moves impressively to the palate with ease and nobility. It offers fantastic depth while remaining true to the vintage and propels forward through an arch of acidity, while having grounded notes of Earl Grey tea, black cherry, and crushed stones as well as ripe tannins. Drink 2026-2046.”
Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2016 1.5L $399 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “A certified organic wine, the Cavallotto 2016 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe is born in vineyards on a beautiful ridge in Castiglione Falletto with wide views of both the sunrise and the sunset. From this magical site at the heart of the Barolo appellation comes a wine that represents the very best of vintage and territory. Dark fruit, dried cherry, wild plum, rose and iron ore meet a perfect intersection that gives this Barolo a beautiful sense of balance and inner energy. Fruit comes from a 2.4-hectare plot with southwest-facing vines that are 60 years old. After destemming, the grapes see 28 days of skin contact (semi-submerged caps) in steel tanks. Secondary fermentation occurs in cement in the spring following the harvest. The wine is aged in Slavonian oak for 60 months. Production is 8,794 bottles and other larger formats.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast for the magnum!
Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2018 1.5L $128 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “To my palate, the 2018 vintage sometimes feels a little too ripe or baked. I was reminded of those characteristics when tasting the Fèlsina 2018 Fontalloro. There is plenty of dark fruit at its core, but this wine also reveals dry tones of jarred oregano, grilled Mediterranean herb, crushed aspirin and graham cracker. The mouthfeel is pleasantly lean and silky, and perhaps the wine delivers more in terms of length than it does weight or texture. A little more bottle age should help flesh out and soften these results.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
Foradori ‘Fuoripista’ Pinot Grigio Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 1.5L $119 special, 4 magnums in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “…So much caramelized-orange aroma, plus pomegranate, oolong tea and rose-petal character. Bone-dry and incredibly lively, this makes you feel glad to be alive! From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2018 3L $1,349 special, 1 double-magnum in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95+ points “The 2018 Barolo Francia is powerful, deep and also a touch austere. It shows the edginess of all the 2018s, but also has a feeling of textural creaminess that adds tons of character. Spice, menthol, leather and a whole range of balsamic overtones build into the deep, imposing finish. Roberto Conterno decided to forego his Barolo Monfortino in 2018, opting instead to blend all the casks into his Francia bottling. When that happens, Francia often surprises down the road. That could very well turn out to be the case here.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the double-magnum!
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 3L $379 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “The 2017 Cepparello is another in a series of stunningly beautiful Cepparellos from Paolo de Marchi. Bright and beautifully focused in the glass, with tremendous depth, the 2017 is positively stellar from the very first taste. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice, menthol and coffee all open up with a bit of air. Here, too, Paolo De Marchi has done a tremendous job in preserving freshness in the wine. Readers who can muster the patience will be rewarded with a spectacular wine.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum and double-magnum!
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 1.5L $219 special, 2 magnums in stock now
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 3L $449 special, 2 double-magnums in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 96 points “Smoldering with remarkable depth, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gli Angeli makes itself known with a blend of spicy citrus peels and minty herbs giving way to masses of black cherry, strawberries, hints of iodine and smoke. This is a textural thrill ride, velvety and almost weighty in feel, while finding wonderful balance in its vibrant acidity and the tart wild berry fruits and savory spices that are unleashed upon the palate. Hints of mocha combine with sour cherry and almond paste through the impressively long and classically structured finale. In the end, the 2016 Gli Angeli is the total package. This Riserva is a single-vineyard bottling from La Gerla’s northern Montalcino vineyard, which was planted by Biondi-Santi in 1968.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2021 1.5L $625 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 98+ points “The 2021 Le Pergole Torte is a real stunner. Rich, deep and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2021 is captivating from the very first taste. In bottle, this is quite a bit more reticent than it was as a barrel sample, which, in my view, is a positive. Even so, readers should be prepared to cellar the 2021 for a number of years at a minimum.
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 1.5L $179 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is perhaps the most complete of the 2019 Riservas at this stage. It offers fine depth, plenty of tannin and nascent emerging inner sweetness to tie it all together. A wine of stature and textural depth, the Montestefano is my early favorite in this lineup.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 1.5L $199 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is redolent of dark fruit, crushed rocks, graphite, sage, menthol and lavender all race across the palate, supported by bracing, young Rabajà tannins that make themselves felt. This mid-weight, powerhouse Barbaresco packs quite a punch.”
Rocca di Montegrossi ‘Ridolfo’ Toscana IGT 2015 1.5L Was $179, Now $159 special, 14 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 98+ points “The 2015 Ridolfo is a new Cabernet Sauvignon/Pugnitello blend from Marco Ricasoli bottled only in magnum. Vibrant and finely sculpted, the 2015 impresses right out of the gate. A whole range of savory aromatics, lavender, spice, licorice and mocha open with time in the glass. Sweet rose petal and cinnamon appear later, adding brightness and lift. Cabernet Sauvignon and Pugnitello are not obvious varieties to blend, as they are, on paper, more similar than complementary. Even so, the combination works so well. I can’t wait to see how this ages. The 2015 is a total knock-out!”
Paolo Scavino Bric del Fiasc, Barolo DOCG 2019 1.5L $249 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2019 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is the hallmark wine of the estate, and it shows. Taking on more concentration, it is pure and generous with kirsch, star anise, nutmeg, and menthol and moves impressively to the palate with ease and nobility. It offers fantastic depth while remaining true to the vintage and propels forward through an arch of acidity, while having grounded notes of Earl Grey tea, black cherry, and crushed stones as well as ripe tannins. Drink 2026-2046.”
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