Wednesday, July 22nd, 2015
Flash Sale; Karthauserhof GG; New Arrival Special Feature: Cameron Winery; Oregon AVA Hightlights: Chehalem Mountains and Ribbon Ridge; Pinot Off the Beaten Path: Jura and Germany; Lovin’ California; Spotlight on Burgundy: Domaine Henri Gouges
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Mid-West, East & South
Summer Shipping Saver
Whisk your wine through warmer weather!
Beginning now, for the summer season we are offering UPS Three Day Select Service for the price of UPS Ground for shipments normally travelling 4 or more business days.
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Flash Sale
Arriving July 23rd
Dominus Estate Christian Moueix, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 99 points “Flirting with perfection, the 2012 Dominus is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Five thousand cases were produced, a relatively modest amount from this large vineyard’s big crop. Christian Moueix told me that there was plenty of heat in 2012, but there were no excessive hot spells that can plague Napa Valley vintners during the growing season and harvest. This wine’s opaque plum/purple color is accompanied by a beautiful nose of sweet crème de cassis, a touch of background oak (only 40% new oak is used), spice box, cedarwood, black cherries and a hint of spring flowers. The complex, intense aromatics are followed by a deep, opulent, multidimensional, full-bodied wine with not a hard edge to be found. Everything is seamlessly crafted in this beauty and the vintage’s abundant richness is well-displayed. This 2012 can be drunk in its exuberant youthfulness or cellared for another 20-25 years.” RP
James Suckling 98 points “Fabulous purity and clarity of fruit. Blackcurrants, blackberries and violets. Full body, big soft tannins and a chocolate, hazelnut and dark fruit character. Some hot stones. Fruit at the finish. Ripe and velvety finish. Better in 2020 but delicious to drink now. Wonderful Dominus. (4/21/15)”
Antonio Galloni 97+ points “A towering, majestic wine, the 2012 Dominus is a real stunner. Opulent and intense, yet backed up by a classic expression of acidity and tannin, the 2012 hits the palate with considerable richness. Graphite, dark red and black stone fruits, tobacco and incense soar from the glass as this voluptuous Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its irresistible sexy personality. Expressive floral notes add lift on the finish. The 2012 has become a bit more tender than it was last year, which is excellent news for Dominus fans, especially with super powerful 2013s lurking right around the corner. Drink: 2020-2040.”
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Arriving July 31st
“The Karthauserhof wines are wines for finesse-drinkers.” –Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
“These dense, pine-forest vineyards fashion young wines that can be particularly austere, They need time to reveal their tell-tale notes of citrus and stone fruit awash with pine resin and forest floor. Even the VDP-regulated release date (the September following the harvest) is too early. As such, vom Boden releases the GGs of Karthauserhof in the spring of the year after the following harvest. In other words, we will be holding the wines for well over a year.
“2013 is a vintage of extremes, but winemaker Christian Vogt has once again fashioned a banging Grand Cru dry Riesling from the oldest and choicest parcels of the Karthauserhofberg. Production is down 50% from a normal vintage.” –From the Importer
Weingut Karthauserhof Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs Trocken 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Weingut Karthauserhof Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs Trocken 2013 375ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Weingut Karthauserhof Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs Trocken 2013 750ML ($359.95) $319 pre-arrival special (that’s only $53.17/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “Very clear, discreet and refined on the nose – where the 2013 Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling GG displays fine stone and fruit aromas of lemons and green apples. Lean and vital but also intense, rich and juicy on the palate, this is a lovely pure, straightforward, piquant and very salty expression of the Karthäuserhofberg terroir and the 2013 vintage. This long-distance runner has more fruit intensity than the Edition and reveals a very fine raciness and a complex finish with lingering lemon aromas.” WA
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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New Arrival Special Feature
Razzle Dazzle
Cameron Winery does sparkling wines? We were just as surprised and excited!
Cameron Winery “Dazzle” Sparkling Pink Wine 2014 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
VinopolNote: This Rose was produced from Pinot Noir grapes from the Yohan vineyard that underwent a two day maceration before being fermented in new barrels. Pinot Blanc was added to the blend to increase aromatics and lighten the final color. This bottling is slightly sparkling, much like a Txakolina rose! Extremely limited – only 30 cases made
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Newly Arrived
Franco Pacenti Canalicchio Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-12 Franco Pacenti Canalicchio Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($549.95) $419 special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Violet, rose, pressed powder, perfumed berry and forest floor are some of the aromas offered by this stunning wine. The palate is still tightly wound, but delivers juicy black cherry, white pepper and licorice alongside youthfully assertive but fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2018–2030.” WE
Wine Advocate 93+ points “Initially subdued, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino reveals itself very slowly thanks to budding aromas of rose, cherry, licorice, tar and menthol herb. The Canalicchio vineyard sites (Sopra and Sotto) show fantastic results in this classic vintage. This wine opts for a less aggressive interpretation of the vintage with soft fruit, polished tannins and mild intensity. It is Brunello at 70% horsepower. That slower approach gives you more time to appreciate the delicate tones of brimstone and balsam herb that carefully rise from the bouquet. It would be interesting to see where this wine goes five years from now. My guess it that it will grow in intensity.” ML
Caprili Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “Caprili’s 2010 Brunello di Montalcino shows unique aromas with undertones of forest floor and wet earth with grilled herbs and dark fruit. You also get a heavier tone of dried fig and Graham cracker that distinguishes this particular expression of Sangiovese. The wine is smooth and polished with a nice sense of inner elegance. Silky tannins give Giacomo Bartolommei’s Brunello more immediacy and a more approachable drinking window. I very much appreciated the wine’s overall elegance.” ML
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Just a reminder about our current shipping specials during this season:
For the Mid-West, East, and South during the summer season we are offering UPS Three Day Select Service for the price of UPS Ground for shipments that would normally travel four or more business days to their destination.
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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Oregon AVA Highlights
Chehalem Mountains AVA
Dick Erath was the first to plant vineyards in the Chahalem Mountains and the AVA was established 2006. Vineyards range from 200-1,633 feet in elevation. This AVA sees the most dramatic temperature variations in the entire Willamette Valley. There is a vast array of soil types represented from sedimentary sea beds, to red soil from old lava flows and to glacial sediment. There is also a vast array of small, family owned vineyards with the size averaging 12.5 acres.
Ribbon Ridge AVA
The smallest AVA, Ribbon Ridge, is contained within the Chehalem Mountains AVA and was established in 2005. The first person to plant vineyards was Harry Peterson-Nedry of Ridgecrest Vineyards. The area is a protected feature within the Chehalem Mountains. It is generally warmer and drier with well-draining, poor sedimentary soils with vineyards up to 683 feet in elevation.
Ribbon Ridge Featured Producer:
Ayres Winery
Ayres was founded in 2000 by Brad McLeroy, who gained experience winemaking under Veronique Drouhin of Domain Drouhin in Oregon. The estate is dedicated to sustainable practices on their 18 acres of vineyard. McLeroy produces three high-end cuvees of Pinot as well as a Willamette Valley and a second label Pinot called Hazel Hill. The wines are lush and aromatic (without being over the top) and show excellent balance, concentration and terroir.
Ayres Wines Available Here Now
Ayres Lewis Rogers Lane (Estate) Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2013 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 10 bottles available
Winery note “Comprised of each and every producing clone on our estate vineyard: 667, 777, 115, 113, 114, and Pommard. If our vineyard could talk this bottle is what it would say. This wine is truly a symphony of sophistication! Think of our Lewis Rogers Lane Pinot Noir as the belle of the ball and her date is the rebellious Pioneer Pinot Noir.”
Ayres Perspective Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2013 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 16 bottles available
Winery note “Savor Oregon’s most exclusive grape growing region in a bottle! Ayres Estate fruit and neighboring Ribbon Ridge vines from Armstrong Vineyard, Saikkonen Vineyard, & Lichtenwalter Vineyard team up for an unparalleled Pinot Noir experience. This is the only Ribbon Ridge cuvee on the market.”
Ayres Pioneer (Estate) Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 12 bottles available
Winery note “Big and Bold! Named after a true Oregon Trail pioneer, this is a wine that could stand up to such a journey. One hundred percent estate fruit, one hundred percent single clone 667. Tasting notes: This high achieving wine is crafted from our oldest vines, clone 667. Pioneer represents Ayres most powerful Pinot. Leather, smoke, forest floor, and dark berries will please your palate. Pioneer was a featured wine at the 2013 International Pinot Noir Celebration.”
Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2013 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 24 bottles available
Winery note “The best of Oregon’s Willamette Valley in a bottle! Impeccably grown Pinot Noir fruit from Yamhill-Carlton blends beautifully with our estate fruit. Dollar for dollar, this is simply the richest Willamette Valley Pinot Noir for your palate!”
Ayres “Hazel Hill” Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2013 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles available
VinopolNote: Second label named in tribute to the hazelnut farm where their youngest vines are planted
Ribbon Ridge Featured Producer:
Beaux Freres
Beaux Freres is owned by Michael Etzel (who operates the winery), his brother-in-law Robert Parker (who does not review the wines) and Canadian investor and wine lover Robert Roy. Etzel began the project in 1991 with Archery Summit fruit before planting the estate vineyard that is on the hillside above the winery. The soil is Willakenzie (marine sediment). Careful attention in paid both in the vineyard (where grape bunches are pruned to one per shoot) and in the winery. They are uncertified organic and biodynamic, with exceptions for fungal treatments when needed. The wines are typically dense and concentrated in style with a good oak influence and serious aging potential.
Beaux Freres Wines Available Here Now
Beaux Freres ‘The Beaux Freres Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2013 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 7 bottles available
From the winery “Tasting Notes: A bit darker, Medium ruby to red. Th¬e nose is of fresh red Oregon fruits & berries, a cherry aromatic is supported by more cola spice and a touch of subtle oak. This is a finesse styled Beaux Freres. Medium bodied with light-sweet tannins, very good purity and depth. Th-e texture here is beguiling as well. Drink between 2018 and 2028.”
Beaux Freres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2013 750ML ($59.95) $51.90 special, 6 bottles available
From the winery: “A glowing medium ruby color. Redolent of Juicy strawberry and bright cherry fruit on the nose. Aromatic intrigue is heightened by the slight damp earth and warm spice components. ¬e fruit follows through on the velvety textured palate. A great balance of fruit purity and a hedonistic lushness. Aging potential 5-10 years. Our Willamette Valley cuvée features fruit grown on select vineyard sites in the Northern Willamette Valley. The wines benefit from the same winemaking process as our estate wines. The sites are farmed sustainably and managed to very low yields. We age the wine in the same French oak barrels used in our estate bottling, however the percentage of new oak is intentionally lower.”
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Pinot off the Beaten Path
France – Jura
While the Jura may be best known (if at all) for its oxidative-style whites, several producers grow Pinot Noir in the limestone-rich soils.
Eugene Carrel & Fils Methode Traditionelle Brut, Savoie NV 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
50% Jacquere, 20% Pinot Noir, 20% Gamay, 10% Chardonnay
Champ Divin “Cuvee Chanson” Pinot Noir, Cotes du Jura 2013 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special
Winery note “Intense ruby-pink colour. Fresh morello cherry aromas. Elegant, upstanding and beautifully structured fresh feel in the mouth. An explosion of ripe plum and cherry flavours, with a hint of licorice. Organic and biodynamic with low sulfur.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Jean Francois Ganevat Cotes du Jura Cuvee Julien en Billat 2010 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 89-90 points “From what he calls a “pinot fin” selection planted not long after World War II, Ganevat’s 2010 Cotes du Jura Pinot Noir Cuvee Julien – which I assessed from tank just before bottling – went into its conical wooden fermentor with its stems having been removed by hand and with scissors! “It’s not supposed to be structured grand vin,” he cautions, “but rather about minerality, droiture, and the finesse of Pinot.” Well, it certainly wouldn’t have fooled me even without that introduction! But if you approach this the way you might a really top-notch Sancerre Pinot from old vines (say, Gerard Boulay’s rose or Edmond Vatan’s “red”) it may seem faintly familiar, not to mention distinctively delicious. Fresh sour cherry, rose hip, hibiscus, and toasted almond inhabit the nose and palate of this delicate, infectiously juicy libation whose salinity, piquancy, and tart fruit skin tang make for a delightfully exhilarating as well as persistent finish…” DS
Germany
These German Roses of Pinot (one semi-sparkling and two still) offer unique and refreshing examples of the grape, with a touch of Merlot and Cabernet blended in for their aromatics and to add body.
Stein Rose Secco (Sekt), Mosel 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Importer note “Like the still Rosé, Stein’s gently sparkling Rosé Secco is made from mostly Spätburgunder but also small amounts of rogue Cabernet and Merlot, grapes that only someone as daring and experimental as Ulli would even consider planting in a village like St. Aldegund.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Stein Rose Trocken, Mosel 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Importer note “Ulli Stein’s Rosé bottlings are predominantly Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) but also include some Cabernet and Merlot grown on the steep slopes in St. Aldegund.”
Seehof Pinot Noir Rose, Rheinessen 2014 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Importer note “All the grapes come from Westhofen (one of the most famous villages in the southern Rheinhessen…think Morstein, Kirchspiel, Absterde, these are all here in this remarkable little town). Westhofen’s soils are various renderings of limestone, thus there is a certain, natural affinity for Pinot Noir. The grapes macerate for about 4-6 hours on the skins, are fermented entirely in stainless steel then rest on the lees for 3-4 months.”
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Lovin’ California
Our southern friends showed the world that France wasn’t the only place Great Pinot could be made. Raise a glass to their historical achievements!
Sandhi Rinconada Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2012 750ML ($69.95) Was $59 Now $49, 12 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “From a vineyard just beside Sanford & Benedict, but further up the slope and with less top soil, the 2012 Pinot Noir Rinconada is thrilling stuff. Loaded with minerality, spice, earth and darker berry fruits, there’s a slight rusticity here, but I love the underlying structure and depth. Showing more floral notes with air, give it another year and it will dish out loads of pleasure through 2020.” WA
Antoni Galloni 94 points “The 2012 Pinot Noir Rinconada is deep, layered and vibrant to the core. Dark red cherry, smoke, game, blood orange and sage meld together in a structured, intense Pinot that needs at least another year or two in barrel for the tannins to soften. This is an impressive showing.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $58
Sandhi Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir, Sta Rita Hills 2012 750ML ($69.95) Was $59 Now $49, 5 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93+ points “Showing a streamlined, focused and straight feel, the 2012 Pinot Noir Sanford and & Benedict knocks it out of the park with its nose of underbrush, rose petal, red berry and cranberry-slanted aromatics. Still tight on the palate, it has a serious core of fruit and will benefit from another year in bottle and drink nicely through 2020.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.99
The average price is $64
Sanford Winery La Rinconada Pinot Noir, Sta Rita Hills 2010 750ML ($69.95) $39 special, 3 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(50% new French oak): Bright ruby. Sexy, oak-accented aromas of blackberry, vanilla and licorice, with a smoky overtone. Offers deep cherry and dark berry flavors on the palate, with a bitter chocolate nuance gaining strength with air. This rich but lively pinot finishes sweet and long, with fine-grained tannins building slowly.” JR
This is by far the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.99
Sanford Winery Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills 2009 750ML ($49.95) Was $24 Now $21.90, 36+ bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 88 points “Ruby-red. Dried cherry and redcurrant on the pungent, spice-accented nose. Taut and focused on entry, then sweeter and fleshier in the mid-palate, offering juicy red fruit flavors and a touch of medicinal herbs. Dusty tannins give grip to the finish, which features a refreshing jolt of bitter cherry.” JR
This was by far the lowest
Now is by farther!
The next best price is $32.98
Poe Hudson Vineyard Pinot Noir, Carneros 2012 750ML ($49.95) Was $41.90 Now $36, 5 bottles available
Winemaker Notes “The Hudson Pinot Noir is by far our most feminine. The nose gives off aromas of roses and violets, sweet red berries and spice. There is a rush of raspberries, cherries, and a silky lingering texture. The beautiful acidity and luscious mouth feel linger with soft, cashmere-like tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $41.95
Poe Manchester Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Mendocino 2012 750ML ($49.95) Was $41.90 Now $36, 7 bottles available
Winemaker Note “The Manchester Ridge is earthy and wild. There is an explosive array of aromatics including pine sap, earth, fresh herbs, flowers, pie spice and berries. On the palate is dark red cherry, rhubarb, plum, spice, with a freshness and structured acidity. The finish is long and generous. The 15% whole cluster gives the wine incredible complexity and hits of fresh herbs that should be picked for the kitchen. Smelling this wine immediately takes me to the vineyard, high in a forest on the Mendocino Ridge.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $48
Macrostie Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2010 750ML ($34.95) Was $21.90 Now $18, 8 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Editor’s Choice. Deep, brooding aromas of forest floor mark this dramatic Pinot. It suggests wild, woodland raspberries, pine needles, balsam, cola and earthy mushrooms. Dry and modest in alcohol, it’s a skillful interpretation of a difficult, cool vintage. Nice to drink now, and will age for at least six years.” WE
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $19.99
Evening Land Silver Label ‘Occidental Coast’ Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2009 750ML ($119.95) Was $89 Now $79, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2009 Pinot Noir Occidental is gorgeous. Sweet, silky tannins frame an expressive core of fruit in this refined, subtle wine. The finish is refined and haunting. Shatter was a big issue here in 2009 and lowered yields significantly, but the positive side of that is that the wine has more than enough stuffing to handle its 100% new French oak with grace. This is a striking wine from Evening Land. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.”WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $94
Byron Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2012 750ML ($19.95) Was $11.90 Now $9.90, 36+ bottles available
Wine Spectator “There’s plenty to admire here, starting with a firm mix of red berry, gravelly earth, black licorice, herb and cedar notes. Dries out a bit on the finish. Drink now through 2020.”
Wine Enthusiast “Sage and pomegranate form the fragrant nose on this wine from the Santa Maria Valley’s longtime producer Byron, now owned by the Jackson Family Wines. It is still made by Jonathan Nagy, who’s been there since 2001.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $19
Kalin Cellars Cuvee DD Sonoma Pinot Noir, Alexander Valley 1999 750ML ($44.95) Was $39 Now $33, 15 bottles available
Winery note “The grape source is Demostene Ranch located in the Alexander Valley. The vineyard is the oldest Pinot Noir plantation in this region, and was established with a clone which produces small berries and low yields. The soil is a mixture of clay, silt and limestone. The vineyard is dry farmed and within one mile of the Russian River. Characteristics: Demostene Ranch traditionally produces intense wines which possess exceptional fruit definition, combined with a richly textured palate and great length of finish. The particular vineyard characteristics are reminiscent of violets, wild red fruits (cassis and cherries), exotic oriental spices, sous-bois, etc.”
Landmark Vineyards Grand Detour Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2009 375ML ($24.95) $16 special, half-bottles available
Wine Advocate 89 points “The medium dark ruby-colored 2009 Pinot Noir Grand Detour is an intensely fragrant, super spicy effort offering notes of incense, spice box, herbs and Chinese black tea. The distinctive, super-sized aromatics give way to a classic palate revealing flavors of black cherry and berry fruit, silky tannins, decent acidity and a spicy, soft, round finish. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years. Given the overwhelming aromatics, this could be a controversial wine, but its classic flavors should prevail with most Pinot lovers.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Belle Glos ‘Meiomi’ Pinot Noir 2013 750ML ($21.95) Was $19, Now $16, 36+ bottles available
Wine Spectator 92 points “Offers an exciting interplay of berry, oak, earth and spice notes. This is rich yet medium-weight, with subtle edges to the blueberry, raspberry, mocha and fresh-turned earth flavors, ending with a tasty melted black licorice aftertaste. Drink now through 2020. 317,592 cases made.” JL
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Spotlight on Burgundy
Nuits-St-Georges & Henri Gouges
“It is whilst still on the vine that a fine wine matures…” –Gouges family maxim
Producing wines from some of the most famous vineyard sites in the Nuits-Saint-Georges, this eighty-year old family estate is widely considered the top producer in the area. The Domaine was founded by Henri Gouges, who was known for being a leader against fraud and one of the individuals in charge of delineating Burgundy crus. Today, the domaine is headed by his grandsons Christian and Pierre. The vineyards are all low-yielding, with average vine age of between 30-40 years old. The vineyards are planted with grass between rows to help force the vines to dig deep roots. Production averages around 3,000 cases per year. The wines call for cellaring. The house style has moved from dense and long-lived in the 40s and 50s, to light in the 70s and 80s, and back toward a more powerful and structured style today. The grapes are completed destemmed and see only a tiny amount of new oak during aging.
Domaine Henri Gouges Clos des Porrets Monopole Blanc, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 6 bottles available
VinopolNote: This white wine is produced from a white mutation of Pinot Noir discovered and propagated by the Domaine, known as Pinot Gouges.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $94
Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges 2011 750ML ($69.95) $39 special, 14 bottles available
Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges 2011 375ML ($39.95) $33 special, 6 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 87-89 points “Good bright, deep red. Strong animal reduction along with black and red fruits on the nose. Silky and supple for a Nuits villages owing to ripe acidity, with a lovely restrained sweetness to its dark fruit flavors. Finishes with suave tannins and good breadth and length. Very nicely balanced.” ST
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $59
Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 12 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 89-91 points “The 2012 Nuits St. Georges is utterly exquisite. Sweet floral and spice notes lift out of the glass, followed by a host of blue/black fruits, spices, mint and licorice. The flavors are classic Nuits but the villages is surprisingly weightless, aromatic and polished. I especially like the freshness of the finish.” AG
Domaine Henri Gouges Clos des Porrets Monopole, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($89.95) $55 special, 31 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 90 points “Bright medium red. Liqueur-like aromas of cherry and raspberry. Sweet red fruit and spice flavors are lifted by notes of rose petal, herbs and pepper. Has the freshness and balance to give early pleasure. Finishes with lingering pepper-and-spice perfume and very good length.” ST
Domaine Henri Gouges Clos des Porrets Monopole, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 6 bottles available
Domaine Henri Gouges Clos des Porrets Monopole, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 375ML ($59.95) $49 special, 5 half-bottles available
Antonio Galloni 92-94+ points “The 2012 Nuits St. Georges Clos des Porrets Saint-Georges is beautifully round and supple. Here the fruit is distinctly red-toned, with hints of iron, earthiness, smoke and tobacco that add complexity. The 2012 will be highly appealing young because of its pure density, but it also appears to have the stuffing to age well for a number of years. This is a great showing from Gouges.” AG
The half-bottle is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Henri Gouges Les Chaignots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2010 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 24 bottles available
John Gilman 92 points “I did not have a chance to really taste the 2010 Chaignots out of barrel in November of 2011, as the wine was quite reduced and in need of a racking at the time of my visit. A year later, I was very happy to revisit the wine out of bottle and see that it was very promising, offering up a youthful and classy bouquet of black cherries, gamebirds, woodsmoke, a beautiful base of soil and a fine topnote of fresh herbs. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very pure, with laser-like focus, a sappy core of fruit, tangy acids and a very long, suavely tannic and still very closed finish. This will want most of the decade to blossom in bottle, but it is destined to be a great vintage of Chaignots from the Gouges family. 2020-2070.”
Stephen Tanzer 91+ points “Palish red. Redcurrant, cherry, spices, minerals and a whiff of game on the nose. Sweet, silky and fairly deep, offering a fine-grained texture and very good energy and intensity to its red fruit flavors. This juicy, bright premier cru relies as much on its acids as on its tannins for balance and structure. Finishes subtle and long. Half of these vines were replanted in 1986 following the 1985 frost, and so this wine has been getting better and better in recent vintages, noted Gregory Gouges.” ST
Domaine Henri Gouges Les Chaignots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 1 bottle available
Stephen Tanzer 89-91 points “Bright medium red. Precise aromas and flavors of blackberry, violet, licorice, minerals and musky chocolate. Juicy and sharply delineated, with noteworthy intensity of flavor. Spreads out nicely and vibrates on the long, firm finish.” ST
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Henri Gouges Les Chaignots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 12 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 89-91 points “Beams of bright acidity and minerality run through the 2012 Nuits St. Georges Les Chaignots. Freshly cut flowers, mint, dark raspberries and chalk flow effortlessly. This is a decidedly vertical Nuits built on energy. The style is a bit compact, but pretty all the same.” AG
Domaine Henri Gouges Les Chenes Carteaux, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2010 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 19 bottles available
John Gilman 92 points “The 2010 Chênes Carteaux from the Gouges family is a beautiful example of this underrated terroir and the 2010 version should prove to be one of the finest ever produced here by the domaine. The nascently complex bouquet is still youthful, but all the inherent elegance of the vintage are very much in evidence here, as the wine delivers a lovely, vibrant mélange of black cherries, pomegranate, saddle leather, a touch of stems, venison, nutskin, a beautiful base of soil tones and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and sappy at the core, with very suave, ripe tannins, great focus and grip, blossoming complexity and a very long, classy finish. This will be a very elegant vintage of Chênes Carteaux in the fullness of time, but this wine still needs at least another eight to ten years of bottle age to really start to hit on all cylinders. 2023-2060.” JG
Domaine Henri Gouges Les Chenes Carteaux, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 32 bottles available
Burghound 89-92 points “A discreet touch of wood surround the ripe and well-layered mix of red berry fruit scents that are liberally laced with earth and underbrush nuances. There is good ripeness to the suave, even seductive middle weight flavors that possess really lovely depth on the persistent, balanced and harmonious finish. This is really quite good and worth considering.” BH
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Domaine Henri Gouges Les Chenes Carteaux, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 8 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 90-92 points “Blue and purple fruit, smoke, licorice, violets and cloves flesh out in the 2012 Nuits St. Georges Les Chênes Carteaux. This is an especially round, supple Chênes Carteaux with tons of near and medium-term appeal. The round, silky finish is polished and beautifully resonant, all of which suggest the 2012 will drink better earlier than some of the other wines in this range.” AG
Stephen Tanzer 90-92 points “Bright, full red. Red cherry and smoke on the nose. Juicy, vinous and fine-grained but also with good volume to the sweet red fruit flavors. Lovely peppery acidity gives lift to the wine. Finishes with pliant tannins and excellent saline persistence. Nicely concentrated wine from the south side of the village.” ST
Domaine Henri Gouges Les Pruliers, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 19 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Bright medium red. Reticent high-toned aromas of slightly jammy red fruits and earth. Sweet and ripe; richer and deeper than the Porrets Saint-Georges, with silky red cherry, currant and spice flavors enlivened by pungent peppery acidity. Nicely balanced, round wine with good buffering extract.” ST
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Domaine Henri Gouges Les Pruliers, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 7 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 93-96 points “Gouge’s 2012 Nuits St. Georges Les Pruliers is less immediate than some of the other wines in the range. Here it is the crystalline purity of the aromas and flavors that stands out most. Violets, plums, licorice, sweet spices and tar are all woven together in a wine that shows the finesse Nuits can at times achieve. The tannins are firm yet also impeccable in their silkiness. Structurally quite classic, the 2012 will reward cellaring.” AG
John Gilman 94 points “Out of bottle, the 2012 les Pruliers is even more beautiful than it was out of cask and is clearly destined to be one of the finest vintages of this cuvée chez Gouges in the last quarter century. The nose is currently quite reserved, but deep and extremely promising in its mélange of cassis, black cherries, dark soil tones, French roast, venison and woodsmoke. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with excellent focus and balance, impressive, nascent complexity, ripe, seamless tannins and a very, very long, soil-driven and quite refined (particularly for young Pruliers!) finish. All this outstanding wine needs is time in the cellar. 2012-2060+.” JG
Domaine Henri Gouges Les Vaucrains, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2005 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 12 bottles available
Burghound 93 points –Outstanding–“Extremely primary yet multi-dimensional black fruit and earthy aromas introduce rich, full and massive flavors that are powerful, robust and muscled with so much mid-palate sap that the extremely firm tannic spine is almost, if not completely masked. However, as it always does, the tannins will come out with time and I expect that this will always have a certain chewy quality and will require more than a decade of time in bottle to really begin to round out. Wonderful potential but for the very patient.” BH
Domaine Henri Gouges Les Vaucrains, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($169.95) $149 special, 6 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 95-97 points “The 2012 Nuits St. Georges Les Vaucrains explodes onto the palate with a heady melange of dark red berries, freshly cut roses, cinnamon and new leather. The tannins are there, but they are nearly buried by the intensity of the fruit. The sheer luxuriousness of the fruit will tempt readers early, but those who can wait will be rewarded with an extraordinary Burgundy. This is a great showing.” AG
Domaine Henri Gouges Les Saint-Georges, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($219.95) $199 special, 8 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 95-97+ points “A dark, brooding wine, the 2012 Nuits St. Georges Les Saint-Georges boasts stunning depth, power and richness. Smoke, black fruit, tar, tobacco, licorice and menthol all take shape in the glass. The 2012 is classic Saint Georges; explosive, tannic and built for the long haul. Cloves, menthol, licorice and plums reappear on the huge, enveloping finish. Readers who can find the 2012 should not hesitate. It is a gem of a wine.” AG
John Gilman 96 points “The 2012 Les St. Georges from the Gouges family is a great, great wine in the making and is likely to vie with the stellar 2010 version as one of the finest recent vintages of this wine in many decades. The deep, pure and youthfully complex nose soars from the glass in a blaze of black cherries, cassis, dark and complex soil tones, incipient notes of the pigeon to come, woodsmoke, espresso and a touch of violet in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with stellar soil signature, laser-like focus, suave, ripe tannins and a very long, primary and oh, so promising finish. This is simply a perfectly balanced young vintage of Les St. Georges and will be a legend in the fullness of time! 2024-2075.” JG
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