In This Newsletter:
Arnaud Lambert
Trending
Grape of the Week: Melon (Muscadet)
Multitudes of Magnums: Champagne Edition
Arnaud Lambert
Shop our 85 Loire Valley selections now!
Elite Cabernet from the US & France!
Grape of the Week:
Melon de Bourgogne
Multitude of Magnums:
Champagne Edition
Shop all of our in-stock French magnums!
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Arnaud Lambert
Trending
Grape of the Week: Melon (Muscadet)
Multitudes of Magnums: Champagne Edition
Arnaud Lambert
Arnaud Lambert makes being one of the most important producers in the coveted Saumur wines regions of Brézé and Saint-Cyr-En-Bourg look easy. While the famous (and infamously expensive) Clos Rougeard’s cult classic blanc comes from Brézé, Lambert offers us access to this special place without the three-digit entry fee.
Brézé is geologically diverse, but characterized by the airy limestone that dots the finest vineyards in this part of the Loire. The wines, therefore, have a mineral-edge and delicate tone to them that’s unique.
By contrast, Saint-Cyr-En-Bourg has more clay in the topsoil, which produces wines of more overt power and structure. Both the reds and whites here seem to have an earthiness and weight about them that sets them apart from their Brézé neighbors.
No matter which bottling you pick, the wines are standouts. Lambert is a master at letting the terroir shine through. The whites have elegance, texture and poise, while the reds offer that classic combination of Saumur weight and polish.
So, don’t assume the quality means you’ll have to mortgage the house to explore the whole range. These are as famous for their quality as much as their value.
In Stock Now from Arnaud Lambert:
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Arnaud Lambert Cremant de Loire NV 750ml $21.90 special, 25 bottles in stock now
50% Chardonnay / 50% Chenin blanc
Importer Note “Vine Age: Planted in 1990. Terroir: From the Clos of the Chāteau, 60 cm deep silt and clay sand soil on a soft Turonian limestone bedrock. Viticulture: Organic (certified). Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation. Aged for 24 months.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Arnaud Lambert Domaine de Saint-Just Cremant de Loire ‘1948 Yves Lambert’ 2020 750ml $39 special, 23 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: 100 Percent Chenin Blanc from 70 year old vines grown in clay and limestone. The winemaking practice is ‘method traditional,’ and was aged in oak barrels with 32 months of aging on lees, with zero dosage. Drink now or age for 4-8 years. Compliments seafood platters or a charcuterie board.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Arnaud Lambert Cremant de Loire Rosé NV 750ml $21.90 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “100% Cabernet Franc.”
Becky Wasserman Note “Vine Age: Planted in 1981. Terroir: Lower part of the Clos du Midi, silty sand soil on 1 meter of soft Turonian limestone bedrock. Viticulture: Organic (certified). Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation, traditional Champagne method. Aged for 24 months.”
Arnaud Lambert Brézé Saumur Blanc Clos de Midi 2023 750ml $23.50 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Size: 8.0 ha (19.76 ac). Variety: Chenin Blanc. Vine Age: Planted between 1985 and 2017. Terroir: From Brézé, south and east-facing, 70 cm deep silty-sandy-clay topsoil on softer Turonian limestone rock. Viticulture: Organic (certified), average yields of 45 hL/ha. Vinification: Pressed with whole clusters, fermented with a cultured yeast from the vineyard, 2-3-week fermentation and aging for 9 months, 70% in steel tank and 30% in concrete eggs, spontaneous and partial malolactic conversion (0-30%), SO2 added after malolactic conversion and before bottling (50-70 ppm total), filtered, stored in bottles for 3-9 months before release.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arnaud Lambert Brézé Saumur Blanc Clos David 2021 750ml $41.90 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “The wine starts out aromatically expressing the magic that limestone seems to impart to its wines. Pure and striking fruits, like sweet lime, meyer lemon with lemon curd, exotic spice and flint dart out of the glass and into the nose. If you can manage to keep it in the glass for a couple of hours of slow observation and drinking, the wine will take you on a rollercoaster of highs that seem only to climber higher with every passing minute. Acidity? More than you can imagine but somehow it presents itself gently on the finish after a somewhat overwhelming initial attack from the first sip.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arnaud Lambert Brézé Saumur Rouge Clos Tue Loup 2021 750ml $34 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Clos du Tue-Loup lands squarely in the ethereal department of Cabernet Franc, and while there are many examples of this grape that try to make up for their lack of noble terroir, Arnaud works to let Brézé do most of the speaking for the wine.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arnaud Lambert Brézé Saumur Rouge Clos Mazurique 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “There are few wines in the world that carry this level of class, sophistication and low price. Straight out of the gates this Cabernet Franc overflows with perfumes of red and dark cherry, persian mulberry, persimmon, mandarin orange, strongly-scented red and white flowers, gravel, wet forest and minerals. Yes, this little guy is extremely complex!”
Brézé is geologically diverse, but characterized by the airy limestone that dots the finest vineyards in this part of the Loire. The wines, therefore, have a mineral-edge and delicate tone to them that’s unique.
By contrast, Saint-Cyr-En-Bourg has more clay in the topsoil, which produces wines of more overt power and structure. Both the reds and whites here seem to have an earthiness and weight about them that sets them apart from their Brézé neighbors.
No matter which bottling you pick, the wines are standouts. Lambert is a master at letting the terroir shine through. The whites have elegance, texture and poise, while the reds offer that classic combination of Saumur weight and polish.
So, don’t assume the quality means you’ll have to mortgage the house to explore the whole range. These are as famous for their quality as much as their value.
In Stock Now from Arnaud Lambert:
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Arnaud Lambert Cremant de Loire NV 750ml $21.90 special, 25 bottles in stock now
50% Chardonnay / 50% Chenin blanc
Importer Note “Vine Age: Planted in 1990. Terroir: From the Clos of the Chāteau, 60 cm deep silt and clay sand soil on a soft Turonian limestone bedrock. Viticulture: Organic (certified). Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation. Aged for 24 months.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Arnaud Lambert Domaine de Saint-Just Cremant de Loire ‘1948 Yves Lambert’ 2020 750ml $39 special, 23 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: 100 Percent Chenin Blanc from 70 year old vines grown in clay and limestone. The winemaking practice is ‘method traditional,’ and was aged in oak barrels with 32 months of aging on lees, with zero dosage. Drink now or age for 4-8 years. Compliments seafood platters or a charcuterie board.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Arnaud Lambert Cremant de Loire Rosé NV 750ml $21.90 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “100% Cabernet Franc.”
Becky Wasserman Note “Vine Age: Planted in 1981. Terroir: Lower part of the Clos du Midi, silty sand soil on 1 meter of soft Turonian limestone bedrock. Viticulture: Organic (certified). Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation, traditional Champagne method. Aged for 24 months.”
Arnaud Lambert Brézé Saumur Blanc Clos de Midi 2023 750ml $23.50 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Size: 8.0 ha (19.76 ac). Variety: Chenin Blanc. Vine Age: Planted between 1985 and 2017. Terroir: From Brézé, south and east-facing, 70 cm deep silty-sandy-clay topsoil on softer Turonian limestone rock. Viticulture: Organic (certified), average yields of 45 hL/ha. Vinification: Pressed with whole clusters, fermented with a cultured yeast from the vineyard, 2-3-week fermentation and aging for 9 months, 70% in steel tank and 30% in concrete eggs, spontaneous and partial malolactic conversion (0-30%), SO2 added after malolactic conversion and before bottling (50-70 ppm total), filtered, stored in bottles for 3-9 months before release.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arnaud Lambert Brézé Saumur Blanc Clos David 2021 750ml $41.90 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “The wine starts out aromatically expressing the magic that limestone seems to impart to its wines. Pure and striking fruits, like sweet lime, meyer lemon with lemon curd, exotic spice and flint dart out of the glass and into the nose. If you can manage to keep it in the glass for a couple of hours of slow observation and drinking, the wine will take you on a rollercoaster of highs that seem only to climber higher with every passing minute. Acidity? More than you can imagine but somehow it presents itself gently on the finish after a somewhat overwhelming initial attack from the first sip.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arnaud Lambert Brézé Saumur Rouge Clos Tue Loup 2021 750ml $34 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Clos du Tue-Loup lands squarely in the ethereal department of Cabernet Franc, and while there are many examples of this grape that try to make up for their lack of noble terroir, Arnaud works to let Brézé do most of the speaking for the wine.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arnaud Lambert Brézé Saumur Rouge Clos Mazurique 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “There are few wines in the world that carry this level of class, sophistication and low price. Straight out of the gates this Cabernet Franc overflows with perfumes of red and dark cherry, persian mulberry, persimmon, mandarin orange, strongly-scented red and white flowers, gravel, wet forest and minerals. Yes, this little guy is extremely complex!”
Shop our 85 Loire Valley selections now!
Elite Cabernet from the US & France!
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Arnot-Roberts Fellom Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains 2016 750ml $119 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fellom Ranch is sensual and nuanced, with tremendous textural finesse. Over the last few years, Duncan Arnot and Nathan Roberts seem to have given this wine an extra degree of elegance – especially in the tannins – that other vintages did not always show. Time in the glass brings out a range of floral, earthy, spiced and cedary notes that are typical of Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernets, along with layers of dimension that flesh out effortlessly.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cadence Winery Camerata Cara Mia Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2016 750ml $69 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Top 100 Cellar Selection – Wine Enthusiast
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “This wine is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc. Distinctive aromas of black cherry, graphite, dark raspberry, fresh herb, flower and scorched earth lead to a fresh, flavorful palate packed with fine-grained structured tannins. An extended finish ups the interest. Give it at least 24 hours to decant if drinking in the near term. Best after 2025.”
Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ml $549 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Decanter 100 points “One of the most legendary vineyards in the Napa Valley, the Eisele Vineyard was purchased by François Pinault of Château Latour in Pauillac in the Médoc, Bordeaux from the Araujo family which had owned it for 23 years (from 1990 to 2013). The winemaking is now in the hands of 41-year-old winemaker Hélène Mingot. For this vintage, Hélène used only rockiest blocks planted in shallow soils near Simmons Creek.”
Chateau Leoville Barton, Saint-Julien 2018 750ml $135 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “Cassis, crushed plum and steeped blackberry fruit is all packed into this wine, along with tar, violet and roasted apple wood notes, plus a terrific tug of warm earth. Shows lots of energy in reserve, with a tightly knit finish pulling everything together. Cellaring required. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2040. 11,600 cases made. — JM”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2021 750ml $119 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The classic 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from this reference point estate checks in as 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Malbec raised 22 months in once-filled oak and neutral oval botti. Its vivid purple hue is followed by a perfumed, youthful bouquet of cassis and blue fruits that give way to more graphite, chalky minerality, violets, and spicy oak. It’s deep, rich, and medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a gorgeous mid-palate, ripe, building, polished tannins, and fabulous length on the finish. This absolutely brilliant Cabernet Sauvignon needs to be forgotten for 2-4 years and will evolve gracefully over the following two decades. It’s another sensational wine from the talents of Chris Figgins.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Château Léoville Poyferré, Saint-Julien 2014 750ml $99 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2014 Léoville Poyferré is gorgeous. Dark, sumptuous and ample on the palate, it possesses remarkable depth. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, scorched earth, licorice and menthol all flesh out as this radiant, deeply expressive wine shows off its considerable pedigree. The 2014 is going to need time to fully come together, but it is super-impressive. Tasted two times.”
Château Léoville Poyferré, Saint-Julien 2016 750ml $149 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Decanter 98 points “Relatively closed right now, as are all the St-Juliens, this takes time to open in the glass but does so to reveal lots of northern Médoc character in the liquorice and brambly fruit puree, with touches of caramel and sweet cassis. It’s hewn out of slate boulders with layers of tannin – a lovely construction that’s deepened even further during ageing. 2% Cabernet Franc finishes the blend. Matured in 80% new oak. Michel Rolland consults. Drinking Window 2024 – 2040.”
Chateau Malescot Saint Exupéry, Margaux 2018 750ml $89 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2018 Malescot Saint Exupéry is every bit as compelling as it was from barrel. Powerful and incisive, the 2018 is a driving, potent Margaux that dazzles from the first taste. Iron, smoke, new leather, licorice, pressed rose petal and cedar all open in the glass, conveying tremendous nuance and a ton of character.”
Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac 2018 750ml $279 special, 17 bottles in stock now
#2 Wine Spectator – Wine of the Year in 2021
Wine Spectator 98 points “Offers a deep well of dark currant, blackberry paste and plum preserves fruit that needs time to unwind fully, as it’s shrouded in warm earth, tobacco, singed cedar, sweet bay leaf and savory notes. A ramrod of graphite adds to the strident, structured feel. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2030 through 2050. 13,000 cases made. — JM”
Arnot-Roberts Fellom Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains 2016 750ml $119 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fellom Ranch is sensual and nuanced, with tremendous textural finesse. Over the last few years, Duncan Arnot and Nathan Roberts seem to have given this wine an extra degree of elegance – especially in the tannins – that other vintages did not always show. Time in the glass brings out a range of floral, earthy, spiced and cedary notes that are typical of Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernets, along with layers of dimension that flesh out effortlessly.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cadence Winery Camerata Cara Mia Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2016 750ml $69 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Top 100 Cellar Selection – Wine Enthusiast
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “This wine is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc. Distinctive aromas of black cherry, graphite, dark raspberry, fresh herb, flower and scorched earth lead to a fresh, flavorful palate packed with fine-grained structured tannins. An extended finish ups the interest. Give it at least 24 hours to decant if drinking in the near term. Best after 2025.”
Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ml $549 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Decanter 100 points “One of the most legendary vineyards in the Napa Valley, the Eisele Vineyard was purchased by François Pinault of Château Latour in Pauillac in the Médoc, Bordeaux from the Araujo family which had owned it for 23 years (from 1990 to 2013). The winemaking is now in the hands of 41-year-old winemaker Hélène Mingot. For this vintage, Hélène used only rockiest blocks planted in shallow soils near Simmons Creek.”
Chateau Leoville Barton, Saint-Julien 2018 750ml $135 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “Cassis, crushed plum and steeped blackberry fruit is all packed into this wine, along with tar, violet and roasted apple wood notes, plus a terrific tug of warm earth. Shows lots of energy in reserve, with a tightly knit finish pulling everything together. Cellaring required. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2040. 11,600 cases made. — JM”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2021 750ml $119 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The classic 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from this reference point estate checks in as 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Malbec raised 22 months in once-filled oak and neutral oval botti. Its vivid purple hue is followed by a perfumed, youthful bouquet of cassis and blue fruits that give way to more graphite, chalky minerality, violets, and spicy oak. It’s deep, rich, and medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a gorgeous mid-palate, ripe, building, polished tannins, and fabulous length on the finish. This absolutely brilliant Cabernet Sauvignon needs to be forgotten for 2-4 years and will evolve gracefully over the following two decades. It’s another sensational wine from the talents of Chris Figgins.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Château Léoville Poyferré, Saint-Julien 2014 750ml $99 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2014 Léoville Poyferré is gorgeous. Dark, sumptuous and ample on the palate, it possesses remarkable depth. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, scorched earth, licorice and menthol all flesh out as this radiant, deeply expressive wine shows off its considerable pedigree. The 2014 is going to need time to fully come together, but it is super-impressive. Tasted two times.”
Château Léoville Poyferré, Saint-Julien 2016 750ml $149 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Decanter 98 points “Relatively closed right now, as are all the St-Juliens, this takes time to open in the glass but does so to reveal lots of northern Médoc character in the liquorice and brambly fruit puree, with touches of caramel and sweet cassis. It’s hewn out of slate boulders with layers of tannin – a lovely construction that’s deepened even further during ageing. 2% Cabernet Franc finishes the blend. Matured in 80% new oak. Michel Rolland consults. Drinking Window 2024 – 2040.”
Chateau Malescot Saint Exupéry, Margaux 2018 750ml $89 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2018 Malescot Saint Exupéry is every bit as compelling as it was from barrel. Powerful and incisive, the 2018 is a driving, potent Margaux that dazzles from the first taste. Iron, smoke, new leather, licorice, pressed rose petal and cedar all open in the glass, conveying tremendous nuance and a ton of character.”
Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac 2018 750ml $279 special, 17 bottles in stock now
#2 Wine Spectator – Wine of the Year in 2021
Wine Spectator 98 points “Offers a deep well of dark currant, blackberry paste and plum preserves fruit that needs time to unwind fully, as it’s shrouded in warm earth, tobacco, singed cedar, sweet bay leaf and savory notes. A ramrod of graphite adds to the strident, structured feel. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2030 through 2050. 13,000 cases made. — JM”
Grape of the Week:
Melon de Bourgogne
Sadly misunderstood, Melon de Bourgogne is practically synonymous with the Loire Valley region of Muscadet. It produces one of the region’s most hauntingly beautiful and surprisingly ageworthy whites. Think of Champagne but non-sparkling: autolysis notes of brioche and bread dough alongside nutty citrus and minerals. These are superb with shellfish and ready to lighten any mood.
In Stock Now:
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The Eyrie Vineyards Melon de Bourgogne, Dundee Hills 2018 750ml $41.90 special, 13 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Straw tinge. Aromas of apricots, cloves, lemon curd and chamomile. Concentrated and textured, almost oily, with a medium body and caressing layers. Gently spicy. Kept in neutral oak for two years before bottling. From organically grown grapes. 85 cases produced. Drink now or hold.”
Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie Excelsior 2021 750ml $49 special, 10 bottles in stock now
(Not reviewed yet, 2020 vintage presented for reference)
Yohan Castaing-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2020 Excelsior was crafted from vines planted in 1936 with a massal selection on schist and mica-schist soils. Evoking aromas of herbs, smoke, lemon oil and pear, it’s fleshy and tense with excellent concentration, schist structuring extract and a long, saline finish. This well-made, forward, balanced wine will drink well right out of the gate and over the next decade.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie Le Verger 2022 750ml $24 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “100% Melon de Bourgogne, from Les Bernardières in Chapelle-Heulin. Vines planted in 1998, soil is schist bedrock. Pressed with whole clusters, ambient yeast fermentation, aged for 5-6 months in underground glass-lined tank, no racking during aging, no fining or filtration, SO2 added at bottling.”
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Clisson Cru 2022 750ml $31.90 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Clisson Cru 2022 1.5L $69 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Importer Note “100% Melon de Bourgogne. The Clisson bottling comes from a 50-100-year-old section of vines in Pepière’s core vineyard near the winery in the cru of Clisson. Besides vine age, the distinguishing factor is the granite de Clisson, a very hard, compact form of granite. The very poor top soils are decomposed granite de Clisson with very little clay and a lot of quartz and mica over hard mother rock of granite de Clisson. The farming is certified-biodynamic. The hand-harvested bunches are direct-pressed and the juice settled naturally overnight. It is then fermented spontaneously with natural yeasts and aged on its lees for a minimum of 2 years in underground vats. The wine is bottled without fining or filtering.”
In Stock Now:
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The Eyrie Vineyards Melon de Bourgogne, Dundee Hills 2018 750ml $41.90 special, 13 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Straw tinge. Aromas of apricots, cloves, lemon curd and chamomile. Concentrated and textured, almost oily, with a medium body and caressing layers. Gently spicy. Kept in neutral oak for two years before bottling. From organically grown grapes. 85 cases produced. Drink now or hold.”
Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie Excelsior 2021 750ml $49 special, 10 bottles in stock now
(Not reviewed yet, 2020 vintage presented for reference)
Yohan Castaing-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2020 Excelsior was crafted from vines planted in 1936 with a massal selection on schist and mica-schist soils. Evoking aromas of herbs, smoke, lemon oil and pear, it’s fleshy and tense with excellent concentration, schist structuring extract and a long, saline finish. This well-made, forward, balanced wine will drink well right out of the gate and over the next decade.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie Le Verger 2022 750ml $24 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “100% Melon de Bourgogne, from Les Bernardières in Chapelle-Heulin. Vines planted in 1998, soil is schist bedrock. Pressed with whole clusters, ambient yeast fermentation, aged for 5-6 months in underground glass-lined tank, no racking during aging, no fining or filtration, SO2 added at bottling.”
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Clisson Cru 2022 750ml $31.90 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Clisson Cru 2022 1.5L $69 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Importer Note “100% Melon de Bourgogne. The Clisson bottling comes from a 50-100-year-old section of vines in Pepière’s core vineyard near the winery in the cru of Clisson. Besides vine age, the distinguishing factor is the granite de Clisson, a very hard, compact form of granite. The very poor top soils are decomposed granite de Clisson with very little clay and a lot of quartz and mica over hard mother rock of granite de Clisson. The farming is certified-biodynamic. The hand-harvested bunches are direct-pressed and the juice settled naturally overnight. It is then fermented spontaneously with natural yeasts and aged on its lees for a minimum of 2 years in underground vats. The wine is bottled without fining or filtering.”
Multitude of Magnums:
Champagne Edition
In Stock Now:
This is the only listing in the USA today for the three-liter!
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature NV 3L $299 special, 9 magnums in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92+ points “[Reviewed Apr 2021] Clouet’s NV Silver Brut Nature Grand Cru is a pure Bouzy Pinot Noir that was disgorged without any dosage. This disgorgement displays a medium intense golden color and a complex and refined bouquet of ripe and pureed apples and discreet chalky as well as brioche aromas. The palate is elegant, straight and fresh, very pure and salty on the finish. This is a challenging Brut Nature that needs to be aged for two or three years to gain complexity and finesse and to smooth its current edges. The finish is mineral, limestone and salty but also a bit drying at this moment.”
Bollinger La Grande Annee Brut 2015 1.5L $419 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96 points “Bollinger’s 2015 Brut Grand Année is an intriguing wine in that is clearly reflects the decision to pick on the later side in order to avoid vegetal notes derived from the mismatch of alcoholic and phenolic ripeness. “Balance was hard to achieve in 2015,” Chef de Cave Denis Bunner notes. “At 10% in sugar, the fruit was simply not ripe. We had to wait to reach the optimal window of ripeness.” Bunner also opted to increase the Chardonnay, so the blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, as opposed to the more typical 70/30 blend, with more Verzenay than Aÿ in the Pinots. Dried citrus peel, sage, menthol, sage, tangerine peel and spice build with some coaxing. Light tropical overtones develop with aeration. There’s real density and textural richness here. This will be a fascinating vintage to follow. Stylistically, it is the complete opposite from the much more linear 2014 that precedes it. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged: May 2023. Drink: 2028-2040.”
Bereche et Fils Reflet d’Antan Brut NV (2018-base) 1.5L $849 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Importer Note “Arguably the most original of all in this lineup of singular Champagnes is the Reflet d’Antan, one-third each of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, drawn from a perpetual reserve of 600-liter barrels begun in 1985 by Raphae¨l’s and Vincent’s father, Jean- Pierre.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
Billecart-Salmon ‘Cuvee Nicolas-Francois Billecart’ Millésime 2012 1.5L $459 special, 3 magnums in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “This complex Champagne has delicious aromas of waffle cones, vanilla beans, apricots and pastry with touches of white chocolate and salted caramel. It’s electric on the palate, which is creamy yet structured and focused, with a fine bead of bubbles and a zesty, tangy backbone of acidity. Long and tense finish. 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay (all premier and grand cru), 10% of wines are vinified in oak casks. 10 years on lees. 3.8 g/L dosage. Disgorged in the second half of 2024. Drink or hold.”
Benoit Dehu Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Brut NV (2016) 1.5L $269 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The NV (2016) Cuvée La Rue des Noyers, 100% Meunier, is bright, effusive and full of energy. In 2016, the Rue des Noyers is not as overt as it can be, but instead makes its case with energy and verve more than sheer power. I find it especially distinctive and elegant. Exotic dried flowers, ginger, apricot and spice linger. There is so much to like, and also so much to look forward to as the 2016 develops in the cellar. No dosage. Disgorged: May, 2021. (Drink between 2022-2030).”
Pierre Paillard ‘Les Parcelles’ XX Bouzy Grand Cru Extra Brut NV 1.5L $145 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Kristaps Karklins-Wine Advocate 92 points “Paillard’s NV Bouzy Grand Cru Les Parcelles XX hails from the 2020 vintage and, in keeping with the tradition, incorporates 20% reserve wines. It embodies the signature blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, sourced exclusively from the sun-drenched, south-facing slopes of Bouzy. The bouquet is expressive, unfolding with aromas of pear, ripe citrus and warm spices, mingling with nuances of toasted bread and orange zest. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, showcasing a livelier, more luminous fruit profile than its predecessor, driven by racy acidity and finishing with a pronounced saline finish. True to the estate’s approach, maturation take place in 350-liter oak barrels, with the final cuvée composed from a mosaic of approximately 25 distinct parcels across Bouzy. The dosage is set at two grams per liter.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Frederic Savart Expression Premier Cru Brut Nature 2018 1.5L $475 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Importer Note “Savart’s “Expression” is Fred’s most limited wine with only 400 bottles produced. It is made from 100% old-vine Pinot Noir from the lieux-dits of Aillys, Chaillots derriere, Moutier, and Gillys where the soils are argilo-calcaire. These vineyards are not far from Le Mont des Chretiens. It is fermented in 500L barrels and ages for 10 months sur lie. It is always a single vintage and zero dosage.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the three-liter!
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature NV 3L $299 special, 9 magnums in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92+ points “[Reviewed Apr 2021] Clouet’s NV Silver Brut Nature Grand Cru is a pure Bouzy Pinot Noir that was disgorged without any dosage. This disgorgement displays a medium intense golden color and a complex and refined bouquet of ripe and pureed apples and discreet chalky as well as brioche aromas. The palate is elegant, straight and fresh, very pure and salty on the finish. This is a challenging Brut Nature that needs to be aged for two or three years to gain complexity and finesse and to smooth its current edges. The finish is mineral, limestone and salty but also a bit drying at this moment.”
Bollinger La Grande Annee Brut 2015 1.5L $419 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96 points “Bollinger’s 2015 Brut Grand Année is an intriguing wine in that is clearly reflects the decision to pick on the later side in order to avoid vegetal notes derived from the mismatch of alcoholic and phenolic ripeness. “Balance was hard to achieve in 2015,” Chef de Cave Denis Bunner notes. “At 10% in sugar, the fruit was simply not ripe. We had to wait to reach the optimal window of ripeness.” Bunner also opted to increase the Chardonnay, so the blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, as opposed to the more typical 70/30 blend, with more Verzenay than Aÿ in the Pinots. Dried citrus peel, sage, menthol, sage, tangerine peel and spice build with some coaxing. Light tropical overtones develop with aeration. There’s real density and textural richness here. This will be a fascinating vintage to follow. Stylistically, it is the complete opposite from the much more linear 2014 that precedes it. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged: May 2023. Drink: 2028-2040.”
Bereche et Fils Reflet d’Antan Brut NV (2018-base) 1.5L $849 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Importer Note “Arguably the most original of all in this lineup of singular Champagnes is the Reflet d’Antan, one-third each of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, drawn from a perpetual reserve of 600-liter barrels begun in 1985 by Raphae¨l’s and Vincent’s father, Jean- Pierre.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
Billecart-Salmon ‘Cuvee Nicolas-Francois Billecart’ Millésime 2012 1.5L $459 special, 3 magnums in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “This complex Champagne has delicious aromas of waffle cones, vanilla beans, apricots and pastry with touches of white chocolate and salted caramel. It’s electric on the palate, which is creamy yet structured and focused, with a fine bead of bubbles and a zesty, tangy backbone of acidity. Long and tense finish. 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay (all premier and grand cru), 10% of wines are vinified in oak casks. 10 years on lees. 3.8 g/L dosage. Disgorged in the second half of 2024. Drink or hold.”
Benoit Dehu Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Brut NV (2016) 1.5L $269 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The NV (2016) Cuvée La Rue des Noyers, 100% Meunier, is bright, effusive and full of energy. In 2016, the Rue des Noyers is not as overt as it can be, but instead makes its case with energy and verve more than sheer power. I find it especially distinctive and elegant. Exotic dried flowers, ginger, apricot and spice linger. There is so much to like, and also so much to look forward to as the 2016 develops in the cellar. No dosage. Disgorged: May, 2021. (Drink between 2022-2030).”
Pierre Paillard ‘Les Parcelles’ XX Bouzy Grand Cru Extra Brut NV 1.5L $145 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Kristaps Karklins-Wine Advocate 92 points “Paillard’s NV Bouzy Grand Cru Les Parcelles XX hails from the 2020 vintage and, in keeping with the tradition, incorporates 20% reserve wines. It embodies the signature blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, sourced exclusively from the sun-drenched, south-facing slopes of Bouzy. The bouquet is expressive, unfolding with aromas of pear, ripe citrus and warm spices, mingling with nuances of toasted bread and orange zest. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, showcasing a livelier, more luminous fruit profile than its predecessor, driven by racy acidity and finishing with a pronounced saline finish. True to the estate’s approach, maturation take place in 350-liter oak barrels, with the final cuvée composed from a mosaic of approximately 25 distinct parcels across Bouzy. The dosage is set at two grams per liter.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Frederic Savart Expression Premier Cru Brut Nature 2018 1.5L $475 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Importer Note “Savart’s “Expression” is Fred’s most limited wine with only 400 bottles produced. It is made from 100% old-vine Pinot Noir from the lieux-dits of Aillys, Chaillots derriere, Moutier, and Gillys where the soils are argilo-calcaire. These vineyards are not far from Le Mont des Chretiens. It is fermented in 500L barrels and ages for 10 months sur lie. It is always a single vintage and zero dosage.”
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