In This Newsletter:
Bow & Arrow
Molitor of the Day
#Trending Southern Hemisphere Wines
Grape of the Week: Barbera
Bow & Arrow
Bow & Arrow Rosé of Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley 2024 750ml $21.90 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “This year’s rosé is a short maceration of Gamay from the organically farmed Rooker Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Natural as can be! It’s a stainless steel fermented study on wet rocks and perhaps a border skirmish between watemelon Jolly Ranchers and Grapefruit Jarritos. Unyeasted, unfiltered, unfined and unmanipulated. Only made in years that lend themselves to making quality rose. Our smallest production.”
Bow & Arrow Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winemaker Note “The spiritual heart of red wine production at Bow & Arrow. The first “Loire” red variety I ever got my hands on so I’m 13 vintages in wrestling with this chameleon grape. I tilted towards sappy and serious the last few years and decided to course correct back to highlighting the innate fruit character of Gamay with this iteration. Juicy red fruits with a touch of grip as my faves tend to do it.”
Bow & Arrow Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2022 750ml $21.90 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Winemaker Note “The style I have been pursuing came into clearer focus the past year as I have become more and more charmed by the fresher, youthful expressions of Pinot coming out of Burgundy from the “next gen” of young producers. There’s more whole cluster and red fruit character for sure.”
VinopolPick: I think this is the best pinot noir I’ve had at this price. With cherry, wet stone, and earthy notes with great acidity this is everything I love about Oregon wine. The quality is superb. This is the kind of wine I always have stashed away for social emergencies.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Shop our 191 in-stock Oregon selections now!
Molitor of the Day
#Trending Southern Hemisphere Wines
Barr-Eden Estate ‘Dreams of Gold’ Mengler’s Hill Shiraz, Eden Valley, Australia 2020 750ml Was $39, Now $33, 12 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 90 points “A new addition to the lineup, the 2020 Dreams of Gold Shiraz comes from relatively young vines, planted in 1997 and 2013. Aged in older French oak, it boasts scents of “Eden Valley garrigue”—notes that suggest eucalyptus, bay leaf and wild thyme—set against a backdrop of blueberries. Less intense and concentrated than the other bottlings, it’s still medium to full-bodied, suave and silky in feel, with a clean, mouthwatering finish and a soft dusting of tannins. Barr-Eden Estate is the new name for the Love Over Gold partnership between Tim Howser, Joel Mattschoss, Pierre-Henri Morel and Michael Twelftree. Morel is the general manager of Two Hands and Howser and Twelftree are owners of Two Hands, while Mattschoss is a grape grower, with vines on Mengler’s Hill.”
Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Australia 2021 750ml $79 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “Fragrant and expressive, with polished, creamy tannins setting the stage for blueberry, raspberry and cardamom flavors. Delivers details of palo santo, brown sugar, dried violet and sweet mint tea on the long, impressive finish. Drink now through 2034. 922 cases made, 200 cases imported.”
Superuco ‘Calcareo’ Coluvio de Altamira Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley, Argentina 2020 750ml $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Superuco ‘Calcareo’ Coluvio de Altamira Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley, Argentina 2020 750ml $228 special (that’s only $19/bottle!)
Joaquin Hidalgo-Vinous 94 points “The 2020 Cabernet Franc Calcáreo Coluvio, from Altamira in the Uco Valley, is garnet red in color. The nose consists of ash, green pepper, blackcurrant and hints of sour cherry. Delivering full-bodied flavor in the mouth, with sour cherry especially prominent on the palate, it grows more vigorous and light-footed as it goes on with good freshness and a hint of chalk. The alcohol lends structure. The 2020 is an unusual wine in that it’s both ripe and very fresh. Drink: 2022-2034.”
Veramonte Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley, Chile 2019 750ml $13.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery Note “A good harvest in the Colchagua Valley, with favorable weather conditions that, despite the scarcity of precipitation, gave us a good ripening curve. Harvest began during the projected timeframe and delivers intense fruit with great balance between the acidity and the tannins. Leading a structured and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, with a smooth finish.”
Zorzal Gran Terroir Malbec, Gualtallary, Argentina 2022 750ml $21.90 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “This hand harvested, single vineyard wine, from Gualtallary is 100% Malbec and spends 12 months in French oak barrels. A large nose of blueberry, blackberry, vanilla, and smoky tobacco leads to a big and bold palate of fig newtons, dry leaves, dark chocolate, and powdered sugar. The finish lasts with big, smooth tannins and fruit galore.”
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine, Constantia, South Africa 2018 500ml $79 special, 11 500ml-bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 97 points “Classic and expressive with seductive aromas of marmalade and honeysuckle, the 2020 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine is fresh, balanced and complex, offering a delightful lift from 60% new oak. Clocking in at 13.5% alcohol, the palate displays a harmonious balance between fruit sweetness and energetic acidity. It has layers of complexity with impeccable breadth and depth. It may be one of the finest expressions of Vin de Constance to date, and it ends with succulent flavors of apricots, saffron, quince paste and sweet candied citrus tones over the long, ever-evolving finish. Aged for a year and a half in 50% new Hungarian and French oak barrels, followed by an additional year and a half of large format wooden foudre, only the best lots end up being selected for the final blend. Bravo! Run, don’t walk to buy this world-class sweet wine to put in your cellar!”
Grape of the Week:
Barbera
Cappellano Gabutti Barbera d’Alba 2021 750ml $59 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous “Many years ago Baldo Cappellano asked me not to score his wines, so all Cappellano wines show up on our database as NR. “The 2021 Barbera d’Alba marries juicy dark fruit with quite a bit of supporting structure. Black cherry, gravel, menthol, licorice, spice and mocha build nicely. The 2021 is deep and mysterious, but also a bit rustic in its contours, with less finesse than is typical of the estate Barbera here. Many years ago Baldo Cappellano asked me not to score his wines, so all Cappellano wines show.”
Giacomo Conterno Vigna Cerretta Barbera d’Alba 2022 750ml $89 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2022 Barbera d’Alba Vigna Cerretta is superb. Dark, ample and expressive, the 2022 is irresistible. Succulent black cherry, lavender, menthol, licorice, hard candy and new leather fill out the layers. This really blossoms nicely in the glass, showing the best this tricky vintage had to offer.”
Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio Scudetto Barbera d’Alba Superiore 2021 750ml $59 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Vineyard: Scudetto® is downside the Chapel of Santo Stefano of Perno, in the commune of Monforte d’Alba (CN). Grape Harvest: Beginning of October. Wine-making process: Traditional-style, floating cap fermentation of estate-grown grapes for 15/20 days. The wine is then matured in medium-sized oak barrels for few months or sometimes stabilized in inert tank. Expected cellar life: 10/15 years. Bottling: After three years following the vintage. Tasting notes: Colour: deep ruby-red, tending to purplish; Nose: fruity aroma of ripe grapes, intense, varietal; Taste: powerful stuffing and excellent body, well-balanced, varietal character.”
G.D. Vajra Barbera d’Alba 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 90 points “The 2023 Barbera d’Alba is packed with succulent dark red fruit. Plush, silky contours add to its immediacy and overall appeal. Plum, mocha and cedar build into the soft, succulent finish.”
G.D. Vajra Viola delle Viole Barbera d’Alba Superiore 2021 750ml $31.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “I’m told that this is probably the last vintage in which the 2021 Barbera d’Alba Superiore Viola delle Viole will carry the name Viola delle Viole. In yet another unfortunate nod to climate change, Barbera vines suffer from the floral disease Flavescence dorée that causes the plants to shut down and the fruit to remain unripened. Barbera, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the most hard-hit by the sickness. Freisa and Nebbiolo are resistant, and those varieties are planted around the rims of vineyards today as a protective barrier. As a result, Barbera vines in Bricco delle Viole (one of two sites present in this blend, the other being Bricco Bertone outside the Barolo area) were taken out. Barbera tends to produce wines with high alcohol, but the Vajra team prefers to reach optimal fruit maturity and is less concerned about alcohol. The grape always has high acidity, but that is “a problem that is going away on its own,” says Isidoro Vaira. Bricco delle Viole gives the wine its floral aromas and Bricco Bertone adds a sweet almond-like flavor. There is a seven- to eight-day harvest difference between the two sites. This wine ages in large oak casks for 16 months.”
Bow & Arrow
Molitor of the Day
#Trending Southern Hemisphere Wines
Grape of the Week: Barbera
Bow & Arrow
Scott Frank makes wines that are vibrant, fresh and delicious in a truly old-world fashion. There’s a liveliness that can often be lacking from domestic wines, making them compulsively drinkable. Bonus points for the fact that these are affordable, too.
We often see wines from the U.S. marketed as ‘dupes of affordable French quaffers, but priced well north of their supposed peers. With Bow & Arrow, though, we’re pleased as punch that a delicious local wine is cheaper than similar wines from Europe.
Scott Frank’s pricing seems free of ego, and we are all happy to reap the rewards of his unconventional approach. Who cares if it’s gold – it glitters with personality in the glass.
In Stock Now from Bow & Arrow:
Bow & Arrow ‘Fool’s Gold’, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $24 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “50% Chardonnay/50% Sauvignon Blanc. After experimenting in 2019 with making a Cheverny Blanc style Chard/Sauv Blanc blend and having it exceed all expectations I am happy (relieved?!) to announce I went all in and made much more”
We often see wines from the U.S. marketed as ‘dupes of affordable French quaffers, but priced well north of their supposed peers. With Bow & Arrow, though, we’re pleased as punch that a delicious local wine is cheaper than similar wines from Europe.
Scott Frank’s pricing seems free of ego, and we are all happy to reap the rewards of his unconventional approach. Who cares if it’s gold – it glitters with personality in the glass.
In Stock Now from Bow & Arrow:
Bow & Arrow ‘Fool’s Gold’, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $24 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “50% Chardonnay/50% Sauvignon Blanc. After experimenting in 2019 with making a Cheverny Blanc style Chard/Sauv Blanc blend and having it exceed all expectations I am happy (relieved?!) to announce I went all in and made much more”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Bow & Arrow Rosé of Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley 2024 750ml $21.90 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “This year’s rosé is a short maceration of Gamay from the organically farmed Rooker Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Natural as can be! It’s a stainless steel fermented study on wet rocks and perhaps a border skirmish between watemelon Jolly Ranchers and Grapefruit Jarritos. Unyeasted, unfiltered, unfined and unmanipulated. Only made in years that lend themselves to making quality rose. Our smallest production.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Bow & Arrow Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winemaker Note “The spiritual heart of red wine production at Bow & Arrow. The first “Loire” red variety I ever got my hands on so I’m 13 vintages in wrestling with this chameleon grape. I tilted towards sappy and serious the last few years and decided to course correct back to highlighting the innate fruit character of Gamay with this iteration. Juicy red fruits with a touch of grip as my faves tend to do it.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bow & Arrow Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2022 750ml $21.90 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Winemaker Note “The style I have been pursuing came into clearer focus the past year as I have become more and more charmed by the fresher, youthful expressions of Pinot coming out of Burgundy from the “next gen” of young producers. There’s more whole cluster and red fruit character for sure.”
VinopolPick: I think this is the best pinot noir I’ve had at this price. With cherry, wet stone, and earthy notes with great acidity this is everything I love about Oregon wine. The quality is superb. This is the kind of wine I always have stashed away for social emergencies.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Shop our 191 in-stock Oregon selections now!
Molitor of the Day
After 35 years at the helm of the family business, Markus Molitor remains one of the most respected winemakers in the world. With broad holdings, Molitor crafts dozens of wines each vintage, including from the famous and beloved Ürziger Würzgarten vineyard.
There is no other vineyard in the Mosel that results in wines so intensely spicy, earthy and so richly tropical than Ürziger Würzgarten, in the village of Ürzig. The lightness and elegance of the fruit is impossible to replicate in part because of the high percentage of iron in the soil in addition to its blue and gray slate. The unique soils contribue a spicy characteristic that proves its name (Ürziger Würzgarten translates to “the spice garden of Ürzig”).
Though this is the humble two-starred Auslese, harvested earlier than the three-star and without botrytis. The flavors are pure, concentrated Riesling: showing intense citrus and floral notes with a dollop of whipped cream like the best key lime pie you’ve ever tasted.
Despite Molitor’s track record of releasing wines that are delicious in their youth, do try to be patient: the return on investment could not be greater. The pure mineral backbone and the fountain of youth-like freshness that accompanies these bottles is without compare.
In Stock Now:
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese ** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2017 750ml $49 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points “According to Markus Molitor, the 2017 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) is made from entirely healthy grapes. It displays a highly attractive bouquet of fine grapefruit and raisin aromas intermixed with flinty-crystalline slate notes. Juicy on the palate, this is a dense, sweet, intense yet piquant, highly delicate Auslese with a long, refined and salty-crunchy finish. Tasted at the domain two times in April 2019.”
There is no other vineyard in the Mosel that results in wines so intensely spicy, earthy and so richly tropical than Ürziger Würzgarten, in the village of Ürzig. The lightness and elegance of the fruit is impossible to replicate in part because of the high percentage of iron in the soil in addition to its blue and gray slate. The unique soils contribue a spicy characteristic that proves its name (Ürziger Würzgarten translates to “the spice garden of Ürzig”).
Though this is the humble two-starred Auslese, harvested earlier than the three-star and without botrytis. The flavors are pure, concentrated Riesling: showing intense citrus and floral notes with a dollop of whipped cream like the best key lime pie you’ve ever tasted.
Despite Molitor’s track record of releasing wines that are delicious in their youth, do try to be patient: the return on investment could not be greater. The pure mineral backbone and the fountain of youth-like freshness that accompanies these bottles is without compare.
In Stock Now:
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese ** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2017 750ml $49 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points “According to Markus Molitor, the 2017 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) is made from entirely healthy grapes. It displays a highly attractive bouquet of fine grapefruit and raisin aromas intermixed with flinty-crystalline slate notes. Juicy on the palate, this is a dense, sweet, intense yet piquant, highly delicate Auslese with a long, refined and salty-crunchy finish. Tasted at the domain two times in April 2019.”
#Trending Southern Hemisphere Wines
Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 2024 750ml $19 special, 23 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 91 points “Vibrant and fresh aromas of passion fruit, cut grass and pineapple. The light-bodied palate has a creamy mouthfeel and focused acidity, giving notes of peaches, nectarines and lychees. Tropical fruit-driven with a generous texture. Drink now. Screw cap.”
Te Mata Estate Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand 2022 750ml $21.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Erin Larken-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2022 Estate Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc has been fully tank fermented, no solids, but it was left on the lees post-ferment for texture. There are notes of cheesecloth, pineapple lumps, Pink Lady apples and saline acidity. It’s fleshy, with preserved citrus, juicy acidity and plenty of brine, then sugar snap peas, Nashi pears and a hint of guava/lychee. The fruit was sourced totally from the estate vineyards in Hawkes Bay; Havelock Hills, Gimblett Gravels and Dartmoor. 12.7% alcohol.”
James Suckling 91 points “Vibrant and fresh aromas of passion fruit, cut grass and pineapple. The light-bodied palate has a creamy mouthfeel and focused acidity, giving notes of peaches, nectarines and lychees. Tropical fruit-driven with a generous texture. Drink now. Screw cap.”
Te Mata Estate Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand 2022 750ml $21.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Erin Larken-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2022 Estate Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc has been fully tank fermented, no solids, but it was left on the lees post-ferment for texture. There are notes of cheesecloth, pineapple lumps, Pink Lady apples and saline acidity. It’s fleshy, with preserved citrus, juicy acidity and plenty of brine, then sugar snap peas, Nashi pears and a hint of guava/lychee. The fruit was sourced totally from the estate vineyards in Hawkes Bay; Havelock Hills, Gimblett Gravels and Dartmoor. 12.7% alcohol.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Barr-Eden Estate ‘Dreams of Gold’ Mengler’s Hill Shiraz, Eden Valley, Australia 2020 750ml Was $39, Now $33, 12 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 90 points “A new addition to the lineup, the 2020 Dreams of Gold Shiraz comes from relatively young vines, planted in 1997 and 2013. Aged in older French oak, it boasts scents of “Eden Valley garrigue”—notes that suggest eucalyptus, bay leaf and wild thyme—set against a backdrop of blueberries. Less intense and concentrated than the other bottlings, it’s still medium to full-bodied, suave and silky in feel, with a clean, mouthwatering finish and a soft dusting of tannins. Barr-Eden Estate is the new name for the Love Over Gold partnership between Tim Howser, Joel Mattschoss, Pierre-Henri Morel and Michael Twelftree. Morel is the general manager of Two Hands and Howser and Twelftree are owners of Two Hands, while Mattschoss is a grape grower, with vines on Mengler’s Hill.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Australia 2021 750ml $79 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “Fragrant and expressive, with polished, creamy tannins setting the stage for blueberry, raspberry and cardamom flavors. Delivers details of palo santo, brown sugar, dried violet and sweet mint tea on the long, impressive finish. Drink now through 2034. 922 cases made, 200 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Superuco ‘Calcareo’ Coluvio de Altamira Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley, Argentina 2020 750ml $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Superuco ‘Calcareo’ Coluvio de Altamira Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley, Argentina 2020 750ml $228 special (that’s only $19/bottle!)
Joaquin Hidalgo-Vinous 94 points “The 2020 Cabernet Franc Calcáreo Coluvio, from Altamira in the Uco Valley, is garnet red in color. The nose consists of ash, green pepper, blackcurrant and hints of sour cherry. Delivering full-bodied flavor in the mouth, with sour cherry especially prominent on the palate, it grows more vigorous and light-footed as it goes on with good freshness and a hint of chalk. The alcohol lends structure. The 2020 is an unusual wine in that it’s both ripe and very fresh. Drink: 2022-2034.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $29.95
The next best price is $29.95
Veramonte Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley, Chile 2019 750ml $13.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery Note “A good harvest in the Colchagua Valley, with favorable weather conditions that, despite the scarcity of precipitation, gave us a good ripening curve. Harvest began during the projected timeframe and delivers intense fruit with great balance between the acidity and the tannins. Leading a structured and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, with a smooth finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Zorzal Gran Terroir Malbec, Gualtallary, Argentina 2022 750ml $21.90 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “This hand harvested, single vineyard wine, from Gualtallary is 100% Malbec and spends 12 months in French oak barrels. A large nose of blueberry, blackberry, vanilla, and smoky tobacco leads to a big and bold palate of fig newtons, dry leaves, dark chocolate, and powdered sugar. The finish lasts with big, smooth tannins and fruit galore.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine, Constantia, South Africa 2018 500ml $79 special, 11 500ml-bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 97 points “Classic and expressive with seductive aromas of marmalade and honeysuckle, the 2020 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine is fresh, balanced and complex, offering a delightful lift from 60% new oak. Clocking in at 13.5% alcohol, the palate displays a harmonious balance between fruit sweetness and energetic acidity. It has layers of complexity with impeccable breadth and depth. It may be one of the finest expressions of Vin de Constance to date, and it ends with succulent flavors of apricots, saffron, quince paste and sweet candied citrus tones over the long, ever-evolving finish. Aged for a year and a half in 50% new Hungarian and French oak barrels, followed by an additional year and a half of large format wooden foudre, only the best lots end up being selected for the final blend. Bravo! Run, don’t walk to buy this world-class sweet wine to put in your cellar!”
Grape of the Week:
Barbera
Oft overlooked in favor of its more serious sibling, Nebbiolo, Barbera is worthy of a brighter spotlight. Full of red berry notes with a medium- to full-body (vintage depending), this is a charming red that is a natural fit for most Italian foods. Whether you’re sipping alongside pizza, pasta, classic cheeses, or an antipasto spread, you’re in for a treat. Though it’s increasingly being planted in regions around the world, our favorite is its homeland: the Langhe region of Piedmont. There are plenty of styles and options to browse, including light and breezy to single-vineyard and serious. Check them out now!
In Stock Now:
Bruna Grimaldi ‘Scassa’ Barbera d’Alba Superiore 2022 750ml $21.90 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 90 points “A mix of fruit and floral elements, this Barbera is perfumed and expressive. Raspberry, cherry, rose and violet notes pervade its elegant frame. Charming, harmonious and long. Drink now. 2,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.”
In Stock Now:
Bruna Grimaldi ‘Scassa’ Barbera d’Alba Superiore 2022 750ml $21.90 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 90 points “A mix of fruit and floral elements, this Barbera is perfumed and expressive. Raspberry, cherry, rose and violet notes pervade its elegant frame. Charming, harmonious and long. Drink now. 2,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cappellano Gabutti Barbera d’Alba 2021 750ml $59 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous “Many years ago Baldo Cappellano asked me not to score his wines, so all Cappellano wines show up on our database as NR. “The 2021 Barbera d’Alba marries juicy dark fruit with quite a bit of supporting structure. Black cherry, gravel, menthol, licorice, spice and mocha build nicely. The 2021 is deep and mysterious, but also a bit rustic in its contours, with less finesse than is typical of the estate Barbera here. Many years ago Baldo Cappellano asked me not to score his wines, so all Cappellano wines show.”
Giacomo Conterno Vigna Cerretta Barbera d’Alba 2022 750ml $89 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2022 Barbera d’Alba Vigna Cerretta is superb. Dark, ample and expressive, the 2022 is irresistible. Succulent black cherry, lavender, menthol, licorice, hard candy and new leather fill out the layers. This really blossoms nicely in the glass, showing the best this tricky vintage had to offer.”
Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio Scudetto Barbera d’Alba Superiore 2021 750ml $59 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Vineyard: Scudetto® is downside the Chapel of Santo Stefano of Perno, in the commune of Monforte d’Alba (CN). Grape Harvest: Beginning of October. Wine-making process: Traditional-style, floating cap fermentation of estate-grown grapes for 15/20 days. The wine is then matured in medium-sized oak barrels for few months or sometimes stabilized in inert tank. Expected cellar life: 10/15 years. Bottling: After three years following the vintage. Tasting notes: Colour: deep ruby-red, tending to purplish; Nose: fruity aroma of ripe grapes, intense, varietal; Taste: powerful stuffing and excellent body, well-balanced, varietal character.”
G.D. Vajra Barbera d’Alba 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 90 points “The 2023 Barbera d’Alba is packed with succulent dark red fruit. Plush, silky contours add to its immediacy and overall appeal. Plum, mocha and cedar build into the soft, succulent finish.”
G.D. Vajra Viola delle Viole Barbera d’Alba Superiore 2021 750ml $31.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “I’m told that this is probably the last vintage in which the 2021 Barbera d’Alba Superiore Viola delle Viole will carry the name Viola delle Viole. In yet another unfortunate nod to climate change, Barbera vines suffer from the floral disease Flavescence dorée that causes the plants to shut down and the fruit to remain unripened. Barbera, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the most hard-hit by the sickness. Freisa and Nebbiolo are resistant, and those varieties are planted around the rims of vineyards today as a protective barrier. As a result, Barbera vines in Bricco delle Viole (one of two sites present in this blend, the other being Bricco Bertone outside the Barolo area) were taken out. Barbera tends to produce wines with high alcohol, but the Vajra team prefers to reach optimal fruit maturity and is less concerned about alcohol. The grape always has high acidity, but that is “a problem that is going away on its own,” says Isidoro Vaira. Bricco delle Viole gives the wine its floral aromas and Bricco Bertone adds a sweet almond-like flavor. There is a seven- to eight-day harvest difference between the two sites. This wine ages in large oak casks for 16 months.”
Don’t miss our sales going on now:
Steinmetz
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Steinmetz
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Steinmetz
Delas
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Delas
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Delas
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Steinmetz sale ends Friday, June 20th at 9 am Pacific. Delas sale ends Saturday, June 21st at 9 am Pacific.