In Today’s Newsletter:
Superstars of “New California”
Arnot-Roberts, Bedrock and Pax
(Including New Reviews from Antonio Galloni!)
The Perfect 2016 Eisele Cabernet
Subscriber Special Extended
Staff Pick: A Fantastic 2016 Barbaresco
It Follows:
Sequitur Extends Mike Etzel’s Beaux Freres Legacy
#Trending
Collector’s Corner
A Barthod Chambolle Vertical
Superstars of “New California”
Arnot-Roberts, Bedrock and Pax
(Including New Reviews from Antonio Galloni!)
Arnot-Roberts
As one of the principal architects of the “New California” movement, Arnot-Roberts has been making some of the best wines in the United States for years. Started by childhood friends Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Lee Roberts in 2001, they quickly established a reputation for bucking the prevailing trend in California at the time. And after a decade of producing some of California’s most restrained and elegant wines, developing a cult following in the process, they hit the big time in 2013 when the San Francisco Chronicle named them “Winemakers of the Year”.
Fortunately, mainstream success has had no impact on their style. For those unfamiliar with their wines, don’t expect soft fruity wines. Everything they touch has a backbone to it—a spine of acid and tannin that makes you think of the great wines of France far quicker than those of California. These are serious wines, with serious structure, that are seriously delicious.
“California is a hotbed of talent these days. Even so, I can’t think of too many producers who excel with so many different varieties and wines as Duncan Arnot and Nathan Roberts do. This range is full of highlights. The reds are especially strong this year, led by the stunning Coastlands Pinot, three rock-star Syrahs and a trio of 2017 Cabernets that capture all the best that challenging year had to offer. As always, the wines are built on energy and vibrancy, with a good bit of whole cluster influence in the Pinots and Syrahs.” – Antonio Galloni
In Stock Now:
Arnot-Roberts Trout Gulch Vineyard Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains 2016 ($59.95) $49 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2016 Chardonnay Trout Gulch is wonderfully polished, nuanced and transparent. Lemon peel, white flowers, mint and chalk notes give the Trout Gulch its distinctive, bright flavor profile. In some years, the Trout Gulch has leaned towards the more austere of the Chardonnay spectrum. The 2016 has all the energy of the more tightly wound vintages, but with a bit more textural resonance that is the result of the wine having spent more time on its lees during aging.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arnot-Roberts Legan Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains 2018 ($79.95) $69 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2018 Pinot Noir Legan Vineyard is a wine of exquisite beauty and precision. Bright red fruit, wild flowers, mint and blood orange all pulse through this taut, beautifully precise Pinot from Duncan Arnot and Nathan Roberts. All the elements are impeccably balanced throughout. Gracious and perfumed, the 2018 will drink well for a number of years. I would prefer to cellar it a bit first, although that will clearly require a bit of willpower.”
Winery note “Legan Vineyard was planted to Pinot Noir in 1980 on a hillside above the tiny town of Corralitos in the southern Santa Cruz mountains. It stands amidst dense redwoods at 1,200 feet elevation, overlooking the Eureka Canyon which ushers in cooling breezes from Monterey Bay. According to recent geologic research done on the property, the nutrient-poor, fine sandy-loam soil was exposed when an ancient landslide occurred over 2000 years ago. We are fortunate and thankful that Tom Legan took the risk to plant this remote site and that is thriving under the meticulous care of viticultural master, Prudy Foxx. The wines we have made to date from Legan are light on their feet, delicately structured, and elegantly vibrant. Retention of 100% whole clusters during fermentation lends an earthy spiciness to our 2018, which harmonizes beautifully with the intense fruit-driven personality of this amazing vineyard.”
Arnot-Roberts Coastlands Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2017 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2017 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard is another gorgeous wine in this range. Silky, radiant and supple, the 2017 offers a striking combination of fruit richness and the more floral/savory qualities that make this site so distinctive. Dark red cherry, rose petal, sage, mint and lavender meld together in a mid-weight yet rich Pinot loaded with personality. It’s always interesting to taste wines from this Sonoma Coast vineyard that is best known for wines made by Williams-Selyem and proprietor Ross Cobb himself. I loved it.”
Arnot-Roberts Clary Ranch Syrah, Sonoma Coast 2017 ($79.95) $66 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Syrah Clary Ranch is striking. Deep and resonant on the palate, the 2017 has so much to say. Some of the angular edges and intense savoriness the Clary Ranch can show have been soften by the intense heat of the year. Silky, fine tannins wrap around a core of dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and pepper. A Syrah of power and structural intensity, the Clary Ranch is incredibly distinctive, and that is in a lineup in which many of the wines are exceptional. Two thousand-seventeen is a superb vintage for the Clary Ranch Syrah.”
Arnot-Roberts Sonoma Coast Syrah, California 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2017 Syrah (Sonoma Coast) is a gorgeous wine and a huge overachiever in its peer group. Bright red cherry and plum fruit, rose petal, lavender and spice abound in this super-expressive, pliant Syrah. The purity of the flavors is simply remarkable. Medium in body, gracious and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 is a rock-star wine.”
Arnot-Roberts Gamay Noir, El Dorado 2017 ($39.95) $33 special. 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2017 Gamay Noir El Dorado is gorgeous. Bright red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, mint and blood orange are all woven together in a mid-weight, refreshing red that has so much to offer. Exquisite in its beauty and nuance, the El Dorado is striking today. Here, too, the whole cluster influence is not particularly strong.”
Pax
Pax Mahle is a true superstar in the world of California wine. His eponymous label, Pax, achieved widespread acclaim and then imploded due to a dispute between the principal partners. Pax went on to form Wind Gap and again his wines drew the spotlight and press—this time in part because he was moving away from the ripe, powerful wines he had made his early name with.
He’s finally restored his namesake brand, Pax, to the market. The latest incarnation offers wines that might be described as a hybrid of the two styles that brought him to fame. Bright, refreshing and electric, these nonetheless have more richness and power than Wind Gap. Don’t miss out.
In Stock Now:
Pax Griffin’s Lair Syrah, Sonoma Coast 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 points “One of the many highlights of this range, Pax’s 2015 Syrah Griffin’s Lair Vineyard is powerful and explosive in the glass, conveying a compelling sense of vertical energy. Dried flowers, tobacco, menthol, licorice, spice and leather add myriad shades of nuance to a beautifully delineated, expressive Syrah. This cool site in the Petaluma Gap gracefully handled the rigors of the warm vintage while yielding a wine endowed with terrific freshness and structure.”
Pax Castelli-Knight Ranch Syrah, Russian River Valley 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2015 Syrah Castelli-Knight Ranch is sensual, open-knit and quite inviting. Blood orange, star anise and spice add gorgeous aromatic nuance to the rich, layered fruit. Ample, silky and creamy, the 2015 is a real pleasure to taste today. The combination of a north-facing site with a warm microclimate yields a wonderfully complete and nuanced wine. All the elements simply fall into place in a refined, gracious Syrah that will drink well upon release.”
Pax North Coast Syrah 2017 750ML ($41.95) $33 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2017 Syrah (North Coast) is a new wine in the range that essentially replaces The Hermit. Ripe, open-knit and expressive, the North Coast is made in a radiant, inviting style that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. Moreover, it is a real overachiever, as Pax only bottled the Armagh as a vineyard-designate in 2017. Vineyard sites in the North Coast Syrah are Nellessen Vineyard, Castelli-Knight Ranch, Griffin’s Lair, Walker Vine Hill, Alder Springs Vineyard, Montgomery Road Ridgetop, and Majik Vineyard.”
Pax Quail Run Vineyard Valdiguie, Solano County 2018 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 90-92 points “Another very pretty wine in this range, the 2018 Valdiguie is bright, focused and wonderfully energetic. Rose petal, lavender and sweet dark cherry all grace this exquisite, vibrant Valdiguie from Pax. The 2018 is shaping up to be a gem. I tasted it from tank just prior to bottling.”
Pax Fannuchi-Wood Road Vineyard Trousseau Gris (Rose), Sonoma County 2018 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 89-91 points “I tasted the 2018 Trousseau Gris Fanucchi Wood Road Vineyard from tank prior to filtration and bottling. Today, the 2018 appears to have a bit more energy and verve than the 2017, but some of that may be attributable simply to the wine’s youth. In any event, the 2018 is shaping up to be another very pretty and delicious wine from Pax Mahle.”
We offer dozens of wines from California that offer profundity with balance. Shop our selections from producers like Les Lunes, Frog’s Leap, Philip Togni and Bucklin on our webstore.
The Perfect 2016 Eisele Cabernet
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Sale valid until Wednesday, March 4th at 6 PM Pacific Friday, March 6th at 10AM Pacific
Staff Pick
A Fantastic 2016 Barbaresco
Superstars of “New California”
Arnot-Roberts, Bedrock and Pax
(Including New Reviews from Antonio Galloni!)
The Perfect 2016 Eisele Cabernet
Subscriber Special Extended
Staff Pick: A Fantastic 2016 Barbaresco
It Follows:
Sequitur Extends Mike Etzel’s Beaux Freres Legacy
#Trending
Collector’s Corner
A Barthod Chambolle Vertical
Superstars of “New California”
Arnot-Roberts, Bedrock and Pax
(Including New Reviews from Antonio Galloni!)
The emergence of “New California” has been one of the most exciting developments in the wine world this century. The name refers to a growing number of Golden State producers making more balanced, structured wines from a state where bigger has too often been used as shorthand for better. The results have been thrilling, especially for people who generally prefer European wines.
We’re proud to feature three of the movement’s vanguard producers, Arnot-Roberts, Bedrock and Pax. All have been as responsible as anyone in defining what “New California” means and stand as flagships for the current California wine industry.
As the movement has attracted converts, wines from these producers have become increasingly difficult to source outside their mailing lists. As a result, we’re very proud to offer a number of wines from them today, all at nationally competitive prices.
Just as we were finished getting this feature ready for print, so to speak, Antonio Galloni published a number of new reviews for both Arnot-Roberts and Bedrock as part of his spring preview. While we think these wines stand on their own merits, it’s always nice to see a critic as respected as Galloni show some love to wines we adore.
We’re proud to feature three of the movement’s vanguard producers, Arnot-Roberts, Bedrock and Pax. All have been as responsible as anyone in defining what “New California” means and stand as flagships for the current California wine industry.
As the movement has attracted converts, wines from these producers have become increasingly difficult to source outside their mailing lists. As a result, we’re very proud to offer a number of wines from them today, all at nationally competitive prices.
Just as we were finished getting this feature ready for print, so to speak, Antonio Galloni published a number of new reviews for both Arnot-Roberts and Bedrock as part of his spring preview. While we think these wines stand on their own merits, it’s always nice to see a critic as respected as Galloni show some love to wines we adore.
Arnot-Roberts
As one of the principal architects of the “New California” movement, Arnot-Roberts has been making some of the best wines in the United States for years. Started by childhood friends Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Lee Roberts in 2001, they quickly established a reputation for bucking the prevailing trend in California at the time. And after a decade of producing some of California’s most restrained and elegant wines, developing a cult following in the process, they hit the big time in 2013 when the San Francisco Chronicle named them “Winemakers of the Year”.
Fortunately, mainstream success has had no impact on their style. For those unfamiliar with their wines, don’t expect soft fruity wines. Everything they touch has a backbone to it—a spine of acid and tannin that makes you think of the great wines of France far quicker than those of California. These are serious wines, with serious structure, that are seriously delicious.
“California is a hotbed of talent these days. Even so, I can’t think of too many producers who excel with so many different varieties and wines as Duncan Arnot and Nathan Roberts do. This range is full of highlights. The reds are especially strong this year, led by the stunning Coastlands Pinot, three rock-star Syrahs and a trio of 2017 Cabernets that capture all the best that challenging year had to offer. As always, the wines are built on energy and vibrancy, with a good bit of whole cluster influence in the Pinots and Syrahs.” – Antonio Galloni
In Stock Now:
Arnot-Roberts Trout Gulch Vineyard Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains 2016 ($59.95) $49 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2016 Chardonnay Trout Gulch is wonderfully polished, nuanced and transparent. Lemon peel, white flowers, mint and chalk notes give the Trout Gulch its distinctive, bright flavor profile. In some years, the Trout Gulch has leaned towards the more austere of the Chardonnay spectrum. The 2016 has all the energy of the more tightly wound vintages, but with a bit more textural resonance that is the result of the wine having spent more time on its lees during aging.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arnot-Roberts Watson Ranch Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Napa Valley 2017 750ML ($44.95) $39 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2017 Chardonnay Watson Ranch is a gorgeous wine. Apricot, chamomile, dried flowers, sage and dried pear are all laced together in this super-expressive, inviting Chardonnay. Readers should be prepared to cellar the 2017, as it is quite closed today. Bright saline notes add freshness and zip to this super-expressive Chardonnay.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2017 Chardonnay Watson Ranch is a gorgeous wine. Apricot, chamomile, dried flowers, sage and dried pear are all laced together in this super-expressive, inviting Chardonnay. Readers should be prepared to cellar the 2017, as it is quite closed today. Bright saline notes add freshness and zip to this super-expressive Chardonnay.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arnot-Roberts Watson Ranch Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2018 ($49.95) $41.90 special. 23 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 92 points ” The 2018 Chardonnay Watson Ranch is creamy, open-knit and expressive, and also the most approachable of the Chardonnays in the range. Orchard fruit, chamomile, almonds and dried flowers all meld together seamlessly. This is a very pretty Chardonnay from a cool site at the southern end of Napa Valley.”
Arnot-Roberts Fellom Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 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.”
Arnot-Roberts Coastlands Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2018 ($89.95) $79 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “One of the highlights in this range, the 2018 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard dazzles from the very first taste. In the glass, the 2018 is deep, inky and yet also light on its feet. Sweet red fruit, red plum, mint, spice, licorice infuse the Coastlands with tremendous intensity, and yet the 2018 remains light on its feet, in the way the best Pinots from this site magically can. This is a fabulous showing and a textbook example of what Coastlands is all about. Readers who can find it should absolutely not hesitate.”
Winery Note ” The iconic Coastlands Vineyard was planted by the Cobb family in 1989, just four miles from the Pacific Ocean above the small hamlet of Occidental on the Sonoma Coast. This epic site is at the absolute edge of where the Pinot Noir grape can ripen in California, and the resulting wine is a looking glass into that upbringing. The vineyard is situated at 1200’ elevation on a western facing slope with views to the ocean and unobstructed interactions with the weather that rolls in off the coast. The difficult nature of farming in this vineyard ensures low yields and a perennial struggle for the vines that cling to these exposed slopes. The Coastlands vineyard is farmed by local viticultural expert Eric Neil and remains a true benchmark site. Planting this vineyard in such a demanding and severe locale was a bold step that set a high bar for Pinot Noir on the Sonoma Coast. The resulting wines are deep and structured and have the potential to improve in the cellar for years to come.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points ” The 2018 Chardonnay Watson Ranch is creamy, open-knit and expressive, and also the most approachable of the Chardonnays in the range. Orchard fruit, chamomile, almonds and dried flowers all meld together seamlessly. This is a very pretty Chardonnay from a cool site at the southern end of Napa Valley.”
Arnot-Roberts Fellom Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 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.”
Arnot-Roberts Coastlands Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2018 ($89.95) $79 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “One of the highlights in this range, the 2018 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard dazzles from the very first taste. In the glass, the 2018 is deep, inky and yet also light on its feet. Sweet red fruit, red plum, mint, spice, licorice infuse the Coastlands with tremendous intensity, and yet the 2018 remains light on its feet, in the way the best Pinots from this site magically can. This is a fabulous showing and a textbook example of what Coastlands is all about. Readers who can find it should absolutely not hesitate.”
Winery Note ” The iconic Coastlands Vineyard was planted by the Cobb family in 1989, just four miles from the Pacific Ocean above the small hamlet of Occidental on the Sonoma Coast. This epic site is at the absolute edge of where the Pinot Noir grape can ripen in California, and the resulting wine is a looking glass into that upbringing. The vineyard is situated at 1200’ elevation on a western facing slope with views to the ocean and unobstructed interactions with the weather that rolls in off the coast. The difficult nature of farming in this vineyard ensures low yields and a perennial struggle for the vines that cling to these exposed slopes. The Coastlands vineyard is farmed by local viticultural expert Eric Neil and remains a true benchmark site. Planting this vineyard in such a demanding and severe locale was a bold step that set a high bar for Pinot Noir on the Sonoma Coast. The resulting wines are deep and structured and have the potential to improve in the cellar for years to come.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Arnot-Roberts Legan Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains 2018 ($79.95) $69 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2018 Pinot Noir Legan Vineyard is a wine of exquisite beauty and precision. Bright red fruit, wild flowers, mint and blood orange all pulse through this taut, beautifully precise Pinot from Duncan Arnot and Nathan Roberts. All the elements are impeccably balanced throughout. Gracious and perfumed, the 2018 will drink well for a number of years. I would prefer to cellar it a bit first, although that will clearly require a bit of willpower.”
Winery note “Legan Vineyard was planted to Pinot Noir in 1980 on a hillside above the tiny town of Corralitos in the southern Santa Cruz mountains. It stands amidst dense redwoods at 1,200 feet elevation, overlooking the Eureka Canyon which ushers in cooling breezes from Monterey Bay. According to recent geologic research done on the property, the nutrient-poor, fine sandy-loam soil was exposed when an ancient landslide occurred over 2000 years ago. We are fortunate and thankful that Tom Legan took the risk to plant this remote site and that is thriving under the meticulous care of viticultural master, Prudy Foxx. The wines we have made to date from Legan are light on their feet, delicately structured, and elegantly vibrant. Retention of 100% whole clusters during fermentation lends an earthy spiciness to our 2018, which harmonizes beautifully with the intense fruit-driven personality of this amazing vineyard.”
Arnot-Roberts Coastlands Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2017 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2017 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard is another gorgeous wine in this range. Silky, radiant and supple, the 2017 offers a striking combination of fruit richness and the more floral/savory qualities that make this site so distinctive. Dark red cherry, rose petal, sage, mint and lavender meld together in a mid-weight yet rich Pinot loaded with personality. It’s always interesting to taste wines from this Sonoma Coast vineyard that is best known for wines made by Williams-Selyem and proprietor Ross Cobb himself. I loved it.”
Arnot-Roberts Clary Ranch Syrah, Sonoma Coast 2017 ($79.95) $66 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Syrah Clary Ranch is striking. Deep and resonant on the palate, the 2017 has so much to say. Some of the angular edges and intense savoriness the Clary Ranch can show have been soften by the intense heat of the year. Silky, fine tannins wrap around a core of dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and pepper. A Syrah of power and structural intensity, the Clary Ranch is incredibly distinctive, and that is in a lineup in which many of the wines are exceptional. Two thousand-seventeen is a superb vintage for the Clary Ranch Syrah.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arnot-Roberts Sonoma Coast Syrah, California 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2017 Syrah (Sonoma Coast) is a gorgeous wine and a huge overachiever in its peer group. Bright red cherry and plum fruit, rose petal, lavender and spice abound in this super-expressive, pliant Syrah. The purity of the flavors is simply remarkable. Medium in body, gracious and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 is a rock-star wine.”
Arnot-Roberts Gamay Noir, El Dorado 2017 ($39.95) $33 special. 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2017 Gamay Noir El Dorado is gorgeous. Bright red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, mint and blood orange are all woven together in a mid-weight, refreshing red that has so much to offer. Exquisite in its beauty and nuance, the El Dorado is striking today. Here, too, the whole cluster influence is not particularly strong.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Bedrock
You’d be forgiven for thinking Morgan Twain-Peterson was taking a free ride into the industry. His father Joel Peterson founded Ravenswood, but you’d soon learn that he is blazing his own, very opinionated and talented trail. Morgan’s passion is preservation of California’s heritage vineyards and the myriad of varietals not found anywhere else. Most notably, the focus of Bedrock is their ancient vines: gnarled old dinosaurs poking their heads up through cracked and ancient soil: varietals like Carignane, Mourvedre, Tempranillo, Alicante Bouschet, Valdigué, Peloursin, and Petite Bouschet, to name a few. These vines, in Twain-Peterson’s view, represent so much more than California’s history. They represent a wine that is uniquely Californian, a style not to be found or replicated anywhere else in the world. This is could well be California’s future. These wines aren’t shy, but the surprising aromatics and spice notes are delicate and only get better with time. They’ve got the fruit and depth that you would expect from California, but they’re tight, structured and will reward patience.
“I tasted a massive number of wines with Morgan Peterson for this report. Thirty five, to be exact… Readers will have a very hard time choosing in this range, as so many wines are mind-blowingly profound. Moreover, the wines are so expressive of site. The real essence of these vineyards, among the most historic in the United States, comes through loud and clear….Prices are incredibly fair, to say the least. Simply put, this is a monumental set of wines from Morgan Peterson and his long-time partner Chris Cottrell.” – Antonio Galloni
Bedrock Wine Co. ‘Old Hill Ranch Heritage’, Sonoma Valley 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2018 Old Hill Heritage Wine is one of the many drop-dead gorgeous wines in the Bedrock range this year. The field blend of 30 varieties confers unusual complexity and nuance. Lavender, mint and sweet red cherry fruit develop, but it is the balance of power and finesse that I find most compelling. There are just so many layers of the Old Hill. Readers lucky enough to find it are in for a real treat.”
Bedrock Wine Co. ‘The Bedrock Heritage’, Sonoma Valley 2018 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “One the brawnier wines in this range, the 2018 The Bedrock Heritage Wine is dense and powerful, as wines from this Sonoma Valley site so often are. Black cherry, chocolate, licorice, spice, bay leaf and earthy tones add complexity as well as nuance. This virile, potent red is going to need a number of years to be at its very best, but it is already super-impressive. The field blend is approximately 75% Zinfandel, 20% Carignan and 5% Mataro, but includes a total of 27 varieties.”
Bedrock Wine Co. Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Red, Contra Costa County 2018 750ML ($41.95) $34.90 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2018 Evangelho Heritage Wine is so alluring. Sweet cherry, pomegranate, blood orange and perfumed red roses all grace this silky, captivating wine from Bedrock. Dollops of Mataro and Carignan round out this field blend, but it is the high percentage of Zinfandel, and its bright acid profile, that carries the day. This is such a gorgeous and expressive wine.”
“I tasted a massive number of wines with Morgan Peterson for this report. Thirty five, to be exact… Readers will have a very hard time choosing in this range, as so many wines are mind-blowingly profound. Moreover, the wines are so expressive of site. The real essence of these vineyards, among the most historic in the United States, comes through loud and clear….Prices are incredibly fair, to say the least. Simply put, this is a monumental set of wines from Morgan Peterson and his long-time partner Chris Cottrell.” – Antonio Galloni
Bedrock Wine Co. ‘Old Hill Ranch Heritage’, Sonoma Valley 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2018 Old Hill Heritage Wine is one of the many drop-dead gorgeous wines in the Bedrock range this year. The field blend of 30 varieties confers unusual complexity and nuance. Lavender, mint and sweet red cherry fruit develop, but it is the balance of power and finesse that I find most compelling. There are just so many layers of the Old Hill. Readers lucky enough to find it are in for a real treat.”
Bedrock Wine Co. ‘The Bedrock Heritage’, Sonoma Valley 2018 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “One the brawnier wines in this range, the 2018 The Bedrock Heritage Wine is dense and powerful, as wines from this Sonoma Valley site so often are. Black cherry, chocolate, licorice, spice, bay leaf and earthy tones add complexity as well as nuance. This virile, potent red is going to need a number of years to be at its very best, but it is already super-impressive. The field blend is approximately 75% Zinfandel, 20% Carignan and 5% Mataro, but includes a total of 27 varieties.”
Bedrock Wine Co. Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Red, Contra Costa County 2018 750ML ($41.95) $34.90 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2018 Evangelho Heritage Wine is so alluring. Sweet cherry, pomegranate, blood orange and perfumed red roses all grace this silky, captivating wine from Bedrock. Dollops of Mataro and Carignan round out this field blend, but it is the high percentage of Zinfandel, and its bright acid profile, that carries the day. This is such a gorgeous and expressive wine.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Pax
Pax Mahle is a true superstar in the world of California wine. His eponymous label, Pax, achieved widespread acclaim and then imploded due to a dispute between the principal partners. Pax went on to form Wind Gap and again his wines drew the spotlight and press—this time in part because he was moving away from the ripe, powerful wines he had made his early name with.
He’s finally restored his namesake brand, Pax, to the market. The latest incarnation offers wines that might be described as a hybrid of the two styles that brought him to fame. Bright, refreshing and electric, these nonetheless have more richness and power than Wind Gap. Don’t miss out.
In Stock Now:
Pax Griffin’s Lair Syrah, Sonoma Coast 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 points “One of the many highlights of this range, Pax’s 2015 Syrah Griffin’s Lair Vineyard is powerful and explosive in the glass, conveying a compelling sense of vertical energy. Dried flowers, tobacco, menthol, licorice, spice and leather add myriad shades of nuance to a beautifully delineated, expressive Syrah. This cool site in the Petaluma Gap gracefully handled the rigors of the warm vintage while yielding a wine endowed with terrific freshness and structure.”
Pax Castelli-Knight Ranch Syrah, Russian River Valley 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2015 Syrah Castelli-Knight Ranch is sensual, open-knit and quite inviting. Blood orange, star anise and spice add gorgeous aromatic nuance to the rich, layered fruit. Ample, silky and creamy, the 2015 is a real pleasure to taste today. The combination of a north-facing site with a warm microclimate yields a wonderfully complete and nuanced wine. All the elements simply fall into place in a refined, gracious Syrah that will drink well upon release.”
Pax North Coast Syrah 2017 750ML ($41.95) $33 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2017 Syrah (North Coast) is a new wine in the range that essentially replaces The Hermit. Ripe, open-knit and expressive, the North Coast is made in a radiant, inviting style that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. Moreover, it is a real overachiever, as Pax only bottled the Armagh as a vineyard-designate in 2017. Vineyard sites in the North Coast Syrah are Nellessen Vineyard, Castelli-Knight Ranch, Griffin’s Lair, Walker Vine Hill, Alder Springs Vineyard, Montgomery Road Ridgetop, and Majik Vineyard.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Pax Quail Run Vineyard Valdiguie, Solano County 2018 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 90-92 points “Another very pretty wine in this range, the 2018 Valdiguie is bright, focused and wonderfully energetic. Rose petal, lavender and sweet dark cherry all grace this exquisite, vibrant Valdiguie from Pax. The 2018 is shaping up to be a gem. I tasted it from tank just prior to bottling.”
Pax Fannuchi-Wood Road Vineyard Trousseau Gris (Rose), Sonoma County 2018 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 89-91 points “I tasted the 2018 Trousseau Gris Fanucchi Wood Road Vineyard from tank prior to filtration and bottling. Today, the 2018 appears to have a bit more energy and verve than the 2017, but some of that may be attributable simply to the wine’s youth. In any event, the 2018 is shaping up to be another very pretty and delicious wine from Pax Mahle.”
We offer dozens of wines from California that offer profundity with balance. Shop our selections from producers like Les Lunes, Frog’s Leap, Philip Togni and Bucklin on our webstore.
The Perfect 2016 Eisele Cabernet
Subscriber Special Extended!
Eisele is one of the most hallowed terroirs in the Napa Valley. Tucked into the foothills in Calistoga, it has produced incredible wines since 1971 for Phelps, Araujo, and now Chateau Latour, who bought the property a few years ago. Their flagship bottling competes with First Growth Bordeaux in its collectibility, age-worthiness and complexity. As you might expect, allocations are very limited. We sold through our initial tranche but were able to secure an additional quantity, which just arrived. Even better? We’re offering it to you for a short time only at a discounted subscriber-only special for just a little longer!
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We will manually adjust pricing before finalizing your order.
Sale valid until Wednesday, March 4th at 6 PM Pacific Friday, March 6th at 10AM Pacific
Only eight bottles available
Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($599.95) Displayed price: $539, Subscriber-Only Special: $479
Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet-purple color. Its nose begins a little reserved, slowly revealing a quiet intensity of freshly crushed blackberries, chocolate-covered cherries, cassis and aniseed with compelling nuances of black tea, cigar box, truffles and charcuterie, plus, with coaxing, gentle wafts of red roses and crushed rocks emerge. The medium to full-bodied palate is simply arresting, offering a a myriad floral and earth sparks amidst a black fruit core and with seamless, firm, very fine-grained tannins. Well-knit freshness brings forth layer after layer of delicate nuances on the very long, mineral-laced finish. The team at Eisele, led by Frédéric Engerer (of Chateau Latour) and beautifully orchestrated by winemaker Hélène Mingot, have knocked it out of the park this vintage with this singular expression that both embraces the site’s heritage and reveals parts unknown.-LPB”
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.”
Subscriber-Only Special pricing will not display online or in your cart.
We will manually adjust pricing before finalizing your order.
Sale valid until Wednesday, March 4th at 6 PM Pacific Friday, March 6th at 10AM Pacific
Only eight bottles available
Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($599.95) Displayed price: $539, Subscriber-Only Special: $479
Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet-purple color. Its nose begins a little reserved, slowly revealing a quiet intensity of freshly crushed blackberries, chocolate-covered cherries, cassis and aniseed with compelling nuances of black tea, cigar box, truffles and charcuterie, plus, with coaxing, gentle wafts of red roses and crushed rocks emerge. The medium to full-bodied palate is simply arresting, offering a a myriad floral and earth sparks amidst a black fruit core and with seamless, firm, very fine-grained tannins. Well-knit freshness brings forth layer after layer of delicate nuances on the very long, mineral-laced finish. The team at Eisele, led by Frédéric Engerer (of Chateau Latour) and beautifully orchestrated by winemaker Hélène Mingot, have knocked it out of the park this vintage with this singular expression that both embraces the site’s heritage and reveals parts unknown.-LPB”
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.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $568
The average listed price is $568
Subscriber-Only Special pricing will not display online or in your cart.
We will manually adjust pricing before finalizing your order.
Sale valid until Wednesday, March 4th at 6 PM Pacific Friday, March 6th at 10AM Pacific
Staff Pick
A Fantastic 2016 Barbaresco
Matt:
Arguing the virtues of Barolo versus Barbaresco is a bit silly. Both regions are home to some of the world’s most rewarding wines, so the answer to which is better really is neither. But if forced to pick a side, I’ve always sided with Barbaresco. To me the wines are often prettier, and don’t necessarily require the perfect food pairing to show off. I have also found truth in their reputation as being more approachable young than their more burly neighbors.
Case in point, Castello di Verduno’s 2016 Barbaresco. This is without a doubt the prettiest wine I’ve tasted this calendar year. The nose leads with classic Nebbiolo red fruit and is quickly joined by distinctly Italian floral, herbal and savory complexity. On the palate, polished tannins build with every sip, yet are not overly drying.
So often Italian wines are tasty on their own, but require food to reveal their true greatness. Verduno’s 2016 Barbaresco was truly special own its own, destined to be the star attraction at any dinner party it receives an invitation to, regardless of when it’s poured. I just hope that I also receive an invitation.
In Stock Now:
Castello di Verduno Barbaresco DOCG 2016 750ML ($47.95) $39 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Editiors’ Choice. New leather, menthol, red-skinned fruit and dark spice aromas form the nose along with enticing whiffs of vineyard dust. The linear, savory palate is still young but already boasts succulent red cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and clove while taut, refined tannins and bright acidity provide finesse and freshness. Drink 2022–2036.”
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “Castello di Verduno’s 2016 Barbaresco is bright, precise and wonderfully sculpted, all in the mid-weight style that is such a signature of the Castello di Verduno wines. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2016 needs at least a few years in bottle to unwind, and time beyond that to really enter its prime drinking window. Today, the 2016 is primary, floral and full of vitality. The straight Barbaresco is built on a core of Faset, with pieces from Rabajà and Rabajà-Bas that don’t make it into the vineyard designate bottlings. This is a stellar showing.”
Arguing the virtues of Barolo versus Barbaresco is a bit silly. Both regions are home to some of the world’s most rewarding wines, so the answer to which is better really is neither. But if forced to pick a side, I’ve always sided with Barbaresco. To me the wines are often prettier, and don’t necessarily require the perfect food pairing to show off. I have also found truth in their reputation as being more approachable young than their more burly neighbors.
Case in point, Castello di Verduno’s 2016 Barbaresco. This is without a doubt the prettiest wine I’ve tasted this calendar year. The nose leads with classic Nebbiolo red fruit and is quickly joined by distinctly Italian floral, herbal and savory complexity. On the palate, polished tannins build with every sip, yet are not overly drying.
So often Italian wines are tasty on their own, but require food to reveal their true greatness. Verduno’s 2016 Barbaresco was truly special own its own, destined to be the star attraction at any dinner party it receives an invitation to, regardless of when it’s poured. I just hope that I also receive an invitation.
In Stock Now:
Castello di Verduno Barbaresco DOCG 2016 750ML ($47.95) $39 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Editiors’ Choice. New leather, menthol, red-skinned fruit and dark spice aromas form the nose along with enticing whiffs of vineyard dust. The linear, savory palate is still young but already boasts succulent red cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and clove while taut, refined tannins and bright acidity provide finesse and freshness. Drink 2022–2036.”
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “Castello di Verduno’s 2016 Barbaresco is bright, precise and wonderfully sculpted, all in the mid-weight style that is such a signature of the Castello di Verduno wines. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2016 needs at least a few years in bottle to unwind, and time beyond that to really enter its prime drinking window. Today, the 2016 is primary, floral and full of vitality. The straight Barbaresco is built on a core of Faset, with pieces from Rabajà and Rabajà-Bas that don’t make it into the vineyard designate bottlings. This is a stellar showing.”
It Follows:
Sequitur Extends Mike Etzel’s Beaux Freres Legacy
Sequitur Extends Mike Etzel’s Beaux Freres Legacy
Mike Etzel, the founder and winemaker of Sequitur, is a living legend in the Willamette Valley. He co-founded Beaux Freres in the late 80’s and was the winemaker there until recently passing the duties to his son. Never one to rest on his laurels or stay still, though, he began planting a vineyard adjacent to Beaux Freres in 2010—a project that became what we know as Sequitur.
It’s helpful to think of Sequitur as a distillation of everything Mike Etzel learned while starting and producing Beaux Freres over the decades. The Sequitur vineyard sits right next to the Beaux Freres “Upper Terrace” but is planted to a wider array of clones at tighter spacing. It’s been farmed biodynamically since the beginning and is sheltered with Douglas Fir—in short, it’s the fully realized vision of a man who’s helped define Willamette Valley Pinot.
The winemaking style is exactly what you’d expect—these are wines that are made by the same hand that delivered so many high scores to Beaux Freres (though his son, Mikey, is the day-to-day winemaker). Big, powerful and bold, these nevertheless have energy and grace that we think comes from the extra-attentive farming and unique clonal selection in the vineyard. In short order, they’ve established themselves as one of the very best producers in the Willamette Valley and deserve your attention as such.
In Stock Now:
Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2015 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2015 Sequitur Chardonnay delivers toasted almonds, baker’s yeast, fresh ginger and coriander seed on the nose with a core of grapefruit, white peaches and spiced apples. Light to medium-bodied, it gives a great intensity of savory flavor layers intermingled with stone fruit and citrus notions, finishing long with great freshness and mineral notes.”
It’s helpful to think of Sequitur as a distillation of everything Mike Etzel learned while starting and producing Beaux Freres over the decades. The Sequitur vineyard sits right next to the Beaux Freres “Upper Terrace” but is planted to a wider array of clones at tighter spacing. It’s been farmed biodynamically since the beginning and is sheltered with Douglas Fir—in short, it’s the fully realized vision of a man who’s helped define Willamette Valley Pinot.
The winemaking style is exactly what you’d expect—these are wines that are made by the same hand that delivered so many high scores to Beaux Freres (though his son, Mikey, is the day-to-day winemaker). Big, powerful and bold, these nevertheless have energy and grace that we think comes from the extra-attentive farming and unique clonal selection in the vineyard. In short order, they’ve established themselves as one of the very best producers in the Willamette Valley and deserve your attention as such.
In Stock Now:
Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2015 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2015 Sequitur Chardonnay delivers toasted almonds, baker’s yeast, fresh ginger and coriander seed on the nose with a core of grapefruit, white peaches and spiced apples. Light to medium-bodied, it gives a great intensity of savory flavor layers intermingled with stone fruit and citrus notions, finishing long with great freshness and mineral notes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2016 Sequitur Chardonnay has a gregarious nose of spiced, baked yellow apples and warm pineapple with notes of toast, honey, hazelnut and hay. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with warm orchard and tropical fruits accented by nuances of baking spice, nuts and honey, with a touch of creaminess to the texture, juicy acidity and a long, mineral-laced finish. 85 cases produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ML ($119.95) $79 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “Limpid ruby-red. Smoky, mineral-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry cola and incense carry a strong spicecake overtone. Stains the palate with sappy red berry liqueur, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that are lifted and given definition and tension by juicy acidity. At once rich and nervy, with no excess fat but showing excellent depth and intensity of flavor. Finishes with sexy notes of candied violet and smoky Indian spices and superb, gently tannic persistence. This wine’s Beaux Freres bloodline is very clear to see.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Broad and spicy, open-textured and generous, with ripe plum and currant flavors, shaded by pepper, sage and coffee notes as the finish sails past fine-grained tannins. Completely harmonious and made to age. Drink now through 2024.”
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “Limpid ruby-red. Smoky, mineral-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry cola and incense carry a strong spicecake overtone. Stains the palate with sappy red berry liqueur, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that are lifted and given definition and tension by juicy acidity. At once rich and nervy, with no excess fat but showing excellent depth and intensity of flavor. Finishes with sexy notes of candied violet and smoky Indian spices and superb, gently tannic persistence. This wine’s Beaux Freres bloodline is very clear to see.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Broad and spicy, open-textured and generous, with ripe plum and currant flavors, shaded by pepper, sage and coffee notes as the finish sails past fine-grained tannins. Completely harmonious and made to age. Drink now through 2024.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2015 750ML ($119.95) $79 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Deep brilliant red. A strikingly complex bouquet evokes ripe, mineral-accented red berries, cherry cola, vanilla, five-spice powder and sandalwood. Alluringly sweet, seamless and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated black raspberry, cherry liqueur, spicecake and lavender pastille flavors that are given spine and lift by a core of juicy acidity. Delivers a compelling blend of power and delicacy and finishes extremely long and smooth; rounded tannins frame the lingering red fruit preserve notes.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Pale to medium ruby purple in color, the 2015 Sequitur Pinot Noir has a very provocative nose of Bing cherries and cranberries over a core of red roses, game, yeast extract and underbrush. Medium-bodied, with wonderful energy and freshness, it has a lively backbone and long finish paved with very fine, ripe tannins.”
Winery note “Sequitur 2015 Pinot Noir “Two fold,” a collaboration between our Mother, the earth, those of us who “play” in the vineyard and winery, and you, the wine lover.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($119.95) $79 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Glimmering red. A hugely aromatic bouquet evokes fresh red fruits, Asian spices and potpourri, along with a bright mineral overtone and a touch of smokiness. Juicy, seamless and precise on the palate, offering potent, mineral-laced raspberry preserve, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen and spread out steadily on the back half. Delivers a compelling blend of power and finesse and finishes with silky tannins, outstanding clarity and floral- and mineral-driven persistence.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Sequitur Pinot Noir has a lovely, open nose of black and red cherries and blackberries with notions of wood smoke, turned earth, autumn leaves, cardamom and potpourri. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with ripe black and red fruits with wonderful earthy/spicy accents, very fine, grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity, finishing long with spice and floral layers. 480 cases produced.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Glimmering red. A hugely aromatic bouquet evokes fresh red fruits, Asian spices and potpourri, along with a bright mineral overtone and a touch of smokiness. Juicy, seamless and precise on the palate, offering potent, mineral-laced raspberry preserve, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen and spread out steadily on the back half. Delivers a compelling blend of power and finesse and finishes with silky tannins, outstanding clarity and floral- and mineral-driven persistence.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Sequitur Pinot Noir has a lovely, open nose of black and red cherries and blackberries with notions of wood smoke, turned earth, autumn leaves, cardamom and potpourri. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with ripe black and red fruits with wonderful earthy/spicy accents, very fine, grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity, finishing long with spice and floral layers. 480 cases produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($119.95) $79 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94-95 points “Lurid red. Spice-tinged blackberry and cherry aromas are complicated by suggestions of cola, incense and smoky minerals. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated dark berry and spicecake flavors and suggestions of rose pastille and mocha that build with air. Concentrated but also vibrant and precise in style, delivering superb finishing cut, well-knit tannins and impressive, fruit-driven persistence. (30% new French oak).”
Nick Stock-jamessuckling .com 96 points “Beautifully deep, blueberries and plums on offer with notes of fresh violets and moist, fresh-tilled earth. This is full of life and very pure. The palate has focused and fresh tannins that sit in very vibrant style with a deep push of concentrated blue fruit, holding the finish in superb style. So fresh and long, this will age well. Drink across the next decade or more.”
Winery Note “TOTALITY—During the growing season of 2017, Oregon was treated to a total solar eclipse, where the moon passed exactly between the earth and the sun. Day turned to night, the temperature dropped and the farm animals were disoriented. The moment of awe was tempered with a deep sense of vulnerability, as we witnessed our world bow down to the power of nature. May this 2017 vintage seeped in “totality,” bring you a fresh perspective.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
#Trending
Spring is here and our thoughts turn to Riesling. The world is in order.
Korrell “Von Den Grossen Lagen” Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling 94 points “What a beautiful nose of leaves and white flowers, dripping after rain. With aeration, peach, nectarine and mandarin-orange notes emerge. Concentrated, racy and very polished, this is a stunning dry riesling with a long, mineral finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “This fruity yet dry Riesling is filled with flavors of currant and gooseberry, while juicy, orangelike acidity cuts through, carrying freshness and providing balance. The complex finish is long and inviting. This nicely sculpted white is ready to drink now, but will only get better with age. Drink now through 2027. 1,500 cases made.”
Korrell “Von Den Grossen Lagen” Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling 94 points “What a beautiful nose of leaves and white flowers, dripping after rain. With aeration, peach, nectarine and mandarin-orange notes emerge. Concentrated, racy and very polished, this is a stunning dry riesling with a long, mineral finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “This fruity yet dry Riesling is filled with flavors of currant and gooseberry, while juicy, orangelike acidity cuts through, carrying freshness and providing balance. The complex finish is long and inviting. This nicely sculpted white is ready to drink now, but will only get better with age. Drink now through 2027. 1,500 cases made.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
We’re almost out of our ’15 northern Rhones. How this is left is anyone’s guess.
Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Empreintes, Rhone 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Empreintes, Rhone 2015 750ML ($479.95) $399 special (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “($48) Loads of chalky grip keeps this wrapped up tight, but the core of steeped plum, fig and blackberry fruit is brimming with energy, while bay leaf, licorice root and charcoal notes chomp at the bit on the finish. Cellaring will rein this in. Best from 2021 through 2035. 700 cases made.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Produced from 30-year-old vines and aged in 20% new oak, the 2015 Cornas Empreintes features classic Cornas notes of crushed stone, bloody meat and red plums. It’s full-bodied, rich and packed with fruit and tannin but supple at the same time. It’s mouth-filling and round, then finishes long, dry and mouthwatering.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93+ points “The 2015 Cornas Empreintes is unique in the lineup as it comes 30% from more limestone soils. It’s 75% destemmed and aged in 20% new French oak. It’s more elegant and focused than the opulent Premices and gives up lots of blackberry and cassis fruits, leather, crushed rock and pepper aromatics. Deep, rich, beautifully concentrated and pure, it needs short-term cellaring but is a brilliant wine that’s going to impress for 10-15 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is absurd value for under $30—a top tier Alexander Valley Zin from a great producer.
Marietta Cellars Angeli Cuvee, Alexander Valley 2017 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points ‘The 2017 Zinfandel Angeli, from a site in Alexander Valley, is rich, pliant and expressive. Super-ripe black cherry, hard candy, new leather, lavender and mint give the Angeli decidedly dark shades of expression. This sumptuous, flavorful Zinfandel should drink well for another decade or more.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
This is perfect for any occasion you might want bright yet rich Champagne. So, you know, anytime.
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($599.95) $399 special (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 1.5L ($99.95) $89 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 3L ($349.95) $289 special, 10 double magnums in stock now
John Gilman 90 points “I believe that this bottle of André Clouet “Silver” Blanc de Noirs non-vintage Brut Nature is from the base year of 2013, as it has a small code printed on the back of the neck label that says “LS13”. In any case, the wine is quite good, showing that lovely structural rounding from a bit of additional aging in the cellars. The bouquet offers up scents of apple, nectarine, bread dough, a good base of soil and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and nicely balanced, with refined mousse, bright, nicely-integrated acids and a long, complex finish. This is a quite good bottle of Brut Nature. 2019-2030+.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is exactly what we’re looking for in drink-now, under $40 CdP.
Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocene Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocene Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($299.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Wine & Spirits 93 points “This is named for the period of time when the Rhone River sluiced its way from the Alps through Chateauneuf, leaving behind a plateau paved with the baseball-sized stones as the water retreated. Those “galets” are said to help the vines ripen their fruit in this northern sector of the appellation, the stones emanating the sun’s heat. This wine reflects both a spring-like coolness in its spicy, savory herbal notes and a warmth in its lush purple fruit. It’s spicy and firm, with a little bit of grip to the tannins that suggests this could benefit from aging in bottle for a few more years.”
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “The traditional cuvée at this great estate is the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Miocene, and in 2017 it’s a classic blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, brought up mostly in concrete (there’s a small amount in older barrels). It has a wonderful fresh, forward, delicious style as well as notes of black raspberries, garrigue, pepper, and hints of flowers. Pure, medium to full-bodied, upfront and ready to go, it’s a beauty geared for drinking over the coming 8-10 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $54
The average listed price is $54
Collector’s Corner
A Barthod Chambolle Vertical
Ghislaine Barthod makes some of the most magical wines in Burgundy. A Chambolle specialist, her wines always capture the delicacy and ethereal qualities we look for in the village. While her top wines command extreme prices, her village level Chambolle-Musigny is one of the better deals in the world of Burgundy. Drinking it blind, you’d assume what’s in the glass would be Premier Cru (or better, in some vintages).
We’re excited to offer a five-vintage vertical of that wine today—the perfect chance to grab some perfectly cellared wines that greatly exceed the destiny of their labels. What’s better, these are half the cost of the premier cru wines—a do not miss opportunity. Like higher end bottlings from other producers, these age exceptionally well—the 2006 is drinking really well right now, for reference, and the younger vintages have time to go, as well. That said, if you crack a couple now, we won’t tell.
In Stock Now:
Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Chambolle-Musigny, Cote de Nuits 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 3 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 90-92 points “The 2012 Chambolle-Musigny is a great introduction to the year. Dark cherries, plums and spices jump from the glass in a sensual, expressive Chambolle with tons of near-term appeal. Violets, rose petals and spices all flesh out on the radiant, expressive finish. The 2012 is a bit richer and broader than is normally the case, but there is plenty of vibrancy to balance the intensity of the fruit.”
We’re excited to offer a five-vintage vertical of that wine today—the perfect chance to grab some perfectly cellared wines that greatly exceed the destiny of their labels. What’s better, these are half the cost of the premier cru wines—a do not miss opportunity. Like higher end bottlings from other producers, these age exceptionally well—the 2006 is drinking really well right now, for reference, and the younger vintages have time to go, as well. That said, if you crack a couple now, we won’t tell.
In Stock Now:
Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Chambolle-Musigny, Cote de Nuits 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 3 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 90-92 points “The 2012 Chambolle-Musigny is a great introduction to the year. Dark cherries, plums and spices jump from the glass in a sensual, expressive Chambolle with tons of near-term appeal. Violets, rose petals and spices all flesh out on the radiant, expressive finish. The 2012 is a bit richer and broader than is normally the case, but there is plenty of vibrancy to balance the intensity of the fruit.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today with no minimum order!
Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Chambolle-Musigny, Cote de Nuits 2013 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 3 bottles available
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2013 Chambolle-Musigny Village, which sees around 20% new oak and this year includes the entire fruit from Les Combottes, has a very controlled bouquet that gently unfolds with scents of raspberry, briary and just a touch of damp undergrowth. The palate is lithe and focused on the entry, the acidity nicely judged and slicing through the pure black cherry and iodine-tinged fruit. There is very fine density here, especially for a village cru. I would not hesitate in picking up a few bottles of this over-performing village cru.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today with no minimum order!
Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Chambolle-Musigny, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 6 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “Medium red. Aromas of redcurrant, iron, coffee and spices. Supple, spicy wine with excellent definition and an impression of piquant acidity to its redcurrant, raspberry and mineral flavors. A captivating saline quality draws out the finish. There are still plenty of dusty tannins to be absorbed but they’re neither dry nor green. Lacks only the sweetness for 90 points.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 88-90 points “The 2014 Chambolle Musigny, which includes the domaine’s 0.07 hectares pocket in Sentiers and includes around 20% new oak, has a crisp, airy, fresh strawberry and Morello-scented bouquet. The palate is well balanced with good weight for a village cru, with the fruit a little dark here with black plum and a touch of cassis, as well as a little roundeur towards the finish — completing a very commendable Chambolle village.”
Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Chambolle-Musigny, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 5 bottles available
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2015 Chambolle-Musigny Village, which contains around 20% new oak, has a crisp black cherry and raspberry-scented bouquet, tight at first but fanning out with open arms upon aeration. The palate is just wonderful: super fine tannin, a killer line of acidity, a little crunchiness to the texture, but bestowed with immense purity on the finish. The saline touch completes one of the best village crus that I tasted during my visits.”
Stephen Tanzer 90 points “Good dark red. Aromas of roasted black cherry and licorice show a distinct element of surmaturité following the 2016s at this address, but quickly gained in energy and lift. Wonderfully sweet, spicy and concentrated for the vintage, with no shortage of acidity. A dark berry fruit bomb in the mouth, showing the creaminess of the vintage, but becomes more airy as it opens in the glass. Very long for village wine, finishing with ripe tannins saline mineral grip.”
Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Chambolle-Musigny, Cote de Nuits 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 2 bottles available
Decanter 92 points “From 11 parcels, two of which are classified as premier cru but are too small to vinify and bottle separately. The 2016 is superb, bursting from the glass with a bouquet of sweet red cherry, potpourri, raw cocoa and incipient bass notes. On the palate the wine is very concentrated, with a deep core of fruit concealing rich tannins, and a precise, tangy and long finish. If a better Chambolle villages was produced in 2016, I would love to taste it.”
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “Medium red. Aromas of redcurrant, iron, coffee and spices. Supple, spicy wine with excellent definition and an impression of piquant acidity to its redcurrant, raspberry and mineral flavors. A captivating saline quality draws out the finish. There are still plenty of dusty tannins to be absorbed but they’re neither dry nor green. Lacks only the sweetness for 90 points.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 88-90 points “The 2014 Chambolle Musigny, which includes the domaine’s 0.07 hectares pocket in Sentiers and includes around 20% new oak, has a crisp, airy, fresh strawberry and Morello-scented bouquet. The palate is well balanced with good weight for a village cru, with the fruit a little dark here with black plum and a touch of cassis, as well as a little roundeur towards the finish — completing a very commendable Chambolle village.”
Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Chambolle-Musigny, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 5 bottles available
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2015 Chambolle-Musigny Village, which contains around 20% new oak, has a crisp black cherry and raspberry-scented bouquet, tight at first but fanning out with open arms upon aeration. The palate is just wonderful: super fine tannin, a killer line of acidity, a little crunchiness to the texture, but bestowed with immense purity on the finish. The saline touch completes one of the best village crus that I tasted during my visits.”
Stephen Tanzer 90 points “Good dark red. Aromas of roasted black cherry and licorice show a distinct element of surmaturité following the 2016s at this address, but quickly gained in energy and lift. Wonderfully sweet, spicy and concentrated for the vintage, with no shortage of acidity. A dark berry fruit bomb in the mouth, showing the creaminess of the vintage, but becomes more airy as it opens in the glass. Very long for village wine, finishing with ripe tannins saline mineral grip.”
Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Chambolle-Musigny, Cote de Nuits 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 2 bottles available
Decanter 92 points “From 11 parcels, two of which are classified as premier cru but are too small to vinify and bottle separately. The 2016 is superb, bursting from the glass with a bouquet of sweet red cherry, potpourri, raw cocoa and incipient bass notes. On the palate the wine is very concentrated, with a deep core of fruit concealing rich tannins, and a precise, tangy and long finish. If a better Chambolle villages was produced in 2016, I would love to taste it.”
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