In This Newsletter:
Molitor Gold Capsule Sale
Nerd Alert Featurette: Coteaux Champenois
When Gold Does Not Glitter
Stock Up & Save On:
Molitor’s Fully-Sweet Gold Capsule Wines
Molitor Gold Capsule Sale
Nerd Alert Featurette: Coteaux Champenois
When Gold Does Not Glitter
Stock Up & Save On:
Molitor’s Fully-Sweet Gold Capsule Wines
With broad holdings across of some of finest vineyards in the Mosel, Markus Molitor crafts dozens of highly lauded Rieslings each vintage. He believes that every single sub-parcel and selective pick should be vinified to its utmost potential. The result is a deeply rewarding if sprawling portfolio.
The top tier of sweetness is his gold capsule wines, which he describes as “fruity.” These bottles hold the classic sweetness levels for the respective pradikat levels, so a Kabinett Gold Capsule will show more restraint, a Spätlesen will offer richness and versatility, while Auslesen offer bold, dessert-level sweetness. Uniquely, the gold capsules include the tongue-twisting Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese, some of the rarest dessert wines produced.
These represent some of the highest rated and exactingly crafted expressions in his entire portfolio. Shop the full line up now during our three-day sale!
The top tier of sweetness is his gold capsule wines, which he describes as “fruity.” These bottles hold the classic sweetness levels for the respective pradikat levels, so a Kabinett Gold Capsule will show more restraint, a Spätlesen will offer richness and versatility, while Auslesen offer bold, dessert-level sweetness. Uniquely, the gold capsules include the tongue-twisting Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese, some of the rarest dessert wines produced.
These represent some of the highest rated and exactingly crafted expressions in his entire portfolio. Shop the full line up now during our three-day sale!
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of bottles of Molitor’s Gold Capsule wines
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Molitor’s Gold Capsule wines
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Friday, May 2nd at 9 am Pacific.
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Molitor’s Gold Capsule wines
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Friday, May 2nd at 9 am Pacific.
We offer forty-six in-stock fruity wines from Molitor (gold capsule) on sale now, including:
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett Gold Capsule, Mosel 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $28, that’s $26.60 at 5% off and $25.20 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The 2018 Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Kabinett (Golden Capsule) is intense and aromatic on the nose that displays a concentrated and ripe stone-fruit aroma with reductive, sulfuric notes. Round and silky on the palate, this is a crystalline, salty-piquant and structured Kabinett with intense and sweet yet elegant fruit and a promising long and grippy finish. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese Gold Capsule, Mosel 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2017 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Spätlese (Golden Capsule) is complex and mineral on the densely woven yet fresh and crunchy-herbal nose. It’s a dense, concentrated, piquant and structured Spätlese with lush and ripe fruit whose sweetness is nearly completely absorbed by the Würzgarten raciness and iron-rich terroir character. This is a fabulous Spätlese! Tasted in April 2019.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese ** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 23 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The golden-yellow colored 2019 Graacher Domprobst Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) is intense yet very clear and fresh with lemon juice aromas and dark-toned notes of crushed flint stone. Lush and refined on the vivacious and remarkably finessed palate, this is a light, round and fleshy, textured and mouth-filling Domprobst with very fine tannins, delicate mineral acidity and lingering salinity. Promising and with stimulating, crystalline grip but still far too young. Tasted from AP 92 20 in May 2021.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Markus Molitor Saarburger Rausch Riesling Auslese ** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 15 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2017 Riesling Saarburger Rausch Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) is intense and concentrated on the fresh and piquant nose that indicates fine botrytis with lemon confit and pumpernickel notes. Lush and smooth as well as refined and piquant on the palate, this is an incredibly fruity and mouth-filling Auslese with great finesse and a lightweight but intense and aromatic body. The finish is intense but delicate, full of layers and finesse. A gorgeous Auslese from the Rausch in Saarburg. Tasted in April 2019.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $128
The next best price is $128
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese ** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 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.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese ** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2019 Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) is another absolutely brilliant Riesling that opens incredibly pure and coolish with a perfume of crushed slate and lemon verbena notes on the dense, stony and herbal nose. Succulent yet refined and elegant on the superbly balanced and seamless palate, this is a generous yet refined Auslese with subtle yet sustainable mineral finesse and energy. Stimulatingly salty and crystalline on the airy finish. Tasted from AP 89 20 in May 2021.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese ** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2017 1.5L Displayed Price: $179, that’s $170.05 at 5% off and $161.10 at 10% off, 1 magnum in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2017 Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) displays a concentrated yet highly refined bouquet of orange, lemon and grapefruit aromas intermixed with delicate and refreshing slate notes. Lush, piquant and salty on the elegant, pure, even weightless palate, this is a crystalline Auslese with great finesse, grip, tension and highly stimulating salinity. This is a finessed, gorgeous beauty, and it almost makes me fear the other Auslesen listed here. 7.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain two times in April 2019.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese ** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2019 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) exhibits a white-golden color along with a clear, bright, flinty and lemon-scented bouquet of ripe and healthy citrus fruits intertwined with finely crushed slate aromas. Mouth-filling, fresh and highly delicate on the palate, this is a finessed and stimulating Auslese with hidden intensity and complexity and currently firm phenolic grip with crystalline acidity and lingering salinity. Tasted from AP 27 20 in May 2021.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2017 375ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 18 half-bottles in stock now
Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points “Molitor’s 2017 Riesling Bernkasteler Badstube Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) offers a deep, pure, precise, smoky, highly concentrated yet refined and coolish nose of stewed stone fruits, candied lemons and grapefruits that intermingle with crushed stone and some leathery aromas. Lush and round on the generous but precise and highly finessed palate, this is an almost weightless Auslese with a honey-sweet yet piquant and salty finish. This is another laser-sharp but also sensual highlight of the vintage, not only at Markus Molitor. Tasted at the domain in April 2019.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 375ml Displayed Price: $66, that’s $62.70 at 5% off and $59.40 at 10% off, 22 half-bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points “Filled in 375-milliliter bottles, the 2019 Bernkasteler Badstube Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) opens with a fascinating, refined and aromatic bouquet of broken slate and botrytized raisins. Lush and fresh, with very fine grip, this is an utterly finessed and aromatic Auslese that is as rich and intense as it is weightless, frisky and salivating. Surely a picture-book Auslese from the Badstube. Tasted in May 2021.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Kinheimer Hubertuslay Goldene Kapsel Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 14 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2017 Riesling Kinheimer Hubertuslay Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is clear and concentrated, on the deep and complex nose with stewed peach aromas intertwined with spicy notes of a fleeting kiss of oak and nougat. It has a highly elegant, refined and salty-piquant palate with fine grip and mineral tension. This Hubertuslay is rich, lush and sweet, with remarkable concentration but also weightless finesse and a lean, salty-piquant finish that tickles the palate. Lemon chutney flavors intertwined with the crystalline salinity characterize the long finish of this beauty. Tasted at the domain in April 2019.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Kinheimer Rosenberg Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2017 Riesling Kinheimer Rosenberg Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is super fine and delicate on the concentrated and peach-scented nose, which reveals an unexpected subtleness for this terroir that normally leans toward ruthless opulence. On the palate, this is a lush, highly refined and salty Auslese with amazing purity, piquancy, finesse and elegance. The acidity is pronounced but also delicate and gives this very fine Auslese piquancy and precision. Tasted at the domain two times in April 2019.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Kinheimer Rosenberg Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 99 points “The intensely lemon colored 2019 Kinheimer Rosenberg Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is pure and salty on the nose that reveals pretty unique flint stone aromas intertwined with perfectly ripe and precise Riesling berry aromas. Dense yet lush and highly refined on the palate, this is an enormously salty Auslese that is irresistible in its finesse and stimulating crystallinity. Absolutely gorgeous and salivating! Tasted in May 2021.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 23 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points “The golden-yellow colored 2019 Ockfener Bockstein Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is concentrated, fresh and piquant on the highly refined nose that shows very fine berry aromas intertwined with crushed slate and therefore with coolish and flinty, immediately attractive and stimulating notes. Lush and elegant on the immaculate and seamless palate, this is rather smooth but mouth-salivating and stimulating salty Auslese with great finesse and concentration. Tasted in May 2021.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Saarburger Rausch Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 16 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 99 points “Like the Bockstein, the 2017 Riesling Saarburger Rausch Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is also enormously concentrated on the nose, where fine botrytis aromas intermingle with dried apricots, peaches, notes of quince, lime and lemon chutney and even fig mustard. Concentrated and velvety on the viscous palate, this is a pretty sweet but highly refined and salty-piquant Auslese with an enormously long and concentrated finish. This is a wine to be served in 20 or 30 years, unless you like this bigger but balanced style at this early age. The wine seems to be less racy because the acidity is already integrated and provides structure for the sweet, stewed fruit, but it comes back on the finish and reveals the piquancy and precision of an Eiswein with botrytis. Tasted at the domain in April 2019.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 19 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2017 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is a very intense and concentrated yet pure and fruity Auslese provided with refreshing crunchy, herbal and iron-rich, clayey slate aromas. This displays perfect botrytis on a bright, pure, fresh and delicate bouquet full of ripe stone and citrus fruits as well as notes of crushed stones. It is fascinatingly fresh and salty-piquant on the palate, with pronounced acidity; this is a sweet but weightless Auslese with acidity that cuts through fruit and slate and tickles the tongue. This is a highly stimulating and crystalline Auslese that is impossible to spit out. Simply amazing! Tasted at the domain in April 2019.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $125, that’s $118.75 at 5% off and $112.50 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2019 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) opens with an immediately attractive bouquet, with perfectly ripe peach aromas intermingled with very fine crunchy and flinty slate notes. Lush and intense yet weightless, with an enormously salty, finessed and elegant but also generously fruity palate lifted by crystalline and mouth-salivating acidity, this is a filigreed, transparent and immaculate Auslese of mind-blowing finesse and elegance and the sexiest expression of complexity. Tasted in May 2021.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $115, that’s $109.25 at 5% off and $103.50 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96+ points “The yellow-golden 2019 Graacher Himmelreich Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) is brilliantly clear yet also intense and concentrated on the pure, fresh, finely raisined and herbal (rosemary), slightly honeyed nose that is complex and ambitious. Dense and juicy, with a vivacious purity and great finesse, this is a concentrated, vibrantly fresh and tightly structured Auslese with a remarkably digestible finish. There might be some percentage of botrytis that gives this Auslese a lush texture that is otherwise terribly clear and vital. I’d keep it for at least 7 years and up to 40, if only I could. Attention, though, the wine has serious acidity. Tasted from AP 39 20 in May 2021.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 15 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points “Molitor’s 2016 Riesling Zeltinger Schlossberg Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is very clear and complex on the elegant, greatly defined and smoky nose where citrus notes are displayed along with lovely coolish precision and mineral freshness. Lush, super pure, fine and piquant on the palate, this is intellectualism paired with hedonism. This Auslese is perfectly balanced and extremely stimulating thanks the vitalizing and energetic finish that is so pure and fresh, so salty, fine and mouthwatering… This is probably one of the most digestible Auslesen on the highest possible quality level that I have ever had. There is no fat, no sweetness, just precision, elegance, finesse and balance.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Beerenauslese Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 375ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 11 half-bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2019 Ürziger Würzgarten Beerenauslese is clear, fresh and very delicate on the subtle yet complex nose that reveals white tea aromas along with lemon-scented notes of crushed stones. Round and filigreed on the palate, this is a light and delicate, finessed yet intense and salty BA whose sweetness is well captured by mineral grip and tension. This is a really excellent, frisky and digestible BA for aperitifs, entrées and desserts. 6% alcohol. Tasted in May 2021.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Shop our forty-six fruity Molitor selections now!
Nerd Alert!
Coteaux Champenois
This region encapsulates one of the most seemingly incongruous wines of the modern era: non-sparkling wines from the Champagne region. Though this is the style of wine produced in the region long before bubbles were a thing, non-sparkling wines make up a miniscule, though growing, percentage of overall production. We’re pleased to stock examples from some of our favorite growers. Think of these as delicate Burgundies, like a cherry blossom in spring.
In Stock Now:
Doyard ‘En Vieux Fombres’ Blanc, Coteaux Champenois 2017 750ml $119 special, 1 bottle in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2017 Coteaux Champenois Blanc En Vieux Fombrés has turned out nicely, offering up aromas of pear, walnuts, lemon, nutmeg and spices. Medium-bodied, elegantly fleshy and incisive, it’s bright and chalky, with a mineral, delicately oak-inflected finish.”
In Stock Now:
Doyard ‘En Vieux Fombres’ Blanc, Coteaux Champenois 2017 750ml $119 special, 1 bottle in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2017 Coteaux Champenois Blanc En Vieux Fombrés has turned out nicely, offering up aromas of pear, walnuts, lemon, nutmeg and spices. Medium-bodied, elegantly fleshy and incisive, it’s bright and chalky, with a mineral, delicately oak-inflected finish.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Marie Courtin ‘Le Blanc du Tremble’, Coteaux Champenois 2019 750ml $89 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Review is for the NV version, reviewed in November 2023. Provided for reference.
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 points “The NV Coteaux Champenois Le Blanc du Tremble shows good depth and phenolic intensity. Pear, apricot, white flowers and lightly tropical notes all grace this wonderfully deep and expressive Coteaux. Blanc du Tremble is 100% Pinot Noir from 35-40-year-old vines, aged in clay and sandstone amphorae. Terrific.”
Marie Courtin ‘Le Blanc du Tremble’, Coteaux Champenois 2020 750ml $79 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Dominique Moreau’s Coteaux Champenois “Blanc du Tremble” is made from 100% massale selection Pinot Noir. Aged in clay and sandstone amphoras with produced with zero sulfur added, this Coteaux Blanc is rich, racy and textured. Nose is reminiscent of Concordance Blanc de Noir sans soufre Champagne with its aromas of stonefruit and honey. An indulgent and classy Coteaux in very limited supply!”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Hebrart Blanc Premier Cru, Coteaux Champenois 2016 750ml $219 special, 2 bottles in stock now
“Hebrart’s 2016 Coteaux Champenois Blanc Le Leon 1er Cru is a very pretty wine. Soft and curvy, the 2016 offers plenty of immediate appeal. Lemon confit, white flowers and mint all grace this super-expressive, inviting Coteaux Champenois that will drink well right out of the gate.” – Antonio Galloni-Vinous
Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
Château Léoville Poyferré
5% off any 3-7 in-stock bottles of Château Léoville Poyferré
10% off any 8+ or more in-stock bottles of Château Léoville Poyferré
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Léoville Poyferré sale ends Wednesday, April 30th at 9 am Pacific.