Monday August 10th Newsletter

Monday, August 10th, 2015

Flash Sales; Nikolaihof Vertical; New Week – New Arrivals; San Fereolo New Arrivals; Arriving This Week; Domaine de la Vougeraie; Donnhoff – Low, Low Prices!; 99 Magnums of Wine on the Wall

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Flash Sale
Arriving Tomorrow

Tenet GSM Grenache – Syrah – Mourvedre, Columbia Valley 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The real superstar in the lineup is the 2013 Tenet GSM, which checks in as a mix of 40% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 25% Mourvedre that spent 12 months in neutral French oak. Ripe, voluptuous and thrillingly textured, this beauty boasts fabulous aromatics of red and black raspberries, melted licorice, pepper and assorted floral characteristics. These all come together nicely on the palate where the wine is full-bodied, has no hard edges, a big, layered mid-palate and blockbuster length. Count me impressed. This Chateauneuf du Pape look-alike will have a decade or more of longevity.” WA

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

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New Arrival Special Feature

Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Riesling Steiner Hund Reserve Riesling MV ($699.95) $579 special, 1 case of six bottles available
Vinopolnote: Consists of 1 bottle each of the 2009/2008/2007/2004/2003/2002
Terry Theise notes: “There are five vintages in the mix—I don’t know which will constitute the extra bottle in a case-of-6. The beautiful 2009 you remember from last year; fresh and pure mineral. 2008 is superb and complicated, with plenty of exotics and Chartreuse-y herbalness to counterpoint its jasmine and white chocolate yang side. 2007 smells like irises; it’s in the typical trough of that vintage but is highly promising. 2004 is astonishing from a good bottle, +++ quality and the best-in-show. 2003 has darkened, but there’s an attractive beeswax note and still some mineral. 2002, while also dark-colored, is a fine lovely “antique” Riesling.”

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New Week – New Arrivals

CALIFORNIA
Joseph Carr Josh Cellars Merlot, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($17.95) $11.90 special
Case-12 Joseph Carr Josh Cellars Merlot, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($139.95) $99 special (that’s only $8.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
“The bouquet of this Merlot is complex with violets, sweet plums, rosemary, and vanilla bean. On the palate, the wine is velvety and soft in texture, with flavors of juicy plums, blackberries, and Bing cherries, and a long cocoa powder finish and fine tannins.”–Winery Notes

FRANCE-RHONE
Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph 2013 750ML ($37.95) $28 special
Wine Advocate 88-90 points “A step up over the Crozes, the 2013 St Joseph is a pretty, elegant and finesse-driven effort that has lots of purple fruits, violets and spring-flower nuances, medium-bodied richness and terrific purity of fruit. It should drink well on release and have 7-8 years of longevity.” WA

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $33

Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90-92 points “Deep ruby. Smoky cherry and dark berry aromas are complemented by candied violet and cracked pepper; really shows its Syrah component. Spicy and focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors that open slowly with air. Very northern Rhône in character, with firm tannins adding grip to a peppery, floral finish.” JR

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $42

Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Valbelle 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91-93 points “Brilliant ruby. An expansive, complex bouquet evokes fresh blackberry and boysenberry, lifted by a sexy floral topnote and a hint of incense. Silky, sweet and palate-caressing, with intense black and blue fruit flavors given spine by tangy acidity. This juicy, pure wine finishes with excellent clarity and smooth, building tannins.” JR

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux 2013 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91-93 points “Vivid ruby. Deeply pitched dark berry and cherry pit scents open slowly, picking up hints of lavender, anise and allspice. Taut and sharply focused, with bitter cherry and boysenberry flavors given spine by juicy acidity. Shows excellent clarity and power on the long, youthfully tannic finish, with the cherry and floral notes echoing.” JR

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $91

Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides 2013 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92-94 points “Opaque ruby. Complex smoke- and mineral-tinged dark berry aromas are complemented by a suave floral element and a hint of Asian spices. Fleshy, sweet and broad, offering intense blackberry and boysenberry flavors with sexy lavender pastille and spicecake flourishes. Puts on weight with air while maintaining vivacity and finishes smooth, broad and very long, with subtle tannins lending shape.” JR

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $90

Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste 2013 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92-94 points “Bright violet color. Explosive, lucid black raspberry and incense aromas are complicated by intense potpourri and star anise nuances. Spicy, focused and concentrated, offering sweet red and dark berry liqueur flavors and a touch of cola. Seamless, sappy and pure, with fine-grained tannins building slowly through a long floral finish.” JR

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $90

FRANCE-LOIRE
Jean-Maurice Raffault Chinon Clos d’Isore Rouge 2010 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “A seven-acre vineyard surrounding an ancient castle, with vines planted in 1938. They give a densely concentrated and powerful wine, with wood and sweet, fleshy red fruits allied to delicious acidity. The whole structure promises long-term aging—give it five years or more.” RV

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Guion Bourgueil Cuvee Domaine 2012 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Importer note “Domaine Guion is a family estate created in the fifties. A pioneer, it practices organic viticulture since 1965. It is eco-certified and respects the French charter “Nature and Progress”. After oenological studies, internships in Bordeaux and experiences as cellar master in the Loire, Stephane took after his father in 1994. The domaine is located in the town of Benais, North East of Bourgueil. It extends over an area of 7 hectares. All of Stephane’s vines lie within the Bourgueil appellation, centered on the village of the same name, west of Tours. It is a red wine only appellation which allows only red wine made from Cabernet Franc and a little Cabernet Sauvignon. Stéphane, however, prefers and only uses Cabernet Franc. He only makes two cuvees from his aged vines which range from 35 to 80 years old: the Cuvee Domaine and the Cuvee Prestige Rouge. He only uses indigenous yeasts and does not use any additive, with the exception of very low amounts of sulphur added during bottling to preserve the wine.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $19

ITALY-TUSCANY
Montevertine Pian del Ciampolo Toscana IGT 2013 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special
Winery note “Made with Sangioveto, Canaiolo and Colorino grapes, it is aged in Slavonian oak barrels for about 12 months.”

ITALY-PIEDMONT
Ferrando White Label – Etichetta Bianca Nebbiolo di Carema 2011 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
VinopolNote: No reviews yet- here is what Antonio Galloni had to say about the 2010: “Pine, mint, crushed rocks, tobacco, wild flowers and dried cherries open up in the 2010 Carema Etichetta Bianca. A wine of finesse and understatement, the 2010 offers superb balance and overall harmony. Silky tannins and veins of salinity run through the floral, savory finish. Today, the 2010 hits all the right notes. I imagine it will continue to drink well for at least a number of years. – 94 points”

Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Barolo Le Brunate, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Barolo Le Brunate, Barolo DOCG 2010 1.5L ($159.95) $139 special
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2010 Barolo Le Brunate is the most dynamic and textured of these wines. Dark cherry, plum, smoke and violet notes flesh out in a firm, muscular Barolo endowed with tons of classic Brunate nuance. The flavors are intense, dark and bold. Balsamic overtones develop in the glass, adding further shades of nuance and complexity. Today, the Brunate is reticent and austere. Readers who can wait will be rewarded with an exquisite Barolo.” AG

Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Cannubbio, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($79.95) $61.90 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Translucent and sensual, Rinaldi’s 2010 Barolo Cannubi graces the palate with exquisite finesse. The floral aromatics, silky tannins and precise, sculpted fruit are pure Cannubi. Mint, hard candy and cinnamon are laced into the soft, gracious finish. Disarmingly open and seductive, the 2010 is absolutely joyous today, yet it also clearly has the pedigree to age well for many years.” AG

G. B. Burlotto Barolo DOCG 2011 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Burlotto’s 2011 Barolo is a gorgeous entry-level offering and a real overachiever in its category. Small red berries, sweet tobacco, mint, spices and orange rind are all laced together in a pretty, delicate Barolo that will offer considerable pleasure upon release. A weightless, super-refined finish rounds things out. There is so much to like here. Readers who want to dip their toes into the wines of Burlotto should start here. There is so much to like. The vineyard sources are Breri, which sits next to Monvigliero, Rocche dell’Olmo and Neirane.” AG

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $51

G. B. Burlotto Barolo Acclivi 2011 750ML ($59.95) $51.90 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “What a joy it is to taste Burlotto’s 2011 Barolo Acclivi. The Acclivi occupies a very attractive middle ground in the Burlotto range. It is made from a handful of parcels, but is more structured and overtly tannic than the straight Barolo, but obviously does not convey the signature of a specific piece of dirt, as the Cannubi and Monvigliero do. A wine of contrasts, Acclivi is dark yet translucent, tannic and weightless. In other words, it is a wine that captures the full spectrum of complexity Nebbiolo is capable of. The warmth of the vintage has given the Accilvi a little more ripeness and volume than is typically the case, but all the elements are deftly balanced.” AG

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

G. B. Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero 2011 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “In keeping with the style of the year, the 2011 Barolo Vigneto Monvigliero is a bit fleshier and more overt than it usually is. The aromatic signatures are very much present though, accentuated by the inclusion of 100% whole clusters. At the same time, the 2011 offers gorgeous depth and resonance, not to mention superb overall balance. Savory herbs, olives and herbs inform the pungent finish. Burlotto’s Monvigliero remains one of the most distinctive and compelling wines being made in Barolo today. This is impressive juice.” AG

Don’t miss the San Fereolo new arrivals listed below!

ITALY-OTHER
Ca’ Lojera Lugana, Veneto 2014 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Winery Notes: Trebbiano di Lugana 100% (Turbiana). White wine with a colour range spanning from brilliant straw yellow to marked greenish highlights, with golden reflections with ageing. It has a pleasant bouquet of melons and tangerines with mint accents and some floral notes on the nose and a strong fruity personality on the palate.

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

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Mid-West, East & South – Summer Shipping Saver

Whisk your wine through warmer weather!
Now for the summer season we are offering UPS Three Day Select Service for the price of UPS Ground for shipments normally travelling 4 or more business days.

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San Fereolo
The Benchmark for Dogliani

New Arrivals

Located immediately south of Barolo in the Langhe is the San Fereolo estate, acquired by Nicoletta Bocca in 1992. She has since converted the estate to biodynamic (certified by Demeter) and practices a minimalist approach: hand-harvesting grapes to ferment with natural yeasts and no additives. The Dogliani DOCG is home to some of Piedmont’s greatest Dolcetto vineyards, and thus the world’s greatest, and the majority of her 12 acre estate is in the zone. Dolcetto is a long-overlooked varietal, often produced in a fruity, easy-drinking style meant for immediate consumption. Nicoletta takes it more seriously, releasing wines aged for at least 7 years from vines ranging in age from 79-37 years old. The wines are characteristic of the wider Piedmontese style: showing austerity, tannic structure, polish and elegance.

San Fereolo Wines Newly Arrived

San Fereolo Valdiba, Dolcetto di Dogliani DOCG 2013 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special, 48 bottles available
Importer note “A youthful expression of the Dogliani DOCG, the ‘Valdiba’ is made all in steel cuve, which shows in the fresh brightness of the wine. Nicoletta considers this to be classical Dolcetto, striking all of the notes one would expect from the variety, with a confident tannic backbone.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $22.01

San Fereolo ‘Il Provinciale’ Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont 2009 750ML ($37.95) $27 special, 24 bottles available
Importer note “While Dolcetto rules the estate, we are offered a glimpse of how the estate’s style would translate to its northern Barolo neighbor through this wine. Half of the fruit comes of a friend’s prime holding in Serralunga d’Alba while the balance is sourced from an estate parcel is Dogliani. The long 30-day maceration in large vat allows for all of the character of the terroir to present itself, and the result is a wine of power and depth.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $29.99

San Fereolo ‘Austri’ Langhe Rosso – Multi-vintage Review
“While much of the Piemonte eagerly pushes the greatest wines to market as soon as they are in bottle, ‘Austri’ is one of two cuvees from San Fereolo that offer a patient alternative. A study in terroir, cepage, and evolution, we were stunned by the beautiful consistency when we first tasted through a vertical of this wine. Generally 95% Barbera and 5% Nebbiolo, this ranks among the greatest expressions of Berbera we have experienced. Nicoletta treats the wine with a high degree of respects, allowing it to evolve through three years of elevage in large, neutral oak, followed by another three to four years in bottle. The current release is the 2007, though we are fortunate to be able to offer a selection of back-vintages as well.”– Importer note

San Fereolo ‘Austri’ Langhe Rosso, Piedmont 2001 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 10 bottles available

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $44.02

San Fereolo ‘Austri’ Langhe Rosso, Piedmont 2005 750ML ($37.95) $29 special, 12 bottles available

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $34.79

San Fereolo ‘Austri’ Langhe Rosso, Piedmont 2007 750ML ($31.95) $27 special, 24 bottles available

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $29.99

San Fereolo Dolcetto di Dogliani Superiore DOCG – Multi-Vintage Review
“The most important wine of the estate. The Dolcetto for the top wine is sourced from parcels found in prime positions as well as the oldest vines of the estate. The seven-year wait from harvest to release reflects the important of the San Fereolo to Nicoletta, who carefully tends the wine through its three years in large barrel before a 3-4 year hibernation in the bottle cellar. Our tasting of each vintage from 2001 to 2008 revealed a consistent vein of dense, warm fruit, which spoke of the Langhe source. Fresh mineral notes, mint, licorice and savory elements permeated each expression, while a lively freshness was alive in every wine, including the 14-year old 2001 vintage. As with the Austri, the 2007 is the current release, and we are pleased to be able to source multiple back vintages.” — Importer Note

San Fereolo Dolcetto di Dogliani Superiore DOCG, Piedmont 2001 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles available

San Fereolo Dolcetto di Dogliani Superiore DOCG, Piedmont 2005 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 12 bottles available

San Fereolo Dolcetto di Dogliani Superiore DOCG, Piedmont 2007 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 20 bottles available

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Just a reminder about our current shipping specials during this season:

For the Mid-West, East, and South during the summer season we are offering UPS Three Day Select Service for the price of UPS Ground for shipments that would normally travel four or more business days to their destination.

We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25

These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason.
Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment do not qualify for flat rate shipping.

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Arriving This Week

Arriving Thursday

Alvaro Palacios ‘Les Terrasses’ Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa 2013 750ML ($44.95) $31.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Alvaro Palacios ‘Les Terrasses’ Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa 2013 750ML ($479.95) $333 pre-arrival special (that’s only $27.75/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2013 Les Terrasses Velles Vinyes, from a rainy year and a late harvest that resulted in perfect ripeness and low yields, is a blend of 55% Garnacha and 45% Cariñena. You might find labels and literature referring Cariñena to as Samsó, something that is wrong and creates confusion since Samsó is the Catalan name for Cinsault. The grapes are sourced from different villages (Gratallops, La Vilella Baixa, Bellmunt, El Lloar, El Molar, Porrera, Scala Dei, Torroja and Poboleda) all of them grown on schist llicorella soils, fermented in a combination of oak and cement vats with natural yeasts and matured in barrique for one year. It has a meaty nose with aromas that transported me to the Northern Rhône, showing smoky bacon intermixed with violets and really well-integrated oak resulting in a very fine and elegant impression. It seems more refined than other vintages of Les Terrasses, lighter and more elegant with none of the volatility or oak of yesteryear. It is really fine, polished and is without edges. Somehow within the Atlantic vintage you can see the Mediterranean character. Awesome Terrasses and good value for Priorat. 95,500 bottles produced.”
Arriving Friday

Groth Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “This is very classy with mineral, black currant nad spice character. Shows chili and Thai basil too. Full body, firm tannins and a bright and persistent finish. Extremely long and elegant. Best ever from here in years!”

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Also Arriving Friday

Domaine de la Vougeraie

Domaine de la Vougeraie Cote de Beaune Les Pierres Blanches Rouge 2012 750ML ($59.95) $46 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 90 points “Dark red cherries, smoke, iron and wild flowers are some of the many notes that inform the 2012 Côtes de Beaune Les Pierres Blanches. There is plenty of tannin in support of the fruit, yet the 2012 remains impeccably balanced throughout. This mid-weight Burgundy will offer plenty of near and medium term appeal but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it improve in bottle. Creamy and generous through to the finish.”

Domaine de la Vougeraie Gevrey-Chambertin La Justice 2012 750ML ($99.95) $69 pre-arrival special
“(from vines planted in 1965, on the “wrong” side of the Route Nationale, on gravel and limestone soil): Good bright red. Smoky minerality on the nose. Soft, broad and lightly saline, with decent concentration and depth to the redcurrant and smoky mineral flavors. Finishes with modest length and flesh.”—Stephen Tanzer

Domaine de la Vougeraie Les Corvees Pagets, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($88.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer—Vinous 92 points “Good medium red. Spicy red berries dominate the nose. Sweet, round and silky, with harmonious acidity giving shape to the flavors of raspberry, flowers, chocolate and pepper. Very polished, graceful wine with piquant finishing minerality and sneaky concentration. Delicious already but has the balance to age.”

Domaine de la Vougeraie Available Here Now

Domaine de la Vougeraie Pommard Les Petits Noizons 2010 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 10 bottles available
Burghound 89-91 points –Outstanding–“This is the first wine to display any significant reduction but here it’s enough to block an evaluation of the nose. The rich, intense and energetic middle weight flavors possess fine precision and plenty of mineral nuances, all wrapped in a firm, mouth coating, dusty and well-balanced finish. Petits Noizons is arguably the best villages level vineyard in Pommard and the quality of this excellent effort merits consideration.” BH

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine de la Vougeraie Les Cras, Vougeot Premier Cru 2010 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 4 bottles available
Burghound 91 points –Outstanding–“Mild reduction reduces the expressiveness somewhat of the otherwise brooding nose that combines plenty of stone and soil tones with ripe wild red berries and floral nuances. There is excellent volume to the energetic, intense and overtly muscular medium weight plus flavors that benefit from the presence of plenty of dry extract that buffers the very firm and phenolically mature tannins on the balanced and impressively complex finish. This moderately robust yet lush effort is not without a certain refinement and overall, I very much like the depth of character.” BH

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

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Dönnhoff – German Riesling

Late-Arriving 2013s
Low, low, low prices!

Arriving August 20th

Dönnhoff is truly one of the greatest representations of classic German Riesling. The estate consists of twenty-five of pure gold. Well, mostly slate, weathered volcanic rock, porphyry, melaphyr, red sandstone and loess-clay, on some of the finest terraced slopes and ideal expositions in all of Germany, and certainly in the region of Nahe. The Dönnhoff family first arrived in the Nahe region over 250 years ago, and Helmut Dönnhoff has been recognized as a world renowned living legend for German winemaking. Helmut is now slowly passing off most duties to his son Cornelius, who since 2007 has worked alongside in the winery and in their Erste Lage, or grand cru vineyards.

The wines of the Nahe show minerality and elegance, rather than big fruit and opulence. Yes, there are beautiful fruit components in these wines as well, but these wines are deeply rooted (literally) and have continuously shown a sense of place. Dönnhoff does not water their vineyards, in order to encourage deeply rooted vines, leaving the roots with no choice but to dig deep for all the minerals and nutrients needed. All the vineyards are farmed sustainably and some organically, with soils being covered strictly with organic materials which both preserve water and avoid evaporation and erosion in heavy rains.

Helmut explains that the aging potential of his wines are phenomenal, especially for the wines with less alcohol content and more residual sugar. These particular wines have the capability of aging for 20+ years, depending on the vintage and the vineyard. With patience and time, they no longer come off as ‘sweet’, having developed secondary and/or tertiary notes with incredible textures, flavors and impressive acidity levels.

These wines are incredibly special, and if one was ever doubtful of German Riesling, these will forever change misconceptions. Vinopolis is fortunate enough to receive allocations from the 2013 vintage that has been described as one of the greatest in the Nahe. Mr. Terry Theise has a wonderful explanation about the winery, “There are places where the “top” grower might put on airs, but not the Nahe, and not the Dönnhoffs. It makes sense the folks are down to earth, because the wines themselves come down to EARTH.”

New 2013 Dönnhoff Wines Arriving August 20th

Dönnhoff Estate Riesling, Nahe 2013 750ML ($24.95) $18.80 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Dönnhoff Estate Riesling, Nahe 2013 750ML ($279.95) $199 pre-arrival special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
The Wine Advocate “The 2013 Riesling is quite coolish and mineral on the nose, very clear with white stone fruit aromas. Light-bodied, salty and piquant, this is a sexy Riesling, a dying sort of Riesling, a Oberhausen Kabinett off-dry, a delicious, stimulatingly piquant wine which is almost completely exported. An extremely quaffable wine.”
Terry Theise notes “I think these wines show a paradox analogous to the thread-count in linens: the more there are, the smoother it feels. Each of these wines has so much sheer material the result is they feel not soft but caressing. That said though, this ’13 has greener flavors than usual, in keeping with the vintage character. It remains the world’s greatest wine value, and it seems that some of you have also made this discovery, as we have very few cases unspoken for as I write.”

Dönnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg “Tonschiefer” Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2013 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Dönnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg “Tonschiefer” Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2013 750ML ($319.95) $249 pre-arrival special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
The Wine Advocate “The 2013 Riesling Trocken Tonschiefer is more sophisticated than the Gutsriesling, displaying pure, flinty slate aromas along with bright fruit aromas. Quite round and intense on the palate, this is medium-bodied, slightly piquant Riesling with a certain power, juice and length. A mouthful of wine with Spätlese level.”
Terry Theise notes “The estate wine from (mostly) Leistenberg which grows on a sandy slate called Tholeyer Schiefer. This is as limpid as spring-water, until it rears up with radicchio and with a slatey char. It’s for connoisseurs of the art of bitterness, in a jacket of cool freshness and the gleam of sunlight on the surface of the water.”

Dönnhoff Wines Available Here Now

Dönnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese 2013 750ML ($64.95) $51.90 special, 3 bottles available
Terry Theise “After the Brücke this was vividly lively again. Qualities of sublimity and qualities of almost hyperactive acidity. A decades- keeper, or if you drink it young, then food please. You need to carpet over an end-palate snappiness. The trebly skeins-of-herbs-and-flowers style of ’13 is well expressed here! But again—take this all with some grains of salt. I was early to this particular party.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Dönnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2013 375ML ($49.95) $39 special, 4 half-bottles available
Terry Theise “Now we see the cherry and verbena elements of this greatest of all Riesling vineyards in the elevated form of a parfait. It’s sweet and overt yet also mysterious, as intense and as light as the best macaroons.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Dönnhoff Hermannshohle Grosses Gewachs 2011 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 11 bottles available
John Gilman 97+ points “Not to be outdone by the Dellchen, the 2011 Hermannshöhle Grosses Gewächs is also profound! The deep and completely kaleidoscopic nose soars from the glass in a magical blend of white cherries, pink grapefruit, crystalline minerality, citrus peel, lemongrass and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and Porsche-like in the passing lane, with stunning mid-palate depth, ripe, racy acids, brilliant focus and grip and a very, very pure and very long and elegant finish. A seamless and utterly stunning young wine! 2020-2050.”

Dönnhoff Kreuznach Krotenpfuhl Kabinett 2010 750ML ($34.95) $29.50 special, 14 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91 points “Honeysuckle, green tea, and apple blossom in the nose of Donnhoff’s 2010 Kreuznacher Krotenpfuhl Riesling Kabinett set the tone for a buoyant, pure-fruited palate and a lip-smacking, dynamically interactive finish of flowers, herbs, apple, plus a saline, meat stock- and soy-like savor. Something about the gravel that here overlays volcanic stone seems to conduce (hypothesizes Donnhoff) to a floral, forwardly fruity, and buoyant personality. “And that would probably be rendered kaput if the wine were vinified trocken,” he adds. (Though flowers and levity, in fact, seem to be common themes in this year’s collection.) Expect this fine value to delight for 12-15 years.”

Dönnhoff Schlossbklheimer Felsenberg Spatlese 2012 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 9 bottles available
Terry Theise: “It had only just finished fermenting [when tasted]. The balance is right, the terroir is lovely and expressive, the saltiness is pronounced and the ripeness is generous though not heavy. Enormous potential.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Dönnhoff Norheimer Kirschheck Spatlese 2012 750ML ($37.95) $29 special, 2 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “($39) A subtle honeysuckle aroma blends with hyacinth and lime on the nose. Polished peachy fruit and a refined minerality drift across the palate. Delicate and eminently drinkable.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Dönnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Auslese Goldkapsel 2010 375ML ($59.95) $37 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 94 points “Picked-out, like its Hermannshohle counterpart, in the last, early-November days of harvest, Donnhoff’s 2010 Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese gold capsule was, he estimates, “perhaps 50% affected by botrytis, and dry botrytis, no mere rot.” Candied lime rind and marzipan; lily and honeysuckle; white peach and salted caramel inform this wine’s haunting nose and rich yet buoyant palate, with the mouthwatering savor that characterized the corresponding Spatlese undiminished. This needs some time in bottle to better focus, and it will be interesting to see whether it develops more sense of cut and brightness. But it’s already irresistible, and almost sure to prove worth following for a quarter century or more.”

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Dönnhoff Schlossbockelheim Felsenberg Beerenauslese 2007 375ML ($199.95) $179 special, 2 half-bottles available
Wine Advocate 99 points “The over-ripe pear and quince featured in other nobly sweet wines of this collection are very much present in Donnhoff’s 2007 Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Beerenauslese, along with aromas of distilled gentian, gardenia, lemon oil, freshly baked bread, and white truffle. The intensity of inner-mouth perfume here – orchard fruit, floral, and herbal distillates – is nearly beyond belief. Pear nectar, quince preserves, apple jelly, liquid gardenia, brown spices, and a certain saline and smoky suggestions of things mineral inform a finish of trance-inducing duration. This amazing elixir – harvested largely in the Turmchen section of the site – should be worthy of 40 years cellaring. When Donnhoff laughingly referred to this as the year of Felsenberg, he was not in fact kidding, nor was he referring just to the sheer number of bottlings!”

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Dönnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Beerenauslese 2011 375ML ($199.95) $149 special, 15 half-bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “Intriguingly musky and subtly fungal as well as piercing in its evocation of distilled pit fruits and botanicals, the nose of Donnhoff’s 2011 Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Beerenauslese – which was picked alongside its Auslese counterpart – promises an intense palate experience that the wine very much delivers. Distilled extracts of wormwood, woodruff and anisette; maraschino and serviceberry seem to lace the amalgam of quince jelly with pear and white peach nectars in a lusciously multi-layered yet animated palate performance. A spicy and tropical suggestion of mango chutney compounds the vibrantly penetrating effect of pungent herbal and pit fruit essences in a tonsil-gripping, mouth-shaking finish.”

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Dönnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Eiswein 2011 375ML ($239.95) $149 special, 9 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “Musk and leather; prickly radish and lemon rind; caramel apple and honey; passion fruit and mango inform an intense aromatic as well as ultra-concentrated palate performance. Unlike with so many other 2011s rendered from frozen grapes in early 2012, one can’t complain here about a lack of Eiswein-like acidity – but it takes-on a somewhat detached, slightly metallic and strident edge. Perhaps this extreme wine’s caramelized and animal aspects will reconcile themselves in time with its sharp citricity and radish-like sizzle, but the ways of Eiswein in the bottle are capricious.”

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Dönnhoff 2014 Wines Arriving October 2015

Dönnhoff Roxheimer Hollenpfad Riesling Trocken 2014 750ML ($47.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Dönnhoff Roxheimer Hollenpfad Riesling Trocken 2014 1.5L ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 91+ points “I did not take note on the alcohol level of the Kahlenberg this year, but the Höllenpfad Trocken bottling comes in between twelve and 12.5 percent alcohol, and I have to assume it is the same for the Kahlenberg. The 2014 Höllenpfad is really lovely in this vintage and very, very reflective of its unique, red sandstone soils on both the nose and palate. The lovely nose offers up scents of pink grapefruit, tart orange, lemongrass, a dollop of wild yeasts and a very complex base of minerality. On the palate the wine is medium-full, pure and more filigreed, with a lovely core, bright acids and lovely focus and grip on the long, vibrant and really quite elegant finish. This is a touch more feline than the Kahlenberg and gets the slight nod in 2014 as a result. 2018- 2035+.” JG

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Dönnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Tonschiefer Riesling Trocken 2014 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 89+ points “The 2014 Tonschiefer is a lovely wine, with a bit different expression of minerality than the Estate Trocken, as these grapes hail entirely from the Leistenberg and are a on a bed of carbon-slate that is geological outlier of the coal beds in the Saar. The nose offers up a lovely constellation of tangerine, a hint of white cherry, wild yeasts, slate, citrus peel and a gentle topnote of lemongrass. On the palate the wine is medium-full, crisp and quite suave on the attack, with lovely focus and grip, ripe, well-integrated acids and a long, balanced and quite classy finish. Lovely juice and a fine value. 2015-2025+.” JG

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The average price is $26

Dönnhoff Kreuznacher Krotenpfuhl Riesling Kabinett 2014 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 89-90+ points “The 2014 Krötenpfuhl Kabinett had just been bottled as well- this time only a few days before my visit and was a bit out of sorts as a result. The nose is open and juicy at the present time, offering up scents of apple, peach, lovely soil tones, a touch of beeswax and a topnote of citrus blossoms. On the palate the wine is medium-full, accessible and succulent on the attack, with a nice core of fruit, good complexity and a slightly pinched finish at the present time, from the very, very recent bottling. I am sure this will be very tasty, but it was not entirely on form at the time of my visit. 2015-2025.”
Terry Theise notes “Best! Ever! Vintage! Spritzy, brilliant, seeming to show every green thing (lime-zest, verbena, anise hyssop, wintergreen) atop the salumeria savor. Somehow this has fallen in love and is telling everyone in the world.”

Dönnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett 2014 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Dönnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett 2014 1.5L ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 90-92 points “In the past there has been versions of the Leistenberg Kabinett under both screwcap and natural cork, but this year, it is all under the screw, and this wine too had only been bottled for a few days prior to my visit. The bouquet is a very stylish blend of apple, pear, slate, lilacs and a touch of wild yeasts in the upper register. On the palate the wine is medium-full, long and succulent, with a good core, beautiful balance, ripe acids and very good length and grip on the finish. This too is a bit unsettled from its recent bottling, but will be very good. Pity about the closure…2015-2025.” JG

Dönnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Dönnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese 14 1.5L ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 94+ points “As is the case with the Brücke Spätlese, the 2014 Hermannshöhle Spätlese is a superb bottle that may always live just a bit on the shadow of the pure magic of the 2013 version. The wine offers up an excellent and complex aromatic constellation of pink grapefruit, white cherries, slate, a hint of petrol, wild yeasts, orange peel and a topnote of lemongrass. On the palate the wine is medium-full, focused and very suave on the attack, with a fine core, ripe acids and outstanding length and grip on the still very primary, but utterly seamless finish. Fine, fine juice. 2020-2050.” JG
Terry Theise notes “A loving beaming grinning-like-a-dope vintage of this perennial masterpiece, transparent and lucid; indeed it’s a dialectical explication of Hermannshöhle; it reminded me of the ’08 but it’s more Eiswein-y, that sorcerous syrup.”

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Dönnhoff Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spatlese 2014 750ML ($44.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Dönnhoff Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spatlese 2014 1.5L ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Terry Theise notes “Not so girlish or sweet-natured as usual; this is serious and wants to make a point—how strong and proud this terroir can be. A megalith of mineral here! Its cherry-dimples are discreet. Seems drier than usual, less comely, more complex, and utterly vivid and dazzling.”

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Dönnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Dönnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese 2014 1.5L ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 93 points “The 2014 Brücke Spätlese is really a lovely wine this year, but it cannot quite compete with the really classic example of this bottling crafted here in 2013. The wine offers up a lovely and quite complex bouquet of tangerine, apple, a classy base of slate, wild yeasts, a nice touch of Brücke spice tones and a topnote of apple blossoms. On the palate the wine is deep, fullish, pure and seamless, with a rock solid core, ripe acids and excellent length and grip on the focused and vibrant finish. This is really a lovely bottle of Spätlese. 2020-2050.” JG

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Dönnhoff Kreuznacher Kahlenberg Riesling Trocken, er Lage 2014 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 91 points “The 2014 Kahlenberg Trocken hails from grapes with Spätlese must weights this year and is a notable step up from the first two, very good wines. The bouquet wafts from the glass in a classy blend of white cherries, apple, spring flowers, a lovely base of soil and a youthful topnote of orange peel. On the palate the wine is medium-full, bright and nicely reserved on the attack, with a fine core, bright acids and superb backend energy and cut on the long finish. This is really high class juice that would age long and happily under cork, though I cannot remember which closure it was destined to receive. 2017-2035.” JG
Terry Theise notes “The Kreuznach site is a gentle slope on gravelly loam, but has long been regarded as an excellent vineyard. I’d been leaving it out of the offering in a fruitless attempt to keep it tidy, but tidiness has no place in either rock & roll or the fine wine business. So: I found this ’14 to be really deft, stern but breathy, wonderfully fragrant, mineral, hint of maize or wet cereal; a determined finish but really, only 70% of this note has any chance of being accurate six months from now.”

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The next best price is $42

Dönnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2014 750ML ($119.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Dönnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2014 375ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Dönnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2014 1.5L ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2014 Hermannshöhle Auslese is the only bottling at this Prädikat level in the cellars this year, and it is a very pretty and elegant example of the vintage. The wine delivers a refined and gently-glazed nose of pineapple, apple, bee pollen, wild fennel, tangerine and a lovely base of slate. On the palate the wine is fullish, elegant and beautifully balanced, with a very good midpalate depth, impeccable focus and balance, vibrant acids and lovely grip on the long and zesty finish. 2023-2060+.” JG

Dönnhoff Grosses Gewachs 2014

Terry Theise notes “All of these had remarkable aspects and potentials but none of them was ready to rock. Felsenberg has tremendous aroma, almost fiercely smoky, with lemon and Indonesian peppers. Dellchen is fleshier but also, as is its wont, more inscrutable. Hermannshöhle was still on its first lees but was already showing depth and fragrance. If my “plusses” matter to you, and if I let myself prognosticate, it’s two for Felsenberg and Hermannshöhle and one for Dellchen. The wines will surely make a fool of me.”

Dönnhoff Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2014 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Dönnhoff Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2014 1.5L ($149.95) $125 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 94+ points “The 2014 Dellchen GG is another really stunningly focused young wine, with superb aromatic and flavor precision to go along with excellent structural elements and impeccable balance. The bouquet is a mix of grapefruit, tart orange, wild yeasts, plenty of smokiness, a fine base of slate and again, a distinct topnote of lemongrass. On the palate the wine is pure, fullbodied and rock solid at the core, with lovely focus and balance, racy acids and a long, refined and utterly seamless finish. Outstanding juice this year. 2022-2060+.” JG

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Dönnhoff ‘Felsenturmchen’ Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2014 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Dönnhoff ‘Felsenturmchen’ Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2014 1.5L ($149.95) $125 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 93+ points ‘The 2014 Felsenberg Grosses Gewächs bottling form the Türmchen section of the vineyard this year has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass in a classic constellation of white cherries, pink grapefruit, complex floral tones, a fine base of slate, wild yeasts, lemongrass and orange peel. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and very refined, with a rock solid core, ripe, zesty acids, laser-like focus and a long, youthful and energetic finish. A beautiful bottle of dry Riesling in the making. 2020-2055″ JG

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Dönnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2014 ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Dönnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2014 1.5L ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special

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Dönnhoff Riesling Grosses Gewachs 6-Pack 2014 ($419.95) $379 pre-arrival special
2 bottles each of the three Grosses Gewachs bottlings from 2014:
Norheimer Dellchen, Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg, Niederhauser Hermannshohle

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99 Magnums of Wine on the Wall

Below are 10 featured items of the 99 different magnums of wine we offer!

OREGON
Belle Pente Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2011 1.5L ($99.95) $89 special, 6 magnums available
Belle Pente Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District2011 750ML ($44.95) $39 special, 11 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Smoke- and spice-accented aromas of blackberry, cherry-cola and fresh lavender, with a hint of spicecake in the background. Silky, seamless and expansive, displaying intense red and dark berry flavors and a hint of allspice. Puts on weigh with aeration while maintaining vivacity. The mineral and floral qualities build on the persistent finish, which is firmed by fine-grained, harmonious tannins.” ST
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2011 Pinot Noir Estate Reserve is a vineyard parcel and barrel selection. It was picked October 27 at 22 Brix and 100% de-stemmed, undergoing 45% new French oak. It has quite a dense bouquet with plenty of raspberry and crushed strawberry fruit that is well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannin. There is plenty of backbone here, but it is very focused and harmonious with superb tension on the finish. This is an excellent contribution to the vintage—one of the best of Belle Pente’s current releases and well worth hunting down.”

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FRANCE-CHAMPAGNE
Deutz Brut Rose NV 1.5L ($99.95) $88 special, 4 magnums available
Deutz Brut Rose NV 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 special, 36 bottles available
Deutz Brut Rose NV 375ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ half-bottles available
Case-12 Deutz Brut Rose NV 375ML ($259.95) $228 special, 2 cases available (That’s only $19/ half-bottle)
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The NV Brut Rosé is fabulous. A sweet, open bouquet leads to expressive fruit in this rich, textured wine. The Deutz Rosé is a serious wine that can be enjoyed as an aperitif, but it also has more than enough power in reserve to drink well at the dinner table. Floral notes reappear to round out the finish. The blend is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. — Antonio Galloni”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Firm and fresh, this is lightly chalky in texture, displaying a delicate mesh of white cherry, wild strawberry and white peach fruit, with notes of ground ginger, smoke and blanched almond. Elegant, with a lasting finish. Drink now through 2018.”WS

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Vilmart & Cie Grand Cellier d’Or Premier Cru Brut 2007 1.5L ($299.95) $239 special, 3 magnums available
Wine Spectator 94 points “A skein of ground spice unravels through flavors of black cherry coulis, crème de cassis, honeycomb and brioche in this elegant version. Mouthwatering acidity and a lightly chalky texture push through to the lasting finish. Drink now through 2025.” WS

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FRANCE-BURGUNDY
Hospices de Beaune Beaune Premier Cru Cuvee Rousseau Deslandes 2011 1.5L ($249.95) $219 special, 3 magnums available
Elevage by Lucien Le Moine. Hospice de Beaune cuvees are aged by various negociants whose name may appear on the label.

FRANCE-RHONE
Vignobles Brunier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Telegramme 2012 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special, 3 magnums available
Vignobles Brunier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Telegramme 2012 375ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ half-bottles available
Vignobles Brunier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Telegramme 2012 750ML ($49.95) $36 special, 10 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Deep ruby. Aromas of ripe red berries, cherry skin, lavender and smoky minerals, with a sexy spicecake nuance building in the glass. Juicy and seamless on the palate, with sweet raspberry and floral pastille flavors showing very good depth and energy. Clings nicely on the long, spice-tinged finish, which features supple tannins and an echo of raspberry liqueur.” JR

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Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Rouge 2011 1.5L ($649.95) $499 special, 2 magnums available
Wine Advocate 96-98 points “The 2011 Hermitage (also still in barrel), in comparison, is more focused and straight, with a slightly more serious feel to its tannin profile and overall structure. All of the samples (again, tasted in individual components) were beautifully perfumed, with the Les Bessards (which will make up the bulk of the blend) showing surprising density and concentration in a vintage that generally produced more up-front and supple wines. A serious 2011 that will certainly be one of the stars of the vintage, it should be reasonably approachable on release and have an easy two decades of longevity.” WA
Wine Spectator 96 points “A grippy, mouthwatering style, with solid, briary tannins inlaid with finely beaded acidity, all of which meld into the core of anise, blackberry paste and fig sauce flavors. Shows terrific energy on the singed apple wood-filled finish. Should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2016 through 2030.” JM

ITALY-PIEDMONT
Domenico Clerico Arte Rosso Langhe 2011 1.5L ($89.95) $59 special, 36+ magnums available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “(90% nebbiolo and 10% barbera; aged for 18 months in new French oak): Good medium red. Perfumed aromas and flavors of plum, redcurrant, tobacco and spices. Intense and vibrant, with lovely inner-mouth aromatic lift. Very classy, delineated wine.” ST

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Vietti Brunate, Barolo DOCG 2006 1.5L ($399.95) $319 special, 1 magnum available
Vietti Brunate, Barolo DOCG 2006 3L ($829.95) $699 special, 1 3L bottle available
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Bravo! The Brunate cru has awarded Vietti with a stellar product: a wine that is unusually dark and plush with impressive intensity and crafted aromas of black fruit, spice, earth, licorice, balsam and gianduia chocolate-hazelnut spread. The soft, velvety texture is seductively delicious and the wine will age many long, glorious years.” WE
Wine Advocate & Stephen Tanzer 95 points “Good medium red. Perfumed aromas of camphor, brown spices and menthol. Silky-sweet and aromatic in the mouth, with lovely class and a light touch for a wine with such a plush texture-no doubt due to a mineral element that reminded me of Musigny. Very intensely flavored, suave Brunate with an impressive rising finish. A superb showing: this has the structure for a slow evolution in bottle but the complexity to give it considerable early appeal.”ST

ITALY-OTHER
Foradori Morei Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2012 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special, 3 magnums available
Foradori Morei Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2012 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 special, 12 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Foradori’s Teroldego Morei is once again compelling in 2012. A host of intensely savory/mineral notes meld into a core of dense dark red and black stone fruits. Grilled herbs, lavender and smoke follow, adding considerable aromatic intrigue. Big tannins support the huge, explosive finish in a wine endowed with magnificent complexity and pedigree. The dark, brooding finish is particularly of note. Today, the 2012 stands out for its superb complexity and undeniable pedigree. The Morei was vinified and aged in upright terra cotta amphorae.”AG

The magnum is listed at the lowest price in the USA today!

CHILE
Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta, Colchagua Valley 2009 1.5L ($249.95) $189 special, 6 magnums available
Wine Spectator 96 points “This gorgeous wine deftly balances polished cassis, dark cherry reduction and blueberry notes on a compact frame. Structured, with silky tannins lining the long finish that lingers on with hints of apple wood, spice box and underbrush. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2014 through 2020.” WS

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