In This Newsletter:
Jump Start Sale
New Arrival Featurette: Decugnano
New Week – New Arrivals
AJ Adam
Wines on the Way: Bethel Heights & Evesham Wood
Jump Start Sale
New Reviews – New Price – Buy Yours Now!
New Arrival Featurette:
Decugnano
New Week – New Arrivals
Jump Start Sale
New Arrival Featurette: Decugnano
New Week – New Arrivals
AJ Adam
Wines on the Way: Bethel Heights & Evesham Wood
Jump Start Sale
New Reviews – New Price – Buy Yours Now!
A.R. Valdespino ‘La Especial’ Manzanilla Pago de Miraflores Sherry, Andalucia 2016 750ml Was $33, Now $28 special, 34 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Decadent aromas of flor, nuts and creamy cheese, as well as honey and dried lemon and apple. Focused and precise, with a dense, compact palate and a flavorful finish. Nutty and spicy at the end. Bottled in a hock bottle, which is different and fun and from the Miraflores area. Drink and enjoy.”
International Wine Challenge – Gold “Bright straw-gold in colour, with tangy, herbal, and vegetal notes intertwined with hints of yeasty iodine. Highly complex and richly structured. It has a lingering finish with evolving flavours.”
James Suckling 94 points “Decadent aromas of flor, nuts and creamy cheese, as well as honey and dried lemon and apple. Focused and precise, with a dense, compact palate and a flavorful finish. Nutty and spicy at the end. Bottled in a hock bottle, which is different and fun and from the Miraflores area. Drink and enjoy.”
International Wine Challenge – Gold “Bright straw-gold in colour, with tangy, herbal, and vegetal notes intertwined with hints of yeasty iodine. Highly complex and richly structured. It has a lingering finish with evolving flavours.”
New Arrival Featurette:
Decugnano
This historic Umbrian estate works with ancient marine soils dating back over three million years. We offer five wines: two Super Tuscan-style red blends and three mineral-driven whites.
Start with their refreshing “Casa Pica” bottling sourced from younger Vermentino vines (made famous in Sardinia yet tragically overlooked elsewhere in Italy), named for the century-old family farmhouse. Then look to their Orvieto Classico “Frammento,” which blends of fragrant indigenous and internationally famous grapes with more heft and complexity (recognized as a “Top Wine” by Slow Wine multiple years in a row). Finally for whites, we reach the apex: “Mare Antico” (ancient sea, a nod to the terroir). This Orvieto Classico Superiore includes Chardonnay in the blend for a truly thrilling taste-driven tour of the essence of the place.
Moving to the reds, we have two blends. The first, the “Battito,” is a Sangiovese-Cabernet-Merlot number with character to spare. It’s a wine to spark passion and pleasure, or, as the winery puts it, the wine calls you to “indulge in an exciting journey through your deepest desires and allow yourself to be consumed by its fiery passion.”
The top red bottling, “A.D. 1212,” is named for the year in which clergy first made wine at what is now the estate. The hand on the label is in homage to their imprint on the estate. This is the only red vinified in French oak. It’s Syrah-based, with a splash of Montepulciano to add verve. It’s a sensuous wine that will satisfy now and for years to come.
Newly Arrived from Decugnano:
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Decugnano dei Barbi ‘Casa Pica’ Bianco Umbria IGT 2022 750ml $16 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “The name ‘Pica’ is the local name for the magpie in Orvieto. Just as the magpie is known for its curiosity, Casa Pica Vermentino is a fresh, savory, and mineral wine that captivates you with its sunny, maritime, and enveloping flavor.”
Also In Stock Now from Decugnano:
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Decugnano dei Barbi Frammento Orvieto Classico, Umbria 2021 750ml $16 special, 11 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 91 points “Subtle minerality to the salted lemons and tarragon herbs. Linear and bright on the medium-bodied palate with a streamlined structure and creamy texture. Dry and tangy finish. 55% grechetto, 20% sauvignon blanc, 20% vermentino and 5% procanico. Drink now.”
Decugnano dei Barbi ‘Mare Antico’ Orvieto Classico Superiore, Umbria 2021 750ml $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “Wickedly fresh and wafting up like a cool breeze off an alpine peak, the 2021 Orvieto Classico Superiore Mare Antico mixes crushed rock with raw almonds, hints of sage and ginger. This opens with a lovely inner sweetness contrasted by candied lime and salty minerals. It flows across the palate with ease, long and citrus-tinged. It tapers off structured and crisp, with a green apple crunch and residual acids keeping the mouth watering for more. The complexity here is off the charts, coupled with fantastic balance. The Mare Antico is beautiful today but with a bright future as well. Drink: 2024-2034. (Oct 2023)”
Arriving Tuesday, September 9th:
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Decugnano dei Barbi ‘Battito’ Umbria IGT 2021 750ml $18 pre-arrival special, 36 bottles available
Eric Guido-Vinous 90 points “Crushed wild berries, white pepper, rose petals and lavender form a compelling bouquet as the 2021 Rosso Battito blossoms in the glass. Round yet cool-toned in feel, it glides across the palate with ease, displaying ripe red and blue fruits and violet pastille. The 2021 leaves a staining of primary concentration and a web of fine tannins while remaining juicy and fresh. It comes across as both classically dry and lively. The Battito, previously known as the Villa Barbi Rosso, is a blend of 34% Sangiovese, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot. This wine remains a fantastic value from vintage to vintage.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Decugnano dei Barbi Il Rosso di Decugnano A.D. 1212 Umbria IGT 2020 750ml $27 pre-arrival special, 36 bottles available
James Suckling 93 points “Deep nose with hints of sandalwood and incense to the fresh array of black fruit. Some dark chocolates and roasted spices as well. Quite juicy and firm on the palate with medium to full body and a long, textured finish. Lovely spicy bitterness here. Delicious now, but can hold.”
Start with their refreshing “Casa Pica” bottling sourced from younger Vermentino vines (made famous in Sardinia yet tragically overlooked elsewhere in Italy), named for the century-old family farmhouse. Then look to their Orvieto Classico “Frammento,” which blends of fragrant indigenous and internationally famous grapes with more heft and complexity (recognized as a “Top Wine” by Slow Wine multiple years in a row). Finally for whites, we reach the apex: “Mare Antico” (ancient sea, a nod to the terroir). This Orvieto Classico Superiore includes Chardonnay in the blend for a truly thrilling taste-driven tour of the essence of the place.
Moving to the reds, we have two blends. The first, the “Battito,” is a Sangiovese-Cabernet-Merlot number with character to spare. It’s a wine to spark passion and pleasure, or, as the winery puts it, the wine calls you to “indulge in an exciting journey through your deepest desires and allow yourself to be consumed by its fiery passion.”
The top red bottling, “A.D. 1212,” is named for the year in which clergy first made wine at what is now the estate. The hand on the label is in homage to their imprint on the estate. This is the only red vinified in French oak. It’s Syrah-based, with a splash of Montepulciano to add verve. It’s a sensuous wine that will satisfy now and for years to come.
Newly Arrived from Decugnano:
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Decugnano dei Barbi ‘Casa Pica’ Bianco Umbria IGT 2022 750ml $16 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “The name ‘Pica’ is the local name for the magpie in Orvieto. Just as the magpie is known for its curiosity, Casa Pica Vermentino is a fresh, savory, and mineral wine that captivates you with its sunny, maritime, and enveloping flavor.”
Also In Stock Now from Decugnano:
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Decugnano dei Barbi Frammento Orvieto Classico, Umbria 2021 750ml $16 special, 11 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 91 points “Subtle minerality to the salted lemons and tarragon herbs. Linear and bright on the medium-bodied palate with a streamlined structure and creamy texture. Dry and tangy finish. 55% grechetto, 20% sauvignon blanc, 20% vermentino and 5% procanico. Drink now.”
Decugnano dei Barbi ‘Mare Antico’ Orvieto Classico Superiore, Umbria 2021 750ml $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “Wickedly fresh and wafting up like a cool breeze off an alpine peak, the 2021 Orvieto Classico Superiore Mare Antico mixes crushed rock with raw almonds, hints of sage and ginger. This opens with a lovely inner sweetness contrasted by candied lime and salty minerals. It flows across the palate with ease, long and citrus-tinged. It tapers off structured and crisp, with a green apple crunch and residual acids keeping the mouth watering for more. The complexity here is off the charts, coupled with fantastic balance. The Mare Antico is beautiful today but with a bright future as well. Drink: 2024-2034. (Oct 2023)”
Arriving Tuesday, September 9th:
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Decugnano dei Barbi ‘Battito’ Umbria IGT 2021 750ml $18 pre-arrival special, 36 bottles available
Eric Guido-Vinous 90 points “Crushed wild berries, white pepper, rose petals and lavender form a compelling bouquet as the 2021 Rosso Battito blossoms in the glass. Round yet cool-toned in feel, it glides across the palate with ease, displaying ripe red and blue fruits and violet pastille. The 2021 leaves a staining of primary concentration and a web of fine tannins while remaining juicy and fresh. It comes across as both classically dry and lively. The Battito, previously known as the Villa Barbi Rosso, is a blend of 34% Sangiovese, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot. This wine remains a fantastic value from vintage to vintage.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Decugnano dei Barbi Il Rosso di Decugnano A.D. 1212 Umbria IGT 2020 750ml $27 pre-arrival special, 36 bottles available
James Suckling 93 points “Deep nose with hints of sandalwood and incense to the fresh array of black fruit. Some dark chocolates and roasted spices as well. Quite juicy and firm on the palate with medium to full body and a long, textured finish. Lovely spicy bitterness here. Delicious now, but can hold.”
New Week – New Arrivals
Oregon
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Kelley Fox Wines ‘Mirabai’ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2023 750ml $34.50 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points “Despite its modest price point, the 2023 Pinot Noir Mirabai (a barrel selection) comes from some of the top vineyards in the Dundee Hills. Fifty-two percent comes from own-rooted vines in the Weber Vineyard planted in 1983; 28% comes from Stater Vineyard, where vines were planted on rootstock in 1990; 11% comes from own-rooted vines planted in 1974 and 1984 in Durant Vineyard; and 9% comes from own-rooted vines planted from 1970 to 1988 in the Maresh Vineyard. It was fermented with around 15% whole clusters, and the wine was matured for 10 months in used French oak. It has ringing aromas of rhubarb, blackberry, raspberry, lavender and Angostura bitters, offering botanical undertones as it airs in the glass. The light-bodied palate is vibrant and expressive with wonderfully perfumed fruit, chalky tannins and a long, tremendously layered finish. 1,808 cases were made.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Kelley Fox Wines Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2023 750ml $74.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2023 Pinot Noir Carter Vineyard pours a bright ruby color and delivers energy and lift. With fine tannins, orange peel, pomegranate, dewy herbs, and fresh flowers, it’s medium-bodied, with an even, floating feel, and encapsulates the essence of Kelley’s style with its weightless depth. Drink 2025-2045.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Liminal Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2023 750ml $74.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 97 points “Remarkably fresh and perfumed in the glass, the 2023 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard Liminal wafts up with a collage of dried herbs, dusty earth, wildflowers and stemmed strawberries. This wine is a model of balance, seamless and silken in form with an energetic, lively core that offsets its crisp wild berry fruits, all elevated by tantalizing acidity. Citrus and spicy notes saturate the palate, along with a nervous feel that slowly recedes into a lingering harmonious inner sweetness. The 2023 is pure magic. Sadly, this will be the last vintage of Maresh from Kelley Fox.”
California
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Patz & Hall Chenoweth Ranch Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2018 750ml $44.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “This is a spicy, fruity and layered wine, intensely built from a vineyard-designated site the producer has been working with since 2004. Underlying acidity gives it a crispness that is bold and balanced, with lasting notes of earthy forest and black tea.”
France – Champagne
Henriot Brut Souverain NV 750ml $49 special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “A superprecise, reductive style due to bright lime-peel aromas enhanced by chalky minerality with linden tree and yellow plums. Light-bodied, it has zesty acidity with pinprick bubbles, a tight-knit structure and a chewy yet very polished finish. Mineral-laden aftertaste. Drink or hold.”
Legras & Haas ‘Intuition’ Brut NV 750ml $44.50 special, 18 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 90 points “Fresh apricots and pears on the nose, as well as hazelnuts, lemon curd and melba toast. It’s fresh, creamy and silky with fine bubbles. 64% chardonnay, 22% pinot noir and 14% meunier. Based on 2021. Drink now.”
Guy Larmandier Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Zero NV 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Guy Larmandier Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Zero NV 375ml $36 special, 24 half-bottles in stock now
Importer Note “From Chardonnay vines in the Grand Cru village of Cramant. The total absence of any sense of sweetness in this Brut Zéro allows the limestone to take center stage, and it presents in a more piercing and saline manner than in Larmandier’s Brut wines. Despite its relative rigorousness and austerity, however, this is by no means a difficult wine. Rather, it will appeal to those who relish the sort of palpable, intense mineral character Champagne is capable of when made in such a straightforward fashion. Aged 3 years sur lattes.”
Philipponnat Royale Reserve Brut NV 750ml $54.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Complex and smoky nose with orange blossom, green apple, licorice, chalky minerality and toasted bread. Refined palate with pinprick mousse, crisp acidity and a tight, tense and clean aftertaste. 65% pinot noir, 32% chardonnay and 3% pinot meunier. Disgorged in 2024. Dosage 8g/L. Drink now.”
France – Burgundy
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine Camille et Laurent Schaller Chablis 2023 750ml $29 special, 24 bottles in stock now
“The 2023 Chablis Village has one of the superior aromatics, is well-defined, and displays more mineralité and terroir expression. The palate is taut and fresh, crisp green apple and pear with an energetic finish. This is a commendable Chablis Village.” -Neal Martin, Vinous
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine Camille et Laurent Schaller Vau de Vey, Chablis Premier Cru 2023 750ml $41.90 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Decanter 90 points “Plenty of cool, fresh sensations on both nose and palate; shows the personality of this premier cru. More green apple fruit in character with plenty of acidity on the finish, should gain a bit more weight and complexity with a further 12 months in bottle.”
Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix Cote de Lechet, Chablis Premier Cru 2012 750ml $69 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “In fascinating contrast to “Vaillon,” Defaix’s “Côte de Lechet” is a master class in mineral precision. This remarkably steep site (a 45% gradient) with very poor soil produces a wine that Danny describes as embodying “the real, true mineral expression of Chablis.” Freshly blasted chalk dominates the nose, with notes of lemon, honey, and fresh herbs lurking underneath; still, this is a wine of minerality first and foremost. The family owns a 3.5-hectare parcel of 45-year-old vines in this distinctive cru, most of which are planted within a parcel known as the Clos des Moines.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Davanture Bourgogne Cote Chalonnaise 2022 750ml $31.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Laurent & Romain Pillot Bourgogne Rouge 2022 750ml $21.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Pale ruby color in the glass. The nose is balanced with red berry, cherry, cedar, and light spices notes. The palate is fine and light with dark red fruit notes and a gentle acidity that leads into a long and memorable finish. This wine is ideal with grilled pork ribs, roasted chicken, salmon, cheese board, or with a red fruit tart. Vineyard: The vineyard spans 8 hectares in total and was planted over the years from 1960 to 2017. The soil composition is characterized by clay-limestone. The vines are managed using the Single Guyot pruning and training system.”
Importer Note “The Pillot Estate boasts six generations of savoir-faire and a passion for winemaking that has passed from father to son. The family began working the vines around 150 years ago in Côte Chalonnaise. Successive generations have developed the estate in line with technical evolutions. Today, Laurent Pillot combines his extensive experience with his son Romain’s ambition. Together, they offer unique care for their vines, which they harvest and vinify themselves. They nurture this reciprocity to create wines with balance and complexity.”
Laurent & Romain Pillot Mercurey Rouge 2022 750ml $31.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Bright ruby color in the glass. The nose is of red berries notes with red currants and raspberries. The palate is lively and supple with hints of red berries and spices. This wine is ideal with grilled pork ribs, roasted chicken, grilled lamb, salmon, cheese board, or with a red fruit tart. Vineyard: The vineyard spans 3 hectares in total and was planted over the years from 1950 to 1965. The soil composition is characterized by limestone and pebbles. The vines are managed using the Single Guyot pruning and training system. Domaine: With six generations of winemaking expertise passed from father to son, the Domaine Pillot, rooted in Côte Chalonnaise for 150 years, evolves with each generation. Today, Laurent and Romain Pillot blend experience with ambition, personally cultivating and crafting balanced, complex wines from their carefully tended vines.”
France – Beaujolais
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Yohan Lardy ‘Poppy’ Gamay, Vin de France 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-James Suckling 91 points “This is such a joyful expression of the gamay grape with effusive summer berry fruit, including a good amount of raspberries. Juicy and zesty with so much vibrancy on the light- to medium-bodied palate. Surprising depth and length considering the the sleek frame of this wine. From organically grown grapes grown in Lancie, which is part of the Beaujolais-Villages appellation. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Yohan Lardy Moulin-a-Vent Les Michelons 2023 750ml $26 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-James Suckling 97 points “This youthful Moulin-a-Vent has explosive berry fruit right across the spectrum of red, black and blue fruit. Stunning concentration and a wonderfully creamy texture on the medium-bodied palate. Extremely long and silky finish with fabulous balance and precision. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
Yohan Lardy Moulin-a-Vent Vieilles Vignes de 1903 2022 1.5L $69 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Stuart Pigott-James Suckling 96 points “Still very youthful, this powerful and highly structured Moulin-a-Vent has excellent freshness for the very hot and dry vintage. In fact it still needs some time to open up and reveal its rich treasures. Ripe cherries and a touch of Damson plums on the nose, also a wealth of spicy nuances. Compact core of fine tannins, which drive the very long finish, where there’s a wonderful mineral freshness. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Yohan Lardy Moulin-a-Vent Vieilles Vignes de 1903 2023 750ml $36 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-James Suckling 98 points “It’s hard to wrap your head around this extraordinary Moulin-a-Vent, but give it time, and it will wrap itself around–and into–your head. The ripe forest-berry aromas have incredible depth, giving way to a mouth-filling, full-bodied palate that’s highly structured. Then comes a gigantic wave of mineral freshness, almost perfectly underlined by fine tannins. Lastly, it glides off into the distance, pulling you with it. From organically cultivated vines planted in 1903. Drink or hold.”
Italy
Avignonesi Vin Santo di Montepulciano, Tuscany 2010 375ml $219 special, 6 half-bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Dense and mysterious, the Occhio di Pernice reveals a complex and enveloping bouquet with aromas of dried plums and dates, propolis, gingerbread, malaga and tobacco. In the mouth it is sweet and spicy and the olfactory notes return, expanding with those of dried apricots and smoked hazelnut with small nuances of Christmas spices. A wine that surprises with every sip for its concentration and depth. The aftertaste persistence is incredibly long.”
Spain
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Alvear 3 Miradas Vino de Pueblo, Montilla-Moriles 2021 750ml $19 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Joaquín Hidalgo-Vinous 91 points “The 2021 3 Miradas Vino de Pueblo is 100% Pedro Ximénez sourced from Montilla-Moriles. Aged for nine months in amphorae, it presents a fino-like nose of cashew and oxidized green apple. Dry, lean and compact, it offers a saline, enticing palate. This is a cheerful sip for a summer apéritif.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Clos Mogador ‘Nelin’ Blanco, Priorat DOCa 2022 750ml $69 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 96 points “All the wines go through malolactic in barrel, including the white 2022 Nelin, a blend that has been changing over time. In 2022, it was produced exclusively with local varieties, Garnacha Blanca, Macabeu, Xarel·lo, Cariñena Blanca, Picapoll Blanco, Trepat Blanco, PX and Escanyavelles from four small organic vineyards. The juice from the pressing of the full clusters fermented with indigenous yeasts in 1,200-liter oak foudres, with a slow and long fermentation that takes between three and nine months. It matured in foudre for one year and then was transferred to stainless steel for six to eight more months. Despite the dry conditions and the heat waves, it came after the 2021, and the vines had enough reserves, so the wines are fresher than expected. It’s a Mediterranean blend with 14% alcohol and 5.3 grams of acidity, clean and harmonious. The north-facing plots behaved very well, and the varieties can take the conditions without a problem, so the wine doesn’t seem affected at all. In fact, it’s quite fresh, medium-bodied and very tasty, serious and characterful, a triumph over the extreme conditions of the year. It’s a white with aging potential. 9,000 bottles were filled in April 2024.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Clos Mogador Gratallops, Priorat DOCa 2022 750ml $99 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 97 points “Their single-vineyard 2022 Clos Mogador, they flagship wine, was produced with a blend of grapes, mostly Garnacha and Cariñena but also some Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon (less and less, as they are regrafting most of them). It fermented with 40% full clusters and matured in 2,000- and 2,500-liter oak foudres; some are old barriques, to avoid having too much new oak, and some lots finish aging in concrete to complete some 20 months. They have implemented some changes, moving toward larger volumes, abandoning the barriques and moving to foudre (with the low volumes in 2024, the wine will be only in foudre). It has a very Mediterranean nose with plenty of dry hay and straw notes, the classical wet slate notes, very Priorat too, and it has a round palate and very fine, chalky tannins. It’s serious and harmonious and feels relaxed, without any excess. It comes in at 14% alcohol with 5.4 grams of acidity and a bone-dry finish. None of the 2022s showed excess heat or ripeness. The alcohol is contained and integrated, and the wines are balanced and harmonious but with a more Mediterranean profile. 35,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2024.”
Alvear Pedro Ximenez Solera 1927, Montilla-Moriles NV 375ml $31.90 special, 12 half-bottles in stock now
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 98 points “The NV Pedro Ximenez Solera 1927 is non-vintage, but does have some 1927 material in it. This is totally dark brown/amber with notes of figs, toffee, caramel syrup, molasses and coffee. It is dense, super sweet, intense, rich and an amazingly, unctuously textured, thick beverage to consume slowly and introspectively after a meal. Drink now through 2050, or even longer.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Kelley Fox Wines ‘Mirabai’ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2023 750ml $34.50 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points “Despite its modest price point, the 2023 Pinot Noir Mirabai (a barrel selection) comes from some of the top vineyards in the Dundee Hills. Fifty-two percent comes from own-rooted vines in the Weber Vineyard planted in 1983; 28% comes from Stater Vineyard, where vines were planted on rootstock in 1990; 11% comes from own-rooted vines planted in 1974 and 1984 in Durant Vineyard; and 9% comes from own-rooted vines planted from 1970 to 1988 in the Maresh Vineyard. It was fermented with around 15% whole clusters, and the wine was matured for 10 months in used French oak. It has ringing aromas of rhubarb, blackberry, raspberry, lavender and Angostura bitters, offering botanical undertones as it airs in the glass. The light-bodied palate is vibrant and expressive with wonderfully perfumed fruit, chalky tannins and a long, tremendously layered finish. 1,808 cases were made.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Kelley Fox Wines Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2023 750ml $74.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2023 Pinot Noir Carter Vineyard pours a bright ruby color and delivers energy and lift. With fine tannins, orange peel, pomegranate, dewy herbs, and fresh flowers, it’s medium-bodied, with an even, floating feel, and encapsulates the essence of Kelley’s style with its weightless depth. Drink 2025-2045.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Liminal Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2023 750ml $74.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 97 points “Remarkably fresh and perfumed in the glass, the 2023 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard Liminal wafts up with a collage of dried herbs, dusty earth, wildflowers and stemmed strawberries. This wine is a model of balance, seamless and silken in form with an energetic, lively core that offsets its crisp wild berry fruits, all elevated by tantalizing acidity. Citrus and spicy notes saturate the palate, along with a nervous feel that slowly recedes into a lingering harmonious inner sweetness. The 2023 is pure magic. Sadly, this will be the last vintage of Maresh from Kelley Fox.”
California
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Patz & Hall Chenoweth Ranch Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2018 750ml $44.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “This is a spicy, fruity and layered wine, intensely built from a vineyard-designated site the producer has been working with since 2004. Underlying acidity gives it a crispness that is bold and balanced, with lasting notes of earthy forest and black tea.”
France – Champagne
Henriot Brut Souverain NV 750ml $49 special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “A superprecise, reductive style due to bright lime-peel aromas enhanced by chalky minerality with linden tree and yellow plums. Light-bodied, it has zesty acidity with pinprick bubbles, a tight-knit structure and a chewy yet very polished finish. Mineral-laden aftertaste. Drink or hold.”
Legras & Haas ‘Intuition’ Brut NV 750ml $44.50 special, 18 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 90 points “Fresh apricots and pears on the nose, as well as hazelnuts, lemon curd and melba toast. It’s fresh, creamy and silky with fine bubbles. 64% chardonnay, 22% pinot noir and 14% meunier. Based on 2021. Drink now.”
Guy Larmandier Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Zero NV 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Guy Larmandier Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Zero NV 375ml $36 special, 24 half-bottles in stock now
Importer Note “From Chardonnay vines in the Grand Cru village of Cramant. The total absence of any sense of sweetness in this Brut Zéro allows the limestone to take center stage, and it presents in a more piercing and saline manner than in Larmandier’s Brut wines. Despite its relative rigorousness and austerity, however, this is by no means a difficult wine. Rather, it will appeal to those who relish the sort of palpable, intense mineral character Champagne is capable of when made in such a straightforward fashion. Aged 3 years sur lattes.”
Philipponnat Royale Reserve Brut NV 750ml $54.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Complex and smoky nose with orange blossom, green apple, licorice, chalky minerality and toasted bread. Refined palate with pinprick mousse, crisp acidity and a tight, tense and clean aftertaste. 65% pinot noir, 32% chardonnay and 3% pinot meunier. Disgorged in 2024. Dosage 8g/L. Drink now.”
France – Burgundy
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine Camille et Laurent Schaller Chablis 2023 750ml $29 special, 24 bottles in stock now
“The 2023 Chablis Village has one of the superior aromatics, is well-defined, and displays more mineralité and terroir expression. The palate is taut and fresh, crisp green apple and pear with an energetic finish. This is a commendable Chablis Village.” -Neal Martin, Vinous
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine Camille et Laurent Schaller Vau de Vey, Chablis Premier Cru 2023 750ml $41.90 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Decanter 90 points “Plenty of cool, fresh sensations on both nose and palate; shows the personality of this premier cru. More green apple fruit in character with plenty of acidity on the finish, should gain a bit more weight and complexity with a further 12 months in bottle.”
Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix Cote de Lechet, Chablis Premier Cru 2012 750ml $69 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “In fascinating contrast to “Vaillon,” Defaix’s “Côte de Lechet” is a master class in mineral precision. This remarkably steep site (a 45% gradient) with very poor soil produces a wine that Danny describes as embodying “the real, true mineral expression of Chablis.” Freshly blasted chalk dominates the nose, with notes of lemon, honey, and fresh herbs lurking underneath; still, this is a wine of minerality first and foremost. The family owns a 3.5-hectare parcel of 45-year-old vines in this distinctive cru, most of which are planted within a parcel known as the Clos des Moines.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Davanture Bourgogne Cote Chalonnaise 2022 750ml $31.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Laurent & Romain Pillot Bourgogne Rouge 2022 750ml $21.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Pale ruby color in the glass. The nose is balanced with red berry, cherry, cedar, and light spices notes. The palate is fine and light with dark red fruit notes and a gentle acidity that leads into a long and memorable finish. This wine is ideal with grilled pork ribs, roasted chicken, salmon, cheese board, or with a red fruit tart. Vineyard: The vineyard spans 8 hectares in total and was planted over the years from 1960 to 2017. The soil composition is characterized by clay-limestone. The vines are managed using the Single Guyot pruning and training system.”
Importer Note “The Pillot Estate boasts six generations of savoir-faire and a passion for winemaking that has passed from father to son. The family began working the vines around 150 years ago in Côte Chalonnaise. Successive generations have developed the estate in line with technical evolutions. Today, Laurent Pillot combines his extensive experience with his son Romain’s ambition. Together, they offer unique care for their vines, which they harvest and vinify themselves. They nurture this reciprocity to create wines with balance and complexity.”
Laurent & Romain Pillot Mercurey Rouge 2022 750ml $31.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Bright ruby color in the glass. The nose is of red berries notes with red currants and raspberries. The palate is lively and supple with hints of red berries and spices. This wine is ideal with grilled pork ribs, roasted chicken, grilled lamb, salmon, cheese board, or with a red fruit tart. Vineyard: The vineyard spans 3 hectares in total and was planted over the years from 1950 to 1965. The soil composition is characterized by limestone and pebbles. The vines are managed using the Single Guyot pruning and training system. Domaine: With six generations of winemaking expertise passed from father to son, the Domaine Pillot, rooted in Côte Chalonnaise for 150 years, evolves with each generation. Today, Laurent and Romain Pillot blend experience with ambition, personally cultivating and crafting balanced, complex wines from their carefully tended vines.”
France – Beaujolais
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Yohan Lardy ‘Poppy’ Gamay, Vin de France 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-James Suckling 91 points “This is such a joyful expression of the gamay grape with effusive summer berry fruit, including a good amount of raspberries. Juicy and zesty with so much vibrancy on the light- to medium-bodied palate. Surprising depth and length considering the the sleek frame of this wine. From organically grown grapes grown in Lancie, which is part of the Beaujolais-Villages appellation. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Yohan Lardy Moulin-a-Vent Les Michelons 2023 750ml $26 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-James Suckling 97 points “This youthful Moulin-a-Vent has explosive berry fruit right across the spectrum of red, black and blue fruit. Stunning concentration and a wonderfully creamy texture on the medium-bodied palate. Extremely long and silky finish with fabulous balance and precision. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
Yohan Lardy Moulin-a-Vent Vieilles Vignes de 1903 2022 1.5L $69 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Stuart Pigott-James Suckling 96 points “Still very youthful, this powerful and highly structured Moulin-a-Vent has excellent freshness for the very hot and dry vintage. In fact it still needs some time to open up and reveal its rich treasures. Ripe cherries and a touch of Damson plums on the nose, also a wealth of spicy nuances. Compact core of fine tannins, which drive the very long finish, where there’s a wonderful mineral freshness. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Yohan Lardy Moulin-a-Vent Vieilles Vignes de 1903 2023 750ml $36 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-James Suckling 98 points “It’s hard to wrap your head around this extraordinary Moulin-a-Vent, but give it time, and it will wrap itself around–and into–your head. The ripe forest-berry aromas have incredible depth, giving way to a mouth-filling, full-bodied palate that’s highly structured. Then comes a gigantic wave of mineral freshness, almost perfectly underlined by fine tannins. Lastly, it glides off into the distance, pulling you with it. From organically cultivated vines planted in 1903. Drink or hold.”
Italy
Avignonesi Vin Santo di Montepulciano, Tuscany 2010 375ml $219 special, 6 half-bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Dense and mysterious, the Occhio di Pernice reveals a complex and enveloping bouquet with aromas of dried plums and dates, propolis, gingerbread, malaga and tobacco. In the mouth it is sweet and spicy and the olfactory notes return, expanding with those of dried apricots and smoked hazelnut with small nuances of Christmas spices. A wine that surprises with every sip for its concentration and depth. The aftertaste persistence is incredibly long.”
Spain
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Alvear 3 Miradas Vino de Pueblo, Montilla-Moriles 2021 750ml $19 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Joaquín Hidalgo-Vinous 91 points “The 2021 3 Miradas Vino de Pueblo is 100% Pedro Ximénez sourced from Montilla-Moriles. Aged for nine months in amphorae, it presents a fino-like nose of cashew and oxidized green apple. Dry, lean and compact, it offers a saline, enticing palate. This is a cheerful sip for a summer apéritif.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Clos Mogador ‘Nelin’ Blanco, Priorat DOCa 2022 750ml $69 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 96 points “All the wines go through malolactic in barrel, including the white 2022 Nelin, a blend that has been changing over time. In 2022, it was produced exclusively with local varieties, Garnacha Blanca, Macabeu, Xarel·lo, Cariñena Blanca, Picapoll Blanco, Trepat Blanco, PX and Escanyavelles from four small organic vineyards. The juice from the pressing of the full clusters fermented with indigenous yeasts in 1,200-liter oak foudres, with a slow and long fermentation that takes between three and nine months. It matured in foudre for one year and then was transferred to stainless steel for six to eight more months. Despite the dry conditions and the heat waves, it came after the 2021, and the vines had enough reserves, so the wines are fresher than expected. It’s a Mediterranean blend with 14% alcohol and 5.3 grams of acidity, clean and harmonious. The north-facing plots behaved very well, and the varieties can take the conditions without a problem, so the wine doesn’t seem affected at all. In fact, it’s quite fresh, medium-bodied and very tasty, serious and characterful, a triumph over the extreme conditions of the year. It’s a white with aging potential. 9,000 bottles were filled in April 2024.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Clos Mogador Gratallops, Priorat DOCa 2022 750ml $99 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 97 points “Their single-vineyard 2022 Clos Mogador, they flagship wine, was produced with a blend of grapes, mostly Garnacha and Cariñena but also some Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon (less and less, as they are regrafting most of them). It fermented with 40% full clusters and matured in 2,000- and 2,500-liter oak foudres; some are old barriques, to avoid having too much new oak, and some lots finish aging in concrete to complete some 20 months. They have implemented some changes, moving toward larger volumes, abandoning the barriques and moving to foudre (with the low volumes in 2024, the wine will be only in foudre). It has a very Mediterranean nose with plenty of dry hay and straw notes, the classical wet slate notes, very Priorat too, and it has a round palate and very fine, chalky tannins. It’s serious and harmonious and feels relaxed, without any excess. It comes in at 14% alcohol with 5.4 grams of acidity and a bone-dry finish. None of the 2022s showed excess heat or ripeness. The alcohol is contained and integrated, and the wines are balanced and harmonious but with a more Mediterranean profile. 35,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2024.”
Alvear Pedro Ximenez Solera 1927, Montilla-Moriles NV 375ml $31.90 special, 12 half-bottles in stock now
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 98 points “The NV Pedro Ximenez Solera 1927 is non-vintage, but does have some 1927 material in it. This is totally dark brown/amber with notes of figs, toffee, caramel syrup, molasses and coffee. It is dense, super sweet, intense, rich and an amazingly, unctuously textured, thick beverage to consume slowly and introspectively after a meal. Drink now through 2050, or even longer.”
AJ Adam
In an overlooked side valley of the Middle Mosel, just south of Piesport, are the steep, south-facing vineyard slopes of Dhron. Few of the younger generation have taken over for the retiring winemakers of this small region, leading the region to fall into obscurity.
One of the rare exceptions of younger winemakers is Andreas Adam. He released his first wine from the 2000 vintage at 19 years-old after honing his craft at Heymann-Loewenstein. Not long after, he was discovered by Terry Theise, who imported his wines to the US, bringing international attention. His sister, Barbara, joined him in 2013 after having worked for Franz Keller in Baden and Klaus-Peter Keller in the Rheinhessen.
Their holdings have expanded to five hectares, including old vine parcels in two Grand Cru vineyards in Dhron: Hofberg and Has’chen. Here, the terroir of the area produces wines more similar to Saar than the Middle Mosel: the steepness, high altitude and cooling mountain breezes help the wines retain vibrant acidity, and the age of his parcels adds to the concentration and finesse. Older vines are a rarity in Dhron since much of the land was reformed, re-terraced, and replanted in the 1970s. In Hofberg, their vines date back to the 1950s, while in Has’chen, their vines are ungrafted and were planted in 1930.
In the winery, Adam hand sorts the grapes before they undergo natural yeast fermentation in stainless steel, fuder and halbfuder casks. He adds nothing to the fermenting wines. The result is wines of poise, energy and concentration: terroir-driven and supremely balanced. They offer a reminder of the glory these once-prized vineyards held in decades past.
In Stock Now:
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut A.J. Adam Dhroner Has’chen Riesling, Mosel 2022 750ml $66 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2022er Hofberg, as it is referred on the consumer label (the reference to GG is provided in small print on the side of the label), was fermented in Fuder with fruit picked on up 55 to 60-year-old vines situated in classical parts on the main hill of the vineyard. It offers a superb nose made of citrusy fruit, mirabelle, whipped cream, laurel, carraway, and herbs. The wine proves subtle and playful on the palate and leaves a gorgeously long and spicy feel in the finish. The aftertaste is subtle, playful, and delicate. 2027-2037.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Weingut A.J. Adam Dhroner Hofberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Mosel 2021 750ml $69 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2021er Hofberg, as it is referred on the consumer label (the reference to GG is provided in small print on the side of the label), was fermented in Fuder with fruit picked on up 55 to 60-year-old vines situated in classical parts on the main hill of the vineyard. It captures one’s attention with a bright, aromatic, and complex nose of white peach, greengage, grapefruit, lemon, fine spices, almond cream, and herbs. The wine is superbly structured on the palate, where some fine fruity elements join the party and add some Schmelz to the otherwise stony and herbal core. The finish is very long, pure, and fully dry with some salty notes coming through in the after-taste. 2024-2036.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Weingut A.J. Adam Dhroner Hofberg Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2022 750ml $49 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2022er Hofberg Spätlese, as it is referred to on the front label, was made from fruit harvested at 86° Oechsle in the backside of the main hill and was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar (67 g/l). It offers a beautiful nose made of whipped cream, citrusy elements, melon, herbs, and smoke. The wine proves nicely smooth and creamy on the palate and leaves a gorgeously playful feel with perfectly integrated acidity in the long finish. A touch of sweetness still needs to integrate in the aftertaste, something which will have happened in a decade or so. 2032-2047.”
Weingut A.J. Adam Dhroner Hofberg Riesling Auslese *, Mosel 2016 375ml $39 special, 10 half-bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The 2016er Auslese * was made from the second pressing of the Eiswein grapes harvested on November 30. This already golden-colored wine delivers a rather ripe and exotic nose of grapefruit, candied passion fruit and backed pineapple. It is nicely balanced on the palate and does not exhibit the usual “Eiswein bite” of such wines but proves more luscious in style. The acidity comes eventually through in the sweet and complex finish. 2023-2036.”
One of the rare exceptions of younger winemakers is Andreas Adam. He released his first wine from the 2000 vintage at 19 years-old after honing his craft at Heymann-Loewenstein. Not long after, he was discovered by Terry Theise, who imported his wines to the US, bringing international attention. His sister, Barbara, joined him in 2013 after having worked for Franz Keller in Baden and Klaus-Peter Keller in the Rheinhessen.
Their holdings have expanded to five hectares, including old vine parcels in two Grand Cru vineyards in Dhron: Hofberg and Has’chen. Here, the terroir of the area produces wines more similar to Saar than the Middle Mosel: the steepness, high altitude and cooling mountain breezes help the wines retain vibrant acidity, and the age of his parcels adds to the concentration and finesse. Older vines are a rarity in Dhron since much of the land was reformed, re-terraced, and replanted in the 1970s. In Hofberg, their vines date back to the 1950s, while in Has’chen, their vines are ungrafted and were planted in 1930.
In the winery, Adam hand sorts the grapes before they undergo natural yeast fermentation in stainless steel, fuder and halbfuder casks. He adds nothing to the fermenting wines. The result is wines of poise, energy and concentration: terroir-driven and supremely balanced. They offer a reminder of the glory these once-prized vineyards held in decades past.
In Stock Now:
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut A.J. Adam Dhroner Has’chen Riesling, Mosel 2022 750ml $66 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2022er Hofberg, as it is referred on the consumer label (the reference to GG is provided in small print on the side of the label), was fermented in Fuder with fruit picked on up 55 to 60-year-old vines situated in classical parts on the main hill of the vineyard. It offers a superb nose made of citrusy fruit, mirabelle, whipped cream, laurel, carraway, and herbs. The wine proves subtle and playful on the palate and leaves a gorgeously long and spicy feel in the finish. The aftertaste is subtle, playful, and delicate. 2027-2037.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Weingut A.J. Adam Dhroner Hofberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Mosel 2021 750ml $69 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2021er Hofberg, as it is referred on the consumer label (the reference to GG is provided in small print on the side of the label), was fermented in Fuder with fruit picked on up 55 to 60-year-old vines situated in classical parts on the main hill of the vineyard. It captures one’s attention with a bright, aromatic, and complex nose of white peach, greengage, grapefruit, lemon, fine spices, almond cream, and herbs. The wine is superbly structured on the palate, where some fine fruity elements join the party and add some Schmelz to the otherwise stony and herbal core. The finish is very long, pure, and fully dry with some salty notes coming through in the after-taste. 2024-2036.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Weingut A.J. Adam Dhroner Hofberg Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2022 750ml $49 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2022er Hofberg Spätlese, as it is referred to on the front label, was made from fruit harvested at 86° Oechsle in the backside of the main hill and was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar (67 g/l). It offers a beautiful nose made of whipped cream, citrusy elements, melon, herbs, and smoke. The wine proves nicely smooth and creamy on the palate and leaves a gorgeously playful feel with perfectly integrated acidity in the long finish. A touch of sweetness still needs to integrate in the aftertaste, something which will have happened in a decade or so. 2032-2047.”
Weingut A.J. Adam Dhroner Hofberg Riesling Auslese *, Mosel 2016 375ml $39 special, 10 half-bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The 2016er Auslese * was made from the second pressing of the Eiswein grapes harvested on November 30. This already golden-colored wine delivers a rather ripe and exotic nose of grapefruit, candied passion fruit and backed pineapple. It is nicely balanced on the palate and does not exhibit the usual “Eiswein bite” of such wines but proves more luscious in style. The acidity comes eventually through in the sweet and complex finish. 2023-2036.”
Wines on the Way:
Bethel Heights
Surrounded by some of the most famous and prized vineyards in the entire Willamette Valley, Bethel Heights is the crown jewel of the Eola-Amity Hills and one of this AVA’s oldest. The soil type is volcanic, imparting rich fruit notes alongside silky tannins. Delicious doesn’t begin to describe them: they are world-class with a distinctive Oregon terroir.
Bringing these wines to life is Mimi Casteel. She came to winemaking after stints as a firefighter, botanist, and ecologist. After many years studying, interacting, and living within the natural environment, it was a likely transition to wine through the lens of regenerative farming. She is a second-generation winemaker, daughter of Ted Casteel and Pat Dudley, who pioneered winemaking in the Eola-Amity Hills region during the 1970s. She is joined by her cousin, Ben Casteel, who has been winemaker at Bethel Heights since 2005.
Arriving Mid-September from Bethel Heights:
Bethel Heights Vineyard ‘Casteel’ Reserve Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $67.50 pre-arrival special, 18 bottles available
Decanter 97 points “The top cuvée of each vintage is fixed with the family name, Casteel. In 2022 it includes five blocks selected from Lewman Vineyard and the western slopes of Bethel Heights. It’s noteworthy per winemaker Ben Casteel that this wine is not comprised of the oldest vines on the estate but from grafted vines ranging from 26 to 30 years. Concentrated aromatics of dusty rose petals, smoky hoisin sauce and notes of toasted sesame oil. The palate is intense, centred around opaque bramble fruits, there is a muddled strawberry freshness, further carried by spicy chicory root, tart pomegranate, and delicious notes of dried anise. A wine of elegance certainly but with concentration and structure to unwind beautifully over a decade.”
Bethel Heights Vineyard Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $61.90 pre-arrival special, 18 bottles available
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2022 Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard has layered aromas of pomegranate, blueberry, orange bitters, wildflowers and mossy bark. The medium-bodied palate demands your attention with its concentrated, powerful flavors. Abundant, velvety tannins and bright acidity structures its opulent fruit, and it has a long, luxuriously spicy finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle.”
Bethel Heights Vineyard Lewman Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2022 750ml $61.90 pre-arrival special, 18 bottles available
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 96+ points ‘The 2022 Pinot Noir Lewman Vineyard has deep, layered scents of pomegranate, rhubarb, tea leaves, salami and dried flowers. It gains purity as it airs in the glass, and its spicy undertones seem on the precipice of bursting open. The medium-bodied palate features concentrated, spicy flavors structured by powerful, powdery tannins and chiseled acidity, though its fruit is still youthfully coiled. Give it 3-5 years in the cellar to blossom.”
Bringing these wines to life is Mimi Casteel. She came to winemaking after stints as a firefighter, botanist, and ecologist. After many years studying, interacting, and living within the natural environment, it was a likely transition to wine through the lens of regenerative farming. She is a second-generation winemaker, daughter of Ted Casteel and Pat Dudley, who pioneered winemaking in the Eola-Amity Hills region during the 1970s. She is joined by her cousin, Ben Casteel, who has been winemaker at Bethel Heights since 2005.
Arriving Mid-September from Bethel Heights:
Bethel Heights Vineyard ‘Casteel’ Reserve Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $67.50 pre-arrival special, 18 bottles available
Decanter 97 points “The top cuvée of each vintage is fixed with the family name, Casteel. In 2022 it includes five blocks selected from Lewman Vineyard and the western slopes of Bethel Heights. It’s noteworthy per winemaker Ben Casteel that this wine is not comprised of the oldest vines on the estate but from grafted vines ranging from 26 to 30 years. Concentrated aromatics of dusty rose petals, smoky hoisin sauce and notes of toasted sesame oil. The palate is intense, centred around opaque bramble fruits, there is a muddled strawberry freshness, further carried by spicy chicory root, tart pomegranate, and delicious notes of dried anise. A wine of elegance certainly but with concentration and structure to unwind beautifully over a decade.”
Bethel Heights Vineyard Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $61.90 pre-arrival special, 18 bottles available
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2022 Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard has layered aromas of pomegranate, blueberry, orange bitters, wildflowers and mossy bark. The medium-bodied palate demands your attention with its concentrated, powerful flavors. Abundant, velvety tannins and bright acidity structures its opulent fruit, and it has a long, luxuriously spicy finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle.”
Bethel Heights Vineyard Lewman Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2022 750ml $61.90 pre-arrival special, 18 bottles available
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 96+ points ‘The 2022 Pinot Noir Lewman Vineyard has deep, layered scents of pomegranate, rhubarb, tea leaves, salami and dried flowers. It gains purity as it airs in the glass, and its spicy undertones seem on the precipice of bursting open. The medium-bodied palate features concentrated, spicy flavors structured by powerful, powdery tannins and chiseled acidity, though its fruit is still youthfully coiled. Give it 3-5 years in the cellar to blossom.”
Evesham Wood
After studying wine in Germany, the late Russ Raney founded the Evesham Wood winery in 1986. He took his inspiration from Burgundy and Alsace, planting Pinot Noir and aromatic white varieties. He was an inspiring figure in the Valley who influenced many folks in the industry.
After working with Russ for several years, Erin Nuccio took over as winemaker and owner in 2010 while developing his own original label, Haden Fig. Under Erin’s stewardship, the already topnotch winery has continued to improve, showcasing the profound terroir of the land.
Arriving Tuesday, September 16th from Evesham Wood:
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Evesham Wood Cortell Rose Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 750ml $44 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
Winery Note “Both Evesham Wood and sibling winery Haden Fig debuted a Cortell Rose single vineyard Pinot Noir in 2023–we think that highly of Jessica Cortell’s farming. Fermented with our house “J” yeast in contrast to the spontaneous-fermented Haden Fig seems to have yielded an especially pretty, elegantly silky beauty; yes, we’re quite fond of it! Fascinatingly, it also shows brighter, higher tones than its darker, more rustic Haden Fig sibling. There’s only one way to settle which is your favorite: try them side-by-side.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Evesham Wood Illahe Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $38 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Winery Note “A pretty and precociously fruited vintage of Illahe, the ‘23 pours forth with a silken splendor of lavender-tinged cherry, strawberry, and fresh raspberry before showing off its savory side. We’re reminded of the essence of fall mushrooms foraged among old growth Douglas fir–wonderfully Oregonian.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Evesham Wood Mahonia Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $44 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
Winery Note “It’s early in this wine’s existence but even at this youthful stage, ‘23 Mahonia reminds us of 2015 Mahonia–quite likely the greatest vintage of Mahonia, until now. In that way, Mahonia epitomizes what we’ve said about the 2023s: they remind us of the 2015s in their structure and classic Pinot Noir profiles, but they’re more extroverted. We sure see that in ‘23 Mahonia, which is wildly seductive, balancing crushably delicious layers of dark red fruit with porcini mushroom, rosemary, and brown spices. We are big fans of this wine, we bottled a mere 61 cases, and thus we encourage you to claim yours with urgency.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2023 750ml $49 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Winery Note “The Le Puits Sec is a remarkably focused and cheery wine with dried leaves framing fresh cranberry and raspberry stopping just shy of pomegranite while offering an apple-skin style of fine-grained tannin.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Evesham Wood Sojeau Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2023 750ml $44 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
Winery Note “The spectacular Sojeau vineyard sits on a 650 foot bench on the western flank of the Eola-Amity Hills. It stares directly into the Van Duzer Corridor, the gap in the Coast Range which funnels cool Pacific Ocean air into the valley, imbuing Sojeau vineyard Pinot Noirs with unmistakable energy. Our ‘23 Sojeau is dark and almost crunchy with blackberry, plum, and black cherry fruit intertwining with clove-studded orange and violet accents. “
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $44 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Winery Note “A truly distinctive vineyard in the Willamette Valley, Temperance Hill’s signature is written in neon for all to behold; this is why we, and so many of our trusted colleagues, seek its fruit. In our cellar, Temperance contributes flourishes of freshly sawn cedar, green tobacco, and savory pink peppercorns and in ‘23, they produce aromatic fireworks, highlighting a basket of wild red berries in both scents and flavors. A lovely match of silken and spicy, our ‘23 TH will live long in cool cellars.”
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
Donnhoff
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Donnhoff
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Donnhoff
Vie di Romans
5% off any 3-7 bottles of in-stock Vie di Romans wines
10% off any 8+ or more bottles of in-stock Vie di Romans wines
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Donnhoff sale ends Tuesday, September 9th at 9 am Pacific. Vie di Romans sale ends Wednesday, September 10th at 9 am Pacific.