In This Newsletter:
Hot Deal of the Day:
Booker Vineyard 2017s
Champagne Sales
New Reviews from Wine & Spirits Magazine
Trending
Karthauserhof Klose Out
Super Deals on this Super Estate!
Pop Up Sales Continue!
Hot Deal of the Day:
Booker Vineyard 2017s
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $84.90
The average price is $100
Booker Vineyard Vertigo, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($99.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Booker Vineyard Vertigo, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($599.95) $389 pre-arrival special (that’s only $64.83/bottle!)
Case-12 Booker Vineyard Vertigo, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($1,119.95) $739 pre-arrival special (that’s only $61.58/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “I loved the 2017 Vertigo from barrel, and it didn’t disappoint from bottle. A blend of 63% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre, and the rest Grenache and Petite Sirah, brought up in 65% new French oak, this full-bodied, massively endowed 2017 has complex notes of blue fruits, blood orange, violets, and exotic spices. As with all Eric’s 2017s, it’s rich and concentrated yet has remarkable purity and elegance at the same time. It’s one of the finest GSM blends out there and will shine for at least 8-10 years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Brilliant purple. Blackberry, blueberry, cola, exotic spices, vanilla and pungent flowers on the deeply perfumed, mineral-accented nose. Compellingly sweet, lush and broad in the mouth, showing hefty dark berry preserve, candied violet and fruitcake flavors that pick up mocha, vanilla and star anise nuances on the back half. Finishes extremely long and smooth, with velvety tannins, lingering florality and outstanding clarity. 60% new French oak.”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2017 Vertigo is a blend of 65% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre and 5% Grenache aged in 65% new French oak. Deep ruby-purple in color, the nose opens with tar, chargrill and loamy earth scents, slowly offering up game meats, black currants, dried violets and dried black cherries with a chocolatey undercurrent. Full-bodied, rich and slowly blossoming in the mouth, it has a firm, grainy frame and just enough freshness, finishing long and still youthfully coiled. This needs time! 950 cases produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $74.99
The average price is $80
Champagne Sales
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Andre Clouet ‘Le Clos’ Bouzy Grand Cru Brut, Champagne 2007 1.5L ($319.95) Was $279, Now $249, 13 magnums in stock now
VinopolNote: A limited production bottling, all from one of the four walled Grand Cru vineyards in Champagne. 100% Pinot Noir.
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
New Reviews from Wine & Spirits Magazine
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $63
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2016 750ML ($219.95) $165 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine & Spirits 94 points “Quilceda Creek’s flagship cabernet is a blend from four vineyards, including estate fruit from Palengat and Champoux. The wine leads with scents of tar, tanbark and briar, set against fruit that’s bright red in cast. It feels generous and precise at once, the fruit exuberant, delivered in a tailored sleeve of tannins and mineral dust. It’s seamless yet firm, ready for roast lamb.”
Quilceda Creek Palengat Vineyard Red, Horse Heaven Hills 2016 750ML ($179.95) $135 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 95 points “Palengat is a south-facing vineyard on Phinny Hill in the Horse Heaven Hills, adjacent to the most storied vineyard on that hill, Champoux. This wine blends 83 percent cabernet sauvignon with merlot and cabernet franc. The franc provides a cool sheen, a whiff of the savory sage-like scents that roll across the vast plains overlooking the Columbia River. There is plenty of succulent fruit here, but your attention wanders to where the tobacco and garrigue scents gather and inform the fruit with a fine, powdery grit.”
G.D. Vajra Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 93 points “Aldo and Milena Vaira first bottled a wine from their vines in Ravera as a single cru in 2010. The 2015 is powerful and meaty, with flavors of thick-skinned cherry and plum layered with notes of tar, licorice and tobacco. Aromas of rose and orange peel add brightness even as dense, mineral tannins close in around the fruit. This is a bottle that requires patience.”
Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 93 points “This wine aged for two years in French oak barriques, gaining notes of cacao and cardamom that enrich its ripe cherry and plum flavors. Hints of orange zest and crunchy herbs add dimension, the flavors held together by fine, dusty tannins.”
Hot Deal of the Day:
Booker Vineyard 2017s
Champagne Sales
New Reviews from Wine & Spirits Magazine
Trending
Karthauserhof Klose Out
Super Deals on this Super Estate!
Pop Up Sales Continue!
Hot Deal of the Day:
Booker Vineyard 2017s
“This year’s Booker wines will more than satisfy his loyal contingent of followers, with their assertive, deeply fruited and complex, even flamboyant character.” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media
“Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyards continues to make a ripe, sexy, pedal-to-the-metal style of wine… As I’ve commented in the past, the wines from Eric Jensen at Booker are some of the most impressive releases coming out of California. While in the past, they relied on pure fruit and texture to impress, today they possess layered, elegant and complex characters paired with serious depth, richness and structure.” –Jeb Dunnuck
Arriving Friday, November 16th
Booker Vineyard Fracture Syrah, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($119.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Booker Vineyard Fracture Syrah, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($719.95) $449 pre-arrival special (that’s only $74.83/bottle!)
Case-12 Booker Vineyard Fracture Syrah, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($1,439.95) $849 pre-arrival special (that’s only $70.75/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “Notes of crème de cassis, ground pepper, and crushed flowers emerge from the 2017 Fracture, which, as always, is all Syrah and was brought up in 65% new French oak barrels. Full-bodied, beautifully layered and textured, it has classic Booker power and richness yet shows the pretty, elegant style of the vintage as well.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Shimmering purple. Mineral- and spice-accented black raspberry, boysenberry and candied violet on the highly perfumed nose. Shows superb depth as well as energy to the alluringly sweet red and blue fruit preserve, vanilla, fruitcake and candied violet flavors, which are complemented by smoky bacon and cracked pepper flourishes. Finishes smoky, broad and extremely long, displaying repeating florality and youthful tannic grip. Two-thirds new French oak.”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94 points “Made of 100% Syrah aged in 65% new French oak, the 2017 Fracture has a deep ruby-purple color. The nose opens with tar, chargrill, woodsmoke and roasted lamb over bitter chocolate, bay leaves, sweet spices and blue fruits. Medium to full-bodied, it gains amplitude and nuance in the mouth, firmly supported and grainy with just enough freshness on the long, flavorful finish. 1,285 cases produced.”
“Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyards continues to make a ripe, sexy, pedal-to-the-metal style of wine… As I’ve commented in the past, the wines from Eric Jensen at Booker are some of the most impressive releases coming out of California. While in the past, they relied on pure fruit and texture to impress, today they possess layered, elegant and complex characters paired with serious depth, richness and structure.” –Jeb Dunnuck
Arriving Friday, November 16th
Booker Vineyard Fracture Syrah, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($119.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Booker Vineyard Fracture Syrah, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($719.95) $449 pre-arrival special (that’s only $74.83/bottle!)
Case-12 Booker Vineyard Fracture Syrah, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($1,439.95) $849 pre-arrival special (that’s only $70.75/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “Notes of crème de cassis, ground pepper, and crushed flowers emerge from the 2017 Fracture, which, as always, is all Syrah and was brought up in 65% new French oak barrels. Full-bodied, beautifully layered and textured, it has classic Booker power and richness yet shows the pretty, elegant style of the vintage as well.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Shimmering purple. Mineral- and spice-accented black raspberry, boysenberry and candied violet on the highly perfumed nose. Shows superb depth as well as energy to the alluringly sweet red and blue fruit preserve, vanilla, fruitcake and candied violet flavors, which are complemented by smoky bacon and cracked pepper flourishes. Finishes smoky, broad and extremely long, displaying repeating florality and youthful tannic grip. Two-thirds new French oak.”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94 points “Made of 100% Syrah aged in 65% new French oak, the 2017 Fracture has a deep ruby-purple color. The nose opens with tar, chargrill, woodsmoke and roasted lamb over bitter chocolate, bay leaves, sweet spices and blue fruits. Medium to full-bodied, it gains amplitude and nuance in the mouth, firmly supported and grainy with just enough freshness on the long, flavorful finish. 1,285 cases produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $84.90
The average price is $100
Booker Vineyard Vertigo, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($99.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Booker Vineyard Vertigo, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($599.95) $389 pre-arrival special (that’s only $64.83/bottle!)
Case-12 Booker Vineyard Vertigo, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($1,119.95) $739 pre-arrival special (that’s only $61.58/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “I loved the 2017 Vertigo from barrel, and it didn’t disappoint from bottle. A blend of 63% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre, and the rest Grenache and Petite Sirah, brought up in 65% new French oak, this full-bodied, massively endowed 2017 has complex notes of blue fruits, blood orange, violets, and exotic spices. As with all Eric’s 2017s, it’s rich and concentrated yet has remarkable purity and elegance at the same time. It’s one of the finest GSM blends out there and will shine for at least 8-10 years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Brilliant purple. Blackberry, blueberry, cola, exotic spices, vanilla and pungent flowers on the deeply perfumed, mineral-accented nose. Compellingly sweet, lush and broad in the mouth, showing hefty dark berry preserve, candied violet and fruitcake flavors that pick up mocha, vanilla and star anise nuances on the back half. Finishes extremely long and smooth, with velvety tannins, lingering florality and outstanding clarity. 60% new French oak.”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2017 Vertigo is a blend of 65% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre and 5% Grenache aged in 65% new French oak. Deep ruby-purple in color, the nose opens with tar, chargrill and loamy earth scents, slowly offering up game meats, black currants, dried violets and dried black cherries with a chocolatey undercurrent. Full-bodied, rich and slowly blossoming in the mouth, it has a firm, grainy frame and just enough freshness, finishing long and still youthfully coiled. This needs time! 950 cases produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $74.99
The average price is $80
Champagne Sales
Andre Clouet ‘Le Clos’ Bouzy Grand Cru Brut, Champagne 2006 1.5L ($379.95) Was $319, Now $299, 2 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2006 is the first release of Clouet’s Clos de Bouzy, a 100% Pinot bottled only in magnum. Considering the year and the richness of Pinot from Bouzy, the Clos de Bouzy is surprisingly bright and floral in its aromas and flavors. The Pinot is mostly felt in the wine’s richness and texture. Dried pears, flowers, spices and anise emerge over time, but the 2006 is first and foremost a wine of subtlety. It will be interesting to see if the 2006 puts on additional weight in bottle. (Magnum only)”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2006 is the first release of Clouet’s Clos de Bouzy, a 100% Pinot bottled only in magnum. Considering the year and the richness of Pinot from Bouzy, the Clos de Bouzy is surprisingly bright and floral in its aromas and flavors. The Pinot is mostly felt in the wine’s richness and texture. Dried pears, flowers, spices and anise emerge over time, but the 2006 is first and foremost a wine of subtlety. It will be interesting to see if the 2006 puts on additional weight in bottle. (Magnum only)”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Andre Clouet ‘Le Clos’ Bouzy Grand Cru Brut, Champagne 2007 1.5L ($319.95) Was $279, Now $249, 13 magnums in stock now
VinopolNote: A limited production bottling, all from one of the four walled Grand Cru vineyards in Champagne. 100% Pinot Noir.
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
New Reviews from Wine & Spirits Magazine
Cristom Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 95 points “In an otherwise warm year, this pinot, from the highest elevations of Cristom’s property, reflects a windblown coolness, dramatizing a tension between savory whole-cluster scents and luminous lean fruit. It’s aromatically seductive, with its scents of clove, thyme, lavender and leaves leading into dark cherry flavors. What’s most impressive is the texture, firm but lively, with an acid-tannin matrix that drives the wine with firm, silken intensity.”
Wine & Spirits 95 points “In an otherwise warm year, this pinot, from the highest elevations of Cristom’s property, reflects a windblown coolness, dramatizing a tension between savory whole-cluster scents and luminous lean fruit. It’s aromatically seductive, with its scents of clove, thyme, lavender and leaves leading into dark cherry flavors. What’s most impressive is the texture, firm but lively, with an acid-tannin matrix that drives the wine with firm, silken intensity.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $63
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2016 750ML ($219.95) $165 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine & Spirits 94 points “Quilceda Creek’s flagship cabernet is a blend from four vineyards, including estate fruit from Palengat and Champoux. The wine leads with scents of tar, tanbark and briar, set against fruit that’s bright red in cast. It feels generous and precise at once, the fruit exuberant, delivered in a tailored sleeve of tannins and mineral dust. It’s seamless yet firm, ready for roast lamb.”
Quilceda Creek Palengat Vineyard Red, Horse Heaven Hills 2016 750ML ($179.95) $135 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 95 points “Palengat is a south-facing vineyard on Phinny Hill in the Horse Heaven Hills, adjacent to the most storied vineyard on that hill, Champoux. This wine blends 83 percent cabernet sauvignon with merlot and cabernet franc. The franc provides a cool sheen, a whiff of the savory sage-like scents that roll across the vast plains overlooking the Columbia River. There is plenty of succulent fruit here, but your attention wanders to where the tobacco and garrigue scents gather and inform the fruit with a fine, powdery grit.”
G.D. Vajra Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 93 points “Aldo and Milena Vaira first bottled a wine from their vines in Ravera as a single cru in 2010. The 2015 is powerful and meaty, with flavors of thick-skinned cherry and plum layered with notes of tar, licorice and tobacco. Aromas of rose and orange peel add brightness even as dense, mineral tannins close in around the fruit. This is a bottle that requires patience.”
Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 93 points “This wine aged for two years in French oak barriques, gaining notes of cacao and cardamom that enrich its ripe cherry and plum flavors. Hints of orange zest and crunchy herbs add dimension, the flavors held together by fine, dusty tannins.”
Trending
Oregon’s favorite red blend
Bow & Arrow Rhinestone Red, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($29.95) $20.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Bow & Arrow Rhinestone Red, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($319.95) $228 special (that’s only $19/bottle!)
Winery note “To understand Rhinestones we have to talk about the Cheverny region of France’s Loire Valley where, by law, the red wines must be a blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir. We follow this stricture with all the Pinot and Gamay fruit we source from Johan Vineyard. The blend is determined by nature and vintage. Aged in a mixture of concrete and old barriques, this wine is the flagship of the Bow & Arrow operation and communicates what we’re about as much as anything we make. Effortlessly drinkable but rewards detective work if you’re in the mood.”
Bow & Arrow Rhinestone Red, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($29.95) $20.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Bow & Arrow Rhinestone Red, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($319.95) $228 special (that’s only $19/bottle!)
Winery note “To understand Rhinestones we have to talk about the Cheverny region of France’s Loire Valley where, by law, the red wines must be a blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir. We follow this stricture with all the Pinot and Gamay fruit we source from Johan Vineyard. The blend is determined by nature and vintage. Aged in a mixture of concrete and old barriques, this wine is the flagship of the Bow & Arrow operation and communicates what we’re about as much as anything we make. Effortlessly drinkable but rewards detective work if you’re in the mood.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
K Vintners ‘M.C.K. Motor City Kitty’ Syrah, Washington 2017 750ML ($41.95) Was $36, Now $33, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “Coming from the Oldfield and Boushey Vineyards (basically the same vineyard), the 2017 Syrah Motor City Kitty Oldfield-Boushey Vineyard is slightly darker colored and, as with all the Rhones here, wasn’t destemmed and was brought up in mostly neutral puncheons. Blackberries, smoked earth, game, chocolate, and chalky minerality all emerge from this beauty, and it’s a powerful, full-bodied, concentrated effort that will evolve positively for 2-4 years and keep for a decade.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $36
Now is the perfect time of year for light-bodied reds, and this is a stunner from the folks at Les Lunes
Populis Wabi-Sabi Red, California 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “A blend of Zinfandel, Carignane and Chenin blanc, this blend of old-vine, dry-farmed grapes harkens back to the field-blends found in CA prior to prohibition. The wine is exceptionally versatile for pairings as its richness of fruit is nicely balanced with freshness and brightness.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $21.99
A crowd & staff pleaser, at a buyer pleasing price
Diebolt-Vallois Tradition Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “Bright, with citrusy acidity, this harmonious Champagne offers a creamy mousse and a minerally underpinning layered with flavors of apricot, honeysuckle, salted almond and biscuit. A crowd-pleaser. Drink now through 2020. 125 cases imported.”
Authentic old-school Gigondas.
Clos du Joncuas Gigondas, Rhone 2016 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Clos du Joncuas Gigondas, Rhone 2016 750ML ($479.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Vibrant ruby. Smoke-accented cherry and red berries on the highly perfumed nose, which takes on sexy incense and baking spice nuances with air. Smooth, concentrated and appealingly sweet, offering mineral- and spice-accented boysenberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors and a spicy touch of cracked pepper. Finishes silky, sweet and impressively long, with harmonious tannins and lingering spiciness.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Gigondas is a blend of 80% Grenache and the rest Mourvèdre and Cinsault. It’s full-bodied, plush in texture and maybe even a bit warm, but this big and balanced wine offers plenty of black cherry fruit and hints of cinnamon and allspice. Velvety and long on the finish, it should drink well for 6-7 years.”
Decanter 93 points “Pure stewed damsons on the nose, really enlivening, with some wild strawberry within. The palate is medium-bodied, with gentle, textural wet-clay tannins and vibrant damson acidity. Drinkable, svelte and very well put together and in good balance.”
Lisini Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “With vineyards between Sant’Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell’Abate on the inner edge of the Sesta district, Lisini’s vineyards are cleansed by constant breezes from the Tuscan Coast. Stony soils with an important underpinning of limestone as well as elevations over 300 metres help preserve freshness in their wines. The 2015 is beautifully fragrant, almost exotic in character. Plump red fruit and sweet summer herbs fill the mouth but rather than being heavy, this is poised and transparent. Ample powdery tannins are fine and lead to a tangy marine finish.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “A serious, brooding red, with ripe cherry and strawberry flavors offsetting the beefy tannins. Loam, iron and almond notes chime in. Balanced and long overall. Best from 2023 through 2042. 2,500 cases made, 700 cases imported.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 94 points “The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino dark and rich, showing ripe black cherries and plum, with layers of haunting florals, exotic brown spice and smoky mineral tones. On the palate, a wave of polished textures wash across the senses, ushering in juicy black cherry with sweet herbal and floral undertones, with zesty spices and vibrant acidity adding a refreshing quality. The finish is long and remarkably fresh, an example of how the warmth of Sant’Angelo in Colle can be tempered by a deft hand, as fine tannins come forward, balanced by mouthwatering acidity and punctuated by residual pure red berry fruit. It’s a wine that’s very easy to love, with near term appeal and potential for the cellar.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $58
Karthauserhof Klose Out
Super Deals on this Super Estate
Super Deals on this Super Estate
Karthauserhof is a unique winery even in a region with an abundance of magical producers—the combination of unique, historical sites, own-rooted vines and visionary ownership has created an iconic producer whose wines bear attention year in and out.
The winery dates back to at least the 13th century and takes its name from the original use of the building and plantings as a Carthusian monastery. In the centuries since its establishment, Karthauserhof has become one of the two vanguard producers of the Ruwer valley, a small, colder tributary of the Mosel. With history like that, it would be easy for a winery to rest on its laurels, but the Tyrell family (owners of the winery) have been forward looking in both the farming (no pesticides are used in the vineyards) and in the winemaking (Karthauserhof was a one of the most prominent Mosel wineries to begin focusing on dry wines).
The resulting wines combine the power and complexity of old vineyards, often own-rooted, in great soils with a modern eye toward polish and raciness. The Ruwer tends to be cooler than the middle Mosel, so the wines are naturally bright, crunchy and mineral-driven no matter how dry or sweet they are.
We’re offering these at the best prices in the USA, so grab yours while there’s still time.
Dry (and functionally Dry) Wines:
Weingut Karthauserhof Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs Trocken, Mosel 2013 750ML ($69.95) Was $49, Now $39 special, 33 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “Very clear, discreet and refined on the nose – where the 2013 Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling GG displays fine stone and fruit aromas of lemons and green apples. Lean and vital but also intense, rich and juicy on the palate, this is a lovely pure, straightforward, piquant and very salty expression of the Karthäuserhofberg terroir and the 2013 vintage. This long-distance runner has more fruit intensity than the Edition and reveals a very fine raciness and a complex finish with lingering lemon aromas.”
The winery dates back to at least the 13th century and takes its name from the original use of the building and plantings as a Carthusian monastery. In the centuries since its establishment, Karthauserhof has become one of the two vanguard producers of the Ruwer valley, a small, colder tributary of the Mosel. With history like that, it would be easy for a winery to rest on its laurels, but the Tyrell family (owners of the winery) have been forward looking in both the farming (no pesticides are used in the vineyards) and in the winemaking (Karthauserhof was a one of the most prominent Mosel wineries to begin focusing on dry wines).
The resulting wines combine the power and complexity of old vineyards, often own-rooted, in great soils with a modern eye toward polish and raciness. The Ruwer tends to be cooler than the middle Mosel, so the wines are naturally bright, crunchy and mineral-driven no matter how dry or sweet they are.
We’re offering these at the best prices in the USA, so grab yours while there’s still time.
Dry (and functionally Dry) Wines:
Weingut Karthauserhof Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs Trocken, Mosel 2013 750ML ($69.95) Was $49, Now $39 special, 33 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “Very clear, discreet and refined on the nose – where the 2013 Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling GG displays fine stone and fruit aromas of lemons and green apples. Lean and vital but also intense, rich and juicy on the palate, this is a lovely pure, straightforward, piquant and very salty expression of the Karthäuserhofberg terroir and the 2013 vintage. This long-distance runner has more fruit intensity than the Edition and reveals a very fine raciness and a complex finish with lingering lemon aromas.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $64.95
Weingut Karthauserhof Alte Reben Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling Spatlese Trocken, Mosel 2014 750ML ($39.95) Was $33, Now $24 special, 6 bottles available
John Gilman 92 points “The 2014 Alte Reben Riesling Trocken from Weingut Karthäuserhof is an outstanding example of the vintage. This excellent wine delivers a fine bouquet bread fruit, pink grapefruit, wild yeasts, lovely smokiness, a fine base of slate minerality and a topnote of citrus peel. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with outstanding focus and grip, a fairly primary personality and superb length and balance on the young, but very promising finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Karthauserhof Tyrells Edition Riesling Trocken, Mosel 2014 750ML ($49.95) Was $39, Now $29 special, 19 bottles available
Mosel Fine Wines 90 points “Already at this early stage, this gorgeously light wine (with only 11.5% of alcohol) delivers beautiful scents of cassis, white flowers and minerals on the nose and a superbly playful feel on the palate. The finish is long and deliciously tart. Despite the hint of fruits, this is still only at the beginning of its life and lovers of racy Riesling will really enjoy this most in a few years’ time. 2019-2029”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $56
Weingut Karthauserhof Schieferkristall Riesling Feinherb, Mosel 2014 750ML ($31.95) Was $26, Now $19 special, 7 bottles available
John Gilman 91 points “Schieferkristall Riesling Trocken- Weingut Karthäuserhof The 2014 Schieferkristall Riesling Trocken from Weingut Karthäuserhof is quite a pretty wine, with just a touch of residual sweetness on the attack to buffer the fine acidity and minerality, but a good, long and quite dry finish. The lovely nose wafts from the glass in a blend of white cherries, lemon, a touch of sea salts, dried flowers, a touch of wild yeasts and quite a complex base of slate. On the palate the wine is medium-full, crisp and quite mineral-driven, with excellent focus and grip, impressive cut for the vintage and lovely nascent complexity perking up the long and vibrant finish. This is really a very well-made wine and a terrific value. 2015-2035.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Off-Dry to Sweet Wines:
Weingut Karthauserhof Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2014 750ML ($34.95) Was $29, Now $19 special, 16 bottles available
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2014 Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Kabinett is a terrific young Kabinett in this vintage that has produced some many excellent examples of this Prädikat level. The wine wafts from the glass in a very impressively complex and utterly classic constellation of green apple, a touch of white cherry, complex minerality, a touch of petrol, white flowers, a bit of wild yeasts, lemon zest and a whiff of ocean breeze in the upper register. On the palate the wine is medium- bodied, mineral and beautifully filigreed, with a nice core of fruit, bright, ripe acids, excellent focus and grip and a very long, dancing and youthful finish of excellent potential. A paradigm of its Prädikat level. 2015-2035+”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Karthauserhof Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2014 375ML ($39.95) Was $24, Now $19 special, 17 half-bottles available
John Gilman 94 points “I did not have a chance to taste the 2014 Auslese AP #12 on my trip last March and was very happy to have a chance to visit it prior to launching into the excellent vertical of Grosses Gewächs generously prepared by the estate. This is an absolutely superb bottle of young Auslese, wafting from the glass in a gently glazed blend of pear, white cherry, honeycomb, salty slate, orange zest and a pungent floral topnote redolent of cherry blossoms. On the palate the wine is fullish, racy and very long, with excellent focus and cut, excellent complexity and a long, vibrant and very poised finish. Classy juice. 2018-2050.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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Hot New Offers Arriving November 9th
Marchesi Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Vermentino di Bolgheri, Tuscany 2019 750ML ($24.95) $16 pre-arrival special
“This is very floral in aroma, with freesia and lilac notes complementing the apricot and wild herb flavors. There is good cut, and this white counters the juicy finish with a chalky feel. Drink now. 2,800 cases imported.”-Wine Spectator
“This is very floral in aroma, with freesia and lilac notes complementing the apricot and wild herb flavors. There is good cut, and this white counters the juicy finish with a chalky feel. Drink now. 2,800 cases imported.”-Wine Spectator
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $22
Marchesi Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato Bolgheri, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($34.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Marchesi Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato Bolgheri, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($199.95) $136 pre-arrival special (that’s only $22.66/bottle!)
James Suckling 93 points “There’s a very fresh array here of thyme, newly picked blackcurrants, iodine, crushed stones and sea salt. The exuberant fruit is matched nicely to fine and elegant tannins, which paint a compact and neat picture on the medium-to full-bodied palate. Drink from 2021.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 91 points “This is another extremely popular wine that is easily found up and down the Tuscan Coast. This red blend (with the largest part of the blend going to Cabernet Sauvignon) opens to a soft and velvety texture. The 2017 Bolgheri Rosso Il Bruciato offers some noticeable ripeness with black cherry, prune and raisin. But ultimately, the wine shows a good level of freshness because the acidity in the grapes was concentrated (like everything else in this hot vintage) in the year’s smaller berries. Tenuta Guado al Tasso extends over 340 hectares. Because of the hot vintage, only 65,000 cases were made of this wine instead of the 100,000 cases produced in a normal vintage.”
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2017 Bolgheri Il Bruciato is pliant, supple and luscious, but what stands out most is how much freshness Antinori was able to keep in this wine. Dark red cherry, plum, spice, new leather and floral notes all meld together in this sumptuous, racy red. This is such a pretty and expressive wine.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $28
Vina Haras de Pirque ‘Hussonet’ Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley 2015 750ML ($17.95) $14 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 90 points “Big and fresh-tasting, with concentrated dark plum, dark currant and black olive flavors. Asian spice and dark chocolate notes on the muscular finish. Drink now through 2024. 2,500 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $16
Pop Up Recap, Hot Deals Arriving November 9th
Germain’s Saumur is a wonderful introduction to the estate and a prime example for why the region has been supplying Paris’ bistros for generations. Fruit without sweetness, earth without overt funkiness, and a bright, refreshing finish, it’s one to drink in every season.
Thierry Germain Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny ‘Cuvee Domaine’, Loire 2018 750ML ($31.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Thierry Germain Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny ‘Cuvee Domaine’, Loire 2018 750ML ($359.95) $239 pre-arrival special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
No reviews available for the 2018. Review for the 2016 provided for reference.
Grapelive 91 points “I love [Thierry Germain’s] wines, especially the Cabernet Franc bottlings, like this Cuvee Domaine, they always show fresh, clean lines, energy and pretty aromatics with the older vine parcels and crus showing deeper concentration and power. Germain’s goal, as [importer Kermit] Lynch puts it, is to produce Cabernet (Franc) with purity, finesse, and drinkability, while avoiding rusticity, vegetal character, and hard tannins, which in my experience he does often and well… The Cuvee Domaine comes from a mix of parcels ranging from 5 to 70 years old set on classic sand, clay and Tuffeau Limestone, which drives the vibrancy and lifts the floral bouquet, with 100% de-stemmed grapes fermented in all stainless steel tanks with a minimum of lees contact and just under six months total of elevage in a combination of tank and large neutral wood casks. Like the Les Roches (blue label) the Cuvee Domaine is meant to be a quaffer, but still serious in character and surprisingly with enough structure to age for a decade or more, especially in a vintage like this 2016, with its concentration of fruit and natural acidity, since Thierry picks on the earlier side. The Cuvee Domaine…is only native yeast fermented and the vines are…in the heart of AOC, which are, as mentioned, all biodynamic, making for a very natural expression with a dark and earthy personality. Uplifting layers of black cherry, plum and mulberry fruits lead the way with a touch of crushed raspberry, minty herb, a classic pyrasine green bell pepper note, crushed chalk, a faint hint of cedar and loamy earthy wrapped in a ripe form and soft tannins, this is an impressive medium bodied Cab Franc to enjoy sooner versus later, be sure to look for this fine effort.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $26
Owner Aubert de Villaine, of Domaine de la Romanée Conti, serves as a guarantee of quality for this tip-top Cote Chalonnaise wine.
Domaine A. & P. de Villaine Bouzeron (Aligote), Cote Chalonnaise 2018 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “Aromas of green apple, pear, white flowers and beeswax introduce the 2018 Bouzeron, a medium-bodied, racy wine with an elegantly satiny attack, bright acids and a long, precise finish. This is a touch more demonstrative out of the gates than the 2017 rendition, but it retains plenty of cut in this warm year and should age well.”
Raul Perez ‘La Vitoriana’ Lomas de Valtuille, Bierzo 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2017 La Vizcaína La Vitoriana has depth and power, inherent to the vineyard, a cool site that behaves well in a warm year like 2017, but in 2017 I still prefer El Rapolao. The fruit is a little darker and riper without excess (it’s all relative when you compare, and sometimes comparisons are tedious…), as the cooler exposition takes the warmer weather better. It’s textured and serious. 6,300 bottles were filled, as the north-facing exposures like this escaped the frost of the 2017 spring. It as bottled in May 2019.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $41
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