In This Newsletter:
New Week – New Arrivals
Trending Thanksgiving Day Picks
Grape of the Week: Viognier
New Week – New Arrivals
New Week – New Arrivals
Trending Thanksgiving Day Picks
Grape of the Week: Viognier
New Week – New Arrivals
Oregon
Beaux Freres ‘The Beaux Freres Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2022 750ml $124.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Decanter 97 points “A gorgeous Pinot Noir, the plantings from 1988 are being replanted as the phyloxerated vines are being removed. This wine shows elegance and grace while maintaining depth and concentration, but make no mistake, it’s built to age. The Beaux Frères Vineyard is clonally diverse with a massale selection of Pommard and Wadenswil and 115. Red fruited aromas and beautiful interplay between bright berries mixed with fresh mint and savoury herbs. The palate remains fresh and elegant, with red-fruited generosity and savoury depth of spearmint and wild anise. (Drink between 2024-2040).”
Bow & Arrow Garganega Wola Springs Vineyard 2024 750ml $24 special, 24 bottles in stock now
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The Eyrie Vineyards Chasselas Dore, Dundee Hills 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 11 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 91 points “In Oregon, this Swiss grape variety makes a low-alcohol, earthy, citrusy wine with a rustic edge. Aromas of cheese rind, with flavors of lemon zest and a touch of cream. From organically certified grapes. Drink now.”
The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills 2023 750ml $26 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “This small-production wine is made from old vines on The Eyrie properties and offers expansive floral and spicy aromas and absolutely mouth-filling fruity, savory flavors. Anjou pears, smoked ham and brie cheese. Great acidity and freshness lead to a lingering finish. Drink now.”
Patricia Green Cellars Chehalem Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2023 750ml $31.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The ruby/magenta 2023 Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountain Vineyard is expressive and has a lovely wild touch with notes of sappy mountain herbs, sage oils, blackberries, fresh lavender, and wet stones. The palate is fantastic and medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins and a long finish with notes of leather. It’s a pleasure to drink now, but will only improve as it leans into its more umami and maitake tones.”
Patricia Green Cellars Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $31.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 92 points “Delicate and understated in the glass, the 2023 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard wafts up with nuances of geranium, rose, wet stones and wild strawberries. It possesses a pretty inner sweetness and ripe wild berry fruit across a wave of silken textures. Juicy and fresh yet also potent, this 2023 Pinot Noir leaves a licorice twang and a hint of citrus to fade slowly.”
California
#4 Wine of the Year – Wine Spectator
Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs, Dry Creek Valley 2023 750ml $59 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “Blending 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro from an estate vineyard in Dry Creek Valley purchased in 1972, the 2023 Zinfandel Lytton Springs exhibits initial chewiness that leads to fine tannins, with a good heft and underlying acidity. Well-woven oak supports a moderately ripe, medium-bodied frame of structured elegance, aged in 100% air-dried American oak. Enjoy now through 2033.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Deeply structured and full of tension, this polished red displays a distinctive personality, offering bold blackberry flavors accented with savory anise, black pepper and dark Asian spices. Ends with big but refined tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Alicante Bouschet and Mataro. Drink now through 2035. 11,000 cases made.”
France – Champagne
Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve (2022-base) NV 750ml $79 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 91 points “The NV Brut Réserve (base 2022) is such a classy wine. This release, based on 2022, is all finesse. Cranberry, mint, white pepper, slate and dried flowers all grace the palate. Stylistically, the Brut Réserve has evolved into a more refined Champagne than what was the norm just a few years ago. The one thing that is evident, though, is a slightly harder texture vis-à-vis the other wines in the range, likely because of aging on crown cap rather than cork. Élevage was done 70% in cask and 30% in tank. Dosage is 5.2 grams per liter.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Guy Charlemagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Reserve NV 750ml $56.50 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This Champagne is made exclusively from the Charlemagne holdings in grand cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. With the classic steely edge that is balanced by a softer dosage, the wine is both fruity and structured. The bottling is ready although it is sure to develop some delicious mature flavors.”
Louis Roederer Vintage Brut 2016 750ml $89 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Complex nose of restrained strawberries and lemon zest, with macerated flowers and shortbread. Full body and plenty of concentration, with pinprick mousse, long and chewy, integrated acidity and amazing length. Pinot noir and chardonnay. Drink or hold.”
Louis Roederer Brut Rose Millésime 2016 750ml $89 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Finely mature, this bottling is just right. Its fruit has softened and a touch of toastiness has come through to give great balance. The Champagne is totally ready to drink.”
Louis Roederer Cristal Millésime Brut 2016 750ml $379 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 97 points “A dazzling new edition of this wine, the 2016 Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Champagne is a world-class combination of 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay. This edition of ‘Cristal’ was given 7G/L dosage. Chalky minerals mark the nose alongside white grapefruit blossom, marzipan, star jasmine and suggestions of kumquat zest that all meld in the glass. The palate is filled with crushed seashells and wet salty stones that combine with rich melon, lemon rind and tangerine zest flavors that combine with suggestions of pastry crust on the palate. Big, round and generous, this exudes class in terms of length, tension and flavor density. A gorgeous wine in its heady youth, enjoy over the next twenty plus years to come.”
Eric Rodez Cuvée des Crayeres Ambonnay Grand Cru Extra Brut NV 750ml $79 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Falstaff Magazine 93 points “Medium golden yellow, silver reflections, lively mousse. Delicate nuances of pear, yellow tropical fruit, a hint of blossom honey and candied orange zest. Juicy, elegant, a hint of yellow apple, finesse-rich acidity structure, good persistence, a multi-faceted food companion with certain ageing potential. An entry-level Champagne in a class of its own.”
France – Other Regions
Domaines Ott ‘By.Ott’ Rosé, Cotes de Provence 2024 750ml $26.50 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Pale and pretty in crystal-clear pink with orange undertones. The nose is delicate and fruity with notes of white peach and apricot mixed with passion fruit and mango. The taste is full, fresh and crisp with echoes of the fruity aroma amplified by citrus zest and sweet spices (cinnamon and cardamom). All of the great Domaines Ott* tradition in a friendly and elegant wine.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
Chateau Meyney, Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux 2014 1.5L $119 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 93 points “The delightful 2014 Meyney marks a year when winemaker Anne Le Naour and her team raised their game once more. A nose of lovely red berry fruit mixed with wilted rose petals and cedar gains intensity with aeration. The palate demonstrates much finer tannins than previous vintages, well-pitched acidity and superb precision on the classically styled finish. This is just entering its drinking plateau. Tasted at a vertical at Château Meyney. (Drink between 2021-2040).”
Domaine de Saint Siffrein Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2016 1.5L $99 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “Moving to the reds, the classic 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a deeply colored, fruit-forward effort that just oozes Southern Rhône charm. Blackcurrants, smoked beef, exotic spices and loads of street market-like characteristic all emerge from the glass, and it has plenty of density, sweet tannins, and a great finish. Mostly Grenache mixed with 15% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah (there’s a small amount of Cinsault), aged in foudre and tank, drink it anytime over the coming 10-15 years.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
Chateau Cap de Faugeres ‘La Mouleyre’, Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux 2015 1.5L $89 special, 1 magnum in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “This has a captivating interplay of depth and elegance. On the nose, it has very pure fresh raspberry and red plums set in a smoothly arranged, plush layered bed of ripe tannins that carry long blackberry and mulberry fruits. Undertones of sea salt. Impressive ripeness and clarity here.”
Italy
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Felsina Berardenga Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Occhio di Pernice, Tuscany 2007 375ml $89 special, 6 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “So youthful and fresh that it’s hard to fathom. Tasting like raspberry pāte de fruit, with notes of caramel, honey, orange, cardamom and cumin, this is racy and full of finesse. Complex, balanced and super long. Drink now through 2036. 215 cases made.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Kellerei-Cantina Andrian ‘Anrar’ Pinot Noir Riserva Alto Adige, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2019 Alto Adige Pinot Noir Riserva Anrar offers depth and careful sophistication with dark fruit, scorched earth, tar and licorice. The wine treads softly over the palate with concentrated fruit and delicate oak. You could hold this bottle or drink it now. Only 5,000 bottles were made.”
Spain
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Torre Oria Brut Cava, Valencia, Spain NV 750ml $16 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Our brut sparkling wine is the signature beverage of Torre Oria. It’s our most demanded wine worldwide and the top exporting wine of our cellars. It’s a delicate selection of the best Macabeo and Chardonnay from our region. We pursued a secondary fermentation in the bottle, which may take up to 9-10 months. This results in a complex wine with a sweet, citric, tropical and enjoyable fresh taste. It also has a well-balance bubbling that ascends beautifully in the glass. And also leaves a lovely time lasting memory.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Celler Jan Vidal ‘Honor’ Brut Reserva Cava, Catalonia NV 750ml $16 special, 9 bottles in stock now
50% Xarello / 30% Parellada / 20% Macabeo
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Marques de Riscal Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml $19 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Refined nose with peppery and earthy undertones to the savory berry fruit, subtle vanilla and orange. Minerals as well. This is firm and quite long on the palate, with medium body and a traditional, nicely rustic twist at the end. Really poised and persistent, showing precision and finesse. One of the best Reserva expressions lately from Marques de Riscal? A joy to drink now, but will hold well over the next 10 years.”
Buil & Gine Priorat Natur Vermut, Catalonia 750ml $29.50 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Ruddy orange in hue, this Catalonia vermouth offers earthy aromas. The deep, intriguing palate has plenty of bittersweet interplay, flitting between hints of melon and white floral freshness to orange peel and almond bitterness, accented with rosemary and vanilla. Complex and delicious.”
Beaux Freres ‘The Beaux Freres Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2022 750ml $124.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Decanter 97 points “A gorgeous Pinot Noir, the plantings from 1988 are being replanted as the phyloxerated vines are being removed. This wine shows elegance and grace while maintaining depth and concentration, but make no mistake, it’s built to age. The Beaux Frères Vineyard is clonally diverse with a massale selection of Pommard and Wadenswil and 115. Red fruited aromas and beautiful interplay between bright berries mixed with fresh mint and savoury herbs. The palate remains fresh and elegant, with red-fruited generosity and savoury depth of spearmint and wild anise. (Drink between 2024-2040).”
Bow & Arrow Garganega Wola Springs Vineyard 2024 750ml $24 special, 24 bottles in stock now
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The Eyrie Vineyards Chasselas Dore, Dundee Hills 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 11 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 91 points “In Oregon, this Swiss grape variety makes a low-alcohol, earthy, citrusy wine with a rustic edge. Aromas of cheese rind, with flavors of lemon zest and a touch of cream. From organically certified grapes. Drink now.”
The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills 2023 750ml $26 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “This small-production wine is made from old vines on The Eyrie properties and offers expansive floral and spicy aromas and absolutely mouth-filling fruity, savory flavors. Anjou pears, smoked ham and brie cheese. Great acidity and freshness lead to a lingering finish. Drink now.”
Patricia Green Cellars Chehalem Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2023 750ml $31.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The ruby/magenta 2023 Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountain Vineyard is expressive and has a lovely wild touch with notes of sappy mountain herbs, sage oils, blackberries, fresh lavender, and wet stones. The palate is fantastic and medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins and a long finish with notes of leather. It’s a pleasure to drink now, but will only improve as it leans into its more umami and maitake tones.”
Patricia Green Cellars Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $31.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 92 points “Delicate and understated in the glass, the 2023 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard wafts up with nuances of geranium, rose, wet stones and wild strawberries. It possesses a pretty inner sweetness and ripe wild berry fruit across a wave of silken textures. Juicy and fresh yet also potent, this 2023 Pinot Noir leaves a licorice twang and a hint of citrus to fade slowly.”
California
#4 Wine of the Year – Wine Spectator
Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs, Dry Creek Valley 2023 750ml $59 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “Blending 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro from an estate vineyard in Dry Creek Valley purchased in 1972, the 2023 Zinfandel Lytton Springs exhibits initial chewiness that leads to fine tannins, with a good heft and underlying acidity. Well-woven oak supports a moderately ripe, medium-bodied frame of structured elegance, aged in 100% air-dried American oak. Enjoy now through 2033.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Deeply structured and full of tension, this polished red displays a distinctive personality, offering bold blackberry flavors accented with savory anise, black pepper and dark Asian spices. Ends with big but refined tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Alicante Bouschet and Mataro. Drink now through 2035. 11,000 cases made.”
France – Champagne
Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve (2022-base) NV 750ml $79 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 91 points “The NV Brut Réserve (base 2022) is such a classy wine. This release, based on 2022, is all finesse. Cranberry, mint, white pepper, slate and dried flowers all grace the palate. Stylistically, the Brut Réserve has evolved into a more refined Champagne than what was the norm just a few years ago. The one thing that is evident, though, is a slightly harder texture vis-à-vis the other wines in the range, likely because of aging on crown cap rather than cork. Élevage was done 70% in cask and 30% in tank. Dosage is 5.2 grams per liter.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Guy Charlemagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Reserve NV 750ml $56.50 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This Champagne is made exclusively from the Charlemagne holdings in grand cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. With the classic steely edge that is balanced by a softer dosage, the wine is both fruity and structured. The bottling is ready although it is sure to develop some delicious mature flavors.”
Louis Roederer Vintage Brut 2016 750ml $89 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Complex nose of restrained strawberries and lemon zest, with macerated flowers and shortbread. Full body and plenty of concentration, with pinprick mousse, long and chewy, integrated acidity and amazing length. Pinot noir and chardonnay. Drink or hold.”
Louis Roederer Brut Rose Millésime 2016 750ml $89 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Finely mature, this bottling is just right. Its fruit has softened and a touch of toastiness has come through to give great balance. The Champagne is totally ready to drink.”
Louis Roederer Cristal Millésime Brut 2016 750ml $379 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 97 points “A dazzling new edition of this wine, the 2016 Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Champagne is a world-class combination of 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay. This edition of ‘Cristal’ was given 7G/L dosage. Chalky minerals mark the nose alongside white grapefruit blossom, marzipan, star jasmine and suggestions of kumquat zest that all meld in the glass. The palate is filled with crushed seashells and wet salty stones that combine with rich melon, lemon rind and tangerine zest flavors that combine with suggestions of pastry crust on the palate. Big, round and generous, this exudes class in terms of length, tension and flavor density. A gorgeous wine in its heady youth, enjoy over the next twenty plus years to come.”
Eric Rodez Cuvée des Crayeres Ambonnay Grand Cru Extra Brut NV 750ml $79 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Falstaff Magazine 93 points “Medium golden yellow, silver reflections, lively mousse. Delicate nuances of pear, yellow tropical fruit, a hint of blossom honey and candied orange zest. Juicy, elegant, a hint of yellow apple, finesse-rich acidity structure, good persistence, a multi-faceted food companion with certain ageing potential. An entry-level Champagne in a class of its own.”
France – Other Regions
Domaines Ott ‘By.Ott’ Rosé, Cotes de Provence 2024 750ml $26.50 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Pale and pretty in crystal-clear pink with orange undertones. The nose is delicate and fruity with notes of white peach and apricot mixed with passion fruit and mango. The taste is full, fresh and crisp with echoes of the fruity aroma amplified by citrus zest and sweet spices (cinnamon and cardamom). All of the great Domaines Ott* tradition in a friendly and elegant wine.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
Chateau Meyney, Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux 2014 1.5L $119 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 93 points “The delightful 2014 Meyney marks a year when winemaker Anne Le Naour and her team raised their game once more. A nose of lovely red berry fruit mixed with wilted rose petals and cedar gains intensity with aeration. The palate demonstrates much finer tannins than previous vintages, well-pitched acidity and superb precision on the classically styled finish. This is just entering its drinking plateau. Tasted at a vertical at Château Meyney. (Drink between 2021-2040).”
Domaine de Saint Siffrein Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2016 1.5L $99 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “Moving to the reds, the classic 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a deeply colored, fruit-forward effort that just oozes Southern Rhône charm. Blackcurrants, smoked beef, exotic spices and loads of street market-like characteristic all emerge from the glass, and it has plenty of density, sweet tannins, and a great finish. Mostly Grenache mixed with 15% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah (there’s a small amount of Cinsault), aged in foudre and tank, drink it anytime over the coming 10-15 years.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
Chateau Cap de Faugeres ‘La Mouleyre’, Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux 2015 1.5L $89 special, 1 magnum in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “This has a captivating interplay of depth and elegance. On the nose, it has very pure fresh raspberry and red plums set in a smoothly arranged, plush layered bed of ripe tannins that carry long blackberry and mulberry fruits. Undertones of sea salt. Impressive ripeness and clarity here.”
Italy
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Felsina Berardenga Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Occhio di Pernice, Tuscany 2007 375ml $89 special, 6 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “So youthful and fresh that it’s hard to fathom. Tasting like raspberry pāte de fruit, with notes of caramel, honey, orange, cardamom and cumin, this is racy and full of finesse. Complex, balanced and super long. Drink now through 2036. 215 cases made.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Kellerei-Cantina Andrian ‘Anrar’ Pinot Noir Riserva Alto Adige, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2019 Alto Adige Pinot Noir Riserva Anrar offers depth and careful sophistication with dark fruit, scorched earth, tar and licorice. The wine treads softly over the palate with concentrated fruit and delicate oak. You could hold this bottle or drink it now. Only 5,000 bottles were made.”
Spain
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Torre Oria Brut Cava, Valencia, Spain NV 750ml $16 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Our brut sparkling wine is the signature beverage of Torre Oria. It’s our most demanded wine worldwide and the top exporting wine of our cellars. It’s a delicate selection of the best Macabeo and Chardonnay from our region. We pursued a secondary fermentation in the bottle, which may take up to 9-10 months. This results in a complex wine with a sweet, citric, tropical and enjoyable fresh taste. It also has a well-balance bubbling that ascends beautifully in the glass. And also leaves a lovely time lasting memory.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Celler Jan Vidal ‘Honor’ Brut Reserva Cava, Catalonia NV 750ml $16 special, 9 bottles in stock now
50% Xarello / 30% Parellada / 20% Macabeo
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Marques de Riscal Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml $19 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Refined nose with peppery and earthy undertones to the savory berry fruit, subtle vanilla and orange. Minerals as well. This is firm and quite long on the palate, with medium body and a traditional, nicely rustic twist at the end. Really poised and persistent, showing precision and finesse. One of the best Reserva expressions lately from Marques de Riscal? A joy to drink now, but will hold well over the next 10 years.”
Buil & Gine Priorat Natur Vermut, Catalonia 750ml $29.50 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Ruddy orange in hue, this Catalonia vermouth offers earthy aromas. The deep, intriguing palate has plenty of bittersweet interplay, flitting between hints of melon and white floral freshness to orange peel and almond bitterness, accented with rosemary and vanilla. Complex and delicious.”
Trending Thanksgiving Day Picks
Sparkling
Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $64.50 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier sourced from more than 300 crus, including 85% grands and premiers crus; 15% fermented in old oak barrels. The complexity and richness of Special Cuvée is unparalleled among the entry non-vintage blends of every Champagne house, short of ascending to the mesosphere of Krug. Its grand recipe explains why, built on incredible depth of 50%-60% reserves. Triumphant complexity is a given at Bollinger, but it’s the dynamic freshness and vitality that really set it apart as one of the most affordable Champagne benchmarks.”
Henriot Brut Souverain, Champagne NV 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “A super precise, 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.”
Billecart-Salmon Brut Le Rose, Champagne NV 750ml $96 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Billecart-Salmon Brut Le Rose, Champagne NV 375ml $56 special, 7 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Sleek and finely knit, with a lovely, satiny mousse gliding across the palate, carrying flavors of white raspberry, peach skin, blanched almond and oyster shell. Long and mouthwatering, with hints of ground ginger and pink grapefruit pith on the elegant finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier”
Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle Alexandra Rosé, Champagne 1990 750ml $599 special, only 1 bottle available & in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Beautifully done. Vigorous and almost chewy, this intense, full-bodied rosé exudes mint, berry and wood aromas and flavors. Muscular and dense, with a character that engages the palate and needs contemplation or food.”
Dry Whites
Domaine Bott-Geyl Pinot Gris Sonnenglanz, Alsace Grand Cru 2013 750ml $41.90 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 92+ points “Vivid straw. Knockout nose is redolent of lemon verbena, ripe pear, grilled peach, nectarine and sweet spices complicated by spicy, lemony noble rot. Tactile, rich and utterly seamless in the mouth, with flavors similar to the aromas. I love this wine’s long, textured finish, which shows a spicy honeyed nuance (thanks to the presence of noble rot) that makes it absolutely irresistible. Since 2011, Bott harvests these grapes early to help preserve acidity.”
Hofgut Falkenstein Krettnacher Ober Schäfershaus Riesling Spätlese Trocken (Dry), Mosel 2023 750ml $39 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2023er Krettnacher Ober Schäfershaus Riesling Spätlese Trocken comes 60-year-old vines planted in the similarly name Lieu-Dit in the Altenberg vineyard underpinned by Diabas elements. It offers a superb nose of greengage, bergamot, smoke, wet stone, and grapefruit zest sorbet. The wine is racy but beautifully playful on the bone-dry tasting palate and leaves a superbly feel of menthol in the long finish. 2033-2048.”
Vie di Romans Ciampagnis Vieris Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml $39.50 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The 2022 Chardonnay Ciampagnis is a seductress, tempting the imagination with a beguiling array of crushed nectarines infused with tropical citrus, hints of curry leaves and sweet, sweet spice. It impresses further with a balance of contrasts, mixing tart orchard fruits and notes of green citrus with cooling acidity and a flourish of apricot toward the close. Incredibly fresh and dramatically long, the Ciampagnis finishes with staining length and gently tannic, leaving a pleasantly tart sensation that lingers.”
Vie di Romans Flors di Uis Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml $41.90 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “Understated yet beautifully refined, the 2022 Bianco Flors di Uis keeps the taster coming back to the glass with its pretty blend of lime sorbet, chamomile, spring flowers and white smoke. It flows across the palate with a sensation of liquid stone and minerals, elevated by lively acidity as a core of candied lemon is contrasted by tart green apple fruit. The 2022 finishes with a lingering concentration and tart citrus pith bitterness, yet through it all, the mouth is left salivating for more. Readers may have a hard time keeping their hands off in its youth, yet I advise patience. This Flors di Uis is still just a baby in its development and has bloomed beautifully with further bottle age. A fantastic showing. This is a blend of 55% Malvasia Istriana, 31% Rhein Riesling and 14% Friulano.”
Rosé
Domaine Les Aphillanthes Nymphea Rosé, Cotes du Rhone 2024 750ml $16 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Counoise. Vine Age: Average 25 years old. Soil: Cailloux/Galets Roulets over clay-limestone.”
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rosé, Provence 2024 750ml $31.90 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rosé, Provence 2024 1.5L $69 special, 3 magnums in stock now
VinePair Review “Château Pradeaux is a historic estate located on the outskirts of the town of Saint Cyr-sur-Mernear on the Mediterranean coast that has been making Bandol wines since the 18th century. This cuvée is a 50-50 blend of Mourvèdre and Cinsault, lending to a well-structured, medium- bodied palate. It has concentrated flavors of blood orange, watermelon, and strawberries, with subtle savory hints. A truly age-worthy expression of rosé.”
Classic Picks in Red
Arterberry Maresh Old Vines Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2022 750ml $54.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 94 points “The 2022 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Old Vines is remarkably pretty, cascading up from the glass with a vibrant blend of minty herbs and crushed cherries complemented by hints of cola and spice. This has energy to spare, silken in feel with ripe red berry fruits that envelop the senses. It takes on a darker shade toward the close as tactile minerals saturate. A bump of juicy acidity enlivens the finish as sweet tannins tug at the senses and notes of blood orange slowly fade. The 2022 is like a well-muscled dancer. It’s already so likable that many collectors may not have the patience to watch it fully mature. The Dundee Hills Old Vines is sourced from vines that average 41 years old, all Pommard clones, sourced from 75% Maresh and 25% Weber Vineyard.”
Bethel Heights Vineyard ‘Casteel’ Reserve Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $69 special, 10 bottles in stock now
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.”
Flowers Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2023 750ml $41.90 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2023 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is a medium ruby color and is fresh on the nose with notes of lifted spice, compact red berries, Bing cherries, roses, and sweet herbs. The palate is medium-bodied, with a polished and fine texture, a silky feel, and clean elegance through the finish. It’s a lovely and charming Pinot Noir with a lot of finesse to drink over the coming 8-10 years.”
Kelley Fox Wines Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2023 750ml $74.50 special, 11 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.”
Daniel Bouland Morgon Bellevue Sablé, Beaujolais 2022 750ml $39 special, 17 bottles in stock now
John Gilman-A View From the Cellar 94 points “The 2022 ‘Bellevue Sablé’ from Mélanie and Daniel Bouland is a brilliant young Morgon. As I have mentioned in the past, the Bouland family makes this wine from their parcels in the sandier sections of the Bellevue vineyard, which is also their younger vines in Bellevue. The 2022 version is a young wine with a proper underlying Morgon chassis of tannin. The bouquet is deep and sappy, wafting from the glass in a mix of sweet dark berries, black cherries, a nice dollop of fresh herbs, coffee bean, dark soil tones, roasted meats and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and sports outstanding mid-palate depth, with fine soil signature, ripe, buried tannins and excellent length and grip on the complex and impeccably balanced, youthful finish. This is going to be an outstanding and very long-lived example of Morgon. 2031-2080.”
Brick House Vineyards Gamay Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2024 750ml $36 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Harvested on a beautiful fall day, this mix of Gamay Noir clones was fully destemmed into stainless steel fermenters. After a post-fermentation maceration we racked the wine into 100% neutral French oak barrels where it aged for ten months.”
Jean-Paul Brun Domaine des Terres Dorees Beaujolais l’Ancien, Beaujolais 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Winemaker Note “Made from Jean-Paul’s oldest vines, which grow in tighter bunches with fewer and smaller, thicker-skinned berries, yielding more concentrated flavor. The grapes are harvested late with a naturally high sugar level. The wine is vinified using traditional Burgundy techniques. Deeply colored with rich red-fruit aroma and flavor and soft tannins.”
More Fun Reds
M.A.N. Family Wines MAN Vintners ‘Ou Kalant’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Coastal Region, South Africa 2021 750ml $11.90 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “A perfect marriage of new world vibrant fruit and old world elegance. Deep garnet in colour, this wine has aromas of dark cherries followed by cassis and red-currant fruit on the palate. Silky tannins and a long smooth finish characterize this versatile Cabernet Sauvignon.”
Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Sicilia Rosso IGT, Sicily 2024 750ml $33 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Decanter 92 points “Named after the road that runs past the estate, this turns the Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG recipe on its head with 70% Frappato and 30% Nero d’Avola, vinified in concrete tanks. Vibrant dark cherry and blackberry aromas dance with light herbal touches, while the super-succulent palate is deep, sapid and fruity, with a lick of salinity and a long finish that hints at juicy blood orange. Organic. (Drink between 2025-2028).”
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Prephylloxera ‘La Vigna di Don Peppino’ Calderara Sottana Rosso Etna, Sicily 2023 750ml $159 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 97 points “The 2023 Etna Rosso Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don Peppino Calderara Sottana opens like a flower shop on the nose, intensely layered with depths of black cherry and spice. This is more lifted and graceful than expected, with a sour citrus tinge, tart wild berry fruits and mineral tones. Edgy tannins pinch at the cheeks as the 2023 resonates with blue and purple inner florals and a bitter licorice concentration that lingers impossibly long.”
Chateau Léoville Poyferré, Saint-Julien 2014 750ml $99 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2014 Léoville Poyferré is gorgeous. Dark, sumptuous and ample on the palate, it possesses remarkable depth. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, scorched earth, licorice and menthol all flesh out as this radiant, deeply expressive wine shows off its considerable pedigree. The 2014 is going to need time to fully come together, but it is super-impressive. Tasted two times.”
Patz & Hall Chenoweth Ranch Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2018 750ml $44.50 special, 23 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.”
Off-Dry to Sweet
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese, Nahe, Germany 2023 750ml $59 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese, Nahe, Germany 2023 1.5L $145 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Anne Krebiehl MW-Vinous 97 points “The 2023 Riesling Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Spätlese, grown on shale, has equal notions of moss and lemon. More air makes this smell simply of wet stone. The palate carries gentle sweetness but is absolutely precise and slender. Citrus frames everything with the clearest precision. Everything is serene, zesty, tender, yet so very serious. The 2023 is glorious in its lightness and disarming in its elegance. (Sweet) (Drink between 2034-2070).”
Chateau Coutet, Sauternes – Barsac 2020 750ml $49 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2020 Coutet is much more refined and light on its feet than it was from barrel. Tangerine peel, mint, passionfruit, white flowers and a hint of marzipan all grace this airy, wonderfully refined Barsac.”
Renaissance Vineyard & Winery Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, North Yuba 1989 375ml $11.90 special, 36+ half-bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Medium to dark amber-brown in color, this wine smells of burnt orange peel, a hint of bergamot, and cafe au lait. In the mouth dark burnt honey, cafe au lait, and a touch of even darker molasses flavors have a wonderful toasted grain quality to them that makes this wine seem almost more savory than sweet despite its significant sugar levels. Really compelling and interesting, with plenty of acidity to keep this wine lively after all this time. A phenomenal flavor experience. Moderately sweet.”
Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $64.50 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier sourced from more than 300 crus, including 85% grands and premiers crus; 15% fermented in old oak barrels. The complexity and richness of Special Cuvée is unparalleled among the entry non-vintage blends of every Champagne house, short of ascending to the mesosphere of Krug. Its grand recipe explains why, built on incredible depth of 50%-60% reserves. Triumphant complexity is a given at Bollinger, but it’s the dynamic freshness and vitality that really set it apart as one of the most affordable Champagne benchmarks.”
Henriot Brut Souverain, Champagne NV 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “A super precise, 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.”
Billecart-Salmon Brut Le Rose, Champagne NV 750ml $96 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Billecart-Salmon Brut Le Rose, Champagne NV 375ml $56 special, 7 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Sleek and finely knit, with a lovely, satiny mousse gliding across the palate, carrying flavors of white raspberry, peach skin, blanched almond and oyster shell. Long and mouthwatering, with hints of ground ginger and pink grapefruit pith on the elegant finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier”
Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle Alexandra Rosé, Champagne 1990 750ml $599 special, only 1 bottle available & in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Beautifully done. Vigorous and almost chewy, this intense, full-bodied rosé exudes mint, berry and wood aromas and flavors. Muscular and dense, with a character that engages the palate and needs contemplation or food.”
Dry Whites
Domaine Bott-Geyl Pinot Gris Sonnenglanz, Alsace Grand Cru 2013 750ml $41.90 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 92+ points “Vivid straw. Knockout nose is redolent of lemon verbena, ripe pear, grilled peach, nectarine and sweet spices complicated by spicy, lemony noble rot. Tactile, rich and utterly seamless in the mouth, with flavors similar to the aromas. I love this wine’s long, textured finish, which shows a spicy honeyed nuance (thanks to the presence of noble rot) that makes it absolutely irresistible. Since 2011, Bott harvests these grapes early to help preserve acidity.”
Hofgut Falkenstein Krettnacher Ober Schäfershaus Riesling Spätlese Trocken (Dry), Mosel 2023 750ml $39 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2023er Krettnacher Ober Schäfershaus Riesling Spätlese Trocken comes 60-year-old vines planted in the similarly name Lieu-Dit in the Altenberg vineyard underpinned by Diabas elements. It offers a superb nose of greengage, bergamot, smoke, wet stone, and grapefruit zest sorbet. The wine is racy but beautifully playful on the bone-dry tasting palate and leaves a superbly feel of menthol in the long finish. 2033-2048.”
Vie di Romans Ciampagnis Vieris Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml $39.50 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The 2022 Chardonnay Ciampagnis is a seductress, tempting the imagination with a beguiling array of crushed nectarines infused with tropical citrus, hints of curry leaves and sweet, sweet spice. It impresses further with a balance of contrasts, mixing tart orchard fruits and notes of green citrus with cooling acidity and a flourish of apricot toward the close. Incredibly fresh and dramatically long, the Ciampagnis finishes with staining length and gently tannic, leaving a pleasantly tart sensation that lingers.”
Vie di Romans Flors di Uis Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml $41.90 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “Understated yet beautifully refined, the 2022 Bianco Flors di Uis keeps the taster coming back to the glass with its pretty blend of lime sorbet, chamomile, spring flowers and white smoke. It flows across the palate with a sensation of liquid stone and minerals, elevated by lively acidity as a core of candied lemon is contrasted by tart green apple fruit. The 2022 finishes with a lingering concentration and tart citrus pith bitterness, yet through it all, the mouth is left salivating for more. Readers may have a hard time keeping their hands off in its youth, yet I advise patience. This Flors di Uis is still just a baby in its development and has bloomed beautifully with further bottle age. A fantastic showing. This is a blend of 55% Malvasia Istriana, 31% Rhein Riesling and 14% Friulano.”
Rosé
Domaine Les Aphillanthes Nymphea Rosé, Cotes du Rhone 2024 750ml $16 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Counoise. Vine Age: Average 25 years old. Soil: Cailloux/Galets Roulets over clay-limestone.”
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rosé, Provence 2024 750ml $31.90 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rosé, Provence 2024 1.5L $69 special, 3 magnums in stock now
VinePair Review “Château Pradeaux is a historic estate located on the outskirts of the town of Saint Cyr-sur-Mernear on the Mediterranean coast that has been making Bandol wines since the 18th century. This cuvée is a 50-50 blend of Mourvèdre and Cinsault, lending to a well-structured, medium- bodied palate. It has concentrated flavors of blood orange, watermelon, and strawberries, with subtle savory hints. A truly age-worthy expression of rosé.”
Classic Picks in Red
Arterberry Maresh Old Vines Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2022 750ml $54.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 94 points “The 2022 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Old Vines is remarkably pretty, cascading up from the glass with a vibrant blend of minty herbs and crushed cherries complemented by hints of cola and spice. This has energy to spare, silken in feel with ripe red berry fruits that envelop the senses. It takes on a darker shade toward the close as tactile minerals saturate. A bump of juicy acidity enlivens the finish as sweet tannins tug at the senses and notes of blood orange slowly fade. The 2022 is like a well-muscled dancer. It’s already so likable that many collectors may not have the patience to watch it fully mature. The Dundee Hills Old Vines is sourced from vines that average 41 years old, all Pommard clones, sourced from 75% Maresh and 25% Weber Vineyard.”
Bethel Heights Vineyard ‘Casteel’ Reserve Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $69 special, 10 bottles in stock now
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.”
Flowers Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2023 750ml $41.90 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2023 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is a medium ruby color and is fresh on the nose with notes of lifted spice, compact red berries, Bing cherries, roses, and sweet herbs. The palate is medium-bodied, with a polished and fine texture, a silky feel, and clean elegance through the finish. It’s a lovely and charming Pinot Noir with a lot of finesse to drink over the coming 8-10 years.”
Kelley Fox Wines Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2023 750ml $74.50 special, 11 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.”
Daniel Bouland Morgon Bellevue Sablé, Beaujolais 2022 750ml $39 special, 17 bottles in stock now
John Gilman-A View From the Cellar 94 points “The 2022 ‘Bellevue Sablé’ from Mélanie and Daniel Bouland is a brilliant young Morgon. As I have mentioned in the past, the Bouland family makes this wine from their parcels in the sandier sections of the Bellevue vineyard, which is also their younger vines in Bellevue. The 2022 version is a young wine with a proper underlying Morgon chassis of tannin. The bouquet is deep and sappy, wafting from the glass in a mix of sweet dark berries, black cherries, a nice dollop of fresh herbs, coffee bean, dark soil tones, roasted meats and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and sports outstanding mid-palate depth, with fine soil signature, ripe, buried tannins and excellent length and grip on the complex and impeccably balanced, youthful finish. This is going to be an outstanding and very long-lived example of Morgon. 2031-2080.”
Brick House Vineyards Gamay Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2024 750ml $36 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Harvested on a beautiful fall day, this mix of Gamay Noir clones was fully destemmed into stainless steel fermenters. After a post-fermentation maceration we racked the wine into 100% neutral French oak barrels where it aged for ten months.”
Jean-Paul Brun Domaine des Terres Dorees Beaujolais l’Ancien, Beaujolais 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Winemaker Note “Made from Jean-Paul’s oldest vines, which grow in tighter bunches with fewer and smaller, thicker-skinned berries, yielding more concentrated flavor. The grapes are harvested late with a naturally high sugar level. The wine is vinified using traditional Burgundy techniques. Deeply colored with rich red-fruit aroma and flavor and soft tannins.”
More Fun Reds
M.A.N. Family Wines MAN Vintners ‘Ou Kalant’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Coastal Region, South Africa 2021 750ml $11.90 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “A perfect marriage of new world vibrant fruit and old world elegance. Deep garnet in colour, this wine has aromas of dark cherries followed by cassis and red-currant fruit on the palate. Silky tannins and a long smooth finish characterize this versatile Cabernet Sauvignon.”
Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Sicilia Rosso IGT, Sicily 2024 750ml $33 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Decanter 92 points “Named after the road that runs past the estate, this turns the Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG recipe on its head with 70% Frappato and 30% Nero d’Avola, vinified in concrete tanks. Vibrant dark cherry and blackberry aromas dance with light herbal touches, while the super-succulent palate is deep, sapid and fruity, with a lick of salinity and a long finish that hints at juicy blood orange. Organic. (Drink between 2025-2028).”
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Prephylloxera ‘La Vigna di Don Peppino’ Calderara Sottana Rosso Etna, Sicily 2023 750ml $159 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 97 points “The 2023 Etna Rosso Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don Peppino Calderara Sottana opens like a flower shop on the nose, intensely layered with depths of black cherry and spice. This is more lifted and graceful than expected, with a sour citrus tinge, tart wild berry fruits and mineral tones. Edgy tannins pinch at the cheeks as the 2023 resonates with blue and purple inner florals and a bitter licorice concentration that lingers impossibly long.”
Chateau Léoville Poyferré, Saint-Julien 2014 750ml $99 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2014 Léoville Poyferré is gorgeous. Dark, sumptuous and ample on the palate, it possesses remarkable depth. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, scorched earth, licorice and menthol all flesh out as this radiant, deeply expressive wine shows off its considerable pedigree. The 2014 is going to need time to fully come together, but it is super-impressive. Tasted two times.”
Patz & Hall Chenoweth Ranch Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2018 750ml $44.50 special, 23 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.”
Off-Dry to Sweet
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese, Nahe, Germany 2023 750ml $59 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese, Nahe, Germany 2023 1.5L $145 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Anne Krebiehl MW-Vinous 97 points “The 2023 Riesling Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Spätlese, grown on shale, has equal notions of moss and lemon. More air makes this smell simply of wet stone. The palate carries gentle sweetness but is absolutely precise and slender. Citrus frames everything with the clearest precision. Everything is serene, zesty, tender, yet so very serious. The 2023 is glorious in its lightness and disarming in its elegance. (Sweet) (Drink between 2034-2070).”
Chateau Coutet, Sauternes – Barsac 2020 750ml $49 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2020 Coutet is much more refined and light on its feet than it was from barrel. Tangerine peel, mint, passionfruit, white flowers and a hint of marzipan all grace this airy, wonderfully refined Barsac.”
Renaissance Vineyard & Winery Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, North Yuba 1989 375ml $11.90 special, 36+ half-bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Medium to dark amber-brown in color, this wine smells of burnt orange peel, a hint of bergamot, and cafe au lait. In the mouth dark burnt honey, cafe au lait, and a touch of even darker molasses flavors have a wonderful toasted grain quality to them that makes this wine seem almost more savory than sweet despite its significant sugar levels. Really compelling and interesting, with plenty of acidity to keep this wine lively after all this time. A phenomenal flavor experience. Moderately sweet.”
Grape of the Week:
Viognier
Have we mentioned how seductive, rich, and perfumed this beauty can be? Viognier is a classic Rhone white grape that is often bottled as a varietal wine in its native region and in the United State. Don’t miss these great options in stock now.
In Stock Now:
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
K Vintners Art Den Hoed Viognier, Yakima Valley 2023 750ml $19.50 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “With a kiss of reduction in its white peach, honeyed flowers, and subtle tangerine notes, the 2023 Viognier Art Den Hoed hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a round, lush mouthfeel, and a clean, light, graceful, incredibly drinkable style. It’s a beautiful, incredibly classy Viognier that I’d happily put side by side with anything from the Northern Rhône. Drink bottles over the coming couple of years.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Benjamin et David Duclaux Condrieu Les Caillets, Rhone 2019 750ml $59 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “I loved the 2019 Condrieu Les Caillets. A real beauty, this supple, sexy Condrieu has classic yellow and citrus fruits, lots of honey and flower notes, medium to full body, and a great finish. It brings lots of fruit yet stays fresh, silky, and clean, and is just a joy to drink. It’s geared for the dinner table and should be enjoyed over the coming 2-3 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Rene Rostaing Condrieu La Bonnette, Rhone 2023 750ml $89 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 93 points “The 2023 Condrieu La Bonnette showcases redolent apricot, honeysuckle, banana and white peach tones. Medium-bodied with lifting freshness and spot-on balance, the 2023 is absolutely delicious. This is a magnificent Condrieu. True to Rostaing’s house style, this Condrieu sees no oak and its malolactic conversion was blocked to preserve both aromatic purity and citrus-like acidity. (Drink between 2025-2029).”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Saint Cosme Condrieu, Rhone 2021 750ml Was $69, Now $59 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Hefty, modern and lush, with an enticing cascade of creamed pear, mango and papaya flavors cut through with dried herbs and chamomile, backed by a refreshing kick of bitter quinine. A brioche accent adds warmth, but the vein of tangy acidity keeps this clean. Drink now through 2027. 90 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Saint Cosme Condrieu, Rhone 2023 750ml $69 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 92 points “Bottled in July 2024, the 2023 Condrieu unfurls with vivid orange blossom, apricot, ripe peach and a touch of quince. Lemon flesh adds more nuance. Medium- to full-bodied and creamy textured, the generous 2023 boasts sufficient freshness to keep it all in check. It closes with a resonant echo on the complex finish.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine de Triennes Sainte – Fleur Viognier, IGP Var 2022 750ml $24 special, 7 bottles in stock now
“Friendly citrus and floral notes jump out, but this is a mineral-driven white, with smoky crushed stone and fresh alpine elements on the mouthwatering finish. Drink now.” -Wine Spectator
In Stock Now:
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
K Vintners Art Den Hoed Viognier, Yakima Valley 2023 750ml $19.50 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “With a kiss of reduction in its white peach, honeyed flowers, and subtle tangerine notes, the 2023 Viognier Art Den Hoed hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a round, lush mouthfeel, and a clean, light, graceful, incredibly drinkable style. It’s a beautiful, incredibly classy Viognier that I’d happily put side by side with anything from the Northern Rhône. Drink bottles over the coming couple of years.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Benjamin et David Duclaux Condrieu Les Caillets, Rhone 2019 750ml $59 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “I loved the 2019 Condrieu Les Caillets. A real beauty, this supple, sexy Condrieu has classic yellow and citrus fruits, lots of honey and flower notes, medium to full body, and a great finish. It brings lots of fruit yet stays fresh, silky, and clean, and is just a joy to drink. It’s geared for the dinner table and should be enjoyed over the coming 2-3 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Rene Rostaing Condrieu La Bonnette, Rhone 2023 750ml $89 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 93 points “The 2023 Condrieu La Bonnette showcases redolent apricot, honeysuckle, banana and white peach tones. Medium-bodied with lifting freshness and spot-on balance, the 2023 is absolutely delicious. This is a magnificent Condrieu. True to Rostaing’s house style, this Condrieu sees no oak and its malolactic conversion was blocked to preserve both aromatic purity and citrus-like acidity. (Drink between 2025-2029).”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Saint Cosme Condrieu, Rhone 2021 750ml Was $69, Now $59 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Hefty, modern and lush, with an enticing cascade of creamed pear, mango and papaya flavors cut through with dried herbs and chamomile, backed by a refreshing kick of bitter quinine. A brioche accent adds warmth, but the vein of tangy acidity keeps this clean. Drink now through 2027. 90 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Saint Cosme Condrieu, Rhone 2023 750ml $69 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 92 points “Bottled in July 2024, the 2023 Condrieu unfurls with vivid orange blossom, apricot, ripe peach and a touch of quince. Lemon flesh adds more nuance. Medium- to full-bodied and creamy textured, the generous 2023 boasts sufficient freshness to keep it all in check. It closes with a resonant echo on the complex finish.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine de Triennes Sainte – Fleur Viognier, IGP Var 2022 750ml $24 special, 7 bottles in stock now
“Friendly citrus and floral notes jump out, but this is a mineral-driven white, with smoky crushed stone and fresh alpine elements on the mouthwatering finish. Drink now.” -Wine Spectator
Don’t miss our sale going on now:
Evesham Wood & Haden Fig
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Evesham Wood & Haden Fig
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Evesham Wood & Haden Fig
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Tuesday, November 25th at 9 am Pacific.
*
Molitor Auslese* & Auslese** Sale
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Molitor Auslese* & Auslese**
10% off any 6+ in-stock bottles of Molitor Auslese* & Auslese**
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Wednesday, November 26th at 9 am Pacific.