In This Newsletter:
Priorat Superstar: Clos Erasmus
Subscriber Special!
More Marietta!
New Week – New Arrivals
Diebolt-Vallois
Budget Friendly Champagne
Trending
What We’re Excited About: Loire Edition
Thibaud Boudignon
Collector’s Corner:
Ulysse Collin
Priorat Superstar: Clos Erasmus
Subscriber Special!
It seems nearly impossible for any winery to have collected the scores and praise that Clos Erasmus has, while still being available for purchase in the open market. Since the turn of the century, their flagship wine has scored over 96 points fifteen times—from the Wine Advocate alone! That’s across multiple critics (Robert Parker to Luis Guitierrez) who have all recognized the impressive class and iconic power of one of Spain’s greatest wines.Daphne Glorian, who was born in Switzerland, seems an unlikely figure to be a leading winemaker in Priorat. However, she fell in love with the region, moving there to help revive old vines and she’s now a rock star on the level of Palacios and Barbier.
Clos Erasmus represents her finest wine and a truly spectacular example of what Priorat is capable of. Rich, bold and powerful, the wine is quintessential Priorat through and through and is one of the truly iconic bottlings of Spain. She also produces a second wine, called Laurel, which displays all of the style and panache of the estate at a very approachable price.
In Stock Now:
Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’, Priorat DOCa 2017 750ML ($59.95) Was $49, Now $45 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2017 Laurel is a blend of the younger vines, some barrels that were declassified from Clos Erasmus and the remaining Cabernet Sauvignon, and in the low-yielding and dry 2017 vintage, it’s 70% Garnacha, 20% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 15% alcohol. The wine fermented mostly in concrete and oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in a combination of oak vats, concrete, used barriques and amphorae for 16 months. They produce this to be approachable from the moment it’s released. The 2017s feel very aromatic, open, expressive and young, quite primary, tender and juicy and surprisingly fresh for a dry, warm year that resulted in a very early harvest. There is a peachy, soft, approachable quality here that I like very much. Surprisingly enough, winemaker and proprietor Daphne Glorian sees reminiscences of the 2013s in the 2017s, and I have to agree. Different from 2016, but at the same quality level. 19,126 bottles were filled in May 2019.-Luis Gutierrez”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $57
Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus, Priorat DOCa 2017 750ML ($219.95) Was $199, Now $179 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 98 points “The just-bottled 2017 Clos Erasmus is a blend of Garnacha with 25% Syrah that fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak vats and matured in 228-liter oak barrels (40% new). It feels very aromatic, expressive and open, floral and elegant and surprisingly fresh for the conditions of the year. It’s still young and undeveloped, with the puppy fat still to be rendered, and right now, it comes through as juicy and elegant, with very good freshness and super fine tannins. It’s very aromatic and floral, really impressive for 2017. It seems like the year was much better in the Mediterranean part of Spain than in the rest of the country. 3,000 bottles produced.-Luis Gutierrez”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $213
More Marietta!
Chris Bilbro was one of California wine’s unsung heroes. He founded and grew Marietta Cellars into one of the preeminent producers of excellent value, honestly made California wine. Although his son Scot now runs the winery (Chris sadly passed away), the wines are as good as they’ve ever been—delicious, gutsy wines that deliver exceptional value at all prices. These are fantastic wines from their sub-$20 Zinfandel and Cabernet bottlings all the way through their “Gibson Block” Syrah, which hails from a parcel of Syrah planted in the 1880’s and still producing (tiny quantities) of fruit today.Restocked:
Marietta Cellars ‘Arme’ Cabernet, North Coast 2017 750ML ($21.95) $19 special
Antonio Galloni 91-93 points “The 2017 Armé is another gorgeous wine in this range from Marietta. Inky dark blue and purplish fruit, lavender, menthol and spice all grace this sumptuous racy and inky wine with great balance. The 2017 is a super value in California Cabernet Sauvignon. Wow.”
Marietta Cellars ‘Christo’, North Coast 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Antonio Galloni 90-93 points “The 2017 Christo, Marietta’s Syrah/Grenache-based red, is another compelling wine in this range. Inky red/purplish berry fruit, rose petal, mint, spice and floral notes are front and center. Sumptuous and racy, the 2017 is so inviting from the very first taste.”
Marietta Cellars ‘Roman’ Estate Grown Zinfandel, North Coast 2018 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Antonio Galloni 90-92 points “The 2018 Román is bright, punchy and full of Zinfandel character. Dark red and purplish fruit, spice and mint all race out of the glass effortlessly. Dollops of Petite Sirah and Barbera bring added complexity to the field blend. The 2018 is one of the best wines readers will find for the money. Quite simply, it is a screaming value.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Marietta Cellars ‘Game Trail’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Yorkville Highlands 2017 750ML ($41.95) $36 special
Antonio Galloni 90-93 points “The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Game Trail is decidedly aromatic and peppery in its flavor profile, much of that a reflection of the personality of this site planted at 1400 feet. Hints of spice, licorice and chocolate add complexity to the dark-toned flavors, but the wine’s overall feel leans towards the more savory side of Cabernet.”
Marietta Cellars ‘Angeli’ Zinfandel, Alexander Valley 2017 750ML ($39.95) $29 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points ‘The 2017 Zinfandel Angeli, from a site in Alexander Valley, is rich, pliant and expressive. Super-ripe black cherry, hard candy, new leather, lavender and mint give the Angeli decidedly dark shades of expression. This sumptuous, flavorful Zinfandel should drink well for another decade or more.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Marietta Cellars Gibson Block Syrah, McDowell Valley 2016 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2016 Syrah Estate Gibson Block is the star of this range from Marietta. From a dry-farmed site planted in the 1880s, the Gibson Block is powerful, sumptuous and racy to the core. A whole range of complementary varieties give the Gibson Block striking inner perfume and lift to play off the intense dark fruit, while silky tannins add to the wine’s racy, inviting personality.”
New Week – New Arrivals
Rosé
G. B. Burlotto Elatis Vino da Tavola Rose, Piedmont 2019 750ML ($26.95) $20.90 special
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The nose shows ripe honeydew and crushed yellow apple with sweet herbs and smoky minerals. On the palate, the 2019 Burlotto Elatis Rosato coasts with ease. It is cool-toned and riding a core of vibrant acids, minerals, and citrus-tinged fruits. The finish is long, buzzing with energy, and just begging for another sip. This is a unique and wonderfully stimulating blend of 60% Pelaverga, 35% Nebbiolo and 5% Barbera.”
VinopolNote: The heirloom Piedmontese varietal Pelaverga is a specialty of Burlotto and should be on anyone’s radar if they love Pinot Noir, Frappato, or Gamay. Its classic aromas are of cracked black pepper and strawberries. It’s extremely flexible at table, and in this rosé blend, it offsets the more well-known varietals perfectly.
G. B. Burlotto Elatis Vino da Tavola Rose, Piedmont 2019 750ML ($26.95) $20.90 special
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The nose shows ripe honeydew and crushed yellow apple with sweet herbs and smoky minerals. On the palate, the 2019 Burlotto Elatis Rosato coasts with ease. It is cool-toned and riding a core of vibrant acids, minerals, and citrus-tinged fruits. The finish is long, buzzing with energy, and just begging for another sip. This is a unique and wonderfully stimulating blend of 60% Pelaverga, 35% Nebbiolo and 5% Barbera.”
VinopolNote: The heirloom Piedmontese varietal Pelaverga is a specialty of Burlotto and should be on anyone’s radar if they love Pinot Noir, Frappato, or Gamay. Its classic aromas are of cracked black pepper and strawberries. It’s extremely flexible at table, and in this rosé blend, it offsets the more well-known varietals perfectly.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $26
San Giorgio Pinot Grigio Rose delle Venezie IGT 2019 750ML ($14.95) $9.90 special
VinopolNote: Light, bright and pretty, this was a surprise standout of a recent tasting. Hard to beat the value for the money.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Torre dei Beati ‘Rosa-ae’ Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2019 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Gambero Rosso named the 2018 as a Wine of the Year – this follow up vintage just garnered “three glasses.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Oregon
Loop de Loop Dry Riesling, Columbia Gorge 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Bone dry Riesling from Underwood Mountain in the Columbia Gorge.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2019 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 special
VinopolNote: Always the first Oregon wine of the new vintage we see, this gem wears its heart on its sleeve.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $23
France
Aubry Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($44.95) $39 special
Importer Note “(+) Meunier expresses here as barley, rusks, crackers, and so the wine tastes rusky, coppery-saline, iodé, mineral and appetizing. It’s beautifully expressive of a corner of Champagne and tastes as though it were fined with sel gris.We’re up to a 2016-base now, though it’s just 45% of that base, with 55% the perpetual reserve. Deg 1/2019, 30% Meunier, 30% PN, 35% CH and 5% “other” by which I infer whatever didn’t fit in the tanks of other cuvées. I’m starting to really like ’16 in the NV blends; this is an excellent edition, classically coppery and salty but with unusual elegance. Last year and this one seem to herald a new era at Aubry—at least for this calling-card wine.”
Disgorged July 2019
Doyard Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne 2008 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96 points “Disgorged in October 2018 with three grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru goes from strength to strength, soaring from the glass with aromas of almond paste, buttered citrus, verbena, crisp white peach, gingerbread and a subtle hint of olorosso sherry. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a racy spine of acidity, superb tension at the core and a long, saline finish. This is produced from Doyard’s finest grand cru holdings, mainly in Avize, and derives from just the first and second press, not even all the cuvée.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2008 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, from vines in Avize, Oger, Cramant and Mesnil, is laced with a compelling melange of apricot, passionfruit, butter, orange peel and hazelnut overtones. Doyard gave the 2008 108 months on the lees (nearly ten years), which results in a Champagne with a lot of aromatic and flavor complexity. In the glass, the 2008 remains light on its feet, with tons of finesse and energy to match its beguiling beauty. It is another highlight in this impressive lineup. Dosage is 3 grams per liter.”
50+ y/o vines. 70% Avize Grand Cru, 10% Oger Grand Cru, 10% Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Grand Cru, 10% Cramant Grand Cru
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Arbois Poulsard Vieilles Vignes, Jura 2018 750ML ($34.95) $27 special
Distributor note “Here’s another funky gem from Tissot. All Poulsard this time, from 3 parcels ranging 45-90 years old, no added SO2, unfined and unfiltered.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $37
Guy Breton Morgon Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais 2017 750ML ($37.95) $28 special
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Opaque bright-rimmed ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh dark berries, cherry liqueur, smoky minerals and candied violet. Sappy, sharply focused blackberry, bitter cherry and lavender flavors show very good depth and take a sweeter turn with air. Fine-grained tannins add grip to an impressively long, mineral-driven finish that shows sharp delineation and resonating florality.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $34
Italy
Yeasty and floral, like a baked pear tart with a wildflower honey drizzle. Dry yet sleek.
Loredan Gasparini Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Veneto NV 750ML ($17.95) $13.50 special
James Suckling 90 points “Delicious combination of pear and biscuit on the palate with medium body, bright acidity and a fresh finish. Fresh and satisfying. A different style of Prosecco that you should check out.”
Decanter 89 points “Loredan Gasparini’s Asolo Prosecco Superiore is grown on mineral soils that give the wine structure. This wine uses wild yeasts, providing a beautiful range of flavours; elderflower and peaches are supported by a lovely, soft mousse.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is a fresh and clean Italian white
Tamellini Soave, Veneto 2018 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
James Suckling 92 points “Fruity with sliced-lime and papaya aromas and flavors. Full body. Lots of fruit and a crunchy finish. Shows the lovely character of the vintage. Drink now.”
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 91 points “Luminous straw yellow. Varietally accurate and very pure aromas and flavors of white peach, yellow apple, white flowers and delicate herbs. Fresh and well-delineated, this finishes long with sneaky concentration. A truly outstanding Soave. This is easily one of the two entry-level Soaves of the vintage. Very well done. Mostly Garganega with a little Trebbiano di Soave.”
G. B. Burlotto Viridis Langhe Sauvignon, Piedmont 2019 750ML ($26.95) $21.90 special
“This estate was the second to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the Langhe after Angelo Gaja. The first vines set root in 1986 and a second parcel was planted ten years later. The folks at Comm. G.B. Burlotto were very happy with the results, and they remain one of the most important proponents of this white grape in a region dominated by red varieties. The wine is made in a very simple fashion and only sees contact with stainless steel.” –Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (no reviews available)
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $24.99
Edi Keber Collio Bianco, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2017 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Importer note “Situated a stone’s throw away from the Slovenian border, Edi Keber’s 10 hectares of vineyards in northern Italy grow on the classic “ponka” soil – a stony, friable marl that gives the wines remarkable weight and body. Ponka naturally stresses the vines, which produce small quantities of grapes and provide a distinctive minerality, typical of the Collio region. Keber’s first bottled wines date back to 1957, although his family, originally from Vienna, has made wine for 350 years. Edi’s young son, Kristian, follows his father’s maverick footsteps helping in every aspect of the production. Ebi desired his one white wine to embody the tradition of the Collio by blending the three varieties that have been grown in the area since before the two great wars: Friulano, providing for body and structure, Malvasia Istriana to impart the aromatic component and Ribolla Gialla for its acidity. The grapes are picked at their highest possible maturity levels. Fermented and matured in old cement vats, which according to Edi, add an element of “soul” to the wine as opposed to the sterility of stainless steel. Dry on the palate with nice minerality and hints of grass and intense, long finish. The total production is 60,000 bottles.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $29.99
Giuseppe Quintarelli Ca del Merlo Veneto IGT 2010 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Importer Note “The only single-vineyard bottling at Quintarelli, Cà del Merlo takes its name from the hill that rises beside the family house. It is an explosion of fragrant fruit, while the spices—usually enhanced by the ripasso technique, typical of Valpolicella—remain more discreet.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $95.99
Germany
Weingut Josef Spreitzer Winkeler Jesuitengarten Riesling Spatlese, Rheingau 2018 750ML ($37.95) $29 special
Terry Theise note “There were two options. A drier one is classic, upholstered, earthy and dense with just an edge of sweetness, rural and with a fragrance of leaf-decay. The “sweeter” wine ran to the usual violet and lavender but showed a sweet finish, and yet the wine’s more playful. You guessed it; we blended them and enjoyed much of the best of both worlds, though Andi will keep at it until he gets the exact one he wants. I want this wine to be earnest and Jesuitical and also delicious. Tall order, but Andi’s a pretty tall guy.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $35
Diebolt-Vallois:
Budget Friendly Champagne
The Cote des Blancs region in Champagne is home to some of the most sought after and exquisite sparkling wine in the world. In the Cote des Blancs village of Cramant, Diebolt-Vallois is a star player, in part due to the quality of their vineyard holdings in the region and nearby Epernay. These are very classic representations of Champagne in general. Fortunately, we were able to acquire a large quantity of two bottlings, the entry-level Tradition, which is one of the finest under $40 Champagnes, and the drinking perfectly now Vintage bottling. The Tradition is a blend of Chardonnay from the Cote des Blancs villages of Cuis and Chouilly with Pinot Noir and Meunier from the villages of Epernay and Marfaux. It elegantly captures the grace and structure of Chardonnay with the red fruit and forward-drinking appeal of the Pinots. The Vintage wine, made from Chardonnay from Cuis, Epernay and Cramant, is richly textured with generous orchard fruit notes that’s drinking beautifully now. Snap up and sip these beauties now:
Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut Millesime, Champagne 2011 750ML ($59.95) $46 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2011 vintage. 2010 review provided for reference.
Wine Spectator 92 points “This elegant blanc de blancs shows a pleasing vibrancy from the lively bead and bright acidity, both well-meshed to pretty floral and spice accents and flavors of Gala apple, biscuit and lemon zest. Creamy. Drink now through 2025. 16 cases imported.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for any vintage!
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.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Love Cote des Blancs Champagnes?
We carry a massive selection from grower/producers such as Lilbert Fils, Pierre Gimonnet, Doyard and Mailliard.
Explore all of our Champagne selections on our web store!
We carry a massive selection from grower/producers such as Lilbert Fils, Pierre Gimonnet, Doyard and Mailliard.
Explore all of our Champagne selections on our web store!
Trending
Sunday’s hottest wine!
Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($129.95) $99 pre-arrival special, ETA 7/31
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon checks in as a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, and 2% Merlot that spent 22 months in 75% new French oak. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a sensational, full-bodied, layered wine that’s overflowing with notions of crème de cassis, crushed rocks, smoked tobacco, and hints of camphor. Seamless, elegant, and layered, yet also powerful, it rates with the top wines of the vintage. Readers should snatch this beauty up.”
James Suckling 98 points “This regal wine really sets the tone for delivering poise, balance and elegance. Such distinctive cabernet redcurrants, cassis and red cherries, framed in cedary oak and tobacco. The palate is cast in noble tannins that deliver elegance and length. Deeply flavorful blackcurrants and dark cherries with chocolate that’s laced into the finish. A blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon, 13% petit verdot, 3% malbec and 2% merlot. Drink for the next decade and then some.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “…With a bold spiciness and layers of oak, the bold, full-bodied wine lingers with intensity and a long, thought-provoking, complex finish that is focused and delivers pleasure as the wine puts a smile on my face. Only 2,900 cases were made, and they are worth every penny!”
Snowden Vineyards ‘Brothers Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
#91 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2019
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Brothers is the best wine I have tasted from Diana Snowden-Seysses. Rich, explosive and savory, the 2016 dazzles with intensity in all of its dimensions. Graphite, smoke, savory herbs and spice notes wrap around a core of dark fruit in a vertical, towering Cabernet Sauvignon that captures all the vintage has to offer.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Offers a tasty core of plum and blackberry fruit, backed by lively anise and apple wood notes. Restrained overall, with an alluring freshness and a subtle charcoal hint lingering deftly at the end. Drink now through 2032. 639 cases made.”
Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($129.95) $99 pre-arrival special, ETA 7/31Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon checks in as a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, and 2% Merlot that spent 22 months in 75% new French oak. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a sensational, full-bodied, layered wine that’s overflowing with notions of crème de cassis, crushed rocks, smoked tobacco, and hints of camphor. Seamless, elegant, and layered, yet also powerful, it rates with the top wines of the vintage. Readers should snatch this beauty up.”
James Suckling 98 points “This regal wine really sets the tone for delivering poise, balance and elegance. Such distinctive cabernet redcurrants, cassis and red cherries, framed in cedary oak and tobacco. The palate is cast in noble tannins that deliver elegance and length. Deeply flavorful blackcurrants and dark cherries with chocolate that’s laced into the finish. A blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon, 13% petit verdot, 3% malbec and 2% merlot. Drink for the next decade and then some.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “…With a bold spiciness and layers of oak, the bold, full-bodied wine lingers with intensity and a long, thought-provoking, complex finish that is focused and delivers pleasure as the wine puts a smile on my face. Only 2,900 cases were made, and they are worth every penny!”
Snowden Vineyards ‘Brothers Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
#91 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2019
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Brothers is the best wine I have tasted from Diana Snowden-Seysses. Rich, explosive and savory, the 2016 dazzles with intensity in all of its dimensions. Graphite, smoke, savory herbs and spice notes wrap around a core of dark fruit in a vertical, towering Cabernet Sauvignon that captures all the vintage has to offer.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Offers a tasty core of plum and blackberry fruit, backed by lively anise and apple wood notes. Restrained overall, with an alluring freshness and a subtle charcoal hint lingering deftly at the end. Drink now through 2032. 639 cases made.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $88
When a certain Hollywood couple bought a winery to make Miraval, the original owner kept the best vines so he could keep making this…
Chateau la Mascaronne Cotes de Provence Quat’Saisons Rose 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “Ultra pale and coppery-hued, La Mascaronne’s certified-organic 2019 Cotes de Provence Rose Quat’Saisons is a blend of Cinsault and Grenache. Like previous vintages, it starts with notes of crushed stone and citrus, then adds the merest hints of red fruit. It’s medium-bodied but focused and streamlined, coming to an elongated, mouthwatering, complex finish that adds peach, melon and anise to the mix.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2019 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2019 750ML ($319.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Importer note “The pink sibling of Ameztoi’s flagship white, this vibrant rosé is made from a mix of red and white indigenous grapes and is bottled with a little residual carbonation to give it a light spritz.”
VinopolNote: Hands down, this is the most popular rose at this shop every year. Why? Cause it’s that freakin’ good. Nuff said.
The average price nationally is $23
What We’re Excited About: Loire Edition
Thibaud Boudignon
Thibaud Boudignon has been one of the breakout stars of the last year or two. The Savennières-based producer has rare gift of taking all of Chenin’s energetic richness and compressing it into a linear beam of mineral electricity. The 2018s are no exception.
“One of the most exciting up-and-coming producers in the Loire, Thibaud Boudignon already has a fervent following in America. A Bordeaux native and former judo champion, Boudignon began making his own wine in 2009 and now has seven hectares, farmed biodynamically, in Anjou and Savennières.” – Jason Wilson, Vinous Media
Newly Reviewed by Jason Wilson of Vinous Media:
Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc, Loire 2018 750ML ($47.95) $44 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Jason Wilson-Vinous 92 points “Quiet, elegant nose of beeswax, ripe pear and smoke. Rambunctious, lively and textured in the mouth, bursting with grilled lemon and green apple plus notes of salt and smoke, all underpinned by smooth stoniness. A cool, youthful wine that is full of energy.”
Also In Stock Now from Thibaud Boudignon:
Thibaud Boudignon Rose de Loire 2019 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer note “80% Cabernet Franc, 20% Grolleau from 25+ year old vines grown on shallow soils of grey schist and rhyolite (volcanic soil) and clay. Indigenous yeast fermentation of direct press rosé with no malo. Aged in stainless steel.”
“One of the most exciting up-and-coming producers in the Loire, Thibaud Boudignon already has a fervent following in America. A Bordeaux native and former judo champion, Boudignon began making his own wine in 2009 and now has seven hectares, farmed biodynamically, in Anjou and Savennières.” – Jason Wilson, Vinous Media
Newly Reviewed by Jason Wilson of Vinous Media:
Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc, Loire 2018 750ML ($47.95) $44 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Jason Wilson-Vinous 92 points “Quiet, elegant nose of beeswax, ripe pear and smoke. Rambunctious, lively and textured in the mouth, bursting with grilled lemon and green apple plus notes of salt and smoke, all underpinned by smooth stoniness. A cool, youthful wine that is full of energy.”
Also In Stock Now from Thibaud Boudignon:
Thibaud Boudignon Rose de Loire 2019 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer note “80% Cabernet Franc, 20% Grolleau from 25+ year old vines grown on shallow soils of grey schist and rhyolite (volcanic soil) and clay. Indigenous yeast fermentation of direct press rosé with no malo. Aged in stainless steel.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres La Vigne Cendree, Loire 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Importer note “La Vigne Cendrée is the smallest parcel of the domaine, 0.5 hectares, in the commune of Savennières. In spite of its small surface area there is an exceptional mosaic of terroir : purple schist, granite and clay silt. Because of the clay and the southern exposition, this wine is naturally richer. Half is aged in 226 liter burgundy barrels and half in foudre, with no new wood, for 12 months, this wine is very ‘burgundian.’ La Vigne Cendrée offers a combination of generosity and mineral tension under a noble reduction.”
Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos de Fremine, Loire 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Clos de Frémine is located behind the wall of Clos de la Hutte; this parcel of 1.5 hectares is in the commune of La Poissonnière. Exposed to the landscape, the Clos de Fremine is a soil of schist sandstone to gritty sandstone. The Clos de Frémine is aged in demi muids of 500L and 600L to preserve the finesse of the terroir. This is the most delicate and aromatic expression of Chenin from the domaine. Very feminine in its texture and in the nose, it offers a seductive, moth watering mouth.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $91
Arriving in August from Thibaud Boudignon:
Only eight bottles available!
Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc ‘a Francoise..’, Loire 2018 750ML ($79.95) $65 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Cut like a diamond with clean lines and explosive fruit. Long detailed finish that fans out with a touch of creaminess. Still evolving and will reward the one who has patience. A worthy homage to his mother and grandfather.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $72
Only twenty-two bottles available!
Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos de la Hutte, Loire 2018 750ML ($119.95) $95 pre-arrival special
Importer note “[A new] addition to Thibaud’s range of Chenin Blanc comes from a half hectare plot within the Clos de la Hutte (1.5ha) lieu-dit. The vines are young but the wine is profound. There is a long history to this site and Thibaud is channeling every bit of it here. The volumes are miniscule – 1000 bottles released.”
Importer note “Clos de la Hutte is situated in the commune of La Poissonnière; the Clos de la Hutte is an ancient religious site of 7 hectares, of which 2.6 are planted with vines. At the heart of this ancient monastery are vines produced from a massal selection of Chenin Blanc coming from the best domaines of the Loire. 5 different varieties of Chenin were planted together so as to best express the intensity and singularity of this special place. 50% vinified in oval demi muid, 25% in 320 liter cigars, and 25% in 500 liter. The ageing last one year in wood and a minimum of 3 months in stainless steel. The Clos de la Hutte seduces with its aromatic finesse and the intense minerality in the mouth.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $99
Love Loire?
Shop our selections on our web store and don’t miss these hot new staff favorites:
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Clisson, Loire 2017 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Melon de Bourgogne. The heart of Marc Ollivier’s estate is a 10-hectare plot near home in the Clisson cru; 8 hectares of it go into this bottling, while 2 hectares are used for the entry-level Sur Lie. Its distinguishing feature is the soil type, called granite de Clisson, which is a particularly poor, hard, compact granite with little clay and a lot of quartz and mica over hard granite mother rock. The Pépière vines range from 50-110 years old and are organically farmed and harvested and worked by hand. As with the rest of the Pepière wines, the fruit is direct-pressed in whole clusters and the juice settled naturally for 12 hours. It is then fermented in stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts; the wine is aged on its lees for 2 years in large underground vats until being bottled without fining or filtering. Marc bottled this wine years before the cru was made official under the label “Granite de Clisson”. After the declaration of the cru, he had to drop the “granite” part and as well as the “sur lie” (the latter being true for all cru-designated wines even though they are lees-aged).”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $29
Utterly classic Chinon, with some bottle age.
Olga Raffault Chinon Les Picasses, Loire 2008 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 6 bottles in stock now (24 more arriving Friday, July 31st)
Winery Library Release!
Jason Wilson-Vinous 92 points “Light ruby in color, bright and fresh, featuring aromas and flavors of tomatoes and cherries throughout. Balanced and cool, with a hint of dark minerality on the finish. Incredibly fresh and seamless. Has a long life ahead. Aged one year in foudre. Drink 2020 – 2030.”
Collector’s Corner
Ulysse Collin:
Introspective Champagne
Perhaps no vigneron exemplifies the New Champagne like Ulysse Collin. Born to a family of grape-growers, he worked tirelessly to free the family land from contracts selling fruit to negociants and now vinifies all of his wines as single-vineyard/vintage bottlings. His wines are profoundly introspective and challenge preconceived notions about what Champagne should be. At the forefront of the new wave of ultra-terroir-driven Champagnes, Olivier produces deeply vinous, mineral and hyper-concentrated wines. True to their terroir, these are reflections of the individual parcels.“Winemaking as a rule here is as natural and non-interventionist as possible. All fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts, which can take a remarkably long time to complete: six to eight months is not at all unusual for Collin, and even when tasting vins clairs in June or July, they are typically still in the middle of their alcoholic fermentations. Both the fermentation and malolactic are carried out in three- to six-year old barriques, and the wine is neither fined nor filtered before bottling, which takes place in the fall after the harvest.” – Peter Liem, Champagneguide.net
In Stock Now from Ulysse Collin
Ulysse Collin ‘Les Roises’ Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2014) 750ML ($229.95) $189 special, 2 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Roises (2014) is based on the 2014 vintage, supplemented by 10% of reserve wines from 2013, and it was disgorged with 2.4 grams per liter dosage in March 2019 after 48 months sur lattes. It’s already quite open and expressive, in keeping with Collin’s other 2014-based releases, bursting from the glass with aromas of crisp Anjou pear, waxy citrus rind, green mango, blanched almonds and pastry cream. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and enveloping, with ripe but racy acids, a deep and crisply fleshy core of fruit and a long, saline finish. This is quite a textural, gourmand and charming rendition of Les Roises, and it’s exquisitely elegant.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Collin’s 2014 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Roises is a wonderfully inviting, nuanced Champagne that captures the interplay of richness and freshness that this south-facing site is capable of. Apricot, melon, mint and exotic white flowers meld together in a dense, textured Champagne loaded with class and personality. This release is mostly 2014, with just 10% reserve wines from 2013. Most importantly, Les Roises is all class. Dosage is 2.4 grams per liter. Disgorged: March, 2018.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Winery cellared release!
Ulysse Collin ‘Les Maillons’ Rose de Saignee Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2012) 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 5 bottles in stock now
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Ulysse Collin ‘Les Maillons’ Rose de Saignee Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2015) 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 6 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “Derived entirely from the 2015 vintage, the NV Extra Brut Rosé de Saignée Les Maillons (2015) was disgorged in March 2019 after 36 months sur lattes. A serious, gastronomic rosé, this is one of the more reserved of Collin’s 2015-base releases, unwinding in the glass with scents of raspberries, pomegranate, crushed mint, spices, toasted almonds and citrus rind. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and vinous, with a muscular core of fruit girdled by lively acids and fine-grained phenolics, concluding with a long and sapid finish. A wine that rewards reflection, this is another terrific cuvée from Collin, but it will need a year on cork to really show its cards.”
Ulysse Collin ‘Les Enfers’ Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2014) 750ML ($189.95) $159 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Advocate 95 points “Disgorged with in March 2019 with 2.4 grams per liter dosage, the NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Enfers (2014) is based on the 2014 vintage, supplemented by some 10% reserve wines, and spent fully 48 months on the lees. Opening in the glass with expressive aromas of fresh pastry, green mango, waxy citrus fruit and white flowers, it’s medium to full-bodied, precise and elegantly enveloping, with superb depth at the core, racy acids and a beautifully defined, delicately chalky finish. Like all of Collin’s 2014-base bottlings, this is a tender, charming rendition of Les Enfers.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2014 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Enfers is a wine of tremendous breadth and staying power. Clay-rich soils in Congy yield a Champagne of real textural resonance. Apricot, orange peel, vanilla and tropical overtones infuse the 2014 with notable character. All the elements seem amplified in the Enfers, including a mousse that is a bit brawny. This release includes 10% reserve wines from 2013 and spent a total of 48 months on its lees. Olivier Collin has another lot in the cellar that will be released with 60 months on the lees. Dosage is 2.4 grams per liter.”
90% 2014, 10% 2013. Disgorgement date may vary from reviews.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
New Releases Arriving Friday, August 7th from Ulysse Collin
Ulysse Collin ‘Les Maillons’ Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2016) 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Peter Liem note “Beginning with the 2006 vintage, Collin introduced a second wine, a blanc de noirs from a vineyard called Les Maillons, in the village of Barbonne-Fayel. The soils in this sector are chalk mixed with heavy clay, without the silex found in Vert-Toulon, and these pinot noir vines were planted in 1971.”
Ulysse Collin ‘Les Maillons’ Rose de Saignee Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2016) 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
Peter Liem note “This comes from the pinot noir in Les Maillons, macerated for 18 hours and aged in barrel for one year.”
Portland is one of the greatest cities in the country for Champagne, and we offer one of the largest selections of in-stock Champagnes in the state. Shop Tete de Cuvees, Special Clubs, 100% Biodynamic, 100% Pinot blanc, back-vintages, case deals, demi-sec, cult growers, Methusalehs, and more on our web store!
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