In This Newsletter:
Labor Day Super Sale
Featured New Arrival:
Stella di Campalto
Subscriber Sale Special on Opus One:
Ends Monday at 6:00 PM
New Week – New Arrivals
Mountain Rosé:
Apennines to the Garraf Massif
Collector’s Corner
Dehu: The Marne’s Master of Meunier
Labor Day Super Sale
You work hard for you money, let us work hard for you!
We’ve slashed our by-the-bottle price on six work horse wines.
Discount ends Tuesday, September 7th at 10 AM Pacific
This is the only listing in the USA today!
A pretty pink to sip as the summer sets.
Chateau Terrebonne Cotes de Provence Rosé 2020 750ML ($19.95) Was $18, Now $16.58 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Chateau Terrebonne is located in the Var department, in the heart of Provence, near the village of Flassans sur Issole. Chateau Terrebonne looks actually itself like a small village, where the red coloured houses gathered together over the past centuries. Château Terrebonne has a long history with visible vestiges that reminds us that once the Romans settled there and without any doubt cultivated vines. The estate’s location exposes the vineyard to cooling winds during the spring. The harvest takes place usually mid September, which is quite late for the region. A variety of different clay-rich, gravellous plots, result in a nice complexity of wines. The 60 ha estate is mainly planted with Cinsaut, Syrah, Grenache noir, Ugni blanc, Vermentino and the average yield is around 40 hL/ha. The white grapes represent 20% of the total blend, which gives a tremendous freshness and floral aromas to the wine.”
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Todd Hamina wines are perfumed, elegant and site-expressive: exactly what we look for in Willamette Valley Pinot. Stylistically, Todd loves to use whole clusters and extended macerations to provide savory undertones that balance out his rich fruit.
Biggio Hamina Cellars Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($39.95) Was $28, Now $24.92 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Shimmering magenta. Displays perfumed red fruit preserve aromas, along with suggestions of licorice, cola, earth and candied flowers. Seamless and focused on the palate the Claygate Vineyard offers concentrated raspberry, boysenberry and cherry flavors that slowly unfurl and become spicier through the mid-palate. Round, even tannins build slowly on a very long, floral-tinged finish that leaves cherry and baking spice notes behind. All de-stemmed fruit.”
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Rotation Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi 2018 750ML ($17.95) Was $12.50, Now $11.25 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
A Cali Cab with Old World style.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Château Pesquie is one of the hidden gems of the greater Rhône. Based in Ventoux, the estate is best known for its excellent value bottling Terrasses, but today we’re featuring their higher end wines, Artemia and Ascensio. These are absolutely stunning (and deals compared to nearby Châteauneuf). They have depth, complexity and power to spare, with a balance and earthiness that’s unique to Pesque. 2016 looks like one of the most successful vintages ever for the estate.
Chateau Pesquie Ventoux Artemia, Rhone 2016 750ML ($49.95) Was $36, Now $33.17 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Decanter-World Wine Awards 97 points “This is stacked with the black fruits of the region, plus violets, thyme, lavender, dried herbs and tannins that are ripe and of the appropriate proportion. Still very youthful and will flourish with time in bottle. Modern and very classy indeed. Genius wine, very long and intense, its purity magnificent.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Made from equal parts Syrah and Grenache, the 2016 Ventoux Cuvee Artemia is another terrific vintage for this cuvee. Still young, backward and unevolved, it has tons of potential in its blue fruits, graphite, crushed rock and violet-tinged aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, with terrific purity of fruit, and fine, building tannin, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will keep for a decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “A 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah, aged in 50% new oak, the 2016 Ventoux Artemia is a tremendous effort. It combines blueberries and stone fruit with cedary notes and then underscores those attractive aromas and flavors with a full-bodied, velvety texture and a bright, crisp finish. Lovely stuff.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Castello di Gabbiano is one of the most notable producers of Chianti Classico—a historic estate that’s pushed forward into the 21st century as one of the most important producers of Chianti out there. Their top wine is the Chianti Gran Selezione “Bellezza,” a 100% Sangiovese that challenges the best in Brunello and Chianti.
Castello di Gabbiano Cavaliere d’Oro Bellezza, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2012 750ML ($34.95) Was $28, Now $24.83 special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “A wine with a wonderful depth of fruit but slightly marked by the new wood. Full body, round and silky tannins and a medium finish. This needs two or three years to come together in the bottle. A solid red.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Editor’s Choice. Baked plum, Asian spice, vanilla and menthol aromas carry the nose. The elegantly structured palate offers fleshy black cherry, licorice, mint and well-integrated French oak alongside fine-grained tannins that lend firm, polished support. A coffee note marks the finish. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2012 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Bellezza is plump, juicy and expressive. Succulent red cherries, plums, sweet spices, leather and smoke flesh out nicely in the glass. The aromatics are slightly forward, which leads me to believe the 2012 will not be a long-term ager. Still, today the Bellezza is attractive and immediate, both qualities that make it an excellent choice for near term drinking.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39.99
Shop the Labor Day sale on our web store now!
Featured New Arrival:
Stella di Campalto
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $213
Stella di Campalto Podere San Guiseppe Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Eric Guido-Vinous 92 points “The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino Grazia opens slowly. Perfumed and pretty at first, yet restrained, while gaining in depth over time, as mineral-tinged cherry, hints of incense and licorice come forward. It’s silky, nuanced and undeniably gracious in nature. Zesty acids and the slightest tug of round tannins support a pure display of ripe red berries. While lightly structured, the 2016 is still juicy and finessed, tapering off with youthful tension under an air of pretty violet florals. This vintage has the word ‘Grazia’ (Italian for ‘Grace’ but often used as ‘Thanks’) elegantly embossed on the label. If intended as grace, this wine embodies the word. As for thanks, from my time with the winemaker, I’d assume it would be a thank you to nature for what the vintage provided. The Stella di Campalto Rosso di Montalcino is a barrel selection refined for 21 months in medium-sized oak followed by another 27 months in the bottle prior to release. Essentially, it’s a Brunello di Montalcino in all but name.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $126
We’re proud of our curated stock of 71 Brunello & Rosso wines in stock now. Shop the full selection on our web store!
Subscriber-Only Special:
10% off three or more bottles of 2018 Opus One
Sale Ends September 6th at 6 PM Pacific
Discount will not display online, we will adjust before charging your card.
Opus One Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($389.95) $365 pre-arrival special (that’s $328.50 at the discount) Arriving ETA Early October
James suckling 99 points “Extremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Some slate and graphite, too. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so balanced and refined, with super fine tannins that last for minutes. Fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and lemon grass highlight the dark fruit. The quality of tannin is exquisite with wonderful polish and refinement. Lasts for minutes. So wonderful to taste now, but better after 2026.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98 points “Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Opus One soars out of the glass with bright, bold boysenberries, warm cassis and ripe, juicy black plums notes, plus emerging nuances of lilacs, oolong tea, cinnamon stick, tilled soil and black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tightly wound layers of crunchy black fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing with lifted fruitiness and on a lingering mineral note.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
New Week – New Arrivals
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Durant Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special
Winery note “Winemakers Tasting Notes: Mouthfeel: The entrance to our 2019 Estate Pinot Noir is high toned and playful. The mid-palate shows layers of complexity while filling your mouth with bright fresh fruit. The finish to this Pinot shows a harmonious balance between the tannins and acid that leads to a lingering finish held together with a gorgeous tension. Color: Bright Garnet. Nose: Fresh Cherries, Pureed Strawberries, Crushed Violets, Shaved Dark Chocolate, Cardamom, Mint, Toasted Almonds. Palate: Raspberries, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Aniseed, Leather, Cinnamon, Mushroom, Cigar Box, Plum. Fermentation: <10% Whole cluster. 15-20 days on skin. Punch Downs. Aging: 10 months in French oak. 16% new oak. 100% MLF. Chemistry: pH: 3.62 TA (g/L): 5.0 Alc: 12.8%.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Vincent Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39.90 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Dark scarlet. Highly perfumed black raspberry, cherry, exotic spice and floral pastille scents show excellent clarity and pick up a smoky mineral nuance with air. Palate-staining red and dark berry and bitter flavors show excellent clarity and energy thanks to a spine of smoky minerality. Expands steadily and turns sweeter with air, showing fine delineation on an impressively long, red-fruit- and floral-driven finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Champagne
Lombard & Cie Le Mesnil sur Oger Grand Cru Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($119.95) $81.90 special
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Editor’s Choice. Here is one of a series of Champagnes from three major Chardonnay villages in the Côte des Blancs. Le Mesnil has some of the top Champagne vineyards and this wine shows the quality of the terroir with its tight minerality and intense acidity balanced by the ripe lemon and grapefruit flavors. Drink now. -Roger Voss”
Importer note “2013-base.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Vouette et Sorbee Fidele Extra Brut, Champagne (2017) NV 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
No reviews for the 2017-base. Recent review provided for reference.
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The NV Brut Nature Fidèle (R14) is a Blanc de Noirs from Pinot Noir on Kimmeridgian soils and is entirely based on the 2014 vintage. Disgorged in October 2017 the oak-fermented wine shows a golden-reddish apricot color and opens with a very delicate, floral and herbal yet intense and vinous bouquet of red fruits, with warm, dry earth and spices and just a hint of oak. Bone dry (of course), fresh and elegant on the palate, this is an impressively delicate and filigreed Champagne to be enjoyed as a still wine rather than a fizz. The finish is long, clear, dry and well-structured (even with fine tannins) and reveals discreet salinity. In fact, Fidèle drinks like a Burgundy-inspired Coteaux Champenois with very fine but not effervescent bubbles, persistent lemon juice and a touch of oaky flavors. Don’t use a flute to enjoy this young, gastronomic wine; instead, use a wine glass or one of the rounder, more voluminous Champagne glasses like the Lehmann Jamesse (which stresses the finesse rather than the vinous character). Don’t serve the Fidèle too fresh, either, but if you must, wait a bit and don’t worry if the wine is suddenly 12 or even 14 degrees Celsius—it’s still delicious and even more vinous then! (To be honest, when tasted at 15 or 16 degrees Celsius, I even got some Gewürztraminer notes (lychees) on the nose…!) Tasted in July 2018.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Olivier Horiot ‘Metisse’ Les Riceys Noirs & Blanc Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, only 12 bottles available
VinopolNote: Approximately 80% Pinot Noir & 20% Pinot Blanc. 2016 & 2015 plus 20% reserve wine. Disgorged in January 2020.
Importer note “Each varietal is vinified separately and go thorough malolactic fermentation. Aged on its lees in oak barrels. Prior to secondary fermentation, a vintage base wine is blended with a solera of reserve wines.”
Olivier Horiot 5 Sens Brut Nature Champagne 2014 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, only 6 bottles available
VinopolNote: A blend of Arbane, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay from five terroirs in Riceys. Bottled July 25, 2015, disgorged November 13, 2019.
Importer note “Each variety is vinified separately in oak barrels on the lees for about a year and go through malolactic fermentation. 5 Sense is always released as a 100% vintage Champagne.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $109.99
Olivier Horiot Solera Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, only 6 bottles available
VinopolNote: A blend of Arbane, Petit Meslier, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier & Pinot Noir. Disgorged September 2020.
Importer note “Each variety is vinified separately in oak barrels on the lees for about a year and go through malolactic fermentation. The base wine is pulled from a solera reserve which is then replenished with the wine from the new vintage.”
R. Pouillon & Fils Premier Cru Brut Rosé de Maceration, Champagne NV 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “[Review for previous disgorgement] Expressive aromas and flavors of Maraschino cherry, violet, spiced orange and chopped almond ride the fine, silky mousse in this vinous version. Backed by a well-knit spine of acidity, it’s fresh and balanced, with a lingering finish. Distinctive. Disgorged spring 2019. Drink now through 2025. –AN”
Importer note “This wine is 100% pinot noir from the premier cru Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Fabrice macerates the juice on the skins for up to 12 hours before it is pressed and fermented in enamel and neutral barrique. 80% of the wine continues elevage for 8 months, while 20% is racked to neutral barrique where it ages for 18 months. At 8 months of elevage the current year’s wine is blended with the 18-month aged wine from the previous year to complete the assemblage. Doing so allows Fabrice to balance the tannins which naturally come from saignée rosé with the mellowness which comes from time in neutral barrel. 80% 2017, 20% 2016.”
R. Pouillon & Fils Cuvee de Reserve Brut, Champagne (2018) NV 750ML ($59.95) $51.90 special
Importer note “Each year this is a blend of crus from all of Pouillon’s holdings and is composed of roughly 65% pinot noir, 20% pinot meunier, and 15% chardonnay. This cuvée has evolved over time and improved in quality to better reflect the evolution of the domaine at large. Today the “Réserve” Brut is fermented with native yeasts, half in neutral barrique and half fermented in enameled tank. Elevage continues a minimum of 6-8 months before the wine is is blended with the previous vintage and the “perpetual cuvée” to be refermented in bottle. Variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir. Appellation: Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims. Soil: Argile-calcaire. Farming Practice: Biodynamic. Vinification: 50% neutral barrique, 50% enameled tank.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $62
R. Pouillon & Fils ‘Les Terres Froides’ Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “[Review for previous disgorgement] Pear and pineapple fruit flavors are ripe and juicy in this expressive Champagne, which floats on your palate with its light, lively mousse and mouthwatering impression. Finishes with notes of candied lemon zest, toasted almond and a salty mineral underpinning. Disgorged spring 2019. Drink now through 2023. –AN”
Winery note “Les Fourches is a parcel of more than 35 years old, situated at Tauxières on the far side of the terroir of Bouzy, facing north. The pure expression of Chardonnay from north-facing terroirs on the chalky-clay hills of the Montagne de Reims. Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay. Winemaking: Barrels and enamelled steel tanks, aging of reserve wines in oak casks.”
Importer note “Pouillon’s Blanc de Blancs has always come from the Terres Froides parcel in the village of Tauxièrres-Mutry in Montagne de Reims, and along with Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée, these are the only two villages with a 99% rating, just missing 1 point for Grand Cru status. Fabrice has a half a hectare in this parcel which is a lieu dit of Les Fourches, south-west of the village, closer to Tours-sur-Marne. It has a north exposition and a cool to cold microclimate with risk of spring frost. The soil here is more chalk than clay which can be found closer to the village, and the cool microclimate is perfect for Chardonnay.”
R. Pouillon & Fils ‘Les Chataigniers’ Extra Brut, Champagne 2016 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
Importer note “Les Châtaigniers is a vineyard parcel located in the village of Festigny on the left bank of the Marne valley. Here the concentration of clay in the soil makes this terroir an ideal expression for pinot meunier. François farms meunier vines of 10 and 25 years old with the same organic rigor he applies elsewhere.”
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Burgundy
“Guillaume Camus of Domaine Camus-Bruchon is one of the most sure-handed red winemakers in the Côte de Beaune. Located in the village of Savigny-les-Beaune, just north of Beaune proper, the Camus family crafts beautifully balanced, deep and complex wines that are the embodiment of what great Burgundy is all about. The family has a lovely spread of top vineyards in Savigny-les-Beaune (both superb Premier Crus and a handful of top villages-level wine parcels planted with very old Pinot Noir vines).” -Importer note
Domaine Camus-Bruchon & Fils Savigny-les-Beaune Aux Grands Liards Vieilles Vignes, Cote de Beaune 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 2 bottles in stock now
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Domaine Camus-Bruchon & Fils Les Narbantons, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 4 bottles in stock now
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Camus-Bruchon & Fils Savigny-les-Beaune Les Pimentiers Vieilles Vignes, Cote de Beaune 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 3 bottles in stock now
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Italy – Piedmont
G.D. Vajra Coste & Fossati Dolcetto d’Alba, Piedmont 2018 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2018 Dolcetto d’Alba Coste & Fossati is a gorgeous wine. Usually, the Coste & Fossati is a richer, bigger wine; the 2018, on the other hand, offers lovely mid-palate depth, but in a restrained, perfumed style that is hugely appealing. Dark red cherry, red plum, chocolate, licorice and spice all flesh out in this delicious and inviting Dolcetto from the Vajra family. The 2018 marks the second vintage of the return to submerged cap maceration, an approach the Vajra family used up until the late 1980s.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $30
Italy – Tuscany
“Salvioni’s Brunello is easily one of the top wines of the vintage.”
Salvioni Cerbaiola Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 750ML ($249.95) $199 special
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 100 points “Cellar Selection. Absolutely stunning, this gorgeous red has enticing aromas of wild rose, forest berries, new leather and camphor. Full-bodied and delicious, the smooth, structured palate is all about flavor, focus and finesse, doling out succulent black cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and white pepper notes framed in tightly knit, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Beautiful now and will continue to age and develop even more complexity for years to come.”
Eric Guido – Vinous 97+ points “Salvioni’s Brunello is easily one of the top wines of the vintage. The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino slowly comes to life, opening with a smoky, brooding and dark bouquet. It first unleashes its florals with crushed roses and hints of geranium, then deepens to reveal black cherry and raspberry, and finally a chorus of tobacco and wild herbs. You could lose yourself in the glass. The 2016 is incredibly silky and textural, displaying a youthful density that tempts the imagination while casting a savory display of mineral-tinged dark fruits, more black than red, with hints of dried orange and exotic spice. A saturation of fine tannin awaits on the finish, previously masked by the Salvioni’s primary power, as a mix of sage and hints of licorice slowly fade. There is so much potential here; but today, the 2016 is in dire need of cellaring. I tasted the 2016 multiple times over the course of two days and it didn’t budge.”
Spain
Do Ferreiro Albarino Rias Baixas 2019 750ML ($39.95) $28.50 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The first of the 2019 Albariño was already bottled, but it is still a bit reductive (the back labels of ALL their wines show the bottling date, to know how long with lees) and needs a little bit of time in the glass, so decanting in advance might be a good idea. In these circumstances, I guide myself by the palate, which is vibrant and has very high acidity but is very balanced, even if the wine has less alcohol than the 2018. They started harvesting early; the low yields gave power, and the early harvest brought high acidity. It’s tasty and saline, with the granite minerality. 45,000 bottles produced. It’s a short vintage, like 2014 and 2012.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Made in partnership with the winemakers of Comando G, Dani Landi and Fernando Garcia.
Cooperativa de Cadalso Granito del Cadalso Garnacha Sierra de Gredos, Madrid 2017 750ML ($17.95) $14.50 special
Case-12 Cooperativa de Cadalso Granito del Cadalso Garnacha Sierra de Gredos, Madrid 2017 750ML ($199.95) $156 special (that’s only $13/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “From a co-op in the Sierra de Gredos and all old-vine Grenache, the 2017 Granito De Cadalso comes from granite soils, was destemmed, and brought up all in concrete tanks. This Pinot Noir-like beauty offers notes of wild strawberries, rose hips, violets, and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, with remarkable purity and vibrancy, it still has ample power and richness. This is a fabulous expression of Grenache that’s almost too good to be true.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Limpid ruby-red. High-pitched red fruit, floral and mineral qualities on the intensely perfumed nose. Juicy and appealingly sweet, offering energetic raspberry, lavender pastille and white pepper flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Weighty yet lithe as well, showing a seamless quality on a long, red-fruit-dominated finish framed by subtle, even tannins. All concrete.”
Importer note “The village of Cadalso de los Vidrios is situated at the foot of the Sierra de Gredos. For centuries workshops here made glass windows for the palaces of Spain from the granitic sands of the region. Ancient, head-pruned vines of Garnacha planted in these same soils make for equally transparent wine. Garnet in color with vibrant flavors of red fruits, laurel and orange peel, Granito del Caldalso is made under the guidance of famed winemakers Dani Landi and Fernando Garcia.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Cecilo Black Slate Gratallops, Priorat DOCa 2019 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Cecilo Black Slate Gratallops, Priorat DOCa 2019 750ML ($299.95) $249 special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “A blend of 64% Grenache, 27% Carignan and 9% Syrah, the 2019 Black Slate Gratallops Vi De Vila comes from one of the warmer regions in the Priorat. Gorgeous black raspberries, liquid violets, garrigue, chalky minerality, and hints of rose petal all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium to full-bodied and beautifully textured, with ultra-fine tannins and a gorgeous finish. With a liquid rock-like minerality that’s something to behold, this gorgeous, elegant wine is going to evolve for 10-12 years with no issues.”
Germany
Enderle & Moll ‘Liaison’ Pinot Noir, Baden 2018 750ML ($49.95) $37 special
Importer note “The Pinot Noirs are famously light, bright, energetic, detailed, ethereal, satiny, even if they can be broad-shouldered and powerful in a sneaky sort of way. Thus the mystery, the beauty and yes, all the damn fuss. At this point it’s said so often it’s beyond trite, but here we go: If you appreciate Burgundy these wines are worth checking out. Not because they taste like Burgundy, they don’t, but because they share a similar aesthetic of lightness matched to intensity, filtered through soil. Depending on the vintage, the estate can make up to four ‘Grand Crus.’ First, there are the two terroir-specific Pinots: a wine from limestone called “Muschelkalk” and a bottling from colored sandstone called ‘Buntsandstein.’ Then, there is a tiny colored sandstone parcel they took over from this older lady named Ida; the barrels always had a unique quality to them, so when they can, they will bottle a ‘Buntsandstein Ida,’ honoring this small parcel… The ‘Liaison,’ a sort of middle-wine-premier-cru-style, is a blend from younger vines in the Grand Cru sites.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Greece
Stamnaki Assyrtiko, Peloponnese 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Importer note ““Stamnaki” (“wine jug” in Greek) is an ode to indigenous Greek varieties, through simple and honest monovarietal vinifications. Viticulture: Low intervention. Vinification: Typical white vinification in stainless steel. Notes: Juicier and fruitier than a typical Assyrtiko, with its signature acidity backbone refreshing the palate.”
Labor Day Super Sale
Featured New Arrival:
Stella di Campalto
Subscriber Sale Special on Opus One:
Ends Monday at 6:00 PM
Trending
Apennines to the Garraf Massif
The “Angeli” of Montalcino:
La Gerla Riserva Arriving Soon
La Gerla Riserva Arriving Soon
Dehu: The Marne’s Master of Meunier
Labor Day Super Sale
You work hard for you money, let us work hard for you!
We’ve slashed our by-the-bottle price on six work horse wines.
Discount ends Tuesday, September 7th at 10 AM Pacific
Vineyard sources for the Sandhi lineup include the legendary cool climate Bien Nacido, best known by the single vineyard bottlings produced by the Bien Nacido estate, Au Bon Climat, and Qupe Winery, and the world-classic, historic Sanford & Benedict. This Chardonnay is a barrel selection from these illustrious vineyards. It was crafted with the wine director at one of SF’s finest restaurants, Zuni Café. We knew it would be a charming and food-friendly wine, but we were stunned by the quality when we tasted a sample bottle last week. Fans of Evening Land will be dazzled by the beauty and elegance through a Californian lens, fans of Sandhi will be impressed by the price.
Sandhi Zuni Café Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) Was $24, Now $20.75 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation.”
Sandhi Zuni Café Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) Was $24, Now $20.75 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
A pretty pink to sip as the summer sets.
Chateau Terrebonne Cotes de Provence Rosé 2020 750ML ($19.95) Was $18, Now $16.58 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Chateau Terrebonne is located in the Var department, in the heart of Provence, near the village of Flassans sur Issole. Chateau Terrebonne looks actually itself like a small village, where the red coloured houses gathered together over the past centuries. Château Terrebonne has a long history with visible vestiges that reminds us that once the Romans settled there and without any doubt cultivated vines. The estate’s location exposes the vineyard to cooling winds during the spring. The harvest takes place usually mid September, which is quite late for the region. A variety of different clay-rich, gravellous plots, result in a nice complexity of wines. The 60 ha estate is mainly planted with Cinsaut, Syrah, Grenache noir, Ugni blanc, Vermentino and the average yield is around 40 hL/ha. The white grapes represent 20% of the total blend, which gives a tremendous freshness and floral aromas to the wine.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Todd Hamina wines are perfumed, elegant and site-expressive: exactly what we look for in Willamette Valley Pinot. Stylistically, Todd loves to use whole clusters and extended macerations to provide savory undertones that balance out his rich fruit.
Biggio Hamina Cellars Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($39.95) Was $28, Now $24.92 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Shimmering magenta. Displays perfumed red fruit preserve aromas, along with suggestions of licorice, cola, earth and candied flowers. Seamless and focused on the palate the Claygate Vineyard offers concentrated raspberry, boysenberry and cherry flavors that slowly unfurl and become spicier through the mid-palate. Round, even tannins build slowly on a very long, floral-tinged finish that leaves cherry and baking spice notes behind. All de-stemmed fruit.”
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Rotation Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi 2018 750ML ($17.95) Was $12.50, Now $11.25 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
A Cali Cab with Old World style.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Château Pesquie is one of the hidden gems of the greater Rhône. Based in Ventoux, the estate is best known for its excellent value bottling Terrasses, but today we’re featuring their higher end wines, Artemia and Ascensio. These are absolutely stunning (and deals compared to nearby Châteauneuf). They have depth, complexity and power to spare, with a balance and earthiness that’s unique to Pesque. 2016 looks like one of the most successful vintages ever for the estate.
Chateau Pesquie Ventoux Artemia, Rhone 2016 750ML ($49.95) Was $36, Now $33.17 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Decanter-World Wine Awards 97 points “This is stacked with the black fruits of the region, plus violets, thyme, lavender, dried herbs and tannins that are ripe and of the appropriate proportion. Still very youthful and will flourish with time in bottle. Modern and very classy indeed. Genius wine, very long and intense, its purity magnificent.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Made from equal parts Syrah and Grenache, the 2016 Ventoux Cuvee Artemia is another terrific vintage for this cuvee. Still young, backward and unevolved, it has tons of potential in its blue fruits, graphite, crushed rock and violet-tinged aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, with terrific purity of fruit, and fine, building tannin, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will keep for a decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “A 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah, aged in 50% new oak, the 2016 Ventoux Artemia is a tremendous effort. It combines blueberries and stone fruit with cedary notes and then underscores those attractive aromas and flavors with a full-bodied, velvety texture and a bright, crisp finish. Lovely stuff.”
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Castello di Gabbiano is one of the most notable producers of Chianti Classico—a historic estate that’s pushed forward into the 21st century as one of the most important producers of Chianti out there. Their top wine is the Chianti Gran Selezione “Bellezza,” a 100% Sangiovese that challenges the best in Brunello and Chianti.
Castello di Gabbiano Cavaliere d’Oro Bellezza, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2012 750ML ($34.95) Was $28, Now $24.83 special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “A wine with a wonderful depth of fruit but slightly marked by the new wood. Full body, round and silky tannins and a medium finish. This needs two or three years to come together in the bottle. A solid red.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Editor’s Choice. Baked plum, Asian spice, vanilla and menthol aromas carry the nose. The elegantly structured palate offers fleshy black cherry, licorice, mint and well-integrated French oak alongside fine-grained tannins that lend firm, polished support. A coffee note marks the finish. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2012 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Bellezza is plump, juicy and expressive. Succulent red cherries, plums, sweet spices, leather and smoke flesh out nicely in the glass. The aromatics are slightly forward, which leads me to believe the 2012 will not be a long-term ager. Still, today the Bellezza is attractive and immediate, both qualities that make it an excellent choice for near term drinking.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39.99
Shop the Labor Day sale on our web store now!
Featured New Arrival:
Stella di Campalto
Stella di Campalto is a force of nature—a woman with a vision for how Sangiovese is best expressed and the will to ensure that every single bottling is as perfect as possible. Her wines are vivid, powerful expressions of the southeast corner of Montalcino and her commitment to quality (which includes holding back the wines several additional years before release) means that they’ve become wines to pay attention to for Italian wine collectors.
Stella took over Podere San Giuseppe, a farm and winery that was founded in 1910 but had been abandoned in the 40’s, and replanted her current vineyards by herself. She farms all of her land with Biodynamic principles and her goal is first and foremost to express the terroir of Brunello. That includes holding back her wines until she thinks they ought to be released. These are epic wines—Brunello for the lover of top-tier Burgundy.
“Stella di Campalto would tell you that the location of her vineyards chose her, as her passion for the land and culture turned into a love for wine and, of course, Montalcino… Her Brunello is released a year later than other producers… and it is worth waiting for. Luckily, she also produces a Rosso from a declassified barrel of Brunello, which is not to me missed. These are wonderfully aromatic, sometimes even exotic wines that flaunt their primary fruit while remaining true expressions of Sangiovese, and they are classic in structure.” –Eric Guido, Vinous Media
Stella di Campalto Wines Arriving in August:
Stella di Campalto Podere San Giuseppe Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($219.95) $189 special
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The color alone on the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Amore is stunning; a vibrant, translucent ruby. The 2015 leaps from the glass with a dramatic and layered display of crushed wild strawberries, roses, a dusting of confectionary spice and flowery undergrowth. It’s silky and feminine in feel, soothing the palate with sweet cherries and plums, as a more savory, yet nuanced mix of licorice, minerals and violet florals resonates. Fine tannins come forward through the finish, yet they don’t get in the way of this purely seductive expression. The 2015 has an almost fragile feel, beautiful and lifted, yet there’s also no need to rush, as it finds harmony between ripeness of fruit and youthful structure.”
VinopolNote: The winery announced that with the 2015 vintage, they would no longer be labeling their sole Brunello as Riserva.
Stella took over Podere San Giuseppe, a farm and winery that was founded in 1910 but had been abandoned in the 40’s, and replanted her current vineyards by herself. She farms all of her land with Biodynamic principles and her goal is first and foremost to express the terroir of Brunello. That includes holding back her wines until she thinks they ought to be released. These are epic wines—Brunello for the lover of top-tier Burgundy.
“Stella di Campalto would tell you that the location of her vineyards chose her, as her passion for the land and culture turned into a love for wine and, of course, Montalcino… Her Brunello is released a year later than other producers… and it is worth waiting for. Luckily, she also produces a Rosso from a declassified barrel of Brunello, which is not to me missed. These are wonderfully aromatic, sometimes even exotic wines that flaunt their primary fruit while remaining true expressions of Sangiovese, and they are classic in structure.” –Eric Guido, Vinous Media
Stella di Campalto Wines Arriving in August:
Stella di Campalto Podere San Giuseppe Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($219.95) $189 special
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The color alone on the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Amore is stunning; a vibrant, translucent ruby. The 2015 leaps from the glass with a dramatic and layered display of crushed wild strawberries, roses, a dusting of confectionary spice and flowery undergrowth. It’s silky and feminine in feel, soothing the palate with sweet cherries and plums, as a more savory, yet nuanced mix of licorice, minerals and violet florals resonates. Fine tannins come forward through the finish, yet they don’t get in the way of this purely seductive expression. The 2015 has an almost fragile feel, beautiful and lifted, yet there’s also no need to rush, as it finds harmony between ripeness of fruit and youthful structure.”
VinopolNote: The winery announced that with the 2015 vintage, they would no longer be labeling their sole Brunello as Riserva.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $213
Stella di Campalto Podere San Guiseppe Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Eric Guido-Vinous 92 points “The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino Grazia opens slowly. Perfumed and pretty at first, yet restrained, while gaining in depth over time, as mineral-tinged cherry, hints of incense and licorice come forward. It’s silky, nuanced and undeniably gracious in nature. Zesty acids and the slightest tug of round tannins support a pure display of ripe red berries. While lightly structured, the 2016 is still juicy and finessed, tapering off with youthful tension under an air of pretty violet florals. This vintage has the word ‘Grazia’ (Italian for ‘Grace’ but often used as ‘Thanks’) elegantly embossed on the label. If intended as grace, this wine embodies the word. As for thanks, from my time with the winemaker, I’d assume it would be a thank you to nature for what the vintage provided. The Stella di Campalto Rosso di Montalcino is a barrel selection refined for 21 months in medium-sized oak followed by another 27 months in the bottle prior to release. Essentially, it’s a Brunello di Montalcino in all but name.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $126
We’re proud of our curated stock of 71 Brunello & Rosso wines in stock now. Shop the full selection on our web store!
Subscriber Sale Special:
Scary good deal on Opus One (Coming soon!)
Ends Monday at 6:00 PM
Scary good deal on Opus One (Coming soon!)
Ends Monday at 6:00 PM
We’re proud to announce our first offer of 2018 Opus One, which will arrive in early October. Easily one of the most recognizable cult wines of Napa, the bottling is a collaboration between Cabernet titans Robert Mondavi and Baron Phillipe Rothschild. Especially precious after the disastrous wildfires in 2019 rendered the vintage unusable, the 2018 is sure to impress on its scarcity alone. If the average critic score of 98.5 wasn’t enough of an incentive, we will be offering a 10% discount on three or more bottles until the end of day on September 6th. Speak now or forever hold your peace as the saying goes, these will not last long!
Subscriber-Only Special:
10% off three or more bottles of 2018 Opus One
Sale Ends September 6th at 6 PM Pacific
Discount will not display online, we will adjust before charging your card.
Opus One Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($389.95) $365 pre-arrival special (that’s $328.50 at the discount) Arriving ETA Early October
James suckling 99 points “Extremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Some slate and graphite, too. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so balanced and refined, with super fine tannins that last for minutes. Fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and lemon grass highlight the dark fruit. The quality of tannin is exquisite with wonderful polish and refinement. Lasts for minutes. So wonderful to taste now, but better after 2026.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98 points “Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Opus One soars out of the glass with bright, bold boysenberries, warm cassis and ripe, juicy black plums notes, plus emerging nuances of lilacs, oolong tea, cinnamon stick, tilled soil and black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tightly wound layers of crunchy black fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing with lifted fruitiness and on a lingering mineral note.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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Local mandates require properly worn masks for all regardless of vaccination status.
We also offer Curbside Pickup & Shipping
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
New Week – New Arrivals
Oregon
Durant Vineyards Southview Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Case-12 Durant Vineyards Southview Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($199.95) $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “$25. This is a well-balanced, meticulous take on this variety, all stainless fermented and finished crisp and clean. Aromas and flavors favor lovage, fennel and cilantro, with crunchy pear fruit filling out the midpalate. It’s a most refreshing style, unencumbered by barrel flavors. -Paul Gregutt “
Durant Vineyards Southview Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Case-12 Durant Vineyards Southview Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($199.95) $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “$25. This is a well-balanced, meticulous take on this variety, all stainless fermented and finished crisp and clean. Aromas and flavors favor lovage, fennel and cilantro, with crunchy pear fruit filling out the midpalate. It’s a most refreshing style, unencumbered by barrel flavors. -Paul Gregutt “
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Durant Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special
Winery note “Winemakers Tasting Notes: Mouthfeel: The entrance to our 2019 Estate Pinot Noir is high toned and playful. The mid-palate shows layers of complexity while filling your mouth with bright fresh fruit. The finish to this Pinot shows a harmonious balance between the tannins and acid that leads to a lingering finish held together with a gorgeous tension. Color: Bright Garnet. Nose: Fresh Cherries, Pureed Strawberries, Crushed Violets, Shaved Dark Chocolate, Cardamom, Mint, Toasted Almonds. Palate: Raspberries, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Aniseed, Leather, Cinnamon, Mushroom, Cigar Box, Plum. Fermentation: <10% Whole cluster. 15-20 days on skin. Punch Downs. Aging: 10 months in French oak. 16% new oak. 100% MLF. Chemistry: pH: 3.62 TA (g/L): 5.0 Alc: 12.8%.”
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Vincent Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39.90 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Dark scarlet. Highly perfumed black raspberry, cherry, exotic spice and floral pastille scents show excellent clarity and pick up a smoky mineral nuance with air. Palate-staining red and dark berry and bitter flavors show excellent clarity and energy thanks to a spine of smoky minerality. Expands steadily and turns sweeter with air, showing fine delineation on an impressively long, red-fruit- and floral-driven finish.”
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Champagne
Lombard & Cie Le Mesnil sur Oger Grand Cru Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($119.95) $81.90 special
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Editor’s Choice. Here is one of a series of Champagnes from three major Chardonnay villages in the Côte des Blancs. Le Mesnil has some of the top Champagne vineyards and this wine shows the quality of the terroir with its tight minerality and intense acidity balanced by the ripe lemon and grapefruit flavors. Drink now. -Roger Voss”
Importer note “2013-base.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Vouette et Sorbee Fidele Extra Brut, Champagne (2017) NV 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
No reviews for the 2017-base. Recent review provided for reference.
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The NV Brut Nature Fidèle (R14) is a Blanc de Noirs from Pinot Noir on Kimmeridgian soils and is entirely based on the 2014 vintage. Disgorged in October 2017 the oak-fermented wine shows a golden-reddish apricot color and opens with a very delicate, floral and herbal yet intense and vinous bouquet of red fruits, with warm, dry earth and spices and just a hint of oak. Bone dry (of course), fresh and elegant on the palate, this is an impressively delicate and filigreed Champagne to be enjoyed as a still wine rather than a fizz. The finish is long, clear, dry and well-structured (even with fine tannins) and reveals discreet salinity. In fact, Fidèle drinks like a Burgundy-inspired Coteaux Champenois with very fine but not effervescent bubbles, persistent lemon juice and a touch of oaky flavors. Don’t use a flute to enjoy this young, gastronomic wine; instead, use a wine glass or one of the rounder, more voluminous Champagne glasses like the Lehmann Jamesse (which stresses the finesse rather than the vinous character). Don’t serve the Fidèle too fresh, either, but if you must, wait a bit and don’t worry if the wine is suddenly 12 or even 14 degrees Celsius—it’s still delicious and even more vinous then! (To be honest, when tasted at 15 or 16 degrees Celsius, I even got some Gewürztraminer notes (lychees) on the nose…!) Tasted in July 2018.”
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Olivier Horiot ‘Metisse’ Les Riceys Noirs & Blanc Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, only 12 bottles available
VinopolNote: Approximately 80% Pinot Noir & 20% Pinot Blanc. 2016 & 2015 plus 20% reserve wine. Disgorged in January 2020.
Importer note “Each varietal is vinified separately and go thorough malolactic fermentation. Aged on its lees in oak barrels. Prior to secondary fermentation, a vintage base wine is blended with a solera of reserve wines.”
Olivier Horiot 5 Sens Brut Nature Champagne 2014 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, only 6 bottles available
VinopolNote: A blend of Arbane, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay from five terroirs in Riceys. Bottled July 25, 2015, disgorged November 13, 2019.
Importer note “Each variety is vinified separately in oak barrels on the lees for about a year and go through malolactic fermentation. 5 Sense is always released as a 100% vintage Champagne.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $109.99
Olivier Horiot Solera Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, only 6 bottles available
VinopolNote: A blend of Arbane, Petit Meslier, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier & Pinot Noir. Disgorged September 2020.
Importer note “Each variety is vinified separately in oak barrels on the lees for about a year and go through malolactic fermentation. The base wine is pulled from a solera reserve which is then replenished with the wine from the new vintage.”
R. Pouillon & Fils Premier Cru Brut Rosé de Maceration, Champagne NV 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “[Review for previous disgorgement] Expressive aromas and flavors of Maraschino cherry, violet, spiced orange and chopped almond ride the fine, silky mousse in this vinous version. Backed by a well-knit spine of acidity, it’s fresh and balanced, with a lingering finish. Distinctive. Disgorged spring 2019. Drink now through 2025. –AN”
Importer note “This wine is 100% pinot noir from the premier cru Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Fabrice macerates the juice on the skins for up to 12 hours before it is pressed and fermented in enamel and neutral barrique. 80% of the wine continues elevage for 8 months, while 20% is racked to neutral barrique where it ages for 18 months. At 8 months of elevage the current year’s wine is blended with the 18-month aged wine from the previous year to complete the assemblage. Doing so allows Fabrice to balance the tannins which naturally come from saignée rosé with the mellowness which comes from time in neutral barrel. 80% 2017, 20% 2016.”
R. Pouillon & Fils Cuvee de Reserve Brut, Champagne (2018) NV 750ML ($59.95) $51.90 special
Importer note “Each year this is a blend of crus from all of Pouillon’s holdings and is composed of roughly 65% pinot noir, 20% pinot meunier, and 15% chardonnay. This cuvée has evolved over time and improved in quality to better reflect the evolution of the domaine at large. Today the “Réserve” Brut is fermented with native yeasts, half in neutral barrique and half fermented in enameled tank. Elevage continues a minimum of 6-8 months before the wine is is blended with the previous vintage and the “perpetual cuvée” to be refermented in bottle. Variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir. Appellation: Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims. Soil: Argile-calcaire. Farming Practice: Biodynamic. Vinification: 50% neutral barrique, 50% enameled tank.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $62
R. Pouillon & Fils ‘Les Terres Froides’ Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “[Review for previous disgorgement] Pear and pineapple fruit flavors are ripe and juicy in this expressive Champagne, which floats on your palate with its light, lively mousse and mouthwatering impression. Finishes with notes of candied lemon zest, toasted almond and a salty mineral underpinning. Disgorged spring 2019. Drink now through 2023. –AN”
Winery note “Les Fourches is a parcel of more than 35 years old, situated at Tauxières on the far side of the terroir of Bouzy, facing north. The pure expression of Chardonnay from north-facing terroirs on the chalky-clay hills of the Montagne de Reims. Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay. Winemaking: Barrels and enamelled steel tanks, aging of reserve wines in oak casks.”
Importer note “Pouillon’s Blanc de Blancs has always come from the Terres Froides parcel in the village of Tauxièrres-Mutry in Montagne de Reims, and along with Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée, these are the only two villages with a 99% rating, just missing 1 point for Grand Cru status. Fabrice has a half a hectare in this parcel which is a lieu dit of Les Fourches, south-west of the village, closer to Tours-sur-Marne. It has a north exposition and a cool to cold microclimate with risk of spring frost. The soil here is more chalk than clay which can be found closer to the village, and the cool microclimate is perfect for Chardonnay.”
R. Pouillon & Fils ‘Les Chataigniers’ Extra Brut, Champagne 2016 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
Importer note “Les Châtaigniers is a vineyard parcel located in the village of Festigny on the left bank of the Marne valley. Here the concentration of clay in the soil makes this terroir an ideal expression for pinot meunier. François farms meunier vines of 10 and 25 years old with the same organic rigor he applies elsewhere.”
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Burgundy
“Guillaume Camus of Domaine Camus-Bruchon is one of the most sure-handed red winemakers in the Côte de Beaune. Located in the village of Savigny-les-Beaune, just north of Beaune proper, the Camus family crafts beautifully balanced, deep and complex wines that are the embodiment of what great Burgundy is all about. The family has a lovely spread of top vineyards in Savigny-les-Beaune (both superb Premier Crus and a handful of top villages-level wine parcels planted with very old Pinot Noir vines).” -Importer note
Domaine Camus-Bruchon & Fils Savigny-les-Beaune Aux Grands Liards Vieilles Vignes, Cote de Beaune 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 2 bottles in stock now
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Domaine Camus-Bruchon & Fils Les Narbantons, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 4 bottles in stock now
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Camus-Bruchon & Fils Savigny-les-Beaune Les Pimentiers Vieilles Vignes, Cote de Beaune 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 3 bottles in stock now
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Italy – Piedmont
G.D. Vajra Coste & Fossati Dolcetto d’Alba, Piedmont 2018 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2018 Dolcetto d’Alba Coste & Fossati is a gorgeous wine. Usually, the Coste & Fossati is a richer, bigger wine; the 2018, on the other hand, offers lovely mid-palate depth, but in a restrained, perfumed style that is hugely appealing. Dark red cherry, red plum, chocolate, licorice and spice all flesh out in this delicious and inviting Dolcetto from the Vajra family. The 2018 marks the second vintage of the return to submerged cap maceration, an approach the Vajra family used up until the late 1980s.”
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The next best price is $30
Italy – Tuscany
“Salvioni’s Brunello is easily one of the top wines of the vintage.”
Salvioni Cerbaiola Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 750ML ($249.95) $199 special
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 100 points “Cellar Selection. Absolutely stunning, this gorgeous red has enticing aromas of wild rose, forest berries, new leather and camphor. Full-bodied and delicious, the smooth, structured palate is all about flavor, focus and finesse, doling out succulent black cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and white pepper notes framed in tightly knit, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Beautiful now and will continue to age and develop even more complexity for years to come.”
Eric Guido – Vinous 97+ points “Salvioni’s Brunello is easily one of the top wines of the vintage. The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino slowly comes to life, opening with a smoky, brooding and dark bouquet. It first unleashes its florals with crushed roses and hints of geranium, then deepens to reveal black cherry and raspberry, and finally a chorus of tobacco and wild herbs. You could lose yourself in the glass. The 2016 is incredibly silky and textural, displaying a youthful density that tempts the imagination while casting a savory display of mineral-tinged dark fruits, more black than red, with hints of dried orange and exotic spice. A saturation of fine tannin awaits on the finish, previously masked by the Salvioni’s primary power, as a mix of sage and hints of licorice slowly fade. There is so much potential here; but today, the 2016 is in dire need of cellaring. I tasted the 2016 multiple times over the course of two days and it didn’t budge.”
Spain
Do Ferreiro Albarino Rias Baixas 2019 750ML ($39.95) $28.50 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The first of the 2019 Albariño was already bottled, but it is still a bit reductive (the back labels of ALL their wines show the bottling date, to know how long with lees) and needs a little bit of time in the glass, so decanting in advance might be a good idea. In these circumstances, I guide myself by the palate, which is vibrant and has very high acidity but is very balanced, even if the wine has less alcohol than the 2018. They started harvesting early; the low yields gave power, and the early harvest brought high acidity. It’s tasty and saline, with the granite minerality. 45,000 bottles produced. It’s a short vintage, like 2014 and 2012.”
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Made in partnership with the winemakers of Comando G, Dani Landi and Fernando Garcia.
Cooperativa de Cadalso Granito del Cadalso Garnacha Sierra de Gredos, Madrid 2017 750ML ($17.95) $14.50 special
Case-12 Cooperativa de Cadalso Granito del Cadalso Garnacha Sierra de Gredos, Madrid 2017 750ML ($199.95) $156 special (that’s only $13/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “From a co-op in the Sierra de Gredos and all old-vine Grenache, the 2017 Granito De Cadalso comes from granite soils, was destemmed, and brought up all in concrete tanks. This Pinot Noir-like beauty offers notes of wild strawberries, rose hips, violets, and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, with remarkable purity and vibrancy, it still has ample power and richness. This is a fabulous expression of Grenache that’s almost too good to be true.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Limpid ruby-red. High-pitched red fruit, floral and mineral qualities on the intensely perfumed nose. Juicy and appealingly sweet, offering energetic raspberry, lavender pastille and white pepper flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Weighty yet lithe as well, showing a seamless quality on a long, red-fruit-dominated finish framed by subtle, even tannins. All concrete.”
Importer note “The village of Cadalso de los Vidrios is situated at the foot of the Sierra de Gredos. For centuries workshops here made glass windows for the palaces of Spain from the granitic sands of the region. Ancient, head-pruned vines of Garnacha planted in these same soils make for equally transparent wine. Garnet in color with vibrant flavors of red fruits, laurel and orange peel, Granito del Caldalso is made under the guidance of famed winemakers Dani Landi and Fernando Garcia.”
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Cecilo Black Slate Gratallops, Priorat DOCa 2019 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Cecilo Black Slate Gratallops, Priorat DOCa 2019 750ML ($299.95) $249 special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “A blend of 64% Grenache, 27% Carignan and 9% Syrah, the 2019 Black Slate Gratallops Vi De Vila comes from one of the warmer regions in the Priorat. Gorgeous black raspberries, liquid violets, garrigue, chalky minerality, and hints of rose petal all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium to full-bodied and beautifully textured, with ultra-fine tannins and a gorgeous finish. With a liquid rock-like minerality that’s something to behold, this gorgeous, elegant wine is going to evolve for 10-12 years with no issues.”
Germany
Enderle & Moll ‘Liaison’ Pinot Noir, Baden 2018 750ML ($49.95) $37 special
Importer note “The Pinot Noirs are famously light, bright, energetic, detailed, ethereal, satiny, even if they can be broad-shouldered and powerful in a sneaky sort of way. Thus the mystery, the beauty and yes, all the damn fuss. At this point it’s said so often it’s beyond trite, but here we go: If you appreciate Burgundy these wines are worth checking out. Not because they taste like Burgundy, they don’t, but because they share a similar aesthetic of lightness matched to intensity, filtered through soil. Depending on the vintage, the estate can make up to four ‘Grand Crus.’ First, there are the two terroir-specific Pinots: a wine from limestone called “Muschelkalk” and a bottling from colored sandstone called ‘Buntsandstein.’ Then, there is a tiny colored sandstone parcel they took over from this older lady named Ida; the barrels always had a unique quality to them, so when they can, they will bottle a ‘Buntsandstein Ida,’ honoring this small parcel… The ‘Liaison,’ a sort of middle-wine-premier-cru-style, is a blend from younger vines in the Grand Cru sites.”
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Greece
Stamnaki Assyrtiko, Peloponnese 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Importer note ““Stamnaki” (“wine jug” in Greek) is an ode to indigenous Greek varieties, through simple and honest monovarietal vinifications. Viticulture: Low intervention. Vinification: Typical white vinification in stainless steel. Notes: Juicier and fruitier than a typical Assyrtiko, with its signature acidity backbone refreshing the palate.”
Trending
Ovum primarily works with Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat and Pinot Blanc. They’re fantastic at demonstrating the versatility of the component grapes, further demonstrated by their multifaceted vinification practices. Big Salt, which is a co-fermentation of all the varietals and vineyards they work with. Encompassing 5 AVA’s across Oregon, all of which are organically farmed and in possession of old vines; this is a marvel of both the winemaking and winegrowing at play in the State. Meant to evoke a day at the beach, there is a pervasive salinity with a food friendly integration of floral and botanical characteristics. The use of concrete egg and amphora across their portfolio shows in the textural component all their wines have, evocative of Bai Mudan tea, white peach skin and mandarin orange peel.
Ovum Big Salt White Blend, Oregon 2020 750ML ($21.95) $17 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “2020 Big Salt is wildly aromatic, laced with Gewurz and Muscat overtones, but framed by citrusy Riesling. Salty bergamot, lemon, nectarine and white tea– exotic fruits fill out the nose. The palate is filled with the texture of Gewurz, herbal hints from Pinot Blanc, but quickly washed back with classic Riesling acidity. 2020 Big Salt pairs well with fish tacos, pesto chicken pasta, pad thai…or just chilling. Cellar: 3-8 years of optimal drinking. 45% Riesling, 35% Gewurztraminer, 11% Pinot Blanc, 9% Early Muscat, 1% others. Soils: Volcanic ash, basalt, marine sediment, alluvial, serpentine.”
Bucklin, the stewards of Old Hill Ranch for over 3 generations are wines made from their younger parcels of vines. Otto’s Grenache is composed of a hillside planting done in 2010 over decomposed volcanic tuff and basalt. Incredibly structured and burly on first pour, Otto throws out strawberry jam, kirsch cherry and fresh raspberry, but with a subtle note of dried hibiscus, daffodil and honeysuckle. There’s a tremendous minerality throughout the wine, exhibited by hot pumice in the aromas and a savory basaltic note on the finish. Otto’s Grenache is something to cellar for at least 5 years after the vintage, or to be had by the glass over the course of a week.
Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Otto’s Grenache, Sonoma Valley 2019 750ML ($49.95) $36 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Otto’s Grenache was planted to honor our Step Father Otto Teller. Opinionated and cantankerous, Otto believed grapevines were too coddled and needed great stress to produce the best wines. This field blend was planted in 2010 on a modestly steep hillside that faces the hot setting sun. The soils are shallow, between two to three feet deep, and they are underlain with a thick impermeable volcanic tuff made from ejected rock and ash that is compacted and cemented into rock. If these growing conditions aren’t challenging enough, the vines are also dry farmed. Average yields are low primarily because the berries are so small and these grapes produce very intense and colorful wine.”
Dry farmed.
Ovum Big Salt White Blend, Oregon 2020 750ML ($21.95) $17 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “2020 Big Salt is wildly aromatic, laced with Gewurz and Muscat overtones, but framed by citrusy Riesling. Salty bergamot, lemon, nectarine and white tea– exotic fruits fill out the nose. The palate is filled with the texture of Gewurz, herbal hints from Pinot Blanc, but quickly washed back with classic Riesling acidity. 2020 Big Salt pairs well with fish tacos, pesto chicken pasta, pad thai…or just chilling. Cellar: 3-8 years of optimal drinking. 45% Riesling, 35% Gewurztraminer, 11% Pinot Blanc, 9% Early Muscat, 1% others. Soils: Volcanic ash, basalt, marine sediment, alluvial, serpentine.”
Bucklin, the stewards of Old Hill Ranch for over 3 generations are wines made from their younger parcels of vines. Otto’s Grenache is composed of a hillside planting done in 2010 over decomposed volcanic tuff and basalt. Incredibly structured and burly on first pour, Otto throws out strawberry jam, kirsch cherry and fresh raspberry, but with a subtle note of dried hibiscus, daffodil and honeysuckle. There’s a tremendous minerality throughout the wine, exhibited by hot pumice in the aromas and a savory basaltic note on the finish. Otto’s Grenache is something to cellar for at least 5 years after the vintage, or to be had by the glass over the course of a week.
Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Otto’s Grenache, Sonoma Valley 2019 750ML ($49.95) $36 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Otto’s Grenache was planted to honor our Step Father Otto Teller. Opinionated and cantankerous, Otto believed grapevines were too coddled and needed great stress to produce the best wines. This field blend was planted in 2010 on a modestly steep hillside that faces the hot setting sun. The soils are shallow, between two to three feet deep, and they are underlain with a thick impermeable volcanic tuff made from ejected rock and ash that is compacted and cemented into rock. If these growing conditions aren’t challenging enough, the vines are also dry farmed. Average yields are low primarily because the berries are so small and these grapes produce very intense and colorful wine.”
Dry farmed.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Easily the most recognizable Champagne on the market, Veuve Clicquot is a benchmark across their portfolio. 2008 has been lauded as “The Vintage of the Century” in Champagne, with examples from this year being some of the most collectible bottles on the market.
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin La Grande Dame Brut Champagne 2008 750ML ($159.95) $138 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Decanter 97 points “Now almost blanc de noirs, boasting 92% Pinot Noir and just 8% Chardonnay from 60%-70% estate vineyards. La Grande Dame is one of the most affordable of Champagne’s elite prestige set, and the stunning 2008 vintage was intricately engineered by the masterful Dominique Demarville for the long haul. It unites all of the enduring potential of its thundering grands crus with the tension and energy of this legendary season, colliding high-tensile acidity with deep, fine, powdery chalk minerality, bringing its finish into stark focus. Drinking Window 2020 – 2048.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “An elegant Champagne, powered by a sculpted frame of acidity and minerality, this wears the refined, lacy mousse and well-meshed flavors of black currant, lemon curd, toast and marzipan like finely tailored clothing. Fresh and lasting, with hints of spice and smoke on the finish. Disgorged August 2016.
Wine & Spirits 95 points “This is a sunny and delicious 2008, with brightness infusing the wine, from its platinum color to its mineral intensity, transforming its richness and power into cool elegance. Notes of agave and cassia bark add depth, suggesting the complexity this will develop with further bottle age.”
Peter Liem 3*/3* “Starting with this vintage, the proportion of pinot noir in La Grande Dame has been significantly increased, and in fact, the 2008 is almost a blanc de noirs, with 92 percent pinot noir and just 8 percent chardonnay (historically the blend was typically 50 to 60 percent pinot noir). While it displays the deep resonance and dark concentration of fruit that’s characteristic of the vintage, it remains elegant and fine, with a silky texture and a lively, elongated structure. It finishes with terrific length and poise, showing a complex and authoritative depth of flavor, yet it’s also still notably youthful and tightly wound even twelve years after the vintage, and it seems to indicate a long and slow development ahead of it. Patience, though, will undoubtedly be rewarded, and this feels as if it could turn out to be one of the finest examples of this cuvée in a long time.”
Vie di Romans is one of the flagship wineries of Friuli—arguably the greatest white-wine producing region of Italy.
Vie di Romans Vieris Sauvignon Friuli Isonzo 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “This was a vintage that saw reduced yields across the board with quite a few climatic challenges thrown at winemakers in Friuli. The team at Vie di Romans was evidently undeterred by the bad weather, instead producing a wine with some hot-vintage aromas of ripe apricot and honey that are well balanced against the fleshy richness of the mouthfeel. The 2017 Friuli Isonzo Sauvignon Blanc Vieris (which is aged on the lees in oak) shows softness and silkiness, all capped by abundant stone fruit, melon and pear. The results are impressive, and 33,753 bottles were released.”
James Suckling 95 points “Extremely fresh and intense with waxy and lemony character, as well as candied apples. Full body. Lots of fruit and flavor. Layered and powerful. Excellent depth and flavor intensity. Drink now.”
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Mountain Rosé:
Apennines to the Garraf Massif
Apennines to the Garraf Massif
Looking for a rosé made next door to one of the most sought after cult wines of Italy? Torre dei Beati is an organic estate located in the foothills of Gran Sasso d’Italia, the highest of the Appenine Mountains. Originally planted in 1972 to the traditional abruzzese style of Pergola and always farmed organically, their only neighbors are the illustrious Valentini estate (whose bottles sell for hundreds a bottle on release). The estate eschews all chemical inputs, including fungicides in order to allow for the purest expression of Abruzzo possible.
Made in the Cerasuolo style of rosé from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo grapes that’s traditional to the region, its name is derived from the Italian word for cherry and certainly lives up to that in both color and primary flavors. There’s an entire spectrum of red fruit to be perceived like pomegranate and cherry juice with botanicals like marjoram and basil at play. There’s a savory acid structure knitting everything together beautifully on the finish, making it sturdy enough to pair with anything spicy. Oaxacan mole, Moroccan tagine, or Szechuan chicken would make a symphony of flavor when paired with this wine.
Torre dei Beati ‘Rosa-ae’ Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2019 750ML ($21.95) $16 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Importer Note: Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, Abruzzo, Italy. 100% Montepulciano.
Made in the Cerasuolo style of rosé from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo grapes that’s traditional to the region, its name is derived from the Italian word for cherry and certainly lives up to that in both color and primary flavors. There’s an entire spectrum of red fruit to be perceived like pomegranate and cherry juice with botanicals like marjoram and basil at play. There’s a savory acid structure knitting everything together beautifully on the finish, making it sturdy enough to pair with anything spicy. Oaxacan mole, Moroccan tagine, or Szechuan chicken would make a symphony of flavor when paired with this wine.
Torre dei Beati ‘Rosa-ae’ Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2019 750ML ($21.95) $16 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Importer Note: Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, Abruzzo, Italy. 100% Montepulciano.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
If you’re a fan of Catalonian whites or Cava you might have heard of Xarel-Lo, an aromatic white grape that’s often compared to Chardonnay due to its versatility during vinification. Being an indigenous varietal in Spain since at least 1548 it mutated at some point and also has a red skinned clone called Xarel-lo Vermell. Less than 300 acres of this varietal are still in existence in the entire world, with Gramona dedicating part of their production to preserving the varietal. Expect the acidity, structure and stonefruit character of Xarel-Lo with a definitive red fruited element not unlike Goji, fresh cranberries and redcurrants.
Gramona ‘Mart’ Xarel-lo Vermell Rosat, Penedes 2020 750ML ($37.95) $29.50 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Eric Solomon Imports note “Xarel-lo Vermell Certified organic CCPAE and biodynamic DEMETER. The pale color of this rosé comes from a 48-hour maceration before pressing. With this additional skin contact, combined with the already high levels of antioxidants present in the juice of this variety, Mart cannot only be enjoyed in its youth (peaches and strawberries) but it has the capacity to develop for several years in the bottle as more pink peppercorn nuances emerge.”
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The “Angeli” of Montalcino:
La Gerla Riserva Arriving Soon
La Gerla Riserva Arriving Soon
You’ve heard of Biondi Santi and their landmark efforts to revitalize and establish the wines of Montalcino, but have you heard of their former property La Gerla? Located just below the Biondi Santi estate, La Gerla was purchased in 1976 and has produced some of the best Brunello in the appellation. Farmed organically, the original vineyard purchased is now bottled separately as a Riserva but only during the most exceptional years. It includes original plantings made by Biondi Santi, high elevation and topographical isolation from adverse weather. With élevage occurring entirely in botti, there is nothing hiding the staunch character of this Brunello. With plush fruit, exuberant aromas, grainy tannins and an exceptionally long finish this is a fabulous Brunello even before its price point is considered (a quarter that of Biondi Santi’s own label). Much like the other 2015 Brunello’s that are on the market currently, fruit is the leading element in this vintage with aromas and tannin harmonizing in the background. We carry a number of wines by La Gerla if you can’t wait for the Riserva to drop, including their 2016 Brunello!
Arriving ETA Late September:
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Rich and round, here is a red full of macerated plum and cherry flavors, with almond, leather, spice and earth accents. Firms up on the finish, where the vibrant fruit echoes. Best from 2025 through 2050. 500 cases made, 280 cases imported. — BS”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The La Gerla 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva gli Angeli is a softly textured and fleshed out wine that shows darker and deeper fruit (compared to the 2016 Brunello that I tasted at the same time). This wine makes a great first impression, mostly thanks to that sense of quiet balance. As it opens in the glass, I notice the pretty ripeness of the vintage with dark cherry and summer plum. In all, this Riserva gives us an accessible and rich expression that will perform nicely upon release. Production is 8,560 bottles, and this wine will hit the market in April 2021.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 95 points “New leather, forest floor and ripe woodland-berry aromas make their way to the forefront together with whiffs of violet and pipe tobacco. Full bodied and firmly structured, the palate offers finesse and concentrated flavors including crushed raspberry, morello cherry, licorice and truffle framed in tightly knit, polished tannins. Drink 2023–2030.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 94+ points “The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gli Angeli is drop-dead gorgeous, as it keeps you coming back to the glass over and over to take in its alluring display of rich dark fruits with sweet mint, mulling spice and a grounding hint of flowery undergrowth. Its textures are seamless, coasting across a core of vibrant acids, which enliven its flavors of black cherry and currants. You can almost forget how youthful the 2015 is today, as it comes across as juicy at times. That said, there’s plenty of structure here to carry it for many years in the cellar. Notes of licorice, tobacco and sweet herbs linger long over a gentle coating of fine tannin. This may be dangerously delicious today; yet after just a few years of cellaring, I expect the Riserva Gli Angeli to fully blossom and provide a long and open drinking window.”
Arriving ETA Late September:
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Rich and round, here is a red full of macerated plum and cherry flavors, with almond, leather, spice and earth accents. Firms up on the finish, where the vibrant fruit echoes. Best from 2025 through 2050. 500 cases made, 280 cases imported. — BS”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The La Gerla 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva gli Angeli is a softly textured and fleshed out wine that shows darker and deeper fruit (compared to the 2016 Brunello that I tasted at the same time). This wine makes a great first impression, mostly thanks to that sense of quiet balance. As it opens in the glass, I notice the pretty ripeness of the vintage with dark cherry and summer plum. In all, this Riserva gives us an accessible and rich expression that will perform nicely upon release. Production is 8,560 bottles, and this wine will hit the market in April 2021.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 95 points “New leather, forest floor and ripe woodland-berry aromas make their way to the forefront together with whiffs of violet and pipe tobacco. Full bodied and firmly structured, the palate offers finesse and concentrated flavors including crushed raspberry, morello cherry, licorice and truffle framed in tightly knit, polished tannins. Drink 2023–2030.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 94+ points “The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gli Angeli is drop-dead gorgeous, as it keeps you coming back to the glass over and over to take in its alluring display of rich dark fruits with sweet mint, mulling spice and a grounding hint of flowery undergrowth. Its textures are seamless, coasting across a core of vibrant acids, which enliven its flavors of black cherry and currants. You can almost forget how youthful the 2015 is today, as it comes across as juicy at times. That said, there’s plenty of structure here to carry it for many years in the cellar. Notes of licorice, tobacco and sweet herbs linger long over a gentle coating of fine tannin. This may be dangerously delicious today; yet after just a few years of cellaring, I expect the Riserva Gli Angeli to fully blossom and provide a long and open drinking window.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
In Stock Now from La Gerla:
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 28 bottles in stock now
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 3L ($499.95) $319 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 95 points “Bright medium ruby. Very clean and fresh aromas and flavors of red currant, cherry pit, flowers and blood orange jelly. Bright, juicy and very light on its feet, offering superb vinosity and clarity of flavor, this conveys an impression of real underlying density and a multilayered mouthfeel. A knockout wine of outstanding energy and class, finishing with polished tannins, uncanny sweetness and lovely subtle persistence, not to mention outstanding balance (it hides its 14.5% alcohol very well).”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Here is a dense and meaty Tusan red that flaunts its immediate power, structure and intensity. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva gli Angeli is robust and deep thanks to a generous offering of dark fruit, spice and tar-like aromas. Fruit is carefully selected for this wine, and the grapes are fermented in stainless steel. Post fermentation, the wine goes into large Slavonian oak casks for four years. The finish is soft and supple with sweet berry flavors. This wine has made an impressive jump forward in this vintage.”
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 3L ($499.95) $319 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 95 points “Bright medium ruby. Very clean and fresh aromas and flavors of red currant, cherry pit, flowers and blood orange jelly. Bright, juicy and very light on its feet, offering superb vinosity and clarity of flavor, this conveys an impression of real underlying density and a multilayered mouthfeel. A knockout wine of outstanding energy and class, finishing with polished tannins, uncanny sweetness and lovely subtle persistence, not to mention outstanding balance (it hides its 14.5% alcohol very well).”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Here is a dense and meaty Tusan red that flaunts its immediate power, structure and intensity. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva gli Angeli is robust and deep thanks to a generous offering of dark fruit, spice and tar-like aromas. Fruit is carefully selected for this wine, and the grapes are fermented in stainless steel. Post fermentation, the wine goes into large Slavonian oak casks for four years. The finish is soft and supple with sweet berry flavors. This wine has made an impressive jump forward in this vintage.”
These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2013 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is elegant, balanced and bright. The pretty luminosity of the wine’s appearance helps to underline this positive impression. The bouquet is nuanced and layered with dried fruit aromas that segue to spice, tar and balsam herb. You get sassy aromas of licorice, tar and cola on the close.”
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 93+ points “Bright red. Pure and very flinty nuances complement aromas and flavors of strawberry-rhubarb and wild berries on the nose and palate. Dense and juicy and boasting a focused, penetrating mouthfeel, this finishes long and clean with a very strong note of licorice. Best classico Brunello from La Gerla in some time.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($69.95) $55 special, 20 bottles in stock now
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Black cherry and black currant fruit is accented by tobacco, earth and mineral flavors in this sleek yet dense red. Balsamic elements of juniper, thyme and olive add depth as this cruises to a long finish. The potential lies in the excellent length. Best from 2023 through 2042. —B.S.”
Eric Guido – Vinous 94 points “La Gerla’s 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is gorgeous, showing depths of earthy moist soil, minerals and hints of animal musk up front, giving way to crushed strawberry and cherry, getting spicy with lifting minerals yet retaining a rich character throughout. On the palate, silky textures are matched by cool-toned acids and refreshing moist mineral tones, as zesty cherry and cedar come forward. It’s so balanced and smooth, with high energy lasting into the long finish, showing saturating spice and salty minerals, yet remaining cool-toned and precise. The 2015 is a beautifully balanced wine that’s firmly rooted in the earth.”
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($67.95) $56.50 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 95 points “The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino displays depths of rich blackberry and cherry sauce with mentholated herbal tones adding lift, while notes of cedar and clove develop in the glass. Its textures are like pure silk, draped slowly across the palate, showing admirable density and weight, balanced by bright acids and minerals. This is so tightly wound up in its youthful state, yet it’s packed full of potential with a core of dark primary fruit that isn’t quite ready to reveal its charms. A web of fine tannin makes itself known only at the very end, as the 2016 slowly tapers off to hints of tobacco. The 2016 will take some time for this to come fully into focus, but it will be well worth the wait.”
La Gerla ‘Poggio gli Angeli’ Sangiovese Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Case-12 La Gerla ‘Poggio gli Angeli’ Sangiovese Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($249.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Eric Guido – Vinous 90 points “La Gerla’s 2017 Poggio gli Angeli displays a mix of fresh, wild red berries, savory, spicy herbs and hints of cedar. On the palate, soft textures give way to crushed raspberry and cherry, with hints of sweet spice and sage. The finish is long and fresh, elevated by zesty acids, and showing hints of strawberry and inner floral notes.”
Love Brunello?
Shop our 71 in-stock offerings from the region on our web store now!
Collector’s Corner
Dehu: The Marne’s Master of Meunier
At a time when sparkling winemaking is practiced more or less by every single major growing region in the world, Champagne continues to reign supreme. If one considers the new releases from Dehu, that crown is going nowhere soon.
Representing the 8th generation of champenois vigneron in the family, Benoit Dehu first cut his teeth at the Grand Marquis house Bollinger before striking out on his own in 2010, with his first release the following year. Working off of his family holdings in the Marne, with barrels made from the forest bordering the property, these are grower champagnes at their finest. The majority of his grapes are sourced from his Rue De Noyers vineyard, which has recently expanded into a small assortment of Pinot Noir beyond its exclusive planting to Meunier. Dehu has been blessed with the characteristic terroir of the Marne that contributes to his wine’s incredible aromatics and structure, namely the green clay overlaying pure limestone chalk. Eschewing new oak for aging, dosage for flavoring and intervention in general, these are some of the purest expressions of terroir you’ll ever find.
Working with less than 2 hectares of estate the production is incredibly small yet meticulous, incorporating biodynamic farming and almost 70% plowed by horse. At less than 4,000 cases made every year, it’s a small miracle we were even able to acquire the amounts we did. We are offering a range of Dehu’s flagship wines, from his 100% Meunier Rose De Saignee and Rue des Noyers to his Pinot Noir-included project: Initiation. The Rose is especially rare having been made only once prior in the history of the vineyard! Given the majority of Pinot Meunier at play with these wines, you can expect a mineral and spice driven champagne that has decades of aging potential ahead of them (If you can wait that long we won’t judge). For the serious collector we also have a smattering of magnums from the Rue Des Noyers, but quantities are extremely limited.
In Stock Now:
Benoit Dehu ‘Initiation’ Brut Nature, Champagne NV (2016) ($89.95) $75 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Benoit Déhu’s NV [2016] Initiation is a blend of 78% Pinot Noir and 22% Meunier. Ample and resonant in feel, the 2016 retains a gorgeous sense of transparency as well. Floral and spice inflections build as the 2016 shows off its multi-faceted, exotic personality. The non-dosage style works perfectly here. Initiation is one of the most singular Champagnes I tasted all year. Don’t miss it. No dosage.”
Importer note “Cuvée Initiation is the newest addition to the Déhu lineup. Made from his signature variety Pinot Meunier and 25% Pinot Noir, which Benoît planted using massale selection of Pommard clone from Burgundy. Oak vinification and ageing, unfined and unfiltered, low dosage. The wine is zippy and round with a persistent finish. Sourced from a small parcel at the bottom of the hill which Benoît planted using massale selection of Pommard clone from Burgundy.”
Representing the 8th generation of champenois vigneron in the family, Benoit Dehu first cut his teeth at the Grand Marquis house Bollinger before striking out on his own in 2010, with his first release the following year. Working off of his family holdings in the Marne, with barrels made from the forest bordering the property, these are grower champagnes at their finest. The majority of his grapes are sourced from his Rue De Noyers vineyard, which has recently expanded into a small assortment of Pinot Noir beyond its exclusive planting to Meunier. Dehu has been blessed with the characteristic terroir of the Marne that contributes to his wine’s incredible aromatics and structure, namely the green clay overlaying pure limestone chalk. Eschewing new oak for aging, dosage for flavoring and intervention in general, these are some of the purest expressions of terroir you’ll ever find.
Working with less than 2 hectares of estate the production is incredibly small yet meticulous, incorporating biodynamic farming and almost 70% plowed by horse. At less than 4,000 cases made every year, it’s a small miracle we were even able to acquire the amounts we did. We are offering a range of Dehu’s flagship wines, from his 100% Meunier Rose De Saignee and Rue des Noyers to his Pinot Noir-included project: Initiation. The Rose is especially rare having been made only once prior in the history of the vineyard! Given the majority of Pinot Meunier at play with these wines, you can expect a mineral and spice driven champagne that has decades of aging potential ahead of them (If you can wait that long we won’t judge). For the serious collector we also have a smattering of magnums from the Rue Des Noyers, but quantities are extremely limited.
In Stock Now:
Benoit Dehu ‘Initiation’ Brut Nature, Champagne NV (2016) ($89.95) $75 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Benoit Déhu’s NV [2016] Initiation is a blend of 78% Pinot Noir and 22% Meunier. Ample and resonant in feel, the 2016 retains a gorgeous sense of transparency as well. Floral and spice inflections build as the 2016 shows off its multi-faceted, exotic personality. The non-dosage style works perfectly here. Initiation is one of the most singular Champagnes I tasted all year. Don’t miss it. No dosage.”
Importer note “Cuvée Initiation is the newest addition to the Déhu lineup. Made from his signature variety Pinot Meunier and 25% Pinot Noir, which Benoît planted using massale selection of Pommard clone from Burgundy. Oak vinification and ageing, unfined and unfiltered, low dosage. The wine is zippy and round with a persistent finish. Sourced from a small parcel at the bottom of the hill which Benoît planted using massale selection of Pommard clone from Burgundy.”
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Benoit Dehu Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Rosé de Saignee, Champagne NV (2018) 750ML ($149.95) $128 special, 10 bottles in stock now
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Benoit Dehu Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Non-Dosé, Champagne NV (2012) 1.5L ($249.95) $219 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “A Champagne with tremendous promise, the NV (2012) Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Non-Dosé is powerful and also quite structured. In this vertical, the 2012 comes across as the most phenolic and dense of the four wines released so far. I would be tempted to cellar the 2012 for at least a few years to allow a bit more aromatic complexity to develop. Time in bottle continues to do wonders for the 2012. This is the most impressive bottle I have tasted so far. Hints of smoke, ash and graphite add distinctive mineral-inflected shades as the wine opens up in the glass. Disgorged on October 14, 2015 with no dosage.” Disgorgement date varies from review.
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Benoit Dehu Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Non-Dosé, Champagne NV (2013) 1.5L ($249.95) $219 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The NV (2013) Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Non-Dosé is a rich, ample wine built on texture and layers of deep, resonant fruit. From the very first taste, the 2013 shows itself to be a Champagne of real breadth. Hints of orange peel, roasted nuts, minerals, ash, chamomile, dried flowers and spice all flesh out in the glass. A deceptively mid-weight wine, the 2013 is enveloping in feel, but also has softer contours than the more explosive 2012 tasted alongside it. This is all finesse. Disgorged: April 2016. Non-dosé.” Disgorgement date varies from review.
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Benoit Dehu Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Non-Dosé, Champagne NV (2014) 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “Benoit Déhu NV (2014) Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Non-Dosé is bright, powerful and tightly wound. A wine of energy and vibrancy, the 2014 is going to need at least a few years to be at its very best. Even so, its potential today is evident. The Meunier character is pronounced, but it is the wine’s salivating minerality that gives shape, focus and cut. What a gorgeous wine this. Disgorged on August 4, 2017 with no dosage.”
Importer note “Benoit is an eighth generation vigneron that returned to the family estate after working for Bollinger. He is committed to natural farming and aims to craft unadultered, pure Pinot Meunier. He purchased this 1.7 hectare vineyard and farms it biodynamically. The results are exceptional and we are thrilled to introduce Benoit’s work to our clients. The Cuvee La Rue de Noyers, named for the walnut trees that line the parcel, is a wine that will keep you intrigued and coming back for more. Organically farmed Pinot Meunier, 1.7 hectares farmed biodynamically. A quarter of the property is worked with a horse named Violette. Vinified in oak barrels, many of which are made from trees from the forest of Fossoy. No malo, no dosage, unfined and unfiltered.”
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Benoit Dehu Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Non-Dosé, Champagne NV (2015) 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The NV (2015) Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers speaks with real authority, and yet the 2015 is one of the more delicate versions of this cuvée so far. Time in the glass allows the wine to blossom nicely. Dried pear, smoke, herbs and dried flowers fill out the wine’s creamy frame effortlessly. Once again, the Rue des Noyers is one of the most distinctive wines in Champagne. Dosage is 1 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 2017.”
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Benoit Dehu Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Non-Dosé, Champagne NV (2016) 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The NV (2016) La Rue des Noyers, 100% Meunier, is one of the most distinctive, moving Champagnes I tasted this year. When vinified alone, Meunier often yields wines with overt richness. The 2016 has plenty of depth, but it is also remarkably translucent. A whole range of spice and savory notes add striking aromatic nuance to the expansive red-toned fruit. The 2016 is not an obvious wine, but it is mesmerizing and captivating in every way. It was vinified in oak and finished with one gram per liter of dosage. Disgorged: May 28, 2020.”
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