Graham Beck has defined sparkling wine from South Africa for over fifty years. These Champagne-method sparklers are as versatile and delicious as quality grower bubbles from Champagne. Venerable by New World standards (having been founded in 1983), the estate was founded by the late Graham Beck. Today his son, Antony Beck, runs the winery.
 
You’ll notice the wines are designated as “Méthode Cap Classique,” also referred to as “Cap Classique” or “MCC,” is the South African designation for sparkling wines made in the traditional, or Champagne, method. It was developed by the Cap Classique Producers Association, which regulates quality standards among members.
 
The wines undergo the classic process, including the second fermentation occurring in the bottling, long aging on the lees, and disgorgement. The name was adopted in 1992 when the use of the terms “Champagne” and “Champenoise” were banned from labels to protect the authenticity of true Champagne. Additionally, regulations stipulate that wines are aged for a minimum of twelve months in bottle, that grapes are fermented whole-cluster, and that only the first pressing (cuvée) is used.
 
Graham Beck works with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, though other grape varieties are allowed. The estate produces four tiers of MCCs, from the Non-Vintage, Vintage, Artisan, and Icon. At the Non-Vintage level, we have the Brut and Brut Rosé. These are excellent wines and no slouches: they’ve been served by Presidents at their inaugural celebrations.
 
At the Vintage level, we’re offering the vintage Ultra Brut, vintage Brut Rosé, and vintage Blanc de Blancs. The Ultra Brut is their zero-dosage sparkler, made from two parts Chardonnay to one part Pinot Noir, is minerally and citrusy, with a rich creamy texture from the extended lees aging. The Blanc de Blancs is made from 100% Chardonnay from their estate vineyard in Robertson. The soil is rich in limestone, imparting a Chablis-like character to the wine. The winery describes the Brut Rosé as its most versatile wine with fragrances of ripe berries. It is composed of 90% Pinot Noir from vineyards in Robertson, Stellenbosch, Elgin, and Durbanville plus 10% Chardonnay from their estate vineyard.
 
Their top bottling and only wine at the Icon level is the Cuvée Clive, a vintage sparkling wine made in the best vintages. This prestige cuvée is one of the finest sparkling wines produced in South Africa. The Chardonnay in the blend is sourced from a select parcel in their estate vineyard and from a unique block in Napier, where grapes are grown in decomposed granite. The Pinot Noir is from sandstone soils in Durbanville. The Chardonnay was aged in large neutral barrels to add texture and complexity. This is an exquisite wine that represents the pinnacle of MCC. 
 
The range is arriving tomorrow, Friday, March 29th, and are on sale now through this Sunday at 9 am!
 

5% off any 4-8 in-stock wines from Graham Beck
10% off any 9 or more in-stock wines from Graham Beck
 
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Sale ends Sunday, March 31st at 9 am Pacific.

 
On Sale Now and Arriving Friday, March 29th from Graham Beck:
 
Graham Beck Brut “Méthode Cap Classique”, Robertson, South Africa NV 750ml Displayed Price: $19, that’s $18.05 at 5% off and $17.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles arriving Friday
Tim Atkin MW 90 points “Light yeasty aromas, limey fresh fruit on the nose and rich creamy complexity on the palate. The exceptionally fine mousse contributes the freshness and finesse.”
Winery note “An iconic sparkling wine that has carved out a niche in the history books – affectionately dubbed the “President’s Choice”, the Brut NV was served at both Nelson Mandela’s inauguration and to celebrate Barack Obama’s presidential nomination. With its light yeasty aromas, limey fresh fruit on the nose and rich creamy complexity on the palate, the Brut NV is intended to cleanse the palate, stimulate the taste buds and entice you to progress to the ‘next level’ in your tasting journey.”
 
Graham Beck Brut Rosé “Méthode Cap Classique”, Robertson, South Africa NV 750ml Displayed Price: $19, that’s $18.05 at 5% off and $17.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles arriving Friday
Tim Atkin MW 91 points “This wine has a unique pale silver-pink hue. Aromas of raspberries, cherries and a few secondary whiffs of minerality. A lively mousse, but fine in the mouth, with subtle red berry flavours enlivened by bright acidity. Brisk, yet delicate on the palate, bursting with flavours of freshly crushed berries and hints of oyster shell. Flirtatious and fun, yet elegant and structured, it’s perfect for all seasons and settings”
Winery note “Exuberance, flair and elegance in abundance are all hallmarks of this charming and exhilarating Rosé Cap Classique. A lengthy lees time resulted in subtle yeasty characters with a burst of fruit flavour. The fine, lively mousse is brisk on the palate, showing hints of oyster shell, fresh lavender and subtle hints of berry and cherry. Fun and versatile, yet simultaneously satisfyingly complex, the Brut Rosé is an anywhere, anytime Cap Classique. VARIETY: 52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir.”
 
Graham Beck Vintage Blanc de Blancs Brut “Méthode Cap Classique”, Robertson, South Africa 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 12 bottles arriving Friday
Tim Atkin MW 94 points “Bright lime green colour with rich aromas of fresh limes, green apples, pears and lemon zest on the nose. Delicately balanced flavors of succulent citrus, brioche and spice combines with yeasty complexity, broadening the palate with layered textures and leading to a long finish.”
Winery note “The Blanc de Blancs remains one of our stalwart favorites, a darling amongst our legion of bubbly fans and testimony to the outstanding Cap Classique terroir characteristics of our Robertson estate. Only the highest quality juice (tête de cuvée) was selected for fermentation. VARIETY: Chardonnay 100%.”
 
Graham Beck Ultra Brut “Méthode Cap Classique”, Robertson, South Africa 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 6 bottles arriving Friday
Tim Atkin MW 93 points “Ultra Brut is the quintessence of the Graham Beck style. With a viridescent hue, this Cap Classique opens up with a lively bouquet of lemon zest and brioche notes. The rich, complex palate is perfectly balanced by fresh acidity and an exceptionally refined mousse – a benchmark of the 2017 vintage. Endowed with a deliciously creamy texture and a rewarding finish, this ultra-dry sparkling wine is ideal to drink now or in the next 5 or 8 years”
Winery note “Previously known as Brut Zero, this ultra-dry Cap Classique was crafted without the use of additional sugar in the dosage – the absence thereof allows the exceptional intrinsic qualities of the wine and its terroir to shine through more clearly. Ultra Brut is pure and honest – a true testimony of extraordinary fundamental excellence. The Graham Beck Cap Classique craftsmen always maintain that making a sparkling wine with no sugar is like walking a tightrope, there are no room for errors. This unique style of wine can only be crafted in exceptional vintages and from only the highest quality cuvée juice that can sustain extended time on the lees (five to six years). It joins the ranks of very few zero dosage sparkling wines, a category gaining in popularity amongst chefs, sommeliers, fashionistas, food enthusiasts and the health conscious. VARIETY: 67% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir.”
 
Graham Beck Cuvée Clive “Méthode Cap Classique”, Western Cape, South Africa 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles arriving Friday
Tim Atkin MW 98 points “The 2017 Cuvée Clive is an intriguing Cap Classique of great elegance, poise and refinement. The Chardonnay portions combine seamlessly to create a bouquet of rich peach, apricot, apple and citrus aromas, with alluring hints of spice and toasted almonds form the barrels. The Pinot Noir elegantly dances through these aromas and adds layers of complexity on the palate with fresh cranberry, pomegranate and spicy undertones. The palate is elegant and fresh, while the lengthy time spent on lees has created a succulent texture which lingers long after the last sip.”
Winery note “Our most prestigious and exclusive Cap Classique, the Cuvée Clive represents the very pinnacle of our craft and bears testimony to our reputation as a specialist premium sparkling wine producer. It is the ultimate expression of our dedication to creating Méthode Champenoise style wines of distinction, complexity and world class excellence. This extraordinary cuvée embodies the Graham Beck pursuit of the perfect bubble and is a celebrated culmination of meticulous planning and enduring passion. VARIETY: Chardonnay 60%, Pinot Noir 40%.”
 
Graham Beck Brut Rose “Méthode Cap Classique”, Western Cape, South Africa 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 6 bottles arriving Friday
Tim Atkin MW 93 points “This bubbly has a beautiful salmon pink hue. Noticeable ripe blueberries and a subtle spiciness from the Pinot Noir with creamy complexity from the Chardonnay. An explosion of raspberry fruit and slight honeysuckle flavours on the palate, with a persistent yet delicate mousse.”
Winery note “A pioneering first for South Africa, whereby both varietals, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, were whole bunch pressed together – this award winning Cap Classique proves its pedigree time and again both in local and international wine competitions. The Pinot Noir lends a berry-laden ripeness and subtle spiciness while the Chardonnay contributes creamy complexity. The delightful salmon-pink hue of the Vintage Rosé perfectly complements the sumptuous strawberry notes and rich creamy complexity on the palate. VARIETY: Pinot Noir 90%, Chardonnay 10%.”

 
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Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
 
Hermitage
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock wines from Hermitage
10% off any 6 or more in-stock wines from Hermitage
 
Paitin
 
5% off any 6-11 in-stock wines from Paitin
10% off any 12 or more in-stock wines from Paitin
 
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Paitin sale ends Friday, March 29th at 9 am Pacific. Hermitage sale ends Saturday, March 30th at 9 am Pacific.

On Sale Now!
 

Completing our tour of the Northern Rhone, we have saved the Greatest for last: Hermitage. This small appellation, sometimes called Ermitage, is responsible for some of France’s most prestigious wines. The reds are typically 100% Syrah, while the whites from the region are typically Marsanne. Both are rich and robust, full-bodied wines that can age for decades.
 
The Hermitage is a granite hill with shallow soils of limestone or sandy gravel. Vines are grown along the southern slope facing the Rhone River where they can soak up the sun during the long summer days. At the top of the slope is a chapel, which gives its name to Jaboulet’s top vineyard, La Chapelle. The vineyard of Les Bessards lies on the western side of the hill, the source of one of Delas Freres’ top bottlings.    
 
On offer, we have cellared whites from Chapoutier and a selection of reds including those from Chapoutier, Delas Freres, and Jaboulet. These are three of the top producers on the hill with outstanding reputations. Though these wines don’t begin to approach the prices of First Growth Bordeaux, they can hold their own in the cellar and your glass. So, browse our holdings below and stock up while the three-day sale is on.
 

5% off any 3-5 in-stock wines from Hermitage
10% off any 6 or more in-stock wines from Hermitage
 
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Sale ends Saturday, March 30th at 9 am Pacific.

 
We offer 17 wines from Hermitage on sale now, including:
 
M. Chapoutier Ermitage de l’Oree Blanc 1997 750ml Displayed Price: $349, that’s $331.55 at 5% off and $314.10 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 98-100 points “It is no secret that I adore Chapoutier’s luxury cuvee of white Hermitage called Cuvee L’Oree. Made from 90-year old vines and microscopic yields of 10-12 hectoliters per hectare, this wine flirts with perfection. It is a compelling white Hermitage. Made from 100% Marsanne, it is as rich and multidimensional as the fullest, most massive Montrachet money can buy. It is unctuously textured, yet extraordinarily and beautifully balanced. I suspect it will drink well early in life, and then shut down for a few years. It should last for 4-5 decades. It is a huge, chewy, multidimensional wine with spectacular concentration and richness. Notes of white flowers, honey, minerals, and peaches are present in astronomical quantities. In short, this wine must be tasted to be believed.”
 
M. Chapoutier Ermitage de l’Oree Blanc 1999 750ml Displayed Price: $349, that’s $331.55 at 5% off and $314.10 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 99 points “The awesome 1999 Ermitage Cuvee de l’Oree flirts with perfection. It is full-bodied, with an incredible bouquet of liquid minerals, licorice, honeysuckle, citrus, and a hint of tropical fruits. One-hundred percent new oak aging has been completely absorbed by the wine’s fruit and glycerin. This is a winemaking tour de force, made from exceedingly low yields of 12-15 hectoliters per hectare (less than one ton of fruit per acre). However, readers should understand that these are often unusual wines to drink because they tend to show exceptionally well for 4-5 years after bottling, then close up until about age 12. They can last for 4-5 decades. Anticipated maturity: now-2006; 2012-2050. Along with Gerard and Jean-Louis Chave, Chapoutier is producing the finest expressions of white Hermitage. His single vineyard cuvees are to die for if you like these eccentric, idiosyncratic, mammoth dry whites.”
 
M. Chapoutier Ermitage L’Ermite Blanc 2004 750ml Displayed Price: $499, that’s $474.05 at 5% off and $449.10 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 100 points “A compelling, profoundly great wine is the 2004 Ermitage l’Ermite blanc. This is extremely limited in availability, but the light gold color offers up a liqueur of pears, wet rocks, and honey. Citrus oil, viscosity, extraordinary richness, and acidity make this wine (like all of these Ermitages, made from 100% old-vine Marsanne) just exquisite. There is nothing like these wines anywhere in the world, and the fact that the single vineyard Ermitages are aged in 100% new oak, yet show no trace of oak whatsoever is mind-boggling. This is exquisite wine that you either drink in its first 3-4 years or forget for two decades.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 
M. Chapoutier Ermitage l’Ermite Rouge 2010 750ml Displayed Price: $479, that’s $455.05 at 5% off and $431.10 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 99+ points “One of the stars of the retrospective was the 2010 Ermitage le Meal. This classic vintage yielded concentrated, fresh and structured wines and the 2010 has all of these traits in spades. Giving up a massive array of liquid rock, graphite, spring flowers, cassis and black raspberries, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a tight, structured, tannic mouthfeel and bright acidity, all while still showing incredible polish and elegance. It will certainly flirt with perfection at maturity, but is all about minerality and structure at the moment. Give this incredible effort 3-5 years of cellaring and enjoy it over the following 2-3 decades.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95+ points “Glass-staining purple. Powerful, room-filling aromas of dark fruit liqueur, sandalwood, mocha, licorice and potpourri. Stains the palate with weighty dark berry and bitter cherry flavors, a sappy floral pastille nuance adding an exotic touch. Silky tannins come up with air and build through a remarkably long, chewy, smoke- and spice-accented finish. This wine has gained structure and power since last year and really should be stashed away and forgotten for a good long while.”
 
M. Chapoutier Ermitage l’Ermite Rouge 2013 750ml Displayed Price: $249, that’s $236.55 at 5% off and $224.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “Sleek, with mouthwatering flavors of red currant, raspberry and cherry preserves forming the core, while a dusting of cocoa, a snap of red licorice and a long, lingering iron spine complete the picture. Very pure and focused. The minerality wins out in the end. Best from 2019 through 2032. 29 cases imported. — JM”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Bright purple. An impressively complex, expressive nose displays intense aromas of fresh dark berries, cherry cola, incense, allspice and smoky minerals. Spicy, deeply concentrated black and blue fruit flavors show superb focus and energy, and a suave floral pastille quality emerges as the wine opens up. Shows a compelling blend of richness and vivacity, finishing with superb lift, harmonious tannins and outstanding persistence.”
Jeb Dunnuck-Wine Advocate 96+ points “More backwards, tight and structured than either the Méal or the Pavillon, the 2013 Ermitage l’Ermite was similarly completely destemmed and raised in a scant 30% new French oak. Inky purple/blue colored, it reluctantly yields incredibly mineral-laced notes of charcoal, liquid rock, cassis, black currants and graphite. While it’s less approachable than either of the two other Hermitages, it has fabulous density and depth, ripe tannin and incredible persistence on the finish. Hide these in the cellar for a decade, and enjoy over the following three to four decades.”
 

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Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 96 points “Delas Frères owns 24 acres on the Hermitage hill, including some small parcels of marsanne planted in 1912 and 1918. Since 2013, Jacques Grange has been converting the farming here and in the domaine’s other vineyards to organic, a move he says he’s found to increase the energy in the wines. The performance of the wines we tasted for this issue gives credence to his impression, with this wine a standout example. The vintage was a difficult one, replete with heat waves, hail storms and drought, and yet the wine feels radiant. Fermented with ambient yeasts, it opens gradually, the initial wood tones fading as the wine grows golden and opulent in flavor. Honeysuckle scents and lemony acidity play around the juicy Cavaillon melon flavors, adding delicacy to the wine, while bitter-almond and mineral notes add a deep savor. It’s glorious now, but deserving of another decade in the cellar to harmonize.”
 
Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Ripe, fresh, bright and pure, with a racy-edged mix of plum sauce, cherry preserves and blackberry paste flavors underscored with mouthwatering anise, apple wood and sweet tobacco notes. The long finish flows nicely, and this flirts with approachable already, but there’s no rush. Drink now through 2034. 2,083 cases made, 175 cases imported. — JM”
Decanter 93 points “Good sense of freshness and intensity with fine tannins and rather high alcohol. Good impact however, and a long finish. Tannins are very fine, and although it doesn’t have the potential complexity of some in this vintage, it has the stature and concentration you would expect. Drinking Window 2025 – 2032.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 
Delas Freres Hermitage Les Bessards 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $219, that’s $208.05 at 5% off and $197.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Delas Freres Hermitage Les Bessards 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $449, that’s $426.55 at 5% off and $404.10 at 10% off, 7 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “My favorite release from this estate is consistently their Les Bessards Hermitage, and their 2019 is no exception. Coming from the western part and pure broken granite soils on the west side of this magical hill, it sports a dense purple hue to go with a brilliant perfume of cassis, graphite, scorched earth, burning embers, spring flowers, and peppery herbs. Incredibly complex, layered, and nuanced, with classic Hermitage characteristics, it still stays firmly planted in the ripe, sunny, sexy vintage. Full-bodied, concentrated, and structured on the palate, it has a wealth of tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. This is pure Hermitage magic that needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will evolve for 20-30 years in cold cellars. Hats off to the team at Delas for another incredible wine.”
Wine Spectator 97 points “This is loaded with dark and winey plum sauce, blackberry paste and fig compote flavors that glide through over notes of warm earth, sweet tobacco and anise. A subtle singed alder hint infuses the finish, along with a flicker of violet, while the fruit takes an encore. This shows seriously hefty fruit matched with a terrific underpinning of terroir. For the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2039. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 583 cases made, 50 cases imported. –JM”
 
Delas Freres Hermitage Les Grandes Vignes ‘Ligne de Crete’ 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $299, that’s $284.05 at 5% off and $269.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
Delas Freres Hermitage Les Grandes Vignes ‘Ligne de Crete’ 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $619, that’s $588.05 at 5% off and $557.10 at 10% off, 2 magnums in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96-98 points “Powerful, highly perfumed aromas of black/blue fruit liqueur, licorice, olive and potpourri are complemented by an exotic suggestion of incense. Stains the palate with intense boysenberry, cherry, cassis and spicecake flavors that deepen steadily through the midpalate. Shows a suave blend of power and delicacy and betrays no rough edges. Youthfully chewy tannins add shape to an extremely long, mineral-driven finish that delivers outstanding clarity and floral thrust.”
Decanter 96 points “Plum, damson and blackberry coulis. Dense fruit, very fine tannins and a seamless texture. The alcohol here is quite high, but it’s a very impressive wine nonetheless, with great concentration and length, not to mention fine tannins and balanced acidity. An authentic expression of the Hill. There is some cinnamon and cola oak spice running through it and the fruit can take it, it’s well balanced. From lieu-dit Les Grandes Vignes, the highest plot on the hill of Hermitage, a new cuvée first made in 2015. Drinking Window 2026 – 2038.”
 
Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $225, that’s $213.75 at 5% off and $202.50 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2016 Hermitage La Chapelle is slightly denser than the 2017 and is a bigger, richer, more structured wine than the La Maison Bleue. Crème de cassis, blackberries, crushed rocks, ozone, scorched earth, and violet notes all emerge from this beautifully classic, elegant, seamless wine that carries full-bodied richness, building tannins, and a big finish, all while staying in the classic, elegant, balanced style of the vintage. It has plenty of tannins and is a quintessential La Chapelle that will have three decades of longevity.”
James Suckling 97-98 points “Very spicy and peppery with blue-granite aromas plus hints of grilled and smoked meat. Cloves and nutmeg. Full body, round and juicy tannins and a super spicy finish that almost burns with so much character yet turns fine and focused at the end. A beauty.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96-98 points “(raised in 20% new oak) Dark purple. A highly expressive, mineral-accented bouquet evokes fresh blackberry and blueberry, candied flowers, incense and exotic spices. Sweet, palate-staining black and blue fruit liqueur and violet pastille flavors are complicated by suggestions of cracked pepper and bitter chocolate; a spicecake nuance gains strength with aeration. Steadily building tannins add shape and grip to the extremely long, incisive finish, which emphatically repeats the floral and mineral notes. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this wine turn out as well as the amazing 2015 version.”
 
Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $189, that’s $179.55 at 5% off and $170.10 at 10% off, 25 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2017 Hermitage La Chapelle comes from the firm’s vineyards on the western half of the Hermitage slope, primarily Le Méal, but with substantial contributions from Les Rocoules and Les Bessards. Classic notes of cassis, black olives, mocha and roasted meat are joined by hints of baking spices in a wine that’s full-bodied, deep, dense and rich, with a velvety texture and a lingering finish. It’s lower in alcohol than the 2018, less voluptuous and maybe just a step behind that monumental wine, but it’s still a serious collectible with three decades of evolution ahead of it.-JC”
James Suckling 98 points “The icon is in dangerously seductive form. Such pristine dark cherries, blackberries and dark plums, dark chocolate, finely crushed spices and plenty of crushed dark stones on offer. The palate is very intense, very slick and fine tannins deliver an almost playfully soft impression. The oak is super integrated. Like La Maison Bleue, this approachability is an aberration, as it has immense power, concentration and length with such regal and alluring swagger at the finish. But there is so much more to come. Try from 2024, better after 2030.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 
Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $189, that’s $179.55 at 5% off and $170.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 98+ points “The beautifully proportioned 2018 Hermitage La Chapelle comes across as a complex, complete version of this renowned bottling, with no rough edges—just moderate spice, cassis, red berries and cedar on the nose. It’s medium to full-bodied, silky and fine, brimming with harmony and elegance on the palate, while the finish is long, echoing with cassis, charcoal and crushed stone. The tannins firm up a bit on the finish, so I suspect this will close down soon, then blossom sometime after 2025.”
 
Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $199, that’s $189.05 at 5% off and $179.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 98-100 points “Might this be the next vintage of La Chapelle to crack triple digits? Knockout aromas of crushed stone, violets, blueberries, and cassis mark the nose of the 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle, while the full-bodied palate is undeniably more intense and powerful than the more elegant 2018. Rich and velvety, it coats the mouth with dark fruit and creamy-textured espresso, yet retains remarkable length and licorice-derived peppery freshness on the finish. Wow!”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Showing even better than when I tasted it last year, the 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle is another ripe, powerful, sexy, and full-bodied example of this cuvée that brings classic La Chapelle gamey darker fruits as well as smoked meats, chocolate, sandalwood, and peppery spice. Full-bodied on the palate, it has good concentration, lots of ripeness, polished tannins, and a great, great finish. As with the 2018, it’s opened up beautifully on the palate since I tasted it at the domaine and is a ripe, expansive, pure, beautiful Hermitage.”
 
Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Petite Chapelle – La Maison Bleue 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Even richer, darker and more powerful than the 2018 version, the 2019 Hermitage La Maison Bleue offers up some lifted, minty notes to accent its potent cassis fruit. Dark, dense, and Port-like without being overly heavy or dense, this full-bodied effort is long, intense and concentrated, with softly dusty tannins on the finish.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 points “Beautiful cassis, truffle, damp earth, and ground pepper emerge from the 2019 Hermitage La Maison Bleue. Coming from the eastern portion of Hermitage Hill, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a rounded, opulent texture, building tannins, and a great finish. It’s certainly in the same league (and style) as the 2018, and while it’s going to drink nicely at a young age, my money is on it evolving gracefully for 20-25 years.”
 

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Yann Chave Hermitage 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94-96 points “A complex bouquet evokes ripe blackberry, cherry compote, licorice and violet, energized by a spicy cracked pepper nuance. Broad and fleshy in the mouth, offering densely packed, smoke-tinged black/blue fruit, exotic spice and floral pastille flavors that pick up a minerally nuance as the wine opens up. Shows superb delineation and spicy lift on a long, silky finish framed by steadily building tannins. There were five demi-muids of this wine in 2019, all of them new.”

 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Shop our 17 selections on sale now on our webstore!
 

 
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
 
Paitin
 
5% off any 6-11 in-stock wines from Paitin
10% off any 12 or more in-stock wines from Paitin
 
Mount Etna
 
5% off any 6-11 in-stock wines from Mount Etna
10% off any 12 or more in-stock wines from Mount Etna
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
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Mount Etna sale ends Thursday, March 28th at 9 am Pacific. Paitin sale ends Friday, March 29th at 9 am Pacific.

On Sale Now!
 

More so than in neighboring Barolo, the vineyards of Barbaresco are packed with under-the-radar yet magnificent producers—and none represents better buying opportunity than Paitin. Starting with a great set of vineyards that the family has since 1796, Secondo Pasquero-Elia enlisted enologist Dante Scaglione (of Bruno Giacosa fame) as the enologist to take these wines to the next level.
 
The winemaking here is all traditional. Despite a brief trial with modern techniques in the 90’s, the wines undergo gentle pump over and cap submersion during the weeks-long maceration. The wines then undergo an extended aging in neutral barrels and botti from Slavonia and Austria for up to three years.
 
The results offer a glimpse into the future of the winery and the wines to come. The wines are solid, deep, and built to last – echoing the family’s tie to their home and spectacular holdings within the Serraboella cru.
 
Not familiar with what the hill of Serraboella has to offer? Here’s an excellent primer by importer Polaner Selections: “The soil at Serraboella is a calcareous white clay with sandstone. Serraboella is a particularly steep hill facing south-southwest at 280 to 320 meters in elevation. From it, the Pasquero-Elia family produces three Barbaresco – a Serraboella bottling from the larger part of their Serraboella parcel, a Sori Paitin bottling from the most sun-exposed parcel… and an old vine Riserva from the same parcel only in the best vintages.”
 
When looking for value in the Piemonte, Paitin is clearly at the head of the class because of the ratio of quality to price—at least for now. Like every other great value region, one day the world will wake up and notice how wonderful these wines are. (We’ve certainly beaten that drum for years, now.)
 
In the meantime, though, buy as much as you can—especially on our three-day sale.
 

5% off any 6-11 in-stock wines from Paitin
10% off any 12 or more in-stock wines from Paitin
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Friday, March 29th at 9 am Pacific.

 
We offer 10 wines in stock now from Paitin, including:
 
The Basarin vineyard produces wines that the winery describes as containing the “texture of Barbaresco, the fine spices of Treiso and the gravity of Neive all in one wine.” The 2018 vintage is the first release from Paitin from this vineyard.
 
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Basarin’, Barbaresco DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The Paitin 2018 Barbaresco Basarin, which spends two years in large oak barrels, pours to a lean appearance and a dark ruby hue. The wine is subtle and fine, prizing the delicate and ethereal nuances of the grape, with dried cherry, crushed flowers, campfire ash and iron ore. Crushed white pepper also appears. The Basarin cru in Neive is one of the most beautiful in the appellation, located on a hill that rises high enough to enjoy the surrounding panorama of tightly planted vineyards. The tannins are especially polished in this vintage.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 
The Serraboella cru is the crowning jewel of the estate and one of the greatest crus in Barbaresco alongside Rabaja, Asili, and Montestefano. Paitin’s bottling is a combination of two vineyards, ‘d Tourun, which the winery describes as the most mineral and rough in character, and Schiena d’Ernestin, which the winery describes as “fine and elegant.”
 
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Serraboella’, Barbaresco DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $38, that’s $36.10 at 5% off and $34.20 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “This wine draws its fruit from across the Serraboella vineyard in Neive with vines of various ages. The 2018 Barbaresco Serraboella has a broad reach, thanks to its balanced aromas of wild berry, dried cherry, crushed roses and violets. The wine spreads cleanly over the palate, thanks to the extra volume offered by its earthy and delicately mineral flavors. Like other releases from Paitin, the standout feature here is the silky nature of the mouthfeel.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 
Nested within the Serraboella cru is the Sorì Paitin cru. It is the warmest slope in the Serraboella. The winery notes that the term “Sorì” means “the first place where the snow melts with the first winter sun rays.” This was the “Ancient rule to select the best plots for Nebbiolo.”
 
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Sorì Paitin’, Barbaresco DOCG 2004 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 points “The 2004 Barbaresco Sorì Paitin is intense and powerful in its expression of dark fruit, spices, earthiness and tar. Made in a pure, bold style, it is one of the more closed, shut down 2004 Barbarescos and will require at least a few years in bottle before revealing its truest potential.”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

 
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Sorì Paitin’, Barbaresco DOCG 2009 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The estate’s 2009 Barbaresco Sorì’ Paitin shows the rich, generous style of the year, but with plenty of underlying structure. Tobacco, sweet spices and licorice float from the glass in this powerful, intense Barbaresco. Exotic hints of spice and orange peel linger on the finish. This is yet another totally compelling wine from Paitin. The 2009 spent 18 months in cask. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

 
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Sorì Paitin’, Barbaresco DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The family that owns the Paitin estate lost its patriarch, Secondo Pasquero Elia, as this wine was being readied for release, and he would have been proud of the way this turned out. The 2018 Barbaresco Serraboella Sorì Paitin is glossy and polished with a super fine and delicate quality of fruit. It just glides over the palate as if it were on skates. That beautiful forward momentum is driven by light cassis, dried cherry, iron skillet, candied orange peel and crushed flowers. The finish is exceptionally smooth and elegant. Complimenti.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A beefy red, this offers tar, cherry, plum and resin flavors, backed by dense tannins. This is compact and dry on the long finish, but there’s ample fruit. Best from 2024 through 2040. 530 cases made, 130 cases imported. –BS”
 
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Sorì Paitin’, Barbaresco DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 23 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “Opening to a luminous garnet color, the Paitin 2019 Barbaresco Serraboella Sorė Paitin is delicate and fresh, but the wine is not without its inner power and consistency. It plays its cards carefully, thanks to a slow-moving bouquet characterized by redcurrant and tart cherry. It gains power on the palate with polished tannins and tight structure. Give this bottle a few more years to unwind.”
 
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Sorì Paitin’, Barbaresco DOCG 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $57.50, that’s $54.63 at 5% off and $51.75 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Alluring aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry, leafy underbrush, tar, iron and hay mark this luscious red, which is fresh and firm at once, with a chalky, minerally essence on the long finish. Best from 2026 through 2042. 974 cases made.”
 

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

 
The Barbaresco Riserva Sorì Paitin Vecchie Vigne (not designated a Riserva in the 2004 vintage) is a massale selection started around 1950 grown on the warmest slope in Serraboella cru’s Sorì Paitin. This rarity is only produced in the finest vintages.
 
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Sorì Paitin Vecchie Vigne’, Barbaresco DOCG 2004 750ml Displayed Price: $149, that’s $141.55 at 5% off and $134.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2004 Barbaresco Sorì’ Paitin Vecchie Vigne is marvelous. Dark red berries, crushed flowers, smoke, ash and tar are just some of the notes that emerge from this big yet beautifully articulated Vecchie Vigne. The 2004 shows superb class and fabulous overall balance. As always this is a fairly large-scaled Barbaresco, but all of the elements meld together beautifully. A long, sensual finish rounds things out in style. With air the 2004 is approachable today, but it clearly has the stuffing and freshness to drink well to age 25, perhaps beyond. The Vecchie Vigne captures the essence of this great Piedmontese vintage in spades. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2029.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Sorì Paitin Vecchie Vigne’, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2008 750ml Displayed Price: $128, that’s $121.60 at 5% off and $115.20 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The blackest of cherries, spices, incense, tar and scorched earth are some of the many nuances that emerge from the 2008 Barbaresco Sorì’ Paitin Vecchie Vigne. This dark, brooding Barbaresco is all about power. The 2008 impresses for its fabulous balance and pure length. With time in the glass, the wine becomes increasingly more refined. It is a striking Barbaresco to drink now and over the next 10-15 years, perhaps longer. The 2008 was aged in 25-hectoliter cask and bottled in June 2012. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Sorì Paitin Vecchie Vigne’, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Paitin 2016 Barbaresco Serraboella Riserva Sorì Paitin Vecchie Vigne is a gorgeous wine. The bouquet is especially redolent of dried rose and potpourri, and the dark fruit offers highlights of baked cherry or peach. This amazing crescendo of new releases from Paitin goes one impressive step further, pushing the boundaries with this promising and cellar-worthy new release. There is a point of bitter almond on the close, but the mouthfeel is otherwise silky and very fine in texture.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “A fresh, spicy style, whose cherry, tar, iron and tobacco flavors are framed with a light toasting of oak. It’s all focused by the vibrant structure, with refined tannins lining the finish. Shy and austere, yet nicely balanced and long. Best from 2025 through 2042. 440 cases made, 116 cases imported. — BS”

 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Shop our 10 selections on sale now on our webstore!
 

 
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
 
Palacio & Palacios
 
5% off any 6-11 in-stock wines from Palacio & Palacios
10% off any 12 or more in-stock wines from Palacio & Palacios
 
Mount Etna
 
5% off any 6-11 in-stock wines from Mount Etna
10% off any 12 or more in-stock wines from Mount Etna
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Palacio & Palacios sale ends Wednesday, March 27th at 9 am Pacific. Mount Etna sale ends Thursday, March 28th at 9 am Pacific.

All In-Stock Wines from Sicily’s Famous Mountain
 
Are On Sale Now!
 

For lovers of volcanic-influenced wines, Sicily’s Mount Etna is a cherished place. Home to the Burgundy-esque varieties of Nerello Mascalese and Carricante, these are gorgeous, terroir-driven wines. The two grapes offer layers of spice and high acidity, partly due to being grown on the highest vineyards in all of Europe.
 
Calabretta is one of our favorite, if most overlooked, producers of Sicilian wine. Their commitment to chemical free farming, stewarding old vines, and meticulous winemaking is evident in every bottle of wine they craft from grapes grown along the slopes of Mount Etna. The wines have a rustic and savory feel that evokes a perfectly-cellared Pinot Noir. The high elevation, intense sunshine and marginal soils create incredible wines filled to the brim with flavor.
 
One of the finest producers on this volcano is Terre Nere, a domain that offers multiple single-vineyard wines. We have its proprietor, Marc De Grazia, to thank for bringing international attention to this stunning region. He founded Tenuta delle Terre Nere over twenty years ago after falling in love with the unique terroir created (and continually recreated) by the still-active volcano.
 
De Grazia was the first to bottle single-parcel wines from the indigenous grapes and brought international focus and admiration to this once-overlooked region. The terroir of high altitude and dark volcanic soils combined with the traditional model inspired by Burgundy help yield distinctive wines from the indigenous grape varieties.
 
Fiercely dedicated to the terroir of Etna and preserving old rootstocks, some pre-phylloxera vines date back over 130 years, De Grazia owns vines across ten parcels on the slopes Mount Etna. Most vines are between 50 to 100 years old. The single-vineyard red wines are 100% Nerello Mascalese, a variety known for producing wines of great elegance. The whites are based on Carricante, a grape that gives mineral, piercing wines akin to Chablis.
 
The wines of Terre Nere are an astonishing value considering their quality, and even more so on our three-day sale.
 

5% off any 6-11 in-stock wines from Mount Etna
10% off any 12 or more in-stock wines from Mount Etna
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Thursday, March 28th at 9 am Pacific.

 
We offer 13 different wines in stock now from Mount Etna, including:
 
Benanti Serra della Contessa ‘Particella No. 587’ Etna Rosso Riserva 2016 1.5L Displayed Price: $249, that’s $236.55 at 5% off and $224.10 at 10% off, 6 magnums in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 95 points “The 2016 Etna Rosso Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587 Riserva is dark and savory in the glass, grumbling up with notes of crushed rocks and ash that evolve further to reveal musky black currants, hints of licorice and dried violets. This is velvety-smooth, yet not weighty in feel. Instead, the 2016 seems to glide effortlessly across the palate, yet what it leaves behind is a saturation of primary fruit and mineral tones, as well as silky tannins that penetrate deeply. The Serra della Contessa finishes structured yet long and unexpectedly fresh, with balsam herbs and a touch of salted licorice that slowly fades. This Etna Rosso is a powerhouse, but it is in need of cellaring to reveal all of its charms.”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!

 
Calabretta Nerello Cappuccio Terre Siciliane IGT 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 23 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 89 points “The 2019 Nerello Cappuccio is incredibly pretty, with a bouquet of musky cherry and raspberry complemented by stemmed roses and flowery undergrowth. This is silky yet lifted, leaning more toward the savory spectrum on the palate, as woodland berries mingle with saline-minerals under an air of inner florals. It’s a bit shorter than anticipated yet fresh, leaving nuances of waxy red fruits.”
 

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

 
Calabretta ‘Gaio Gaio’ Rosso 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $19, that’s $18.05 at 5% off and $17.10 at 10% off, 29 bottles in stock now
Producer Notes “Organic farming, aging for extended periods in old, large format barrels, and zero intervention lets these wines speak transparently about their volcanic origins. Easy drinking, but an obvious Etna Rosso quality. Light bodied with loads of fruit, light forest floor, and savory notes.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $27.99

 

“[Terre Nere’s wines] all possessed unbelievable freshness and complexity…These wines are astonishingly complex and ethereal efforts from the hillsides of Mt. Etna in Sicily.”
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Bianco 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $26, that’s $24.70 at 5% off and $23.40 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “This shows attractive aromas of citrus and stone fruit with hints of seashell, with stony and ashy undertones. Medium-bodied, tangy and fresh with vivid acidity and a polished mineral backbone to it. Steady and focused with a crunchy finish. A blend of carricante, catarratto, grecanico and minnella. From organically grown grapes.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The 2022 Etna Bianco is smoky in the glass, exciting the senses with a burst of crushed rocks and raw almonds before giving way to citrus-stringed peach. It’s soothingly soft and enveloping with weighty textures lifted by vibrant acidity. Masses of mineral-laden orchard fruits and sweet spices collide on the palate. The 2022 finishes remarkably fresh yet grippy and long, leaving the mouth watering for more. The level of complexity here is off the charts for an entry-level Etna Bianco. Yum!”
 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘Le Vigne Niche’ Montalto Etna Bianco 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 15 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 94 points “Spicy and full of tension, the 2022 Etna Bianco Le Vigne Niche Montalto bursts from the glass with a blend of lemon zest, minty herbs, young peaches and crushed rocks. This opens with a pretty inner sweetness and crisp minerality, rushing the palate with ripe orchard fruits elevated by candied citrus. The Montalto finishes with fantastic length and potency, lightly structured and tactile. This gorgeous Etna Bianco is drinking beautifully today yet with the balance to promote medium-term cellaring.”
 

“[Marc De Grazia’s] portfolio of wines is the gold standard for Etna wine.”
-Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘Le Vigne Niche’ Salice Etna Bianco Superiore 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 13 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 92 points “The 2022 Etna Bianco Superiore Le Vigne Niche Salice entices with a mineral laden bouquet that blends white flowers and pine with chalk dust and cardamon. Soft and round, it fills the palate with a savory herbal thrust and white pit fruits, taking on a salty flourish toward the close. The Saline finishes with medium length and salty flourish while. A gentle tension slowly fades.”
 

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘Le Vigne Niche’ Calderara Sottana Etna Bianco 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Decanter 94 points “This cru bottling from vines in Randazzo is youthfully creamy, offering little aroma other than that of the wood it has rested in along with stony flecks of mango and peach. Full, concentrated and with great acidity, this is a vital Carricante which has sufficient earthy yellow fruits – think pineapple, nectarine and yellow plum – to flesh out its backbone of stone and acid; a vertical yet full style which will only gain in power and weight as it ages. Impressive.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 94 points “With a bouquet like chiseling through sheer limestone with all of the smoky and flinty nuances that come with it, the 2022 Etna Bianco Le Vigne Niche Calderara Sottana is impossible to ignore. It’s silky upon entry yet quickly builds with mineral tension. A savory, sweet interplay of citrus and spice offsets ripe nectarines and apricots. The 2022 leaves the palate reeling with youthful tension and watering for more as it finishes with outstanding freshness. This may not be the longest-lived Calderara Sottana Bianco, yet there’s no rush. It’s a total charmer.”
 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘Le Vigne Niche’ Santo Spirito Etna Bianco 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “This is silky and soothing, with depths of ripe apricot and nectarine complicated by sweet herbal tones and hints of candied lime, all lifted by a core of brisk acidity. It finishes long and lightly structured, leaving a mineral tinge and Asian pear traces slowly fading. Typically, I find the Santo Spirito to be the more forward and accessible Bianco from the Terre Nere portfolio, but in 2022, it’s holding its power in reserve. Cellaring is recommended.”
 

“No other winery has done as much for the popularity and success of Mount Etna as Terre Nere; nearly any producer in the region will offer up this same opinion. Almost two decades ago, importer Marc de Grazia set out to prove that the high-altitude vineyards, diverse volcanic soils and ancient vines found on this still-active volcano could produce world-class wines of longevity… In the end, this is a producer that never rests, never stops looking to improve, and is constantly innovating and thinking outside the box, hence the respect that Terre Nere has earned and holds to this very day.”
-Eric Guido, Vinous

Tenuta delle Terre Nere Calderara Sottana Rosso Etna 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 15 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “This is more vibrant with red berries, blood oranges, light spices and hints of terra-cotta. Medium-bodied, juicy and fruit-forward with tangy acidity and dusty tannins. Hints of bitter orange at the end. Long and chalky yet very attractive and enjoyable now. Drink or hold.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 94 points “From the moment the glass is tilted, the 2021 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana Vineyard shines through as crushed stones, ash and sweet smoke give way to vivid black cherries and autumnal spice. The 2021 Etna Rosso is elegant, silky and deeply textural, with salty mineral tones and gobs of red and black fruits, all perfectly maintained by a core of vibrant acidity. This is complex yet full of energy and sultry depths, tapering off saline and structured with grippy tannins that frame a lasting resonance of licorice and plums. These old vines handled the drought of the vintage beautifully, showing only in the grit of its tannins. Otherwise, the 2021 is pure magic.”

 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘Feudo di Mezzo’ Etna Rosso 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 13 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Pure cherry fruit here, reminiscent of kirsch, with orange peel and an ashy, mineral backbone to it, almost like cracked flint or gunpowder. Similar aromas and flavors on both the nose and on the palate. Medium- to full-bodied, really tense and firm with chalky tannins and a lingering crushed granite and rock sensation on the palate. Seashells, too. Long. Try after 2025.”
Decanter 94 points “Il Quadro delle Rose is a favoured parcel in Feudo di Mezzo, always the first Nerello Mascalese site to be harvested by the estate. It’s situated at 600m on shallow, ashy soil and planted with 60- to 80-year-old vines, and offers a lovely rich fragrance of blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry and herbs. Rich and silky, it combines fruit forwardness with lip-smacking sapidity in a glorious way, backed by fine, ripe, grippy tannins, an undertow of fresh acidity, and some licks of wood and spice on the long finish. Lovely.”
 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘San Lorenzo’ Etna Rosso 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “Cool San Lorenzo is at the northwestern edge of the Etna DOC at around 800 metres, situated on some of the oldest surface soils on Etna – from the Elliptical volcano activity of 15,000 to 60,000 years ago – rich in ash and black pumice. Due to its uniqueness, Terre Nere have dubbed their San Lorenzo bottling (from 70- to 100-year-old vines) as ‘Grande Terroir Ellittico’ and consider it one of their grand crus. Fresh, floral and fragrant, it offers wafts of violet and lavender, cocoa, earth and black cherry. In the mouth its fine web of tannins and razor-sharp acidity provide tension for the ripe, balsamic hedgerow fruits to bounce off. Succulent and sapid with a very stony mid-palate, it displays excellent balance and depth, with incredible freshness and staying power.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 94+ points “The 2021 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo seduces with its perfumed blend of roses, sour cherries, tangerine and a cinnamon dusting. This is pure elegance, lifted and refined, with dazzling acidity and a wave of pure mineral-tinged fruits that crackle and pop across the palate. It’s complex yet truly delicious and maintains marvelous energy, even as a web of fine-grained tannins reminds the taster of its youthful state. Even today, the 2021 San Lorenzo is dreamy and a total pleasure. That said, the future remains very bright.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Santo Spirito Rosso Etna 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 15 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This shows notes of darker berries with red licorice and fresh ripe peaches. Intense with hints of moist clay soil and bark undertones. Full and steady on the palate with a firm backbone of chalky tannins that go on for minutes. Lot of tension and energy. Stays long on the palate, turning to a more smooth and powdery mouthfeel. Needs some time. Try after 2025.”
Decanter 95 points “From 80- to 100-year-old vines at 700 to 850 metres above sea level, Santo Spirito is defined by its large terraces and deep, ashy soils. Vinified in stainless steel then undergoing malo and ageing for 14 months in French oak barriques and tonneaux, with one final month in stainless steel, this is a deeply fragrant wine with spicy, earthy and floral perfume allied to dark berry notes, a fine, chalky texture and lovely verticality. Really fresh “slightly balsamic” and ethereal, it dances across the tongue carrying bundles of finely woven hedgerow fruits, black pepper spice and wood. It’s still very young but you can expect this to reveal some succulent fruits with time.”

 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Shop all 13 selections on our webstore now!
 

 
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
 
Palacio & Palacios
 
5% off any 6-11 in-stock wines from Palacio & Palacios
10% off any 12 or more in-stock wines from Palacio & Palacios
 
French Magnum Sale
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock French magnums (and larger)
10% off any 6 or more in-stock French magnums (and larger)
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
French magnum sale ends Tuesday, March 26th at 9 am Pacific. Palacio & Palacios sale ends Wednesday, March 27th at 9 am Pacific.