|
Category Archives: Newsletter Archive
Brovia Sale 12-19-25
In This Newsletter:
Brovia Sale
Stock Up & Save On:
Brovia
Brovia Sale
Stock Up & Save On:
Brovia
Staff Pick Note: “The only way I end a weekend satisfied is when I know I’ve both drunk and bagged an unforgettable set of fine wines. The never-ending pleasure that is hunting and experiencing my next new producer or a special vintage or bottling of an old favorite. Well, if Brovia doesn’t get your heart pounding when you think of culty, magical Barolo that you’ll chase for years to come, I don’t know what else will.”
Traditionally farmed and crafted Barolos are what insiders have sought out for decades, but sometimes it can be hard for the hard-working, farm-forward producers to make a splash on the international stage. Until recently, one such producer, Brovia, flew under the radar. With a string of recent vintages awash in points and praise, a broader category of wine buyers has begun to take notice.
Brovia’s cuvees have it all: perfectionist vineyard management (organic without certification, careful pruning, and hand harvesting), superb and distinctive holdings (such as Villero in the Serralunga), unapologetically old-school winemaking (long and slow fermentation and long aging in large barrels and, subsequently, in bottle), consistently excellent releases, and enthusiastic purchasing by our staff.
So, given their traditional stance and indifference to change for fame’s sake, what could be bringing the limelight to this small producer? Climate change. Their normal style is lean and coiled, so the extra warmth of recent vintages, beginning in force with 2015, pushed the wines to be a little bolder than usual. And collectors have started to notice.
These are all wines that are shaping up to be epics. Join in today!
Traditionally farmed and crafted Barolos are what insiders have sought out for decades, but sometimes it can be hard for the hard-working, farm-forward producers to make a splash on the international stage. Until recently, one such producer, Brovia, flew under the radar. With a string of recent vintages awash in points and praise, a broader category of wine buyers has begun to take notice.
Brovia’s cuvees have it all: perfectionist vineyard management (organic without certification, careful pruning, and hand harvesting), superb and distinctive holdings (such as Villero in the Serralunga), unapologetically old-school winemaking (long and slow fermentation and long aging in large barrels and, subsequently, in bottle), consistently excellent releases, and enthusiastic purchasing by our staff.
So, given their traditional stance and indifference to change for fame’s sake, what could be bringing the limelight to this small producer? Climate change. Their normal style is lean and coiled, so the extra warmth of recent vintages, beginning in force with 2015, pushed the wines to be a little bolder than usual. And collectors have started to notice.
These are all wines that are shaping up to be epics. Join in today!
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Brovia
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Brovia
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Monday, December 22nd at 9 am Pacific.
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Brovia
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Monday, December 22nd at 9 am Pacific.
We offer seventeen in-stock Brovia options on sale now, including:
Brovia Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 23 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “On a shortlist of “annata” wines to buy from Piedmont this year is the Brovia 2019 Barolo. Made from a blend of fruit from Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga d’Alba, this wine delivers a very sharp and chiseled performance that puts a priority on directness, freshness and length. This pretty wine has a pronounced fruity side and a mineral side, and these two parts converge beautifully. There are hints of dried mint and licorice on the close of this must-have wine. 25,000 bottles were produced.”
Brovia Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
“This is a stellar set of wines from Elena Brovia and Alex Sánchez. Readers will find plenty to admire in these elegant, translucent Barolos… The 2021 were vinified in cement. Time on skins was 3-4 weeks, without submerged cap maceration. Malolactic fermentation was done in stainless steel. The Barolos spent one year in Slavonian oak casks, followed by a second year in French oak casks.” -Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Not Yet Rated
“This is a knockout set of new releases (with some of these wines coming to market in September 2025) that is absolutely worth your attention.” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Not Yet Rated
Brovia ‘Brea Vigna Ca’ Mia’, Barolo DOCG 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $132.50, that’s $125.88 at 5% off and $119.25 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe 98 points “Showing elegance, structure, concentration and great depth, the 2020 Brovia Vigna Cà Mia is magnificent, starting with its enticing fragrance of rose, camphor and pipe tobacco. Reflecting the fruit richness of the vintage and the balance and body the site is celebrated for, the delicious palate unleashes fleshy cherry and crushed raspberry before closing on truffle and licorice notes. A backbone of enveloping fine-grained tannins lends structure and a velvety texture. Drink 2028-2038.”
Brovia Garblet Sue Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $134, that’s $127.30 at 5% off and $120.60 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “Tile, violets, wild berries and rose petals on the nose. Really pure and fascinating aromatics. The palate is subtle and delicate, but with concentrated and sophisticated fruit that’s succulent and precise. Linear acidity. A lovely wine. Drink or hold.”
Brovia Rocche di Castiglione, Barolo DOCG 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $299, that’s $284.05 at 5% off and $269.10 at 10% off, 1 magnum in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “Brovia hits it out of the ballpark with this set of wines from the 2019 vintage. The 2019 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is a darker, broader expression that stands on its own thanks to that special intensity. This expression veers toward dark fruit and black cherry, and there is a lot of iron ore or rusty nail at the back. The wine is almost sanguine in character, but in a manner that enhances all the other beautiful characteristics on hand. The mouthfeel is slightly more open-knit and rich, making this a better pairing partner to hearty meat dishes. Production is 5,000 bottles.”
Brovia Rocche di Castiglione, Barolo DOCG 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $159, that’s $151.05 at 5% off and $143.10 at 10% off, 3 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “The Brovia 2021 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione takes us back to, again, one of my favorite sites in the appellation. I go crazy for wines from this MGA. This expression is extremely nuanced and delicate, especially at first. The wine builds intensity later. Finely stitched aromas of fruit, minerals and blue flower make for a classical Nebbiolo. It shows good power and structure at the back. You should age it longer than most. Fermentation starts off in cement, and the wine is racked into French and Slavonian oak casks (40 hectoliters) for aging. The Rocche di Castiglione vineyard is distinguished by its high presence of sand. This 1.6-hectare plot sits at 300 to 350 meters in elevation with southeastern exposures. The vineyard is extremely steep and, with the loose soils, is challenging to farm. Diano sandstone and Sant’Agata Fossili Marl put these soils on the “younger” side of the Barolo geological spectrum.”
Brovia Villero, Barolo DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Aromas of forest berry, new leather, dark spice and camphor come to the forefront on this gorgeous red. Full-bodied and delicious, the elegantly structured palate doles out crushed raspberry, licorice, orange zest and mint while bright acidity lends youthful, nervous tension. Taut, refined tannins provide structure and impeccable balance. Drink 2026-2038.”
Brovia Villero, Barolo DOCG 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $132, that’s $125.40 at 5% off and $118.80 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Brovia Villero, Barolo DOCG 2020 1.5L Displayed Price: $289, that’s $274.55 at 5% off and $260.10 at 10% off, 1 magnum in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe 96 points “Showing great class and precision, Brovia’s fragrant 2020 Villero is a chiseled beauty. Taut and focused, the palate features crushed strawberry, pomegranate and blood orange accented with licorice and pink peppercorn before an almost salty close. A backbone of refined tannins provides firm support. It needs a few more years to fully develop and shows good aging potential for this rather forward vintage. Drink 2029-2036.”
Brovia Villero, Barolo DOCG 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $159, that’s $151.05 at 5% off and $143.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe 99 points “The gorgeous 2021 Villero from Brovia reels you in with its enticing fragrance of wild rose, cedar, pine forest and red berry. Elegantly structured and utterly delicious, the poised, precise palate features succulent red cherry, strawberry, star anise and white pepper before a salty finish. Firm, polished tannins provide seamless support while bright acidity keeps it wonderfully balanced and lends racy tension. This is a wine I would love to have in my cellar and follow its evolution over the years. Drink 2031-2046. “
Shop our seventeen Brovia selections now!
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Chateauneuf-du-Pape
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Saturday, December 20th at 9 am Pacific.
*
Rioja
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Rioja
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Rioja
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Sunday, December 21st at 9 am Pacific.
Rioja Sale 12-18-25
In This Newsletter:
Rioja Sale
Stock Up & Save On:
Rioja
We offer thirty-six in-stock Rioja options on sale now, including:
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Bodegas Beronia Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $14.90, that’s $14.16 at 5% off and $13.41 at 10% off, 33 bottles in stock now
Zekun Shuai-James Suckling 91 points “Meaty berries and plums with a peppery lift and a hint of walnuts. Quite juicy and well-made, medium-bodied with soft-grained tannins. Very well-balanced and approachable. Drink now through 2030.”
Bodegas Muga: In the town of Haro in Rioja, sit the some of the best and most essential wineries of the region within a few steps of each other: Lopez de Heredia, CVNE, and Bodegas Muga. Muga combines a traditionalist approach with modern cellar techniques. Muga is a core winery at the shop. The wines offer some of the best values in the region without skimping on complexity and ageability. These are wines to enjoy now or for years or decades to come.
Bodegas Muga ‘Prado Enea’ Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 15 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 97+ points “The expressive, complex and nuanced 2016 Prado Enea Gran Reserva is a textbook traditional Rioja in the making. 2016 was a very elegant year, with aging potential, volume and very good acidity and freshness. It’s full-bodied but fine-boned, has 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.6 and 5.25 grams per liter acidity. It has terrific balance, with all the components in the right proportion to age superbly in bottle. They have also been working on the selection of wood used. This wine matured in French and American oak barrels for three years, and the oak is super integrated. 127,808 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2020. It was an exceptional year with volume and quality.”
Marques de Caceres: Rioja rides the balancing act between young and old very carefully. There are the old-guard traditionalists, who eschew any sort of stainless steel and strive for firm wines that can reach into nearly oxidative states upon release. And there are the young guns who look to showcase the incredible fruit first and foremost, bringing modern materials and techniques into their gleaming wineries. Marques de Caceres falls somewhere in between the two poles, and this could well explain why their wines are found on thousands of wine lists around the world. Not to mention the incredible value of these award-winning wines.
Marques de Caceres Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $15.50, that’s $14.73 at 5% off and $13.95 at 10% off, 31 bottles in stock now
Decanter 90 points “Spicy on the nose, with aromas of redcurrant, leather and chocolate. Lively and fruit-driven on the palate, very approachable.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Marques de Caceres Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $19.90, that’s $18.91 at 5% off and $17.91 at 10% off, 34 bottles in stock now
Guia Penin 91 points “Color: dark-red cherry, garnet rim. Aroma: fruit preserve, aged wood nuances, tobacco, sweet spices. Flavour: spicy, round tannins, long.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Marques de Caceres Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $29.50, that’s $28.03 at 5% off and $26.55 at 10% off, 27 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “Warm spice and licorice notes lace the chopped cherry, green olive, sweet tobacco and vanilla flavors in this well-balanced red. Lightly chewy, with refined tannins and a minerally, tar-tinged finish. Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta and Graciano. Drink now through 2036. 16,666 cases made, 5,000 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Marques de Riscal Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $19, that’s $18.05 at 5% off and $17.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Zekun Shuai-James Suckling 94 points “Refined nose with peppery and earthy undertones to the savory berry fruit, subtle vanilla and orange. Minerals as well. This is firm and quite long on the palate, with medium body and a traditional, nicely rustic twist at the end. Really poised and persistent, showing precision and finesse. One of the best Reserva expressions lately from Marques de Riscal? A joy to drink now, but will hold well over the next 10 years.”
Marqués de Murrieta is one of the great pillars of classical Rioja—a titan of the region that’s responsible for some of the greatest wines ever produced in Spain. They resemble more polished, powerful versions of López de Heredia while sharing their age-worthiness. However, they also offer a more fruit-driven profile in their youth. Murrieta’s wines have always been favorites amongst critics and consumers alike.
Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ml Displayed Price: $275, that’s $261.25 at 5% off and $247.50 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 100 points “So much dried flower, mushroom, iron, rust, sweet berry, and grilled orange. Full-bodied with very elegant and refined tannins that melt in the mouth and give a real sense of place and integrity. Balanced and harmonious. The finesse and finish is endless. Production was 30% less than in 2011. Already so drinkable. A wonderful future. This is the new 1934 or 1964, two legends. Drink or hold.”
Vinedos de Paganos: “Established in 1998 as a micro-project of the Eguren family’s Viñedos Sierra Cantabria, this bodega produces single-site wines from two vineyards, El Puntido and La Nieta, which are in the tiny village of Páganos. This is clearly a labor of love as the vineyards, mostly old Tempranillo, are impeccably maintained. Readers who appreciate more subtle oak influence might not be impressed with the wines when they are young, but I have found that patience yields great rewards when it comes to bringing things into harmony.” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Vinedos de Paganos El Puntido Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2013 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 14 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2013 El Puntido Gran Reserva started very shy and closed; it took time to open up to slowly unfurl the more tertiary notes, despite its youth. It reveals great complexity and nuance. It’s a triumph over the adverse conditions of a challenging year like 2013, a year with a lot of rain and a cold summer with lots of cloudy days when people thought the grapes were not going to ripen. It has a classical nose with notes of cherries in liqueur, cigar ash, decayed leaves and truffles with the spiciness from the 28 months in new French oak barrels and a lactic touch. The palate is polished, sleek and elegant. In 2018, they changed the fermentation vessels from stainless steel to concrete, but we’ll have to wait a few years to see that… 5,000 bottles produced. It has been in bottle since March 2016. It should be long lived and make old bones.”
Remelluri: Telmo Rodríguez is one of the most talented and well-respected winemakers in all of Spain. Wines here are known for their intensity and power, which Rodríguez couples with his preference for mostly-neutral French oak over American oak (which he finds too aggressive).
These iconic wines show unrivaled finesse and terroir, and offer some of the most profound expressions in all of Rioja.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Lindes de Remelluri Vinedos de Labastida, Rioja DOCa 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 23 bottles in stock now
Joaquín Hidalgo-Vinous 93 points “The 2021 Lindes de Remelluri Viñedos de Labastida combines 89% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha and 6% Graciano, sourced from a patchwork of soils and altitudes in Labastida, Rioja Alavesa. Complex and layered, it opens with red and black fruit, gentle herbal notes and a touch of jam. A slightly floral tone reflects the site’s character. In the mouth, reactive tannins lend drive and structure, while the fine, chalky texture reigns in the juicy, expansive palate. The year’s clarity has enhanced the overall definition.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Remelluri Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The estate red 2016 Reserva comes from a late growing season and was produced with local varieties like Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and others from their 86 hectares of vineyards at 590 to 805 meters in altitude on limestone, sandstone and marl soils. The grapes were picked late with good ripeness and health and fermented with natural yeasts in stainless steel and open-top oak vats and then matured in oak containers of different sizes for 20 to 21 months. These are more classical wines, with a more evolved nose, with high ripeness and some balsamic and medicinal notes. It has a dusty palate with Nebbiolo-like tannins. 300,000 bottles and 8,200 magnums produced. It was bottled in May 2019.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Remelluri Vinedos de San Vicente de La Sonsierra, Rioja DOCa 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
Zekun Shuai-James Suckling 95 points “This is defined by the steely and spicy edges to the aromas and flavors of chalky black cherries, violets and blackberries. Firm, dusty tannins coat the medium- to full-bodied palate, with mineral tension at the end. Drink or hold.”
Macán: The most famous of all Spanish wineries, Vega Sicilia, has been producing iconoclastic wines since 1864 that have both expanded and reinforced the idea of what a Spanish wine can be. Often compared to the very finest Premier Cru wines of Bordeaux, Vega Sicilia utilizes particularly low yield harvests and extended again, only releasing their wines when they meet their stringent standards. The Macán estate is a highly-regarded collaboration between Vega Sicilia and the French wine and hospitality company of Edmond de Rothschild Heritage.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Rothschild & Vega Sicilia Macán Clásico, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2020 Macán Clásico was cropped from a more generous crop. The grapes were put in a cold chamber for one night and then underwent a cold soak of three to four days, after which they inoculated the yeasts—in 2020, 25% of it was their native yeast. It fermented in stainless steel, and the élevage was 45% in new French and 5% new American oak barrels, 28% in second use barrel and 22% in stainless steel for one year. The bottled wine has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.78 and 4.5 grams of acidity (tartaric). This is one of the most elegant vintages of this bottling so far. It has showy aromatics with notes of smoky bacon, a bit meaty, and the thing that surprised me the most was the velvety texture. 202,697 bottles, 1,998 magnums and some larger formats produced. It was bottled in August 2022.”
Sierra Cantabria is one of the landmark modern producers of Rioja—a name known both for excellent value, as well as some of the region’s true pinnacle bottlings. From top to bottom, these are some of the richest and most voluptuous wines in Rioja. They’re really special wines, aged in French rather than American oak, and are given a tremendous amount of care during the production process.
Sierra Cantabria Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $20.90, that’s $19.86 at 5% off and $18.81 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Joaquín Hidalgo-Vinous 93 points “An intense Sonsierra wine with a modernist touch, the 2020 Crianza is 100% Tempranillo sourced from San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Labastida, Rioja. Aged for 14 months in oak barrels, this purple wine presents aromas of violets and cherry against a balsamic and herbal backdrop. Dry, juicy and compact on the palate, the taut, fine-grained tannins lead to a lingering, mouthwatering finish. This is a wellcrafted Rioja with an enticing style.”
Sierra de Tolono: In 2012, Sandra Bravo established her winery in Rioja Alavesa, working with some of the oldest and highest altitude vines in the region. With experience in wineries in Bordeaux, Tuscany, New Zealand, and California, she was ready to tackle the near-impossible heights of the foothills vineyards of the Sierra de Toloño, also known as the Sierra de Cantabria.
The terroir is what drew her. She came looking for freshness in the high elevation and calcareous soils. As she puts it, “Priorat really influenced me to make artisanal wines, and to understand that the most important is the vineyard, the vineyard with soul.” These are precise, elegantly textured wines featuring great acidity, low alcohol, and a sense of place. The wines seem to capture the energy and drama of the cool northernly winds that whistle through, imparting the sought-for freshness.
Sierra de Tolono ‘Camino de Santa Cruz’, Rioja DOCa 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “This fluid red shows a pleasing sense of tension and energy, with a lightly chalky sensation from the integrated tannins. Crushed black raspberry, pomegranate puree, wild thyme and mineral flavors expand through the chewy, spiced finish. Drink now through 2035. 98 cases made, 30 cases imported.”
Villota: “In 1973, the Villota family cofounded Viñedos del Contino, Rioja’s first single estate winery with CVNE. The partnership lasted until 2013, when the Villota family broke off, taking the historic family estate with them, and founded their own winery under the Villota brand on this historic plot of land… [This is from the vineyard of] Finca San Rafael, owned and cultivated by the Villota family since the 1930’s. The vineyard is distributed on three terraces that slope gently towards the Ebro River [and tended] without the use of systemic herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, or fertilizers.” -Jorge Ordóñez Selections
Villota Tinto, Rioja DOC 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $29, that’s $27.55 at 5% off and $26.10 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
Joaquín Hidalgo-Vinous 90 points “The 2020 Tinto is composed of 88% Tempranillo and 12% Graciano from Laserna in Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa. Displaying a dark garnet color, it features balsamic aromas ranging from bay leaf to wild herbs in a garrigue-like mood, with hints of blackberry chutney. Dray, rich and intense, the fairly structured palate is flavorful—a potent and ripe Rioja.”
Shop our thirty-six Rioja selections now!
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Chateauneuf-du-Pape
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Saturday, December 20th at 9 am Pacific.
Rioja Sale
Stock Up & Save On:
Rioja
The wines of Spain’s most famous and celebrated wine region, Rioja, offer a bold and deeply complex look at Tempranillo and Garnacha. Wineries are well-known for their long love-affair with French and American oak barriques, which impart signature accents to these deeply impressive reds.
There’s plenty of options to choose from amongst our in-stock selections, from budget-friendly to star of the show.
There’s plenty of options to choose from amongst our in-stock selections, from budget-friendly to star of the show.
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Rioja
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Rioja
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Sunday, December 21st at 9 am Pacific.
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Rioja
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Sunday, December 21st at 9 am Pacific.
We offer thirty-six in-stock Rioja options on sale now, including:
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Bodegas Beronia Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $14.90, that’s $14.16 at 5% off and $13.41 at 10% off, 33 bottles in stock now
Zekun Shuai-James Suckling 91 points “Meaty berries and plums with a peppery lift and a hint of walnuts. Quite juicy and well-made, medium-bodied with soft-grained tannins. Very well-balanced and approachable. Drink now through 2030.”
Bodegas Muga: In the town of Haro in Rioja, sit the some of the best and most essential wineries of the region within a few steps of each other: Lopez de Heredia, CVNE, and Bodegas Muga. Muga combines a traditionalist approach with modern cellar techniques. Muga is a core winery at the shop. The wines offer some of the best values in the region without skimping on complexity and ageability. These are wines to enjoy now or for years or decades to come.
Bodegas Muga ‘Prado Enea’ Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 15 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 97+ points “The expressive, complex and nuanced 2016 Prado Enea Gran Reserva is a textbook traditional Rioja in the making. 2016 was a very elegant year, with aging potential, volume and very good acidity and freshness. It’s full-bodied but fine-boned, has 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.6 and 5.25 grams per liter acidity. It has terrific balance, with all the components in the right proportion to age superbly in bottle. They have also been working on the selection of wood used. This wine matured in French and American oak barrels for three years, and the oak is super integrated. 127,808 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2020. It was an exceptional year with volume and quality.”
Marques de Caceres: Rioja rides the balancing act between young and old very carefully. There are the old-guard traditionalists, who eschew any sort of stainless steel and strive for firm wines that can reach into nearly oxidative states upon release. And there are the young guns who look to showcase the incredible fruit first and foremost, bringing modern materials and techniques into their gleaming wineries. Marques de Caceres falls somewhere in between the two poles, and this could well explain why their wines are found on thousands of wine lists around the world. Not to mention the incredible value of these award-winning wines.
Marques de Caceres Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $15.50, that’s $14.73 at 5% off and $13.95 at 10% off, 31 bottles in stock now
Decanter 90 points “Spicy on the nose, with aromas of redcurrant, leather and chocolate. Lively and fruit-driven on the palate, very approachable.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Marques de Caceres Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $19.90, that’s $18.91 at 5% off and $17.91 at 10% off, 34 bottles in stock now
Guia Penin 91 points “Color: dark-red cherry, garnet rim. Aroma: fruit preserve, aged wood nuances, tobacco, sweet spices. Flavour: spicy, round tannins, long.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Marques de Caceres Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $29.50, that’s $28.03 at 5% off and $26.55 at 10% off, 27 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “Warm spice and licorice notes lace the chopped cherry, green olive, sweet tobacco and vanilla flavors in this well-balanced red. Lightly chewy, with refined tannins and a minerally, tar-tinged finish. Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta and Graciano. Drink now through 2036. 16,666 cases made, 5,000 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Marques de Riscal Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $19, that’s $18.05 at 5% off and $17.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Zekun Shuai-James Suckling 94 points “Refined nose with peppery and earthy undertones to the savory berry fruit, subtle vanilla and orange. Minerals as well. This is firm and quite long on the palate, with medium body and a traditional, nicely rustic twist at the end. Really poised and persistent, showing precision and finesse. One of the best Reserva expressions lately from Marques de Riscal? A joy to drink now, but will hold well over the next 10 years.”
Marqués de Murrieta is one of the great pillars of classical Rioja—a titan of the region that’s responsible for some of the greatest wines ever produced in Spain. They resemble more polished, powerful versions of López de Heredia while sharing their age-worthiness. However, they also offer a more fruit-driven profile in their youth. Murrieta’s wines have always been favorites amongst critics and consumers alike.
Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ml Displayed Price: $275, that’s $261.25 at 5% off and $247.50 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 100 points “So much dried flower, mushroom, iron, rust, sweet berry, and grilled orange. Full-bodied with very elegant and refined tannins that melt in the mouth and give a real sense of place and integrity. Balanced and harmonious. The finesse and finish is endless. Production was 30% less than in 2011. Already so drinkable. A wonderful future. This is the new 1934 or 1964, two legends. Drink or hold.”
Vinedos de Paganos: “Established in 1998 as a micro-project of the Eguren family’s Viñedos Sierra Cantabria, this bodega produces single-site wines from two vineyards, El Puntido and La Nieta, which are in the tiny village of Páganos. This is clearly a labor of love as the vineyards, mostly old Tempranillo, are impeccably maintained. Readers who appreciate more subtle oak influence might not be impressed with the wines when they are young, but I have found that patience yields great rewards when it comes to bringing things into harmony.” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Vinedos de Paganos El Puntido Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2013 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 14 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2013 El Puntido Gran Reserva started very shy and closed; it took time to open up to slowly unfurl the more tertiary notes, despite its youth. It reveals great complexity and nuance. It’s a triumph over the adverse conditions of a challenging year like 2013, a year with a lot of rain and a cold summer with lots of cloudy days when people thought the grapes were not going to ripen. It has a classical nose with notes of cherries in liqueur, cigar ash, decayed leaves and truffles with the spiciness from the 28 months in new French oak barrels and a lactic touch. The palate is polished, sleek and elegant. In 2018, they changed the fermentation vessels from stainless steel to concrete, but we’ll have to wait a few years to see that… 5,000 bottles produced. It has been in bottle since March 2016. It should be long lived and make old bones.”
Remelluri: Telmo Rodríguez is one of the most talented and well-respected winemakers in all of Spain. Wines here are known for their intensity and power, which Rodríguez couples with his preference for mostly-neutral French oak over American oak (which he finds too aggressive).
These iconic wines show unrivaled finesse and terroir, and offer some of the most profound expressions in all of Rioja.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Lindes de Remelluri Vinedos de Labastida, Rioja DOCa 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 23 bottles in stock now
Joaquín Hidalgo-Vinous 93 points “The 2021 Lindes de Remelluri Viñedos de Labastida combines 89% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha and 6% Graciano, sourced from a patchwork of soils and altitudes in Labastida, Rioja Alavesa. Complex and layered, it opens with red and black fruit, gentle herbal notes and a touch of jam. A slightly floral tone reflects the site’s character. In the mouth, reactive tannins lend drive and structure, while the fine, chalky texture reigns in the juicy, expansive palate. The year’s clarity has enhanced the overall definition.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Remelluri Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The estate red 2016 Reserva comes from a late growing season and was produced with local varieties like Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and others from their 86 hectares of vineyards at 590 to 805 meters in altitude on limestone, sandstone and marl soils. The grapes were picked late with good ripeness and health and fermented with natural yeasts in stainless steel and open-top oak vats and then matured in oak containers of different sizes for 20 to 21 months. These are more classical wines, with a more evolved nose, with high ripeness and some balsamic and medicinal notes. It has a dusty palate with Nebbiolo-like tannins. 300,000 bottles and 8,200 magnums produced. It was bottled in May 2019.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Remelluri Vinedos de San Vicente de La Sonsierra, Rioja DOCa 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
Zekun Shuai-James Suckling 95 points “This is defined by the steely and spicy edges to the aromas and flavors of chalky black cherries, violets and blackberries. Firm, dusty tannins coat the medium- to full-bodied palate, with mineral tension at the end. Drink or hold.”
Macán: The most famous of all Spanish wineries, Vega Sicilia, has been producing iconoclastic wines since 1864 that have both expanded and reinforced the idea of what a Spanish wine can be. Often compared to the very finest Premier Cru wines of Bordeaux, Vega Sicilia utilizes particularly low yield harvests and extended again, only releasing their wines when they meet their stringent standards. The Macán estate is a highly-regarded collaboration between Vega Sicilia and the French wine and hospitality company of Edmond de Rothschild Heritage.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Rothschild & Vega Sicilia Macán Clásico, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2020 Macán Clásico was cropped from a more generous crop. The grapes were put in a cold chamber for one night and then underwent a cold soak of three to four days, after which they inoculated the yeasts—in 2020, 25% of it was their native yeast. It fermented in stainless steel, and the élevage was 45% in new French and 5% new American oak barrels, 28% in second use barrel and 22% in stainless steel for one year. The bottled wine has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.78 and 4.5 grams of acidity (tartaric). This is one of the most elegant vintages of this bottling so far. It has showy aromatics with notes of smoky bacon, a bit meaty, and the thing that surprised me the most was the velvety texture. 202,697 bottles, 1,998 magnums and some larger formats produced. It was bottled in August 2022.”
Sierra Cantabria is one of the landmark modern producers of Rioja—a name known both for excellent value, as well as some of the region’s true pinnacle bottlings. From top to bottom, these are some of the richest and most voluptuous wines in Rioja. They’re really special wines, aged in French rather than American oak, and are given a tremendous amount of care during the production process.
Sierra Cantabria Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $20.90, that’s $19.86 at 5% off and $18.81 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Joaquín Hidalgo-Vinous 93 points “An intense Sonsierra wine with a modernist touch, the 2020 Crianza is 100% Tempranillo sourced from San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Labastida, Rioja. Aged for 14 months in oak barrels, this purple wine presents aromas of violets and cherry against a balsamic and herbal backdrop. Dry, juicy and compact on the palate, the taut, fine-grained tannins lead to a lingering, mouthwatering finish. This is a wellcrafted Rioja with an enticing style.”
Sierra de Tolono: In 2012, Sandra Bravo established her winery in Rioja Alavesa, working with some of the oldest and highest altitude vines in the region. With experience in wineries in Bordeaux, Tuscany, New Zealand, and California, she was ready to tackle the near-impossible heights of the foothills vineyards of the Sierra de Toloño, also known as the Sierra de Cantabria.
The terroir is what drew her. She came looking for freshness in the high elevation and calcareous soils. As she puts it, “Priorat really influenced me to make artisanal wines, and to understand that the most important is the vineyard, the vineyard with soul.” These are precise, elegantly textured wines featuring great acidity, low alcohol, and a sense of place. The wines seem to capture the energy and drama of the cool northernly winds that whistle through, imparting the sought-for freshness.
Sierra de Tolono ‘Camino de Santa Cruz’, Rioja DOCa 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “This fluid red shows a pleasing sense of tension and energy, with a lightly chalky sensation from the integrated tannins. Crushed black raspberry, pomegranate puree, wild thyme and mineral flavors expand through the chewy, spiced finish. Drink now through 2035. 98 cases made, 30 cases imported.”
Villota: “In 1973, the Villota family cofounded Viñedos del Contino, Rioja’s first single estate winery with CVNE. The partnership lasted until 2013, when the Villota family broke off, taking the historic family estate with them, and founded their own winery under the Villota brand on this historic plot of land… [This is from the vineyard of] Finca San Rafael, owned and cultivated by the Villota family since the 1930’s. The vineyard is distributed on three terraces that slope gently towards the Ebro River [and tended] without the use of systemic herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, or fertilizers.” -Jorge Ordóñez Selections
Villota Tinto, Rioja DOC 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $29, that’s $27.55 at 5% off and $26.10 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
Joaquín Hidalgo-Vinous 90 points “The 2020 Tinto is composed of 88% Tempranillo and 12% Graciano from Laserna in Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa. Displaying a dark garnet color, it features balsamic aromas ranging from bay leaf to wild herbs in a garrigue-like mood, with hints of blackberry chutney. Dray, rich and intense, the fairly structured palate is flavorful—a potent and ripe Rioja.”
Shop our thirty-six Rioja selections now!
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Chateauneuf-du-Pape
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Saturday, December 20th at 9 am Pacific.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape Sale 12-17-25
In This Newsletter:
Chateauneuf-du-Pape Sale
Stock Up & Save On:
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Chateauneuf-du-Pape Sale
Stock Up & Save On:
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
The Southern Rhone region of Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the king when it comes to power and impact. These wines are loaded to the hilt with aromatics, tannins, bombast, and terroir, where vines are grown in poor, stony soils that impart deep and dark mineral notes.
This is the home of GSM blends, the trio of grapes (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre) that comprise the majority of CDP wines. Grenache is the base with proportions of the other two varying widely between producers. Rustic herbal and rich spice notes frame the red and black fruit aromas typical to the wines.
Don’t look for shy beauties here: the wines typically clock in at over 14% alcohol with lush tannins and fruit. Though Chateauneufs have an excellent track record for cellaring, they show magnificently throughout their long life.
We’ve placed these gorgeous wines on sale starting now. Stock up for the best savings on one of our most popular regions!
This is the home of GSM blends, the trio of grapes (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre) that comprise the majority of CDP wines. Grenache is the base with proportions of the other two varying widely between producers. Rustic herbal and rich spice notes frame the red and black fruit aromas typical to the wines.
Don’t look for shy beauties here: the wines typically clock in at over 14% alcohol with lush tannins and fruit. Though Chateauneufs have an excellent track record for cellaring, they show magnificently throughout their long life.
We’ve placed these gorgeous wines on sale starting now. Stock up for the best savings on one of our most popular regions!
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Chateauneuf-du-Pape
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Saturday, December 20th at 9 am Pacific.
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Saturday, December 20th at 9 am Pacific.
We offer nine in-stock Chateauneuf-du-Pape options on sale now, including:
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Bosquet des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Les 7 de Pignan’ 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 23 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 96 points “A new cuvée, there is a single foudre of the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Les 7 de Pignan, a pure Grenache named for the seven small vineyard parcels it emerges from, all on sandy soils in and around Pignan. It showcases the filigreed, floral side of Grenache on sand, with delicate notes of rose petals and resinous herbs, plus raspberries and strawberries. Full-bodied, it’s silky in texture and almost airy in feel, with a lingering, elegant finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Clos Saint-Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Moving to the reds and 85% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre, the base 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a beauty and boasts appealing notes of spiced red and black fruits, cedar, and garrigue. Full-bodied, ripe and undeniably sexy, it’s going to benefit from a year or three in the cellar and drink nicely for over a decade.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2020 750ml Was $54.50, Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 points “Delivering a generous cascade of attractive ripe fig and cherry pie flavors, this red is grounded by serious cast iron, mineral power. Reveals engaging scents of dried lavender, tea leaves and cured tobacco that add complexity through the well-hewn, perfectly chewy close. Delicious. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Drink now through 2032”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $54.50, that’s $51.78 at 5% off and $49.05 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 90 points “Downright refined, the 2021 Chāteauneuf-du-Pape displays bright aromas of predominantly red fruits, black cherry, earth and cedar. Medium to full-bodied and spicy, the well-structured palate offers juicy fruit and concludes with a persistent finish. It checks in at 14.7% alcohol, one percent less than the 2020. (Drink between 2025-2036).”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2023 750ml Displayed Price: $51.90, that’s $49.31 at 5% off and $46.71 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Châteauneuf-du-Pape is famously the strongest, most powerful, and longest-lived wine of the southern Rhône. Louis Barruol’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape from contracted growers is a classic expression of the region with aromas and flavors of cherry, thyme, lavender, truffle, and olives.”
These are the only listings in the USA today for the three- and six-liters!
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 2020 3L Displayed Price: $489, that’s $464.55 at 5% off and $440.10 at 10% off, 1 double-magnum in stock now
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 2020 6L Displayed Price: $899, that’s $854.05 at 5% off and $809.10 at 10% off, 1 six-liter in stock now (shipping not available for the six-liter)
James Suckling 96-97 points “Such a deep and meaty nose with a slew of wild-herb, savory and subtle balsamic notes. Then comes the expansive and very concentrated palate, which reveals so many spicy nuances as it rolls over the palate, the stunning fine tannins pushing the finish out even further. A grenache-based blend from 60-year-old vines.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 2018 1.5L Displayed Price: $199, that’s $189.05 at 5% off and $179.10 at 10% off, 9 magnums in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Traditionally dominated by clairette (45%) and grenache blanc (30%), then roussanne and bourboulenc. The vines average 50+ years and there’s a very restrained nose with dialed-back white-pear and chalk aromas with dried flowers, too. The palate has a super fresh, zippy feel and a long, juicy and attractive core of fresh, salty minerals. The balance is innate and very fluid. Drink or hold.”
Diebolt-Vallois and Pierre Gimonnet Have Landed!
Few regions reward nuance and restraint quite like the Côte des Blancs, and few growers express its chalk-driven elegance better than Diebolt-Vallois and Pierre Gimonnet. These two family estates—neighbors in Champagne but distinct in philosophy—share a devotion to Chardonnay, low intervention, and long élevage, resulting in wines that are simultaneously refreshing, serious, and deeply expressive of place.
Diebolt-Vallois, based in Cramant, is known for Champagne of clarity and finesse. Their style leans quietly powerful rather than overtly opulent, built on ripe but precise fruit, fine mousse, and a saline, chalky backbone. From the benchmark Blanc de Blancs to the rare and coveted Fleur de Passion, Diebolt-Vallois produces wines that age effortlessly and reward patience, yet remain strikingly drinkable on release.
Pierre Gimonnet, headquartered in Cuis, represents another pillar of Côte des Blancs excellence. With holdings across Cuis, Oger, Chouilly, and Cramant, the Gimonnet family crafts Champagnes that emphasize linearity, tension, and transparency. Low dosage, long lees aging, and meticulous vineyard work define the house style, especially in the Fleuron, Œnophile, and Special Club bottlings—each a study in precision and site expression.
Together, these newly arrived wines offer a compelling snapshot of modern grower Champagne at its best. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of mature Fleuron vintages, the purity of non-vintage Blanc de Blancs, or the prestige and depth of Special Club releases, this lineup represents some of the most compelling Chardonnay-based Champagnes available today.
I’d ancticpate these bottles selling fast with the Holidays and New Year’s upon us. Grab a half-case to ensure your family members and guests enjoy a celebration they won’t soon forget.
Diebolt-Vallois, based in Cramant, is known for Champagne of clarity and finesse. Their style leans quietly powerful rather than overtly opulent, built on ripe but precise fruit, fine mousse, and a saline, chalky backbone. From the benchmark Blanc de Blancs to the rare and coveted Fleur de Passion, Diebolt-Vallois produces wines that age effortlessly and reward patience, yet remain strikingly drinkable on release.
Pierre Gimonnet, headquartered in Cuis, represents another pillar of Côte des Blancs excellence. With holdings across Cuis, Oger, Chouilly, and Cramant, the Gimonnet family crafts Champagnes that emphasize linearity, tension, and transparency. Low dosage, long lees aging, and meticulous vineyard work define the house style, especially in the Fleuron, Œnophile, and Special Club bottlings—each a study in precision and site expression.
Together, these newly arrived wines offer a compelling snapshot of modern grower Champagne at its best. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of mature Fleuron vintages, the purity of non-vintage Blanc de Blancs, or the prestige and depth of Special Club releases, this lineup represents some of the most compelling Chardonnay-based Champagnes available today.
I’d ancticpate these bottles selling fast with the Holidays and New Year’s upon us. Grab a half-case to ensure your family members and guests enjoy a celebration they won’t soon forget.
Champagnes Available Now:
Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 1.5L, $99.00 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Lively and elegant champagne, perfect as an aperitif or at the beginning of the meal. Varieties used: 100% Chardonnay, Blanc de Blancs. Terroir: Cuis, Chouilly, Epernay and young vines from Cramant. Vinification: Fermentation in thermostatically controlled vats. Blend of wines from two years. Dosage: 3-5 g/l.”
Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion Blanc de Blancs 2014 750ml special, $179.00, 6 bottles in stock now
Vinous 93 Points “The 2014 Brut Cuvée Fleuron is a gorgeous wine that is just starting to show the first signs of maturity in its aromas and flavors. Pear, marzipan, spice, brioche and dried flowers all meld together effortlessly. Soft, silky contours add immediacy and sheer appeal. Dosage is 5 grams per liter.”
Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 1.5L, $99.00 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Lively and elegant champagne, perfect as an aperitif or at the beginning of the meal. Varieties used: 100% Chardonnay, Blanc de Blancs. Terroir: Cuis, Chouilly, Epernay and young vines from Cramant. Vinification: Fermentation in thermostatically controlled vats. Blend of wines from two years. Dosage: 3-5 g/l.”
Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion Blanc de Blancs 2014 750ml special, $179.00, 6 bottles in stock now
Vinous 93 Points “The 2014 Brut Cuvée Fleuron is a gorgeous wine that is just starting to show the first signs of maturity in its aromas and flavors. Pear, marzipan, spice, brioche and dried flowers all meld together effortlessly. Soft, silky contours add immediacy and sheer appeal. Dosage is 5 grams per liter.”
Jacques Diebolt
Diebolt-Vallois Rosé Brut NV 750ml, $59.00 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “This elegant pink champagne offers abundant red fruit aromas: raspberries, red currants and wood strawberries. Varieties used: 63% Pinot Noir, 27% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Meunier. Terroir: The grapes come mainly from the fields known as Les Toulettes in Epernay. Vinification: Fermentation in thermostatically controlled vats. Blended rosé: addition of Bouzy Rouge (grand cru). Dosage: 3-5 g/l.”
Pierre Gimonnet Cuis Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru NV 750ml, $59.00 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Vinous 91 points “[Reviewed Nov 2023] The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuis 1er Cru (2020 base) sizzles with energy. White flowers, chalk, mint, white pepper, green pear and lime all race across the palate. Medium in body and finely cut, the 1er Cru is a jewel of a wine. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy taut, airy Blancs de Blancs.”
Pierre Gimonnet Brut Rosé de Blancs 1er Cru NV 1.5L, $179.00 special, 3 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 Points “Attractive salmon color with flint, white-pepper and delicate cantaloupe aromas that follow through to a medium body with bitter grilled-lemon and orange-peel flavors. Very intense aftertaste. Lots of character. A blend of 94% chardonnay and 6% pinot noir. Dosage 5 g/L. Drink now.”
Gimonnet Family
Pierre Gimonnet Fleuron Blanc de Blancs Brut 2019 750ml, $94.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 Points “A lively and bright blanc de blancs that has lemon peel, sliced apple, croissant and biscuit on the nose. It’s fine and silky on the palate with light bready hints to the citrus fruit. 100% chardonnay from Cramant, Chouilly and Cuis. Disgorged in 2023. Dosage 5g/L. Drink now.”
Pierre Gimonnet Fleuron Blanc de Blancs Brut 2006 750ml, $125.00 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 93 Points “Floral and smoke notes provide an aromatic overtone for this vibrant Champagne, with the lacy mousse carrying flavors of Honeycrisp apple, salted almond, lemon curd and glazed apricot, followed by a lightly spiced, mouthwatering finish. Disgorged September 2013. Drink now through 2030. 130 cases imported.”
Pierre Gimonnet Oenophile Extra Brut 2018 750ml, $99.00 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 Points “For the extremely warm year this is remarkably fresh with very pure lemon blossom and white flower character. A thread of delicate chalky minerality runs through the focused palate, which the fine mousse accents beautifully. A cuvee of wines that are 45% from Cramant, 30% Chouilly, 22% Cuis and 3% Oger.”
Pierre Gimonnet Special Club 1er Cru 2018 750ml, $119.00 special, 5 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 Points “Vivid acidity creates a mouthwatering frame for flavors of Honeycrisp apple and nectarine, with pickled ginger, chamomile and blanched almond accents. Lacy in texture, this shows focus and length in a finely balanced, bright and graceful package. Disgorged June 2023. Drink now through 2035.”
Pierre Gimonnet Special Club Oger 2017 750ml, $149.00 special, 5 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 Points “White peaches, nutmeg, crushed stones and pie crust on the nose, as well as some lemon sherbet. Tangy and bright on the palate, acid-driven but powerful, with minerally and salty undertones. Long, lively finish. 100% chardonnay from Oger. 3.5 g/L dosage. Disgorged July 2024. Drink now or hold.”