In This Newsletter:

Three’s A Party Sale
Rosé of the Day: Bagnol Cassis



Stock Up & Save
 
California Legends:
 
Dominus, Racines and Snowden
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from Dominus, Racines &/or Snowden
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles from Dominus, Racines &/or Snowden
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Tuesday, December 2nd at 9 am Pacific.
 

We offer 19 in-stock selections from Dominus, Racines & Snowden on sale now, including:
 
Dominus:
 
Christian Moueix is an iconic winemaker best known for his legendary Bordeaux wines from Château Petrus in Pomerol. Moueix brought his expertise and French winemaking skills to Napa Valley, founding Dominus in Napa Valley and quickly began racking up 100-point reviews.
 
His vision has shaped Dominus into the force it is today. Despite its French heritage, the wine is defiantly California in tone and style, combining waves of rich fruit and beautiful aromatics with enough tannin to ground the wine. Practicing both dry and organic farming, Christian Moueix’s Dominus produces one of the most terroir expressive wines in the United States.
 
Dominus Estate Christian Moueix, Napa Valley 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $299, that’s $284.05 at 5% off and $269.10 at 10% off, 3 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 98+ points “The 2017 Dominus is one of the truly epic, grand wines of the vintage. Rich, dense and explosive, with tremendous concentration and sheer power, the 2017 Dominus captures all the personality of this site along with the natural opulence of the year. Inky dark fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice, plum, gravel and a host of dark spice notes infuse the 2017 with seemingly endless layers of nuance. Over the last two years I have tasted several hundred Napa Valley Cabernets, both from barrel and bottle. There is no question that Dominus belongs among the elite in 2017; it is simply a breathtaking wine. Certainly readers looking for a Napa Valley Cabernet to cellar should put Dominus at the top of their lists.”
 
Wine Spectator Wine of the Year in 2021
Dominus Estate Christian Moueix, Napa Valley 2018 375ml Displayed Price: $219, that’s $208.05 at 5% off and $197.10 at 10% off, 15 half-bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “The flagship 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon checks in as 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot brought up in 40% new French oak. With an essence of Cabernet-like character in its darker currants, green tobacco, cedar, graphite, and floral aromas and flavors, this gorgeous wine is full-bodied and has bright yet integrated acidity, polished tannins, and a great, great finish. It’s just gorgeously put together and a magical, flawless wine. It’s going to take a decade to hit maturity but will evolve for 40-50 years in cold cellars. It is as good as it gets in classic, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon!”
 
Dominus Estate Christian Moueix, Napa Valley 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $319, that’s $303.05 at 5% off and $287.10 at 10% off, 3 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent 100 points “Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Dominus was harvested from September 29 to October 10. It was aged in 40% new oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose slowly unfurls to unveil beguiling floral notes of candied violets and rose oil over a core of crème de cassis, blackberry pie, and plum preserves, giving way to notions of licorice, Indian spices, iron ore, and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with taut, muscular black fruit layers, intertwined with gorgeous floral and exotic spice accents, and framed by firm, finely grained tannins with seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral-laced. Tightly coiled with so much latent energy waiting to explode, this is a spectacular expression of the vintage and Napanook vineyard. Still tightly coiled, give it a good 6-7 years in the cellar before broaching, and allow it a few hours in a decanter if consumed before 2032.”
 
Dominus Estate Christian Moueix, Napa Valley 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $349, that’s $331.55 at 5% off and $314.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
The Wine Independent 96 points “A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Dominus has a deep garnet-purple color. It rolls out of the glass with expressive notes of baked blackberries, preserved plums, and kirsch, with suggestions of Indian spices, sandalwood, potpourri, and black truffles, plus a ferrous hint. The full-bodied palate delivers a firm, grainy texture with just enough freshness to support the generous fruit, finishing long and oh-so-spicy. Yum!”
 
Racines:
 
When one of the preeminent names in Burgundy, Étienne de Montille of Domaine de Montille, sought out land on the West Coast of America to craft Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a Burgundian sensibility, it was only natural that he focused on the Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County. (It’s a region that seems to pull at French hearts, as it did with the late Philippe Cambie and his joint project with Adam Lee of Siduri, named Beau Marchais.)
 
The results? Exquisite and poised, these are wines that even wowed stodgy British palates with their complexity. To quote Beaune Imports, “the cool coastal climate and mineral based soils give [the project’s co-founders] confidence in light of global warming and it’s clear that Justin’s winemaking style would be at home in either Burgundy or Champagne.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Racines Sta. Rita Hills Cuvée Chardonnay 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 13 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 91 points “The 2018 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills Cuvée is bright, airy and wonderfully perfumed. Ethereal and gracious, the 2018 lifts out of the glass with striking aromatic presence to match its chiseled, mid-weight personality. This is one of the more nervy, taut Chardonnays readers will come across in 2018, and yet there is lovely breadth that emerges with a bit of time in the glass. Hints of lemon confit, white flower and marzipan linger nicely on the close.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Racines Sta. Rita Hills Cuvée Chardonnay 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $55, that’s $52.25 at 5% off and $49.50 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
Decanter 93 points “A wonderfully complex wine with ample texture. The Sta Rita Hills Cuvée is sourced from some of Santa Barbara’s top Chardonnay sites. The wine sees very little new oak and, as a result, shines forth with delicate brilliance—classically cool climate Chardonnay aromatics of soft white florals, crushed chalk and a touch of mint. The palate has verve and energy with savoury petrichor-driven minerality coming to the fore, followed on by bruised apples, a touch of cardamom and honey to finish adding depth and complexity along the way.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Racines Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2019 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict is a powerful, brooding wine. The high percentage of stems (75%) undoubtedly adds savory intensity, but it also masks some site character. The 2019 is a gorgeous wine, but it is also austere and not an especially typical expression of this site. I hope to have a chance to taste it in a decade.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Racines Wenzlau Family Vineyard Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2018 Chardonnay Wenzlau Family Vineyard speaks with tremendous authority. A wine of real direction and personality, the 2018 has so much going on. Pear, lemon confit, white flowers, crushed rocks and dried herbs are beautifully layered. The 2018 is incredibly nuanced, precise and deep.”
 
Racines Wenzlau Family Vineyard Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 18 bottles in stock now
Decanter 95 points “Beguiling complexity, depth and beauty mark this outstanding Chardonnay from the Wenzlau Family Vineyard in the Sta Rita Hills. In a year when so many of California’s wine regions were devastated by smoke, this wine shows a fresh, airy poise—delicate and precise aromas of crushed chalk, petrichor, sweet white flower pollen and hints of seaspray. The palate is exquisite; a sophistication of flavours and textures collide. A savoury, briny minerality outlines apricot skin, early-season nectarine and subtle hints of bee pollen. The finish is fine, filigreed and fresh.”
 
Racines Sta. Rita Hills Cuvée Pinot Noir 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $54.50, that’s $51.78 at 5% off and $49.05 at 10% off, 19 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The 2020 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Cuvée is a terrific introduction to the range. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, spice, rose petal and a touch of whole cluster savoriness are all beautifully delineated. This is suh a gorgeous and expressive Pinot.”
 
Racines Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $115, that’s $109.25 at 5% off and $103.50 at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Decanter 94 points “From organic vineyards along the Santa Rosa Road corridor, this Pinot Noir from Racines is a straightforward cooler site Pinot Noir from Sta Rita Hills. Aromas of strawberry fruit leather give way to notes of turned earth and crushed black basalt. The palate is savoury, with underlying dried fruit flavours. Montmorency cherries, garden soil and clove, evolve into notes of savoury herbs and streaks of graphite minerality.”
 
Racines ‘Sainte Rose’ Pinot Noir, Sta Rita Hills 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 3 bottles in stock now
Decanter 94 points “From organic vineyards along the Santa Rosa Road corridor, this Pinot Noir from Racines is a straightforward cooler site Pinot Noir from Sta Rita Hills. Aromas of strawberry fruit leather give way to notes of turned earth and crushed black basalt. The palate is savoury, with underlying dried fruit flavours. Montmorency cherries, garden soil and clove, evolve into notes of savoury herbs and streaks of graphite minerality.”
 
Snowden:
 
Offering one of Napa Valley’s best quality-to-price ratios, Snowden has earned the respect of both its peers and consumers alike. Located at the confluence of several of Napa Valley’s most acclaimed appellations, including Rutherford and St. Helena, Snowden is a Beverly Hills estate without the 90210 zip code. This location, on the gentle hillside of the Vaca Mountains, allows the estate’s third generation winemaker Diana Snowden Seysses to produce wines of power and nuance. Having trained in both Napa and Europe, her wines combine prototypical Napa muscle with freshness and intricate fruit. Napa Valley producers, especially those with comparable pedigrees that so convincingly achieve this balancing act, are notoriously expensive. Snowden is a rare Napa classic which remains relatively affordable.
 
The quality of the estate’s fruit has been an open secret within the valley for decades, and many of Napa’s most respected names have purchased fruit over the years, including Silver Oak and Caymus. However, we’re here to out Snowden for the greater good. These prices do not reflect the quality on offer, and the wines deserve a place on your dinner table.
 
Snowden Vineyards The Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “From the surprisingly wonderful 2022 vintage, this is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. The 2022 growing season was idyllic until a heatwave in the fall quickly ripened the grapes and gave us a unique balance between the flavors developed through the temperate summer and the approachability and silky tannins coming from the heat boost in September. Winemaker Diana Snowden Seyesses calls the 22 Ranch a slurper(!), offering a bright bouquet of cedar and blackberries.”
 
Snowden Vineyards ‘Brothers Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $109, that’s $103.55 at 5% off and $98.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Brothers Vineyard is a super-elegant, classy wine. Spice, leather, tobacco and cedar lead into a core of blue/purplish fruit. This opens beautifully on the mid-palate and finish, showing terrific depth and poise throughout.”

 
Shop our nineteen selections from Dominus, Racines, and Snowden now!


 
Rosé of the Day
 
Bagnol Cassis
 

The sunny Provençal village of Cassis is home to some of the region’s most elegant rosés. These gorgeous blends are mostly composed of Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvedre. One of the region’s top producers, and one that insiders continue to turn to, is Domaine du Bagnol. Though rarely reviewed, this gorgeous rose is adored and avidly pursued by wine lovers and collectors. Expect bright acidity and impressive energy with red berry and light floral aromatics over a rich minerality and savory, saline core.
 
In Stock Now:
 
Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rosé, Provence 2024 750ml $29.50 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rosé, Provence 2024 1.5L $64.50 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rosé, Provence 2024 3L $128 special, 3 double-magnums in stock now
Importer Note “No estate expresses the salt-kissed limestone-driven terroir of the idyllic Provençal seaside village of Cassis like Domaine du Bagnol, and the current generation, Sébastien Genovesi, crafts a rosé of scintillating energy, chiseled calcareous musculature, and gleaming red fruits. Comprising 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, and 20% Mourvèdre, Bagnol’s Cassis Rosé is pressed directly and rapidly (in under two hours) to extract as little color as possible, and the bottled wine (certified organic) contains only 20 milligrams per liter of total sulfur—a factor which contributes to its gorgeous purity of texture and intense evocation of limestone soil.”

 
Browse our 62 in-stock rosé selections now!


 
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
 
Chateau de Rouanne
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Chateau de Rouanne
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Chateau de Rouanne
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Monday, December 1st at 9 am Pacific.

In This Newsletter:

Chateau de Rouanne Sale
Collector’s Corner: Marc Colin’s Astonishing Burgundies



Stock Up & Save On:
 
Chateau de Rouanne
 

Chateau de Saint Cosme is an iconic producer in Gigondas. Louis Barruol, the 14th generation of winemakers for this historical estate, is not one to rest on his laurels. He’s had a hand in several projects both Old World and New. One such estate is Chateau de Rouanne.
 
Barruol has sourced fruit from this ancient estate for many years. It is a phenomenal site that also dates to Roman times. The vineyards were replanted in the 1960s and have been maintained with massale selection of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The soils are rich in limestone and sandy marl. In early 2019, he purchased the estate and began overseeing wine production.
 
One of his notable accomplishments with the estate was to produce single-parcel bottlings. Look for beauty and elegance in the Guerin, bold power in Les Cotes, and richness and intensity in the Rouanne et les Crottes.
 
The village-level bottling is no sleeper, either. It reminds us of Saint Cosme’s own Gigondas with a more rustic aromatic profile reminiscent of garrigue in Provençal wine. It’s absolutely gorgeous and an incredible value for under $20 when you stock up during our three-day sale.
 

5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Chateau de Rouanne
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Chateau de Rouanne
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Monday, December 1st at 9 am Pacific.

 
We offer seven in-stock Chateau de Rouanne options on sale now, including:
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres ‘Guerin’, Rhone 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “The Grenache-dominated single vineyard 2019 Vinsobres Lieu-Dit Guerin is brilliant as well. Concentrated, medium to full-bodied, and opulent, it has lots of red and black fruits, plenty of peppery herbs and meaty nuances, terrific balance, and outstanding length. It’s another gorgeous wine from this talented winemaker, and this is an estate to watch.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres ‘Guerin’, Rhone 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 18 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Moving to the single vineyard releases, the 2020 Vinsobres Guerin comes from lower down on the hillside and more pebbly soils. It has lots of meaty red and black fruits as well as exotic notes of ground pepper, orange blossom, and licorice. This full-bodied, ripe, opulent beauty is going to evolve nicely through 2032.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres ‘Rouanne et Les Cotes’, Rhone 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 26 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Winey and muscular, with cassis and bitter plum reduction notes leading the way, while baker’s chocolate, tobacco and warm humus fill in behind. Grippy and dark on the finish, with an old-school edge lingering. Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Best from 2023 through 2030. 350 cases made, 200 cases imported. — JM”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres ‘Rouanne et Les Cotes’, Rhone 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “My favorite in the lineup (although these are all brilliant) is the 2020 Vinsobres Rouanne Et Les Crottes, which comes from the middle of the hillside vineyard and more clay and iron soils. Lots of darker, almost blue fruits, violets, smoked herbs, and iron nuances define the bouquet, and it’s medium to full-bodied, has ultra-fine tannins, and offers a beautiful mix of both richness and elegance.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres ‘Les Crottes’, Rhone 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $64.50, that’s $61.28 at 5% off and $58.05 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Rich and well-built, this offers up a serious dark core of black currant and plum reduction flavors supported by graphite, humus and cast iron notes, with sweet bay leaf, violet and tobacco notes filling in the background. A wine with a smoldering intensity. Grenache and Syrah. Best from 2023 through 2032. 350 cases made, 200 cases imported. — JM”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres ‘Les Crottes’, Rhone 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “My favorite in the lineup (although these are all brilliant) is the 2020 Vinsobres Rouanne Et Les Crottes, which comes from the middle of the hillside vineyard and more clay and iron soils. Lots of darker, almost blue fruits, violets, smoked herbs, and iron nuances define the bouquet, and it’s medium to full-bodied, has ultra-fine tannins, and offers a beautiful mix of both richness and elegance.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres, Rhone 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $21.90, that’s $20.81 at 5% off and $19.71 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, the classic 2020 Vinsobres from this château is beautiful and has a round, supple, elegant, medium to full-bodied style as well as textbook blackberry and black raspberry fruits, some peppery herb and floral nuances, remarkable purity, and a great finish. It’s one heck of an impressive Vinsobres to drink over the coming 8-10 years.”

 
Shop our seven Chateau de Rouanne selections now!


 
Collector’s Corner
 
Domaine Marc Colin
 

Domaine Marc Colin produces mostly white wines sourced from holdings in Chassagne, Puligny, and Santenay, and their home village of St. Aubin.  Their wines have earned respect and acclaim for their purity and elegance. Now under the direction of Marc’s children, John, Damien, and Caroline (the eldest, Pierre-Yves, left in 2005 to establish his own estate affectionately abbreviated to PYCM), Domaine Marc Colin has reached the upper echelon of Burgundy.

Most of their production is white, the vast majority being Chardonnay. The estate works over 45 acres of vines, including in the Grand Cru vineyards of Montrachet and Batard-Montrachet. As an exclusively family-run operation, production has remained miniscule in spite of their increasing international fame. Vines are worked sustainably, and some parcels age over 100 years.
 
Unlike much of St. Aubin, the Colin parcels are situated on slopes, with their finest holdings being in the En Remilly and Montceau vineyards. Harvest is done manually, no chemical fertilizers are used, and new oak is used sparingly nowadays. More recent vintages have been stunning in their clarity and freshness.
 
In Stock Now:
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Bourgogne Blanc 2023 750ml $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
“The 2023 Bourgogne Chardonnay comes from two parcels in Chassagne and Puligny-Montrachet, aged in 5-10% new oak. This is quite punchy on the nose, with touches of lanolin tincturing the citrus fruit. The palate is well balanced and lightly spiced with a keen bead of acidity, fine depth and a hint of honey on the finish. This is a delightful regional white from Damien and Caroline Colin for early consumption.” -Neal Martin, Vinous
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Les Castets, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2023 750ml $79 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2023 Saint-Aubin Les Castets 1er Cru comes from two south-facing parcels of younger vines, usually the first harvested in the appellation. It is a little richer on the nose than the domain’s other cuvées, with hints of tropical fruit initially, although these ebb away with aeration to reveal more of its terroir. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity and a creamy texture with dried honey, ginger and nectarine notes. Very composed and lace-like on the finish, this is a wine that will be difficult to resist in its youth.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Montrachet Grand Cru 2019 750ml Was $1,699, Now $1,599 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Jasper Morris 96-99 points “The 2019 production consists of one normal 228l barrel and one of 285 litres neither, brand new. There are some toasty notes from the wood while the detailed elements of fruit remain covered by the intensity. This wine is sitting back on its haunches, really promising. There is a huge sweetness of fruit through the middle, a very proper toastiness, a fine acidity. This massive Montrachet still retains enough lightness on its feet despite the majesty of the vineyard. Long too. Of course!
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Montrachet Grand Cru 2022 750ml $1,899 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Jasper Morris 96-98 points “One barrel which is by measure – 280 litres, made with new dowels but one year old ends. A fuller yellow, with massive energy, multiple fruits through the yellow and white spectra, yet also rich summer flowers. Impressive density as one would hope, then firm acidity behind, still such a baby, and then suddenly the wine kicks on to another dimension at the finish, with a reprise of all the fruits and a greater sense of harmony. Drink from 2030-2040.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Santenay Vieilles Vignes 2023 750ml $49 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 89-91 points “The 2023 Santenay Vieilles Vignes, from vines 80 years old and above, had a slight reduction on the nose. This has darker fruit than the Chassagne Rouge, plummy with a touch of iodine. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well-judged acidity, hints of Morello cherries mixed with strawberry and raspberry and a gentle grip on the finish. It is well-crafted and pure. (Drink between 2026-2034).”

 
Browse our Burgundy selections here


 
Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
 
Produttori del Barbaresco
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Produttori del Barbaresco
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Produttori del Barbaresco
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Saturday, November 29th at 9 am Pacific.

In This Newsletter:

New Week – New Arrivals
Trending Thanksgiving Day Picks
Grape of the Week: Viognier
New Week – New Arrivals
 

 

Trending Thanksgiving Day Picks
 

Sparkling
 
Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $64.50 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier sourced from more than 300 crus, including 85% grands and premiers crus; 15% fermented in old oak barrels. The complexity and richness of Special Cuvée is unparalleled among the entry non-vintage blends of every Champagne house, short of ascending to the mesosphere of Krug. Its grand recipe explains why, built on incredible depth of 50%-60% reserves. Triumphant complexity is a given at Bollinger, but it’s the dynamic freshness and vitality that really set it apart as one of the most affordable Champagne benchmarks.”
 
Henriot Brut Souverain, Champagne NV 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “A super precise, reductive style due to bright lime-peel aromas enhanced by chalky minerality with linden tree and yellow plums. Light-bodied, it has zesty acidity with pinprick bubbles, a tight-knit structure and a chewy yet very polished finish. Mineral-laden aftertaste. Drink or hold.”
 
Billecart-Salmon Brut Le Rose, Champagne NV 750ml $96 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Billecart-Salmon Brut Le Rose, Champagne NV 375ml $56 special, 7 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Sleek and finely knit, with a lovely, satiny mousse gliding across the palate, carrying flavors of white raspberry, peach skin, blanched almond and oyster shell. Long and mouthwatering, with hints of ground ginger and pink grapefruit pith on the elegant finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier”
 
Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle Alexandra Rosé, Champagne 1990 750ml $599 special, only 1 bottle available & in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Beautifully done. Vigorous and almost chewy, this intense, full-bodied rosé exudes mint, berry and wood aromas and flavors. Muscular and dense, with a character that engages the palate and needs contemplation or food.”
 
 
Dry Whites
 
Domaine Bott-Geyl Pinot Gris Sonnenglanz, Alsace Grand Cru 2013 750ml $41.90 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 92+ points “Vivid straw. Knockout nose is redolent of lemon verbena, ripe pear, grilled peach, nectarine and sweet spices complicated by spicy, lemony noble rot. Tactile, rich and utterly seamless in the mouth, with flavors similar to the aromas. I love this wine’s long, textured finish, which shows a spicy honeyed nuance (thanks to the presence of noble rot) that makes it absolutely irresistible. Since 2011, Bott harvests these grapes early to help preserve acidity.”
 
Hofgut Falkenstein Krettnacher Ober Schäfershaus Riesling Spätlese Trocken (Dry), Mosel 2023 750ml $39 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2023er Krettnacher Ober Schäfershaus Riesling Spätlese Trocken comes 60-year-old vines planted in the similarly name Lieu-Dit in the Altenberg vineyard underpinned by Diabas elements. It offers a superb nose of greengage, bergamot, smoke, wet stone, and grapefruit zest sorbet. The wine is racy but beautifully playful on the bone-dry tasting palate and leaves a superbly feel of menthol in the long finish. 2033-2048.”
 
Vie di Romans Ciampagnis Vieris Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml $39.50 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The 2022 Chardonnay Ciampagnis is a seductress, tempting the imagination with a beguiling array of crushed nectarines infused with tropical citrus, hints of curry leaves and sweet, sweet spice. It impresses further with a balance of contrasts, mixing tart orchard fruits and notes of green citrus with cooling acidity and a flourish of apricot toward the close. Incredibly fresh and dramatically long, the Ciampagnis finishes with staining length and gently tannic, leaving a pleasantly tart sensation that lingers.”
 
Vie di Romans Flors di Uis Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml $41.90 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “Understated yet beautifully refined, the 2022 Bianco Flors di Uis keeps the taster coming back to the glass with its pretty blend of lime sorbet, chamomile, spring flowers and white smoke. It flows across the palate with a sensation of liquid stone and minerals, elevated by lively acidity as a core of candied lemon is contrasted by tart green apple fruit. The 2022 finishes with a lingering concentration and tart citrus pith bitterness, yet through it all, the mouth is left salivating for more. Readers may have a hard time keeping their hands off in its youth, yet I advise patience. This Flors di Uis is still just a baby in its development and has bloomed beautifully with further bottle age. A fantastic showing. This is a blend of 55% Malvasia Istriana, 31% Rhein Riesling and 14% Friulano.”
 
 
Rosé
 
Domaine Les Aphillanthes Nymphea Rosé, Cotes du Rhone 2024 750ml $16 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Counoise. Vine Age: Average 25 years old. Soil: Cailloux/Galets Roulets over clay-limestone.”
 
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rosé, Provence 2024 750ml $31.90 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rosé, Provence 2024 1.5L $69 special, 3 magnums in stock now
VinePair Review “Château Pradeaux is a historic estate located on the outskirts of the town of Saint Cyr-sur-Mernear on the Mediterranean coast that has been making Bandol wines since the 18th century. This cuvée is a 50-50 blend of Mourvèdre and Cinsault, lending to a well-structured, medium- bodied palate. It has concentrated flavors of blood orange, watermelon, and strawberries, with subtle savory hints. A truly age-worthy expression of rosé.”
 
 
Classic Picks in Red
 
Arterberry Maresh Old Vines Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2022 750ml $54.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 94 points “The 2022 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Old Vines is remarkably pretty, cascading up from the glass with a vibrant blend of minty herbs and crushed cherries complemented by hints of cola and spice. This has energy to spare, silken in feel with ripe red berry fruits that envelop the senses. It takes on a darker shade toward the close as tactile minerals saturate. A bump of juicy acidity enlivens the finish as sweet tannins tug at the senses and notes of blood orange slowly fade. The 2022 is like a well-muscled dancer. It’s already so likable that many collectors may not have the patience to watch it fully mature. The Dundee Hills Old Vines is sourced from vines that average 41 years old, all Pommard clones, sourced from 75% Maresh and 25% Weber Vineyard.”
 
Bethel Heights Vineyard ‘Casteel’ Reserve Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $69 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Decanter 97 points “The top cuvée of each vintage is fixed with the family name, Casteel. In 2022 it includes five blocks selected from Lewman Vineyard and the western slopes of Bethel Heights. It’s noteworthy per winemaker Ben Casteel that this wine is not comprised of the oldest vines on the estate but from grafted vines ranging from 26 to 30 years. Concentrated aromatics of dusty rose petals, smoky hoisin sauce and notes of toasted sesame oil. The palate is intense, centred around opaque bramble fruits, there is a muddled strawberry freshness, further carried by spicy chicory root, tart pomegranate, and delicious notes of dried anise. A wine of elegance certainly but with concentration and structure to unwind beautifully over a decade.”
 
Flowers Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2023 750ml $41.90 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2023 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is a medium ruby color and is fresh on the nose with notes of lifted spice, compact red berries, Bing cherries, roses, and sweet herbs. The palate is medium-bodied, with a polished and fine texture, a silky feel, and clean elegance through the finish. It’s a lovely and charming Pinot Noir with a lot of finesse to drink over the coming 8-10 years.”
 
Kelley Fox Wines Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2023 750ml $74.50 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2023 Pinot Noir Carter Vineyard pours a bright ruby color and delivers energy and lift. With fine tannins, orange peel, pomegranate, dewy herbs, and fresh flowers, it’s medium-bodied, with an even, floating feel, and encapsulates the essence of Kelley’s style with its weightless depth. Drink 2025-2045.”
 
Daniel Bouland Morgon Bellevue Sablé, Beaujolais 2022 750ml $39 special, 17 bottles in stock now
John Gilman-A View From the Cellar 94 points “The 2022 ‘Bellevue Sablé’ from Mélanie and Daniel Bouland is a brilliant young Morgon. As I have mentioned in the past, the Bouland family makes this wine from their parcels in the sandier sections of the Bellevue vineyard, which is also their younger vines in Bellevue. The 2022 version is a young wine with a proper underlying Morgon chassis of tannin. The bouquet is deep and sappy, wafting from the glass in a mix of sweet dark berries, black cherries, a nice dollop of fresh herbs, coffee bean, dark soil tones, roasted meats and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and sports outstanding mid-palate depth, with fine soil signature, ripe, buried tannins and excellent length and grip on the complex and impeccably balanced, youthful finish. This is going to be an outstanding and very long-lived example of Morgon. 2031-2080.”
 
Brick House Vineyards Gamay Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2024 750ml $36 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Harvested on a beautiful fall day, this mix of Gamay Noir clones was fully destemmed into stainless steel fermenters. After a post-fermentation maceration we racked the wine into 100% neutral French oak barrels where it aged for ten months.”
 
Jean-Paul Brun Domaine des Terres Dorees Beaujolais l’Ancien, Beaujolais 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Winemaker Note “Made from Jean-Paul’s oldest vines, which grow in tighter bunches with fewer and smaller, thicker-skinned berries, yielding more concentrated flavor. The grapes are harvested late with a naturally high sugar level. The wine is vinified using traditional Burgundy techniques. Deeply colored with rich red-fruit aroma and flavor and soft tannins.”
 
 
More Fun Reds
 
M.A.N. Family Wines MAN Vintners ‘Ou Kalant’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Coastal Region, South Africa 2021 750ml $11.90 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “A perfect marriage of new world vibrant fruit and old world elegance. Deep garnet in colour, this wine has aromas of dark cherries followed by cassis and red-currant fruit on the palate. Silky tannins and a long smooth finish characterize this versatile Cabernet Sauvignon.”
 
Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Sicilia Rosso IGT, Sicily 2024 750ml $33 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Decanter 92 points “Named after the road that runs past the estate, this turns the Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG recipe on its head with 70% Frappato and 30% Nero d’Avola, vinified in concrete tanks. Vibrant dark cherry and blackberry aromas dance with light herbal touches, while the super-succulent palate is deep, sapid and fruity, with a lick of salinity and a long finish that hints at juicy blood orange. Organic. (Drink between 2025-2028).”
 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Prephylloxera ‘La Vigna di Don Peppino’ Calderara Sottana Rosso Etna, Sicily 2023 750ml $159 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 97 points “The 2023 Etna Rosso Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don Peppino Calderara Sottana opens like a flower shop on the nose, intensely layered with depths of black cherry and spice. This is more lifted and graceful than expected, with a sour citrus tinge, tart wild berry fruits and mineral tones. Edgy tannins pinch at the cheeks as the 2023 resonates with blue and purple inner florals and a bitter licorice concentration that lingers impossibly long.”
 
Chateau Léoville Poyferré, Saint-Julien 2014 750ml $99 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2014 Léoville Poyferré is gorgeous. Dark, sumptuous and ample on the palate, it possesses remarkable depth. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, scorched earth, licorice and menthol all flesh out as this radiant, deeply expressive wine shows off its considerable pedigree. The 2014 is going to need time to fully come together, but it is super-impressive. Tasted two times.”
 
Patz & Hall Chenoweth Ranch Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2018 750ml $44.50 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “This is a spicy, fruity and layered wine, intensely built from a vineyard-designated site the producer has been working with since 2004. Underlying acidity gives it a crispness that is bold and balanced, with lasting notes of earthy forest and black tea.”
 
 
Off-Dry to Sweet
 
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese, Nahe, Germany 2023 750ml $59 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese, Nahe, Germany 2023 1.5L $145 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Anne Krebiehl MW-Vinous 97 points “The 2023 Riesling Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Spätlese, grown on shale, has equal notions of moss and lemon. More air makes this smell simply of wet stone. The palate carries gentle sweetness but is absolutely precise and slender. Citrus frames everything with the clearest precision. Everything is serene, zesty, tender, yet so very serious. The 2023 is glorious in its lightness and disarming in its elegance. (Sweet) (Drink between 2034-2070).”
 
Chateau Coutet, Sauternes – Barsac 2020 750ml $49 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2020 Coutet is much more refined and light on its feet than it was from barrel. Tangerine peel, mint, passionfruit, white flowers and a hint of marzipan all grace this airy, wonderfully refined Barsac.”
 
Renaissance Vineyard & Winery Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, North Yuba 1989 375ml $11.90 special, 36+ half-bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Medium to dark amber-brown in color, this wine smells of burnt orange peel, a hint of bergamot, and cafe au lait. In the mouth dark burnt honey, cafe au lait, and a touch of even darker molasses flavors have a wonderful toasted grain quality to them that makes this wine seem almost more savory than sweet despite its significant sugar levels. Really compelling and interesting, with plenty of acidity to keep this wine lively after all this time. A phenomenal flavor experience. Moderately sweet.”

Grape of the Week:
 
Viognier
 

Have we mentioned how seductive, rich, and perfumed this beauty can be? Viognier is a classic Rhone white grape that is often bottled as a varietal wine in its native region and in the United State. Don’t miss these great options in stock now.
 
In Stock Now:
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
K Vintners Art Den Hoed Viognier, Yakima Valley 2023 750ml $19.50 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “With a kiss of reduction in its white peach, honeyed flowers, and subtle tangerine notes, the 2023 Viognier Art Den Hoed hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a round, lush mouthfeel, and a clean, light, graceful, incredibly drinkable style. It’s a beautiful, incredibly classy Viognier that I’d happily put side by side with anything from the Northern Rhône. Drink bottles over the coming couple of years.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Benjamin et David Duclaux Condrieu Les Caillets, Rhone 2019 750ml $59 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “I loved the 2019 Condrieu Les Caillets. A real beauty, this supple, sexy Condrieu has classic yellow and citrus fruits, lots of honey and flower notes, medium to full body, and a great finish. It brings lots of fruit yet stays fresh, silky, and clean, and is just a joy to drink. It’s geared for the dinner table and should be enjoyed over the coming 2-3 years.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Rene Rostaing Condrieu La Bonnette, Rhone 2023 750ml $89 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 93 points “The 2023 Condrieu La Bonnette showcases redolent apricot, honeysuckle, banana and white peach tones. Medium-bodied with lifting freshness and spot-on balance, the 2023 is absolutely delicious. This is a magnificent Condrieu. True to Rostaing’s house style, this Condrieu sees no oak and its malolactic conversion was blocked to preserve both aromatic purity and citrus-like acidity. (Drink between 2025-2029).”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Saint Cosme Condrieu, Rhone 2021 750ml Was $69, Now $59 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Hefty, modern and lush, with an enticing cascade of creamed pear, mango and papaya flavors cut through with dried herbs and chamomile, backed by a refreshing kick of bitter quinine. A brioche accent adds warmth, but the vein of tangy acidity keeps this clean. Drink now through 2027. 90 cases imported.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Saint Cosme Condrieu, Rhone 2023 750ml $69 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 92 points “Bottled in July 2024, the 2023 Condrieu unfurls with vivid orange blossom, apricot, ripe peach and a touch of quince. Lemon flesh adds more nuance. Medium- to full-bodied and creamy textured, the generous 2023 boasts sufficient freshness to keep it all in check. It closes with a resonant echo on the complex finish.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine de Triennes Sainte – Fleur Viognier, IGP Var 2022 750ml $24 special, 7 bottles in stock now
“Friendly citrus and floral notes jump out, but this is a mineral-driven white, with smoky crushed stone and fresh alpine elements on the mouthwatering finish. Drink now.” -Wine Spectator

Don’t miss our sale going on now:
 
Evesham Wood & Haden Fig
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Evesham Wood & Haden Fig
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Evesham Wood & Haden Fig
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Tuesday, November 25th at 9 am Pacific.
 
*
 
Molitor Auslese* & Auslese** Sale
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Molitor Auslese* & Auslese**
10% off any 6+ in-stock bottles of Molitor Auslese* & Auslese**
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Wednesday, November 26th at 9 am Pacific.