In This Newsletter:

New Reviews For Christophe Baron’s
Horsepower & Cayuse

New Reviews for Quinta do Noval 

Saint Cosme Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2019 750ml $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Saint Cosme Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2019 750ml $528 special (that’s only $44/bottle!)
Case-6 Saint Cosme Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2019 750ml $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 93 points “Modern and stylish, offering an engaging mix of raspberry puree, warm baking spices and red licorice, with vanilla highlights. A beam of iron minerality brings shape and balance to this version, while invigorating acidity and tannins drive the energy. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Drink now through 2035. —J.M.”

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The next best price is $55.90

Shop our entire selection of Saint Cosme wines here!

Vietti Monvigliero, Barolo DOCG 2018 750ml $319 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “Intense and pure, this red exudes floral, strawberry, raspberry, currant, sandalwood, menthol and mineral aromas and flavors. Racy and bursting with energy, delivering a youthful balance and long, long aftertaste of floral, fruit, savory and mineral elements. Shows superb complexity, harmony and finesse. Best from 2025 through 2045. From Italy.—B.S.”

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The average price is $400

Founded in 1970 in St. Aubin, Domaine Marc Colin produces mostly white wines sourced from holdings in Chassagne, Puligny, and Santenay, and – of course – St. Aubin.  Their wines have earnest respect and acclaim for their purity and elegance. Now under the direction of Marc’s children, John, Damien, and Caroline, Domaine Marc Colin has reached the upper echelon of Burgundy.

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:

Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Bourgogne Aligote, Burgundy 2019 750ml $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: It’s an insider secret in the Willamette Valley that this grape is being planted around Oregon alongside its better known Burgundy cousins. Check out the wines that inspired this move with the ultra-classic rendition from Marc Colin.

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Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Bourgogne Chardonnay, Burgundy 2019 750ml $36 special, 6 bottles in stock now
“Aromas of pear, peach and nutmeg introduce Colin’s 2019 Bourgogne Chardonnay, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming wine that’s underpinned by ripe acids.  As usual, it’s derived from vines in the communes of Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet and Saint-Aubin.” -William Kelley, Wine Advocate
“The 2019 Bourgogne Chardonnay was the only cuvée bottled before my visit in September. It has an attractive bouquet, the 10% new oak just rounding out the light tropical tones. The palate is medium-bodied with light Golden Delicious and Clementine notes, moderate length with a fresh, slightly tangy finish.” -Neal Martin, Vinous
 

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Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Les Castets, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2019 750ml $59 special, 22 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90-92 points “Opening in the glass with hints of pear, pomelo, crisp green apples and fresh pastry, the 2019 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Castets is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and chiseled, with tangy acids and fine length on the finish. It’s produced from a south-facing, stony site.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2019 Saint-Aubin Les Castets 1er Cru has an inviting and complex bouquet, a mélange of citrus lemon, lime, white chocolate and even a hint of praline. The palate is a little richer than expected and yet the weight is counterbalanced by the acidity. Just a little toastiness, almost sesame-like towards the long and vibrant finish. Very fine.”
 

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Domaine Marc Colin et Fils En Montceau, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2018 750ml $66 special, 24 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The 2018 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru En Montceau is also performing well from bottle, mingling aromas of pear, pomelo, orange oil, fresh bread and ginger. Medium to full-bodied, racy and tensile, with fine depth at the core but a more open, giving profile than the 2017 vintage, this will offer a broad drinking window.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2018 Saint-Aubin en Montceau 1er Cru has a more northerly exposure with less limestone but more marn soils, which tend to ripen later than the other cuvées. This feels much more primal and lacks the harmony of Colin’s other cuvées; perhaps it is going through an awkward stage in its barrel maturation. The palate is a little reduced at the moment but demonstrates fine weight and a slightly waxy texture, almost as if there was a splash of Aligoté on the finish. Not bad at all, but it’s difficult to see how it will develop once in bottle.”

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Domaine Marc Colin et Fils En Montceau, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2019 750ml $79 special, 11 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Aromas of Anjou pear, green apple, white flowers, mint, clear honey and oyster shell—a rare nuance in this vintage—introduce Colin’s 2019 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru En Montceau, a medium to full-bodied, layered and multidimensional wine that’s concentrated and incisive, concluding with a long, saline finish.”

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This is the only listing in the USA today!

Looking for a Burgundy that walks the line between elegance and extraction? Look no further than the wines of Pierre Bourée Fils. Though they might not be a household name, it is one of the many historic producers headquartered in the venerable village of Gevrey-Chambertin.  With a history dating back to the mid-19th century, Pierre Bourée has grown its profile through shrewd purchases, including the acquisition of Clos de la Justice (a monopole) as well as a small plot of Premier Cru Les Champeaux, both in Gevrey-Chambertin. Fiercely traditional in their approach, Bourée’s wines are a throwback to a time when cellaring was an expectation, not a luxury.  These are not wines meant for early drinking.  Instead, they reward patience, something of a lost art in today’s purchase and pop wine culture.  

With adequate time Bourée’s wines evolve from rustic and esoteric, to silky and timeless.  Think something akin to Rousseau, but vinified by Dujac, if perhaps a little less concentrated.  These are wines for an unabashed Burgundian palate and can be yours now at our deep discounts:

Monopole:

Pierre Bourée Fils Gevrey-Chambertin Clos de la Justice Monopole 2014 750ML Was $119, Now $79, 3 bottles in stock now

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This is the only listing in the USA today!

These are the only listings in the USA today!

This is the only listing in the USA today!

These are the only listings in the USA today!

These are the only listings in the USA today!

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $199.99

 In This Newsletter:

The top offerings of Chianti Classico are sourced from hilltop plantings, which allow for temperature mitigation during the occasionally sweltering growing season in addition to providing a higher degree of ripeness. Often featuring older vines and élevage in new oak these are among the most bold and age worthy examples of Sangiovese in the world. The Flaccianello by Fontodi exemplifies that perfectly, being a cuvee of the best blocks from the estate. Organically farmed on the Conca d’Oro hill at an average height of 1,000 feet above sea level, this would be a cult wine selling for thousands if the vineyard was in Napa or Bordeaux. Built for the long haul not unlike a Brunello, this is an ideal Sangiovese for a long-term cellaring. 

Sale ends Monday, October 31st at 6 PM Pacific:

Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ml Was $149, Now $126.65 (that’s a 15% discount!), 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Fontodi 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is a standout wine of the dry vintage. This pure Sangiovese opens to a dark garnet color with more visible concentration and density compared to recent past editions. This is a beautiful wine with pliant tannins, dark fruit richness, balanced acidity and a fruit-forward 15% alcohol content. The wine is big and bold when weighed on the Flaccianello scale (and even more so when weighed on the Sangiovese scale) with dark cherry, plum, spice, violet, chalk and campfire ash. Despite that power and inner opulence, this wine adds that zesty Sangiovese character with fresh acidity and an energized approach. This Flaccianello is whole and complete with the natural firmness and structure to hold it steady during the aging process. A small part of amphorae-aged fruit is added to the blend.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Aromas of baked plum, blue flower, French oak and camphor are front and center on this bold, full-bodied red. Made entirely with organically grown Sangiovese, the delicious palate boasts concentration and a weightless elegance, doling out layers of ripe Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, licorice, cocoa and carob framed in tightly wound, close-grained tannins. Give it a few more years to fully develop. Drink 2023–2037. -Kerin O’Keefe”

 

Chris Bilbro was one of California wine’s unsung heroes. He founded and grew Marietta Cellars into one of the preeminent producers of excellent value, honestly made California wine. Although his son Scot now runs the winery (Chris sadly passed away in 2019), their lineup is as good as it’s ever been—delicious, gutsy wines that deliver exceptional value at all prices. Just ask the Wine Advocate!

In Stock Now from Marietta:

Marietta Cellars OVR Old Vine Rosé, California 2021 750ml $16.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points “Medium cherry pink in color, the 2021 Old Vine Rosé has deep scents of yellow peaches, watermelon and red cherries with touches of stone and potpourri. The palate boasts concentrated, fruity flavors balanced by zippy acidity, and it finishes with pretty orange peel accents. This is such a delicious rosé! It’s made up of co-fermented Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir and Syrah.”

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Marietta Cellars OVR Old Vine Red Lot 73, California NV 750ml $18 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95 points “The NV OVR Lot 73 is composed mainly of Zinfandel with smaller portions of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan and Barbera. Medium ruby, it offers intense red cherry, blood orange and apricot perfume with accents of rooibos tea leaves, red licorice, saline, lilac and loads of spicy nuances. The medium-bodied palate is light on its feet with soft tannins, bursts of refreshing acidity and detailed amaro accents on the long finish. This is so easy to drink!”

Marietta Cellars ‘Roman’ Estate Grown Zinfandel, North Coast 2020 750ml $21.90 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 92 points “A blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Barbera, the 2020 Román Zinfandel has a medium ruby-purple color and aromatic layers of raspberry, red cherry, rhubarb, aniseed and lilac with touches of iron and orange peel. The medium-bodied palate is gently chewy, with tart, juicy fruits and a spicy finish.”

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Christoph Schaefer and his wife Andrea make some of the most authentic wine in all of the Mosel. Never fearing the delicious balance that subtle sugar and bright acid can bring, these wines are an educational tour de force on German Riesling. The Himmelreich vineyard tends to bring wines with slightly spicier, red fruit notes, while the Domprobst leads with cool, minty green herbs and delicate freshness.

Highlights In Stock Now from Willi Schaefer:

Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2020 750ml $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “The 2020er Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar. It offers a superb nose made of residual scents from the spontaneous fermentation, chalky minerals, wet stone, mirabelle, cassis, melon, pear, and some subtle aniseed elements. The wine is beautifully pure and airy on the palate and leaves a stunningly juicy feel in the long, subtly ripe, and spicy finish. The wine really shines through its incredible silky airiness delivered with the presence and zest of a light Spätlese. This Kabinett is truly remarkable! 2030-2050.”
James Suckling 94 points “So many fresh floral notes, plenty of orange zest, sage and a whiff of smoke. Juicy stone fruit and lively acidity, with very well integrated natural grape sweetness that you feel less and less as the wine flows over your palate into the delicate, wet-stone and rock-salt finish. Drink or hold.”

Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2019 750ml $45 special, 29 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “Play me a love song to the Mosel! Super fresh and super precise, this Spätlese has a ton of floral delight and a wonderful interplay of the most delicate, white and yellow character with vibrant acidity. Such a clean, filigree finish you want to bathe in it. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2019 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese is precise, fresh and pure on the nose that displays notes grated lemon rind and crushed stones. Round, piquant and juicy on the palate, this is an utterly refined yet sustainable and firmly structured Spätlese with dense and vibrating fresh Riesling fruit whose sweetness is well-compensated by mineral grip, salinity and tension. 7.5% alcohol. Tasted from AP 08 20 in June 2010.”

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Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese #11, Mosel 2018 750ml $89 special 17 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 95 points “According to Christophe Schaefer, the 2018 Domprobst Auslese AP #11 has just a tiny touch of botrytis in it, as it has almost exclusively been produced from golden berries. The wine is truly stunning on both the nose and palate, with the bouquet soaring from the glass in a blaze of pear, yellow plum, fresh pineapple, a gorgeous base of slate, citrus blossoms, bee pollen and lilacs. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, focused and zesty, with a lovely core, great backend mineral drive and outstanding complexity and grip on the vibrant, snappy and electric finish. This is just beautiful Auslese! 2026-2085+. 95.”

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Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spatlese #5, Mosel 2020 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “Could a modern Mosel Spätlese be more classic than this? Stunningly ripe stone-fruit and floral character, married to considerable richness, with an almost buttery texture on the mid-palate. Long and succulent finish that remains fresh and vivid. Drink or hold.”
Mosel Fine Wines 96 points “The 2020er Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spätlese AP 05 was made essentially from grapes harvested in the Gerdsgrub and Fergert sectors of the vineyard and was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar. It proves still rather backward and marked by residual scents from its spontaneous fermentation. After a while subtly apricot-infused flavors of melon, cassis, blueberry, blackberry, and aniseed herbs emerge from the glass. The wine proves subtle, intensely cream, and nicely zesty on the palate and leaves a gorgeous feel of ripe and delicately exotic fruits in the long finish. The combination of dark fruits, whipped cream, and juicy acidity packed into mouthwatering sweetness are truly remarkable. 2030-2050.”

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Weingut Willi Schaefer Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2015 750ml $59 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “This “maiden wine” comes from the “new” parcel in the central part of the vineyard which was replanted after the 2011 vintage. This shows a quite smoky nose at first and only gradually reveals a fruity side driven by apricot and orange as well as mint and yellow peach. The wine is creamy and smooth on the palate, with just the right amount of acidity to keep things interesting. The unctuous feel to the finish in the finish adds to the pleasure of enjoying this deep and direct expression of Sonnenuhr Auslese. 2025-2040”

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Skin-contact Pinot Gris is having a moment, and there’s so many wonderful options made right in our backyard. Shop these beauties now!

One of the OGs of the Valley, John Paul took inspiration direct from Radikon to craft his Dundee Hills Ramato.
Cameron Winery Pinot Gris Ramato, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Pinot Gris that spent time on its skins, contributing the barest hint of tannin, a dollop of color and a completely different interpretation of the classic Oregon varietal.
Winery note “Rame: Italian for copper, ramato: copper-colored. Ramato is a copper-colored Pinot grigio made in the tradition of north-eastern Italy. A very tricky wine to pull off. Very limited production.”

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Vincent Pinot Gris Rouge, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $24 special, 22 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Deep in color and rich in spicy and floral notes, this is very flexible at table.

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Mijita Wine Co. Zenith Vineyard Skin-Contact Pinot Gris, Eola-Amity Hills 2021 750ml $26 special, 36 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: The dark side of skin-contact Pinot Gris, in terms of color at least. This is a beautiful rosy-amber in the glass, evoking flavors of semi-dried rose petals, freshly sliced melons, and lemon zest wrapped around a savory core. 
“Lizzy Esqueda’s first wine for her Mijita label is a skin-contact Pinot Gris aged in neutral oak and old acacia barrels. It is absolutely brilliant juice: I wish Pinot Gris lovers everywhere could taste it.” -Michael Alberty, Decanter Magazine

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Loop de Loop Borderline Red, Columbia Gorge 2021 750ml $24 special 4 bottles in stock now!
Winery note “High altitude white blend from the sub-Alpine climate of Underwood Mountain. This Pinot Gris was the last thing we brought in last year from the old Acadia Vineyard – now called Pear Ridge Vineyard. Organically grown / no till / dry farmed/ this vineyard is woven within an 80 acre pear orchard covered in native wildflowers. The pinot gris is planted at 1400 feet in elevation. We produced 2 (1.5 ton) fermenters. One fermenter was left 40% whole-cluster and spent about 3 weeks fermenting (slow and cool) before pressing off at 2 brx. The second fermenter was destemmed, & went through post fermentation maceration and spent a total of 45 days on the skins. The result was a fruit forward juicy expression of pinot gris rouge from the shorter fermentation that was blended with a more tea-like, savory and earthy expression that you get on the back and sides of the palate. Blended together we found they make a more complete wine.”

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Ross & Bee Maloof No Clos Radio Vineyard Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley 2020 750ml $26 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Vineyard History – Estate vineyard and winery site for Maloof Wines and Fossil & Fawn. Originally planted in the early 70s by Harvey Shafer. Location – Forest Grove, OR (Tualatin Hills AVA) Vineyard stats- 27 acres, 500ft elevation Farming – Own rooted, dry farmed, planted in 1972. Organic farming program since January 2020 (previously sustainable), beginning organic certification process through CCOF in spring 2022. Soil – Jory & Loess, with pisolitic deposits of iron and manganese, that are particular to the newly minted Tualatin Hills AVA. Harvesting – By hand, harvested on September 20th. Winemaking – Pressed, and then fermented and aged in neutral burgundy oak barrels, on the lees with no batonnage. Bottled without fining or filtration. 30ppm total Sulfur.”

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Colston Biblio “Tomato Ramato” Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley 2020 750ml $29 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “A slight departure from the 2018 wine, with a complete focus on Pinot Gris, macerated on its skins as a singular variety and expression of Momtazi Vineyard. While it’s quite distinctive in its youth with its tannic structure, light body, and the savory, tea-like impression it leaves, something I learned from the 2018 vintage was that this wine truly benefits from some cellaring. A wine for food, this Ramato works with everything with a little fattiness to it. The tannins love something unctuous to squeeze its grip on to: pizza or braised meats, mushroom tart, BBQ, Toulouse sausage, and certainly duck confit. Demeter certified bio-dynamic grapes farmed by Moe Momtazi.”

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Pete’s Picks for Your Week
 

This Oregon Pinot Noir is an absolute favorite of mine with its excellent fruitiness, making for a highly enjoyable experience. If you’re looking for a solid Pinot Noir you can drink any day, Crowley’s 2021 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is the wine for you. 
 
Crowley Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $24 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Winery note “We bottled the 2021 earlier than ever…10 months after vintage. We are fortunate that 2021 is a precocious vintage and seemed to come out of the gate drinking well, needing very little coaxing to be ready. This wine has a youthful spirit and is brightly lit. Vivid red and blue hues dominate the color, which shimmers with clarity. The nose is strawberry, cranberry, and anise mixed with citrus and watermelon. The palate is bright and lifted out of the gate, also very berry…strawberry, mulberry, and blueberry. Polished and airy, sarsaparilla mingles in the background with sage and cherry while breakfast tea tannins accompany supple roundness to create a perfectly balanced mid-range all the way to an engaging finish. The bottles we’ve opened have disappeared quickly!”

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A solid cabernet at an excellent price point, this wine offers impressive fruit and earthy flavors making for a well-rounded and impressive quality wine. 

Marietta Cellars Arme, North Coast 2019 750ml $26 special, 35 bottles in stock now 
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2019 Armé Cabernet Sauvignon has a medium ruby-purple color and layered aromas of red and black currants, violet, iron, underbrush and mushrooms. The medium-bodied palate is pleasantly rustic and a touch chewy, with bright acidity, pretty floral perfume and an earth-laced finish.”

The 2021 Vincent Willamette Valley Pinot Noir certainly presents a light touch with a gentle earthiness and clam fruits. Easy drinking on a budget. 

Vincent Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2021 750ml $22.75 special, 16 bottles in stock now

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Paitin: Apex Barbaresco at Valley Floor Pricing

 

Understanding how a family’s tie to their land can influence their wines is terribly important when tasting and appreciating old-world producers. When the family’s ownership over their vineyards predates their country’s unification, you start to understand their grasp of the nuances that can be squeezed out of 42 acres of Italian hillsides.

The Elia family purchased their vineyards in 1796. From atop the hill where the winery sits, you can overlook the two main vineyard sites and understand the difference in microclimate, soil type and techniques for farming. The Bricco di Nieve side of the hill is steep, breezy and has beautiful older vines that produce the gorgeous sori Paitin Barbaresco. The other side of the hill has the looser iron rich soil that is the Serra vineyard. Tasting the two Barbaresco side by side is a lesson in site location and the unique qualities that can be shown, just a stone’s throw away.

Secondo Pasquero-Elia and his two sons, Giovanni and Silvano have enlisted enologist Dante Scaglione (Bruno Giacosa) to draw even more from such an amazing site. The results offer a glimpse into the future of the winery and the wines to come. The wines are solid, deep, and built to last – echoing the family and their tie to their home and spectacular vineyards. These wines were already great values before our latest price drop. Now they’re no-brainers for fans of traditionally made Nebbiolo.

In Stock Now:

Paitin di Pasquero-Elia Ca Veja Nebbiolo d’Alba, Piedmont 2018 750ml $28 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2018 Nebbiolo d’Alba Ca’ Veja is a gorgeous introduction to the vintage at Paitin. Freshly cut flowers, mint, lavender and red/purplish berry fruit give this bright, effusive Nebbiolo tons of charm. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this gem. Sandy soils yield a Nebbiolo with striking aromatic presence. The 2018 spent 18 months in cask. Think of it as a Barbaresco-level wine at a Nebbiolo d’Alba price.”

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Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Basarin’, Barbaresco DOCG 2018 750ml $49 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The Paitin 2018 Barbaresco Basarin, which spends two years in large oak barrels, pours to a lean appearance and a dark ruby hue. The wine is subtle and fine, prizing the delicate and ethereal nuances of the grape, with dried cherry, crushed flowers, campfire ash and iron ore. Crushed white pepper also appears. The Basarin cru in Neive is one of the most beautiful in the appellation, located on a hill that rises high enough to enjoy the surrounding panorama of tightly planted vineyards. The tannins are especially polished in this vintage.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $56

Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Serraboella’, Barbaresco DOCG 2018 750ml $41.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “This wine draws its fruit from across the Serraboella vineyard in Neive with vines of various ages. The 2018 Barbaresco Serraboella has a broad reach, thanks to its balanced aromas of wild berry, dried cherry, crushed roses and violets. The wine spreads cleanly over the palate, thanks to the extra volume offered by its earthy and delicately mineral flavors. Like other releases from Paitin, the standout feature here is the silky nature of the mouthfeel.”

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Winery library release!
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia Sori’ Paitin, Barbaresco DOCG 2004 750ml $99 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2004 Barbaresco Sori Paitin is intense and powerful in its expression of dark fruit, spices, earthiness and tar. Made in a pure, bold style, it is one of the more closed, shut down 2004 Barbarescos and will require at least a few years in bottle before revealing its truest potential.”

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Winery library release!
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia Sori’ Paitin, Barbaresco DOCG 2009 750ml $79 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Wine Advocate 94 points “The estate’s 2009 Barbaresco Sori’ Paitin shows the rich, generous style of the year, but with plenty of underlying structure. Tobacco, sweet spices and licorice float from the glass in this powerful, intense Barbaresco. Exotic hints of spice and orange peel linger on the finish. This is yet another totally compelling wine from Paitin. The 2009 spent 18 months in cask. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $95

Paitin di Pasquero-Elia Sori’ Paitin, Barbaresco DOCG 2018 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The family that owns the Paitin estate lost its patriarch, Secondo Pasquero Elia, as this wine was being readied for release, and he would have been proud of the way this turned out. The 2018 Barbaresco Serraboella Sorì Paitin is glossy and polished with a super fine and delicate quality of fruit. It just glides over the palate as if it were on skates. That beautiful forward momentum is driven by light cassis, dried cherry, iron skillet, candied orange peel and crushed flowers. The finish is exceptionally smooth and elegant. Complimenti.”

Paitin di Pasquero-Elia Sori’ Paitin Vecchie Vigne, Barbaresco DOCG 2004 750ml $149 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2004 Barbaresco Sori’ Paitin Vecchie Vigne is marvelous. Dark red berries, crushed flowers, smoke, ash and tar are just some of the notes that emerge from this big yet beautifully articulated Vecchie Vigne. The 2004 shows superb class and fabulous overall balance. As always this is a fairly large-scaled Barbaresco, but all of the elements meld together beautifully. A long, sensual finish rounds things out in style. With air the 2004 is approachable today, but it clearly has the stuffing and freshness to drink well to age 25, perhaps beyond. The Vecchie Vigne captures the essence of this great Piedmontese vintage in spades. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2029.”

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Paitin di Pasquero-Elia Sori’ Paitin Vecchie Vigne, Barbaresco DOCG 2008 750ml $128 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Wine Advocate 94 points “The blackest of cherries, spices, incense, tar and scorched earth are some of the many nuances that emerge from the 2008 Barbaresco Sori’ Paitin Vecchie Vigne. This dark, brooding Barbaresco is all about power. The 2008 impresses for its fabulous balance and pure length. With time in the glass, the wine becomes increasingly more refined. It is a striking Barbaresco to drink now and over the next 10-15 years, perhaps longer. The 2008 was aged in 25-hectoliter cask and bottled in June 2012. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $148.99

Paitin di Pasquero-Elia Sori’ Paitin Vecchie Vigne, Barbaresco DOCG 2016 750ml $99 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Paitin 2016 Barbaresco Serraboella Riserva Sorì Paitin Vecchie Vigne is a gorgeous wine. The bouquet is especially redolent of dried rose and potpourri, and the dark fruit offers highlights of baked cherry or peach. This amazing crescendo of new releases from Paitin goes one impressive step further, pushing the boundaries with this promising and cellar-worthy new release. There is a point of bitter almond on the close, but the mouthfeel is otherwise silky and very fine in texture.”

Love Barbaresco? We have over 50 different options from Barbaresco in stock now. Shop the entire selection on our web store, including famous names like La Spinetta and Produttori, as well as more from Paitin.

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Foradori ‘Lezer’ Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2021 750ml $26 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “100% Teroldego. Lezèr (“light” in local dialect) was a new bottling born of the terrible 2017 vintage, when the fruit from the vines that go into the basic Foradori red bottling was devastated by a summer hailstorm. What fruit could be salvaged and ripened was turned into this short-maceration red wine, named for its light color, body and structure and labeled with a tractor-driving farmer battling the storm. It was Foradori’s first vin de soif style wine, and they enjoyed the change of pace so much that even in the warm, productive 2018 vintage, they decided to make it again; jungle plants appear at the border of the label as a humorous nod to the more “tropical”–as winemaker son Emilio refers to it–conditions of this vintage. Maceration is less than 24 hours in various vessels; fermentation is spontaneous and finishes dry. It is juicy, soft and bright.”
 
Benanti Serra della Contessa ‘Particella No. 587’ Etna Rosso Riserva, Sicily 2016 1.5L $249 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 95 points “The 2016 Etna Rosso Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587 Riserva is dark and savory in the glass, grumbling up with notes of crushed rocks and ash that evolve further to reveal musky black currants, hints of licorice and dried violets. This is velvety-smooth, yet not weighty in feel. Instead, the 2016 seems to glide effortlessly across the palate, yet what it leaves behind is a saturation of primary fruit and mineral tones, as well as silky tannins that penetrate deeply. The Serra della Contessa finishes structured yet long and unexpectedly fresh, with balsam herbs and a touch of salted licorice that slowly fades. This Etna Rosso is a powerhouse, but it is in need of cellaring to reveal all of its charms.”
    
Spain
 
Alvaro Palacios ‘Les Terrasses’ Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa 2019 750ml $34.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The regional 2019 Les Terrasses Velles Vinyes was produced with a blend of grapes from 80 plots in eight villages from Priorat, 82% Garnacha with 17% Cariñena and 1% white grapes, a year unusually high in Garnacha and unusually low in Cariñena that suffered a lot from the heat. The destemmed and lightly crushed grapes fermented in concrete and oak vats with indigenous yeasts, and the wine matured in French oak barrels for 12 months. What happened here is that Cariñena was burned by a heat spike of 43 degrees Celsius on the 28th of June, and there was a wildfire in Montsant that perhaps could have warmed things up even more. I think there might be a change toward more Garnacha and elegance in the wines from Álvaro Palacios in Priorat, as this is brighter and less rustic than this wine used to be, more polished, perfumed and fine. The year of heat and drought. 101,600 bottles produced.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A juicy red, offering raspberry ganache and red licorice flavors, a fragrant skein of dried sage and milled white pepper and rich hints of smoke and toast. This concentrated, medium- to full-bodied version remains fresh and focused, thanks to the tang of orange peel acidity and fine, taut tannins. Garnacha and Samsó. Drink now through 2028. 8,200 cases made.”
     

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Mijita Wine Co. Abbey Road Farm Vineyard Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $28 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 92 points “Winemaker Lizzy Esqueda’s first two wines are tiny micro releases under her brand spanking new the Mijita Wine Co. label, featuring a skin contact Pinot Gris ‘orange wine’ and this vibrant and charming Gamay Noir. Both are from the 2021 vintage, a year which is starting to create a buzz with the Oregon natives. This dark garnet/ruby 100% Gamay is already drinking well with a medium bodied palate, that is very silken and Pinot Noir like, with an array of dark fruits, crunchy herbs, a light spiciness and some subtle earthy elements that gives this well-made Gamay a fine tension between ripe fruit and savory tones. The flavor band here rotates smooth in the mouth with a layering of black cherry, brambly raspberry, tart plum and Mission fig fruits, along with a touch of walnut, saddle leather, anise and cinnamon. This wine, with its low alcohol (12.3%), is excitingly old world themed and has hints of pretty florals to go with its rustic personality. It opened up well and stayed impressively entertaining all evening and was joyous with a simple, but hearty meal. I look forward to following Lizzy Esqueda’s Mijita Wines and I can’t wait to try her skin fermented Pinot Gris.

“New on the Oregon wine scene, Esqueda, who has been putting in the time in at Grochau Cellars, says her wines are ‘bright, textural wines made with grapes that are organically and sustainably farmed.’ Her single vineyard Gamay comes from young vines at Abbey Road Farm Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton, set on marine sediment soils and made in a transparent and raw style that would seem right any home in Côte de Brouilly. Just four barrels were made of this 2021 vintage which was aged for 10 months in neutral French oak to allow the Abbey Road Farm Vineyard Gamay to show off all its fresh purity. Lizzy adds that she likes to chill this wine down for about 15 minutes in the fridge before popping the cork to really show the juicy, spicy notes, and I found that a slight chill did indeed make everything pop, but air in the glass also brought out an extra dimension and made it even better with food, this is a lovely first time effort from a young winemaker to watch. True Gamay Noir is a big hit in Oregon and the grape thrives here with many outstanding examples from which to choose. There’s a lot new stuff going on in Oregon, especially in the Willamette Valley, and a whole new generation of winemakers, like Lizzy Esqueda, who are creating a new future of wines and who are exploring lesser known varietals, it is a great time to explore them.”

Don’t miss her Pinot Gris!

Yes, Biondi Santi created the genesis of modern Brunello: the combination of bottling 100% Sangiovese wine from Montalcino, propagating the Sangiovese Grosso clone, and finally (in 1966) helping draft the regulations for the Brunello DOC. The foundational work did not stop there however, with Biondi Santi undertaking some of the first massale or heritage selections on their estate to identify the best clones for winemaking. These results paid off in spades, with Biondi Santi’s genetic material being some of the most sought after clones of Sangiovese in the world. 

Biondi Santi makes Brunello that all other estates are judged against.  Their estate, Il Greppo, occupies some of the most hallowed ground in the Brunello appellation, in the heart of Montalcino.  Their standards are high (they rarely release riservas) and their style defines classic. The wines are powerful, but not overwrought, elegant but emphatic. With the oldest vines on their estate now approaching 90 years old, there’s a level of depth and power in Biondi Santi that’s unprecedented anywhere else in Montalcino. The Rosso di Montalcino made from their younger plantings and declassified barrels from their other bottlings.

Highlights In Stock Now from Biondi Santi:

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 750ml $169 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe- Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Underbrush, ripe berry, new leather and Mediterranean herb aromas slowly take shape in the glass. Showing youthful tension, the vibrant palate delivers red cherry, pomegranate, white pepper and pipe tobacco notes framed by bright acidity and taut, refined tannins. It already shows great balance and finesse but is still young and tight. Drink 2022-2035.”
James Suckling 95 points “Love the dried lemon rind, florals and red fruits. Medium to full body and a solid core of fruit and spices. Long and flavorful finish. Just a hint of sweet tobacco. Better in 2020.”
 

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Bright and grippy today, will go years in your cellar!

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 750ml $235 special, 12+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 750ml $1,319 special (that’s only $219.83/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Cellar Selection. Aromas of rose petal, dark spice, woodland berries and camphor form the nose on this fragrant, elegant wine. Loaded with finesse, the linear, savory palate features red cherry, orange zest, star anise and black tea alongside tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. It’s still youthfully austere, with fantastic aging potential. Drink 2026–2041. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97+ points “From a benchmark vintage, the Biondi-Santi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino reveals a gorgeous appearance with medium concentration highlighted by shiny hues of garnet and dark ruby. The first thing you notice is the compact dark fruit and rather robust textural fiber and power presented here. You almost bite into this wine, and you taste some fine grain linked to the young tannins. That, with the fresh acidity that is the hallmark signature of this estate, guarantees long cellar aging, and I would put my money on this vintage for long-long-term longevity. The fruit is compact and supple with dried cherry, blue flower, iron ore and candied orange peel. There is tobacco, balsam herb and gardening soil in a supporting role, and the wine is beautifully fleshed out but also rich in this balanced growing season. It surely needs more time to come together with pinpoint precision, but the wine’s elegance is a certainty.”
Wine Spectator 97 points “This features a well of blackberry and black cherry flavors, along with iron, licorice and fresh herb aromas and flavors. The dense tannins are easily matched by the concentrated flavors, and this shows fine potential, despite the compact finish now. Best from 2025 through 2045. 550 cases imported. — BS”
Eric Guido-Vinous 97 points “The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a dark stallion of a wine that showcases both the depth and radiance of the vintage. At first, its bouquet is dark and earthy, yet quickly blossoms into an enthralling mix of musky red currants, wild peppery herbs, dusty rose and worn leather. While satiny in feel, it’s also sleek and lively, with a vibrant burst of sweet and sour citrus that enlivens its notes of tart cranberry and pomegranate, all wound tightly in a web of saline-minerals. Violet and lavender tones arch across the palate over a core of silky tannins that nicely frame the experience, as a hint of balsamic spice slowly tapers off. The 2016 is one of the most deep and balanced Brunellos that I’ve ever experienced from Biondi Santi. If this is the Annata, then I can only imagine what the Riserva might bring to the table. Something of note is that in 2016, production was down by 15% following the abundant 2015 vintage and the dry conditions in the early part of the season.”
Decanter 97 points “Comparing 2015 with 2016, technical director Federico Radi says that the latter is more balanced and aromatic owing to overall cooler temperatures in July and August. It is certainly more in line with Biondi Santi’s angular, austere style and unmistakable in its class and potential. With the utmost restraint, flinty mineral notes make way for scents of dried leaves, forest wildflowers and fresh mint. Perfectly poised on the palate, this is midweight yet plumbs great depths, expressing pomegranate, fennel and orange peel. While its tannins have a certain rigidity and are decidedly linear in direction, they are not massive. It is a rather sneaky wine that needs a few more years in the cellar. Brilliantly succulent finish. Drinking Window 2025 – 2045.”

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Rosso di Montalcino Tuscany 2018 750ml $99 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “Elegant, graceful and fine, the Biondi-Santi 2018 Rosso di Montalcino offers a delicate approach to the senses and it spreads over the palate with polished and silky intensity. The acidity is elevated in this vintage. A handful of historic producers in Montalcino are bringing the Rosso category up to the next level, and the venerable house of Biondi-Santi is one of them. This was a somewhat unusual vintage with prolonged cool spells alternating with moments of intense heat. However, this wine shows even ripening and is quite vibrant and tangy in terms of its acidity. In spectacular Sangiovese style, the wine ends with lingering tones of wild cherry, sweet earth, potting soil and perfumed violet.”

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011 750ml $459 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 94+ points “Dark red. Musky nuances give way to brighter red fruit, licorice and herbal aromas. Rich and dense, with flavors of red cherry and minerals lifted by hints of orange peel and bergamot, not to mention noteworthy but harmonious acidity. Finishes long with youthfully chewy tannins and lingering hints of violet. This strikes me as a slightly readier to drink version of Brunello Riserva from Biondi-Santi, but as always, it improves greatly with aeration so decant at least six hours ahead for maximum enjoyment.”
Wine & Spirits 94 points “A warm summer yielded this rich and opulent 2011 Riserva. Only fruit from the estate’s oldest vines (some up to 80 years of age) makes it into this bottling, and that old-vine concentration shows in the wine’s dense flavors: notes of black cherry and umeboshi plum layered with iodine, basil and smoke. The tightly packed flavors need time to unfold, so it’s best to decant this several hours before serving.”

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2013 750ml $649 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “The Biondi-Santi 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a stunning wine from all points of view. Seamless integration and elegant complexity are what stand out, and it’s worth dedicating a few extra lines to the aromatic depth that is put so beautifully on display as the wine slowly unfolds. The bouquet starts off with wild cherry, earth, wet ash, crème de cassis and pruny chocolate. With extra time, there are hints of dried tobacco leaf, sandalwood and mossy forest floor. These lead to a fine tail of dried herb, bay leaf and a touch of rusty nail. The Riserva comes in numbered bottles, and I opened number 04277. To the palate, the wine is streamlined and silky with smooth tannins and a well-managed 13.5% alcohol content. The oak presence is reduced to a minimum, offering mild hints of spice and the delicate sandalwood or dried fig aroma I described above. Fresh acidity is the glue that gives the wine buoyancy and staying power. At this young stage, this 2013 vintage could be considered a bit shy or slow to start, but this will play out to great advantage in the long term as the wine continues its bottle evolution.”

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 1983 750ml $1,199 special, 1 bottle in stock now

***Winery Cellared Release***

Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “[Reviewed July 2021] This precious bottle is part of Biondi-Santi’s late-release program for collectors (I tasted bottle number 10,723). The 1983 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is showing beautifully on its aging timeline, although this bottle is slightly more evolved since I last tasted this vintage in 2019 before the pandemic. With slow and measured determination, the bouquet embraces dried fig, cured bresaola, burnt caramel, wet campfire, dried oregano and a familiar aroma that reminds me of the Florence leather market. However, there is a lot of life and vertical lift in this Riserva, thanks in great part to the beautiful freshness that keeps the tannins alive and adds a pop of pretty acidity to the close. The wine shows its age with pride and grace, and the final results are quite spectacular. In fact, I’m opening the drinking window up by an additional five years thanks to the latitude and depth shown here.”

Shop the complete list of Biondi Santi wines in stock now or shop our Brunello selections!

Famous as a source for dense reds from Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault, Bandol’s rosé has taken the world by storm and for good reason: it’s delicious and fantastic year-round! Rosé commands almost 3/4s of total production, including our picks from Pradeaux, Bastide Blanche, and Tempier.
 
Bandol and Bandol-Adjacent Rosés In Stock Now:
 
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé, Provence 2021 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Light, bright orange. Vibrant pomegranate, blood orange and pit fruit qualities on the highly perfumed nose, along with building mineral and floral accents. Taut and focused in the mouth, nicely concentrated red berry, orange zest and lavender flavors are supported by an undercurrent of chalky minerality. Finishes floral and long, with repeating mineral and citrus fruit notes.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 91 points “Regularly a top Bandol, the flamingo-pink 2021 Bandol Rose comes across initially as rather simple, fruity and easy. Plum, cherry and melon notes do add attractive hints of crushed stone and lime on the zesty-briny finish of this medium-bodied effort. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.”
 

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Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rosé, Provence 2021 750ml $36.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Wine Merchant importer note “The Bandol Rosé from Pradeaux is perhaps the most serious wine in this category. Robust, rich, and complex with an ability to age gracefully, Etienne Portalis insists that the Domaine’s rosé is a gastronomic experience, not just an easy-drinking wine. We could not agree more, and tastings at Château Pradeaux have repeatedly demonstrated the graceful, profound future this wine encounters if not swallowed in its infancy.”
 
Chateau Pradeaux ‘Vespree’ Rose Vin de France 2020 750ml $41.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Wine Merchant importer note ““Vesprée” represents a small portion of Pradeaux’s Bandol Rosé production vinified and aged in a combination of foudre and cement egg, and with an additional six months of ageing before bottling. Our tastings from the individual vessels in the cellars every year show a wine full of energy, slightly leaner and more focused than the basic Bandol above, but with similar concentration and grip.”
 
Domaine Ray-Jane Bandol Rosé, Provence 2021 750ml $31.90 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Distributor note “The Constant family has been working this same hillside and vinifying Bandol in the same ancient stone cellar since 1288 (that’s two centuries before the first Chave vintage). The “house style” at this small family domaine is all about structure, freshness and balance. In other words, it’s the opposite of the increasingly viscous, alcoholic, “post climate change” $$$ Bandol found in most other books. These wines are also built to age gracefully in the cellar: at 5-7 years Ray-Jane rosé takes on a gorgeous saffron/wax-y Clos Cibonne “Cuvée Spéciale des Vignettes” vibe that is unique in Bandol. The only downside at Ray-Jane is that the wines are quite limited in production, and thus have never really been visible in the US market. We are thrilled to be gradually changing that in Oregon.”
 
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé, Provence 2021 750ml $49 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 points “Not included in the blind tasting at the local syndicat, Tempier’s 2021 Bandol Rose nevertheless looked good when I tasted it at the estate. It’s a very fine, elegant example of Bandol rosé, with notes of passion fruit and pink grapefruit leading the way in a tightly knit, medium-bodied package that adds promising hints of white peach and anise on the lingering finish.”
 
Domaines Ott Chateau Romassan Bandol Rosé, Provence 2021 750ml $54.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 96 points “Chateau Romassan sits at the foot of the hilltop village Le Castellet, a few miles north of the Bay of Bandol. The Otts rely on mourvedre for the bulk of their rose, this one includes 30 percent cinsault and 15 percent grenache), and, thought 2021 was another hot summer here, Romassan’s poor limestone and sandstone soils produced a deeply savory wine. This pale Bandol seems to have inhaled the local scrubland and seaside breezes, presenting that savory edge alongside husk cherry, grapefruit and pale melon flavors. Firm and versatile, it would pair nicely with anything from bouillabaisse to a Nicoise salad; or take it abroad alongside chicken yakitori.”
 
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Mainly merlot along with 35% cabernet, delicious merlot from Tuscany. The grape varieties from Bordeaux have taken root all over Italy but nowhere better than ‘under the Tuscan sun.’
Castello di Camigliano Poderuccio Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ml $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Castello di Camigliano Poderuccio Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ml $91.50 special (that’s only $15.25/bottle!)
Case-12 Castello di Camigliano Poderuccio Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ml $175 special (that’s only $14.58/bottle!)
James Suckling 90 points “Lots of blackberries and tar, together with black-olive character on the nose and palate. Full-bodied and structured. A little raw, but should come around nicely with bottle age. Drink from 2020.”

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M. Chapoutier Luberon La Ciboise Rouge, Rhône 2017 750ml Was $11.90, Now $10.75 super special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 M. Chapoutier Luberon La Ciboise Rouge, Rhône 2017 750ml Was $119, Now $99 super special (that’s only $8.25/bottle!), hurry only 6 cases available!
Anna Lee C. Iijima-Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Notes of crisp raspberry, bramble and crushed stone introduce this full-bodied yet invigorating red. Blackberry and mulberry flavors are juicy yet vital, edged by hints of mineral and a zesty midpalate. Peppery, fine tannins linger on the finish. This lovely sip is ready now but should hold through 2023.”

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Pinot Noir abounds in and around Sancerre. Reminiscent of Oregon PN’s back when summer in the Willamette Valley included some cloudy and cool days. Perfect conditions for PN rosé.
Clement & Florian Berthier l’Instant Pinot Noir Rose, Vin de France 2020 750ml Was $14, Now $10.90 super special, 30 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 89 points “Shimmering orange. Spice-accented tangerine and raspberry aromas pick up a floral nuance with air. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering juicy red berry and orange zest flavors that show a refreshingly bitter edge. Finishes taut and dry, with a repeating floral note and a jolt of spicy white pepper.”
Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Pinot Noir. Sustainable. Clay & limestone. Tasting note: Fresh red berries and cherry, candied orange peel and strawberry. Medium body with a long finish.”

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You’ve heard of Boulay and Dagueneau’s history making Sauvignon Blanc, but the Loire has another white varietal amongst her crown jewels: Chenin Blanc. Cultivated in the Loire valley since 845, it’s known for being one of the most versatile on the planet, producing benchmark examples of still, sweet and sparkling wines with incredible longevity in the bottle.

In spite of this pedigree, the world is only just starting to discover these works of art, with Thibaud Boudignon leading a new generation taking Chenin Blanc to glorious heights. The Savennières-based producer has rare gift of taking all of Chenin’s energetic richness and compressing it into a linear beam of mineral electricity. Originally from Bordeaux, Boudignon established his credentials by working at the legendary Burgundy house, Philippe Charlopin, and at the highly regarded Loire producer, Chateau Soucherie. His devotion to meticulous farming under biodynamic standards in addition to his masterful technical skill as a winemaker have made him a cult figure almost overnight. 

Boudignon has captured the attention and love of several reviewers and wine writers, so we’ll hand off the mike: 

“One of the most exciting up-and-coming producers in the Loire, Thibaud Boudignon already has a fervent following in America.” -Jason Wilson, Vinous Media

“Thibaud Boudignon is a recent entry to Savennières, having started his project in 2009, but oh, my, the purity of his wines is impeccable… It may only be a young domaine, but the clarity of the wines made from these young vines is truly exciting. I look forward to the vines maturing further.” -Rebecca Gibb MW, September 2022

“Thibaud Boudignon is unquestionably one of the most exciting figures in wine today… in just a few vintages, his name began to circulate among Loire growers, eventually to top restaurants in Paris, and finally overseas. The speed at which he has garnered so much praise speaks to the remarkable quality of his wines. It is wines like these that make us remember why we love this business. Just when you think you’ve had the best a region has to offer, a new discovery comes along to rock your world. Boudignon is such a discovery, with wines that speak so clearly of their place of origin. It is in this writer’s humble opinion, that there is no greater dry Chenin Blanc being made in the world today. Period.” –Skurnik Imports

Newly Arrived from Thibaud Boudignon:

Thibaud Boudignon Rose de Loire 2021 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Limpid orange. Vibrant, mineral- and spice tinged strawberry and orange zest aromas show fine definition and a building floral nuance. Shows firm tension and cut on the palate, offering intense citrus fruit and red berry character and a suggestion of botanical herbs. Finishes very long and precise, with the floral and mineral notes repeating. “
Importer note “While Thibaud has (rightly) become a superstar for his world-class Chenin Blancs, many insiders have discovered one of his best kept-secrets: rosé. Made from a plot of Cabernet Franc and Grolleau in Anjou that he simply could not pass up the opportunity to work with, this is one of the most saline and mineral rosés we have ever come across. 80% Cabernet Franc, 20% Grolleau. Shallow soils of grey schist and rhyolite (volcanic soil) and clay. Indigenous yeast fermentation. No malo. Direct press rosé. Aged in stainless steel. A noble, supremely saline rosé. Delicate texture. Made like a white wine to preserve salinity and structure.”

Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc, Loire 2020 750ml $44 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc, Loire 2020 1.5L $89 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Rebecca Gibbs MW-Vinous 91 points “Unlike his Savennières, the fruit for Boudignon’s 2020 Anjou Blanc is purchased. The result is a pure, clean wine with delectable purity. There are delicate flavors of just-ripe pineapple, citrus, nettles and a subtle hint of vanilla. It is fermented and aged in both 500-liter barrels and oval Stockinger ‘cigars’. A line of acidity pulls this wine through to a refined conclusion. It can be approached now for its fine fruit but will go on.”

Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc ‘a Francoise..’, Loire 2020 750ml $69 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc ‘a Francoise..’, Loire 2020 1.5L $145 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Rebecca Gibbs MW-Vinous 91 points “The 2020 Anjou Blanc à Francois(e) has the purity of mountain air. Hailing from a single parcel named Les Gats, it is a mid-weight style that’s not about aromatic appeal but texture. From a clay-based vineyard, this is one of the more weighty, rounded styles that Boudignon produces with a structured frame that clamps the mouth and acidity that pierces the wine’s core like an arrow. There’s no malo at this estate which somewhat explains its character.”

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Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos de Fremine, Loire 2020 750ml $85 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibbs MW-Vinous 93 points “The Clos de Frémine sits across a country lane from Clos de la Hutte, so it’s a similar climate; however, at Clos de Frémine, the wine is lighter, more sandy with brighter light. The 2020 is a delicate, almost quiet wine that has a line of acidity that is like a taut wire. There’s a silken, airy mouthfeel with delicate pineapple flavors and nectarine, which suffuses the mouth on the long, mineral finish. It gives the impression that it has a low pH due to its tangy acid and salinity, but the pH is actually at 3.6, which is rather high all things considered. Rather attractive.”

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Also In Stock Now from Thibaud Boudignon:

Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos de Fremine, Loire 2019 750ml $89 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibbs MW-Vinous 95 points “An elegant and pure style that offers a delightful silken texture. The 2019 Clos de Fremine floats delicately, almost as if you are tasting a cloud, despite containing plenty of intensity in its focused core of fruit. There’s a burst of fresh acidity and a bristle of fine-grained texture; whether that’s the tannin or the soil, it’s there on the finish. I could tell you it tastes of apples and citrus, but this is a wine that seems to care less about fruit descriptors and more about the essence of its place.”
Importer note “Just across a small road from Clos de la Hutte, in the hamlet of Poissonnière, Clos Frémine is an exciting addition to Thibaud’s stunning Savennières lineup. Just like it’s famed neighbor, the vineyard sits on pure schist that is found only 20cm below the surface. There is a bit more sand at the base of this site, which provides the wine with a delicate lift and added layer of elegance.”

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Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos de la Hutte, Loire 2018 750ml $95 special, 5 bottles in stock now
No reviews available for the 2018 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
Rebecca Gibbs MW-Vinous 97 points “The 2019 Clos de la Hutte is the site that spoke to Boudignon when he arrived in Savennières. Once the site of a monastery, it’s not yet a religious experience drinking this, but it’s not got far to go: there’s a sense of expansion in the mouth, followed by impressive structure, showing its serious intentions and a sense that it’s good enough to eat. There’s an intriguing white floral note alongside pear, followed up with energetic acidity. Excellent texture and sapidity on the finish, providing length and structure. This wine has it all: delicacy and power, structure and refinement. Unfortunately, frosts in 2019 were not kind so there is very little of it to go around.”
Importer note “[A new] addition to Thibaud’s range of Chenin Blanc comes from a half hectare plot within the Clos de la Hutte (1.5ha) lieu-dit. The vines are young but the wine is profound.  There is a long history to this site and Thibaud is channeling every bit of it here.  The volumes are miniscule –  1000 bottles released.”
Importer note “Clos de la Hutte is situated in the commune of La Poissonnière; the Clos de la Hutte is an ancient religious site of 7 hectares, of which 2.6 are planted with vines. At the heart of this ancient monastery are vines produced from a massal selection of Chenin Blanc coming from the best domaines of the Loire. 5 different varieties of Chenin were planted together so as to best express the intensity and singularity of this special place. 50% vinified in oval demi muid, 25% in 320 liter cigars, and 25% in 500 liter. The ageing last one year in wood and a minimum of 3 months in stainless steel. The Clos de la Hutte seduces with its aromatic finesse and the intense minerality in the mouth.”

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The La Fortuna estate has been run by the Zannoni family since its 1907 inception. One of the most established wine producers in Tuscany, their Brunello is world-renowned for consistently being among the very best produced year after year. In addition to drinking well right after purchase they cellar beautifully, making La Fortuna’s wines a superb choice for any moment that calls for an opulent red wine. Their 2012 Brunello Riserva is drinking quite well at the moment and would pair beautifully with tonight’s grilled, braised, or roasted dinner. Of course, it will become even more impressive after time in your cellar. Such a versatile wine is a valuable must-have. 

In stock now:

La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ml $89 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ml $515 special (that’s only $85.83/bottle!)
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 1.5L $199 special, 4 magnums in stock now
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 3L $399 special, 3 double-magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “Perfumed, with wild herb aromas and a subtle mix of strawberry and cherry fruit. Vibrant and dense, with fine acidity driving the long finish. Though elegant, there is intensity and fine energy on the aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2028.”

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New Weekend – New Arrivals
 

France – Champagne

Waris-Hubert Blanche Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut Millesime, Champagne 2012 750ml $79 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Sorting Table importer note “To the eye, a luminous champagne, wrapped in a yellow robe with pronounced golden highlights. The first scents encompass the universe of herbal and garrigue flowers like lime blossom, eucalyptus and mint. Then, they give way to exotic fruits: pineapple, lychee and mango. On the palate the wine is tender and voluptuous. This gives it a silky, full-bodied dimension, thanks to yellow peach and apricot flavors. It is a profound wine with fine harmony and perfect balance.  The heady complexity of the 2012 vintage is perfectly expressed in this 2012 Blanche Millésime Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from Waris-Hubert.”
From the village of Avize, 35 year-old vines on calcareous clay.

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Waris-Hubert Albescent Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, Champagne NV 750ml $54.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Sorting Table importer note “It has the finesse and exceptional potential of the Chardonnay Grand Cru of Côte des Blancs. To the eye, a pale golden robe with discrete green highlights. The wine’s aromas announce its extreme purity, airy dimension and elegance. Timid at first.  Then hazelnut and almond characterize the rich, creamy dimension of this cuvee. The mouthfeel is just as elegant as the aromas: one begins with lemon zest and white fruits’ aromas and tastes. Chrystalline, with barley sugar accents, it highlights our preferred grape variety, Chardonnay. An excellent dinner and aperetif wine.”
From the villages of Avize, Oger, and Cramant, 35 year-old vines on calcareous clay. 

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The average price nationally is $59

Waris-Hubert ‘Lilyale’ Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Zero Dosage, Champagne NV 750ml $54.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Sorting Table importer note “Pale golden colour with intense glints of emerald green. Fine and lively effervescence; lasting beads of bubbles. The aromas are elegant and expressive with a floral and springlike tone. Notes of lime blossom, mint and freshly mown grass develop, which evolve to white fruit and fresh Mirabelle plum. The scent of Viennese pastries and brioche fill the senses. The palate is full and with a rich attack. Firm and powerful. Dense in the evolution phase with lively lemon flavors, complimented by minerality and hints of wild citrus fruits. It’s the purity, and elegance of the chardonnay grand cru of the Côte des Blancs. Elegant and expressive.”
From the village of Avize, Oger, and Cramant, 35 year-old vines on calcareous clay.

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Italy – Abruzzo 

Torre dei Beati ‘Bianchi Grilli per la Testa’ Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2020 750ml $26 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “A captivating mix of lemon oils, tangerine and dried peaches wafts up from the wickedly fresh 2020 Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Bianchi Grilli Per La Testa. It envelopes the palate with glycerol textures, initially seeming almost tropical in character, yet it quickly gains tension through a mix of saline-mineral tones and tart orchard fruits. There’s a reverberation of tension through the finale, along with a salty flourish, as exotic florals slowly taper off. The harmony here is remarkable; the 2020 has the fruit of a warm vintage with the structure and depth of a cool vintage. After seven days of skin-contact fermentation, about 20% of the Bianchi Grilli is matured in Acacia barrels with the bulk of it in Stainless steel. It’s a unique expression of Trebbiano that should not be missed.”

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Italy – Tuscany 

Lisini Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2019 750ml $31.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is spicy and intense, with a chalky air of crushed stone giving way to wild herbs and sour cherry. It’s round yet juicy in character, washing gobs of mineral-tinged red and black berries across the palate, as notes of licorice and inner violets collect toward the close. The 2019 keeps the energy high, remaining vividly fruity, with just a hint of fine tannins that frame the finish quite well. There is simply so much to like about this vintage of Lisini’s Rosso.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “Leads off with a distinctive graphite aroma, followed by black cherry, blackberry, earth and mineral flavors. Open, yet finishes with dense tannins and a chalky feel. Drink now through 2025. 1,300 cases made, 375 cases imported.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 89 points “Informal and medium dark in appearance, the 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is redolent of cherry confit and plummy fruit. This was a moderate vintage in terms of heat, but the wine overdelivers on sweet flavors and shows powerful 14.5% alcohol that might lead you to believe that the summer season was much hotter than reality. Those richly saturated fruit tones and the wine’s open-knit texture can stand up to hearty winter dishes. Production is a comfortable 10,000 bottles.”

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The average price is $36

Castello di Ama ‘San Lorenzo’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2018 750ml $59 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “A tight, polished red with a very beautiful texture of firm, polished yet integrated tannins. Full-bodied with plenty of subtle dark-berry and chocolate character. Hints of walnuts, too. Flavorful finish. A little tight at the end, but already really delicious. Serious young Gran Selezione. Drink or hold.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The Castello di Ama 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo is one of the most distinctive wines in the ample portfolio offered by this estate. I always seem to find a balsamic note in the San Lorenzo Sangiovese (a blend of some of the property’s best fruit, with a touch of Merlot and Malvasia Nera thrown in), and it definitely comes through in this vintage with grilled rosemary and even a touch of black olive. This wine is truly Mediterranean in spirit and it boasts an all-Italian identity. Its supple, mid-weight texture is amplified by elegant fruit and spice. And the wine’s fresh acidity makes it the ideal pairing partner with your favorite Tuscan pasta or pici recipes.”
Vinous 94 points “The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is a deep, potent wine. Black cherry, gravel, smoke, licorice, chocolate, spice infuse the San Lorenzo with tons of dark Sangiovese character. A heady, muscular wine, the 2019 exudes tremendous richness. I would give it a few years. The 2018 is a wine of aromatic intrigue and intensity.”

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The next best price is $64.40

Italy – Piedmont

Rizzi Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2020 750ml $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2020 Barbera d’Alba is a terrific wine, especially if pizza night is on the calendar. This is a fun and exuberant expression of Barbera with sweet cherry and plum and lots of easy texture to absorb the natural acidity of the grape. This is a simple but very well-balanced expression of Piedmont’s favorite food grape.”

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The next best price is $24.99

Spain – Cava

Mont Marcal Cava Brut Reserva, Catalonia 2019 750ml $16 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 89 points “Crisp and bubbly Cava with some chalky, earthy lemons, stones and brioche. Very frothy with direct effervescence. Made from organically grown grapes. Drink now.”

Mont Marcal Brut Rosado Cava, Catalonia 2020 750ml $18 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Tasting notes: Colour: Intense and attractive redcurrant with violet tones. Fine bubbles and mousse. Bouquet: Dominated by berries such as cherries and blackberries, with a base of plum and fig compote and slight evolution of the lees. Palate: On the palate it is young, fruity, fresh, soft and above all very elegant. This is an ideal cava to drink as an aperitif and with a great variety of dishes, from croquettes, soft creamy cheeses, light white fish dishes, pasta, salads of red berries, carpaccios, to dishes made with cured sausages, white meats (veal, rabbit, milk fed lamb), poultry (quails, chicken wings), strong spiced and smoked food and a great variety of cakes. The fine mousse makes it refreshing and an ideal complement to help the digestion.”

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Domaine Anita

Beaujolais lovers – don’t miss out on these: 
 

Originally a professional cyclist from Bresse, Anita Kuhnel fell in love with Beaujolais during visits. She purchased vines in 2015 and began producing stunning single-parcel Beaujolais.

“‘I am committed to putting all my energy into making the best wines every day,’ Anita declares. ‘This is why I chose to opt for plot cultivation, which allows each bottle to reflect the character of each plot.’ She calls this whole exercise ‘Making the plots talk.'” –Importer note 

Picture the cost of a Côte de Nuits single parcel bottling from a top scoring producer working with 50+ year old sustainably grown estate vines. Now move the decimal place over two spaces to the left, and you’re in grand cru Beaujolais territory. Snap up your allocation before the world, and pricing, catches up!

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Domaine Anita Morgon Prestige, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $29 special, 28 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “Welcome to the black heart of Morgon! So dense, concentrated and ripe with serious tannins, but a wonderfully plush texture on the expansive palate. Then the mineral freshness pushes through at the powerful, yet finely etched finish. If you can find actual black cherries that smell like this, then let me know! Drink or hold.”

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Domaine Anita Moulin-a-Vent La Rochelle, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This Beaujolais masterpiece is so concentrated and so pure, with lush, velvety sensuality that reminds me of great Pomerol. But there’s also almost breathtaking brightness, thanks to the magical combination of gamay and granite. Great mineral freshness at the ripe yet pristine finish. Drink or hold.”

Domaine Anita Moulin-a-Vent ‘Les Caves’ Tres Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $24 special, 32 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “What a beautiful nose of violets and ripe (but not overripe) blackberries this has! So succulent, with a wonderful interplay of creaminess, fine tannins and mineral freshness on the concentrated, medium-bodied palate. Very long, velvety finish with so much finesse! Drink or hold.”

Domaine Anita Chenas Les Brureaux, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $28 special, 18 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Pure violets on the nose pull you into this Chenas, which is brimming with sour-cherry fruit, wrapped around a core of fine tannins. Intense, stony minerality at the powerful yet refined finish. So focused and uplifting! Drink or hold.”

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Domaine Anita Fleurie Les Moriers, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $24 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Stunning black-cherry fruit is married to generous, fine tannins and very lively acidity that lights up this rather bold wine. So many violets and ripe blackberries that this well-structured wine slips down very easily. Quite some allspice character at the long finish. Drink or hold.”

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Domaine Anita Fleurie Les Poncie, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $24 special, 35 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Dense violet and sour-cherry nose with just a hint of licorice. Very fresh and vital with quite a serious tannins structure for a Beaujolais Cru, this is still very young with tremendous energy. Quite dry finish, but in a very positive way, and one that reminds me of wines from cooler locations in the Northern Rhone. Drink or hold.”

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Domaine Anita Morgon ‘Chateau-Gaillard’, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $21.90 special, 32 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Stunning nose of ripe blackberries, the blackest cherries and smoke, with just a touch of balsamic vinegar. Ripe and firm with a ton of crushed-stone minerality. Very radical, but in the best possible way! All this needs is a bit of time in the bottle to resolve the substantial, fine tannins and crisp acidity. Great aging potential! Drinkable now, but best from 2024.”

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Autumn Breeze, Makes Me Feel Fine

Rosés for the Fall: Italian Edition
 

One of our most popular Italian rosés, this is lively yet structured and performs well in the cellar or with roasts and stews when you don’t quite want to reach for a red.
Proprieta Sperino ‘Rosa del Rosa’ Rosato Coste della Sesia, Piedmont 2021 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “Good luck pulling away from the 2021 Rosa del Rosa, with its sweetly scented bouquet that mixes notes of dusty rose and ripe strawberries with enriching hints of butter cream and vanilla bean. This sets off all of the pleasure indicators with soft textures complemented by sweet red fruits, then contrasted by sour citrus and, finally, a bump of juicy acidity that keeps the energy high. There’s plenty of length to keep the palate reeling with mouthwatering pleasure, as the Rosa del Rosa, a varietal Nebbiolo Rosato, tapers off wickedly fresh and long. This is, yet again, one of the top Italian Rosès of the vintage.”

Add a little pink peppercorn to your life! This is liquid sunshine for a chilly, rainy day.
G. B. Burlotto Elatis Vino da Tavola Rosé, Piedmont 2021 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: A blend of the rare Piedmont varietal Pelaverga and Nebbiolo, and our favorite pink Italian wines for the fall. This is only occasionally released and has only been reviewed once (in the 2019 vintage):
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “[2019 vintage] The nose shows ripe honeydew and crushed yellow apple with sweet herbs and smoky minerals. On the palate, the 2019 Burlotto Elatis Rosato coasts with ease. It is cool-toned and riding a core of vibrant acids, minerals, and citrus-tinged fruits. The finish is long, buzzing with energy, and just begging for another sip. This is a unique and wonderfully stimulating blend of 60% Pelaverga, 35% Nebbiolo and 5% Barbera.”

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The average price is $28

Castello di Ama ‘Purple Rosé’ Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 1.5L Was $49, Now $39 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 90 points “Luminous red-pink. Fresh aromas of strawberry and flowers, then ripe and sweet with similar flavors to the aromas that show very good acid cut. This actually leaves a sweet impression on the long suave finish, but has so much acidity it seems less sweet than it is. Lovely. Winemaker Marco Pallanti has changed the winemaking so as to macerate the must on the skins for twelve hours and then ages the wine in used (one year) barriques to round it. A blend of mostly Sangiovese with a little Merlot.”

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G.D. Vajra Rosabella Rosato, Piedmont 2021 750ml $16 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 90 points “The 2021 Rosato Rosabella is so understated yet pretty, capturing the eye with its pale pink color, and then the senses with nuances of rose, strawberries and a dusting of spice. It’s soothingly soft, with a pleasant inner sweetness offset by vibrant acidity and citrus-tinged orchard fruits. This leaves the palate completely refreshed, as a salty flourish punctuates the experience quite nicely. The Rosabella is a blend of 85% Nebbiolo, 10% Barbera and 5% Dolcetto.”

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Luigi Giordano Vino Rosato Alba, Piedmont 2020 750ml $21.90 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Nebbiolo from family parcels inside Barbaresco crus of Ovello, Ronchi & Cars. Hand-picked in September. Soft pressing followed by 3-hour maceration. 2,400-bottle production.”

Shop our complete selection of rosé wines on our webstore now!