“Harvest began on August 19 at Domaine Dujac in 2020, concluding only six days later, and Jeremy Seysses opted for very short macerations, retaining 90% to 95% whole clusters. In the vineyards, the viticultural team didn’t deleaf at all in the warm, sunny growing season, and Seysses noted a big difference in drought resistance between organic and biodynamically farmed parcels. Bottling is planned earlier than usual to capture the wines vibrant fruit intact. And the result? A very persuasive portfolio of 2020s, defined by deep and vibrant fruit tones, rich and powdery tannins and the impressively saturated hues that characterize the vintage along the Côte d’Or. They will require more patience, I suspect, than the remarkably charming 2019s (revisited here in bottle), but they will reward it.” –William Kelley, Wine Advocate

Newly Arrived from Domaine Dujac:

Domaine Dujac Les Folatieres, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2020 750ml $259 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Domaine Dujac Les Folatieres, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2020 1.5L $599 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2020 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières 1er Cru has a nicely detailed bouquet with fine delineation, orange pith and light linen scents developing with time. The palate is well balanced with tangy orange zest on the entry, quite linear and strict with a fresh finish, though it does not quite possess the mineralité of the Combettes.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90-92 points “Notes of pear, waxy yellow orchard fruit, nutmeg and freshly baked bread introduce the 2020 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières, a delicate, medium-bodied white that’s bright, fine-boned and saline in this warm vintage.”

These are the only listings in the USA today!

Domaine Dujac Les Gruenchers, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2020 750ml $419 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 93-95 points “The 2020 Chambolle-Musigny Les Gruechers 1er Cru was showing the stem addition a little more than the cuvées. This is well-defined and vibrant, perhaps to some a classic quintessential Dujac. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, again, quite peppery with a grainy, focused finish. I can envisage this livening up a dinner table, an intriguing and quite intellectually-satisfying Chambolle-Musigny.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94+ points “The 2020 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Gruenchers has turned out especially well this year, bursting with notes of peonies, rose petals, orange rind and red berries. Medium to full-bodied, perfumed and enveloping, it’s supple and lively, with melting tannins and a seamless, charming profile.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Dujac Aux Combottes, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2020 1.5L $999 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 93-95 points “The 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin Aux Combottes 1er Cru has a captivating, quite mineral-driven bouquet with vibrant red fruit, just a touch of peony and iris petals. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins. This is quite a solid Gevrey-Chambertin, lightly spiced with a very saline, marine-influenced finish that lingers long in the mouth. This is a gorgeous, expansive Gevrey-Chambertin Combottes.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Aux Combottes is also very charming, mingling aromas of raspberries and plums with hints of blood orange, rose petals and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and velvety palate that’s lively and perfumed. As usual, it will offer a broad drinking window.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Dujac Les Beaumonts, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru 2020 750ml $599 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 95-97 points “The 2020 Vosne-Romanée Les Beaux Monts 1er Cru is so refined and focused on the nose, not a hair out of place, the oak seamlessly integrated. Real panache. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins, perfectly pitched acidity, very pure and velvety with an expansive and detailed finish. Just beautiful.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Offering up aromas of wild berries, orange rind, plums, exotic spices and rose petals, the 2020 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts is medium to full-bodied, lively and layered, with fine concentration, ripe and powdery tannins and a long, perfumed finish.”

Domaine Dujac Aux Malconsorts, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru 2020 750ml $799 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Domaine Dujac Aux Malconsorts, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru 2020 1.5L $1,699 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 94-96 points “The 2020 Vosne-Romanée Aux Malconsorts 1er Cru has a very intense bouquet with blackberry, raspberry and touches of iodine, a little pressed violet emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy tannins, real depth and grip, one of the most opulent ‘20s from Dujac, though I wager that the Beaux Monts has a little more precision at this stage. But still, this is a long-term proposition.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2020 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts opens in the glass with notes of plums and wild berries mingled with aromas of orange oil, exotic spices, smoked duck and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, layered and muscular, it’s finer-boned and less overtly powerful than its 2019 and 2018 predecessors, even if it’s still a serious, structured, concentrated wine.”

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

Domaine Dujac Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2020 750ml $549 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Domaine Dujac Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2020 1.5L $1,199 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 94-96 points “The 2020 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru has a lovely bouquet, beautifully defined with pure dark cherries, raspberry with touches of clove and white pepper. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grip, quite structured for a Charmes-Chambertin, lightly-spiced with a cohesive and quite persistent finish.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2020 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru is one of the chunkier, more muscular wines in the range. Revealing aromas of raspberries, cassis, exotic spices, orange rind and loamy soil, it’s full-bodied, deep and tightly wound, with lively acids, youthfully chewy tannins and a long, floral finish.”

These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!
The next best prices are $650 & $1,499.99

Domaine Dujac Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2020 1.5L $1,799 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 96-98 points “The 2020 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru has a slightly backward, tertiary bouquet that takes time to open in the glass. It eventually reveals blackberry, briary, sous-bois and hints of Earl Grey. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, quite spicy and pepper, this Clos Saint-Denis delivering a wonderful build towards its voluminous yet controlled, spicy finish. I must ‘fess up – I swallowed my sample.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The 2020 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of rose petals, red berries, plums, blood orange, violets and raw cocoa. Full-bodied, layered and velvety, it’s perfumed and seamless, with an ample core of vibrant fruit, powdery tannins and a long, resonant finish.”

This is the only listing in the USA today (and there’s a 750ml listed for 1,999.99!)

Arriving Friday, October 7th:

Domaine Dujac Chambolle-Musigny, Cote de Nuits 2020 750ml $169 pre-arrival special, only 1 bottle available
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2020 Chambolle-Musigny Village has a more delicate and refined bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit, touches of black olive and a light menthol note. The palate is medium-bodied with good structure, quite impressive depth here with a dash of white pepper on the granular finish. Very fine.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 88-90 ponts “The 2020 Chambolle-Musigny Village offers up aromas of raspberries, orange rind, rose petals and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, lively and elegant palate that’s framed by powdery tannins, concluding with a penetrating finish.”

Domaine Dujac Aux Combottes, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2020 750ml $499 pre-arrival special, only 1 bottle available
Neal Martin-Vinous 93-95 points “The 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin Aux Combottes 1er Cru has a captivating, quite mineral-driven bouquet with vibrant red fruit, just a touch of peony and iris petals. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins. This is quite a solid Gevrey-Chambertin, lightly spiced with a very saline, marine-influenced finish that lingers long in the mouth. This is a gorgeous, expansive Gevrey-Chambertin Combottes.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Aux Combottes is also very charming, mingling aromas of raspberries and plums with hints of blood orange, rose petals and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and velvety palate that’s lively and perfumed. As usual, it will offer a broad drinking window.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Dujac Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2020 750ml $1,199 pre-arrival special, only 1 bottle available
Neal Martin-Vinous 95-97 points “The 2020 Clos-de-la-Roche Grand Cru has an extremely pure bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, violet and crushed stone. This feels very focused and classy. The palate is very well balanced with supple tannins, fine acidity, very smooth and sensual with a welcome touch of bitterness towards the finish. A gorgeous wine, although I feel that Clos Saint-Denis has the edge.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The 2020 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru is no less impressive. Exhibiting aromas of plums, red berries and cassis mingled with orange rind, cinnamon, vanilla pod and spices, it’s full-bodied, deep and layered, with a concentrated core of fruit, lively acids and a long, rose-inflected finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $1,313

Domaine Dujac Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2020 750ml $1,199 pre-arrival special, only 1 bottle available
Neal Martin-Vinous 96-98 points “The 2020 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru has a slightly backward, tertiary bouquet that takes time to open in the glass. It eventually reveals blackberry, briary, sous-bois and hints of Earl Grey. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, quite spicy and pepper, this Clos Saint-Denis delivering a wonderful build towards its voluminous yet controlled, spicy finish. I must ‘fess up – I swallowed my sample.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The 2020 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of rose petals, red berries, plums, blood orange, violets and raw cocoa. Full-bodied, layered and velvety, it’s perfumed and seamless, with an ample core of vibrant fruit, powdery tannins and a long, resonant finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $1,313

 

 

Hofgut Falkenstein Niedermenniger Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett Trocken “Mutter Anna” AP1 2021 750ml $29 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 90 points “The 2021er Niedermenniger Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett Trocken Mutter Anna (the reference to this internal cask name is provided in small print on the label after the AP number) comes from 60-70-year-old vines. The wine offers a beautiful nose of iodine, citrusy fruits, minty herbs, and smoke. It is very elegant and zingy on the focused palate and leaves a really structured and laser beam feel of intense fruits and minerals. Whoever likes acidity will fall in love with this wine. 2024-2031.”

Hofgut Falkenstein Krettnacher Auf dem Hölzchen Riesling Kabinett Trocken AP21 2021 750ml $31.90 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “The 2021er Krettnacher Auf dem Hölzchen Riesling Kabinett Trocken comes from 50-60-year-old vines above the Ober Schäfershaus. It offers a beautiful and still slightly reduced nose made of cassis, tobacco, smoke, and herbs. The wine proves racy yet still subtly creamy in the long finish. The aftertaste is zingy and packed with herbs and flintstone. This will need a few years to integrate its firm acidity but will then be a great dry Kabinett made for lovers of the steely expression of the genre. 2026-2041.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Hofgut Falkenstein Niedermenniger Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett Trocken “Egon” AP19 2021 750ml $31.90 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The 2021er Niedermenniger Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett Trocken Egon (the reference to this internal cask name is provided in small print on the label after the AP number) comes from over 50-year-old vines in the south-facing part of the vineyard situated just below the Estate’s cellar. It offers a beautiful nose of pear, peach, mirabelle, white pepper, starfruit, and smoke. The wine is beautifully intense, fruity, and racy on the palate and leaves a great mouthwatering feel in the long finish. This combines a touch of raciness with great fruit depth and intensity in the precise finish. 2023-2031.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Hofgut Falkenstein Krettnacher Euchariusberg Riesling Spätlese “Förster” AP5 2021 750ml $36 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 94+ points “The 2021er Krettnacher Euchariusberg Riesling Spätlese Förster (the reference to this internal cask name is provided in small print on the label after the AP number) was made from clean fruit harvested early at 87° Oechsle from vines planted in the 1960s in the prime Gross Schock sector of the vineyard and was fermented down to fully fruity-styled levels of residual sugar (55 g/l). It offers a beautiful nose of creamy gooseberry, grapefruit, quince, bitter lemon, chalky minerals, and smoke. The wine is superbly zesty yet also subtly creamy on the palate. The finish has the vibrancy of an Eiswein with the fruitiness of a great Spätlese. The acidity strikes through right into the finish and proves incredibly animating. We would wait a few years to let the wine develop more presence. Then, it could prove even better than expected: It is that impressive! 2029-2041.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Hofgut Falkenstein Niedermenniger Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett Feinherb “Herbert” AP15 2021 750ml $29 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 90 points “The 2021er Niedermenniger Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett Feinherb Herbert (the reference to this internal cask name is provided in small print on the label after the AP number) is an off-dry wine (with 24 g/l of residual sugar) made from fruit picked in the Kasselsheidchen part of the vineyard situated high up the slope. It offers a gorgeous nose of citrusy fruits and whipped cream, wrapped into floral and aniseed elements. The wine is beautifully balanced on the palate which feels almost dry thanks to some bracing acidity. The finish is truly remarkably bright and packed with white peach sorbet wrapped into cream in the finish. 2023-2028.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Hofgut Falkenstein Krettnacher Euchariusberg Riesling Kabinett Alte Reben “Gisela” AP8 2021 750ml $49 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “The 2021er Krettnacher Euchariusberg Riesling Kabinett Alte Reben Gisela (the reference to this internal cask name is provided in small print on the label after the AP number) was harvested at 84° Oechsle in a parcel still planted with 70-80-year-old un-grafted vines in the prime Gross Schock sector of the vineyard, which was classified in the highest category on the old taxation maps, and was fermented down to barely fruity-styled levels of residual sugar (40 g/l). It offers a stunning nose of citrusy fruits, cassis, floral elements, apricot blossom, wet stone, and smoke. The wine proves incredibly deep and packed with orchard and citrusy fruits on the subtly creamy yet racy palate. The bright sense of raciness makes for an off-dry and incredibly animating feel in the hugely persistent finish. This is remarkable. 2029-2041.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Hofgut Falkenstein Krettnacher Euchariusberg Riesling Kabinett “Kugel Peter” AP12 2021 750ml $33 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “The 2021er Krettnacher Euchariusberg Riesling Kabinett Kugel Peter (the reference to this internal cask name is provided in small print on the label after the AP number) was harvested at 84° Oechsle on 50-year-old grafted vines in the prime Gross Schock sector of the vineyard, which was classified in the highest category on the old taxation maps, and was fermented down to barely fruity-styled levels of residual sugar (42 g/l). It offers a beautifully refined nose made of white peach, lemon peel, mint, floral elements, and fine smoke elements. The wine is superbly playful and racy on the palate and leaves a stunningly vibrant feel of fresh orchard fruits and fine herbal elements in the long and multi-layered finish. This is a gorgeous and vibrant in the long finish. 2028-2041.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Hofgut Falkenstein Niedermennig Herrenberg Spätlese Feinherb “Meyer Nepal” AP11, Mosel 2021 750ml $33 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “The 2021er Niedermennig Herrenberg Riesling Spätlese Feinherb Meyer Nepal (the reference to this internal cask name is provided in small print on the label after the AP number) comes from vines planted in the 1950s in the upper part of the vineyard and was fermented to off-dry levels of residual sugar (26 g/l). It offers a stunning nose of cassis, white peach, white flowers, a touch of lemon sorbet, and white pepper. The wine shines through a stunningly vibrant feel of citrusy fruits and whipped cream on the precise and nicely mouthwatering palate. The finish is singing and makes one magically go for more. The vibrancy and finesse are truly remarkable. 2029-2041.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Hofgut Falkenstein Niedermenniger Sonnenberg Riesling Kabinett Trocken “Munny” AP9, Mosel 2021 750ml $29 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “The 2021er Niedermenniger Sonnenberg Riesling Kabinett Trocken Munny (the reference to this internal cask name is provided in small print on the label after the AP number) comes from 60-70-year-old vines in the Lieux-Dit Unter den Röderchen. It offers a fresh nose made of citrusy fruits, pear, chalk, star fruit, and smoke. The wine is firmly racy and focused on the still rather tart palate and really shows its potential in the finish loaded with racy acidity, tartness, and fresh herbs. A touch of steel needs to integrate in the finish. This is a gorgeous and rather vibrant expression of dry Kabinett. 2023-2031.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Hofgut Falkenstein Niedermennig Herrenberg Riesling Spätlese Feinherb “Palm” AP3, Mosel 2021 750ml $33 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “The 2021er Niedermennig Herrenberg Riesling Spätlese Feinherb Palm (the reference to this internal cask name is provided in small print on the label after the AP number) comes from different small parcels on the western side of the vineyard and was fermented down to off-dry levels of residual sugar (27 g/l). It offers a superb nose of mirabelle, herbs, white peach, and spices. The wine proves stunningly racy yet creamy on the palate and leaves a stunning feel of wet stone, herbs, anise, peach, and smoky elements. The finish is absolutely stunning and persistent. 2029-2041.”

Hofgut Falkenstein Pet-Nat, Mosel 2021 750ml $29 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Suzanne: There’s a touch of cloudiness at the bottom; I strongly suggest giving this a day or two upright before serving. It shows beautiful Riesling varietal character when allowed to clear, with brisk acidity and pear- and apricot-like fruit tones.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Hofgut Falkenstein Niedermennig Herrenberg Rose Trocken, Mosel 2021 750ml $29 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 89 points “The 2021er Niedermenniger Herrenberg Rosé Trocken is made from fruit picked on what was planted by the Webers as Spätburgunder 25 years ago but which the authorities now say is a mutation and not legally Spätburgunder. It offers a very playful nose of pomegranate, cooked raspberry, and spices. The wine is still quite tart and firm on the palate and leaves an almost white wine feel in the long finish. Now-2024.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 

“This highly regarded estate in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger was created in 1892 by Gustav Charlemagne, who like many others at the time tended other agricultural products in addition to vines, selling his grapes to the négoce. His son Louis began to produce estate-bottled champagnes in the mid-1930s, and Louis’s son Guy Charlemagne expanded the business and the vineyard holdings when he took over in 1953. Since 1988, Guy’s son Philippe has been at the helm of the estate. The Charlemagnes own 15 hectares of vines, much of which lies in the grand cru villages of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger. Six hectares are in the Côte de Sézanne, and a little land is found in Cuis and Mancy, and also in Glannes, near Vitry-le-François. Careful observers will note that Champagne Guy Charlemagne is an SR (société de récoltant) rather than an RM (récoltant-manipulant). This is because Guy Charlemagne (the man) owns some vines, as does Philippe Charlemagne, and both of them “sell” their grapes, in effect, to Champagne Guy Charlemagne (the company). It remains estate-bottled, grower champagne, but it’s simply a different business structure.” –Peter Liem, Champagne Guide

Newly Arrived & In Stock Now:

Guy Charlemagne Mesnillesime Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne 2014 750ml $119 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Winery note “A Grand Champagne with character from the Côte des Blancs terroir, specifically from Le Mesnil sur Oger (limestone parcels averaging 60 years of age). This champagne produced from first press of Le Mesnil sur Oger Grand Cru juices, highlights the exact characteristic of our village. Jewel of the Charlemagne house, this vintage wine combines both authenticity and the search for perfect quality. Elegantly presented with exceptional labelling, this Mesnillesime cuvee is produced with rigorous vinification, partially in oak barrels without malolactic fermentation, and a very light dosage of 4 grams per liter. Matured for 6 years in our chalk underground cellars, this cuvee highlights the excellence of our production. Chardonnay, the only grape here, shows what balance, harmony and purity can mean. A rare champagne for unforgettable moments. Pale yellow with green hues. Persistent mousse with very fine bubbles. Powerful yet elegant nose dominated by acacia honey eventually shows notes of candied lemon, smoke and a blend of pepper. Unctuous, lightly oaked and complex on the palate, candied fruit and citrus aromas pave the way to a fresh, vanilla finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $165 (and they make you buy a case 🙂

Guy Charlemagne Brut Classic, Champagne NV 750ml $39 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “This ripe, balanced and fruity wine has good acidity as well as a poised and elegant layer of white fruits. Fruitiness contrasts with the more textured character that comes through with orange zest and a tight aftertaste. Drink now. -Roger Voss”
Winery note “From the chalky-clay terroir of Sezanne, this brut champagne is a blend of 50% chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir brings body and structure, whereas Chardonnay brings finesse and elegance. Vinified in thermo regulated stainless steel and matured for two years in our underground cellars from different reserve wines, this Brut Extra’s dosage is around 8 grams per litre. It is a highly pleasurable wine with balance and breeding. Straw yellow colour. Steadily rising bubbles. Powerful nose with yellow flower notes and ripe summer fruit (cherry plum). Smooth on the palate with pear and ripe citrus aromas (mandarin). Very good length that ends on a fresh menthol note. Ideal aperitif wine.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $49.97

Guy Charlemagne Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ml $49 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Produced from grapes grown in the Côte de Sézanne, south of Epernay, this blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is properly dry. With acidity, the crispest white fruits and a taut, edgy texture, this bottling is young and will develop well as it matures, bringing out toastiness. Drink from 2020. -Roger Voss”
Winery note “For lovers of pure sensation, we have created this Brut Nature, Champagne without sugar, a blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. This champagne, clean and fresh, reveals all the expression of the terroir and grapes from Sézanne Straw yellow colour. Steadily rising bubbles. Floral (white flowers) and fresh nose with light, intense and rising fruit aromas. Rich smooth with grapefruit aromas. Very good length that ends on a fresh note. Ideal aperitif wine or with seafood and fishes.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $65 (they also require a case purchase 🙂

Guy Charlemagne Brut Rosé, Champagne NV 750ml $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “A beautifully balanced wine, this has great freshness from the red-currant flavors along with a tight, zesty texture and finishes with great acidity. This bottling is ready to drink now. -Roger Voss”
Winery note “This Champagne is made with our vineyards from Mancy and Cuis, with a chalky-clay soil. It is produced 100% from Pinot Noir. Its color is obtained by macerating the grapes with the juice, giving it the colour typical of « rosé de saignée ». Its nose is particularly marked by red berry notes. Elaborated in thermo regulated stainless steel and matured 2 years in our underground cellars, the Brut rosé with its subtle 8 grams per liter dosage is the fruit of a rigorous vinification. It is the ideal wine with which to celebrate the most beautiful emotions… A fine stream of bubbles underline a deep rose colour. The warm nose shows ripe berry aromas (blackberries) and cherries in alcohol. Its’ elegant mouth is dominated by cassis, blackberry and strawberry jam notes.”

Guy Charlemagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Reserve, Champagne NV 750ml $48 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Guy Charlemagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Reserve, Champagne NV 375ml $28 special, 24 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This Champagne is made exclusively from the Charlemagne holdings in grand cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. With the classic steely edge that is balanced by a softer dosage, the wine is both fruity and structured. The bottling is ready although it is sure to develop some delicious mature flavors. -Roger Voss”
Winery note “The Reserve Brut cuvée is from the Le Mesnil sur Oger and Oger, Côte des Blancs terroir, both with their limestone soils. This brut champagne is made solely with Chardonnay from our 100% Grand Crus. A champagne where lightness and finesse play the lead role, made from a reserve wine blend and light dosage at around 8 grams per litre. This gives it longevity and subtle aromas. Vinified in thermo regulated stainless steel and matured between two and three years in our underground cellars, the Cuvée Reserve Brut is a harmonious wine, wholesome, full-bodied with very mineral aromas. It possesses an elegance and vivacity which will allow for the best pairings but it will be particularly appreciated as an aperitif. Pale yellow color, steady stream of fine bubbles, bright. Very citrusy nose, where acacia and rose water balance each other out. Creamy mouth with an exceptional length, the citrus notes (lime and pink grapefruit) give it freshness before melting into notes of fresh hazelnuts and yeasty brioche. This wine will be appreciated both during aperitif or with an appetizer of warm oysters.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $60

 

Oregon / Walla Walla

Crowley “Phoebe” (Four Winds Vineyard) Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2020 750ml $55 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Aromas of Asian pear, lemon chiffon, honeysuckle, mint and a trace of eucalyptus. The palate has the typical Four Winds high tension and firm acidity combined with mineral to complete its austerity. Richness from barrel enters mid palate and merges with silky texture and creamy fruit to a complete high energy finish. Beeswax lingers as does lime-pie. Wente & Draper clones. Native fermentation.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2021 750ml $39 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Winery note “This wine is a Cristom classic, 100% Pinot Noir, and exclusively from the Eola-Amity Hills. The 2021 Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir is crafted predominately from our renowned estate single vineyards – Eileen, Jessie, Louise, Marjorie and Paul Gerrie Vineyard – along with fruit from some of our finest partner vineyards. The variety of sources imbues the Mt. Jeff (as it’s affectionately known) with unique characteristics due to the diverse volcanic soils, elevations, and aspects. With 30 years dedicated to whole cluster fermentations and native yeasts, we consider the Mt. Jefferson Cuvée the embodiment of Cristom’s respected winemaking style. The wine is vibrant and fresh with popping acidity and an effusive strawberry and cherried character. With 46% whole cluster fermentation, the spice is effortlessly integrated into the wine with fine tannins. This vintage is simply outstanding.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Cayuse Vineyards ‘Widowmaker’ En Chamberlin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ml $169 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “Coming all from the En Chamberlin Vineyard and 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard has classic crème de cassis, graphite, smoke tobacco, and smoked earth notes as well as a thrilling floral, exotic quality with time in the glass. This full-bodied, deep, silky wine has no hard edges, beautiful tannins, and a remarkable, profound elegance and purity.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 95+ points “Planted on phylloxera-resistant 3309C rootstock, the 2016 The Widowmaker en Chamberlin Vineyard has a black-fruited nose with a tight core of dusty flowers. The wine is full-bodied and lush on the palate, with a tight minerality that will make this quite age-worthy. It’s balanced yet still tight on the mid-palate, with a long, lingering finish. This is a beautiful and generous wine that delivers pleasure with a lush and dusty expression. Only 232 cases made.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

California

My Favorite Neighbor Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles 2019 750ml $49 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 96 points “Blended with a bit of Syrah and Petit Verdot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep ruby-purple color and an alluring fragrance of cassis, violet, aniseed, bitter chocolate and coffee beans. It’s notable this vintage for Goldilocks ripeness and seamless lift, offering a chocolate-like texture and very long finish.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is more elegant and focused, with medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of cassis, redcurrants, green tobacco, and cedary spice. I love its texture, it has ripe, polished tannins, plenty of sweet fruit, and a great, great finish, all while staying in a relatively compact, and again, elegant package. As I’ve written in the past, it would cost three to four times the price from Napa. It’s worth noting the change in appellation from Paso Robles to San Luis Obispo County, which probably allows for a wider range of fruit.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Editor’s Choice. This newer brand for Eric Jensen of Booker fame offers a high-class taste of the Central Coast for a somewhat affordable price. It’s dark in the glass, with heavy aromas of baked blackberry, cocoa and violet, the ample fruit balanced by woody, herbal spices. The structure is firm and the density is impressive, with concentrated dark-cherry, berry, caramel and nutmeg flavors. -Matt Kettmann”


France – Rhône

Graillot Domaine des Lises Equis Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône 2019 750ml $34.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Graillot Domaine des Lises Equis Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône 2019 750ml $379 special (that’s only $31.58/bottle!)
Case-6 Graillot Domaine des Lises Equis Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône 2019 750ml $199 special (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 93 points “Juicy and well-defined, with a mix of red and black cherry and currant notes that have good energy, with violet, sanguine and singed alder accents filling in throughout. The racy, focused finish pulls everything together. Drink now through 2026. 2,400 cases made, 500 cases imported. — JM”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “Dark berries, licorice, olive and exotic spice aromas pick up a suave floral note with air. Sappy and energetic on the palate, offering bitter cherry, blackberry and star anise flavors that are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. The floral nuance reappears on a very long, dark-fruit-driven finish, with building tannins providing shape and grip. One-third whole clusters.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 91 points “Proprietor Maxime Graillot utilized 25% whole bunches in his 2019 Crozes Hermitage, a vintage he considers sturdier than 2018. It delivers plenty of raspberry and cherry fruit on the nose, a rich, velvety texture on the medium to full-bodied palate and a long, plush finish. It should drink well for at least another 5 years or so.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Domaine Alain Graillot Saint-Joseph Rouge, Rhône 2019 750ml $49 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “Expressive cherry, black currant and floral aromas, along with hints of smoky bacon, licorice and black pepper. Nicely concentrated and energetic on the palate, offering lively, mineral-driven black/blue fruit and floral pastille flavors that stretch out and become sweeter with air. Closes very long, sappy and precise, showing fine delineation and spicy bite on the youthfully tannic, floral-tinged finish. Made with 100% whole clusters.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $53

Italy – Sicily

Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘Vigne Niche’ Calderara Sottana Etna Bianco, Sicily 2020 750ml $45 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The 2020 Etna Bianco Le Vigne Niche-Calderara Sottana is deep and intense. It blossoms slowly with a display of dusty yellow flowers, incense, crushed apples and savory spice. The wine enters the palate with prominent weight and textural girth, offset by brisk acids and salty minerals that give way to ripe orchard fruits and a spicy twist of lime. A coating of primary concentration lingers remarkably long through the structured finale, where hints of chalk dust and custards mingle. As is usually the case, the Calderara Sottana Bianco needs some time to integrate and unwind.”
Wine & Spirits 92 points “Scents of white smoke and wildflowers lead into this wine’s flavors of Meyer lemon and kumquat; all of it hovers above a sizzling mineral core. The fruit tones gain weight and density with exposure to air, picking up notes of dandelion greens and nori as the wine opens. Already a complex and layered wine, this should be even better after a few years in the cellar.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Tenuta delle Terre Nere Calderara Sottana Rosso Etna, Sicily 2019 750ml $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 94 points “The 2019 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana slowly blossoms in the glass, unfurling with a layered and deep display of black cherries, licorice camphor and pine. Further swirling unlocks balsam herbs, plum sauce and dusty rose. It rushes the palate with a wave of silken textures, filling the senses with red currants, blueberry and hints of candied citrus. Fine tannins emerge through the finale, previously masked by ripe inner fruits, making for a lightly structured finish. A salty flourish gives way to hints of graphite and black licorice that linger on and on. While I’m accustomed to Calderara Sottana being one of the more structured and backward wines from the Terre Nere portfolio, the 2019 possesses an early appeal that I find quite attractive. That said, there’s an underlying power here that only cellaring will unlock.”
Wine & Spirits 94 points “Vines up to a century old yielded the fruit for this smoky and meaty wine. Its black-cherry and plum flavors are deep and dense, laced with notes of roasted fennel and warm spice. A cool layer of graphite balances the wine’s peppery spice notes, the flavors all riding above a core of bristling minerality. The tannins were still smoothing out after three days, suggesting this has the structure and intensity to age gracefully.”

Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘Feudo di Mezzo’ Etna Rosso, Sicily 2019 750ml $49 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The 2019 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo impresses with a dark and rich bouquet that pulls you close with notes of sugar-dusted plums, cloves, spiced citrus peels and hints of pine. It fleshes out across the palate with a salty mix of red berries and wild herbs, more lifted than anticipated yet potent. Grippy tannins mount toward the close. For all of its underlying power, the 2019 tapers off amazingly fresh, yet also structured, with a mix of inner violet and rose. Feudo di Mezzo combines both vivid fruit and the vertical build for a long and steady maturation.”
Wine & Spirits 92 points “This wine is generously fruity for an Etna Rosso, its deep plum and seared-cherry flavors layered with notes of grilled herbs and dark smoke, all of it entwined in bristly black tannins. Play up those smoky notes by pairing this with something off the grill.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘Moganazzi’ Etna Rosso, Sicily 2019 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 94 points “Scents of rose petals and mortared herbs rise from the glass in this exuberantly aromatic Etna Rosso. Its flavors of Morello cherry and blood orange are juicy and lively, woven with notes of crushed rock and sea salt and tinged with a smoky savor that lends depth to the bright fruit tones. Marco de Grazia’s plot in Moganazzi is less than four acres, and he makes just 3,000 bottles of this delicious wine. It is well worth seeking out.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 92 points “The 2019 Etna Rosso Moganazzi is spicy and intense, blasting up from the glass with crushed ashen stone, red currants, wild strawberries, sage and hints of cedar. It’s rich and pliant upon entry, yet quickly firms up through a mix of mineral-tinged berries, brisk acids and grippy tannins that arrive quite early and hold firm. That said, there is plenty of primary fruit and depth to balance, as it tapers off structured and long, leaving hints of licorice and inner rose to linger. This is only the third vintage of Moganazzi, which comes from steeply terraced 80-year-old vines at 650 meters on the north side of Etna.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

 

 

Considered a benchmark in Gigondas, the Château de Saint Cosme is a historical gem. Its vineyard sites can be traced back to Roman times. The current owners, the Barruol family, founded the estate in 1490 and have produced wines from these iconic vineyards for 15 generations. A wide variety of impressive Southern and Northern Rhone wines are also produced by the Barruols. Now is great opportunity to stock up and fill your cellar with new releases and multiple back-vintages of these iconic Rhône wines!

Newly Arrived from Saint Cosme:

Saint Cosme Condrieu, Rhône 2020 750ml $69 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “I’m always able to taste Louis’s Northern Rhône release as well. His 2020 Condrieu is medium to full-bodied, pure, and balanced, with that unique Condrieu ability to blend richness and freshness. Some classic tangerine, white flowers, and honeysuckle notes define the nose, and it’s beautifully done. Drink it over the coming 4-6 years.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92 points “Barruol does a lovely job with Condrieu, which he sources from Malleval, what he calls “the cold corner of Condrieu.” His 2020 Condrieu features flowery, blossom-like aromas, plus subtle pear and spice shadings. It’s only medium-bodied, but provides hints of Viognier’s opulence, with a long, silky-textured finish that barely hints at bitterness.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $93

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!

Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhône 2020 750ml $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhône 2020 750ml $519 special (that’s only $43.25/bottle!)
Case-6 Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhône 2020 750ml $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhône 2020 1.5L $99 special, 12 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 91-93 points “Leading off the Gigondas, the base 2020 Gigondas has lots of black raspberry, ground pepper, and violets notes as well as a round, supple, silky style on the palate. It should be approachable on release, yet it has plenty of mid-palate depth as well as tannins, and I have no doubt it will evolve for 20 years if properly stored.”

Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides, Rhône 2020 750ml $128 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97-100 points “At the moment, the 2020 Gigondas Hominis Fides looks to be the standout of the three single vineyards, although all three are beautiful wines in the making. It certainly offers the most power and concentration, with lots of ground pepper, Provençal garrigue, violets, and loamy soils notes, as well as a darker cassis and berry-driven core of fruit. It builds beautifully on the palate, with ample structure, incredible balance, and a great, great finish.”
Decanter 94 points “Ripe, figgy blackberry fruit, with a touch of menthol. Full-bodied, rich and generous palate, quite potent and powerful. Dense, thick tannic base and the alcohol is high. Grenache planted sometime around 1902 on Miocene calcareous sand, in a single vineyard. No destemming, 12 months maturation in French oak barriques: 30% new, 30% one-year-old, 30% two-year-old. Unfiltered. Drinking Window 2028 – 2038.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $147

Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux, Rhône 2020 750ml $119 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “Beautifully fragrant nose of star anise, cedar and cigar tobacco. Full-bodied, rounded and seductively plump and juicy, showing clarity, precision and focus on the palate, the fruit melds well with the considerable oak element, and it finishes long, tight and saline. Best Gigondas of the vintage. Very old vines, all whole-cluster fermented in concrete, no destemming, indigenous yeasts, and matured 100% in barriques; one third new, one third second use, and the rest third use. Drinking Window 2028 – 2038.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 points “The 2020 Gigondas Le Claux offers more cassis-like darker fruits intermixed with flowers, camphor, and graphite. It’s full-bodied, elegant, and seamless, yet shows plenty of tannins on the finish. It’s very much in the style of this pure, elegant vintage.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $146

Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste, Rhône 2020 750ml $119 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 points “More camphor, dried garrigue, flowers, and savory red and black fruits emerge from the 2020 Gigondas Le Poste, a medium to full-bodied red with a rich, concentrated mouthfeel, building tannins, and no shortage of length on the finish. The cellar will be your friend on this one, but it’s another wine that ranks with the crème de la crème of the vintage.”
Decanter 93 points “The oak is forthright on the nose. Tannins are upright, structured and crisp. Full-bodied, juicy and generous, there’s some good drive and focus beneath the oak, and it finishes long. More depth than most, but will take time for the terroir and fruit to rise above the oak. Single vineyard Grenache planted on limestone marl. No destemming and 12 months maturation in French oak barriques: 20% new, 50% one-year-old, 30% two-year-old. Unfiltered. Drinking Window 2028 – 2035.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $150

Arriving Next Week from Saint Cosme:

Château de Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhône Le Poste Blanc, Rhône 2020 750ml $59 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “On another level, the 2020 Côtes Du Rhône Le Poste Blanc comes from a gorgeous vineyard in Gigondas (Gigondas doesn’t allow whites, hence the Côtes Du Rhône label) just up the hill from the estate. It has lots of pineapple, bright, sappy herb, and some chalky mineral-notes as well as a medium-bodied, pure, seamless style on the palate. It’s a brilliant white and shows how shortsighted it is for this appellation to not allow whites. I like this today, yet it will be better with a year of bottle age and have a decade of longevity.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $74.99

Saint Cosme Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2019 750ml $49 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Saint Cosme Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2019 750ml $528 pre-arrival special (that’s only $44/bottle!)
Case-6 Saint Cosme Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2019 750ml $279 pre-arrival special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape comes from La Crau and a few other terroirs and is 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre. Blackberries, black raspberries, peppery herbs, and some solid earthy minerality give way to a medium to full-bodied, ripe, yet also structured 2019. Some 2019s can have a touch of austerity in their tannins, but this is supple and seamless. It will evolve for 10-15 years.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $64

Saint Cosme Côte Rôtie, Rhône 2020 750ml $69 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 points “I loved the 2020 Côte Rôtie, which is certainly the standout from the North. Coming from both the southern and northern ends of the appellation, it’s full-bodied, ripe, and textured, yet never loses a sense of Côte Rôtie elegance. Lots of bacon fat, exotic flowers (I wrote liquid violet in my notes), and gamey blue fruits define the nose, and the balance is spot on, it has silky tannins and is just another brilliant wine.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Barruol’s 2020 Cote Rotie blends fruit from both ends of the appellation to create an exciting blend of violets and blueberries on the nose. It’s medium to full-bodied, but richly concentrated and silky, with a lingering, elegant finish. Terrific stuff.”

Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône 2020 750ml $39 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône 2020 750ml $399 pre-arrival special (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Case-6 Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône 2020 750ml $219 pre-arrival special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 90-92 points “Leading off the red Northern Rhônes from barrel, the 2020 Crozes-Hermitage is medium to full-bodied, textured, and seamless, with classic berry, darker fruits, pepper, and violet aromatics. I love its texture.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “Sourced mainly from the area around Gervans, Barruol’s 2020 Crozes Hermitage features peppery, slightly ash-like scents, plus notes of black olives and blackberries. Medium to full-bodied, it’s silky and fine, with a touch of licorice creeping in on the finish.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhône 2020 750ml $39 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhône 2020 750ml $219 pre-arrival special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 91-93 points “A step up, the 2020 Saint Joseph comes all from the northern part of the Northern Rhône, and it’s medium-bodied and elegant, with good ripeness in its darker berry, violet, flower, and wet granite-like nuances. It’s another balanced, seamless red from Louis, and the 2019 vintage is a beauty for the Northern Rhône.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2020 Saint Joseph comes from Malleval, toward the northern end of the appellation. Scents of black olives, cracked pepper and espresso mark the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is nicely silky and gently tannic on the lingering finish. Showing excellent balance and plenty of crowd appeal, it should drink well on release.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 

In many wine areas throughout the world, there are a handful of individuals or families who make “the” wine for their particular region – winemakers who define the style of the region. When it comes to Valpolicella, the Dal Forno family does just that. For more than 30 years, Dal Forno has been producing deeply concentrated Valpolicella, Amarone and Recioto.

Romano Dal Forno , the current winemaker/owner, took over the farm in 1983. Risking everything, he invested a large amount in 1990 to update the winery and refine Dal Forno’s process. The extremely bold flavor of the Valpolicella Superiore is a great example of Dal Forno’s commitment to perfection and their respect for traditional winemaking. Just short of an Amarone, it’s made entirely with fruit that has been dried, though for less time than that legally required for Amarone. A key to the Dal Forno style seems to be an incredibly low yield from their vineyard: each bottle of Valpolicella takes six vines worth of grapes to produce!

Dal Forno in stock now: 

Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore 2013 750ml $94.50 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Decanter 97 points “From one of the most iconic wineries in the Orientale, this is aged for two years in oak and a further three in bottle. A proper meditation wine, great with game, strong cheeses or a cigar. It has a huge nose of stewed red fruits, ethereal bramble forest fruits and blackberry jam. Generous, with spicy, bitter cherry-stone freshness. Full-bodied with a rich, intense, spicy undertone.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “This is a terrific wine that stood out—and stood tall—despite the fact that it was tasted alongside some of Dal Forno’s most important vintages of the top-shelf Amarone. If that’s not a full-on recommendation, I don’t know what is…”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore 2015 750ml $119 special, 7 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Such a profound nose of fresh and dried fruit with blackcurrants, dates and prunes, together with lighter notes of mild spice and pomegranate seeds. The fresher elements provide the drive on the full palate and, together with very fine, bright, fine-grained tannins, give a long, chewy yet fresh and pruney finish. Hugely concentrated, but the balance and poise is impeccable. There’s no denying the classic quality of this. Delicious to taste now, but this needs a few years to integrate. Try from 2025.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2015 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is a towering wine that shows impeccable concentration, richness and tight balance. Between Romano and his sons, the Dal Forno family has amassed many years of experimentation and expertise, and they know exactly how to farm in a hot vintage like 2015 without compromising on freshness and structure. This wine opens to deep layers of black fruit, spice, smoky mesquite and campfire ash. It shows big tannic structure that comes with lots of fruit weight and textural padding. But no matter, this is a wine you’ll want to put aside before drinking.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Dal Forno Romano Amarone 2011 750ml $369 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Decanter 99 points “The strongest wine in my selection, yet this magnificent Amarone’s alcohol is barely visible thanks to its astonishing depth, texture and sumptuousness… Beautifully crafted, as dignified as any grand Barolo.”
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 95+ points “Fully saturated ruby. Very deep, intense aromas of blackcurrant, plums macerated in alcohol, soy sauce, coffee and underbrush on the complex nose. Rich, dense and balanced, with nicely focused flavors of dark berries and aromatic herbs that have a noteworthy savory tang. The long finish features repeating hints of soy sauce, espresso and underbrush. Dal Forno’s is the recognized master of a uniquely powerful, ripe, and concentrated style of Amarone.”

Dal Forno Romano Amarone 2012 750ml $379 special, 14 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “A decadent nose of treacle tart, chocolate, tar, tons of black fruit such as blackberries and mulberries and even ash and licorice. A dense, layered mouthfeel makes for a full-bodied palate that’s explosive yet somehow so refined and pretty all at the same time. The finish goes on and on. Incredible now, but better to wait for this giant to settle well into 2020.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta is a beautifully complete wine, even at this young stage in its life… It has only just started its evolutionary journey.”
Decanter 96 points “…Exuberant, dense and chewy with peppery black fruit flavours, while showing some delicacy of aroma. Intense and will develop further, perhaps offering more power than grace. Andrew Jefford: It’s not showy on the nose but is super-attractive, and it just grows more so the more time you spend with it. On the palate it’s rich, deep, magnificently tannic and long – an absolutely unbridled Amarone, yet at the same time of extraordinary resonance, authority and subtlety. An Amarone masterclass! Monty Waldin: Its evident concentration really comes through on the palate, with a mix of smooth and slightly more savoury, drier tannins that mingle amicably under some ripely sweet red fruit, while finishing with a distinct brightness.”

Dal Forno Romano Amarone 2015 750ml $399 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 100 points “This is black as pitch in the glass and, yes, there’s a light, tarry edge to the super-concentrated prune, date and currant fruit. But even more interesting are the complex notes of bitter-orange liqueur, aged balsamic, fresh roasting herbs, cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, black tea and licorice. The more you decant in advance, the more nuances will emerge. It’s full-boded with huge concentration and lots of chewy tannin that is managing to hold the fruit back for now. This needs plenty of time to develop in the bottle. Just superb. One of the greatest Dal Forno’s ever.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “The ultimate statement wine from northern Italy is the 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta. The Dal Forno family skipped over the 2014 vintage, and this sunny vintage is worth the wait. Monte Lodoletta is always incredibly high in terms of fruit weight and tannins, but this edition from 2015 appears more integrated in terms of concentration and softer in terms of structure; it’s not that the wine is more accessible. It will hold the line for years and decades to come and promises to age gracefully. This vintage is instead more fleshed out and open-knit. The bouquet peels back with thick layers of black fruit, spice, campfire embers and toasted coffee bean. It’s an expensive bottle for collectors, but you get lots of bang for your buck.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “A rich red, with good tension and energy, displaying tightly meshed flavors of blackberry preserves, fig cake, espresso crema and singed sage coiled around a core of dense but fine tannins. Tea leaf, smoky earth and mineral notes chime on the long and chewy finish. Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta and Croatina. Best from 2025 through 2045. 1,350 cases made, 250 cases imported. — AN”

Mike Etzel, the founder and winemaker of Sequitur, is a living legend in the Willamette Valley. He co-founded Beaux Frères in the late 1980s and was the winemaker there until recently passing the duties to his son. Never one to rest on his laurels, though, he began planting a vineyard adjacent to Beaux Frères in 2010—a project that became what we know as Sequitur.

It’s helpful to think of Sequitur as a distillation of everything Mike Etzel learned while starting and producing Beaux Frères over the decades. The Sequitur vineyard sits right next to the Beaux Frères “Upper Terrace” but is planted to a wider array of clones at tighter spacing. It’s been farmed biodynamically since the beginning and is sheltered with Douglas Fir—in short, it’s the fully realized vision of a man who’s helped define Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.

The winemaking style is exactly what you’d expect—these are wines that are made by the same hand that delivered so many high scores to Beaux Frères. Big, powerful and bold, these nevertheless have energy and grace that we think comes from the extra-attentive farming and unique clonal selection in the vineyard. In short order, Sequitur has established itself as one of the very best producers in the Willamette Valley and deserves your attention as such.

Featured New Arrival:

Mike Etzel suggests a light chill on this bottle, as you would with a Beaujolais
Sequitur Amphora Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ml $89 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Limpid ruby-red. Expressive scents of ripe red berries, candied rose and Asian spices, along with a mineral element that emerges with aeration. Silky, sweet and focused on the palate, offering vibrant black raspberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors complemented by a hint of spicecake. In a seamless, graceful style, showing impressive clarity and smooth, rounded tannins on the strikingly long, floral-tinged finish. Fermented and aged in clay amphoras for 10 months.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Highlights In Stock Now:

Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2019 750ml $66 special, 23 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2019 Sequitur Chardonnay is deeply scented of golden orchard fruits with tones of beeswax, almonds and chamomile. The energetic palate is minerally and fresh, with expansive, honeyed layers opening up over the extended finish. Yum!”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ml $79 special, 12 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “Limpid ruby-red. Smoky, mineral-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry cola and incense carry a strong spicecake overtone. Stains the palate with sappy red berry liqueur, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that are lifted and given definition and tension by juicy acidity. At once rich and nervy, with no excess fat but showing excellent depth and intensity of flavor. Finishes with sexy notes of candied violet and smoky Indian spices and superb, gently tannic persistence. This wine’s Beaux Freres bloodline is very clear to see.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Broad and spicy, open-textured and generous, with ripe plum and currant flavors, shaded by pepper, sage and coffee notes as the finish sails past fine-grained tannins. Completely harmonious and made to age. Drink now through 2024.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ml $79 special, 23 bottles available
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Glimmering red. A hugely aromatic bouquet evokes fresh red fruits, Asian spices and potpourri, along with a bright mineral overtone and a touch of smokiness. Juicy, seamless and precise on the palate, offering potent, mineral-laced raspberry preserve, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen and spread out steadily on the back half. Delivers a compelling blend of power and finesse and finishes with silky tannins, outstanding clarity and floral- and mineral-driven persistence.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Sequitur Pinot Noir has a lovely, open nose of black and red cherries and blackberries with notions of wood smoke, turned earth, autumn leaves, cardamom and potpourri. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with ripe black and red fruits with wonderful earthy/spicy accents, very fine, grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity, finishing long with spice and floral layers. 480 cases produced.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $88

 

 

California

Klinker Brick Winery Albarino, Lodi 2019 750ml $14 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 88 points “Dry, bracing and light, this nervy wine is powered by crisp fruit acidity and subtle flavors of peach skin and lemon. -Jim Gordon”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Peter Michael ‘L’Apres-Midi’ Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley 2018 750ml $59 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc L’Après-Midi captures all the personality of the year in its wonderfully lifted, airy feel. Sage, orchard fruit, lime, graphite, mint and white pepper all grace this exquisite wine. L’Après-Midi is so elegant and so precise. Deceptive in its mid-weight personality, the 2018 offers terrific persistence and a long, mineral-laced finish. Aeration brings out the wine’s textures so well. This is a fabulous edition of L’Après-Midi.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Balances elegance and power. A smoky thread weaves in and out of succulent peach, marmalade, lemon sherbet and candied ginger flavors, set on a supple and fleshy texture. The acidity is pure and refreshing, keeping all the details in focus on the long finish. Drink now. 2,939 cases made.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc l’Apres Midi is composed of 90% Sauvignon Blanc (one-third is Musque Clone) and 10% Semillon. It springs from the glass with lovely peach juice, lime cordial, gooseberries and fresh grapefruit notes with hints of honeycomb, bouquet garni, musk perfume and baker’s yeast. Medium-bodied, the palate has great intensity with a pleasant oiliness to the texture and a zippy line of freshness, finishing long and zesty. 2,939 cases were made.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $69.97

Peter Michael ‘L’Apres-Midi’ Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley 2019 750ml $59 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “One of the finest expressions of this variety I was able to taste for this report, the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc L’Apres-Midi has a rich, concentrated, medium to full-bodied style as well as stunning notes of stone fruits, toasted nuts, and sappy green herbs. This isn’t your simple, quaffable Sauvignon Blanc, and it’s textured, has plenty of mid-palate depth, and stunning length.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc L’Après-Midi is a powerful, savory wine that really needs to be served at the dinner table. Dried pear, sage, mint, dried flowers all grace the 2019. L’Après-Midi emerges from six blocks in Les Pavots. I would be very tempted to cellar the 2019, as it is clearly a special wine.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc l’Apres Midi is composed of 90% Sauvignon Blanc (one-third is Musque Clone) and 10% Semillon, grown alongside Les Pavots in Knights Valley. Due to issues with fruit set, the crop was naturally a little smaller this year. Exuberant scents of passion fruit, gooseberries and lime cordial come bounding out of the glass with suggestions of honeysuckle, wild thyme and wet slate. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavors with a pleasant oiliness to the texture and plenty of freshness, finishing long and savory. 2,320 cases were made.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $76

Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains 2019 750ml $49 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2019 Chardonnay Estate is super-elegant and precise. Scents of tangerine oil, mint, apricot and chamomile all grace this lithe, wonderfully expressive Chardonnay. Bright acids and a very slight touch of reduction frame the close. The Estate is made for near and medium-term drinking. I would prefer to open it well in advance though.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $58

Mount Eden Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains 2016 750ml $79 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2016 Chardonnay Reserve is the stuff dreams are made of. Towering and statuesque in its pedigree, the Reserve shows why the Santa Cruz Mountains is such a special place. The 2016 is deep, powerful and intense, and yet it remains remarkably finessed as well. Tangerine oil, mint, chamomile and lightly honeyed notes all develop with a few hours of aeration. The Reserve is a blend of 11 barrels (all neutral oak) that spends its second winter on its lees in tank, an approach that is common in Burgundy, but that is not often seen in California. All I can say is: Wow!”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2016 Chardonnay Reserve improved over several days and is just beginning to hint at more to come with bottle age. The nose offers warm citrus and floral perfume with a deep core of orchard fruits. The palate is silky and expansive, with a streak of mineral-like undertones, a flush of juicy acidity and long, layered finish. It deserves more time in bottle. 231 cases were made.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Failla Haynes Vineyard Chardonnay, Coombsville 2019 750ml $49 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2019 Chardonnay Haynes Vineyard shows why this Coombsville site is so magical. Ample and textured, the Haynes possesses remarkable depth in every dimension. Lemon confit, apricot, almond, sage and dried flowers open effortlessly, revealing a Chardonnay of pedigree and class. Don’t miss it.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $60

Raen Royal St. Robert Cuvee Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2016 750ml $69 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Pinot Noir Royal St. Robert has slowly unfolding scents of dried red cherries, amaro, wet leaves, tobacco and graphite. The medium-bodied palate features loads of finely grained tannins and fresh acidity to support its concentrated fruits, and it boasts a very long finish with layer after layer of spicy accents.”
James Suckling 95 points “Strawberries, crushed stones, cedar and hints of meat. Dried flowers, too. Medium-bodied with chalk and spice. Dried citrus. Delicious and wonderful to drink now.”

Raen Royal St. Robert Cuvee Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2017 750ml $69 special, 18 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “Aromas of rose petals, rose stems, orange peel, thistle leaf, tea and dried strawberry. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a creamy texture. Fresh mushrooms and moss. Complex. Gorgeous now.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Pinot Noir Royal St. Robert is absolutely gorgeous. A wild array of floral and savory notes make a strong opening statement. Expressive and multi-faceted, the Royal St. Robert is positively dazzling from the very first taste. The interplay of fruit, whole cluster savoriness and structure results in a captivating Pinot that has more than enough pedigree to reward a number of years of cellaring. This is a brilliant showing. Wow!”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2017 Pinot Noir Royal St. Robert was made with 100% whole cluster. Pale to medium ruby-purple, the nose offers boysenberry, blackberries, crushed red cherries, smoky charcuterie notes and spicy cranberry sauce scents plus touches of forest floor and moss coming through with time in the glass. It’s light to medium-bodied with concentrated, spicy fruits with well-woven tannins and juicy acidity to refresh the finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $84.99

Wine Spectator #1 Wine of the Year 2021!
Dominus Estate Christian Moueix, Napa Valley 2018 375ml $219 special, 17 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!”
James Suckling 100 points “This is incredible on the nose, offering hot stones, blackcurrants, iodine and wet earth. Full-bodied with a tight center palate, then it opens with a tannin structure that is weightless and spreads across the palate. Totally integrated on the palate. This is a magic-carpet wine. Really incredible. One of the reference points for the vintage. Drinkable now and please try a bottle, but it’s one for the cellar.”
Wine Advocate 99+ points “Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Dominus slowly emerges from the glass with profound notes of blackcurrant cordial, ripe black plums, boysenberries and Black Forest cake with hints of violets, star anise, cracked black pepper, raspberry leaves and pencil lead, plus a touch of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers impactful black fruit layers, creating a beguiling sense of richness that is beautifully countered by invigorating freshness and great poise, framed by super ripe, plush tannins and beautiful tension, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note and, finally, lots of mineral sparks. For all that it is at the moment, one cannot help but feel that this 2018 is holding something back. Give it a good five years in bottle, at least, and then get set for what I suspect will be a mind-blowing transformation over the next 30 years+.-LPB”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Pahlmeyer Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2018 750ml $59 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “This has a lovely feel, with creamy plum sauce and blackberry compote notes gliding through, gently inlaid with alder, anise and sassafras hints. A subtle loamy edge carries the finish, letting the fruit linger nicely. Drink now through 2028. 4,155 cases made.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 91 points “Out of the gate, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon delivers bold blackcurrant cordial and blackberry pie scents with hints of bay leaves, tilled soil, unsmoked cigars and cedar chest with a waft of pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has crunchy black fruit and loads of minty/herbal sparks, framed by grainy tannins and loads of freshness, finishing long and earthy. 4,155 cases were made.”


Austria

Weingut Nigl Brut de Brut Rose, Niederosterreich 2016 750ml $29 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 88 points “Slight hints of yeasty strawberry appear on the nose. The frothy palate adds lemony freshness to these flavors and shows some roundness on the palate. The finish is fresh, bubbly and dry. -Anne Krebiehl MW”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $36

Familie Saahs Nikolaihof im Weingebirge Smaragd Gruner Veltliner, Wachau 2016 750ml $66 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Bottled with 13% alcohol at the end of July 2019 but filtered in early 2017, the 2016 Im Weingebirge Grüner Veltliner Smaragd offers a fascinatingly clear, fresh and coolish apricot aroma intermixed with morel/mushroom aromas and flinty notes of crushed stones. Full-bodied, round and fleshy on the palate, this is a generous and mouth-filling wine with rather delicate acidity and a slightly bitter, well-structured finish with lingering salinity and mineral freshness. Very promising. Tasted from lot 1420619 at the Nikolaihof in September 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Gut’s Riesling, Wachau 2013 750ml $21.90 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Terry Theise: “23 g/l of residual sugar, as it happened, and every wine here is as-it-happened. So Nikki declined to futz with it. The result tastes like something Florian Weingart would have made in the Wachau, all the mirabelle and herbs but with a different twangy terroir here. I don’t know what “use” you’ll make of it; I only know I like it.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

 

Simply put, Brunello di Montalicino would not be the wine that we know and love today without the Sassetti family. Livio Sassetti is one of the founding fathers of Brunello and the wines coming off of his “Pertimali” estate define the genre. This is a Grand Cru site in Montalcino and the wines are thrilling whenever you get a chance to taste them. 

These are wines that define what “traditional” means within the context of Brunello—robust personalities with delicate aromatics, long aging in botti and the capacity to age for a long time in a cool cellar. The 2014 is the vintage to drink early—the year yielded wines that have a bit less power but an approachable personality. The 2015, on the other hand, is a wine that’s surprisingly soft for how much depth there is, but is really something to hang onto for a while. We’d stock up on both.

In Stock Now:

Sassetti Livio Pertimali ‘Mulino’, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ml $59 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “This is the first vintage of the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Mulino from Pertimali, a lower-elevation cru that’s noted for the high level of marine fossils found in its soils. Here I find a classic display of dried roses, black cherry, dusty earth and freshly-tanned leather. It envelopes the palate in fleshy textures offset by a mix of tart wild berries, zesty acids and savory spice, as building tension puckers the cheeks, seeding them with fine-grained tannins. This comes across as structured yet remarkably balanced, and it’s a beautiful expression of the vintage. Lose your bottles in the cellar for two to three years, and then reap the rewards.”
James Suckling 94 points “Dried leaves, chocolate and licorice on the nose, followed by black olives. It’s full-bodied with firm, focused tannins and a long, savory finish. Dark chocolate and crushed walnuts. Tar and hints of asphalt. Drink from 2023.”

Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2014 750ml $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2014 750ml $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
James Suckling 94 points “Some earthy and savory aromas dominate the dried red cherries initially, then dried wild herbs and quite intense notes of spicy dried red cherries emerge. The palate has a very taut, structured feel with handsomely proportioned tannins carrying gently leathery dried red cherries. Long finish. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ml $69 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ml $399 special (that’s only $66.50/bottle!)
Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 1.5L $159 special, 14 magnums in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “There’s something ethereal in the nose with flowers, cherries, strawberries and shitake mushrooms. Full body. This grows on the palate with super tannin and fruit structure. So much berry flavor and round, caressing tannins that fill your mouth. Tight at the end. This needs four to five years to show its true greatness. Try after 2023.”

Sassetti Livio Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ml $119 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “Firm and dense, this red sports cherry, leather, cigar box and sweet spice flavors. A juiciness midpalate adds depth. Finishes with tannins and a combination of earth, mineral and tobacco notes. Best from 2022 through 2038.”
 
Love Brunello?
We have 67 options in stock.
Shop our entire selection, including customer favorites like Il Poggione, La Fortuna, Lisini and more, on our web store now.

 

Sun Goddess Sauvignon Blanc Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2019 750ml Was $11.90, Now $9.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 90 points “A white with dried-lemon and mineral character, as well as some sliced green apple. It’s medium-bodied. Crisp and bright at the finish. Drink now.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $21

Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio Ramato Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2019 750ml Was $14, Now $11.90 special, 31 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 90 points “A fun, tasty rosé made with pinot grigio that shows light strawberry and lemon-rind aromas with hints of white pepper. It’s medium-bodied with pretty fruit and a delicious finish. Drink now.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $20

Descendientes de J. Palacios ‘Petalos’, Bierzo 2019 750ml $19.90 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93+ points “…I also tasted the 2019 Pétalos, a very balanced vintage that shows moderate alcohol and great balance. It is very approachable right now, open aromatically, and despite what the parameters might read, the wine comes through as fresher than the 2020. This is a wine produced with around 80% purchased grapes and 20% grapes from their own vineyards. There are notes of berries but also plenty of herbs; it’s aromatic and complex, with very fine tannins. It’s a classical continental vintage from Bierzo…”

“If you’ve never heard of a winery called Gunther Steinmetz, we suggest you look it up… Senior Editor Stuart Pigott first met Stefan Steinmetz, 42, of the Günther Steinmetz estate in Brauneberg/Mosel just over a decade ago and his wines were already very good then with a distinctive style. But he said that nothing prepared him for the recent tastings of the Steinmetz 2019s. He was blown away by the quality.” –Stuart Pigott, writing for James Suckling

Weingut Günther Steinmetz Wintricher Geierslay Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 750ml $49 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 98 points “Totally seductive nose with all manner of exotic fruits but primarily pineapple and papaya. Mind-blowing concentration and mineral brilliance on the palate. Just keeps pumping the exotic fruit out at the very long, super fresh finish. Drink or hold.”
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “The 2019er Wintricher Geierslay Riesling Auslese GK was made from slightly botrytized fruit harvested at 116° Oechsle, and was fermented down to fully noble-sweet levels of residual sugar. It offers a stunning nose of ginger, elderflower, melon, minerals, and smoky smoke. The wine proves already remarkably open on the palate, where passion fruit zest mingles with minerals and apricot-infused cream. It leaves a great feel of tension and depth in the long and focused finish. The aftertaste is all about raciness and apricot cream. This gorgeous noble-sweet wine proves already quite enjoyable now, but it will only reveal its true colors in a decade, once the nuances will have a chance to emerge. 2029-2059.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

De Venoge is an old-school Champagne House that’s relatively unknown in the United States, a fact that means even their finest and rarest wines continue to be undervalued relative to their peers. 
Champagne de Venoge Louis XV Brut Millésimé, Champagne 2008 750ml $249 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “This is really punchy and broad-shouldered with muscular structure and citrusy undertones. Full body. Lightly tannic and a fresh and vivid finish. This is the first vintage without malolactic fermentation ever. One for the cellar. Better in 2022.”
Wine Advocate 93+ points “The straw-yellow/white-golden colored 2008 Louis XV Brut Millésimé blends 50% Chardonnay (20 % from Avize, 15% from Oger and 15% from Mesnil) with 50% Pinot Noir (41.5% from Verzenay and 8.5% from Bouzy). Disgorged in January 2018 with a dosage of six grams per liter, the 2008 displays a clear, pure, fresh, chalky-tinged and vinous nose with lemon, white fruits, brioche, hazelnuts, white blossoms and some caramel notes. Pure, lean, fresh and elegant on the palate, with a lingering hazelnut flavor, this is a straight yet complex cuvée with grip and a long, well-structured and textured finish. This 2008 is still terribly fresh and should benefit from further bottle aging. For the moment, I am missing the mouth-filling generosity of the 2006 and 1995. Mind that this is the first vintage of de Venoge’s prestigious Louis XV where the base wines didn’t undergo malolactic fermentation! Total production: 10,326 bottles. Tasted October 2018.”

 
Bond Unbound

New Arrivals from Bond 

“It is always fascinating to taste through the BOND wines, as these five Cabernets are remarkably expressive of place. For many years, I considered the St. Eden and Vecina to be the flagship wines, but in recent years the Melbury and Pluribus have made significant strides. Those are both true hillside sites (St. Eden is closer to elevated valley floor/bench and Vecina is a lower hillside), where farming is naturally much more challenging…” -Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Bond Melbury, Napa Valley 2015 750ml $649 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 98 points “The more time passes, the more I think Melbury may turn out to be one of the most complete wines in the BOND range. The 2016 and 2015 both make a very strong case for that view. Tasted from bottle, the 2015 is exceptionally beautiful and vivid. Blood orange, mint and floral notes add nuance to an unbelievably polished, refined Cabernet Sauvignon. Put simply, the 2015 Melbury is a total stunner and every bit as captivating as it was last year.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97 points “Bottled in early 2018, the 2015 Melbury is deep garnet-purple colored with beautiful redcurrant jelly and crème de cassis notes with savory notions of tobacco, black olives and smoked meats plus a waft of lavender. The palate is full-bodied, firm and grainy, with a lively line lifting the perfumed, savory layers, finishing long.”
Decanter 96 points “Bond is Bill Harlan’s ‘Burgundian’ approach to a handful of Napa Valley Cabernet vineyards he considers ‘Grand Crus’. The Harlan viticultural and winemaking teams are in complete control of the vineyards and make the wines. Melbury (named after a London neighborhood where the owners reside) is a tiny rocky mountain vineyard east of Rutherford. The 2016 has the intoxicating wild berry and mountain ‘chaparral’ aromas reminiscent of the dry California forests that ring the valley. Very structured, with discernible tannins, the wine nonetheless exudes freshness.”

Bond Pluribus, Napa Valley 2015 750ml $749 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 100 points “Bottled in early 2018, the 2015 Pluribus is deep purple-black colored with minted cassis, pencil shavings and tobacco over a core of black plums, black berry preserves and mulberries plus hints of Chinese five spice and dried lavender. Big, rich, bold and decadent, it has a firm line of super ripe, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness lifting the generous flavors to a long finish.”
Jeb Dunnuck 98+ points “The 2015 Pluribus comes from the highest elevation vineyard in the lineup, located halfway up Spring Mountain on a southeast facing parcel of volcanic and Aiken soils. Classic Spring Mountain conifer and bay leaf notes are balanced by loads of sweet blue fruits, lavender, and exotic flower nuances. As with all the 2015s, it’s full-bodied and beautifully textured, with a seamless, pure, layered style that carries the sexy vibe of the vintage beautifully. Drink it any time over the coming 30+ years.”
Antonio Galloni 98 points “All the elements come together beautifully in the 2015 Pluribus, a wine that captures all the best this challenging vintage had to offer. Inky red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, blood orange and mint are some of the many notes that take shape. Powerful and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2015 has more than enough fruit and overall richness to play off the structure that is such a signature of this Spring Mountain wine. Complete, multi-dimensional and stunning in its beauty, the 2015 Pluribus is a fitting conclusion to this flight of 2015s from BOND.”

Bond Quella, Napa Valley 2015 750ml $649 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The Quella is somber and brooding in 2015. Dark cherry, plum smoke, tobacco, leather, spice and scorched earth give the 2015 distinctive baritone inflections. There is quite a bit of density and textural resonance, but at the same time, the Quella is not particularly expressive. Perhaps bottling has affected the Quella more than it has the other wines in the range, as it was quite showy from barrel. I have seen Quella go through a period of reticence after bottling, so I won’t be at all surprised if all it needs is time.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2015 Quella is a darker, more mineral-laced wine and offers a classic Quella bouquet of black fruits, black truffle, tobacco, and dried earth. It’s full-bodied, deep and layered on the palate, with ripe, present tannins and terrific elegance as well as purity. It has the balance and texture to shine today, yet the class to evolve for 20 years or more.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97 points “Bottled in early 2018, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Quella gives aromas of blackcurrants, black cherries and mulberries with touches of tobacco, new leather, iron ore and truffles plus a hint of tree back. The palate is full-bodied, muscular and laden with earth and mineral layers, finishing with persistent savory notes.”

Bond St. Eden, Napa Valley 2015 750ml $699 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “Moving to the 2015s tasted from bottle, this is an incredible vintage for this estate and there are two perfect wines in the lineup. First up, the 2015 St. Eden, from a hillside of red volcanic soils near Oakville, boasts a saturated purple color and heavenly notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, lead pencil shavings, and huge crushed rock-like minerality. It’s full-bodied, deep, and layered on the palate, with incredible concentration, yet it stays seamless, pure, and perfectly balanced. It’s a magical wine to drink over the coming 2-3 decades.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 99 points “Bottled in early 2018, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 St. Eden springs from the glass with exuberant blueberry pie, potpourri and spice cake scents followed by a black raspberry, cassis and preserved plums core plus a touch of wild sage. Full-bodied, plush and decadently fruited, it completely packs the palate with layer upon layer of black fruit preserves, finishing very long with those spices coming through.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2015 St. Eden is another wine in this lineup that is not quite as expressive as it can be. Firm tannins dominate over softer contours that so often make St. Eden such an alluring wine. Time in the glass brings out an attractive set of dark cherry, plum, leather and tobacco notes. Even so, the 2015 is going to need a number of years to be at its very best.”

Bond Vecina, Napa Valley 2015 750ml $649 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “Also pure perfection in a glass, the 2015 Vecina comes from an east-facing site located not far from the Harlan Estate. It was previously a terraced vineyard but was replanted when they opted to remove the terraces 7-8 years ago. Totally thrilling notes of crème de cassis, lead pencil, barbecue, white chocolate, and spring flower notes all flow to a full-bodied, powerful wine that has building tannins, no sensation of weight, hints of background oak, and incredible intensity and length. It’s a true “wow” wine that could not be better. Don’t miss it!”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “Bottled in early 2018, the 2015 Vecina is deep garnet-purple in color, with baked blackberries, black cherries and blackcurrant cordial aromas that leap from the glass with nuances of roses, pencil lead, menthol and mocha. The palate is full-bodied, very fine and incredibly seductive with a solid frame supporting the generous layers, finishing long and exotic.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “While some of the Bond 2015s are quiet today, the 2015 Vecina is super-expressive. A big, dense wine, the 2015 possesses stunning richness and dimension. Black cherry, scorched earth, leather, licorice and tobacco build as this towering, statuesque Cabernet shows off its pedigree. Quite simply, the 2015 Vecina is a tremendous expression of Vine Hill Ranch and one of the more complete wines of the year.”

Shop the 2012 & 2018 vintages on our web store now!

“These exceptionally impressive wines from Bill Harlan are all majestic in 2012. There are between 500 and 600 cases of each of these essentially single vineyard wines from five separate micro-climates in Napa Valley, with the exception of the Matriarch, which comes from the barrels and lots culled from the different single vineyards that were considered slightly more forward and less profound than the individual wines. All of them have great singularity and are made with absolutely no compromises. In the great vintages, such as 2012 and no doubt 2013, these wines clearly have 25-35+ years of aging potential. I wouldn’t be surprised in certain years to see them go on for 50 or more years.” –Robert J Parker, Wine Advocate

 

France – Rhône 

Paul Jaboulet Aine Domaine de Thalabert Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône 2019 750ml $31.90 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinksi-Wine Advocate 93-96 points “The full-bodied, impressively inky 2019 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert features blackberries and cassis, mulberries and blueberries, yet notes of violets, black olives and espresso keep it from being a one-dimensional fruit bomb. Rich, concentrated and dense, it’s almost Port-like on the palate. I could see some people thinking it could be too much of a good thing, but maybe this wine just needs more élevage and additional time in the cellar compared to other recent vintages. It is a bit chunky and unformed at this point, but it finishes rich and dusty, with hints of mocha and no real signs of its 15% alcohol.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92-94 points “The 2019 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine De Thalabert showed well, with a floral, pepper, and sappy herb style as well as plenty of darker cherry and currant fruit. With medium to full body, a vibrant, elegant texture, present tannins, and good acidity, this is a classic, balanced Thalabert to hide for 2-4 years and enjoy over the following decade or more.”


France – Bordeaux

Château Léoville Barton, Saint-Julien 2018 750ml $135 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “Cassis, crushed plum and steeped blackberry fruit is all packed into this wine, along with tar, violet and roasted apple wood notes, plus a terrific tug of warm earth. Shows lots of energy in reserve, with a tightly knit finish pulling everything together. Cellaring required. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2040. 11,600 cases made. — JM”
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Editor’s Choice. In this wine, fine and rich tannins partner with powerful black-plum and black-currant fruits. Densely textured while also having swathes of rich fruits, the wine shows both a firm side and one that offers total deliciousness. As it matures, both these aspects will come together. Drink from 2027. -Roger Voss”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2018 Léoville-Barton is a gorgeous, exotic wine. Crème de cassis, lavender, menthol, licorice and cloves race out of the glass. The 2018 marries the natural opulence of the year with a pretty classic sense of structure, making for one of the more compelling wines of the year. I would give this a good decade in the cellar. There is much to look forward to. I especially admire the energy and poise here.”
Decanter 96 points “Well-polished blackcurrant, cassis and bilberry, everything pretty silky and firm. Not fully showing its generosity at this point but no question that it is going to get there soon. Clear charcoal, graphite and woodsmoke as it opens up. A ton of life ahead, and an appealing sense of mint freshness. Lives up to its en primeur promise – this is Léoville Barton at its most confident. Drinking Window 2026 – 2040.”

Chateau Léoville-Las Cases, Saint-Julien 2017 750ml $299 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97+ points “The 2017 Léoville Las Cases captures all the best the vintage has to offer. Rich, unctuous and stunning in its beauty, the 2017 possesses tremendous richness and textural intensity that carry through to the very long finish, all with the regal, statuesque feel that is the quintessential signature of Las Cases. Just as it was from barrel, Las Cases is wonderfully polished. Tasted two times. What a wine!”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96 points “One of the finest wines of the vintage in Bordeaux, the 2017 Léoville Las Cases is a beautiful Saint-Julien that bursts from the glass with expressive aromas of cassis, wild berries, pencil shavings, violets and a subtle hint of cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, supple and enveloping, its unusually charming, sensual profile largely conceals a considerable endowment of tannin and a bright spine of acidity. Largely spared by the frost due to its optimal location on the bank of the Gironde, and subject to a draconian selection, the 2017’s giving style reflects not only the vintage but also more restrained use of press wine chez Las Cases, seeing only 7% in the blend as opposed to the 10% to 12% that was typical not too long ago. It’s a masterpiece.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Cellar Selection. The watchword for this wine is style. Tannins underline the fruit. This rich structure, while not losing the swaths of berry flavors and crisp black currants, presents the balance between the ripeness and freshness of the vintage. Drink this wine from 2024. -Roger Voss”

Château Montrose, Saint-Estèphe 2019 750ml $219 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 100 points “The 2019 Montrose is very clearly one of the wines of the vintage. Rich, inky and towering in concentration, the 2019 possesses off the charts intensity and tons of structure to back it up. Succulent black cherry, plum, tobacco, gravel and licorice infuse the 2019 with striking depth. The 2019 is not quite as opulent as some recent vintages, and that’s a good thing. Readers will find a regal wine that marries elegance with power. Unforgettable. Tasted two times.”
Decanter 99 points “A generous and abundant nose full of fruit and aromatic intensity followed by a gorgeous mouthfeel showcasing fruit density and concentration wrapped up in soft, velvety-smooth tannins. Just so much depth but also refinement here, it feels well made with just the right amount of fruit, toasty spice, tannins, freshness and acidity. The overall structure is gently framing all the elements – big and bold but quietly confident. The tannin impact is also enjoyable giving a feeling of approachability despite the long life ahead. Just superb – one of the best in 2019. A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 12% press wine. 60% new oak. Drinking Window 2029 – 2046.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2019 Montrose has turned out very well in bottle, wafting from the glass with a dramatic, perfumed bouquet of wild berries and cassis mingled with notions of lilac, violets, pencil shavings and warm spices, framed by nicely integrated new oak. Full-bodied, layered and seamless, it’s deep and multidimensional, with lively acids, beautifully refined tannins and a long, resonant finish. Checking in at 14.4% alcohol (rather higher than, for example, the brilliant 2009’s 13.7% or the 2016’s 13.3%), this is an undeniably powerful, ripe Montrose, but for now everything appears to be kept in check.”


France – Beaujolais

A delightful reminder that Chardonnay can be captivating outside of Burgundy!
Domaine Lucien Lardy Beaujolais Chardonnay 2021 750ml $18 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “When the Chardonnay finds his terroir of predilection in Beaujolais, it is savory with a nice freshness! Food Pairings: Try it with poultry, white meat skewers, grilled fishes, trout with almonds and cream.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

France – Roussillon

Domaine Riere Cadene Le Garbinet Rouge, Cotes du Roussillon 2020 750ml $16 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Plot selection of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache. The vines are grown on the rolled pebbles of the Têt Valley located to the west of the town of Perpignan. The soil is composed of granite and quartz pebbles, on a substrate of marine and alluvial sediments. The grapes are harvested in part by hand, in part by machine, and destemmed. Both varieties are vinified separately in concrete vats for 6 months. Maceration with the must for 15 days, gentle extraction and selection on the free run wines. Light filtration, no fining. 14% alcohol, 8,000 bottles produced. Aromas of red fruits, blackberry and spices. On the palate, round and supple with silky tannins and freshness. Drink up to 5 years after release.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

France – Jura

Frederic Lornet Arbois Chardonnay “Vin Orange,” Jura 2018 750ml $26 special, 12 bottles in stock now
New Wave Wine importer note “30-year-old Chardonnay from Arbois grown on grey marl. 12 days on skin whole cluster with native years in steel vat. Pressed and racked to barrel, aging for 12+ months.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Italy – Barbaresco 

Falletto di Bruno Giacosa Asili, Barbaresco DOCG 2019 750ml $289 special, 5 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “Sweet and succulent aromas of tangerines, freshly cut ripe strawberries, cherries and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate with sleek and dense tannins that run the length of the wine and then fan out into a dense, vivid finish of fruit. It’s chewy and seriously structured with finesse and energy. Silky texture. This needs at least four or five years to come together and open. Try after 2027.”

Falletto di Bruno Giacosa ‘Falletto Riserva – Falleto Vigna Le Rocche’ Barolo DOCG 2016 750ml $799 special, 2 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 100 points “This is the second 100-point Vigna Le Rocche, following the 2015. What the former had in intensity of fruit and transparency, this has in structure and power. The purity of fruit is sensational in this young Barolo, offering blackberries, black truffle and iron. Rust too. This is so tannic and powerful with incredible structure. This may be the most structured Barolo from Bruno Giacosa I have ever tasted as a young wine. Speechless. Full-bodied and so intense, yet it remains fresh and agile. Traditional in every sense of the word, but this is clear and clean. A classic in the making. It will be in the market January 2022. Leave this for at least six to eight years. Try in 2027.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “The Bruno Giacosa 2016 Barolo Falletto Vigna Le Rocche sees its fruit sourced from the oldest vines in the Falletto cru. This wine boasts all the signature touches of Serralunga d’Alba with the massive structure, density and the long aging potential that comes with Nebbiolo grown in this village. The wine spreads evenly over the palate, imparting its considerable fruit weight and generally leaving a big impact. This Barolo is really quite lovely and beautiful. The bouquet is fluid and ever-shifting, showing new sides with firm fruit, blackberry, smoke, rusty nail and mineral with every swirl of the glass. I visited this vineyard site shortly before tasting this wine and marveled at the beautiful peacocks that roam free between the rows of vines.”

The Italian Alps are home to some of the most ethereal and mineral driven expressions of wine in the world. Naturally insulated from the rest of the country due to the topography, the villagers practice winemaking exactly as they have for centuries. The area was formed during the shift of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates millions of years ago, creating an incredibly diverse mix of soils. 

Here are grown alpine expressions of the vaulted Nebbiolo grape, which harken back to Barolo and Barbareso styles of years past. Near the Italian-Swiss border, Ar. Pe. Pe. produces Chiavennasca (the local name for Nebbiolo) from terraced vineyards that have been in their family for generations. Ar. Pe. Pe. is the benchmark producer for the region. Considering the advancement of climate change these wines are well on their way to becoming the next hotbed for Nebbiolo in Italy, as freshness and elegance become more elusive further south. 

Newly Arrived from Ar. Pe. Pe.:

Ar. Pe. Pe. Rosso di Valtellina, Lombardy 2020 750ml $36 special, 24 bottles in stock now
100% Nebbiolo from 50-100 year old vines on the lower slopes of vineyards in Sassella and Grumello . 

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Ar. Pe. Pe. Grumello Riserva Sant’ Antonio, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2013 750ml $108 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2013 Valtellina Superiore Grumello Riserva Sant’Antonio is a bold, pungent wine. Dark red and purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice race across the palate. A deep, vertical Riserva, the 2013 is very young today, but it is so impressive. Time in the glass brings out the wine’s striking inner perfume, sweetness and sheer pedigree.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Ar. Pe. Pe. Sassella Stella Retica, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2015 750ml $45 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “$59. From Sassella, one of the most celebrated villages in the greater Valtellina appellation on the northern bank of the Adda River, this is the quintessential mountain Nebbiolo. Named for the “star of the Rhaetian Alps,” the Ar. Pe. Pe. 2015 Valtellina Superiore Nebbiolo Sassella Stella Retica opens slowly to reveal wild berry, cassis, smoke, tar and crushed granite. The wine is gentle and polished, wrapping smoothly over the senses. It has has ample time to soften in the bottle and is drinking beautifully right now with some Alpine cheese wedges. Some 42,000 bottles were made.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Woodland berry, camphor, wild rose and wet stone aromas shape the nose. The chiseled palate delivers red cherry, cranberry, Alpine herb and star anise set against taut, ultrafine tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2022–2030.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Ar. Pe. Pe. Sassella Riserva Ultimi Raggi, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2013 750ml $99 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “The 2013 Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva Ultimi Raggi is a bit austere. Red purplish fruit, dried herbs, orange peel, spices, rose petals and cinnamon are layered in this exotic, beguiling Valtellina Superiore. Readers will find a wine of terrific energy, with bright acids that run through a tight finish. It’s hard to say for a wine that is nearly ten years old, but the 2013 might still need time!”

Also In Stock Now from Ar. Pe. Pe.:

Ar. Pe. Pe. Rosso di Valtellina, Lombardy 2019 750ml $36 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Ar. Pe. Pe. Rosso di Valtellina, Lombardy 2019 750ml $199 special (that’s only $33.16/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Showing the youthful side of Nebbiolo, this fantastic red from the mountains opens with heady scents of fragrant blue flower, ripe wild berry and camphor. Lithe and bright, the vibrant, delicious palate offers pristine fruit sensations of juicy red cherry, ripe strawberry and baking spice alongside glossy tannins and fresh acidity. A salty mineral note lingers on the close. Enjoy through 2024. -Kerin O’Keefe”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Ar. Pe. Pe. ‘Il Pettirosso’, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2016 750ml $45 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Decanter 93 points “Il Pettirosso, or ‘robin redbreast’, is a dedication to Ar Pe Pe’s founder, Arturo who first created this bottling in 1997. A selection of casks ready to be bottled after relatively minimal ageing, it brings together parcels in the subzones of Sassella and Grumello. Piercing pure rose, cherry blossom and tobacco lead the way to a nucleus of sweet raspberry, red cherry and subtle flintiness. It’s fine-boned in frame and zesty in acidity, with silky-smooth tannins that glide effortlessly across the palate. The epitome of elegance. Drinking Window 2021 – 2028.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2016 Valtellina Superiore Il Pettirosso is a terrific choice for readers who want to explore the Ar. Pe. Pe. wines before delving into some of the more pricey bottlings. Dried autumn leaves, cedar, pipe tobacco, herbs and licorice are some of the many notes that grace this wonderfully expressive, super-classic Valtellina Nebbiolo. Aging in cask brings out the nuances of these old vines so well. The transparency of Nebbiolo comes through beautifully.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92 points “Here’s a beautiful wine with a great human story behind it. Fruit from 50-year-old vines planted in friable granitic mountain soils is carried down to the winery in small cassettes on the hearty shoulders of the harvesters. With some 24,000 bottles made, the Ar. Pe. Pe. 2016 Valtellina Superiore Nebbiolo Il Pettirosso is perfumed with rosebud, wild berry, sour cherry and crushed stone. All that backbreaking human labor leads to a soft and gently polished red wine to pair with a classic buckwheat pasta from this ski-loving region.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Bright and tangy, this fragrant wine offers head scents of red rose, pine forest, wet flint and Alpine herb. Vibrant and savory, the racy palate has lovely mineral energy and tension, doling out juicy Marasca cherry, ground clove and a hint of hazelnut alongside taut, refined tannins and bright acidity. Drink through 2026. -Kerin O’Keefe”

Ar. Pe. Pe. Sassella Ultimi Raggi, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2009 750ml $99 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2009 Valtellina Superiore Sassella Ultimi Raggi is beguiling, rich, dense and powerful. Cinnamon, dried dark cherry, leather, smoke and licorice come together in a full-bodied, somewhat rustic wine with no shortage of character. The Ultimi Raggi is made from the last fruit on the vine to ripen, and is therefore sweeter and richer through the mid-palate, with more palate weight and overall density than is found in most of these wines. I loved it.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Ar. Pe. Pe. Grumello Rocca de Piro, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2015 750ml $49 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Fruit for this wine comes from the high altitudes of the Rhaetian Alps, where decomposed granite soils make for a dark contrast against brilliant white ice and snow falls. The Ar. Pe. Pe. 2015 Valtellina Superiore Nebbiolo Grumello Rocca de Piro reveals a long succession of dried raspberry, cassis, pressed violets, iron ore and crushed stone. This wine promises to make a terrific pairing with a simple plate of thinly sliced Valtellina bresaola. Some 30,000 bottles were made.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Initially shy, the subtle nose eventually reveals new leather, Alpine herb and wild berry. The savory palate has an understated elegance, offering Marasca cherry, pomegranate and graphite alongside refined tannins. Drink through 2027. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Wine Spectator 92 points “An elegant light- to medium-bodied red, with fine tannins creating a supple frame for flavors wild strawberry, black tea leaf and a ferrous, minerally underpinning. It’s fresh and focused, with a lingering, lightly spiced finish. Drink now through 2030. –AN”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Ar. Pe. Pe. Grumello Riserva Buon Consiglio, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2013 750ml $99 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “One of two late-release wines from Ar. Pe. Pe., the 2013 Valtellina Superiore Grumello Riserva Buon Consiglio is a beautifully light and delicate expression of Nebbiolo with a lean, ruby-tinged appearance. The wine ages to silkiness and extreme suppleness, and I cannot help but notice the unique aromas of toasted hazelnut, mountain flower and balsam herb that rise so delicately from the bouquet. These results are exquisite and ultra delicate, giving the wine a lithe or ethereal personality. What a beauty. Only 6,000 bottles were released.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “A perfumed red, exuding aromas and flavors of crushed raspberry and pureed strawberry, exotic spice and graphite, dried marjoram and thyme. It’s finely knit, with silky tannins and mouthwatering, citrus peel acidity. A graceful version with a lasting, mineral-laced finish. Drink now through 2028. 500 cases made, 175 cases imported.  –AN”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Camphor, wild rose and botanical herbs mingle with a whiff of wet granite. On the elegantly structured, still youthfully austere palate, tight, refined tannins lithely support sour cherry, orange zest and star anise. It’s vibrant and balanced, with bright acidity. Drink 2023–2033. -Kerin O’Keefe”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Ar. Pe. Pe. “Inferno” Sesto Canto Riserva, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2013 750ml $99 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “There’s a lovely juiciness to the crushed black raspberry and strawberry fruit on display in this elegant, medium- to full-bodied red, yet sleek tannins are well-integrated and provide fine definition. Fragrant notes of tea leaf, pomegranate and hot stone chime on the silky finish. Drink now through 2033. 500 cases made, 175 cases imported.  –AN”

Ar. Pe. Pe. Sassella Riserva Nuova Regina, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2013 750ml $99 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Loaded with finesse and energy and still youthfully austere, this linear, structured red offers tart cranberry, blood orange and star anise sensations. A vein of salty mineral provides the backdrop while fine-grained tannins provide elegant structure and support. Racy acidity keeps it balanced. Give it time to fully develop and blossom into even more of a beauty. Drink 2025–2035. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “A release of about 6,000 bottles, the Ar. Pe. Pe. 2013 Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella Nuova Regina draws its fruit from terraced vineyards delineated by rocky drywalls. The vines are at least 50 years old and planted in friable metamorphic rock or gneiss shaped by glaciers. This wine is made in a highly traditional manner with extended skin maceration in oak casks, and all the harvest work is done by hand. This is a true beauty with enormous finesse and a deep well of aromatic nuances that center around wild berries, blue flowers and iron ore. The wine is carefully aged with fine and silky tannins. It tastes great, so if you have a bottle you can drink it now or wait longer if that is your pleasure.”

New Week – New Arrivals:
From Local Favorites & Donnhoff!

Renaissance in the Rheinhessen:
Schätzel

Marqués de Murrieta

Collector’s Corner:
Dominus