You would be hard pressed to find better representation from the Coast Range than Crowley Wines. Still a relatively undiscovered growing area in Oregon, the wines generally feature high toned acidity, vibrant fruit and a finish that meanders from alpine to oceanic. 

Crowley Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “Lemon-lime aromatics burst from the glass, laced with a touch of floral wood. Quenching salinity on the palate stretches long, eventually giving way to chalk and balanced acidity. Vineyard info: Four Winds was planted in 1993 to Wente clone Chardonnay (1.5 acres) and Dijon clone Chardonnay (.75 acres), and beginning in 2017 (2.5 acres) of Draper clone. Elevation is 825 feet and south facing. Own rooted and dry farmed.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Todd Hamina wines are exactly what we look for in Willamette Valley Pinot. Stylistically, whole clusters and extended macerations provide savory undertones that balance out his rich fruit. Though Todd has closed the winery, you can still source the perfumed, elegant and site-expressive Pinots here.

Biggio Hamina Cellars Johnson Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($39.95) Was $26, Now $24, 24 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Vivid garnet. Highly perfumed red fruit, potpourri, incense and a hint of succulent herbs on the assertively perfumed nose, which is lifted by a vibrant mineral quality. Silky and energetic on the palate, offering alluringly sweet, spice-tinged cherry and raspberry liqueur and rose pastille flavors and a hint of five-spice powder. Becomes deeper with air, with no loss of urgency, and finishes with firm, spicy thrust, well-knit tannins and a floral pastille note that lingers with strong tenacity. 100% whole clusters.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Biggio Hamina Cellars Lia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2017 750ML ($45.95) Was $27, Now $24, 17 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Limpid red. Highly expressive aromas of fresh red berries, Asian spices and smoky minerals, plus a sexy floral nuance that builds quickly with air. Sharply defined bitter cherry, raspberry, blood orange, spicecake and rose pastille flavors show excellent depth but no excess weight. Gentle, well-integrated tannins frame a strikingly long, spice- and floral-driven finish that conveys a suave blend of power and delicacy. 100% whole clusters.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

2008 truly is a dreamy vintage in Champagne
Andre Clouet ‘Dream Vintage’ Brut Champagne 2008 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Such a classic Blanc de Blancs champagne with the special elegance, brilliance and minerality of the 2008 vintage. Very well structured, but without the austere acidity structure that some 2008s have. Long and very clean finish that sends you back to the glass. 100% chardonnay. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Customers keep returning for this under the radar value red Bordeaux
Chateau de Chantegrive Henri Leveque Graves 2010 750ML ($41.95) $33 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note: “A stunning vintage / aged release.  This near perfect 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot blend is the ‘flagship’ cuvee from their very best vineyard plots, paying homage to Henri Leveque, founder of Château de Chantegrive. Cold pre-fermentation followed by alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Malo-lactic fermentation in 100% new oak then barrel aged at least 15+ months, and obviously aged in bottle for several additional years in accordance with their desire to offer an ‘aged release.’    As a result, immediately present is a beautiful intense ruby color with a touch of dark plum. On the nose, lots of fruits with hints of chocolate and a slight suggestion of vanilla. Full-bodied and polished on the palate, a rich, generous wine with refined silky tannins.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

 
Fossacolle Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The Fossacolle 2016 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a charming level of intensity and purity. This wine really jumped out at me thanks to the chiseled and sharp quality of fruit and the lingering acidity and power one receives on the finish. It undergoes both its primary and secondary fermentation in cement and is racked into French and Slavonian oak (of various sizes) for two years. Everything just works here, and the wine delivers great harmony between its fruit, spice, acidity and structure. Production is 17,000 bottles.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2016 Brunello has lifted aromas of pine, menthol, dried red plum, and cedar. The palate is pure and energetic with crisp red cherry, dried violets, amaro, and youthful, grippy tannins. I love its classic, angular, pure style. Fossacolle is located in Tavernelle where they farm their small, four-hectare estate. The 2016 was aged for two years in French and Slavonian oak. Drink 2022-2034.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Familia Nin-Ortiz

Offering one of Napa Valley’s best quality-to-price ratios, Snowden has earned the respect of both its peers and consumers alike. Located at the confluence of several of Napa Valley’s most acclaimed appellations, including Rutherford and St. Helena, Snowden is a Beverly Hills estate without the 90210 zip code. This location, on the gentle hillside of the Vaca Mountains, allows the estate’s third generation winemaker Diana Snowden Seysses to produce wines of power and nuance. Having trained in both Napa and Europe, her wines combine prototypical Napa muscle with freshness and intricate fruit. Napa Valley producers, especially those with comparable pedigrees that so convincingly achieve this balancing act, are notoriously expensive. Snowden is a rare Napa classic which remains relatively affordable.

The quality of the estate’s fruit has been an open secret within the valley for decades, and many of Napa’s most respected names have purchased fruit over the years, including Silver Oak and Caymus. However, we’re here to publicly out Snowden for the greater good. These prices do not reflect the quality on offer, and the wines deserve a place on your dinner table.

In Stock Now:

Snowden Vineyards ‘Brothers Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2017 750ML ($89.95) $75 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Brothers Vineyard is gorgeous. In this vintage, the Brothers has a bit more tannin and overall structure than normal, but in 2017 a power outage resulted in the wine staying in tank for an extra ten days. In the end, that looks to have been a help, as the 2017 offers a terrific combination of fruit density and structure, within the mid-weight style of the year at Snowden. This is a beguiling wine that may very well turn out to be a surprise in time. Super classic, old-school, medium-bodied wine with good depth and resonance alongside notes of black cherry, leather, tobacco, licorice and gravel.”
 
Snowden Vineyards The Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2017 750ML ($54.95) $41.90 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon The Ranch is an attractive, mid-weight wine that shows the more gracious, understated side of the year. Floral and spice notes give the 2017 lovely aromatics to play off a core of sweet red berry fruit. This is a very pretty wine.”

 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Snowden Vineyards Lost Vineyard Merlot, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 90-92 points “The 2018 Merlot Lost Vineyard is deep, rich and flavorful, with super-expressive savory, earthy, cedary notes from the 5% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The 2018 is wonderfully deep and resonant, yet very much in the Snowden style. This is a very nice wine.”

 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $41

Oregon

Loop de Loop Alpine White Field Blend, Columbia Gorge 2021 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery note “High Altitude white blend from the sub-Alpine climate of Underwood Mountain. Between 1100-1500 feet we grew, or sourced: Gruner Veltliner, Riesling, Chardonnay & Pinot Gris. Wines were co-fermented bone dry. fermentation finished in late spring. As with all our wines it was fermented with native yeasts and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Soil of underwood is extremely unique as it is sandy loam with windblown loess over the top. Much less clay than the Willamette Valley and even surrounding areas of the Gorge. This volcanic soil yields wines that are more austere, delicate in the aromatics, pronounced but not heavy. Often wines from Underwood have a salinity quality on the finish along with a bit of savory minerality.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Loop de Loop “Borderline Red”, Pear Ridge Vineyard, Columbia Gorge 2021 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Red wine from Pinot Gris
Winery note “High altitude white blend from the sub-Alpine climate of Underwood Mountain. This Pinot Gris was the last thing we brought in last year from the old Acadia Vineyard – now called Pear Ridge Vineyard. Organically grown / no till / dry farmed/ this vineyard is woven within an 80 acre pear orchard covered in native wildflowers. The pinot gris is planted at 1400 feet in elevation. We produced 2 (1.5 ton) fermenters. One fermenter was left 40% whole-cluster and spent about 3 weeks fermenting (slow and cool) before pressing off at 2 brx. The second fermenter was destemmed, & went through post fermentation maceration and spent a total of 45 days on the skins. The result was a fruit forward juicy expression of pinot gris rouge from the shorter fermentation that was blended with a more tea-like, savory and earthy expression that you get on the back and sides of the palate. Blended together we found they make a more complete wine.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Loop de Loop Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “This is a blend of vineyards from the northern Willamette Valley which were allowed to age in barrel, on their lees. It represents our stylistic approach to Northern Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. As with all our wines, this is fermented with ambient wild yeasts. It’s composed of four vineyards from within individual sub AVAs: Eola-Amity Hills AVA, Van Duzer Corridor AVA, Ribbon Ridge AVA, McMinnville AVA. The fruit from each vineyard was cared for with intention in the cellar and then blended before bottling 18 months later.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Loop de Loop Wallflower Project Orange Wine, Acadia (now Pear Ridge) Vineyard, Columbia Gorge  2020 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc from the Acadia Vineyard on Underwood Mountain. We were surprised by how quickly the white wine picked up color and texture while fermenting on their skins briefly. We have been having a lot of fun playing around with skin contact for years in all our whites (though up until now it was almost never allowed for more than a day). With the Wallflower Project wines, we’re looking forward to exploring skin contact with whites as well and combining whites and reds as we ended up doing with the 2019 Romeo Red. These wines are our home for breaking with convention and having a good time making wine.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Loop de Loop Wallflower Project Red Wine NV 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “This crushable summertime red wine is Syrah based and 100% from up on Underwood Mountain between 900 and 1500 ft in elevation. This wine is just fun and carefree. It has instantly become the most popular wine in our tasting room as it defies all expectations. It’s made with high altitude Syrah picked at 21 brx and fermented on skins for only 3 days. It is blended with a spicey Gruner Veltliner and a little Pinot Noir rosé from our own vineyard. It does have the effects of the 2020 growing season present, but holds the smoke well.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

California

Failla Olivet Vineyard Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2020 750ML ($51.95) $44 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “This wine comes from our uppermost mountain vineyard grown at 2000 ft above the Pacific. Sobrante loam soils packed with red chert support the beautifully terraced rows, with both head trained and cordon trained vines wrapping around the slope of the mountain.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Quintessa Red, Rutherford 2017 750ML ($199.95) $166 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrott-Brown, Wine Advocate 95 points “Already bottled, the 2017 Quintessa displays a deep garnet-purple color. The nose needs a little coaxing before it reveals bold, expressive notes of crushed red and black plums, black currant jelly, wild blueberries and kirsch with nuances of camphor, cloves, cedar and lilacs plus a hint of oolong tea. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has beautifully expressed, elegant red and black fruit layers, with a sturdy, grainy frame and plenty of freshness, finishing long and earthy.”
James Suckling 95 points “Crushed berries, incense and blackberries with black-olive undertones. Extremely perfumed. Medium to full body. Very intense for a 2017. Crafted and polished. Long and caressing. Elegant. Drink or hold.”

Jarvis Estate Lake William Blend, Napa Valley 2010 750ML ($199.95) $99 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “$170 This estate wine made of 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cabernet Franc, 27% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot spent nearly two years in all-new French oak. Time has elevated its sanguine, herbaceous characteristics, melding them within a context of graceful softness dotted in black pepper, black olive and meat. -Virginie Boone”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Chateau St Jean ‘Cinq Cepages’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County 2017 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Beautiful blackberry, mushroom, bark and oak leaf. Some pine cone, too. Full-bodied, round and savory with layers of ripe fruit. Rather chunky wine, but nicely done. Drink after 2025.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2017 Cinq Cépages is jam-packed with inky-dark fruit, crème de cassis, chocolate, cloves and licorice. Dense and full-throttle, the Cinq packs a serious punch. The Cinq is undoubtedly racy, but not as opulent as it can be. This is a fine showing for the Cinq.” 


France – Champagne

Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve, Champagne NV 1.5L ($149.95) $135 special, 2 magnums in stock now
2018-base
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “Disgorged in July 2020 with seven grams per liter dosage, the NV Brut Réserve (2018 base) is the latest rendition of this wine. Bursting with aromas of orange oil, crisp orchard fruit and fresh bread, it’s medium to full-bodied, fleshy and gourmand, with tangy acids and an enveloping, pillowy profile.” [Review is for the 750ml 2018-base]

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

France – Burgundy

Domaine Laroche Les Blanchots, Chablis Grand Cru 2020 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “The favourite Grand Cru of Domaine Laroche, offering much finesse and charm. Les Blanchots is a unique terroir made of a layer of white clay on Kimmeridgian limestone with ammonites. This is the ideal combination to keep the right amount of water for roots. The South-East exposure allows slow ripening and favours aroma development. Blanchots is delicate, silky and shows its charm after 5 years in bottle. At peak after 10 to 12 years.”
Wilson Daniels importer note “Refined style with good balance of delicate white fruit flavor and fine acidity. Good depth and long finish. Blanchots offers far much after 5 years in bottle and needs 10 to 12 years in bottle to develop fully.”

Domaine Laroche Les Clos, Chablis Grand Cru 2020 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “The king of the Chablis Grands Crus revealed by Domaine Laroche’s “savoir-faire”, has intense minerality and exceptional finesse. A great wine for great tasting occasions. This vineyard was formerly entirely surrounded with walls, hence the name “Les Clos”. We know from historical sources that the Monks of St Martin of Tours abbey planted vines here in the IXth century. Les Clos is located straight in front of the village of Chablis with a Southern exposure. This favourable sunny situation allows grapes to achieve excellent ripeness. The soil is also well drained and grapes are concentrated in both acidity and aroma. Les Clos is the most long-lasting Grand Cru of Domaine Laroche and offers the most intense minerality. Quite restrained at first, this Grand Cru offers finesse, complexity and a superb length.”
Wilson Daniels importer note “The influence of this exceptional terroir appears in the pure mineral character and the intensity of aromas. Quite restrained at first, this Grand Cru offers finesse, complexity and a superb length. Culinary inspirations: smoked wild salmon, lobster salad, Royal King Crab, mature cheeses and chopped veal with creamy sauce and porcini mushrooms.”


France – Bordeaux

Clos L’Eglise, Pomerol 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrott-Brown, Wine Advocate 94 points “Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Clos l’Eglise has a very earthy nose of black soil, truffles and mossy bark over a core of kirsch, blackberry preserves and dried mulberries with wafts of rose hips and oolong tea. Full-bodied, richly fruited and packed with savory layers, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy.”

Chateau Gloria, Saint-Julien 2018 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “A youthful, unevolved 2018 with lots of up-front blue and black fruits as well as cedary herbs, violets, and scorched earth, the 2018 Château Gloria is medium to full-bodied and has a beautifully balanced, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and both richness and freshness. The purity of fruit is spot on. It’s another brilliant wine from this estate that readers will love. It’s going to benefit from 2-4 years in the cellar and cruise for two decades in cold cellars.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “This wine has all the structured intensity and ripe fruitiness of a Saint-Julien. At the same time, it displays a light touch with the black fruits and open texture, promising an attractive wine. Drink the wine from 2026. -Roger Voss”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2018 Gloria has turned out beautifully. Medium in body, with terrific balance and tons of class, Gloria will especially appeal to readers in search of a wine that is not super-exuberant, as so many 2018s are. Bright floral notes, blood orange and red berry fruit all run through this wonderfully expressive Saint-Julien. Give the tannins at least a few years to soften.”

Tempo d’Angelus, Bordeaux 2019 750ML ($27.95) $26 special, 34 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “A delicious, savory red with blackcurrant, chocolate and cedar aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied with fine, round tannins. Fresh and bright. It opens at the end and becomes chewy and intense. Give this two or three years to soften, but it’s already focused. Try after 2023.”

Back in stock!
Chateau Palmer, Margaux 2016 750ML ($499.95) $419 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 100 points “Technical Director Thomas Duroux and his team made one of the most brilliant wines of the 2016 vintage. Palmer is simply exceptional. Rich and dramatically sweeping in the glass, the 2016 is breathtaking. All the elements simply fall into place in a wine of mesmerizing beauty. The counterpoint of dark, sumptuous fruit and floral notes makes for an utterly compelling Palmer that will take its place among the estate’s finest vintages. Dark cherry, lavender, spice and mocha are some of the many notes that build into a deep, substantial finish that is truly unforgettable. In a word: magnificent!”
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “The finest vintage I’ve ever tasted from this estate, surpassing the 2009 and 2010, the 2016 Château Palmer is a blend of 47% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Petit Verdot, all of which was brought up in 65% new French oak. This magical effort reveals a saturated purple color as well as a huge nose of crème de cassis, graphite, crushed rocks, and spring flowers, and it develops beautifully with time in the glass. Full-bodied, deep, incredibly concentrated and powerful, it nevertheless just glides over the palate with flawless purity and balance, present, ripe tannins, and a finish that just won’t quit. This is Bordeaux at its most regal and classic. It will be drinkable with just 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for half a century.”
Wine Enthusiast 100 points “#27 Cellar Selection in 2019. Powerful tannins and hugely rich fruit balance together in this superb wine. The velvet texture belies the power behind the concentrated, ripe black-fruit flavor, with vibrant acidity giving ample lift. The wine’s structure will ensure aging for many years. Drink from 2024. -Roger Voss”

Chateau d’Yquem, Sauternes 2018 375ML ($279.95) $249 special, 1 half-bottle in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2018 d’Yquem is all lime cordial, grapefruit oil and mandarin peel to begin. With a little coaxing, the fireworks really begin, letting off a whole array of honeysuckle, candied ginger, dried pineapple, lemon pastilles, chalk dust and sea spray scents, followed by a savory undercurrent of shaved almonds, allspice and baking bread. The palate is an exercise in polish and poise, featuring the most gorgeously creamy texture and bright, sparkling freshness, framing all the densely laden tropical and citrus fruit layers, finishing with a powerful BANG of profound floral and spice perfume. It is wonderfully sweet, yes, but that—paradoxically for a “sweet wine”—is almost beside the point.”
Decanter 97 points “An extremely impressive Yquem here. Deeply concentrated and silky in texture, with crème caramel and saffron, followed by bitter orange on the finish. Gourmet, powerful and concentrated, revealing as it opens in the glass the lime blossom and zest that pick things up, keeping things light and sculpted through the finish. There were five weeks without rain between the picking of the dry white Y and the main estate wine Yquem – so a full two months of harvest time. It meant a lot of patience and a small final yield, but one that was high in quality. Around 50% of the production goes into Yquem. 145g/l residual sugar and a pH of 3.95. Also tasted August 2020; same score. Drinking Window 2021 – 2034.”


France – Rhône

Domaine de la Solitude Cotes du Rhône 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Domaine de la Solitude Cotes du Rhône 2020 750ML ($239.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
James Suckling 92 points “Tons of black-cherry and ripe-blackberry fruit, but not a jot overripe. This is a bold and substantial wine for the appellation, thanks to the healthy dose of soft tannin. Plenty of licorice and spice, plus a hint of tar at the long finish. Carries 14% alcohol effortlessly! A GSM blend of 50% grenache, 40% syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Drink now.”

Delas Freres Condrieu La Galopine, Rhône 2019 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Ripe, flattering style, with a brioche frame around the mix of mirabelle, creamed peach, nectarine, acacia and lemon curd notes. Everything knits nicely through the unctuous finish. Drink now through 2025. 1,500 cases made, 50 cases imported.  –JM”

Delas Freres Cote-Rotie La Landonne, Rhône 2019 750ML ($319.95) $279 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Decanter 97 points “Immediately this has the darkness and aromatic austerity of La Landonne. Very full-bodied, expansive on the palate with mouthcoating flavour and tannin but not heavy. This is seriously tannic, but it’s not tough. Great character, great power and perfect balance. Alcohol is just a little raised, but this is a blockbuster. Around 3,000 bottles made. Fermented in open-top concrete tanks for 20 days, then matured in new and one-year-old barrels for 14 months. Drinking Window 2026 – 2035.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is dark and still a bit reticent, with a cast iron cloak around the core of dark currant, plum and blackberry paste flavors, showing lots of sweet bay leaf, anise and singed apple wood notes in the background. There’s serious grip through the finish. For the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2038. 267 cases made, 40 cases imported.  –JM”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94-96 points “Expressive blackberry, potpourri, smoky bacon and licorice aromas show excellent clarity and minerally lift. Deeply concentrated, spice-laced dark berry preserve, floral pastille and fruitcake flavors are supported by a spine of juicy acidity that adds back-end cut. Becomes more energetic on the impressively persistent finish, which repeats the dark berry and floral notes and leaves behind a spicy suggestion of cracked pepper.”

New case-six pricing!
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas ‘Les Souteyrades Vieilles Vignes’, Rhône 2019 750ML ($39.95) $34.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas ‘Les Souteyrades Vieilles Vignes’, Rhône 2019 750ML ($249.95) $199 special (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “Lastly, the 2019 Gigondas Les Souteyrades is more classic, with pure dark, peppery fruits as well as garrigue, cedar, and leather notes. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and perfectly balanced, it has impressive tannins and will benefit from short-term bottle age. As with the other Gigondas here, you should expect 10-15 years of prime drinking. This cuvée is 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, aged all in foudre.”
Grapelive 96 points “The fabulous and sultry Grenache based 2019 Saint-Damien Les Souteyrades Gigondas has layers of black raspberry, boysenberry, plum and grenadine on the full bodied palate along with that anise, floral incense, baked cherry, chalky stones and peppery spices. This vintage is less gamy/earthy than the prior couple of years and there is a thrilling sense of energy and an exceptional sense of purity in this dark purple/garnet Rhone red. The good dose of Mourvedre does add a meaty and savory dimension to this outstanding version, making for wine that way over delivers for the price, competing with Chateauneufs that go for three times the cost of this Saint-Damien single Lieu-Dit bottling. This winery has become a must have to satisfy my personal Grenache and Rhone habit, along with Saint-Cosme’s legendary Gigondas. The aromatics and mouth feel are really seductive, and air only brings more excitement and complexity here with a heady mix of dark florals and grenadine going to the fore. The underpinning tannin is sweet, but there is some serious structure to this Les Souteyrades. This wine has tremendous potential for long term cellaring and is a savvy buy for bargain hunters…The Vieilles Vignes Gigondas lieu-dit “Les Souteyrades” sits on a small hill with the vineyard being a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre (and the wine here is the same percentage) with the main plot consisting of old Grenache Noir vines that were planted back in 1948 and 38 year old Mourvèdre vines that are set on an outcropping of pure grey clay soils with a scattering of stones. This cru site makes for deep fruit intensity and rich concentration, which this gorgeous 2019 shows with flamboyant hedonism in the glass. The Saint-Damien “Les Souteyrades” Gigondas is fermented traditionally with old school techniques with a long maceration, lasting for between 6 to 8 weeks on the skins, in concrete vats before moving to large oak foudres for about a year. This unfined and unfiltered and native yeast fermented cuvée sees all from organic grapes that are carefully handpicked and sorted to best show off the terroir here. While hefty and close to 15% natural alcohol, this Les Souteyrades doesn’t feel hot or flabby, in fact the balance is fantastic. This entertaining and rewarding Southern Rhone wine deserves a big robust meal to allow all its pleasures to shine through, and this vintage never puts a foot wrong. It is close to perfection in every way. I highly recommend these Saint-Damien 2019s, especially this one, along with their “La Louisiane” that has become their signature wine.”


Italy – Tuscany

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 750ML ($269.95) $235 special
Case-6 Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 750ML ($1,619.95) $1,319 special (that’s only $219.83/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Cellar Selection. Aromas of rose petal, dark spice, woodland berries and camphor form the nose on this fragrant, elegant wine. Loaded with finesse, the linear, savory palate features red cherry, orange zest, star anise and black tea alongside tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. It’s still youthfully austere, with fantastic aging potential. Drink 2026–2041. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97+ points “From a benchmark vintage, the Biondi-Santi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino reveals a gorgeous appearance with medium concentration highlighted by shiny hues of garnet and dark ruby. The first thing you notice is the compact dark fruit and rather robust textural fiber and power presented here. You almost bite into this wine, and you taste some fine grain linked to the young tannins. That, with the fresh acidity that is the hallmark signature of this estate, guarantees long cellar aging, and I would put my money on this vintage for long-long-term longevity. The fruit is compact and supple with dried cherry, blue flower, iron ore and candied orange peel. There is tobacco, balsam herb and gardening soil in a supporting role, and the wine is beautifully fleshed out but also rich in this balanced growing season. It surely needs more time to come together with pinpoint precision, but the wine’s elegance is a certainty.”
Wine Spectator 97 points “This features a well of blackberry and black cherry flavors, along with iron, licorice and fresh herb aromas and flavors. The dense tannins are easily matched by the concentrated flavors, and this shows fine potential, despite the compact finish now. Best from 2025 through 2045. 550 cases imported. — BS”


Germany – Mosel

Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese White Capsule (Trocken), Mosel 2019 750ML ($34.95) $29.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2019 Ürziger Würzgarten Spätlese (White Capsule) already shows on the nose its perfect ripeness and elegant richness in a highly refined and enormously flinty, even tannic manner. The palate is very elegant, lush and ripe yet most of all vibrantly fresh and salty-piquant, revealing a salivating, firmly structured and tannic finish. This is a Würzgarten to keep for at least 3-4 years before opening. Tasted in May 2021.”


South Africa

Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine, Constantia, South Africa 2007 500ML ($119.95) $99 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 97 points “Although I have tasted the 2007 Vin de Constance on several occasions, this was the first time professionally. It has an explosive bouquet that sprints out of the blocks with a more effervescent, vivacious personality than the 2008. Citrus lemon, Seville orange marmalade, touches of mandarin and a dash of spice all vie for attention. The aromatics are more Sauternes-like than the 2008. The palate is very well-balanced with a viscous opening, a keen thread of acidity and a bewitching sense of poise and focus. This is probably the finest Vin de Constance to date as it fans out marvellously on the multi-layered finish. This is a startling, world-class wine that gives Yquem a run for its money.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $195

Greece

Santo Wines Assyrtiko Volcanic Terroir, Santorini 2020 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 90 points “A round, vibrant, light- to medium-bodied white, with oak spice and lime blossom accents to the yellow apple and pear fruit, preserved lemon and salty mineral notes. Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani. Drink now. 110 cases made, 110 cases imported. — AN”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Vermouth / Aperitif

Suzanne: The Silvio Carta vermouth are deeply concentrated and wildly complex. Two of the finest I’ve tasted for sipping made an intriguing blend of locally foraged herbs.

Porto Vino importer note “The Carta family has been making (and storing) wine in the sleepy coastal town of Oristano for generations. The local grape is Vernaccia (though not the one from Gimignano). The vine was possibly introduced by the Phoenicians, or it was cultivated from wild vines of the Tirso Valley. The style is oxidative, but no Englishman created or discovered this wine (as happened in Marsala). And maybe that’s a shame, because these wines deserve to be better known outside their home. The wine is vinified dry, and the nose is chalky and intriguing. Multiple aged vintages are available. The register is something new for us, falling somewhere amid the mineral tones of Fino, the nuttiness of Marsala, and a bit of passito fruit. Rockin’ non-faux vintage label that they’ve been using all these years.”

Silvio Carta Vermouth Servito Bianco, Sardinia NV 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Porto Vino importer note “Ingredienti / Ingredients: Current release of Vernaccia Valle del Tirso IGT, infused with a blend of local Sardinian herbs that the producer forages. Erbe / Herbs: All wild Sardinian herbs: Salvia desoleana, Myrtle, Helichrysum, Senecio Serpens. Affinamento / Élevage: In stainless steel tanks.”

Silvio Carta Vermouth di Sardegna Rosso, Sardinia NV 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Porto Vino importer note “Ingredienti / Ingredients: Blend of aged Vernaccia di Oristano Riserva DOC (currently 2004 and 2008), infused with a blend of local Sardinian herbs that the producer forages. Erbe / Herbs: All wild Sardinian herbs: Salvia desoleana, Myrtle, Thyme, Lentisk, Helichrysum, Artemisia. Affinamento / Élevage: In 800-liter chestnut barrels filled about two-thirds of the way, to allow flor to develop. The barrels have an average age of 80-90 years, with some being as old as 150 years, and are made from chestnut trees that grow on the island.”

Avinyo delivers exceptional quality at proletariat pricing. With organically grown holdings at over 800 feet above sea level, these are benchmark examples of “Grower Cava”. 

Avinyo wines in stock now: 

Avinyo Blanc de Noirs Reserva Brut Nature Cava, Catalonia 2018 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Avinyó was one of the very first wineries in Spain to plant pinot noir on an experimental basis when Avinyó founder Joan Esteve returned from France with vine cuttings in 1980. The resulting Blanc de Noirs comes from this original single-vineyard called La Fassina, planted in 2000 in Avinyonet del Penedès at 250m to 275m. La Fassina receives the most rain of the estate’s vineyards while being protected from the easterly winds by mountains. The fertile soil is deep and well-drained with a silty-clay-loam texture and accumulations of calcium carbonate ideal for pinot noir to flourish and express the unique terruño of the site. The surrounding mountains provide a perfect channel for the cool air to enter the vineyard at night, preserving pinot noir’s trademark acidity. Blanc de Noirs is an extremely elegant expression of the La Fassina vineyard, a limited release once a year. Farming is organic.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $35.99

 
Avinyo Seleccio La Ticota Gran Reserva Brut Nature Cava, Catalonia 2014 750ML ($49.95) $37 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Importer note “La Ticota, Avinyó’s oldest single vineyard, is a 2ha plot planted in 1940 by their grandfather to 85% xarel-lo and 15% macabeo, in primarily clay-calcareous soil. La Ticota produces one of the most distinctive and complex single-vineyard méthode traditionnelle wines from Spain. Produced in very limited quantities from the best vintages, it is among the great single-vineyard sparkling wines of the world. La Ticota is currently undergoing the certification process in the newly-formed Cava de Paraje designation of the Cava D.O., a new category that recognizes the uniqueness of “a smaller area” of the appellation on the label, similar to Burgundy’s climats or lieux-dits.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 
Avinyo Petillant Blanc Catalonia, Catalonia 2021 750ML ($19.95) $17 special, 7 bottles in stock now
De Maison importer note “Avinyó Petillant is a vi d’agulla, the Catalan term for a prickly wine bottled with a little natural effervescence retained from the winemaking process. This vibrant and refreshing wine is the traditional summertime quaffer of the Penedès region of Catalonia, and it’s perfect for drinking out of a porrón. Petillant is made with a blend of two organically-farmed, estate vineyards. Finca La Guardia is the highest, most rugged vineyard on the property at 350 meters; here muscat de Frontignan was planted in 2003 in the stony calcareous-clay soils. Macabeo and xarel-lo are grown in the Finca Can Fontanals vineyard, planted from 1978 to 1988. Grapes: 70% Muscat de Frontignan / 20% Macabeo / 10% Xarel-lo.” 

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

The Durand brothers are making it look easy. It’s hard to find Northern Rhône wines that combine soul and polish—it seems as if most of the new wines we taste are either hyper glossy or very rustic. To hit that sweet spot, crafting wines that speak very loudly of place but are elegant, drinkable and age-worthy—that’s special indeed.

“Consistently brilliant wines emerge from Domaine Durand, which is run with incredible talent and passion by Eric and Joël Durand… The brothers took over the estate in 1991, and while the winemaking is relatively modern, these are classic, pure, beautifully made wines that speak clearly to their region and terroir.” – Jeb Dunnuck

“Among the under-the-radar producers in the northern Rhône, this 20-hectare domaine, has been run by brothers Eric and Joël Durand since 1996. It’s a shame because the wines warrant more attention while pricing is quite friendly given the quality delivered. Domaine Durand produces a collection of generous, fruit-driven and polished wines that’s led by four Cornas bottlings consistently among the most approachable of the appellation…” – Josh Raynolds, Vinous

“Located in the tiny village of Châteaubourg, Joël and Eric Durand are quietly turning out some impressive wines from their family holdings in Saint-Joseph and Cornas.” – Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

Newly Arrived from Durand

Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Empreintes, Rhône 2019 750ML ($49.95) $44.50 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “Iron, peppered game, smoked black and blue fruits, and new leather notes emerge from the 2019 Cornas Empreintes, and it’s medium to full-bodied and wonderfully balanced, with ripe tannins and one hell of a great finish. It’s another pure, balanced, fruit-loaded beauty from this estate that has tons of character. This cuvée comes from hillside parcels (a mix of granite and limestone) and 30-year-old vines. It was 75% destemmed and spent a year in 20% new barrels.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 95 points “Sure, the 2019 Cornas Empreintes is lightly cedary up front, but those notes are more than balanced by crushed stone, salted licorice, and bold cassis and blueberry flavors. Full-bodied and concentrated, this is a rock-solid Cornas with a long, dusty finish, capable of aging and improving up to two decades. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Youthfully compact, but it’s all there, with a core of steeped red and black currant and cherry fruit inlaid with a chalky spine that stays in the background while black tea, sanguine and alder notes linger. There’s good latent energy too. Best from 2023 through 2036. 950 cases made, 150 cases imported.  –JM”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Premices, Rhône 2019 750ML ($41.95) $34.50 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “This is packed with dark fig and blackberry paste flavors that roll through slowly but steadily, unveiling extra dark olive, sweet bay leaf, singed alder and juniper accents along the way. There’s buried minerality that should rise to prominence with cellaring. Best from 2023 through 2035. 900 cases made, 140 cases imported.  –JM” 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Saint-Joseph Lautaret, Rhône 2019 750ML ($41.95) $34.50 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 94 points “Hints of mocha and roast meat add interest to the cassis and licorice in the 2019 Saint Joseph Lautaret. Big, tannic and concentrated, this full-bodied effort looks likely to improve with short-term cellaring and drink well for at least a decade thereafter. Plentiful ripe tannins frame the palate and linger in velvety-textured form on the finish. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “The 2019 Saint Joseph Lautaret is terrific, and one of the top vintages of this cuvée I can remember. Revealing a deep purple hue as well as a textbook nose of blackberry fruits, ground pepper, violets, and subtle smoke, it shows a touch of gravelly earth on the palate, full body, and considerable depth and richness. All Syrah that was 85% destemmed, it saw a standard 3-week maceration and aging in just 15% new barrels.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Saint-Peray, Rhône 2020 750ML ($31.95) $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “Readers looking for a great Saint-Péray that will offer pleasure any time over the coming 5-7 years or more should check out the 2020 Saint-Péray, an evenly split blend of Marsanne and Roussanne. Clean, pure pineapple and citrus fruits, some honeysuckle, sappy flower, and obvious chalky minerality all emerge from the glass, and this is medium-bodied, nicely textured, and impeccably balanced. It’s not a blockbuster, but it shows the more focused, fresh, salty style of this appellation beautifully.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 90 points “A seriously refreshing Saint-Péray, the 2020 Saint Peray features more citrus and chalk notes than most. A 50-50 blend of Marsanne and Roussanne fermented in a mix of stainless steel tank (70%) and barrique (30%), it’s medium to full-bodied but zesty, clean and charming, with a bright, lively finish marked by notes of lime and tangerine. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $31.99

Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Saint-Joseph Blanc, Rhône 2020 750ML ($34.95) $26 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Caramelized peach, quince, honeyed flowers, and spice all emerge from the 2020 Saint Joseph Blanc, a medium to full-bodied, mouth-filling, pleasure-bent white that has notable purity, building richness, and a great finish. It’s another impeccably made wine from this terrific estate. The blend is 60% Marsanne and 40% Roussanne, aged in 15% new barrels, 15% once used barrels, and the rest in tank.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 90 points “Honeyed pineapple and pear aromas dominate the nose of the 2020 Saint Joseph Blanc, a 60-40 blend of Marsanne and Roussanne. It’s full-bodied and well-rounded but balances those attributes with ample citrus, a touch of bitterness and a silky feel on the long finish. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Emmanuel Darnaud has been one of our favorite surprises of the past few years. Relatively new to Vinopolis, this small producer makes spectacular reds from the Northern Rhône -wines that have become some of our best deals when in stock. From top to bottom, the Darnaud wines over-perform, with density, power and drinkability.

Newly Arrived from Emanuel Darnaud:

Emmanuel Darnaud Crozes-Hermitage Les Trois Chenes, Rhône 2019 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Emmanuel Darnaud Crozes-Hermitage Les Trois Chenes, Rhône 2019 375ML ($19.95) $16 special, 12 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “Shows a sappy, dense fruit core, with kirsch and plum paste flavors rolled together, while licorice snap, sweet tobacco and a tarry streak assert themselves through the finish. Drink now through 2030. 1,600 cases made, 150 cases imported.  –JM”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2019 Crozes Hermitage Les Trois Chênes features attractive aromas of cassis and blueberries on the nose, a broad, expansive feel in the mouth and a long, softly dusty finish. Full-bodied, concentrated and intense, it avoids any sense of heaviness despite its size, while at the same time interweaving complex notes of dark chocolate, coffee and dried herbs. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “The 2019 Crozes-Hermitage Les Trois Chênes sports a deep purple hue as well as a great bouquet of ripe darker berry fruits, violets, and peppery herbs. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has terrific purity of fruit, a solid spine of acidity, and the balance to evolve gracefully for 10-12 years. It’s another impressive, rock-solid wine from this talented winemaker.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is the only listing in the USA today for the 375ml!

Emmanuel Darnaud Crozes-Hermitage Mise en Bouche, Rhône 2020 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 91-93 points “The 2020 Crozes-Hermitage Mise En Bouche showed beautifully, with a rich, medium to full-bodied, nicely textured style as well as classy notes of darker currants, blackberries, spice, chocolate, and some meaty nuances. It fleshes out nicely with time in the glass and is another beautiful wine from this talented winemaker that will evolve for 10-12 years.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “I tasted the 2020 Crozes Hermitage Mis en Bouche from tank, as it had been blended a week before my visit. Hints of tar and black olive accent blackberries and spice on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is plush and velvety in texture. Long and mouthwatering on the finish, this is really good entry-level stuff for drinking over the next 5 years or so.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $29.99

Emmanuel Darnaud Saint Joseph La Dardouille, Rhône 2019 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “Cassis, crushed violets, ground pepper, and rocking levels of minerality emerge from the 2019 Saint Joseph Lieu-Dit La Dardouille, and this beauty is full-bodied and has a great mid-palate. Its layered, pure, incredibly impressive style is already hard to resist, yet it will unquestionably evolve for 15 years or more.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Also In Stock Now from Durand & Darnaud:

Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Confidence, Rhône 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “One of my favorite Cornas, the 2018 Cornas Confidence comes from pure granite soils and was partially destemmed and brought up in 30% new French oak. The 2018 is a head-turner, revealing a dense purple color as well as sensational notes of crème de cassis, smoked bacon, graphite, bouquet garni, and liquid rock-like minerality. Rich, full-bodied, and opulent, with sweet tannins, this is one sexy Cornas that’s going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and cruise for 10-15 years in cold cellars.”

Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Empreintes, Rhône 2017 1.5L ($99.95) $89 special, 5 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “One of the flagship releases is the 2017 Cornas Empreintes, which comes from the steep, granite hillsides of Cornas, sees 25% stems, and is brought up in 20% new French oak. This full-bodied, concentrated effort boasts a deep purple hue, notes of peppery herbs, plums, blackberries, and smoked game, building tannins, and just about overflowing amounts of character. It’s a stunning, brilliant Cornas that’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 15+ years. Bravo!”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Empreintes, Rhône 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 93+ points “The 2018 Cornas Empreintes offers a riper, more concentrated style, delivering lots of plum and darker currant fruits intermixed with notions of smoked herbs, ground pepper, violets, lavender, and spice box. It’s rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, yet the tannins here are more present, and it has a closed, angular style that’s going to benefit from bottle age. Give bottles 3-4 years at a minimum and it should have a solid decade of longevity after that.”

Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Premices, Rhône 2017 750ML ($39.95) $29.70 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Lots of blueberries, jammy blackberries, violets, licorice, and floral notes emerge from the 2017 Cornas Prémices. This fleshy, sexy, full-bodied beauty is a quintessential, hedonistic Cornas that’s already hard to resist. Nevertheless, it has enough sweet tannins to keep for over a decade. This cuvée comes from slightly younger vines (15 to 30-year-old vines) and is aged in 20% new French oak.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $38

Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Saint-Joseph Les Coteaux, Rhône 2018 750ML ($36.95) $29 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92 points “If the Lauteret bottling is a lovable puppy dog of a wine, the 2018 Saint Joseph Les Coteaux is a veteran bird dog—cool, taut and contained, with coiled energy and terrific poise. Scents of cedar and crushed stone appear on the nose alongside hints of mint, black cherries and cassis. It’s medium to full-bodied and sleek on the palate, with a lithe musculature and a graceful movement as it eases into a long, cool finish.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “Starting off the two Saint Joseph releases, the 2018 Saint Joseph Les Coteaux is a deeply colored, ripe, opulent effort with rocking levels of black and blue fruits, peppery herbs, game, and violet aromas and flavors. Textured, medium to full-bodied, and balanced, it already offers pleasure yet should evolve for a decade.”

Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Saint-Joseph Lautaret, Rhône 2018 750ML ($41.95) $33 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Slightly more expensive, the 2018 Saint Joseph Lautaret offers more smoky minerality as well as impressive darker currants, blackberries, violets, and barbecued meat-like aromas and flavors. These carry to a rich, meaty, almost bloody/iron-laced Saint-Joseph that has full-bodied richness, ripe, polished tannins, wonderful balance, and a great finish. With moderate acidity and a fleshy, already hard to resist style, enjoy bottles over the coming 10-15 years.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Emmanuel Darnaud Crozes-Hermitage Au Fil du Temps, Rhône 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 94 points “Marked by intense aromas of licorice and seared beefsteak, Darnaud’s 2018 Crozes Hermitage Au Fil du Temps backs those up with notes of blueberries and black olives. Full-bodied, richly concentrated and tannic—but supple and ripe—with a bright, refreshing and lengthy finish, it’s a beauty of a Crozes to drink over the next decade.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “More chocolatey black and blue fruits, violets, damp earth, and bouquet garni-like notes emerge from the 2018 Crozes-Hermitage Au Fil Du Temps. This rich, powerful, full-bodied Crozes shows the classic balance, elegance, and purity that are present in all of Emmanuel’s wines. With plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe, mouth-coating tannins, and outstanding length, this brilliant effort will keep for 10-15 years.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “On the exotic side, with a mix of açaí, blueberry and boysenberry reduction flavors entwined with licorice root and singed alder notes. Everything knits wonderfully through the finish, letting the fruit drip while the background notes flicker. Drink now through 2028. 210 cases made, 40 cases imported.  –JM”

Emmanuel Darnaud Crozes-Hermitage Les Trois Chenes, Rhone 2018 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 points “The remarkable thing about Darnaud’s 2018 Crozes Hermitage Les Trois Chênes is how unforced it feels, showing great amplitude and length while at the same time remaining silky and elegant. Hints of violets and blueberries emerge on the nose of this full-bodied effort. Expansive and enveloping yet effortless, it should drink well for a decade or so.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Looking first at the 2018 Crozes-Hermitage Les Trois Chênes, this can be thought of as the entry-level release from this great estate and comes from a mix of different terroirs as well as young and old vines. Its deep purple hue is followed by a meaty, spicy, complex Crozes that delivers serious intensity in its black and blue fruits as well as its floral and mineral-laced aromas and flavors. Beautifully balanced, it’s a wine that gains richness and depth with time in the glass, offering ripe tannins and remarkable purity of fruit. It’s ideal for enjoying over the coming 10-12 years.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Emmanuel Darnaud Saint Joseph La Dardouille, Rhône 2018 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Emmanuel Darnaud Saint Joseph La Dardouille, Rhône 2018 1.5L ($119.95) $95 special, 11 magnums in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 96 points “Every bit as good as I thought it was from barrel, the monumental 2018 Saint Joseph La Dardouille is one of the best Saint Josephs to have ever crossed this taster’s lips—certainly in the Top 10. Hints of cedar accent deep notes of blackberry liqueur, underlain by a bed of crushed granite. Full-bodied, richly concentrated and textured, it’s a prodigious effort that must be tasted to be believed. Despite the size and extract, there’s a sense of cool restraint and even a bit of refreshment on the lengthy finish. Give it another year or two; it should drink well for at least a decade beyond that.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The Saint Joseph release from Darnaud, the 2018 Saint Joseph Lieu Dit La Dardouille comes from a well-known lieu-dit located in the southern part of the appellation. More cassis, violets, gunflint, and gamey notions emerge from this beauty. Medium to full-bodied, it has a classic Saint Joseph focused, mineral-laced style, fabulous purity, and a great finish. This brilliant 2018 can be drunk any time over the coming 15 years or more.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!