Category Archives: Newsletter Archive

04-25-22 Newsletter

In This Newsletter:

Delightful Donnhoff

Masters of the Mittelmosel:
Selbach Oster

2015 Fanti En-Route

Garden Party Gems:
Large Formats

Trending Rose

Fabulous Fornacina

Collector’s Corner:
Chalky Mountain High
Vatan’s Benchmark Sauvignon Blanc

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Delightful Donnhoff

Robert Parker calls Helmut Donnhoff “unquestionably one of the stars” in the world of German Rieslings. Situated between the villages of Niederhausen and Schlossbockelheim in the middle Nahe, the Dönnhoff family has been making wine since 1750, with Helmut Dönnhoff in charge of winemaking at the estate since 1971. While there are many who can attest to Donnhoff’s talent, there is no one better to describe Helmut than himself: “I want the wines I make to contain a story, and the story I can offer is that of me at home in my landscape. Winemaking alone cannot bring quality, it can only retain the available quality. The concentration of all the flavors of the grape, especially the mineral extract, gives the wine its real taste and structure.” It is his effortless spirit in winemaking that makes both Helmut and his wines so highly revered.

The 2018 vintage is considered one of the best in recent memory in spite of being overshadowed by the flashier 2019 year. Consistently warm temperatures during the daytime paired with cool nights allowed for incredibly lush and healthy grapes, while still having vibrant acidity. The warmer temperatures allowed for a downright relaxing growing season for those looking to harvest sweeter styles, with hardly any disease pressure.

Weingut Dönnhoff selections in stock now:

Weingut Donnhoff Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Grosses Gewächs Nahe 2018 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 11 bottles in stock now
#12 – James Suckling’s Top 100 Wines Of The Year
Stuart Pigott – Jamessuckling 99 points “A dense and layered white with minerals, salt, white pepper, chalk, dried lemon and subtle pears. Pumice. Wow. Tiny film of oil. Creamy and insane. What a wine. Magic. One for the cellar. Drink or hold.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 95 points “Scents of white peach and pear strongly marked by pit and seed arouse expectations of both juiciness and piquancy that are amply fulfilled on a full, glossy palate. A whiff of gentian anticipates bittersweet inner-mouth florality. There is a bit more gloss here and a bit less firmness than displayed by the other dry Dönnhoff 2018s, but also an inexplicable sense of lift despite close to 13% alcohol. The overall impression is impressively rich, but the superbly sustained finish delivers a pleasant sharpness of raw ginger, mouthwatering and lip-licking salinity and a riveting array of stony, alkaline and ineffable mineral notes. “In 1965,” noted Dönnhoff, referring to one of the most notoriously awful vintages for Riesling Germany in anyone’s memory, “Dellchen was the sole site from which it proved possible to render a Naturwein – to achieve completeness without having to do anything to the must – and that really impressed me. But at the same time, this site has an amazing ability to withstand even extreme drought, because there is a critical source of water beneath it. And if that weren’t the case, these sun-exposed terraces” – which also catch reflected light from unprecedented nearness to the Nahe’s surface – “would easily overheat.””
John Gilman 95 points “To my mind, the Dellchen often produces the most muscular Grosses Gewächs bottling from Weingut Dönnhoff, so I wondered how it might turn out this year, where there was already so much potential for power inherent in the vintage. Much to my surprise, the 2018 Dellchen is supremely elegant this year, offering up a sophisticated bouquet of sweet grapefruit, tart apple, wild yeasts, a beautiful base of minerality, orange blossoms and lemongrass. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, racy and utterly suave in its sense of balance and inner harmony, with bright acids and a very long, primary and promising finish. A great wine by any measure! 2030-2070. 95.”

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Weingut Donnhoff ‘Felsenturmchen’ Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs Nahe 2018 750ML ($89.95) $59 special, 22 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 94 points “The 2018 Felsenberg GG is also absolutely outstanding this year. The bouquet is impressively expressive at this early stage, soaring from the glass in a blaze of pear, tart orange, a beautiful base of slate minerality, wild yeasts, a touch of fleur de sel and a potpourri of floral scents in the upper register. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, focused and seamless, with outstanding mid-palate depth, powerful mineral drive and great cut and grip on the long, perfectly balanced and youthful finish. This will be show stopping juice in the fullness of time. 2028-2070. 94.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93+ points “Bottled in July, just two days before I tasted the 2018 Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg Riesling trocken –GG– for the first time, the nose was ripe and generous but fine and flinty-mineral. Lush and salty-piquant, this is a full-bodied, rich and powerful yet vital Riesling with lots of body but also tension, purity and grip. Tasted again in August 2019.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 93 points “Huckleberry, crushed coriander seed and zesty lemon on the nose anticipate the piquancy, pungency and citricity that dominate on a firm, full, glossy palate. Stony and alkaline notes tug in an austere direction, though the gripping, penetrating finish conveys ample refreshing juiciness as well as an uncanny sense of energy. “Whatever might be your favorite from among these vintage 2018 Grosse Gewächse,” remarked Dönnhoff, “you can recognize the [taste of the] site, and that’s the goal.””

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Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewächs Nahe 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 25 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 97 points “Cornelius Dönnhoff has crafted one of the very best dry Rieslings that I tasted on this trip from the Hermannshöhle in 2018! The bouquet is deep, complex and again, so very elegant out of the blocks this year, delivering scents of pink grapefruit, tart tangerine, white flowers, a superb base of slate, lemongrass, citrus peel and just a dollop of upper register wild yeast tone. On the palate the wine is racy, focused, full-bodied and extremely mineral-driven, with a great core, laser-like focus and seamlessly balanced on the very, very long, very complex and utterly refined finish. Chapeau! 2033-2075+. 97.”
Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2018 Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Riesling trocken –GG– is fascinatingly pure and fragrant on the nose. Crystalline, lush and intense, this is a full-bodied, crystalline, precise, salty and persistent wine with linear tension, great grip and intensity. Tasted in July 2019.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 95 points “Bittersweet, smoky herbal and nutty notes, along with an ore-like sense of deep mineral earthiness, serve as ideal foils for generously juicy ripe white peach and bright Meyer lemon. The feel is full and firm, and the finish is superbly multileveled, but with a strong emphasis on darkly earthy and minerally low-tones whose resonance sets the tongue and tonsils quivering. (And yes, it also refreshes.)”

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Weingut Donnhoff Hollenpfad Im Muhlenberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs Nahe 2018 750ML ($89.95) $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 93+ points “The Grosses Gewächs bottling from the filet section of the Höllenpfad im Mühlenberg is also very promising and again, shows the beautifully elegant refinement of all the dry Rieslings from the Dönnhoff family this year. Helmut estimates that this is thirteen percent octane or just under in this vintage. The bouquet wafts from the glass in a very refined and expressive blend of tangerine, blood orange, salty minerality, citrus peel, smoky overtones and a topnote of dried flowers. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and really packed at the core, with racy acids, great soil signature, laser-like focus and a very long, youthfully complex and very promising finish. 2028-2060+. 93+.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Roxheimer Höllenpfad Im Mühlenberg Riesling trocken –GG– is super clear and flinty on the crystalline and herbal nose. On the palate, this is a medium-bodied, round and piquant dry Riesling that has been bottled with less than two grams of residual sugar, which underlines the crystalline purity and refreshing mineral character. The wine reveals a long and intense, quite powerful and textured as well as salty and piquant finish. This is the first release of the Im Mühlenberg, and it is an impressive wine that has been aged on the lees until the end of June. Tasted in July 2019.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “This bottling from the stand of very old vines in Höllenpfad is full of juicy white peach fruit that I hadn’t expected from this site – but after all, we are talking about fruit-dominated vintage 2018. That’s not to say that certain elements conducive to austerity are absent: peach kernel piquancy, ash, crushed stone. On top of which, there is only one lone gram of residual sugar. The feel is full and firm, the minerally concentrated finish persistently pithy but juicy, and there is a welcome, saliva-inducing hint of salinity. “This is my new favorite child,” quipped Dönnhoff, “but it still has to finish school,” meaning not that these old vines need to be taught anything, but rather that he and Cornelius are still learning how to best channel this site’s and those vines’ potential. (For extensive background on this bottling and its site designation, consult my review of the inaugural vintage 2017 installment.)”

Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel Nahe 2018 750 ($99.95) $79 special, 19 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 98 points “The purity and precision of the 2018 Hermannshöhle Auslese is the stuff that legends used to be made from. The bouquet is complex and utterly refined, offering up scents of pear, white cherries, bee pollen, a touch of orange zest, lovely salinity and a mineral bath of slate. On the palate the wine is fullish, racy and utterly seamless in its balance, with great intensity of flavor, laser-like focus and truly stunning mineral drive on the backend (particularly for Auslese), with an endless and magical finish. 2032-2090+.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 95 points “Like its Brücke counterpart, this Auslese reflects genuinely botrytis-free grapes, said Dönnhoff, but ones that were too numerous and too high in sugar to use elsewhere, “and certainly not in the Grosses Gewächs, which would then have ended up with 14% alcohol.” Sea breeze on the nose intimates the sweet-saline savor of raw scallop that emerges on this wine’s lusciously lingering, mouthwateringly umami-rich finish. White peach and quince preserves feature throughout, reinforced on the soothingly creamy palate by nougat-like nut essences. There is an animating, juicy fresh-fruit aspect as well, and a wonderful sense of both focus and transparency to stony and ore-like nuances.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2018 Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Riesling Auslese is deep and noble in its finesse and purity that is paired with notes of crushed stones but also perfectly ripe and healthy fruits. Lush and piquant on the palate, with lingering salinity and finesse, this is the more graceful Auslese, which is less challenging than the Brücke but very delicate and finessed. The acidity is finer and the sweetness smoother and more charming yet less dramatic right now. Tasted in July 2019.”

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We carry over 54 different bottlings of Dönnhoff from a number of years available both in store and online

Masters of the Mittelmosel:

Selbach Oster

Due to the precipitous slopes of the vineyards the vines are worked and harvested entirely by hand, with cover crops being extensively planted to help prevent erosion in addition to fixing nitrogen. With a portfolio spanning the entire Prädikatswein ladder, the vineyards see multiple passes through the vineyard based on the taste of the grapes and their sugar levels. Even in hotter vintages like 2018 and 2019 the Selbach-Oster clan does a masterful job of balancing residual sugar with the regions characteristic acidity. We carry a full assortment of their bottlings beyond their currant vintages elegant Riesling including Pinot Blancs, Sparkling Riesling and dessert offerings.

Selbach Oster Wines in stock now:

Selbach-Oster Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese Mosel 2019 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2019 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese is very clear, pure and flinty on the intense, elegant, crunchy and slatey nose. Salty, piquant and lush on the palate, this is a crystalline, pure and salty Badstube that is juicier and rounder than the 2018. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The 2019er Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese was made from fruit picked at 90° Oechsle and was fermented down to sweet levels of residual sugar (69 g/l). It offers a very delicate and nicely perfumed nose of white flowers, rose petal, vineyard peach, apple, laurel, and herbs. The wine proves delicately juicy and refined on the smooth and slightly juicy palate and leaves a delicate sense of lightness in the more fruity-styled than really sweet-tasting finish. This is a joyful and remarkably easy-drinking expression of Spätlese. 2027-2044.”

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Selbach-Oster Riesling Feinherb Mosel 2019 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Selbach-Oster Rieslings are not ‘Zeitgeist’-trendy wines that change according to the whims of fashion. Nor are they ‘made’ according to a recipe. Though they are deeply delicious, they do not seek to ‘seduce’ with short-term exotic aromas from specially cultured yeasts, aromatic enzymes or ice-cold fermentations. They are true characters, wines with structure, wines that display their heritage, rooted deep into the slate rock like our old vines – many of which are still on their own vitis vinifera roots.”

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Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Riesling Kabinett Trocken Mosel 2019 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 90 points “The 2019er Zeltinger Riesling Kabinett Trocken comes from Estate holdings mainly in the Himmelreich (90%) as well as Schlossberg (10%). It offers a beautifully refreshing and light nose of white peach, apple, mint, herbs, anise, and spices. The wine develops good presence and the intensity of a Spätlese on the palate and leaves a nicely herbal and spicy feel in the surprisingly assertive but very satisfying finish. This is a serious Village wine to age and enjoy. 2023-2029”

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Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett Mosel 2019 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2019 Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett is pure and flinty on the pure, elegant, terroir-driven nose. Piquant and crystalline on the palate, this is a crunchy and crispy, well-concentrated and nicely phenolic Schlossberg with juicy fruit but a crystalline and refined finish. Very long and stimulatingly salty. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
John Gilman 92 points “The 2019 Schlossberg Kabinett from Selbach-Oster is really a very pretty example of the vintage, but this is more Spätlese in terms of weight and breadth of shoulder than classical Kabinett. However, this takes away nothing from the charm here on both the nose and palate, with the bouquet delivering a lovely blend of white cherry, white peach, a touch of wild yeasts, a refined base of slate, bee pollen and a topnote of apple blossoms. On the palate the wine is medium-full, complex and nicely filigreed, with good acids, fine focus and grip and a long, complex and very nicely balanced finish. Think of this as a hybrid between Kabinett and Spätlese, but with personality to burn! 2020-2040+.”

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Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Sekt Extra Trocken Mosel 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 18 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Selbach-Oster is known as one of the best Riesling houses in the entire Mosel River Valley. Based in the Mittelmosel they estimate 55% of their grapevines are still ungrafted and entirely planted on mind-bendingly steep slopes. These factors converge with generations of winemaking talent to make some of the most compelling examples of Riesling in the world, be they sweet, dry or sparkling. Their Sekt is no exception, which undergoes champagne-style fermentation in the bottle as opposed to the more standard tank method. This creates a finer bubble, additional complexity and aging potential in the bottle, at half the price of what grower champagne is selling for these days!

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenhuhr Riesling Beerenauslese Mosel 2018 375ML ($89.95) $79 special, 24 half bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2018 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese displays an intense but very clear and radiant citrus color in the glass. The nose is concentrated and fresh, with lemon chutney and broken stone aromas. Pure and fresh on the palate, this is a dense, concentrated, rich yet very precise, fresh and elegant BA with a long, crunchy, terroir-driven finish that represents the delicate slate structure of the Sonnenuhr. Still young but not really sweet due to the crystalline acidity structure. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
Mosel Fine Wines 94-96 points “This 2018er Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling BA was harvested at approx. 130° Oechsle and was fermented down to noble-sweet levels of residual sugar (approx. 200 g/l). This cask sample offers a gorgeous and clean nose of candied grapefruit, pineapple juice, rhubarb, apricot, melon and honey. The wine is very juicy and sweet on the delicately viscous palate. The finish is quite intense and very long. This BA is still very sweet and juicy, and will please lovers of rich and intense dessert wines. 2028-2058.”

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2015 Fanti En-Route

Hype has surrounded Brunello di Montalcino’s 2015 vintage from the moment fruit began arriving in the region’s cellars. After 5 years of DOCG required anticipation-building, the wines were released to rave reviews, and the critical acclaim is well-deserved. These are some of the most spectacular Brunellos we’ve tasted in some time. Rich, dense, and possessing the structure to age gracefully, 2015 Brunellos are a requirement for any serious wine cellar.

“The 2015 vintage is a historical year for Brunello di Montalcino that nobody should miss. The wines show impressive precision of vivid fruit, fine tannins and freshness in acidity despite their ripeness and richness which makes them some of the most exciting in years. Winemakers in Montalcino were never better prepared to produce outstanding wines in a year like 2015 with their exactness in their vineyards and cellars from fine-tuned canopy management and crop thinning to optical sorting and soft fermentations. So many wine producers in Montalcino made excellent wines in 2015… These are Brunellos that will age beautifully for decades ahead making them historical in every sense of the word.” – James Suckling

2015 Tenuta Fanti Arriving Wednesday, April 27th:

Tenuta Fanti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2015 750ML ($54.95) $45 Pre-Arrival special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “There’s a beautiful interplay between bright, primary florals, such as rose petals and tulips and dust, hay bale and dried raspberries. The palate suggests a ripe, powerful persona with chewy, juicy tannins and a fine line of pretty acidity. Best ever. Drink in 2022.”

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Garden Party Gems:

Large Formats

With social gatherings becoming part of regular activity again, this might be a time to revisit the concept of a magnum or other larger format. After all there’s nothing worse than pouring wine for guests and running out of the crowd favorite! Beyond the heighted liquid capacity there are a litany of benefits to having magnums, including holding the wine at serving temperature for longer and a much more graceful aging timeline. We’ve compiled a list of magnums and other large formats that would be perfect for any social occasion. If 8-10 glasses per bottle still isn’t enough, we carry a number of Jeroboams and a handful of Methuselahs for those wanting to bring the Bacchanalia.

Magnums in stock and available now:

Perfectly drinkable as most experts recommend drinking Vintage Ports 10-30 years after the vintage date.
Churchill’s Vintage Port Portugal 1994 1.5L ($199.95) $89 special, 24 magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “A gorgeous, voluptuous young Port, best Churchill ever. Intense aromas of dark chocolate and grapes. Full-bodied, with powerful, chewy tannins, yet it’s sweet and fruity on the finish. Try after 2010. — JS”

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Hand-picked Riesling from one of the most precipitous vineyards in the world and a perfect illustration of why the varietal is a “Universal Paring”
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Mosel ** GK 2017 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2017 Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) displays a concentrated yet highly refined bouquet of orange, lemon and grapefruit aromas intermixed with delicate and refreshing slate notes. Lush, piquant and salty on the elegant, pure, even weightless palate, this is a crystalline Auslese with great finesse, grip, tension and highly stimulating salinity. This is a finessed, gorgeous beauty, and it almost makes me fear the other Auslesen listed here. 7.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain two times in April 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Other Large formats in stock now:

One of the oldest wine houses in the United States and best examples of California Sparkling on the market.
Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs North Coast 2016 9L ($999.95) $899 special, 1 Salmanazar bottle in stock now
*****IN-STORE PICK UP ONLY. SHIPPING NOT AVAILABLE*****
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Complexity and layering make this wine especially interesting as it goes from aromas of apple, butter and vanilla to deeper toast and baked apple on the palate. It’s medium in body, has tantalizing acidity and a lingering finish. Best through 2026. -Jim Gordon”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Sleek, with pinpoint focus, offering harmonious Meyer lemon, candied almond and fresh ginger flavors that fan out on the crisp finish. Drink now. 36,209 cases made. — TF”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 90 points “The nose of the 2016 Blanc de Blancs is bright and fresh, with scents of quince peel, red apples, floral perfume, brioche and a nutty undercurrent. The light-bodied palate is dry with energetic mousse and a nice balance of mineral and tirage character, finishing with fantastic freshness. 36,209 cases produced. The Blanc de Blancs was the first cuvée Schramsberg produced, in 1965.”

Primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon with a sprinkling of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the resulting wine from 2018 has been called “Dark enough to write a letter with” by some reviewers.
Ulysses Vineyard Napa Valley 2018 2018 6L ($1999.95) $1599 pre-arrival special, 3 imperial bottles arriving
*Please note that the 6L offering is for in-store pickup only*
James Suckling 98 points “Aromas of terra cotta, chocolate and hazelnut with iron and ink. Dusty. Full-bodied and round. Layered. Flamboyant and juicy. Rather soft and gorgeous. Some walnut and chocolate at the end. persistent. Always there. Drinkable now, but will age wonderfully.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is the best wine off Christian Moueix’s Oakville ranch so far. Deep, creamy and generous, the 2018 captures the unqiue blend of fruit in a savoriness that is typical of the southern sector of Oakville where cooling winds from the south lend palpable freshness and vivacity to the vines. Black fruit, chocolate, spice, lavender and new leather are some of the many notes that build into the sumptuous finish.”

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Trending Rose

Did you know that Franciacorta predates the creation of modern Champagne? Agostino Gallo is largely credited as the originator of the style in a 1654 missive on villa management, but experts suspect the style might go back as far as the Renaissance Period. Originally comprised of indigenous varietals Schiava, Trebbiano and Erbamat, the style is now largely defined by Pinot Noir (Called Pinot Nero if you’re feeling Italian) and Chardonnay. Grown in the rocky loess sent down the Italian Alps after the Ice Age, Franciacorta offers incredible depth, finesse and character at a fraction of the cost of contemporary champagne.

In Stock now:

Berlucchi ’61 Rose Brut Franciacorta DOCG NV 750ML ($44.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Bright and savory, this refreshing, polished sparkler boasts alluring aromas of juicy raspberry, wild cherry, baking spice and a whiff of bread crust. The inviting aromas follow over to the vibrant palate along with a continuous refined perlage. A tangy candied nectarine note closes the finish.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Enticing aromas and flavors of ripe strawberry and raspberry fruit are set on the fine, lively bead in this clean-cut, mouthwatering rosé, with a chalky underpinning. Lightly spiced on the lingering finish.”
#93 Wine Spectator Top 100 Of 2021 “Classic (Champagne) Method Rose from the most important quality sparkling region in Italy… Pinot Nero, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay. It’s just killer! This producer created the Franciacorta sparkling wines in 1961, hence ’61 on the label.”

Pleasantly dimensional with a plethora of oranges ranging from Seville, blood and Mandarin and accentuated by notes of crushed rose petal and white peach. There’s also a slight spice on the finish in addition to a refreshing melon component on the finish.

Proprieta Sperino in stock now:

Proprieta Sperino ‘Rosa del Rosa’ Rosato Coste della Sesia Piedmont 2020 750ML ($21.95) $19 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Vinous 92 points “The 2020 is an understated and delicate rendition of Rosa Del Rosa. Nuances of peach tea, chamomile, green apple and hints of ginger can all be found with coaxing. It’s silky and pliant in feel, the vibrant acids and mineral tones mixing to create a tug-of-war of sweet and salty tension, as notes of ripe melon give way to pretty inner florals. This taper off persistent, lightly structured and buzzing with residual energy, completely refreshing the palate with a twang of sour citrus. The Rosa Del Rosa is a blend of Nebbiolo and Vespolina. It’s very enjoyable already, but it will likely blossom further with a bit more time in bottle. – Eric Guido”

Sourced entirely from organic, estate grown Monastrell or Mourvèdre as it’s known elsewhere in the world this is a delightfully refreshing yet dimensional rose featuring juicy red fruit, a plethora of citrus and a good finish. Perfect for those who prefer their wine to have more body and texture while still having aromatic lift.
Bodegas Bleda Castillo de Jumilla Rosado Jumilla 2020 750ML ($12.95) $10.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “From a harvest in early September, this Monastrell rosé displays an intense array of strawberry and rose notes, woven between a harmony of crisp, blood-orange acidity and a giving, mineral texture. Fresh, tasty and well balanced. Good acidic structure. Excellent with seafood and all types of fish and light meats.”

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Pago Casa Gran ‘Casa Benasal’ Rosado Valencia 2020 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Staff pick! Our favorite vintage yet.
Winery note “Refreshing wine, young and dry. It’s pleasant with enough body to sustain it. Great acidity. 60% Monastrell and 40% Syrah.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

One of the most regarded wineries in the Eola-Amity appellation sourced from one of their new plantings. Fruit and floral character tends toward on the dried spectrum with an earthy finish.
Evening Land ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Rose of Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2020 750ML ($29.95) $20.90 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Winery note “The Seven Springs Rosé comes from the young Pinot Noir vines planted up on the vineyard’s East Ridge. These densely planted vines grow in well-drained soils and receive a full day of sunshine during the growing season. This cuvée offers a lively acidity, fresh fruit flavors and subtle floral characteristics.”
Region: Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon. Biodynamic.

Fabulous Fornacina

Looking for Biondi Santi but aren’t looking to spend hundreds a bottle? Consider the 2016 Fornacina Brunello from their eponymous estate in the Montalcino Hills. Located at 1300 feet above sea level the estate is divided between two hillside plantings in the southeastern section of Montalcino and farmed organically. Much like other vineyards in the south of Montalcino the soil is primarily composed of Galestro, a type of fragile mudstone. Unlike Albarese which is comprised of limestone and credited with heightened aromatics, Galestro is famous for creating much darker and broodier wines.

Steadfastly traditional, Fornacina does their aging entirely in oak botti after a customary long ferment. The 2016 vintage is largely considered to be perfect, with a wet and cold winter transitioning to a luxurious growing season without any of the heat spikes of the previous year. Perfectly ripe with elegant aromatics and acidity to age for decades, You’d be hard pressed to find a better deal for your cellar or dinner table.

Fornacina in stock now:

Fornacina Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2016 750ML ($54.95) $39 special
Case-6 Fornacina Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2016 2016 750ML ($319.95) $219 special
James Suckling 96 points “This is a ripe and full red with complex aromas of cedar, cloves, tobacco and dried mushrooms. Distinct, earthy quality underneath ripe plums and licorice. Layers of chocolatey tannins. Black truffles, too. From organically grown grapes. Better after 2024.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The Fornacina 2016 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a darkly saturated appearance and toasted aromas of roasted nut backed by dark blackberry fruit. Made with organic fruit, this Brunello is fermented in stainless steel and aged in large oak casks in a traditional and straightforward manner. Production in this vintage is 10,000 bottles. There is lot of intensity here, and the wine draws its power not only from the fruit, but also in large part from the oak aging. Indeed, its fruit-driven aromas share equal billing with campfire ash and smoked cedar or mahogany.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The 2016 Fornacina is a dark and earthy expression of Brunello di Montalcino. Ashen soils, crushed stone and animal musk dominate its bouquet, with hints of black cherry buried deeply beneath. It’s silky and pliant, casting an array of black fruits and exotic savory spices across a medium-bodied frame. Balance is well maintained, and there’s a blending of sour citrus and nervous tension here that keeps you coming back to the glass. The Fornacina is quite unique yet highly enjoyable, and it won’t require much time to come fully into focus.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Collector’s Corner:

Chalky Mountain High

Vatan’s Benchmark Sauvignon Blanc

France is a country known for her Grand Crus but more often than not it’s the winemakers who catapult their appellations to the top of the global buying lists. Edmond Vatan is definitively one of those, with his Sancerre from his Clos La Neore vineyard putting the appellation on the map. The estate’s farming is entirely chemical free and was one of the first producers in the region to convert to organics. Vatan is considered the most age-worthy example of the varietal on Earth, with an austerity that lasts for years after release.

Practicing severe pruning and exactingly low intervention in both the vineyard and cellar, this is the gold standard for Sauvignon Blanc. The Clos La Neore is produced from a single hectare of 45+ year old vines on a south facing slope of pure chalk in Mont Damnes. Vatan practices extended hang time on the vine, resulting in a textural and aromatic punch far beyond what other producers deliver. After retiring to a consulting winemaker role in 2007, Edmond’s daughter Annie now holds the reigns with their production still remaining exceedingly small. Our allocation won’t last long, so act while you still have a chance!

Vatan in stock now:

Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos la Neore Loire 2016 750ML ($599.95) $499 special, 10 bottles in stock now

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Sunday Night Newsletter 4-24-22

In This Newsletter:

Volpaia Citto Super Sale:
Ends Wednesday @ 10 AM Pacific

Featured New Arrival:
Envinate

New Week – New Arrivals

A Devilishly Good Bargain from Faust

Hundred Suns

Steinmetz

Volpaia Citto Super Sale

Ends Wednesday @ 10 AM Pacific

Mouton Rothchild has its Mouton Cadet,

Cheval Blanc has its Petit Cheval,

Castello di Volpaia has its Citto,

And you can have Citto on super sale!

In the super-Tuscan mode with a Sangiovese-Cabernet composition, but with a lighter and brighter nature achieved by vinification entirely in stainless steel tanks. Cherry flavors dominate in this spring and summer pleaser. Consider chilling when you need to beat the heat!

Castello di Volpaia Citto Rosso Toscana IGT 2017 750ML ($19.95) Was $14, Now $11.90 super special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Castello di Volpaia Citto Rosso Toscana IGT 2017 750ML ($199.95) Was $149, Now $127 super special (that’s only $10.58/bottle!)
Importer Note “In the tradition of Bordeaux Châteaux — Mouton Rothchild has its Mouton Cadet, Cheval Blanc has its Petit Cheval — Castello di Volpaia has its Citto. Mostly Sangiovese with some Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were destemmed and crushed, then fermented in stainless-steel vats for 10 days at 26 C to 30 C (80 F to 86 F). After eight days, the juice was drained off the skins. This generous, silky wine displays ripe fruit aromas with intense cherry and red berry flavors on the palate.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Featured New Arrival:

Envinate

Envinate is a small group of winemaking friends (Alfonso Torrente, José Ángel Martínez, Laura Ramos, and Roberto Santana) that seek to highlight the individual terroirs of the Canary Islands and Ribeira Sacra. The friends produce wines of purity with low-intervention winemaking and vineyard management using ancient vineyards.

Envinate wines are highly sought after as authentic expressions of their terroirs and forerunners of the “New Spanish” wine movement. To quote wine writer Megan Krigbaum of Punch Magazine, “While winemaking driven by these ideals [of old-school and low-intervention management in the vineyard and winery] is commonplace in many parts of Italy and France—where the natural wine movement is manifest—Spain has been slower to adopt a less-is-more aesthetic over the ‘Big Flavor’ (i.e. ripe, excessively oaked) wines that came to define its wine culture. Envinate, for many buyers, is today’s best representation of the alternative. The wines have an undeniable transparency.” These wines have found fans among professional reviewers, too, such as Luis Gutiérrez of the Wine Advocate. He has heaped well-deserved praise on prior vintages for their complexity, value, and potential, but these 2020s may be the finest collection to date. If you’re not familiar with the winery or wines from the Canary Islands more broadly, let’s get you up to speed fast:

Despite being warm, tropical islands, the Canaries are home to several wine-growing regions, particularly along the foggy cliffs and slopes that line the Atlantic Ocean along the northern coastline on the main island, Tenerefe. Roberto Santana takes the lead for Envinate here, having consulted with Suertes del Marques and having extensive knowledge of the ancient vines, terroir, and local varieties. The Orotava Valley wines, Palo Blanco and Migan, represent a cool region along the northern slope of the Teide volcano. Here the Listan Blanco (white, also known as Palomino) and Listan Negro (red) vines are trained in the traditional “cordon trenzado” style of braiding the vines along the rows.

The Ribeira Sacra wine on offer today, the Lousas Viñas de Aldea, is the “village” wine composed of ancient native vines of mostly Mencía co-planted with other varietals. The vines are a minimum of 60-years-old and grown on steep slate slopes between 400-600 meters in elevation. This is an excellent example of what this profound and profoundly Spanish grape can do. Much like Terre Nere’s work with their indigenous Sicilian grapes, Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, Envinate’s Mencía can give international superstar grapes like Syrah and Pinot Noir a run for their money.

These are fascinating, age-worthy expressions of “New Spain” wines that are not to be missed.

If you would like to purchase any of the Envinate wines, we strongly suggest you place your order through our web store. Email orders are not processed during the hours we are closed.

Envinate ‘Lousas’ Viñas de Aldea, Galicia 2020 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Envinate ‘Lousas’ Viñas de Aldea, Galicia 2020 1.5L ($119.95) $88 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2020 Lousas Viñas de Aldea is slightly higher in alcohol and has less freshness than the 2019. It was a very early harvest (September 2nd to 14th), and they kept 20% of the wine in concrete and the rest in oak barrels and 2,000-liter oak foudres for 11 months. The grapes were very small, so the ratio of juice to skin was different from 2019. The wines from 2020 had less maceration and more stems; they have more bones but are still fluid, with some dusty tannins. 22,500 bottles and 400 magnums produced. It was bottled in November 2021.”

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Envinate La Santa de Úrsula, Tenerife, Canary Islands 2020 750ML ($69.95) $55 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 95 points “There is a new red from the north of Tenerife, the 2020 La Santa de Úrsula, a field blend of Negramoll and Listán Negro trained in a parral bajo way (similar to a gobelet). It’s produced with grapes from the village of Santa Úrsula in the zone known as Tacoronte-Acentejo, but it’s sold without appellation of origin. They had the chance to start working with three centenary plots from La Corujera, one at 350 meters above sea level and the other two at 600 meters. The area is something like Taganana but further away from the sea and with more rain, more like La Orotava. So, the wines are something in between, perhaps closer to the ones from Taganana, a little wild, herbal and floral, but Tacoronte-Acentejo has red soils. 2020 was very dry (half of the normal rain), and they started harvesting extremely early, the 11th of August. The wine is approximately 50% Listán Negro, 48% Negramoll and 2% white Listán Blanco fermented differently by plot with some full clusters (50% to 75%) in plastic bins and concrete vats, with 20% of the wine in carbonic maceration, which was the tradition in Tacoronte-Acentejo. This is a zone with high potential and with enough vineyards, unlike in Taganana. The wine matured in neutral 228-liter oak barrels for eight months. This is a superb debut. 5,500 bottles and 100 magnums produced. It was bottled in July 2021.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Envinate ‘Migan’ Tinto Vinos Atlanticos Tinto, Canary Islands 2020 750ML ($69.95) $55 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Envinate ‘Migan’ Tinto Vinos Atlanticos Tinto, Canary Islands 2020 1.5L ($129.95) $119 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2020 Migan is a red from La Orotava and was produced with Listán Negro grapes from the village of La Perdoma, whose ancient name was Migan. It comes from four plots—Montijo (40% of the grapes), Tío Luis (30%), La Habanera (20%) and Las Suertes (10%)—on red volcanic soils and at different altitudes, between 350 and 600 meters above sea level, where altitude defines the character of the plot. In 2020, they didn’t use the San Antonio vineyard that was used in previous vintages; it has been replaced by Montijo. 2020 was an early harvest, and the grapes fermented by plot, always with indigenous yeasts, and 70% of the wine matured in neutral 500- and 600-liter oak barrels, while the wine from Tío Luis matured in concrete. The change in vineyards (they abandoned the one with more clay at lower altitude and increased in higher altitude and with less clay) has given the wine an extra kick. These wines reward time in bottle, and they need at least one year. Right now, this feels a little closed and tight, but it has great freshness and finer tannins and, in the long run, should make a better wine than the 2019. 11,500 bottles and 300 magnums were produced. It was bottled in December 2021.”

Envinate ‘Benje’ Tinto, Canary Islands 2019 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The red 2019 Benje was produced mostly with Listán Prieto with some Listán Blanco (4%) and Tintilla (2%) from different old vineyards in Santiago del Teide in the south of Tenerife at altitudes ranging between 900 and 1,000 meters, where sandy soils are covered by volcanic ash from the eruption of the Chinyero Vulcano in 1909. 2019 was extremely dry, and they had to reduce yields to avoid the blocking of the vines, so they only got 50% of a normal crop. The wine fermented by plot with indigenous yeasts and spontaneous malolactic and matured with fine lees in well-seasoned and neutral 228-liter oak barrels for eight months. They didn’t use any added sulfur during the vinification or upbringing. It’s light to medium-bodied with 12% alcohol. It’s a textbook example: precise, expressive and characterful with the fruit, the peppercorn, the gunpowder and very tasty flavors with fine-grained tannins. 15,000 bottles and 150 magnums were produced. It was bottled in July 2020.”

Envinate ‘Benje’ Tinto, Canary Islands 2020 1.5L ($89.95) $69 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “I also tasted the red varietal Listán Prieto (a.k.a. País, Criolla Chica, Mission) 2020 Benje Tinto from a similarly dry and warm vintage as 2019, vinified and aged in the same way with indigenous yeasts and matured in neutral oak barrels for eight months. It feels a little closed (reductive?) but with a great palate. It feels like these 2020s have very fine tannins and velvety textures. Give it a little bit of time, but this will be as good as the 2019. 20,000 bottles and 200 magnums were produced. It was bottled in June 2021.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Envinate ‘Palo Blanco’, Canary Islands 2020 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 98 points “I was blown away by a magnum of the white 2020 Palo Blanco I drank a few days before I tasted it again with its creators. Palo Blanco is the name of a zone in the village of Los Realejos in Tenerife, one of the finest locations for Listán Blanco (Palomino). In 2020 they used the grapes from five plots (they started with only one and 6,600 bottles in 2016), which means they have been able to increase volumes and, thankfully, also quality! The new plot is at 850 meters, so the grapes bring more freshness. These are always the last grapes they pick in Tenerife, even in an early harvest like 2020. The destemmed grapes were pressed and the juice let to settle for 12 to 24 hours and then fermented with indigenous yeasts in concrete without temperature control. Sixty-five percent of the wine matured in 2,500-liter oak foudres and the rest in neutral 350-liter barrels with lees. There is a smoky and spicy, flinty touch and a vibrant palate with a spark of acidity that makes the wine very long and tasty. This now plays in the major league. 2020 saw the earliest harvest ever for this wine. 11,000 bottles and 200 magnums were filled in December 2021.”

Love Envinate? Don’t miss their co-lab with Alvear!

Alvear’s Palacio Quemado:

Spanish Excellence

The Alvear family has stayed busy throughout their centuries in business, with their Sherries out of Montilla-Morales being some of the best examples of their regions output. On the eve of the new millennium the Alvear clan decided to expand outside of the Sherry triangle and establish a new winery in the Extremadura, a Spanish desert region famous for its agricultural output.

Planting indigenous clones of Tempranillo and Garnacha with other warm-climate varietals like Syrah and Petit Verdot, the idea was to best exemplify the terroir of Extramadura. Envinate was tapped to lead the winemaking and viticulture programs. Their imprint is clearly evident in the finished products, with no pesticides or synthetic inputs used in the vineyard and minimal intervention being practiced in the cellar. Don’t skip on the dry white wine made from over 50-year-old, bush-trained Pedro Ximenez vines that was aged under flor for a brief eight-month stint, Tres Miradas Vino de Pueblo.

In Stock Now from Palacio Quemado:

Alvear Palacio Quemado La Raya Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura 2018 750ML ($34.95) $27 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Alvear Palacio Quemado La Raya Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura 2018 750ML ($419.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Dark garnet. Intensely perfumed, mineral-driven red and blue fruit, potpourri and incense scents show excellent clarity and spicy lift. Palate-staining raspberry, boysenberry, spicecake and floral pastille flavors deepen steadily through the back half. Manages to come off powerful as well as lithe and shows no rough edges. Finishes smooth and extremely long, featuring sneaky tannins and lingering red fruit, mineral and floral notes.”
VinopolNote: 90% Trincadeira, 10% Garnacha.

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $31

Alvear Palacio Quemado La Zarcita Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain 2018 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Alvear Palacio Quemado La Zarcita Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain 2018 750ML ($299.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Opaque magenta. Red and blue fruit, floral and spice qualities on the expressive nose. Supple and appealingly sweet, offering spice-accented raspberry and boysenberry flavors and a musky hint of licorice. Finishes long and juicy, with repeating florality and gentle tannins adding final grip.”
VinopolNote: A vineyard blend of the rich and dark Port grapes Trincadeira Prieta and Touriga Nacional in addition to Garnacha and Syrah

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Alvear Palacio Quemado Los Acilates Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain 2016 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Alvear Palacio Quemado Los Acilates Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura 2016 750ML ($359.95) $259 special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Deep, shimmering ruby. A pungent, mineral-accented bouquet evokes fresh cherry, boysenberry and exotic spices, along with a suave floral overtone. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering appealingly sweet red and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors and a suggestion of baking spices. The impressively long, sweet, floral-tinged finish is shaped by fine-grained tannins that fold smoothly into the wine’s vibrant fruit.”
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 92 points “The elegant, floral and perfumed 2016 Los Acilates reflected a cooler year with a longer growing season, which resulted in higher yields that achieved perfect ripeness. The aromas and flavors are precise and pure, and there is a sense of harmony that I like very much. The spectrum of aromas is about red fruit and flowers with just a pinch of spices. The palate is very elegant, with fine-grained tannins and a dry, chalky texture that I often associate with limestone soils. Delicious! 7,000 bottles produced.”
VinopolNote: Trincadeira Prieta & Touriga Nacional.

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Alvear 3 Miradas Ladera de Benavente Montilla-Moriles 2019 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Alvear 3 Miradas Ladera de Benavente Montilla-Moriles 2019 750ML ($324.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
VinopolNote: White, dry wine made from 100% Pedro Ximénez.
Importer note “The Tres Miradas project is the latest collaboration between Bodegas Alvear & Envinate. It represents a goal of the Alvear family and Envinate to express the terroir that has been historically known as the Sierra de Montilla, with a winemaking approach that focuses more on the vineyard and less on the ageing process in the cellar. The Tres Miradas Vino de Pueblo, classified as a village wine in the Burgundian classification, is a selection of grapes a variety of plots that are directly pressed without maceration and fermented in tinajas, traditional concrete amphora of 4800L. With Tres Miradas, they followed the Burgundian classification by producing one village wine, and three single vineyards or ‘crus.'”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $26

Shop our complete collection Spanish wines, whether rare & precious, cheap & cheerful, red or white, on our webstore now!

New Week – New Arrivals

Oregon

Winemakers will be talking about what could have been in the 2020 vintage for years to come. You can get a glimpse at the perfection of the vintage with this bottling from Tyson Crowley. The fruit is all harvested from the Four Winds Vineyard, a high elevation site that was spared the devastation of the wildfire smoke so common in other parts of the Willamette Valley.
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.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Jay and Ronda’s new project, JC Somers, brings you that impeccable quality and ridiculous value that you’ve come to expect from the former owners and winemakers of J. Christopher.
JC Somers “Joie De Chien” Tukwilla Vineyard Pinot Blanc, Dundee Hills 2021 750ML ($19.95) $18 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Winery note “The Joie De Chien is the fun side of the J.C. Somers Vintner collection of wines. This Pinot Blanc was sourced from the Tukwilla Vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA. Light and delicious it is perfect for enjoying with friends and family. Cheers from our dogs to you and yours. J.C. Somers is the collaboration of veteran Willamette Valley vintner Jay Christopher Somers and his longtime partner and wife Ronda Newell-Somers. The new moon signifies a new phase in our winemaking adventure. We’re getting back to our roots producing small quantities of focused, elegant and terroir-driven wines from the best vineyard sites in the Willamette Valley.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

JC Somers Whole Lotta Rosé, Garnier Vineyard, Oregon 2021 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “The Whole Lotta Rose is blended mostly from Grenache and a little Syrah sourced from the Garnier Vineyard located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River near the town of Mosier. Made is the classic Provencal style this wine is light, dry, delicate and delicious. The 2021 is very pale and is maybe the most refined Rosé I have made. Alcohol 13.50%.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

California

#9 Wine Spectator Wine of the Year in 2021
Salvestrin Winery Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Bright and fresh, with lots of red currant, plum and black cherry fruit notes driving along nicely, while a subtle tug of iron runs underneath. Late floral and warm earth flashes on the finish add more range and contrast. Focused, detailed and really well built. To be released October 2021. Best from 2022 through 2035. 1,260 cases made. — JM”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notions of crushed black and red currants, ripe blackberries and black raspberries plus hints of dried Mediterranean herbs, tilled soil and pencil lead. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of crunchy black and red berries, framed by firm, grainy tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long with loads of minerals and an herbal lift.”

France – Beaujolais

Domaine Marcel Lapierre Morgon, Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($44.95) $39 special, 18 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “Lapierre’s 2020 Morgon offers up aromas of plummy fruit and raspberries mingled with hints of petals and spices. Medium-bodied, satiny and enveloping, its succulent core of fruit is framed by melting tannins and mouthwatering acids. This thirst-quenching, fruit-driven Morgon is one of the purest, most precise young wines I’ve tasted from this address in recent years.”

Domaine Marcel Lapierre Morgon “N”, Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($44.95) $39 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Sans soufre version of the above, this is incredibly rare in the USA since Kermit Lynch only recently began importing it.

Domaine Marcel Lapierre Morgon Roche du Py ‘Cuvee Camille’, Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($49.95) $44.50 special, 3 bottles in stock now

Anne-Sophie Dubois, a Champenois native with her training in Volnay, is making some of the most perfumed and elegant wines of Fleurie off of her 20-acre hilltop vineyard. While she makes a ‘young vine’ semi-carbonic wine (Les Cocottes – delicious in its own right), her two wines of note are the Alchemiste and Les Labourons. The wines come from 40 and 60+ year old parcels, respectively. Alchemiste is fully destemmed fruit, macerated for approximately 3 weeks with native yeasts, then aged for 13 months in both cement tanks and some larger, oak casks. Les Labourons, formerly known as Clepsydre, marks the transition to fully organic (mostly biodynamic) practices in her vineyard. This wine is comprised of the best fruit from the oldest parcel of vines on the estate. The vinification is the same, though the wine is aged completely in neutral barrels rather than partially in tank. Anne-Sophie says that the wine shows more concentration and depth due to the age of the vines and the truly beautiful fruit that is available. While both will age nicely, the Labourons can lay down for 10+ years.

Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie l’Alchimiste, Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie l’Alchimiste, Beaujolais 2020 1.5L ($79.95) $69 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Importer note “From southwest facing vineyards in Fleurie AOC. Soils are highly granitic. Dark berried fruits, tempered by mineral and black tea nuances. Seamless and very elegant.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie Les Labourons, Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie Les Labourons, Beaujolais 2020 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Importer note “Formerly known as `Clepsydre`, now re-named and carrying the name of its Lieu Dit starting with the 2017 vintage. Whereas previously the wine was a selection of the oldest fruit, Anne-Sophie has decided to take the selection one step farther and make it a selection of the best fruit from the old vine parcel. Les Labourons is the name of the lieu dit in Fleurie. In 2017, after recieving her organic certification, she wanted to rename the wine and have a new label drawn to showcase the new chapter in her winemaking. Despite the label and name change, Anne Sophie’s approach to vinification is the same as vintages past. It is 100% destemmed and aged for around 13 months in 228L neutral oak barrels.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

France – Other

“… I’d unquestionably put the domaine up with the crème de la crème of the appellation today.” –Jeb Dunnuck, Nov 2021
Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2019 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “I loved the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape from this brilliant team, and it should be snatched up by readers looking for a classic, impeccably made Châteauneuf du Pape to drink over the coming decade or more. Ripe black cherries, blackberries, Provençal garrigue, pepper, and Southern France street market-like nuances all emerge on the nose, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with a seamless, elegant texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. Don’t miss it. The blend is 70% Grenache and 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre.”
James Suckling 94 points “I love the nose of very ripe red and black fruit with hints of bitter chocolate and many spices. Rich, concentrated and complex, this is very impressive Chateauneuf with very sweet fruit, balanced by stacks of fine tannin. Long, powdery, dry finish with some real complexity. A blend of grenache, mourvedre and syrah. Drink or hold.”

Domaine Riere Cadene “Le Garbinet” Rouge, Côtes du Roussillon 2019 750ML ($17.95) $14.50 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. 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. Certified organic.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $18.99

A Champagne-method sparkler using old-vine Beaujolais grapes. This has a gentle softness on the palate due to the touch of residual sugar. Drink with fresh fruit or soft cheeses!
Domaine Franck Besson “Dentelle” Blanc de Noirs Methode Traditionnelle NV 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winemaker’s note “My estate is located near the town of Jullié at the foothill of the Cru Juliénas and on the terroir of Beaujolais-Villages. We pick grapes manually in small cases of 45 kgs. Since 2010, the estate is on organic conversion in order to be coherent with our work in the vines and in the cellar. Revolted by the bad image affecting the appellation Beaujolais-Villages, I decided to innovate and produce Rosé and Blanc de Noir sparkling wines in order to prove the potential of the Gamay grapes on our granitic slopes. Elaborated with the traditional method, as they do in Champagne, my sparkling wines are aged 12 months on wooden racks in the estate in order to get the fineness of a great Champagne!”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $26.99

An incredible value in biodynamic wine that drinks like a baby Gigondas!
Chateau de la Liquiere Tutti Frutti Rouge VDF 2020 750ML ($15.95) $12.75 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Cuvee vinified each year at Chateau de la Liquiere by cofermenting five grapes from the estate (organic certified): 20% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Cinsault, 20% Mourvèdre, and 20% Carignan. Grown organically on schist soils, high elevation in Faugeres, Languedoc. Owned by the family Vidal-Dumoulin for several generations.”

Italy – Alto Adige

“Surprising as it may seem, Italy’s best white wine producer may be a co-operative. Certainly no producer in the country makes longer-lived white wines than the Cantina Terlano.” –Ian D’Agata, Vinous

Cantina Terlano-Kellerei Terlan ‘Cuvee Terlaner’ Alto Adige, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($29.95) $27 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Representing excellent value, this release of about a quarter-million bottles is not at all what you would expect from a production of this scale. A blend of 60% Pinot Bianco, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, this vintage is the latest in a storied line that has been in production since 1893. The Pinot Bianco is grown at high altitudes, while the other two grapes come from lower elevations. The 2020 Alto Adige Terlaner Cuvée is smooth and is a veritable sounding board of stone fruit aromas, plus honey and some raw ginger or turmeric. You might serve it with a plate of smoked salmon.”

Cantina Terlano-Kellerei Terlan Tradition Pinot Bianco Alto Adige, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($24.95) $22.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “This is lovely in its streamlined purity and simplicity. The entry-level 2020 Alto Adige Pinot Bianco Tradition is redolent of citrus, crushed stone and tangy grapefruit. Fresh and lively, this Pinot Bianco shows lots of life and energy. It’s very pretty. Drink it young with a buttery linguine and shrimp scampi.”
James Suckling 92 points “A very striking pinot bianco that combines concentration and elegance with stony minerality. Hints of exotic fruit, flowers and spices make this a fascinating expression of this still underrated grape. Drink or hold.”

Cantina Terlano-Kellerei Terlan Tradition Pinot Grigio Alto Adige, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2020 Alto Adige Pinot Grigio Tradition is luminous and bright with finely tuned aromatic intensity. The bouquet reveals citrus, white peach and crisp apple. This is a zesty and crisp white to pair with specialty finger foods or vegetable tempura. I just love this freshness and the tonic, energetic quality displayed in this well-priced production.”

Cantina Terlano-Kellerei Terlan ‘Vorberg’ Riserva Pinot Bianco Alto Adige, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 6 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 vintage provided for reference.
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “If I were stranded on a deserted island with just one bottle of wine of my choosing, it very well might be Cantina Terlano’s Vorberg. The 2018 Alto Adige Terlano Pinot Bianco Riserva Vorberg is a case study in creaminess and texture, although the bouquet holds back just a tad, with a bit of stone fruit. That subtle shyness is a known characteristic of the grape. The wine is as steady and clear-minded as one of those high-wire daredevils, navigating a tightrope between two Dolomite mountain peaks. This expression is salty and firm and with so much energy, and yet it is also relaxed with a touch of softness to the finish. Thankfully, an ample 55,000 bottles were made.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Spain – Rioja

CVNE CUNE ‘Imperial’ Reserva Tinto, Rioja DOCa 2016 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 35 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Extremely floral and attractive with crushed lavender, rosemary and violets to the blue fruit. Full body. Tight and integrated tannins and a lightly chewy finish. Shows depth and structure. One of the best from here in a long time. Drink in 2021, but already attention grabbing.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Deep, brilliant ruby. Cherry, cassis, vanilla and incense on the expansive nose, where a zesty mineral note adds vibrancy. Sappy and precise on the palate, offering sweet dark berry, cherry liqueur and violet pastille flavors along with hints of mocha and spicecake. Rich and ample in style but shows superb energy as well. Finishes sweet, seamless and extremely long, with lingering florality and polished, fully integrated tannins.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Editor’s Choice. Plum and berry aromas are peppery and complex prior to a nicely layered palate with balancing acidity and depth. Dry oak lends notes of vanilla and cocoa powder to a flavor profile loaded with plum and berry fruit. A steady finish with vanilla oak notes holds onto juicy acidity that should allow this reserva from a fine year to show well through at least 2030. -Michael Schachner”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

A Devilishly Good Bargain from Faust

Re-Arriving Tuesday

Considered the younger sibling to Quintessa’s legendary Cabernet blend, Faust is a cult wine in its own right. In spite of being a secondary bottling the Faust offers earlier enjoyment while still having the stuffing for long term cellaring. Biodynamically farmed to boot this is an essential Napa Cabernet for all levels of collector at an everyman price point

Faust Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 75OML ($54.95) $44.50 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “Very attractive aromas of blackcurrants, black olives and dark leather with some cedar. It’s full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and a refined, polished finish. Shows finesse and focus. Grows on the palate. Really delicious now, but will improve with age. Drink or hold.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Distinctive, with sweet bay leaf, sassafras and a sanguine note all taking the lead, while a core of gently mulled red currant and blackberry fruit follows. Shows a nice herbaceous/brambly energy through the finish. Drink now through 2028. 40,000 cases made.”

Check out our full selection of California Cabernet available now both in-store and online!

Hundred Suns

Arriving Thursday, April 28th

What’s our most anticipated Oregon winery? Answer: Hundred Suns.

Hundred Suns ‘Old Eight Cut’ Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2020 750ML ($39.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Winery note “Golden straw with a hint of pale green at the edges, this wine has aromas of Meyer lemons, vanilla bean, and wet stone. Succulent flavors sail across brilliant networks of acidity and fine grain textures that keep your mouth watering for more. Winemaking: The 2020 vintage was a warm and consistent growing season. Our collection of vineyards was picked with an uncanny balance of acidity and flavor. The resulting grapes were immediately whole cluster pressed, and only the juice from the middle cut of the press cycle was selected and sent into stainless steel tanks to rest. Three to five days later native yeast fermentation took hold. The wines were then moved into a collection of 15% new and 85% seasoned French oak barrels where they were gently stirred once a week during primary fermentation. They remained on the lees until bottling. The composition of the three vineyards was blended into tanks after 11 months and bottled unfiltered in August of 2021.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Hundred Suns Syrah, Columbia Gorge, Oregon 2019 750ML ($49.95) $44 pre-arrival special
Winery note “Reminiscent of wines from the northern Rhone in its complexity and structure. Initial aromas of flint and molasses give way to Asian plum, espresso, and hoisin. Vineyard: 2019 was a long growing season with moderate but dry days and cool nights blowing from the vast Columbia River. We were lucky to secure 1.5 tons of mixed clone Syrah from the Three Sleeps Vineyard located in Oregon’s Columbia Gorge AVA. This windswept vineyard located outside the town of Mosier consists of silty clay soils over basalt rocks formed from eons of floods, glacial movement, and volcanic activity. Planted in 2002 by Patrick Reuter and Leigh Bartholomew, it is farmed organically. Winemaking: 100% whole bunches were placed in an open-top fermenter and a 500 liter amphora and allowed to ferment untouched for ten days. Then, we foot stomped the clusters to release the dark juice from inside. After three days of maceracion the grapes were pressed to stainless steel where they finished primary fermentation. The wines were aged in a combination of terracotta and seasoned French oak. After 10 months they were racked to all neutral oak and left to age for an additional seven months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered in March of 2021.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Hundred Suns Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah, The Rocks District, Oregon 2020 750ML ($49.95) $44 pre-arrival special
Winery note “Explosive blue fruit mingles with dried herbs and red bell pepper. This abundance of fruit is balanced by the earthy Syrah, which makes this wine a delicious and complex wine to be consumed now and over the next five years. Vineyard: Sourced from the famed River Rock Vineyard located in the The Rocks District of Milton Freewater, Oregon. These soils (or lack thereof), called the Freewater Series, are eroded basalt cobbles and pebbles from the Blue Mountains. The rocks, sand, and silt were laid down in layer upon layer forming an alluvial fan on the flat Walla Walla valley floor. These dynamic soils require the vines to push roots deep between the rocks to find nutrients while the warmth absorbed by the rocks helps ripen our Cabernet. Winemaking: A Pinot Noir winemaker’s rendition of noble Cabernet (with a little Syrah). These grapes were hand-harvested and brought back to our winery in McMinnville where they were fully destemmed into a single one ton open top fermenter. After three days the native yeast took off. We gently pumped-over the juice twice daily and after ten days the fermentation was completed. Pressed to Neutral French oak and 450 liter amphora the wine rested, unmoved, for one year and was gently racked into a bottling tank. The resulting co-fermentation was bottled unfined and unfiltered.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Hundred Suns Syrah, The Rocks District, Oregon 2020 750ML ($49.95) $44 pre-arrival special
Winery note “Aromas of blueberries open to black olives, licorice, creme brulee, and sage. The flavors are pure, with a hint of bittersweet chocolate and bacon fat. Winemaking: As with all of our Rhone wines the grapes were placed 100% whole bunch in tank. Gentle foot crushing in the beginning released some of the juice from the thick, leathery skins. The tank was dosed with a native yeast pied de cuve and allowed to sit untouched for 10 days. After this time the fermenter was opened and foot-stomped for two days then pressed off the skins and stems. The dark juice was placed in a combination of terracotta amphora and neutral French oak, where it rested for 10 months. The wine was moved to tank and bottled unfined and unfiltered in August of 2021. Vineyard: Sourced from vineyards located in the smallest sub-AVA in Oregon, The Rocks District of Milton Freewater. This soil (or lack thereof), called the Freewater Series is formed from eroded basalt cobbles and pebbles from the Blue Mountains. The rocks, sand, and silt were laid down in layers upon layers of an alluvial fan on the flat Walla Walla valley floor. These dynamic soils require the vine to push roots deep between the rocks to find nutrients while the warmth absorbed by the rocks helps ripen our Syrah.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

199 Oregon wines in stock,
199 Oregon wines,
take one down,
pass it around,
and pick up a case next time you’re in town.

(Thank you, folks, we’re here all week!)

Steinmetz

Fifth-generation winemaker Stefan Steinmetz and quite possibly the only black woman working in wine in the Mosel, Sammie Steinmetz, have released one of the finest vintages to date from their historic estate. Their wines are from incredibly steep terrain along the banks of the Mosel on vines grown without fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides. The environmentally-friendly mindset is carried into the winery, where the wines are fermented with naturally occurring yeasts and without additives or animal proteins (often found in fining agents). Brauneberger Juffer is easily the most famous vineyard they work with, and one of the best vineyards in the Middle Mosel, known for centuries for its incredible wines from its slate and sandy soils. Across the estate, the vineyard parcels they work with are impressively steep and difficult to farm. (Be sure to check out the winery’s gorgeous and informative vineyard map.) The dedication shows in the glass, resulting in concentrated and breathtaking wines.

“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.” –James Suckling

Arriving in June:

Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Geierslay ‘GW’ Riesling, Mosel 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott 97 points “This is an amazing dry Mosel with breathtakingly intense minerality and herbal freshness that makes the flavors so vibrant and finely etched. That it’s only medium-bodied makes it even more delightful. Cascading stone fruit and minerals at the super long finish. Drink or hold.”

Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Ohligsberg ‘GW’ Riesling, Mosel 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott 97 points “A very striking dry riesling with a wonderfully ripe mini-banana note, but also an intense smoky quality. Full body and enormous concentration, the super-vibrant acidity illuminating all its facets like a spotlight on a huge diamond. Very long, silky finish that makes this Mosel masterpiece delicious right now. Drink or hold.”

Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott 98 points “What an amazing nose with devastating, peachy intensity and an overtone of saffron. Staggering concentration and colossal acidity give this incredible Mosel Auslese great tension. Patience will be rewarded by this highly structured, enormously complex wine that might live a century! Only a hint of grape sweetness. Drinkable now, but better from 2024.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Geierslay Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
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!

What rhymes with “we have 453 different in-stock German Rieslings”?

Yeah, I don’t know either. But you can shop ’em here.

Thank you!

4-22-22 Newsletter

Friday Newsletter

In This Newsletter:

New Arrivals

Bodegas Avancia:

Value and Old-Vines

New Grapelive Review:

G.D. Vajra Barbera D’Alba

Domaine Collotte

Burgundy’s Top Value

Best in Budget Chardonnay

Sweet Temptations:

Italian Dessert Wines

Rosé Feature:

Bandol and Domaine de la Bastide Blanche

Collector’s Corner:
Andre Clouet’s Un Jour de 1911…

We’re Open for In-Store Shopping!
10AM – 6PM Daily
We also offer Curbside Pickup
Order Online / By Phone / By Email

New Arrivals

Italy – Abruzzo

Torre dei Beati ‘Cocciapazza’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2017 750ML ($39.95) $34.50 special, 24 Bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “An alluring bouquet of smoky minerals, crushed blackberries, exotic spice and flowery undergrowth lifts up from the 2017 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Cocciapazza. This elegant, polished yet powerful effort displays silky textures with ripe black fruits, giving way to notes of licorice and lavender. Fine-grained wood tannins come forward toward the close, as this tapers off youthfully structured, resonating on purple-tinged florals and a note of bitter almond. The 2017 Cocciapazza is simply stunning, but will need some time to flesh out and fully show the gorgeous Montepulciano fruit within.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “This rich Montepulciano offers dense aromas of brandy-soaked black cherry and blackberry, blended with integrated accents of clove, menthol, tobacco and worn leather. It’s plush in feel on the full-bodied palate, showing fully fleshed out berry flavors etched in a bevy of warm and savory spice tones. Despite all that richness, there’s ample lift and intensity to the acidity and a gentle grip to the rounded, polished tannins. It’s accessible now but would hold well through 2028. -Alexander Peartree”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Torre dei Beati ‘Bianchi Grilli per la Testa’ Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2019 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 36+ Bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The 2019 Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Bianchi Grilli Per la Testa pulls you close to the glass with a display of spiced yellow apple and geranium, evolving into a mix of curry leaf, crushed stone and almond paste. This is silky with medium-bodied weight, ushering in a dense and textural mix of apricot and mineral-tinged pear. There’s so much going on here and so much more to come, as this tapers off long, staining the senses with a nutty richness under an air of honeysuckle and sage. The Bianchi Grilli Per la Testa spends eleven months on the lees in a combination of stainless steel, neutral tonneaux and acacia wood barrels. It’s quite a wine.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

California – Fort Ross Seaview

Hirsch Vineyards East Ridge Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2018 750ML ($99.95) $84.50 special, only 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Powerfully fresh and crunchy, with plenty of minerality to the dried cherry and berry flavors that are backed by crisp acidity. Shows cedary notes and hints of juniper berry on the lithe finish. Best from 2022 through 2027. 527 cases made. — KM”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2018 Pinot Noir Estate East Ridge is juicy, open-knit and seductive. Sweet red cherry, red plum, spice, mint and blood orange infuse the 2018 with tons of nuance and character. In this tasting, the East Ridge stands out for its mid-palate density and creaminess, along with slightly darker/purplish tonalities of fruit.”
Wine & Spirits 94 points “Bright, spicy and clean, this pinot noir shows the riper side of the Hirsch far-coast vineyard, from parcels on the relatively protected eastern ridge. It opens to immediate pleasure, rich with a smoky sandstone rasp to the tannins, but it really only shows its depth of flavor a day or two later. What starts out as glossy gains complex detail, refreshed by mineral tones layered with red-grapefruit and cardamom spice. (527 cases) —J.G.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Similarly hued, the 2018 Pinot Noir East Ridge has a slightly more mineral-laced, marine, and savory earth-driven bouquet that includes plenty of ripe red fruit, forest floor, and spring flower-like aromas and flavors. It’s vibrant, racy, and nicely focused on the palate, with good acidity, building minerality, and a great finish. It’s certainly a racier, more vibrant style of wine compared to the East Ridge and will benefit from short-term bottle aging. It has a kiss of background oak as well, but that will integrate with a year or two in the cellar. It’s another Burgundian, complex, age-worthy wine from this estate.”
Decanter 94 points “Smouldering, introspective nose of black cherry, red plum, cocoa and potting soil. The same characters are subsequently broad and mouthcoating on the palate, which has a spry, lifted finish. You could cellar this a few years to let it unwind. This site, with low-yielding, 30-year-old vines on steep slopes, has less oceanic influence than the rest of the property, producing the richest of the Hirsch single-block wines. Drinking Window 2024 – 2039.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Cellar Selection. Structured and wildly complex, this wine is just starting to reveal itself, offering a quiet wealth of juicy pomegranate, black tea and rocky tannin. Textured, it is both savory in nature and bursting in acidity, providing a lengthy freshness as it goes. Still, time in the cellar is recommended; enjoy best from 2025–2028. -Virginie Boone”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Hirsch Vineyards West Ridge Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2018 750ML ($99.95) $84.50 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Decanter 95 points “Hirsch produces both an East Ridge and West Ridge bottling, and vintage conditions seem to determine which shows better; the West Ridge in 2018 is exceptional. The nose is charming and poised, with ripe but delicate redcurrant fruit. The attack is fresh and svelte, and the palate has ample grip without being extracted. It shows far more punch and drive than the low alcohol suggests, and the finish is balanced and long. Drinking Window 2022 – 2035.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2018 Pinot Noir Estate West Ridge is soft and gracious, yet retains the nervousness and translucence that runs through the 2018s here. Deceptive in its mid-weight feel, the 2018 possesses striking depth. Sweet red cherry, red plum, spice, new leather and cedar all flesh out. Vibrant and intensely mineral, the West Ridge is compelling. The core of West Ridge is a Block 7, which is planted with Mt. Eden Clone planted in 1990 that are now heavily virused and therefore naturally produce a small crop.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “One of the more lightly colored Pinot Noirs in the lineup, the 2018 Pinot Noir West Ridge has a translucent ruby color to go with a more subtle nose of ripe mulled cherries, dried flowers, savory herbs, and a touch of marine-like minerality and iodine. More round, supple, and elegant on the palate, it still brings plenty of ripe tannins, terrific overall balance, and just a charming, interesting, satisfying style. My money is on it benefiting from another year or two of bottle age and keeping for a solid decade.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Vibrantly fruity and minerally, with cherry, currant and berry flavors that are sculpted and precise. The juicy finish hums with cedar and underbrush accents. Drink now through 2025. 486 cases made. — KM”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Pinot Noir West Ridge opens with touches of leather and angostura bitters over a core of bright red berry fruit and citrus peel. The light-bodied palate offers firm, fresh, crunchy fruits with loads of spicy accents, and it finishes long.”
Wine & Spirits 93 points “This comes from a collection of parcels on the ocean-side of Hirsch’s far-coast estate, on ridgetops once covered in redwoods—timbered more than a century ago to rebuild San Francisco after the city burned. The wine carries a memory of those coastal redwoods in its foresty red-berry flavor, along with a gentle rain of tannins, persistent in their mineral spice. You might imagine the exposed sandstone of the ridges or scents of the kelp beds of the Pacific as the pretty red fruit lasts. (486 cases) —J.G.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Exotic elements of blood orange and tangerine are lifted by a carbonic underbelly of complex freshness in this salty, subdued wine. Silky in texture, it has a beautiful nose of rose petal and sea spray, with finishing touches of cardamom and black tea. -Virginie Boone”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Bodegas Avancia:

Value and Old-Vines

When looking for premium offerings in the world of wine Spain is without a doubt the biggest “Bang for your buck”. With grapevines planted from tip to tail and a beautiful assortment of styles, there are also large amounts of old vines still planted throughout the country. As stewards of these old vines, Bodegas Avancia cultivates their vines just as their ancestors did; eschewing any synthetic inputs whatsoever including irrigation as well!

Based in the Valdeorras, or the Valley of Gold region, their champion grape is the indigenous Godello grape. A rarity in that the varietal is shared by both Portugal and Spain, the grape reaches its apex in the high elevation hills of pure schist and black slate. Sourced from a single vineyard planted in 1939 these are among the oldest vines still utilized for commercial production. The flavors include a plethora of orchard character such as apple and pear blossom against a delightful pear skin, quince, nectarine and summer peach flavor. The judicious use of new French oak brings additional structure against the slatey minerality not unlike well-crafted White Burgundy or Savennieres.

The Mencia is equally compelling. Primarily the latter varietal there is also being small amounts of Garnacha Tintorera (The same cultivar of Grenache used in Priorat to the south) and indigenous varietals Mouratón (Juan García), Gran Negro, Sousón, Cariñena. As a traditional field blend aged in neutral oak this is a Mencia inspired by iterations of centuries past, while still delivering a clean and refreshing red fruited character. The exceptional terroir is evident throughout, with pervasive aromatics and a refreshing finish evocative of slate.

Bodegas Avancia Wines in stock now:

Bodegas Avancia Nobleza Old Vines Godello Valdeorras 2020 750ML ($69.95) $56.50 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Pale gold. Intensely perfumed pear nectar and orange zest qualities on the nose; honeysuckle and mineral notes add lift. Juicy, penetrating and sharply focused on the palate, offering concentrated citrus and orchard fruit and floral flavors along with suggestions of salty minerals and bitter quinine. Deftly melds depth and vivacity and finishes extremely long and briny, with outstanding clarity and repeating florality.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92 points “A new top-of-the-range white, the 2020 Nobleza Godello is a barrel selection from the wine from the Finca Aeiroá, which was planted in 1939 on schist and slate soils above the village of O Barco. They selected 900 liters from three 600-liter barrels, one of them new. It’s textured, voluptuous and ripe at 14% alcohol but with balancing acidity. It’s peppery and spicy and a little marked by the oak, with a dry, slightly astringent finish. It should improve with time in bottle. 1,148 bottles were filled in July 2021.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Bodegas Avancia Mencia Valdeorras 2019 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Dark plums, blackcurrants, grilled herbs, roasted coffee and smoked meat on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins. Smoky, rich and concentrated. Very smooth-textured. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

New Grapelive Review:

G.D. Vajra Barbera D’Alba

G.D. Vajra Barbera d’Alba Piedmont 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Grapelive 93 points “I love these varietal regional bottlings from Vajra, especially their Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and this beautiful Barbera d’Alba DOC, with this 2019 vintage delivering a deep color and rich flavors with a purple/garnet hue and a dense core of blackberry, currant and cherry fruits along with hints of Asian spices, anise, mineral tones, savory and snappy herbs and a light loamy earthy note. This vintage has a lovely mouth feel and texture as well as a fresh core of acidity that keeps things nicely vibrant, crisply dry and focused, making for a delicious example of Barbera, showing the grape’s best character and it goes brilliantly with food, as it should and it really over performs for the price. This wine, 100% Barbera, is a blend of all organic fruit from estate vineyards growing on a wide range of terroirs with classic marl limestone, clay and sandy soils. The Vajra’s, pioneers of sustainable, organic and holistic farming in Piedmonte, promote, as they say, the biodiversity of both flora and fauna, not just in their vineyards, but also on the winery grounds and the near by forests.

The Vajra’s Barbera d’Alba, which is an outstanding example, is sourced from a selection of estate vines, some of which date back to 1949, with some coming from Bricco delle Viole, the Vajra’s great Barolo Cru and Bricco Bertone, providing this wine with concentration and a prestigious sense of place. Many of these vineyard sites are at higher and cooler elevations that allows for long hang time, that adds to the depth and charm found in this wine. Made from carefully sorted and 100% de-stemmed grapes that was fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel vats with 20 days of maceration, then this Barbera d’Alba DOC saw 12 months on the lees. Prior to release Vajra rests it a few more months in bottle to make sure the wine is fully integrated and harmonious at release. Vajra uses gentle punch downs and, explaining that they rinse he cap for longer periods of time, in order to capture all the fragrance of the grapes, with this bottling going through malolactic fermentation and aging exclusively in stainless steel, that promotes clarity and purity of this Barbera. The recent releases from Vajra are outstanding, of course led by their fantastic Barolo offerings, but even their basic stuff, like this Barbera, is tasty and very rewarding.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Domaine Collotte

Burgundy’s Top Value

“Collotte remains one of the most under the radar growers in Marsannay. At their best, these wines are striking for their purity of fruit and overall sense of harmony.” –Antonio Galloni

While the prices for the top wines from the best producers have skyrocketed, the value producers’ prices barely budged, even after some of the hardest growing seasons ever seen on record. Historically, the vineyard (and village) classifications have been based on consistent ripeness and power, as well as complexity

A perfect example? Their wines from Marsannay and Fixin. You should be stocking up on these wines across the board. They’re reasonably priced, from old vines on great soil and made by a real craftsman. In a cooler year, these wines might be a bit rustic compared to their more famous neighbor, Gevery-Chambertin with vintages trending consistently warmer due to climate change.

In Stock Now from Domaine Collotte:

Domaine Collotte Fixin Les Champstions Cote de Nuits 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 32 bottles in stock now

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Collotte Gevrey-Chambertin Cote de Nuits 2018 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 28 bottles in stock now

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Collotte Marsannay Les Boivins Cote de Nuits 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special,16 bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Importer note “The Marsannay Boivins is lieu-dit in Marsannay Villages, on vines over 40 years and varying limestone soil. Aged in oak, 25% new, to round the tannins.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Collotte Marsannay Le Clos de Jeu Cote de Nuits 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Importer note “The Clos de Jeu Marsannay comes from several parcels of 50 year old vines from Clos de Jeu on soft limestone crinoidal soil. Aged in oak, 25% new, this wine is harmonious in its flavors and tannins.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Collotte Marsannay Cuvee Vieilles Vignes Cote de Nuits 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Importer note “The Marsannay Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is assembled from five different terroirs of the appellation: “Combereau”, “Favières”, “Grasses Têtes”, ” Boivin” and “Récilles” on vines of about 50 years old. Completely destemmed, the wine is fermented and aged in tank.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Best in Budget Chardonnay

The California y is world famous for its Chardonnays that combine the stylistic ripeness of California Sun with the acidity and backbone of Burgundy. The 2019 vintage defied all expectations and delivered even higher quality than the year before, with even wildfire season seeming to wait for harvest to finish. Expect the classic California style of yellow pome, jasmine blossom, Shoumei tea and sea salt with a medium body and long finish. This is the perfect wine for someone looking for a richer style of Chardonnay that is still acid driven. We carry multiple styles of California Chardonnay in-house including Sandhi, Mount Eden Vineyards and Carpe Diem!

Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay Edna Valley 2017 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special 36+ bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points “This comes mostly from the Wolff vineyard with some fruit from the Middle Ranch vineyard. The 2017 Edna Valley Chardonnay opens with wonderful aromas of honeycomb, orange blossoms, saline, crushed shell and loads of baked apple and quince with an earthy undercurrent. The palate is medium-bodied, satiny and intense, with seamless freshness on the finish, which lingers with honeyed notions.”

Carpe Diem Chardonnay Anderson Valley 2016 750ML ($24.95) $16.60 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Vivid oaky, earthy aromas lead to ripe firm flavors of apple and citrus in this assertive and well-structured wine. The char and wood-smoke nuances carry over to the palate, along with a nice nip of tannin and firm acidity that help to offset the richness. -Jim Gordon”

Sweet Temptations:

Italian Dessert Wines

Much like olive oil and wine production, dessert wine is one of the great “unifiers” of Italian culture, with examples seen from Sicily to the northern reaches of the Veneto. Traditionally sourced from local varietals, there are a number of techniques that have been developed over the centuries to make these wines.

The main styles are Passito, Recioto and Vin Santo with the latter being first mentioned by Ancient Roman writer Pliny the Elder. There is a dizzying assortment of producers, sweetness levels, and varietals used with only a handful making it to the United States. Most examples feature medium-to-high levels of residual sugar, with a medium of acidity and an incredibly full body that can be almost syrupy. The time needed to late harvest, dry the grapes, slowly press and ferment make these some of the most labor intensive dessert wines in the entire world. We carry an incredible assortment in store.

Italian Sweet wine selections in stock now:

Avignonesi Vin Santo di Montepulciano, Tuscany 2001 375ML ($219.95) $169 Special, 19 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2001 Vin Santo di Montepulciano (375 milliliters) is a divine and superbly delicious sweet blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia and Grechetto. The results are super concentrated and simmered down to a virtual reduction sauce of deliciousness. There are so many aromas to name, but some of the most evident highlights include candied orange peel, almond marzipan, caramel, toasted coffee bean, vanilla stick, mocha, dark honey and fragrant yellow rose. The mouthfeel is creamy, rich and deeply layered. I’m suggesting a slightly shorter drinking window here compared to the Occhio di Pernice. But, the truth is: I have no idea. I’m pretty sure these wines will outlive anyone of legal drinking age.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $229.90

Rocca di Montegrossi Vin Santo del Chianti Classico, Tuscany 2006 375ML ($149.95) $119 special, 4 half-bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Rocca di Montegrossi often makes one of the richest Vin Santos in Chianti Classico. The 2006 is a bit less opulent than is often the case, but that just means the Vin Santo is not a blockbuster. Voluptuous and beautifully layered throughout, the 2006 offers an attractive infusion of dried herbs, wild flowers, coconut, mint and leather, all wrapped around a core of dark, deeply spiced fruit.”

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Rocca di Montegrossi Vin Santo del Chianti Classico, Tuscany 2009 375ML ($99.95) $89 special, 24 half-bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2009 Vin Santo is a rich, exotic wine, as it always is. Readers will find one of the richest most intense Vin Santos being made today. Plush, tropical and ample in feel, Rocca di Montegrossi’s Vin Santo is bold and racy to the core. The 350 grams of residual sugar leave the wine with tremendous textural plushness.”

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Castello di Volpaia Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Tuscany 2015 375ML ($69.95) $59 special, 16 half-bottles in stock now
Wilson Daniels tasting note “Scintillating amber. It is a full, balanced wine with intense flavors of cane sugar, apricot jam and sultan grapes. Warm and luscious with an almond finish.”

Arnaldo-Caprai Sagrantino di Montefalco Passito DOCG 2016 375ML ($69.95) $59 special, 9 half-bottles in stock now
Wilson Daniels tasting note “AROMA: The sweetness arrives first to the nose with scents of blackberry and strawberry jam, revealing vanilla and cinnamon. TASTE: warm and sweet, soft and intense. The tannins work to balance the sugars and leave the palate cleansed, ready for another taste.”

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Buglioni ‘Il Recioto’ Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2019 500ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 10 500ml-bottles in stock now
Wilson Daniels tasting note “Dark ruby red colour. Intense and elegant aromas of ripe fruit, raisins, black Cherries and plums in alcohol; spicy scents of cocoa, vanilla and tobacco. Sweet and warm aroma, velvety and round.”

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Feudo Montoni Passito Rosso, Sicily NV 375ML ($39.95) $33 special, 22 half-bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 94 points “Bright deep red with an orange rim. The nose really opens with aeration to offer sweet red plum, dehydrated red cherry, cinnamon and raisins. Then similar flavors to the aromas lifted by juicy, harmonious acidity. Finishes very long and suave with saline nuances and repeating notes of raisins. Lovely, light on its feet dessert wine that seems less sweet than it really is thanks to its piercing acidity. One of the best sweet wines I have tasted so far this year. This is a blend of air-dried Nero d’Avola and Perricone aged in wood barrels for seven months and then twelve months in bottle prior to going on sale.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Rosé Feature:

Bandol and Domaine de la Bastide Blanche

Bandol rosé has taken the world by storm and for good reason: it’s delicious! Bandol became famous as a source for dense reds from Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault. Today, the rosé revolution has commandeered the lion’s share of production, now commanding almost 3/4s of total production.

To exemplify the richer style we can’t think of a better example than Domaine de la Bastide Blanche, who delivers a harvest basket full of blood orange, sorbet, mandarin orange, fresh raspberry, hibiscus, lavender and sage that’s all underscored by a chalky minerality. Made from a minimum of 75% Mourvèdre, Bastide Blanche is considered a benchmark producer of Bandol rosé, with the estate being originally founded to compete with the best of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the north. Also known for being one of the few roses that benefits from bottle age, the texture of the wine becomes almost tea-like on the finish with the fruit also softening as well. Bastide Blanche is a “red wine drinker’s rosé.”

In Stock Now:

Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose Provence 2020 1.5L ($69.95) $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Limpid orange-pink. Expressive red berry, blood orange and pit fruit aromas are accompanied by building mineral and floral nuances. Taut and energetic in the mouth, offering sappy strawberry, orange zest and lavender flavors braced by a spine of chalky minerality. Finishes silky and impressively long, with repeating mineral and floral notes.”
Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette. Organic. Clay, limestone & cailloux. Tasting note: Dense cherry and raspberry fruit with citrus and stone flavors. Full body with a perfectly balanced and long finish.”

Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rose Provence 2020 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Wine note “The Bandol Rosé from Pradeaux is perhaps the most serious wine in this category. Robust, rich, and complex with an ability to age gracefully, this wine is based on Cinsault (50%) and Mourvèdre (50%), taking its slight orange tint from the latter cépage. The younger vines of the domaine (average age: 25 years) are utilized to produce a rare rosé with staying power and exceptional complexity. The Rosé is vinified by a direct pressing for 24 hours followed by fermentation in cement tanks at a controlled temperature of 18 degrees Celsius for about 15 days; the malo-lactic fermentation is blocked and the wine is usually bottled in mid-April of the following year.

Chateau Pradeaux ‘Vespree’ Rose Vin de France 2019 750ML ($47.95) $39 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Wine note ““Vespree,” meaning evening in Provençal and Occitan, presents a full, swaggering nose of quince paste, white pepper, and coarse-ground Indian spices, and the big, richly textured palate possesses a structural tension that heavily underlines its potential for aging—though it is fresh, tense, and very delicious right in its youth. It is exceedingly difficult to find rosé of this caliber and character, even from Bandol—and, in a twist of irony, this wine which is so purely and deeply Bandol to its very core was denied appellation status on three separate occasions, and is thus labeled a “Vin de France.” But, in an appellation that has seen production shift from 70% red wine to 85% rosé over the years in response to market trends, this is perhaps more depressing than surprising. In any event, we are proud of the wine, and proud to work with such a courageous and iconoclastic family—and we know “Vespree” will delight those who appreciate Pradeaux’s ruggedly uncompromising sensibility.”

Chateau Pradeaux Cotes de Provence Rose France 2020 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Wine note “Côtes de Provence: Made from 45% Cinsault and 40% Mourvedre, with the balance split among Grenache and Carignan, a core of sappy, glycerol red-cherry fruit anchors a firm, punchy minerality, and the finish is remarkably persistent. The vineyards that comprise this wine were, in fact, classified as Bandol AOC as recently as 2012, and this 2017 clearly distinguishes itself from among the vast ocean of Côtes de Provence rose by virtue of its terroir’s unique pedigree.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Don’t miss other Bandol rosés from Clos Cibonne, Chateau Peyrassol, and Le Galantin on our web store now!

Collector’s Corner:

Andre Clouet’s Un Jour de 1911…

Did you know that Tête de Cuvee’s can also be non-vintage? While it’s true that non-vintage bottlings are every champenois “Bread and butter” there can still be top offerings made from the style. Often done from an artistic decision rather than economic, Clouet cites blending masters Laurent Perrier and Krug for the inspiration behind the cuvee. Taking the concept of using assemblage to create “A perfect year” within the bottle and combining it with a solera of reserve wines is how Clouet has melded the two styles and has clearly succeeded.

Andre Clouet crafts their 1911 cuvee from the 10 best plots in their portfolio in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy. The village shares borders with 3 other Grand Cru villages and specialized in powerfully structured Pinot Noir. As such, the 1911 is entirely Pinot Noir and exemplifies the village’s reputation beautifully. Comprised of a single vintage that’s at least 7 years old and a solera based reserve wine that was started in 1998, this is champagne that encapsulates both maturity and youthful vigor. Complex doesn’t begin to cover this wine with the solera aging for the reserve wine portion adding incredible nuance like white truffle, rose petal, ground coffee, and miso to the flavor profile. The aromas are equally compelling, delivering a spectrum of white flowers like jasmine and orange blossom against a chalky backdrop.

In stock and available now:

Andre Clouet Un Jour de 1911 Champagne, NV 750ML ($99.95) $74.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “[Review is for a prior disgorgement] The NV Grand Cru Cuvee 1911 emerges from the glass with the most haunting of perfumes. Sweet rose petal and jasmine are some of the nuances that emerge over time. Despite recent disgorgement, the purity of the fruit and the extraordinary elegance of the mousse are hard to miss. This is an exceptional, elegant version of the 1911 that should drink beautifully for years to come. The bottle I tasted needed quite a bit of air to open up, so readers should be patient with the wine at this stage.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

We carry a whole assortment of Clouet and Champagne in house and on our web store.

04-20-2022 Newsletter

In This Newsletter:

Mosel Mastery from Marcus Molitor:
2019’s coming soon!

James Suckling Goes to Cayuse

Gilded Glantenay

Quantum of Bollinger:
The Grande Annee

Trending Rose

Collector’s Corner
The Coin with two faces:
New Chateau Palmer arriving April 27th

We’re Open for In-Store Shopping!

10AM – 6PM Daily

Masks are no long mandatory, but are appreciated!
We also offer Curbside Pickup
Order Online / By Phone / By Email

Mosel Mastery from Marcus Molitor:
2019’s coming soon!

There may be no more ambitious winemaker in the world than Markus Molitor. His determination and drive to make the best possible wines has made him a towering figure in the Mosel, with an impressive, modern winery and holdings in almost every important vineyard in the region. This drive also means there are a lot of different bottlings—Molitor believes that every single sub-parcel and selective pick should be vinified to its utmost potential. This is particularly evident with the spectacular 2019 vintage, of which critics have lauded across the board for being a “Legend in the making”. Marked by consistently warm and dry temperature conditions after a wet winter, there were none of the heat waves that 2018 was known for. This allowed for slow, even ripening of Riesling that allowed producers to harvest more or less at will depending on where they wanted the wine to be on the Prädikatswein ladder.

Most winemakers would pick a vineyard once or twice and vinify the lots together—it’s easier and the wines are good. Molitor, though, asks what each parcel and pick would be like on its own—treated as if it were a wine of distinction rather than a blending component. This is a lot of extra work and requires time and space that most winemakers would rather not spend, but the result is a dizzying number of bottlings that all strive toward perfection.

The critical praise backs this up— Markus Molitor’s wines are some of the most celebrated in the world. We have a dazzling selection of Markus Molitor’s wines in stock, and are eager to share them with you. Whether white capsule (dry), green capsule (off-dry), or gold capsule (fruity to nobly sweet), you can’t really go wrong with any of the numerous bottlings. So pick your favorite style and discover for yourself why we insist on carrying so many of these brilliant wines, with select bottlings on sale until Wednesday evening!

Molitor 2019’s Arriving Wednesday, April 27th, 2022

Markus Molitor Alte Reben Riesling Trocken Mosel 2019 750ML ($39.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “Molitor’s 2019 Alte Reben Saar opens with a pure and concentrated flinty bouquet of crushed slate and lemon zest as well as floral aromas. Round, lush and with salty piquancy as well as fine and juicy fruit concentration that intermingles perfectly with the finessed acidity and mineral backbone, this is an excellent and highly stimulating picture-book Saar Riesling with a delicate grip of slate and tannins. Perhaps the finest Saar old-vines Riesling I have had from Molitor. Tasted in May 2021.”

Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Auslese Trocken Mosel ** 2019 750ML ($64.95) $51.90 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95+ points ” The lime-green-golden 2019 Bernkasteler Lay Auslese ** (White Capsule) is deep, intense and concentrated yet elegant and still precise and flinty on the nose. The attack on the palate is stunningly young and vital before the elegant and crystalline wine reveals its complexity and inner power. This is a tightly structured, very digestible and still edgy Auslese that needs another 5-6 years or so to settle and shine. This 2019 is enormously salty on the finish and highly promising. Bottled in September last year and tasted in May 2021.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese Mosel *** GK 2019 375ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points “Filled in 375-milliliter bottles, the 2019 Bernkasteler Badstube Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) opens with a fascinating, refined and aromatic bouquet of broken slate and botrytized raisins. Lush and fresh, with very fine grip, this is an utterly finessed and aromatic Auslese that is as rich and intense as it is weightless, frisky and salivating. Surely a picture-book Auslese from the Badstube. Tasted in May 2021.”

Markus Molitor Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spatlese Trocken Mosel 2019 750ML ($34.95) $29.50 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2019 Erdener Treppchen Spätlese (White Capsule) is pretty reduced and flinty on the stony, iron-scented nose. Round, refined and elegant on the palate, this is a generous, crystalline, enormously salty, piquant and even powerful dry Riesling with tropical fruit flavors and very fine tannins. Very impressive yet still too young to enjoy. Tasted in May 2021.”

Markus Molitor Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese Mosel *** WK 2019 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98+ points “Partly from the Felsentreppe, the 2019 Erdener Treppchen Auslese *** (White Capsule) opens with a pure, fresh and flinty, iron-rich and refined bouquet of tropical fruit aromas with notes of broken (red) slate, lemon oil and lemon juice. Fat but refined, this wine combines the incompatible. Round and wide as well as precise and piquant on the palate, this is a full-bodied, rich and concentrated yet powerful, vibrantly fresh and persistently salty Riesling with cognac or whisky features due its oaky and iodine character. Highly vital and salty, very elegant and complex, vibrantly fresh, with seriously firm tannin grip and a generous tropical stone fruit aroma, this is a giant in the making, but it needs some years to celebrate its class. Any Meursault would honor this Mosel Riesling that has been aged in a 770-liter Stockinger vat and a Burgundy pièce. Tasted in May 2021.”

Markus Molitor Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese Mosel ** GK 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The golden-yellow colored 2019 Graacher Domprobst Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) is intense yet very clear and fresh with lemon juice aromas and dark-toned notes of crushed flint stone. Lush and refined on the vivacious and remarkably finessed palate, this is a light, round and fleshy, textured and mouth-filling Domprobst with very fine tannins, delicate mineral acidity and lingering salinity. Promising and with stimulating, crystalline grip but still far too young. Tasted from AP 92 20 in May 2021.”

Markus Molitor Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese TrockenMosel ** WK 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “A deep, coolish, flinty and complex nose opens the 2019 Graacher Domprobst Auslese ** (White Capsule). Full-bodied, crystalline, enormously salty and piquant on the palate, this is a rich and round yet dramatic, refined and linear Domprobst with fine tannins and a long, intense and aromatic finish. Tasted in May 2021.”

Markus Molitor Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett Trocken Mosel WK 2019 750ML ($29.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2019 Graacher Domprobst Kabinett (White Capsule) is deep, elegant and flinty on the perfectly ripe and typically Graach-fruity nose with its lush and ripe stone-fruit aromas. Water matters in a dry year such as 2019, and the Domprobst has lots of it. Dense, piquant and mouth-filling on the palate, the wine reveals an edgy slate structure that will soften with bottle age. I recommend cellaring the wine for at least another year. The finish is vibrantly fresh and salty yet still tannic. 10.5% alcohol. Tasted in May 2021.”

Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Mosel ** GK 2019 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96+ points “The yellow-golden 2019 Graacher Himmelreich Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) is brilliantly clear yet also intense and concentrated on the pure, fresh, finely raisined and herbal (rosemary), slightly honeyed nose that is complex and ambitious. Dense and juicy, with a vivacious purity and great finesse, this is a concentrated, vibrantly fresh and tightly structured Auslese with a remarkably digestible finish. There might be some percentage of botrytis that gives this Auslese a lush texture that is otherwise terribly clear and vital. I’d keep it for at least 7 years and up to 40, if only I could. Attention, though, the wine has serious acidity. Tasted from AP 39 20 in May 2021.”

Check out our full assortment of 2019 Molitor’s that are due to arrive or shop our entire portfolio of Marcus Molitor in store and online!

James Suckling Goes to Cayuse

Christophe Baron’s Cayuse Vineyards is one of the most in-demand wineries in North America, producing wines from both Rhône and Bordeaux varieties that are among the finest in the world. Because Cayuse sells almost exclusively through their mailing list, even current releases can be difficult to find. We’re proud to maintain the country’s best selection of Cayuse, including these newly reviewed 2019s!

“Baron makes some of the most compelling quality wines in Washington and his best are inspired by the great wines of the Rhone Valley, including old vintages of Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle and Chateau Rayas. I think that Baron’s best reds in 2019, both syrah and grenache-based wines, are better than the current vintages of both of the Rhone Valley legends. They are incredibly pure and precise with complexity, structure and elegance. And they clearly derive their great quality from their special vineyards.” –James Suckling, May 2022

Newly Reviewed & In Stock Now from Cayuse:

Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah , Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ML ($149.95) $128 special, 5 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “An expressive nose of cracked black pepper, black cherry and an array of dried herbs. Medium-to full-bodied with incredible spicy character. So much going on here. Silky, fruit-soaked tannins. The supple dark fruit is accented by peppercorn, dried ginger, bay leaf, basil and oolong. Umami. Superb. Co-fermented with 4% viognier. Drink or hold.”

Cayuse Vineyards En Cerise Vineyard Syrah , Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ML ($149.95) $128 special, 5 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Cured meat jumps out on the nose, together with notes of black cherry, basil leaf and tar. Medium-bodied with rock-salt salinity. Silky tannins. Very elegant with succulent fruit and mineral character that keeps the palate going on and on. Delicious. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah , Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ML ($149.95) $128 special, 8 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “An intriguing nose of hot stone, rosemary and sliced plum. Medium-to full-bodied with soft tannins. Excellent spiced, herbal complexity. Pure, ripe red and black fruit that’s expertly balanced and expressive. Delicious finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $137

Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo , Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 17 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “Rounded aromas of cherries, plums, blackcurrants, nutmeg and violets. Medium-to full-bodied with supple tannins. Rich black fruit turns savory with notes of tobacco and espresso as the palate evolves. Roasted rosemary and thyme, too. Great complexity and balance. A hint of sea salt at the finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

Shop our entire selection of Cayuse Vineyards, Horsepower Vineyards & No Girls wines here!

Gilded Glantenay

“If the wines of Pommard sometimes seem like a truck-driver’s interpretation of Pinot, then those of Volnay are a ballerina’s” Remington Norman -The Great Domaines of Burgundy

Part of the magic of Burgundy is the cornucopia of small producers working their family’s estates just as their forefathers did. This intimate relationship with their vines and centuries of passed down tradition make the region what it is, and refines Pinot Noir to an unmatched expression. For Bernard & Thierry Glantenay, though, we couldn’t be happier to be in the game. His wines, from old vines in Pommard and Volnay, have a purity and class that immediately mark them as absolutely top tier—and yet his prices are significantly lower than producers like Lafarge or d’Angerville.

These are stunning wines for which the clock is ticking—there’s no way they’ll be priced this affordably for long. Once a producer starts to get widespread notice these wines are going to skyrocket in pricing and so let’s take a moment to appreciate that you can currently buy Glantenay’s Bourgogne for nearly half the price of d’Angerville, or his Santenots for a third of Arnaud Ente’s!

His premier cru Volnays are standout values as well—still under $100, but from some of the top terroirs in the village (and from extremely old vines as well). This is d’Angerville/Lafarge/Lafon level stuff for a third to half as much. As William Kelley put it in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, “I was compelled to return a week later to verify that I hadn’t been imagining things, and that so serious a producer could really be so little known.”

Highlights In Stock Now:

Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy 2017 750ML ($41.95) $33 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous “The 2017 Bourgogne Pinot Noir has a clean raspberry and blackberry scented bouquet (there is a tincture of the children’s drink Ribena here!) The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy tannin, fine acidity, fresh and lively with good energy towards the finish. Recommended.”
William Kelley, Wine Advocate “Glantenay’s 2017 Bourgogne Rouge is very persuasive, bursting with aromas of cassis, ripe red berries and spices. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, satiny and succulent, with a light framing of structuring tannins and a generous core of fruit. It will deliver great pleasure on release.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay Volnay, Côte de Beaune 2017 750ML ($67.95) $54.50 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2017 Volnay Village comes from five parcels (including two small parcels of Premier Cru). It has a vibrant black cherry, bilberry scented bouquet with impressive vigour and neatly integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with light, supple tannin. Vibrant black cherries and raspberry, just a touch of salinity lending edginess towards the finish. Very fine.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “As usual, the 2017 Volnay Village includes two small premier cru parcels that Glantenay doesn’t wish to vinify separately, and it’s shaping up very nicely, offering up a fragrant nose of sweet cherries and berries, violets and orange rind. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, satiny and supple, with an ample core of sweet fruit and a fine-grained, elegantly chalky finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $59

Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay Les Brouillards, Volnay Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 17 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2017 Volnay 1er Cru Les Brouillards exhibits beautiful nose notes of orange rind, wild berries, cassis and rose petals. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, supple and satiny, with a lavishly textural attack, melting tannins and a succulent core of fruit, concluding with a long finish. In 2016, this cuvée was so small that Glantenay included it in his Volnay AOC, but happily, 2017 marks its return to the range.”

Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay Clos des Chênes, Volnay Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($114.95) $89 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 92-94 points “The 2017 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru, which contains around 30% whole bunch fruit from the older vines in Glantenay’s parcel, has a very perfumed bouquet with wilted iris and violet petals permeating the dark cherry and boysenberry fruit. The Clos des Chênes has a hint of fig with further aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a gentle grip in the mouth but very good substance and a silky smooth finish that is real class on the finish. There is actually less Clos des Chênes in 2017 than in 2016 due to the sheer concentration – try to grab a bottle if you can because this is very impressive.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2017 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes wafts from the glass with aromas of raspberries, cherries, citrus peel, rich soil and warm spices, subtly framed by creamy new oak. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, with the most depth, dimension and amplitude of any wine in the cellar, its juicy core of fruit entirely cloaking is fine structuring tannins. One of the best renditions of this vineyard I tasted in 2017, it’s a very impressive wine.”

Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay Les Santenots, Volnay Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($99.95) $59 special
Winery note “[Translated] From 55-65 year old vines on clay-limestone and loamy soils. Appreciated for its finesse, the Volnay Santenots is considered the most feminine wine of the Côte de Beaune. Bright ruby, its aromas are delicate and complex: violet, currant, cherry, spices, game, and prune. The freshness, the texture and the tannins are harmoniously balanced to give a charming, suave and fleshy wine, endowed with a beautiful energy.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay Les Santenots, Volnay Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($109.95) $85 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2017 Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots is showing very well from bottle, wafting from the glass with aromas of raspberries, wild berries, dark chocolate and burning embers. Medium to full-bodied, ample and enveloping, it’s supple and lively, framed by powdery tannins. This has developed nicely and will offer a broad drinking window.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2017 Volnay Les Santenots 1er Cru has more mineral expression and just a tad less VA than the Brouillards by comparison. The palate is well balanced with succulent tannin, juicy black fruit with hints of blueberry and cassis that dovetail into a finely structured, almost flinty finish. This has very good potential.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

We have over 90 red wines from the Côte de Beaune in stock now. Shop the entire selection on our web store now!

Quantum of Bollinger:
The Grande Annee

Known as the “James Bond” of Têtes, The Bollinger Grande Anne represents the House’s best from that particular year. Arguably the most featured Champagne in the novel and movie series, it’s been referenced no less than fifteen different times since the debut vintage in 1956. Comprised almost entirely of Grand Cru grapes with the barest amount of dosage added, the idea is to have the Grande Anne be a “snapshot” of the year through the eyes of Bollinger. The entirely oak fermentation and aging under cork closure sets the stage for exceptional development in the bottle. Expect a plethora of character from dried spices, to citrus peel, baked pommes and dried flowers. Even at its current young age, the luminosity of the vintage should shine through with a full spectrum of green and red apples, green pears, and persimmons.

Bollinger in stock now:

Bollinger La Grande Annee Brut Champagne 2004 1.5L ($419.95) $379 special
Wine Enthusiast Cellar Selection 96 points “A blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, this is opulent and full bodied, with toast and wood flavors. Rich and ripe, this beautiful wine is generous and still young, with just a touch of bitterness at the end. -Roger Voss.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Bollinger’s 2004 Brut La Grand Année is a beautiful wine with a lot of vintage character, but the style is a bit less oxidative than Bollinger fans are likely to expect. Pears, hazelnuts, spices and crushed rocks all flow through to the tense, vibrant finish. It will be interesting to see if the 2004 puts on weight in the bottle, as so many wines from this vintage have. Today, it is bright, linear and quite pretty. Green apples, pears and flowers all add lift on the close.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2004 Grande Année Brut was disgorged in November 2013 and offers a clear, very refined, and complex though still closed bouquet with fruity aromas of fresh and stewed apples, yellow grapefruit, kaki, walnuts, tobacco, herbal tea, nougat and spicy flavors; everything is discreet here, subtle, perfectly melted together and smoky, very smoky. On the palate, this Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend wine is highly complex and elegant, firmly structured and quite long. This is an excellent Champagne.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Firm, with well-cut acidity and a fine texture, this is aromatic, delivering a skein of ground spice and graphite notes that mesh seamlessly with the flavors of black currant, black cherry, toasted almond, financier, honey and smoky mineral. Offers a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2024. 3,000 cases imported. — AN”

Bollinger arriving April 27th 2022:

Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut Champagne 2004 1.5L ($599.95) $519 pre-arrival special, only 6 magnums arriving
Wine & Spirits 98 points “Time has graced this wine, proving the value of Bollinger’s policy of long aging on the lees followed by prompt release after disgorgement. This RD (Recently Disgorged) 2004 is a joyous wine, staunch, cold and powerful at first, transforming to fresh fruit shadowed by darker tones of barrel fermentation. As it opens in the glass, revealing racy energy, a range of floral pear and apple flavors emerge, resonant with a sense of limestone capturing the sun and reflecting it back in pale power. Enjoy this over the course of an evening as its presence shifts, providing varied perspectives on a great Champagne.”
Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Top 100 Cellar Selection in 2019. The wine’s name stands for recently disgorged and this vintage Champagne was taken off its lees in 2018. That gave many years for it to develop its depth of flavor, richness and beautifully memorable toasty flavors. Drink through 2028. -Roger Voss”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “Bollinger’s 2004 R.D., tasted from magnum, is all class. Silky and understated, the R.D is super-expressive and inviting today. In 2004, the R.D. is decidedly light on its feet and more perfumed than tends to be the norm at Bollinger. Candied lemon peel, mint, apricot, pastry and yellow fruits are all laced together in a Champagne that delivers the goods. The 2004 is 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay picked between September 25 and October 8. Disgorged: November 21, 2017.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points “Fermented in oak barrels and aged under natural corks for almost 13 years, Bollinger’s 2004 R. D. Extra Brut blends 66% Pinot Noir with 34% Chardonnay from 16 crus, 88% of which are classified as Grand Cru. The wine opens with a very clear, deep, rich and aromatic but also pure and mineral-fresh nose of crushed rocks, cherries, brioche, pain aux raisin, white nougat, chalk and ripe, yellow-fleshed fruits. Highly elegant and complex on the weightless yet persistent and salty palate, this is an intense, densely woven, firmly structured yet elegant, beautifully refined and refreshing “recent disgorgement” (February 2018) that reveals just a kiss of oxidative flavors that adds even more complexity. A great Champagne on its way to improve over many years in the bottle. Tasted June 2018.”
Decanter 97 points “This is Bollinger’s 2004 interpretation of their famous barrel-aged, recently-disgorged Champagne. This time around it’s a blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, having received a dosage of 3g/l before being cellared under cork, unlike the usual practice of using a crown cap for this phase. A bouquet of raisins and spice jumps out of the glass, propelled by a magnificent mint-toned freshness. Tight and crystalline on the palate, it’s dense and yet not all that vinous in mouthfeel. The finish is one of ethereal lightness and magnificent balance. Drink with well-aged cheese. Drinking Window 2018 – 2030.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “The lovely nose of acacia blossom, toast and graphite leads to flavors of poached quince, fleur de sel, white cherry, lemon pith and almond skin in this dry and harmonious Champagne. Almost airy and ethereal in texture, yet the finely woven flavor range goes on and on, echoing on the finish. Disgorged June 2017. Drink now through 2034. 301 cases imported. — AN”
[Disgorgement date may vary from reviews]

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Trending Rose

Situated at over 1,000 feet above sea level between the legendary St. Tropez and the village of Aix-En-Provence the blend is comprised of the traditional varietals Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon as well. As you can expect this is a perfectly quaffable rose at a guilt free price point. Pair with sunny days and picnics.

Chateau Routas Coteaux Varois en Provence Rose France 2020 750ML ($17.95) $13 special
James Suckling 91 points “Pale peach color with aromas of fresh strawberry, watermelon and peach stone. Some sea salt, too. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity and a fresh finish. Drink now. Screw cap.”

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Arnot Roberts Rose is sourced from two vineyards in California in the Sierra Foothills and Clear Lake AVA’s. Comprised of a mix of French and Portuguese varietals and fermented separately, there’s a palate friendly juxtaposition of tropical fruits like guava in addition to a dried strawberry and raspberry tea element. The 11% ABV makes it almost too drinkable especially with food.

Arnot Roberts Rose in stock now:

Arnot-Roberts Rose Lake County 2021 750ML ($33.95) $28 special, only 5 bottles in stock now
Vinpol Note: 67% Touriga Nacional, 21% Gamay Noir, 10% Tinta Cao and 2% Grenache sourced from the Clear Lake and Sierra Foothills AVA’s in California. Fermented in steel with Native yeasts and blended post-fermentation.

After studying under the winemaking team at Clos Rougeard, Stéphane Tissot initiated biodynamic and native yeast fermentation at her family’s estate in the Jura. Largely billed a rustic cousin to Burgundy, the terroir is more akin to Chablis with Kimmeridgian soils, high elevation and pervasively cool growing seasons. As you can expect the resulting Cremants are often dead ringers from Rose Champagne especially from other chalk rich sites like the Côte des Blancs or the Aube.

Tissot in stock now:

Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Cremant du Jura Extra Brut Rose France NV 750ML ($37.95) $29.90 special, only 3 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate “There is also a pink sparkler, the NV Crémant du Jura Rosé Extra Brut: 40% Pinot Noir and 30% each Poulssard and Trousseau. The Rosé is more complicated to make non-dosage, with the lees reduction. The nose is quite shy, but the palate has some more obvious flavors of red berries, and they are also amplified by the mousse and the acidity. It fills your palate, and it’s clean and tasty.” -, review for prior disgorgement

The Baden region is the crown jewel for growing Spätburgunder, the German name for Pinot Noir. As you can expect from a premium site the vines are old enough to deliver a complete showing of both native terroir and varietal character, while still being light and enjoyable as a rose. Made in a natural style this is a rose with none of the reduction that sometimes plagues rose made from lighter varietals, and a delightful showing in both the aromas and flavors. Juicy with a fruit tea character and long finish this is a perfect rose for a more “serious” wine drinker.

Enderle & Moll Spatburgunder Rose Baden 2020 750ML ($28.95) $27 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Vom Boden importer note “The estate known as Enderle and Moll is really just a tiny cellar, a basket press, a few hectares of old vines and a hell of a lot of buzz. Absolutely no use of insecticides/pesticides; demeter-approved spraying for fungus with minimal copper
use (1/3 amount as allowed by organic certifications), minimal plowing, excess vegetation is trimmed, otherwise the soil is left alone.
All vineyard work and harvesting is done by hand.”

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Collector’s Corner
The Coin’s two faces:
New Chateau Palmer arriving April 27th

We were lucky enough to secure one of the best recent examples of the 2016 vintage from Chateau Palmer in Margaux. 2016 was the fifth year that the chateau practiced biodynamic farming, something their next-door neighbor Château Margaux hasn’t even initiated yet in 2022. It’s said that biodynamics requires a handful of years to find it’s stride, and this vintage exemplifies that in spades!

Couple that with old vines ranging from 25-70 years old and ideal soil conditions, you can see how people compare them to their first growth neighbor! Palmer is famous for their rigorous standards, with the majority of production being delisted from the Château’s label. With a house style described as “Silk wrapped in satin with layers of velvet” this is one of the most collectable houses in general before price is even factored.

If that wasn’t enough we were able to secure a limited amount of their most exclusive cuvee, known as the Historical XIXth Century. Harkening to the Bordeaux blends of centuries past, it’s easy to forget the region’s historical predilection to unusual weather events. These often resulted in wines that were barely ripe and highly austere, with the vignerons of the day electing to blend Syrah sourced from the Northern Rhone for much needed stuffing. As you can expect with such a nod to the past this is considered the most collectible bottling by Chateau Palmer and is one of the rarest in all of Bordeaux. Found almost exclusively in the auction circuit, we will be offering a negligible amount for only the most serious collector’s.

Chateau Palmer wines arriving April 27th:

Chateau Palmer Historical XIXth Century Blend Vin de France ($499.95) $419 pre-arrival special, only 10 bottles arriving
“In fact, seeing a bottle of 19th century Lafite Hermitagé, as it is described on the label, gave me an idea, and from 2004 we produced a small quantity of what we call Historical 19th Century Wine. It’s Palmer plus 15% Syrah from the northern Rhône. It’s labelled as vin de table, so no one would ever mistake it for Palmer.” – Palmer’s director-general Thomas Duroux
The 19th Century practice in Bordeaux of ‘hermitaging’ their ‘claret’ was abandoned with the installation of the AOC regulations. Over the past decade however the always acclaimed Chateau Palmer decided to utilize some of their classifed Margaux to reincarnate the traditition. Those 19th Century Clarets needed the boost of power and structure. Palmer’s Margaux has no such need. Palmer’s ‘hermitaged’ margaux in its early years will be somewhat more fruit forward. After a decade rolls by you might detect a slight difference in flavor but be need to be a gifted taster to describe. The “Historical’ is made to honor the past, not to alter the wine and its future.

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Chateau Palmer Margaux 2016 750ML ($499.95) $419 pre-arrival special, only 10 bottles arriving
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”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2016 Palmer is a blend of 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. Opaque garnet-purple colored, it slowly glides out of the glass with compelling notes of blueberry compote, warm cassis and kirsch with emerging hints of violets, cigar box, black tea, sandalwood and Sichuan pepper. Medium to full-bodied, wonderfully rich, concentrated and packed with latent energy, the palate literally grows in the mouth, revealing layer upon layer of black, blue and red fruits and tons of floral sparks, framed by super ripe, incredibly fine-grained tannins and finishing with epic length. It’s a wine that makes you wanna drape yourself languidly over a chaise lounge, glass of Palmer in hand, sighing with deep satisfaction, ‘This is so wonderfully Palmer.’”
Decanter 98 points “As is always the case with Palmer, the richness, depth and silkiness is just so impressive. Sophisticated and well constructed, with a vertical lift-off, there’s a creamy richness on the palate which supports pencil-lead, liquorice, damson, black cherry and slate. I love the smoky cocoa bean finish. Like the Alter Ego, it’s a different style this year but no less impressive, displaying width, heft and incredible persistency. It’s a wine that’s going to age far into the future and is extremely easy to recommend. The highest ever proportion of grand vin was produced in 2016. Drinking Window 2025 – 2042.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 98 points “The 2016 Palmer has a generous, slightly lactic bouquet of opulent red fruit infused with touches of dark chocolate, although it calms down and gains more grace with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and well-judged acidity. Very harmonious, revealing cedar and mint toward the extraordinarily persistent finish. This is another classy, persistent Margaux with a long future ahead. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.”
James Suckling 98 points “Such attractive fruit and alluring ripeness that it draws you in from the get-go. The discreet power here is delivered with a very astute touch. Assorted dark-berry aromas, as well as red plums, abound on the nose. The richness and depth in the mouth is stunning. The tannins are super polished and layered and they draw pristine dark fruit flavors deep into the finish in effortless mode. This is a star of the vintage. A blend of 47 per cent merlot, 47 per cent cabernet sauvignon and six per cent petit verdot. Try from 2024.”

04-19-2022 Newsletter

Foradori Reloaded

After the explosive success of our initial offering, we’ve doubled down on our Foradori wines across the board. If you were one of the many who missed out on our initial offering, here’s your second chance to secure your own supply!

Foradori wines in stock now

Foradori Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 20 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “Maybe the greatest natural white wine I have ever tasted. Complex and strikingly original lemon-zest, smoke and dried-chamomile aromas pour from the glass. Then comes the concentrated but very refined palate,followed by a super-long finish that’s a cascading waterfall of wet-stone minerality. Just doesn’t want to stop! From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”

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The average price is $37

Foradori Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Case-6 Foradori Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($199.95) $159 special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 94 points “A subtle yet complex red with blackberry, blueberry, mineral and black-tea aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied, yet very polished and refined. Lightly chewy and very focused. All in balance. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but better in 2023.”

Foradori Fontanasanta Nosiola Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($49.95) $47.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 95 points “Complex nose of toasted nuts and chocolate, but this is so much fresher than that sounds, thanks to the intense, wild-herb character that expands with aeration. Just a hint of funk. The stunning interplay of oxidative (mature) and reductive (fresh) character makes this so animating and fascinating. Very long, delicate finish. Drink or hold.”

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Foradori ‘Fuoripista’ Pinot Grigio Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($59.95) $55 special, 6 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 95 points “Skin fermentation has given this pinot grigio a rosé color, but also a lot of peach-skin, rose-petal and candied-orange character. Notes of wet earth and umami, which you normally associate with red wines, develops as it aerates in the glass. Then comes the surprisingly delicate, medium-bodied palate that is so fresh, the delicate tannins and rose-petal notes lifting the long, almost weightless finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”

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Foradori Vigneto Sgarzon Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 94 points “This red has an extreme mountain-wine personality that’s expressed through a ton of wild-herb and cranberry aromas, crisp acidity and a tightly wound body. Somehow the generous and slightly sappy tannins neatly fold into the wine’s sleek profile. Long, crisp and mineral finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”

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Foradori ‘Morei’ Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 97 points “Incredibly deep wild-berry nose that has just a whiff of funk, but this also gives the wine enormous energy. Sleek, but densely concentrated with a stunning interplay of fruit and fine tannin, the dangerously lively acidity whipping this into a mineral and herbal frenzy at the breathtaking, long finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”

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Foradori Granato Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 97 points “Enormously deep and subtle wild-blackberry aromas with a thousand herbal nuances lead you into this concentrated and beautifully proportioned red that is so delightful and fascinating. Very long finish that’s crisp and very mineral. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”

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The average price is $85

No Dealmaking required:
New Vintage of Faust Cabernet

Considered the younger sibling to Quintessa’s legendary Cabernet blend, Faust is a cult wine in its own right. In spite of being a secondary bottling the Faust offers earlier enjoyment while still having the stuffing for long term cellaring. Biodynamically farmed to boot this is an essential Napa Cabernet for all levels of collector at an everyman price point

Faust in stock now:

Faust Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 75OML ($54.95) $44.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Very attractive aromas of blackcurrants, black olives and dark leather with some cedar. It’s full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and a refined, polished finish. Shows finesse and focus. Grows on the palate. Really delicious now, but will improve with age. Drink or hold.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Distinctive, with sweet bay leaf, sassafras and a sanguine note all taking the lead, while a core of gently mulled red currant and blackberry fruit follows. Shows a nice herbaceous/brambly energy through the finish. Drink now through 2028. 40,000 cases made.”

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Check out our full selection of California Cabernet available now both in-store and online!

Captain of Chavignol:
2020 Boulay’s arriving soon

“Given the crystalline purity of his Sauvignon Blancs, he has become one of my favorite producers of the central Loire. If you want to know what true Sancerre tastes like, try one of his single-vineyard bottlings. It does not come any better!” – Joel Payne, Vinous

You’ve heard of Didier Dagueneau and his $150+ Sancerre’s, but have you heard of Gerard Boulay?
Gerard Boulay is one of the handful of producers in the world that makes exceptionally age worthy, collectible and profound Sauvignon Blanc’s from his family’s estate. This is a cult level producer that’s still at an accessible price point. It’s remarkable that these wines are available on the open market, considering the Boulay family has been known for exceptional quality since the 14th century as the Cathedral of Bourges “Church white”.

We were able to secure a complete assortment of their portfolio, ranging from their entry level wines to their rarest and most collectible labels. For the prices that Boulay charges, these are some of the most electric and profound whites in all of France. While low-tier Sancerre always seems overpriced, the top producers in the region make extraordinary wines that seem to be completely undervalued (with the obvious exception of Vatan). 2019 and 2020 were fantastic years in the Loire and Boulay has had some of the best bottles in his career during this unprecedented streak of “Good to Exceptional” vintages.

Boulay’s vineyards are based in Chavignol, the true beating heart of Sancerre and the host of all the best names in the region (Vatan, the Cotats, Boulay, Dagueneau, etc.) and Boulay owns some of best located sites in some of the best vineyards in the town. From his parcel in La Grande Cote to Monts Damnes to the famed Clos Beaujeu, all of his wines ring with terroir and the unique minerality that’s inherent to Chavignol. Gerard Boulay says “Nature makes the wine” and strives for age worthiness above all else, having examples of his work dating back to the 1960’s still drinking beautifully. The estate’s farming is entirely chemical free, and was one of the first producers in the region to convert to organics. We’re expecting his 2020 vintage to arrive by month’s end, with this being one of our “Once-a-year” allocations. Given the recent success of other allocated producers, it’s highly recommended that you purchase online or call in your order if you want to secure what you’d like.

Boulay wines arriving by May 1st, 2022:

Gerard Boulay Sancerre Chavignol Loire 2020 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Blend of young vine parcels on kimmeridgian slopes in the village of Chavignol.”

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Gerard Boulay Sancerre Clos de Beaujeu Loire 2020 750ML ($79.95) $51.90 pre-arrival special

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Gerard Boulay Sancerre La Cote Loire 2020 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special

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Gerard Boulay Sancerre Les Monts Damnes Loire 2020 750ML ($79.95) $55 pre-arrival special

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Trending Rose

Etna has become the newest hottest region in Sicily, and for good reason. Jancis Robinson even called it “The Burgundy of the Mediterranean,” which is an apt description of most of the new wines coming off of the high altitude slopes of Sicily’s volcano. There is another traditional style of wine made on Etna as well, though, one that tends to have a foot in Barolo rather than in Burgundy, and among its best practitioners is Terre Nere.

Tenuta delle Terre Nere Rosato Etna Sicily 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Lightly hued, this refined, onion-colored rosato, made with organically grown Nerello Mascalese grapes, has delicate aromas suggesting Mediterranean scrub and wild berries. The dry, savory palate offers pomegranate, peach and citrus before a tangy mineral finish suggesting oyster shell. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The 2020 Etna Rosato lifts up wonderfully fresh and perfumed, offering notes of sweet peach and white smoke backed by honeyed florals and wedges of candied lime. It’s silky-smooth and round yet spry, washing nuances of ripe pear and nectarine across a core of saturating saline-minerality. There’s simply so much going on here for a Rosato as the 2020 punches well above its class, finishing incredibly long yet juicy, and fizzling out to hints of sour citrus and cheek-puckering green apple.”

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J.K Carriere is known for their deliciously crisp and mineral driven rose of Pinot Noir vintage after vintage, and the 2021 is no exception! Sourced entirely from their estate vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains, you can expect the AVA’s trademark umami combined with a refreshing, dewy finish in addition to delightfully ripe flavors that you find in warmer vintages.

J.K Carriere in stock now:

J.K. Carriere Glass White Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2021 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Think summer patio and a turn-of-the-century dry rosé Champagne with no bubbles.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Easily our best-selling rose in house, and rightly so! The Ameztoi Rubentis is a blend of both Hondarribi Beltza and Zuri sourced from a series of organically farmed, high elevation sites in the Basque Region with the oldest vines being over 100 years old. Fermented in the traditional style of the Basque region which leaves it slightly sparkling and naturally low in sulfur! Fully dry and incredibly nuanced yet delicate with a whole spectrum of fruits ranging from strawberry to white peach.

Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2020 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “The pink sibling of Ameztoi’s flagship white, this vibrant rosé is made from a mix of red and white indigenous grapes and is bottled with a little residual carbonation to give it a light spritz.”

Stellar Swartland: Johan Meyer

Johan Meyer is one of the biggest names in the “New School” of South African wine. Working exclusively with old vines in Swartland, he strives to be as low intervention as possible. That philosophy is present from grape to glass as it were; with irrigation and chemical input not practiced in the vineyard and the finished wines receiving no filtration, fining and minimal sulfur. As you can expect after almost a year of not exporting, South African wine has become a rarity in the United States market with what remains being in highly limited quantities.

The Holocene is a blend of Cinsault, Carignan and Mourvèdre sourced from a single vineyard in Malmesbury. Dry farmed and practicing organic this could be seen as South Africa’s riposte to the GSM blends of the Southern Rhone. Very easy to enjoy in that Holocene is perfectly juicy with a minerality that brings to mind crushed lava rock with the classic fynbos you find with South African wine.

Cinsault is rapidly becoming one of the top red varietals in South Africa and the world on account of it’s drought tolerance and ability to retain acidity during heat waves. As a single varietal there is often a spectrum of blue and red fruits with high acidity and perfumed aromatics. Cinsault pairs beautifully with various cuisines including Nigerian, Lebanese, Greek and barbeque on account of the fruit tea esque tannins and refreshing acidity.

Most unique out of the Mother Rock wines is their Pet-Nat. Comprised of Chenin Blanc and Pinotage sourced from a single farm. Grown at over 1,000 feet above sea level, the wine is bottled before fermentation completes, creating bubbles from the last of the remaining sugars. Pinotage takes on a spectrum of blue, black and purple fruits underscored by a tertiary plethora of smoke and earth, with the Chenin contributing beeswax, honeysuckle, chamomile, quince and yellow apple. If one had to summarize the wine in a word: Crushable.

Mother Rock wines in stock now:

Mother Rock ‘Force Majeure – Force Celeste’ Cinsault Swartland 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Importer note “A medium-bodied red with ripe tannins, depth and drinkability from whole bunch fermentation. A great addition to the Force Majeure range.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Mother Rock ‘Holocene’ Swartland 2018 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “Fragrant and distinctive, this tangy red is light- to medium-bodied and racy, offering an expressive profile of steeped raspberry and peach fruit flavors meshed with notes of dried flowers, blood orange zest and medicinal herbs. Lingering, zesty finish. Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2025. 222 cases made, 56 cases imported. — AN”

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Mother Rock ‘Force Majeure – Force Celeste’ Cuvee PN Pet Nat Swartland 2021 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “A Pet-Nat that puts Pinotage in the spotlight. South Africa’s native grape is best known for its bright fruit and deep earthy character, which translate beautifully in this joyful rosé fizz. Slightly hazy salmon-pink in the glass, with aromas of raspberries, blood orange and earthy rhubarb. Fresh in the mouth, with crunchy cranberry fruit and a savoury edge. Delicious and dangerously drinkable at only 11%!”

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Get Schisty with Clos Erasmus

Priorat or Tarraconensis as it was once called has cultivated winegrapes since the Roman Empire first occupied the area, but it was Clos Erasmus and their collegues who transformed Priorat from sleepy backwater to a global wine powerhouse in the 1980’s and 90’s. Farming biodynamically since their inception Clos Erasmus has maintained very low production throughout the stratospheric rise of the region, and rarely exceeds 140 cases per year from their 25 acres in production. Limited does not begin to describe the scarcity of these wines, with these bottles being the crown jewel of wine lists around the world.

Clos Erasmus Wines in stock now:

Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus Priorat DOCa 2018 1.5L ($699.95) $579 special only 1 magnum in stock now
Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus Priorat DOCa 2018 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate Luis Gutierrez 99 points “A blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Syrah, 2018 Clos Erasmus comes from a year with good yields and enough rain for good ripeness of the grapes. The vines are now 36 years old on average, and the grapes fermented after a cold soak in 1,000-, 1,500- and 2,000-liter oak vats with indigenous yeasts and a five-week maceration. It matured in new and second use Burgundian 228-liter oak barrels, with around 40% new oak. This is a very elegant and perfumed vintage for Clos Erasmus, a wine that reveals a bright ruby color and a exotic nose that mixes flowers with tons of sweet spices. It is still very young and influenced by the élevage in oak, with something herbal and fresh, reminiscent of pine needles. The palate is textured and velvety, lace and dust, with fine-grained tannins that bring back the memories of the slate rocks; it is pure and detailed and has terrible balance, focus, inner strength, filigree and subdued minerality. I’d wait a little bit for the oak to get integrated before pulling the cork. It has the ingredients, stuffing and balance to develop nicely in bottle for a long time. 3,319 bottles and 100 magnums produced. It was bottled in May 2020.”

Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’ Priorat DOCa 2018 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’ Priorat DOCa 2018 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The second wine here and one that is easier to drink, the 2018 Laurel was produced with fruit from the younger vines, a couple of barrels that are declassified from Clos Erasmus and the Cabernet Sauvignon, more or less 70% Garnacha and 15% each Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has good ripeness and still a pH of 3.3. It fermented mostly in oak vats and 2,000-liter concrete vats with indigenous yeasts and matured for 18 months in 20,000-liter oak and concrete vats, second use barriques and some clay amphorae. It’s a bright translucent ruby color and has a perfumed and delicate nose with notes of orange peel and flowers; this is the most elegant and ethereal vintage of Laurel as far as I can remember, with red rather than black fruit and a kind of cranberry quality. The palate is medium-bodied, textured and fluid, with subtleness, balance and very fine tannins. The oak is perfectly integrated, and the wine is easy to drink, approachable and very pleasurable right now. It’s a fresh vintage with energy and finesse, quite different from previous vintages. I love it. 22,825 bottles and 515 magnums produced. It was bottled in May 2020.”

Zany for Zuni

After the explosive popularity of our exclusive Evening Land/Brasserie 19 offer last year, we jumped at the chance to offer another exclusive wine from Rajat Parr’s Sta. Rita Hills winery, Sandhi. Oregon wine fans may best know Parr for his Willamette Valley winery Evening Land and their pioneering Seven Springs vineyard. Some years before signing on to Evening Land, Parr’s founded Sandhi, an elite, small production winery that highlights the terroirs of Santa Barbara County. He and co-founder Sashi Moorman eschew extremes of ripeness, oak, or alcohol, instead crafting wines of elegance and restraint. Vineyard sources for the Sandhi lineup include the legendary cool climate Bien Nacido, best known by the single vineyard bottlings produced by the Bien Nacido estate, Au Bon Climat, and Qupe Winery, and the world-classic, historic Sanford & Benedict.

This Chardonnay is a barrel selection from these illustrious vineyards. It was crafted with the wine director at one of SF’s finest restaurants, Zuni Café. We knew it would be a charming and food-friendly wine, but we were stunned by the quality when we tasted a sample bottle last week. Fans of Evening Land will be dazzled by the beauty and elegance through a Californian lens, fans of Sandhi will be impressed by the price.

Zuni Chardonnay in stock now:

Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($399.95) $239 special, (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
Winery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation.”

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Collector’s Corner: Top Tier Cellar Gems

Domaine Faiveley Chambertin-Clos de Beze Les Ouvrees Rodin Grand Cru Burgundy 2016 750ML ($1499.95) $1199 special, only 3 bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru Les Ouvrées Rodin is showing brilliantly from bottle, unfurling in the glass with a rich bouquet of cassis, cherries, red berries, grilled game, licorice, spices and smoky new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and expansive, with a deep and intense core of sapid fruit that cloaks its satiny but abundant structuring tannins, underpinned by succulent acids and concluding with a seriously long, penetrating finish. This special cuvée hails from a parcel of vines planted in 1966 on the Chambertin side of Clos de Bèze, and its name commemorates a Faiveley family connection with the sculptor Rodin.”
Stephen Tanzer 95-98 points “(like the “regular” Clos de Bèze, this special cuvée from 60+-year-old vines on the Chambertin side of the cru was totally destemmed): Dark red-ruby. Less expressive but slightly riper aromas of purple and black fruits and pungent spices. Then utterly seamless and suave on the palate, offering a lacy, feminine texture with great energy and sophistication. The penetrating red berry and white pepper flavors are amplified by the wine’s mineral underpinning. The endless rising finish combines serious power and refined tannins. Ultimately a bit less expressive and tight-grained than the classic Clos de Bèze but this is even deeper.”

Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Les Feusselottes Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2009 750ML ($799.95) $699 special, only 1 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 92+ points “The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Feusselottes is oddly enough much more typical of this wine than the 2010 tasted alongside it. The Feusselottes is quite closed, though. With time in the glass some of the red fruit and flowers begin to emerge, but the 2009 remains somewhat shut down. It shows lovely textural richness and depth all the way through to the layered, sexy finish.”

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Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Les Feusselottes Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2008 750ML ($749.95) $649 special, only 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “The 2008 Chambolle-Musigny Les Feusselottes is notable for many outstanding qualities, starting with its totally striking, captivating bouquet. Firm yet elegant tannins frame the fruit in this hugely promising yet very young wine. The balance is simply first-class, suggesting the future is very bright.”

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Domaine Fourrier Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieille Vigne Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($899.95) $799 special, only 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Advocate 94-96 Points “The 2014 Griottes Chambertin Grand Cru has a very intense bouquet with maraschino, blueberry and violets blossoming in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe black fruit, blueberry and a hint of balsamic, leading to a quite a structured and dense finish that just needs a touch more finesse. I think that will develop with time. Superb.”
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 94+ points “Good medium red. Strawberry and rose petal on the nose. At once dense and brisk, displaying a penetrating quality to its seamless, fine-grained flavors of red fruits and orange zest. Wonderfully taut and energetic but also fine-grained and suave. Less saline today than the Clos Saint-Jacques but boasts terrific fruit and mineral extension on the long, savory finish.”

Georges Laval ‘Les Longues Violes’ Brut Nature Champagne 2013 750ML ($899.95) $779 special, only 1 bottles in stock now
No reviews available for the 2013 vintage. 2012 review provided for reference.
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2012 Brut Nature Les Longues Violes is one of the most distinctive wines in Champagne. Weightless and perfumed in the glass, the Longues Violes possesses unreal finesse and stunning beauty. Floral, citrus and orchard fruit notes are all finely sketched in this a Champagne that sizzles with tension. This is a fabulous showing. Les Longues Violes is 90% Pinot Noir planted in 1964 and 1974 and 10% Meunier planted in 1947.”
John Gilman 96 points “The 2012 is the first release of les Longues Violes from Vincent Laval. This is a single vineyard bottling of pinot noir and pinot meunier that Monsieur Laval just started producing when he had to replant a parcel of very old pinot noir from his neighboring lieu à dit of les Hauts Chèvres, as those 1931 vines finally gave up the ghost after the 2009 harvest. However, in this adjoining vineyard, Vincent wanted to wait until the youngest vines (planted in 1984) were sufficiently mature to go into a single vineyard cuvée. The meunier here dates back to 1947 and most of the Lavals’ pinot noir in les Longues Violes was planted in 1964 for this bottling. The vins clairs were barrel-fermented (as is the case for all of Vincent’s wines) and aged until August of 2013 prior to bottling up for secondary fermentation; the wine was disgorged at the end of May of 2019. It delivers a marvelously pure and youthful bouquet of white peach, apple, hazelnut, a touch of buttery oak, lovely soil tones, warm bread and just a touch of upper register smokiness. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, focused, complex and perfectly balanced, with excellent mid-palate depth, elegant mousse, bright, buried acids and outstanding length and grip on the complex and utterly refined finish. This is gorgeous young wine, but like all of Vincent’s cuvées, it really needs some cellaring to blossom. 2028-2075.”

Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L ($1049.95) $899 special
Case-6 Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L ($5999.95) $5099 special (That’s only $849.83 per bottle)
Wine Enthusiast 100 points “TOP 100 Cellar Selection In 2019. This is a rich, perfumed wine, with dense tannins and intense layers of black plum and spice. The palate is firmly built yet broadened out by plump dark-fruit tones and honed by a solid, dry core. Drink from 2025. -Roger Voss”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2016 Angélus erupts from the glass with powerful notes of blackberry pie, ripe black cherries and juicy black plums with an undercurrent of star anise, rose petals, chocolate mint, pencil shavings and woodsmoke plus a waft of allspice. The palate is pure decadence. Medium to full-bodied, rich and generously fruited, this wine is by no means heavy—it positively glimmers with freshness and vivacity, lending an ethereal nature to all that richness and power, beautifully framed by velvety tannins and finishing with epic length. The generosity, layers and plushness make for an absolutely DELICIOUS drink right now, but I’d suggest waiting 3-5 more years for the fireworks to really begin.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 97 Points “The 2016 Angélus has an intense, powerful bouquet with copious black cherries, boysenberry, orange pith and iodine scents that threaten to overwhelm the senses. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a dash of black pepper and impressive detail and persistence on the finish. This is an outstanding Angélus that clearly requires several years in bottle to realize its full potential. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2016 Château Angélus is incredibly elegant and finesse-driven, with a soaring perfume of crème de cassis, white flowers, crayon, forest floor, and spice. Compared to the 1996 by the Angélus team, it has a deep, layered style, its oak is beautifully integrated, there are ample tannins, and despite leaning toward the finesse-driven side of the spectrum, it has thrilling depth of fruit and length. It’s a brilliant wine from this estate that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 30+ years or more. The blend of the 2016 is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, brought up all in new French oak.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This goes for the gusto, with a deep and broad swath of well-roasted tobacco, espresso and loam out front. The core of dark currant and fig fruit will have to catch up, but this red has the energy and juicy drive to eventually do so. When it melds fully, this will be a smoky, alluring, tobacco-fueled wine. Best from 2024 through 2040. 8,333 cases made. — JM”