Marcus Goodfellow is one of the most talented winemakers in Oregon. He founded Matello wines, his original label, in 2002 and hasn’t looked back, making wines that have continually improved—both in bottle and from vintage to vintage. These are profound wines, both white and red, that are made in a style that’s distinctly savory—no fruit bombs here. We love them for their coiled power and Burgundian structure. There’s a clear house styling that’s evident across the bottlings which include some of the best appellations in the Willamette Valley including the Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge and Eola-Amity. Oregon Pinot Noir is often grouped into “Heavy or Light” but Goodfellows iterations defy this categorization by walking the middle road between both camps. 

 These are wines that speak with an Oregon voice, but the tannin and acidity comes from an old-world point of view. If you haven’t tried Marcus’ wines with some age, well, now’s your chance to grab some winery-cellared releases. 2011 Pinot Noirs from the Willamette Valley are among the most acid driven and long lived in the past decade or more, with many more years still left in their bottle age trajectory. If that wasn’t enough we also have small amounts left of his Syrah as well as his Chardonnay bottlings from various sites.

Goodfellow wines in stock now: 

Matello ‘Souris’ Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2011 750ML ($64.95) $54.50 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Library Release
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “(from fruit grown in the Whistling Ridge and Durant vineyards; made with 55% whole clusters and raised in 40% new oak):  Vivid red.  Vibrant red berry and Asian spice aromas are given depth by notes of vanilla and licorice and pick up a minerally nuance with air.  Juicy raspberry and cherry-cola flavors tighten up in the mid-palate and show very good clarity.  Finishes spicy and long, with silky tannins adding structure.”

Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($29.95) $21.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Bright garnet. Zesty red fruits and spices on the nose, plus hints of blood orange and botanical herbs. Tangy and sharply focused, offering nervy red currant, bitter cherry, orange zest and licorice flavors that take a sweet turn on the back half. Closes long and smooth, with the spice and herb notes repeating. This is a distinctly savory, restrained Pinot, which is uncommon for an entry-level offering.”

Goodfellow Family Cellars Whistling Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir Oregon 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Winery cellared release in 2022! 
Wine Advocate 93 points “From a vineyard planted in 1990, the pale to medium ruby colored 2015 Pinot Noir Whistling Ridge Vineyard has a spicy nose of coriander, warm cinnamon, potpourri and dried leaves over a core of baked cranberry and red cherry fruit with meaty/savory touches. Light to medium-bodied, it has spice-laced red fruits in the mouth, with a great frame of fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing very long and very spicy. 270 cases produced.”
 

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Goodfellow Family Cellars Temperance Hill Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ML ($47.95) $39 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94 points “Pale ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir Temperance Hill is layered and savory, with pure tobacco and Earl Grey tea leaves, licorice and bright red berries on the nose. The palate is soft, seamlessly fresh and delicately styled, offering an array of pure spicy flavors and a very long, uplifted finish.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 93 points “Dark, vivid garnet. Ripe red and blue fruit, floral and spice qualities on the deeply perfumed nose, along with hints of musky earth and woodsmoke. Appealingly sweet and fleshy on the palate, offering concentrated black raspberry, cherry, mulberry, floral pastille and exotic spice flavors that gain energy as the wine opens up. Shows excellent clarity and floral lift on a long, focused finish shaped by smooth, well-judged tannins. Drinking window 2023-2031.”
Winery Note “Red fruited and mineral, expressive and elegant nose with cedar, cinnamon and perfume, raspberry leaf, savory, thyme, strawberries, dried rose petals and potpourri.  Violets, red cherry, gardenias, bright and clean with mid-weight fruit, nerve and pull and an amaro-esque, mineral finish. Tightly wound right now but opens beautifully with air. “
 

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Goodfellow Family Cellars Deux Vert Vineyard Syrah Willamette Valley  2015 750ML ($47.95) $36 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Winery cellared release in 2022! 
John Gilman 91+ points “Marcus Goodfellow’s 2015 Deux Vert Vineyard (Reserve) bottling of Syrah includes five percent viognier, which grows alongside these syrah vines, which were the first to be planted in the Willamette Valley in 1994. The 2015 version comes in at 13.8 percent octane and delivers a refined and red fruity bouquet of raspberries, pepper, woodsmoke, roasted meats, lovely soil tones, plenty of spice elements and a nice framing of cedary oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, tangy and rock solid at the core, with excellent transparency and grip, ripe tannins and a long, focused and nascently complex finish. This will be a lovely bottle in due course, but it needs some time in the cellar to allow its backend tannins to resolve a bit. Fine juice. 2030- 2055+. 91+.”

 

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We carry a number of Goodfellow bottlings available both in store and online!
 

One of the best-selling examples of the style in Portland, we’ve secured our next batch due in this Friday! It might be April Fool’s Day but we certainly aren’t fooling around with our pricing. 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 Arriving April 1st: 

Chateau Routas Coteaux Varois en Provence Rose France 2020 750ML ($17.95) $13 pre-arrival special
*No Review for 2020 found, 2019 substituted* 
James Suckling 93 points “The nose here is immediately captivating with its freshness, focus and interest. It suggests sea salt, thyme, freshly squeezed nectarines and a touch of well-executed, lifted citrus. The palate shows some good density and the fruit/acid balance is played out nicely. Medium-bodied and sleek and refreshing. Makes you come back for more. Routas on the money as always. Drink now.”
 

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You’ve heard of iconic Brunello’s like Biondi Santi but Salvioni should also be on your radar. With less than 10 acres or 1/5th of their property planted to grapevines, pampered doesn’t begin to cover the winegrowing philosophy. Grown at over 1,200 feet above sea level, there is a near constant breeze that assists in maintaining acidity and reducing disease pressure. The confluence of breezes and high elevation ensure that freshness is maintained even in exactingly hot vintages like 2017. The resulting wines combine jammy ripeness with lifted acidity, almost Napa-esque. 

In order to maximize the power of their old vines, yields are highly reduced and spend more than the required time in vat and bottle. We’ve just secured our allocation for their entry level, offering a snapshot of their house style at a lower price point than their other bottlings.

Salvioni wines arriving Late April 2022:

Salvioni Cerbaiola Rosso di Montalcino Tuscany 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
93 points Eric Guido-Vinous “The 2018 Salvioni Rosso di Montalcino leads off with a zesty, fresh display of Sangiovese fruit, as a mix of cherry and strawberry is complemented by hints of sweet spice, leather and gorgeous exotic florals. On the palate, I’m finding a wonderfully pure expression, focused on ripe red fruits with energizing acids and subtle spice, as pretty inner rose develops toward the close. Hints of fine tannin and minerals mingle throughout the finish, and a staining of black cherry lingers on and on. What a beautiful, feminine, and truly enjoyable vintage for the Salvioni Rosso.”
Ian D’agata-Vinous 93 points “Medium bright red. Candied raspberry, blueberry, and flowers on the nose and in the mouth. Suave but still youthfully tight, vibrant and perfumed on the long steely finish. A bright Rosso that finishes clean and seamless, featuring terrific cut and length.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Giulio Salvioni’s 2018 Rosso di Montalcino La Cerbaiola is a silky and fine expression of Sangiovese, a welterweight offering that jabs with little punches of wild berry, tilled soil and blue flower. This Rosso accomplishes an important feat here: It is not a less intense expression of the mighty Tuscan grape, but rather a more nuanced one. That’s exactly what a top-ranked Rosso di Montalcino should be. We’re not looking for that characteristic Brunello power. This wine instead provides us with an approachable yet pleasurable experience, packed tight with varietal and territorial purity. This release weighed in at a relatively sprightly 10,133 bottles.”
 

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Salvioni Cerbaiola Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2017 750ML ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 95 points The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino La Cerbaiola grows in intensity in the glass, with delicate aromas that are especially floral and light in character. Instead of blackberry or blackcurrant, this elegant wine delivers cassis and cranberry. Instead of overt spice, you get licorice, balsam herb and camphor ash. The Salvioni house style is ethereal and light, and although that extra vintage ripeness and concentration does register on the palate, farming and winemaking at this estate puts an emphasis on acidity over power or structure. These choices were particularly important in 2017.
 

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Salvioni Wines in stock now: 

Salvioni Cerbaiola Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2016 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’keefe-Wine Enthusiast 100 points “Cellar Selection. Absolutely stunning, this gorgeous red has enticing aromas of wild rose, forest berries, new leather and camphor. Full-bodied and delicious, the smooth, structured palate is all about flavor, focus and finesse, doling out succulent black cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and white pepper notes framed in tightly knit, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Beautiful now and will continue to age and develop even more complexity for years to come”.
Eric Guido-Vinous 97+ points “The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino slowly comes to life, opening with a smoky, brooding and dark bouquet. It first unleashes its florals with crushed roses and hints of geranium, then deepens to reveal black cherry and raspberry, and finally a chorus of tobacco and wild herbs. You could lose yourself in the glass. The 2016 is incredibly silky and textural, displaying a youthful density that tempts the imagination while casting a savory display of mineral-tinged dark fruits, more black than red, with hints of dried orange and exotic spice. A saturation of fine tannin awaits on the finish, previously masked by the Salvioni’s primary power, as a mix of sage and hints of licorice slowly fade. There is so much potential here; but today, the 2016 is in dire need of cellaring. I tasted the 2016 multiple times over the course of two days and it didn’t budge.”

 

It goes without saying that organic and biodynamic farming methods have taken root in the wine industry around the world. In terms of farmed acreage the International Organization of Vine and Wine reports that Spain is currently leading the charge, with vignerons like Laura Lorenzo taking organic practices to the next level. With her first harvest being at 16 and experience in both South Africa and Argentina, you’d be hard pressed to find a more seasoned winemaker. 

Practicing regenerative agriculture with the express purpose to minimize impact on the ecosystem, her vineyards are entirely comprised of rehabilitated native varietals. Mixing her production between leased and purchased plots, her youngest vines are over 50 years old! Lorenzo’s operation is based in Ribeira Sacra or the “Sacred Shore” the region is punctuated by undulating hills and rivers largely comprised of granite. Vineyards are precipitously planted on terraces carved by the Roman and Celtic inhabitants in millennia past, largely to field blends of indigenous grapes. This allows for wholly unique expressions vineyard to vineyard, hence Lorenzo’s propensity to vinify and bottle her wines by site.

Daterra Lorenzo wines in stock now: 

Daterra Viticultores ‘Casas de Enriba’ Galicia 2019 750ML ($36.95) $31.90 special, 23 bottles in stock now
“100% Mencia from Laura’s own 20-25-year-old vines in Valdeorras, planted on granitic soils at an elevation of 550 meters. The grapes were partially destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to 4000L French oak barrels to rest for 10 months.”

Daterra Viticultores ‘Portela do Vento’ Galicia 2018 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 39 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 93 points “The Portela Do Vento Tinto is composed of a blend of Mencía and Garnacha Tintorera, selected from several different vineyard parcels in both Quiroga and Amandi. The grapes are mostly destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks, prior to racking to five hundred liter, used demi-muids for ten months of elevage. The 2018 Portela Do Vento comes in at a svelte twelve percent alcohol and delivers a beautiful, black fruity bouquet of cassis, dark berries, tree bark, coffee bean, slate, cigar smoke and just a touch of upper register botanicals. On the palate the wine is precise, full-bodied and tangy, with a lovely core of fruit, excellent slate undertow, fine-grained tannins and a long, complex, palate-staining and focused finish. This is pure, light on its feet and excellent! 2023-2045+.”
Importer Note “Comes from several south-facing parcels of Menci´a and Garnacha Tintorera in the Amandi and Quiroga-Bibei subzones. The grapes were harvested by hand and mostly destemmed, fermented with wild yeasts in steel vats, and raised for 9 months in used 500 liter French barrels. This is Laura’s “glou-glou” wine that she loves to share with her American friends. Fresh and easy-drinking, it is very versatile with a wide variety of foods…or straight from the porro´n!?”
 

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Daterra Viticultores ‘Portela do Vento’ Galicia 2019 750ML ($36.95) $31.90 special
Importer Note:“100% Mencia from a south-facing parcel of 50-year-old vines planted on granitic, sandy soils at an elevation of 350-400 meters in the Amandi subzone of Ribeira Sacra. The grapes were destemmed and partially crushed then fermented in a used 4000L French oak foudre. The wine then rested for 11 months in the same foudre.”
 

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Daterra Viticultores ‘Camino de la Frontera’ Blanco Castilla y Leon, 2018 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Camino de la Frontera Blanco comes from Angel’s ancient, northwest-facing vineyard in the Parque Natural de Los Arribes del Duero, from native Malvasia, Verdejo & Puesta en Cruz varieties. After a cool, wet & humid summer, the grapes were hand-harvested on September 20th, destemmed, crushed and wild yeast fermented in used 250 & 500L chestnut barrels with 10 days of skin maceration, then raised in the same vessels for 11 months. This is a “mountain white” showing bright orchard fruit, savory minerality and refreshing acidity. Pair it with grilled fish and poultry, paella and good friends.”
 

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Daterra Viticultores ‘Camino de la Frontera’ Tinto Castilla y Leon 2018 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 94 points “The unique and outstandingly expressive Camino de la Frontera, made from incredibly rare local varietals including Juan Garcia, Tinta Madrid and Rufete from a high elevation vineyard in Fermoselle is crazy delicious with deep layers of blueberry, pomegranate, açaí and earthy currant fruits, but with racy acidity, a nice umami crunchiness, spicy notes and mineral elements in a wonderfully soulful and balanced wine. To explain this exotic field blend red wine from Arribes del Duero, you’d have to imagine some amazingly different wines blended together, I am seeing elements of classic Northern Rhones, along with characteristics you find in the red wines of the Alto Adige, as well as something like the Frappato and Nero d’Avola blends in Southern Sicily in the Vittoria region! Laura Lorenzo is one of the most heroic and iconic winemakers in Spain these days and her Daterra Viticultores label is one of the most intriguing in the wine world….The vivid and floral (violet) toned Camino de la Frontera Tinto comes from an ancient parcel with vines that are well over a hundred years old at 650 meters above sea level…. The grapes, which are all organic, were hand-harvested then traditionally foot-trodden using about 50% whole-cluster and 50% de-stemmed in this year, with as per normal with Laura’s natural wines, was wild yeast fermented. Lorenzo, who believes in transparency and wines that deliver textural pleasure, used a combination of large French oak and a 1000L chestnut wood foudre to ferment in and then this Camino de la Frontera Tinto was raised in the same vessels for 11 months. As expected in wines like this there was no manipulation during the winemaking process here and Laura’s wines see only a small dose of SO2 with all of her wines being unfined and unfiltered to preserve purity as well as showcase the individual terroirs and every distinct nuance to be found in the finished wines. This is compelling stuff and perfectly delivers everything I love about these Daterra Viticultores wines, which are sultry, earthy seductive and celebrate a sense of wildness that captures the essence of this region and the Galician cool Atlantic climate and rugged charms. “
Importer note “Camino de la Frontera Tinto comes from Angel’s ancient, northwest-facing vineyard in the Parque Natural de Los Arribes del Duero, planted to mostly Juan Garcia, Tinta Madrid (aka Tempranillo), and Rufete balanced by other indigenous varieties. After a cool, wet & humid summer, the grapes were hand-harvested on September 20-21st, 50% foot-trodden whole-cluster and 50% destemmed, wild yeast fermented in a used 4000L French oak cask and a 1000L chestnut foudre with 11 days of skin maceration, then raised in the same vessels for 11 months. This is a red wine of elegant rusticity, with a floral nose and a touch of toasty oak from the new foudre, along with soft tannins and bright acidity.”
 

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Avinyo is synonymous with delivering exceptional quality at a proletariats price. Growing organically and with holdings at 820 feet above sea level and higher, these are benchmark examples of “Grower Cava”. Their entry level is sourced from an indigenous cultivar of Muscat grown at 1,000 feet above sea level and bottled as a Petillant, resulting in lower pressure than the Champagne method. Delivering the classic navel orange, musk, sea salt and pear flesh with the slightest hint of residual sugar the petillant is perfectly suited to everything from spicier fare to more delicate options like sushi.    

Their other offerings are equally as compelling even before their price point is considered, with Avinyo being one of the few producers to grow enough Pinot Noir to vinify by itself. Coming from a single vineyard nestled in the mountains, there is a distinctively oceanic and botanical flavors reminiscent of Mont Blanc’s Ultra Blue cologne. Additional notes include Fuji apple skin, orange peel, seashell and mint making this taste more like it came from the Aube in Champagne over Penedès.

Avinyo wines in stock now: 

Avinyo Blanc de Noirs Reserva Cava, 2018 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Avinyó was one of the very first wineries in Spain to plant pinot noir on an experimental basis when Avinyó founder Joan Esteve returned from France with vine cuttings in 1980. The resulting Blanc de Noirs comes from this original single-vineyard called La Fassina, planted in 2000 in Avinyonet del Penedès at 250m to 275m. La Fassina receives the most rain of the estate’s vineyards while being protected from the easterly winds by mountains. The fertile soil is deep and well-drained with a silty-clay-loam texture and accumulations of calcium carbonate ideal for pinot noir to flourish and express the unique terruño of the site. The surrounding mountains provide a perfect channel for the cool air to enter the vineyard at night, preserving pinot noir’strademark acidity. Blanc de Noirs is an extremely elegant expression of the La Fassina vineyard, a limited release once a year. Farming is organic.”
 

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Avinyo Seleccio La Ticota Gran Reserva Cava 2014 750ML ($49.95) $37 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Importer note “La Ticota, Avinyó’s oldest single vineyard, is a 2ha plot planted in 1940 by their grandfather to 85% xarel-lo and 15% macabeo, in primarily clay-calcareous soil. La Ticota produces one of the most distinctive and complex single-vineyard méthode traditionnelle wines from Spain. Produced in very limited quantities from the best vintages, it is among the great single-vineyard sparkling wines of the world. La Ticota is currently undergoing the certification process in the newly-formed Cava de Paraje designation of the Cava D.O., a new category that recognizes the uniqueness of “a smaller area” of the appellation on the label, similar to Burgundy’s climats or lieux-dits.”
 

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Avinyo Petillant Blanc Catalonia 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 7 bottles in stock now
 

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

We carry over 6 different bottlings of Spanish Sparkling wine including Raventos, Agusti Torello and Ameztoi
 

 

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

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

Dal Forno in stock now: 

Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore 2013 750ML ($119.95) $94.50 special, only 18 bottles in stock now
Decanter 97 points “From one of the most iconic wineries in the Orientale, this is aged for two years in oak and a further three in bottle. A proper meditation wine, great with game, strong cheeses or a cigar. It has a huge nose of stewed red fruits, ethereal bramble forest fruits and blackberry jam. Generous, with spicy, bitter cherry-stone freshness. Full-bodied with a rich, intense, spicy undertone.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “This is a terrific wine that stood out—and stood tall—despite the fact that it was tasted alongside some of Dal Forno’s most important vintages of the top-shelf Amarone. If that’s not a full-on recommendation, I don’t know what is…”

Dal Forno Romano Amarone 2010 750ML ($349.95) $319 special, only five bottles available
Decanter 98 points “2010 is a more considered vintage compared to the outright opulence of 2009, but it’s no shrinking violet, especially in Dal Forno’s hands…”
James Suckling 97 points “Aromas of roses and other flowers with a deep fruit intensity. Full-bodied, dense and ultra-fine with a beautiful texture. Lots of new wood now but this will amalgamate with time into the wine. Fabulous potential. Drink or hold.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Like a gymnast, this focused red shows both power and grace. Finely meshed flavors of blackberry puree, fig cake and Earl Grey tea leaf are framed by refined, dusty tannins, with a lasting finish expands on the palate with spice and smoky mineral details. Drink now through 2030. 450 cases imported. — AN”

Dal Forno Romano Amarone 2011 750ML ($419.95) $369 special, only 6 bottles available
Decanter 99 points “The strongest wine in my selection, yet this magnificent Amarone’s alcohol is barely visible thanks to its astonishing depth, texture and sumptuousness… Beautifully crafted, as dignified as any grand Barolo.”
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 95+ points “Fully saturated ruby. Very deep, intense aromas of blackcurrant, plums macerated in alcohol, soy sauce, coffee and underbrush on the complex nose. Rich, dense and balanced, with nicely focused flavors of dark berries and aromatic herbs that have a noteworthy savory tang. The long finish features repeating hints of soy sauce, espresso and underbrush. Dal Forno’s is the recognized master of a uniquely powerful, ripe, and concentrated style of Amarone.”

Dal Forno Romano Amarone 2012 750ML ($419.95) $319 special, only eight bottles available
James Suckling 97 points “A decadent nose of treacle tart, chocolate, tar, tons of black fruit such as blackberries and mulberries and even ash and licorice. A dense, layered mouthfeel makes for a full-bodied palate that’s explosive yet somehow so refined and pretty all at the same time. The finish goes on and on. Incredible now, but better to wait for this giant to settle well into 2020.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta is a beautifully complete wine, even at this young stage in its life… It has only just started its evolutionary journey.”
Decanter 96 points “…Exuberant, dense and chewy with peppery black fruit flavours, while showing some delicacy of aroma. Intense and will develop further, perhaps offering more power than grace. Andrew Jefford: It’s not showy on the nose but is super-attractive, and it just grows more so the more time you spend with it. On the palate it’s rich, deep, magnificently tannic and long – an absolutely unbridled Amarone, yet at the same time of extraordinary resonance, authority and subtlety. An Amarone masterclass! Monty Waldin: Its evident concentration really comes through on the palate, with a mix of smooth and slightly more savoury, drier tannins that mingle amicably under some ripely sweet red fruit, while finishing with a distinct brightness.”

 

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!

Considering the market dominance formerly held by the Grand Marques, there is much to be said about smaller negociants. Often combining their family’s holdings with purchased fruit from other vineyards, negociant champagne represents the juxtaposition of art and science that is assemblage. You’d be hard pressed to find a better example of this expertise than the Charles Ellner portfolio. Originally working as a riddler for other houses, Charles Ellner decided to hold back some of his family’s production for his own project, and the rest is history! 

Charles Ellner’s origin as a passion project is clearly evident even to this day, with the estate fruit being grown organically and without synthetic inputs whatsoever. This commitment to quality does not stop in the vineyard however; the minimum time his Champagnes receive on the lees is double the required time. The resulting wines capture the beauty of autolysis and the freshness of a current vintage along with the juxtaposing toast, fruit and mineral character.

Charles Ellner wines in stock now: 

Charles Ellner Carte Blanche Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne  NV 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Importer note “This elegant and subtle blend offers an attractive freshness. On the palate, it is fruity and round with floral hints and citrus notes.”
 

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Charles Ellner Brut Rose Champagne  NV 375ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 16 half bottles in stock now
Charles Ellner Brut Rose Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Soft pink: an invitation to the eyes, strong on the nose with hints of strawberry, this champagne offers intensive fruity aromas. The chardonnay that represents half of the blend gives freshness, but also longevity.”
 

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Charles Ellner Seduction Brut Millesime Champagne 2007 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “A toasty hint of grilled nut adds savory richness to this bright, light-footed Champagne. The firm acidity is well-meshed to notes of yellow plum, candied ginger and lemon curd. Not a powerhouse, but fresh and balanced. Drink now through 2027. — AN”

 

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Rose of the Day: 
Domaine Lafage 
 

There are few areas in the world that have been cultivating wine grapes as long as the South of France. Originally planted by the Corinthians in the 7th century, the region is famous for her almost constant sunshine, warm temperatures, refreshing breeze and spectacular vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and amphitheater of mountains. 

These elements converge to make it a veritable paradise, and exceptional terroir for wine. The best sites have often been cultivated since the Roman Empire, and oftentimes still feature the original stone terraces made by them to prevent erosion. Domaine Lafage is lucky enough to have one of these sites, with the oldest vines being over 80 years old.

Comprised of Grenache Noir and its rare mutation Grenache Gris with a sprinkling of younger Mourvèdre vines, this is a quintessential Roussillon rose. With a flavor profile that brings to mind apricots, peaches and river rock minerality, the sites proximity to the sea is evident in the glass with a refreshing salinity that is reminiscent of ocean air accentuated by oregano blossom, wormwood and marmalade.         

Domaine Lafage Cotes du Roussillon Miraflors Rose France 2020 ($21.95) $18 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “White peach, orange blossom, and white flower notes emerge from the 2020 Miraflors. It’s another clean, balanced, beautiful effort with bright acidity and a clean, dry finish.”
Eric Solomon Imports note “Mourvedre, Grenache Gris, Grenache Practicing Organic 80 yr old vines. Light Pink-colored with beautiful white peach, orange zest and salty sea breeze aromas and flabros in its vibrant, crisp profile. Pure and vibrant as it gets, a classic, provencal-style beauty.”

We carry 72 different bottlings of Rose in addition to a plethora of other bottlings by Domaine Lafage!
 

 

For those unfamiliar with the wines of Il Poggione, let’s catch you up quickly. They’re a classic Brunello producer working with very traditional methods in the subzone of Sant’Angelo in Colle, a region that tends to produce wines with big, bold personalities. The results are both crowd pleasing (rich fruit, up front aromatics) and intellectually stimulating (age-worthy, not obstructed by new oak) in way that’s unique in Brunello –outside of names that trade for significantly more money per bottle. Il Poggione’s Brunello is contradictory in all the best ways. It’s an age-worthy wine that doesn’t necessarily require aging.

Il Poggione in stock now: 

Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2013 375ML ($39.95) $28 special
Case-12 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2013 375ML ($479.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/half-bottle!) 
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino lives up to the impeccable reputation garnered by this estate over the years. This is a profound and beautifully rendered Sangiovese that delivers bold and luscious fruit quality with black cherry and spicy plum at the start. The bouquet follows through with mild oak notes of smoke, tar and toasted nut. There is another aromatic component that includes crushed stone and dried herb or mint. This Brunello shows elegant evolution in the glass and promises a very long aging future ahead. Some 200,000 bottles were made, so it should be easy to locate this excellent wine.”
Ian D’Agata – Vinous 95 points “Bright red. Pure, refined red cherry and wild strawberry aromas and flavors complicated by sweet spices and aromatic herbs. Deep and multilayered, the wine boasts polished tannins and a harmonious acid spine that lifts and extends the red fruit on the long, suave finish. An essence of Sant’Angelo in Colle with bigger body and palate weight than, for example, the Brunellos of Montosoli, but still sleek and refined as the best wines of Sant’Angelo in Colle can be. The cool-climate-styled 2013 vintage is precisely the type of year in which Il Poggione excels: this lovely, focused wine is the best classico Brunello from Il Poggione in years. Superb.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2015 750ML ($89.95) $62.50 special, 26 bottles in stock now  
Case-6 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2015 750ML ($539.95) $359 special, (That’s only $59.84 per bottle!) 
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “The Il Poggione 2015 Brunello di Montalcino shows a darker and more concentrated appearance than many of its peers. The wine is beautifully abundant and fragrant in the most exuberant and expressive manner. You will recognize aromas of moist soil, tobacco and smoke. Candied cherry hovers over the entire bouquet. Fruit is sourced from older vines (all over 25 years old). Il Poggione occupies a special spot within the Montalcino appellation, and the area always produces slightly more concentrated and powerful wines. I find that to be particularly true in this gorgeous 2015 vintage. I am also very attracted to that almost dusty note of crushed mineral that rides long on the full-bodied finish. Il Poggione’s Brunello is also distinguished by firm, youthful tannin that need a few more years to unwind. Luckily, there are quite a few bottles to go around, with some 200,000 made.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 97 points “Il Poggione 2015 Brunello di Montalcino offers up a dark, earthy, almost animal-like expression, showing black soil and undergrowth, giving way to crushed black cherry, dusty spice, and dried florals which lift the experience. On the palate, soft, fleshy textures usher in fresh cherry and strawberry, as brisk acids add energy, with savory herbs and minerals saturating, as the 2015 Il Poggione’s fruit nearly masks its structural core. The finish is long yet fresh, with classic, fine tannins, dried red fruits and pretty inner floral tones lingering throughout this perfectly balanced expression. The 2015 s pure class and built for the cellar.”
James Suckling 96 points “So many sour cherries rise up from the glass, along with orange rind and lemon peel. The full-bodied palate has a very serious and concentrated core of florals and fruit, and the tannins have an iron-fisted, strapping build. Long, chewy and structured. One of the best in years from here. Drink from 2025.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Wild herb and Mediterranean macchia notes mark this expressive red. Though well-endowed with tannins, this is on the sleek side, showing vibrant acidity. Cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors join the party as this cruises to a long finish. Best from 2023 through 2042. 9,000 cases made, 1,750 cases imported.”
 

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Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “I’m not sure how Il Poggione manages to remain one of the largest producers of Brunello maintaining such a high level of quality and turning out some of the best wines of the vintage year after year – but they do. The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is yet another stunning example. Depths of mineral-encased black cherries sage allspice licorice tobacco and crushed violets lift up from the glass. It’s seamlessly silky even as the palate is peppered with tart red and black berries nervous acids and savory exotic spices. This shows the density and weight of the vintage in a youthfully monolithic stance yet with all the necessary components to maintain perfect balance. The 2016 Il Poggione seems to fold in upon itself through the finish which is dark mysterious and structured with only hints of black tea and licorice to tempt the imagination. It’s a classic in the making. (Drink between 2026-2040)”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This Brunello leads with black cherry black currant and violet aromas augmented by flavors of iron tobacco and spice. Dusty tannins emerge on the lingering finish while the sweet fruit persists. Should be compelling in a decade. Best from 2025 through 2047”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The Il Poggione 2016 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a medium dark appearance with pretty Sangiovese shine and a little ruby sparkle. This vintage shows a slightly untamed or wild side with a dense and heavier fruit profile. The focus here is on blackberry dried cherry tobacco and even a touch of smoky tobacco or horse saddle. The wine shows the firm grip and tannic backbone that is a common trait in this vintage especially with the vineyards on this southern sunlit side of the appellation. I also get a considerable flash of acidity on the close almost too much that certainly needs a few more years to soften. You really need to wait with this one. Production is an ample 200000 bottles.”
 

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Much like German wine in general, the Rheinhessen is in the midst of a wine renaissance. While being credited with the first established vineyard in the entire country dating back to the Roman era, the majority of the area was previously too cold to produce Riesling at a satisfying level of ripeness. As a result, the region became largely devoted to bulk wine production post-WW II (most notably the infamous Liebfraumilch). That has all changed largely due to Weingut Schatzel, a family producer that has been growing wine grapes since 1304. The vineyards managed by Schatzel in the Roter Hang (Red Slope) have been compared to the terraces of Côte-Rôtie and the Mosel due to their steepness and distinctive soil. Composed of bright red slate and quartzite that reflects and absorbs heat to assist in ripening, this is the “Grand Cru” of the Rheinhessen. 

In order to express the varietal character as well as the terroir differences, Schatzel bottles their wines by vineyard. Encompassing over five separate vineyards within the Rhineterasse, the resulting wines walk a tightrope of minerality between fleshy and austere fruit expression, encompassing a spectrum of flavor ranging from passionfruit, lemon curd, ginger juice and peaches. The cornucopia of jasmine, valerian flower, lavender stem, wet slate, crushed nutmeg and charred grapefruit aromas challenge you to not finish the glass in record time. In spite of drinking beautifully now, these are built to age and should only get more ethereal. These are fabulous examples of why Riesling is considered one of the rare “universal pairing” wines of the world.

Schatzel wines in stock now: 

Weingut Schätzel Hipping Riesling Trocken, Rheinhessen 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 94 points “Could a white wine be fresher than this? Fabulous white-peach and herbal character with lots of mineral power at the complex, racy finish.”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Schätzel Nierstein Silvaner, Rheinhessen 2017 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Honeydew melon, white fruits and earthy undertones. Slightly reductive, herbal, nutty and mineral character. Bone dry and juicy on the palate. Extremely complex for 11% vol.”
 

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Weingut Schätzel Olberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs, Rheinhessen 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling 94 points “Considering this has only 11.5 per cent alcohol, there is extraordinary depth and vitality. The long finish is sleek and fine-grained, without any hint of edginess. Attractive white-fruit aromas, too. Drink or hold.”
 

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Weingut Schätzel Pettenthal Riesling Kabinett Grosses Gewächs, Rheinhessen 2017 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 15 bottle in stock now
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling 95 points “Forget the rules, pack your bag, grab this bottle and leave your old life behind! Savage mineral beauty, combined with light body and enormous brightness. Drink or hold.”
 

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Weingut Schätzel Reinschiefer Riesling, Rheinhessen 2017 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 92 points “Delicate white-fruit character and a delightful lightness of touch make this rather charming, in spite of its slightly eccentric personality. Long, lemon and mineral finish. A blend of wines from the top sites in Hipping, Ölberg and Pettentha. Screw cap.”
 

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Domaine Charvin is a quintessential Châteauneuf-du-Pape producer originally founded in 1851. Producing only a single cuvee from their estate, their bottling is among the most complete pictures of the regions terroir. With an average vine age of 35 years old, organic farming practices and five different component grapes; delightful doesn’t begin to cover the experience of their wines. Located in the northern section of the village, there is a mix of soil types that further exemplify the wine as a benchmark in the classic garrigue and mineral components.

Domaine Charvin in stock now: 

Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone 2018 750ML ($79.95) $52.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94-96 points “Dark glistening red. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berries, baking spices, garrigue and candied flowers, and a smoky mineral flourish appears as the wine opens up. Sappy, sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry, cherry and lavender pastille flavors joined by hints of allspice and bitter chocolate. Smooth and seamless in texture, showing superb finishing clarity, gently gripping tannins and strong, spicy persistence. This is a somewhat more brawny wine than usual for Laurent Charvin, but it still retains the domaine’s trademark balance and energy.”
James Suckling 95-96 points “A very tidy array of fresh strawberries, raspberries and poached, red plums. Sweet perfume and light, sappy, spicy complexity, too. The palate delivers an array of succulent, smooth tannins that offer fluid, suave, textural allure. Silky. Barrel sample.”

Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone 2019 750ML ( $69.95) $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Case-6  Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone 2019 ($419.95) $333 special, (That’s only $55.50 per bottle!) 
Matt Walls – Decanter 95 points “Dark fruited but so alive and bright on the nose. Plums, damsons, and their crushed stones. Very rounded and generous this year, it has strong inner architecture to back up the fruit, and a long, structured and textural finish from the stems. Ends proud and mineral. This will be very good indeed when it’s ready – structured and fresh enough to stay the course and give complexity when the time comes. 82% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah, 4% Counoise, 4% Vaccarèse. Organically grown at the north-west of the appellation, lieux-dits Cabrières and Maucoil, galets roulés and sand. It’s fermented and then aged for 21 months in concrete using indigenous yeasts, then bottled unfiltered.”
 

You’ve heard of the Champagne widow and pioneer Madame Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (also known as Madame Clicquot), but have you heard of Madame Pommery? While you can be forgiven for not knowing her, Champagne as we know it would not exist without her contributions. In the 1870’s Champagne was one of the sweetest wines of the world for a number of reasons. The first and foremost was to balance out the otherwise searing acid that was seen in Champagnes of the period. The second was to cater to commercial preferences of the era, particularly from the Russian royal family and their contemporaries who loved exceptionally sweet wines. 

This all changed when Madame Louise Pommery commissioned her cellarmaster to make a champagne with as little added sugar as possible, creating the category we now know to be “Brut”. The debut vintage in 1874 was an overnight success in England, who had developed a preference for drier styles of wine. It was so popular in fact, that it set records in London for the highest ever paid for Champagne at auction. The Brut style clearly outlived its sweeter contemporary, given the latter is rarely seen on the market anymore.

The Tête de Cuvee from Pommery is named after Madame Louise and in honor of her legacy has the barest amount of sugar added. Comprised of three Grand Cru vineyard sources Avize, Cramant and Aÿ and aged for 11 years on its lees before disgorgement. The blend itself is predominantly Chardonnay but has 40% Pinot Noir inclusion as well. The Grand Cru sources for the fruit are clearly evident in the concentrated flavors, strong mineral character and high acidity with notes of toasted brioche, blackcurrant preserves, hazelnut paste, pine nuts and lemon curd. With the “current” release being the 2004, this is a Champagne built for the long haul to say the least. We also carry a number of magnums, back vintages and the elusive Rosé bottling!

In stock and available now: 

Pommery Cuvee Louise Brut Millesime 2004 750ML ($149.95) $125 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Pommery Cuvee Louise Brut Millesime 2004 1.5L ($299.95) $279 special, 4 magnums in stock now 
James Suckling 95 points “A very fine-textured Champagne with lovely density and finesse. The bubbles roll off the palate. Full body. Extremely creamy and flavorful. Shows wonderful finesse and a lovely, chalky, lemon-curd and brioche aftertaste. Drink now.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Pommery’s prestige Champagne is named after one of the great Champagne widows of the 19th century who took over when her husband, Alexandre Pommery, died. It is a rich, mature wine, with toast and almond flavors as much as fruit. Full of mineral Chardonnay (60% of the blend), this ripe wine is very ready to drink.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Bright and minerally, featuring smoke and pastry dough notes layered with lemon curd and pureed black currant details, riding the lively bead. Offers a creamy finish, with a lightly floral overtone. Drink now through 2024. 16,666 cases made.”
 

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

Pommery Cuvee Louise Brut Nature 2004 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 32 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “A creamy and refined 2004 with a very reserved and tight palate of ultra fine tannins that lend the wine beautiful creaminess and finesse. Subtly floral, offering lightly cooked apples and lemons. Flavorful, yet always hiding behind the fine bubbles. Drink now.”
 

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Pommery Cuvee Louise Brut Rose Millesime 2004 750ML ($299.95) $219 special, 25 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “This is a new release and shows wonderful finesse and beauty. You know that the moment you see the pale-amber color. It’s medium bodied with freshness and energy and a long, vivid finish. A joy to taste. Drink now.”
 

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Pommery Grand Cru Brut Millesime 2008 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Winery note “It was a must for Pommery not to miss out on one of the greatest vintages of champagne. One single term to characterise 2008: unexpected! After a difficult summer, nature succeeded in aligning its stars and allowed us to have an exceptional harvest. 2008 has already conquered aficionados from all over the world, but it is a special vision of 2008 in the pure style of our Maison that we propose to you. Only originating from grands crus, with an exceptional ageing potential, slowly brought to maturity in the freshness of our 18 kilometres of galleries, it is necessary to wait to taste a Pommery vintage at its zenith: the precise moment when all the components are in harmony and when maturity, freshness and complexity come together. This moment has come for our 2008 vintage. The nose presents the patina of the Pommery vintages: elegance, minerality, freshness. First of all intense floral notes reach us: the peony floats around the hawthorn. Maturity is expressed by fruity notes of pear and fresh apricot. The great Pinot Noir present themselves with notes of crushed fresh strawberries. On the palate, the tasting is floating, with a great uprightness. A mineral structure fills the palate from the attack to the finish like a spine. Notes of acacia honey and Mirabelle underline the central element of the tasting. The finish is punctuated by a nice sweetness, marked by flavours of blood orange.”
 

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We carry a number of Les Grandes Marques in store including Bollinger, Roederer and Lanson

With an offering including some of the best vintages in recent memory Casa Emma is one of the rarest finds in all of Tuscany in that they’re still largely unknown outside of their region. At 1300 feet above sea level on slopes with a gradient minimum of 20%, the vines are cooled by sea breezes from the Tyrrhenian due to the natural amphitheater of the estate’s hills. Organically certified with no pesticides or herbicides used, Geese have been introduced as a natural fertilizer and insect control agent.   

Casa Emma Wines in stock now: 

Casa Emma Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG Tuscany 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Good ripeness to this red, which shows fruit cake, cedar, tobacco and dried cherries and plums. Full-bodied and chewy with plenty of wood showing through, but the driven acidity is more than capable of handling it. Layered and long on the finish. Drink from 2022.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “A dose of new oak and pipe tobacco marks the aroma here, backed by flavors of black cherry, plum and iron. Firm and compact on the finish, with a lingering essence of woodsy, tobacco and spice elements. There’s a lot going on here, but this needs time. Best from 2022 through 2040. 700 cases made, 410 cases imported. — BS”

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Casa Emma Vignalparco Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2016 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “An extrovert but elegant Tuscan red, this shows baking spices, dark cherries and plums, cedar, dried peppers and meaty undertones. Full-bodied and nicely structured on the palate, it expertly weaves a fine line between richness, spiciness and freshness. Drink from 2021.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92 points “The fruit comes from a two-hectare site called Vignalparco that is unique because ducks run free between the vines, doing an excellent job of fertilizing and hopefully eating any pests. (Yes, ducks can eat grapes, but rarely off of the vines.) The resulting 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Vignalparco (with 11,000 bottles made) is a compact and solid wine with a very pretty bouquet composed of black fruit elements, spice and wild rose. There is smoke, tar and road paving at the end. There is a bright point of acidity on the close, making it a terrific candidate for (dare I suggest it?) a classic Tuscan pappardelle all’anatra, or pappardelle with fatty duck. Sorry.”

Casa Emma Harenae Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT Tuscany 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Made entirely in amphora, this delicious Sangiovese has inviting, earthy aromas of ripe black plum, truffle, blackberry, baking spice and blue flower. Reflecting the nose, the enveloping, chewy palate doles out mouthfuls of fleshy Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, cinnamon and tobacco. Velvety tannins provide the almost lush framework while fresh acidity picks up the finish. Drink through 2025. -Kerin O’Keefe”
James Suckling 94 points “Aromas of dark plums, mulberries, black tea and black licorice. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins. Structured and focused with rich, intense layers of dark fruit. Pure fruit here. Sangiovese. Made in amphorae. Drink or hold.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “A dark and sultry expression of Sangiovese fermented in spherical amphorae, the Casa Emma 2018 Harenae doles out plenty of dried blackberry, plum, tobacco, spice and grilled herb. This is a full and generous expression that reflects the soft hills of Tuscany in its generous, mid-weight style and the sunshine of Italy in the textural darkness and richness of the fruit. This is a lovely wine with punchy bright fruit aromas to pair with a gilled, fatty steak. This is a terrific discovery I am very happy to recommend.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

 

 C’est Cibonne: 
The Pride of Provence  

 

De Venoge is an old-school Champagne House that’s relatively unknown in the United States, a fact that means even their finest and rarest wines continue to be undervalued relative to their peers. This is no better exemplified than their prestige cuvee, the LXV bottling. Named after Louis the 14th (The Sun King) it sees extensive aging on its lees and is a true monument of vintage champagne. 

De Venoge has a strong following in Europe for good reason—they source from some of the best vineyards in Champagne and produce prestige cuvées of immense quality, built on long lees aging. They source Pinot Noir from Grand Cru villages like Verzenay, Ambonnay and Bouzy and pair it with a murderer’s row of Chardonnay sources, including Avize, Mesnil, and Cramant. The resulting wines capture the essence of classical Champagne and are in high demand in Europe’s top restaurants. 

De Venoge prestige cuvées are outstanding wines for lovers of truly mature Champagne in all its glory, rich, creamy textures from extended lees aging married to surprisingly fresh, mineral personalities. There’s a reason this house has such a following overseas, they produce stunning wines and then age them until they’re ready to go, so consumers don’t need to leave them in the cellar for decades. Now’s your chance to try them for yourself! These are perfect “occasion” wines that make for fantastic birth year or anniversary gifts.  

In Stock Now:

De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Brut Millésime, Champagne 2006 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The assemblage of the 2006 Louis XV Brut Millésimé is about the same as the 1995 and 1996—composed of 50/50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, all from grand cru villages. The only difference is that the Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (10% of the assemblage) spent 12 months in oak barrels. Disgorged in January 2017 (dosage: six grams per liter), the 2006 has a golden color and opens with a deep, ripe, elegant and vinous bouquet with toasty and chalky lemon and fresh white fruit flavors. On the palate, this is an intense, round, fresh and complex Louis XV with great purity and finesse. The wine opens on the palate like a soufflé, coating the whole palate without any pressure or weight—gorgeous! This is a delicate and fresh yet well-structured and persistent Louis XV whose intense and long but weightless finish reveals lovely, almost juicy fruit concentration with perfectly integrated freshness and lasting minerality that seems to give additional structure. The 2006 shows a lot of Chardonnay features right now and drinks perfectly today; however, it can be kept under perfect conditions for decades. Just keep it in the box, because the bottle is white and nothing makes a Champagne age faster than exposure to daylight. (Tasted in November 2017 from Lot LL15067017BT.)-SR”
 

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De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Brut Millésime, Champagne 2008 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 16 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “This is really punchy and broad-shouldered with muscular structure and citrusy undertones. Full body. Lightly tannic and a fresh and vivid finish. This is the first vintage without malolactic fermentation ever. One for the cellar. Better in 2022.”
Wine Advocate 93+ points “The straw-yellow/white-golden colored 2008 Louis XV Brut Millésimé blends 50% Chardonnay (20 % from Avize, 15% from Oger and 15% from Mesnil) with 50% Pinot Noir (41.5% from Verzenay and 8.5% from Bouzy). Disgorged in January 2018 with a dosage of six grams per liter, the 2008 displays a clear, pure, fresh, chalky-tinged and vinous nose with lemon, white fruits, brioche, hazelnuts, white blossoms and some caramel notes. Pure, lean, fresh and elegant on the palate, with a lingering hazelnut flavor, this is a straight yet complex cuvée with grip and a long, well-structured and textured finish. This 2008 is still terribly fresh and should benefit from further bottle aging. For the moment, I am missing the mouth-filling generosity of the 2006 and 1995. Mind that this is the first vintage of de Venoge’s prestigious Louis XV where the base wines didn’t undergo malolactic fermentation! Total production: 10,326 bottles. Tasted October 2018.”
 

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De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Extra Brut Rosé Millésime, Champagne 2002 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Harmonious, with fine intensity, offering rich notes of spice cake, toasted almond, dried cherry, grilled plum and smoky mineral. Almost velvety in texture, with juicy acidity that brings you back for another sip. Delicious. Drink now through 2022. 54 cases made.”
 

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De Venoge ‘Princes’ Tour Eiffel 130 Anniversary Edition Champagne  NV 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Envie de Champagne “The Maison De Venoge was founded in 1837 by Henri-Marc De Venoge. Innovation in the production and marketing of champagnes were the founding values of this of champagne house, which won the Excellence Price in Philadelphia in 1876. A few years later, in 1889, during the World Fair in Paris, the house became the partner of the event. This exhibition celebrated the centenary of the French Revolution and it is on this occasion that the Tower designed by Gustave Eiffel has been inaugurated. This monument, with a height of 312 meters during its construction can now 337 meters in 2019 following the installation of antennas. In addition to its cultural and tourist use, the Eiffel Tower is used as a transmitter for TV and radio programs. The Eiffel Tower, object of discord at the time of its creation has become today the most visited paying monument of France. It has about 7 million visitors a year. It is also inseparable from the history of the French capital. For the 130 years of this first collaboration, De Venoge signs a beautiful partnership with the company in charge of the exploitation of the iron lady (surname of the Eiffel Tower). This collaboration is obvious because of  the common history of both parties but also because of the characteristic shape of the bottles of the Princes cuvée. This limited edition vintage is named “Cuvée Princes Tour Eiffel”. Only 10,000 bottles have been marketed for this partnership.”
 

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There’s a reason that Quilceda Creek is the number one name in Washington Cabernet—the standard by which all others are judged. Simply put, no other winery has been making wines that score as highly as consistently (and for so long). Unlike the bold and brash 2018 vintage, the 2019 season is known for being one of the only cool vintage of the decade. Snow was present throughout the early spring, prolonging dormancy and killing off pest populations with summer more or less ending in September. This created an elegant and acid driven harvest, especially in later ripening varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon. As you find at the crossroads with highly regarded producers and cooler seasons we were only able to secure limited quantities of this vintage. 

Arriving Friday March 25th: 

Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2019 750ML ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles arriving
Owen Bargreen-Vinous 98 points “Sourced mainly from the Champoux vineyard (90%) with a smaller part from the Mach One vineyard, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley utilizes clones 4, 8, 191, 337 and 685 with mostly clone 8 selections in the blend. Incredibly aromatic right now, it shows gorgeous black rose petals, crème de violette, sagebrush, black walnut, sandalwood and blueberry compote tones, giving a level of aromatic complexity that is unrivaled in the state. The palate is silky and elegant with a downright soft texture. Deeply concentrated and wonderfully structured, with smooth tannins, this gorgeous wine is already beautifully evolved at the two-year mark and will continue to deliver drinking enjoyment for at least another 15 years.”   
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 

As with many of our pre-arrival offers, the majority of the wines are sold before even hitting our shelves. We’ve selected some of our most popular offers with only a few remaining bottles and an unlikely return date. 

Pre Arrival Selections Arriving Friday, March 25th 

Patricia Green La Belle Promenade Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($41.95) $37 pre-arrival special, 11 bottles remaining 
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Shimmering ruby-red. A hugely perfumed bouquet evokes raspberry, cherry and boysenberry preserves, overlain with building floral and baking spice notes. Shows very good depth as well as energy to the sweet red and blue fruit, candied rose and cola flavors, which betray no rough edges. Melds richness and finesse with a sure hand and finishes on a repeating floral note, with wonderful persistence and rounded tannins adding subtle grip. 8% new French oak.”

Patricia Green Cellars Lia’s Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains 2019 750ML ($34.95) $30.90 pre-arrival special, 5 bottles remaining
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Vivid red. Spice-accented raspberry and cherry on the highly fragrant nose, along with hints of incense and baking spices. Silky and focused on the palate, offering vibrant red fruit and floral pastille flavors that deepen as the wine opens up. Fine-grained tannins frame a very long, spicy finish that shows repeating red fruit character and building florality. 15% new French oak.”     
 

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Patricia Green Cellars Volcanic Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($41.95) $37 pre-arrival special, 9 bottles remaining 
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Bright ruby-red. Assertively perfumed aromas of fresh red fruits, cola, candied flowers and baking spices show fine clarity and minerally lift. Sweet and precise on the palate, offering juicy raspberry, cherry and spicecake flavors that deepen as the wine opens up. Closes long and smooth, with rounded tannins framing a resonating red fruit note. No new oak.” 

Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix Cote de Lechet Chablis Premier Cru 2006 750ML ($69.95) $51.90 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles remaining 
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2006 Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet is a superb example of the vintage, offering up aromas of citrus oil, beeswax and oyster shell complemented by subtle hints of clear honey. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and incisive, its textural attack segues into a bright, chiseled mid-palate, concluding with a mouthwatering, intensely saline finish. More chiseled and tightly wound than its 2005 counterpart, this is a 2006 with a long future ahead of it, transcending the vintage’s limitations.”
 

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Other Trending Pre-arrivals coming April 2022: 

Ulysses Vineyard Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special, 36 bottles arriving
Ulysses Vineyard Napa Valley 2018 375ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special, 24 half bottles arriving  
Ulysses Vineyard Napa Valley 2018 1.5L ($399.95) $319 pre-arrival special, 12 magnums arriving
Ulysses Vineyard Napa Valley 2018 3L ($849.95) $699 pre-arrival special, 6 double-magnums arriving
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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Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2016 750ML ($62.95) $54.50 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2016 750ML ($359.95) $309 pre-arrival special, (That’s $51.50 per bottle) 
James Suckling 99 points “The complexity and beauty to this is really something with cherry, walnut, tobacco and cigar-box character. Sweet cherries. It’s full-bodied and deep with super intensity and power. Layered and beautiful. Really refined tannins. Some whole-berry fermentation gives this added character. Goes on for minutes. Try after 2025.”
Decanter 97 points “We were lucky enough to have a splendid entry from Brunello di Montalcino this year, as this zone’s other Gold and Platinum medals testify, drawing on both the superb 2015 (Reserva) and 2016 vintages. Much effort went into scrutinising these wines to find a worthy candidate for our Best In Show collection — and here it is. Translucent black-red in colour, shading to a glowing garnet rim, with refined, artfully composed scents of subdued berry fruits, warm summer forest, dried mushrooms and soft suede. The wine is intense, deep, perfectly pitched in structural terms between lively, well-rounded acidity and brisk, sober tannins: a dignified, grave yet rewarding wine for a fine dinner. It is fully accessible now, yet the quality of its fruit and its balance suggest many years’ ageing potential, too.”
Vinous 95 points ” The 2016 Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino really stands out with its vivid display of crushed raspberries, lavender and clove. Further depths are found with each swirl, adding mentholated herbs and flowery undergrowth. It’s dense and dark-fruited, enveloping the palate with notes of black cherry, plum, exotic savory spice and minerals. This is soothing and pliant in spite of the 2016’s youthful state, balancing brisk acids and fine tannins to create a push and pull of structural tension. The symmetry here is spellbinding, and everything is in the right place for a long and fruitful evolution over the next ten to fifteen years. Tasted twice with consistent results.”
 

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Montepeloso A Quo Toscana IGT Tuscany 2018 750ML ($29.95) $20.90 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92 points “A blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Montepulciano, 15% Sangiovese, 15% Marselan and 5% Alicante Bouschet, the Montepeloso 2018 A Quo is the entry-level expression that unfolds to a rich and sultry display of dark fruit, spice and a touch of charred meat. The blend is quite eccentric, but the basic elements are all there, such as the structure from the Cabernet Sauvignon, the wild character of the Montepulciano and the perfumed intensity of the other grapes. This is a 35,000-bottle production and a terrific value buy.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 points “The 2018 A Quo is rich and explosive in the glass, with superb presence and tons of intensity, but all in the gracious style of the year. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit and spice are front and center. In 2018, A Quo is supremely delicious. Best of all, it remains a tremendous value in artisan wine.”

Cavalli Tenuta degli Dei Toscana IGT Tuscany 2016 750ML ($59.95) $46 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Case-6 Cavalli Tenuta degli Dei Toscana IGT Tuscany 2016 750ML ($359.95) $259 special (That’s only $43.16 per bottle!)
Case-12 Cavalli Tenuta degli Dei Toscana IGT Tuscany 2016 750ML ($719.95) $499 special, (that’s only $41.58/bottle!)
James Suckling 97 points “What an amazing nose with pure herbs coming to the fore, soon to be joined by fresh brambleberries, blueberries, violets, heather, lavender, pine needles and forest floor. Full body, chewy but incredibly fine tannins, and tons of floral undertones. Elegant and resoundingly beautiful. Delicious now, but better in 2023.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96 points “The 2016 Tenuta Degli Dei is gorgeous. Power, structure and finesse come together in a wine that impresses for its superb balance and sheer class. Medium in body, but with tremendous fruit density and persistence, the 2016 has so much to offer. Sweet floral notes develop on the finish, adding perfume, lift and sensuality. I would cellar it for at least a few years to allow its full aromatic presence to emerge.”

Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone France 2020 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone France 2020 1.5L ($37.95) $29 special, 18 magnums in stock now 
Grapelive 92 points “The latest Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone, 100% Syrah, is an all tank aged and partial whole cluster wine with a deep purple color and far more complexity than you’d expect from a bottle in this price range with layers of blackberry, boysenberry, plum and blueberry fruits along with hints of earth, graphite, black licorice, dried herbs and crushed flowers in a beautifully smooth and textured full bodied wine. This vintage, which is Louis Barruol’s 24nd vintage of this juicy Saint Cosme Co^tes du Rho^ne, is very polished and pleasing with just enough savory crunch to keep things interesting. This edition is an easy companion with a variety of foods and was perfect with a chilly rainy night outside, it provided lots of comfort without any pretense. Being all Syrah it feels a bit more rustic and dense than most Grenache based versions, but you can see the family relationship with Barruol’s famous Gigondas and other classic Rhone bottlings with its warm and Mediterranean personality. This is always a great wine and sublime value… The Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone vines are set on mostly limestone sand, red clay and pebbles on Villafranchian terraces that gives this remarkably expression its stylistic charm, density and class. Barruol [notes that] he thinks Vinsobres is the best area to grow Syrah in this area, which is just to the north of Gigondas and influenced by cool alpine winds that help refresh the vines, giving ripe fruit, but with energy of natural acidity… Every year I get a bunch of Saint Cosme, of course their legendary Gigondas is a must, but I also grab bottles of their Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and lots of this Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge!”
Wine Spectator 90 points “A solidly built version, with crushed cherry and plum puree notes that meld with melted red licorice before singed juniper takes over on the finish. This has guts and range. Drink now through 2023. 20,000 cases made, 10,000 cases imported. — JM”
 

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Raventos I Blanc ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Espumoso Conca del Riu de Arnoia Catalonia 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Pale, green-tinged yellow. Lively, mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruits and succulent flowers on the nose, along with fennel and ginger accents that build as the wine stretches out. Sharply focused and lively on the palate, offering intense Meyer lemon, pear skin and honeysuckle flavors underscored by a smoky mineral quality. Shows impressive energy and minerally thrust on the finish, which hangs on with strong tenacity.”

Ayoub Vineyard Memoirs Pinot Noir Oregon 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery notes: “Memoirs is my fond personal tribute to my family.  This year’s label features a picture of myself when I was ~9 years old. The 2016 Memoirs is a blend of Pinot Noir crafted from six select vineyards in the Dundee Hills & McMinnville AVAs.The enticing nose is layered with raspberry, nutmeg, tobacco and graphite.  Dark red fruit on the palate leading into a profound mouth-feel that layer your tongue with fruit, lively acidity, cocoa powder and exotic spices .  The long and complex finish is highlighted by earthy minerality. Don’t let that cute picture of Mo fool you, this is a great wine that will cellar for many years!  Best from 2018 to 2030.”
 

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Cave Mont Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle ‘Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle’ Aosta Valley 2019 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Vinpol Note: Old-Vine Prie Blanc from high elevation vineyards in the Alps. 
 

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Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Vinothek Riesling Wachau 2002 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “At first deep, dark and mysterious. Just like the Nikolaihof cellar, where this dry riesling spent 16 years in barrel. Then, a minty freshness develops that leaps out of the glass at you. By some miracle, it manages to taste ancient and lively at once. The finish is very long with great herbal complexity. From biodynamically grown grapes. Demeter certified. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94+? points “From the Weingebirge and bottled in July 2018 after 16 years in oak, the 2002 Riesling Vinothek is deep and complex on the elegant and spicy nose that doesn’t reveal any classic Riesling aromas but rather the coolish vintage (“flood vintage”) and the long elevage in a traditional 60-hectoliter foudre. Crystalline and refined on the palate, this is an elegant, highly complex and vital yet still firm and initially even tannic and astringent wine that needs lots of patience. 12.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domaine in June 2021.”

Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque – Fleur de Champagne Brut Rose Millesime Champagne 2005 750ML ($319.95) $279 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “The palest of rosés, this crisp, bright and fruity wine is full of tight acidity, freshly picked raspberries and steely acidity. It could age a few more years to bring out a toastier character.”
 

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First planted to grapevines in 1655 by the Dutch East India Company, the country has been a wine exporter since the 18th century. The climate is definitively Mediterranean, with the day’s heat being mitigated by the mixing of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans offshore. The soils are some of the oldest on earth and largely comprised of decomposed granite, shale and mica. The soils’ advanced age also puts grapevines in contact with bedrock due to erosion, imbuing the wines with a distinctive minerality. The Hemel-En-Aarde Valley is one of the coolest growing regions in all of South Africa, being located directly in the path of the ocean’s cool air as it travels to Table Mountain in Cape Town. As a result the area is famous for its elegant expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinotage. 

Being the country’s flagship grape, Pinotage is famous for its chameleonic expression depending on pruning style, growing conditions and vinification practices. This is no better evidenced by Southern Right’s iteration of Pinotage, grown less than two miles from the Atlantic Ocean. In warmer and drier conditions the varietal takes on a spectrum of blue, black and purple fruits underscored by a tertiary plethora of smoke and earth. In the Hemel-En-Aarde Valley these characteristics are toned down and express a more Pinot Noir-esque showing of strawberry, rosehip, amarena cherry and orange peel. Southern Right’s Pinotage features the varietals classic smoke character, but more along the lines of incense and Cuban tobacco. Pinotage is traditionally paired with braai, South Africa’s flame grilled meats and vegetables but compatible with other foods like tagine, chili adobo fish or kimchi-jjigae. 

In stock and available now: 

Southern Right Pinotage Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 2020 750ML ($49.95) $30.90 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Importer Note: Southern Right is re-defining Pinotage with this intense classically styled, clay-grown wine, packed with complex berry fruit, beautiful tannins, and subtle spice. Full ripeness and the longer hang-time afforded by cooler sites, combined with the complex, more classic fruit aromas and structure resulting from clay-rich soil, make this wine a highly individual expression of South Africa’s unique grape variety   
 

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Other South African Gems in stock now: 

Meerlust Rubicon Stellenbosch 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, only 2 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 92 points “The 2017 Rubicon, Meerlust’s flagship Bordeaux blend (68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot) offers attractive blackberry, raspberry coulis and floral scents on the nose, plus just a touch of glycerol. The palate is harmonious and medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity and an almost understated but long finish. Not a show-stealer, but one of the bottles that you will finish quicker than intended.”
 

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Mother Rock ‘Force Majeure – Force Celeste’ Cinsault Swartland 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 30 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.”
 

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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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De Wetshof Limestone Hill Chardonnay Robertson 2021 750ML ($19.95) $17.70 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Winery Note: “De Wetshof is a third generation wine estate in South Africa’s Robertson Valley, where wine has been made for over 150 years. This family owned estate is a pioneer of noble white wines in South Africa, and has also introduced superior red cultivars to the Robertson Wine Valley. Millennia ago the Robertson Valley teamed with termite colonies who built magnificent nests from the soil. Over time these structures and their contents were calcified leading to the region having an exceptionally high limestone content. One of De Wetshof’s vineyards is planted on a hill where the limestone is so abundant it shimmers in low light, and this is where the grapes of the Limestone Hill originate from. Heavy clay soils rich in limestone allow this Chardonnay to emit optimum varietal expression in a cloak of rich complexity. “
 

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“This Vertus domaine numbers among my favorite addresses on the Côte de Blancs, and the Doyard family’s vinous, incisive Champagnes deserve a place in any well-stocked cellar. Deep, concentrated and characterful, everything that bears the Doyard label is well worth serious attention.” -William Kelley, Wine Advocate

It goes without saying that fruit from the Côte des Blancs is among the most in demand in all of Champagne. Krug, Bollinger, Roederer, Piper-Heidsieck and Moët & Chandon all have holdings in the region, and often use it for their top offerings. With this much corporate influence from the Grand Marquises you’d be hard pressed to find grower-producers, and yet Doyard has been one since 1677! 

With family holdings in Vertus, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Oger, Avize and Aÿ you’d be hard pressed to find a better expression of Chardonnay anywhere in the world, let alone Champagne. This exceptional quality is a result of meticulous farming practices and exacting cellarwork. Organic standards, 45 year old average vine age, horse plowing and four years minimum on lees aging are only a few examples of these practices in action.

Doyard Wines in stock now: 

Doyard Cuvee Vendemiaire Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special, 15 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Vendémiaire (2014 base) Doyard’s latest release. It was disgorged in February 2020 with four grams per liter dosage after 89 months on the lees. Wafting from the glass with aromas of honeycomb, yellow orchard fruit, dried citrus peel, warm bread and toasted almonds. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy but incisive, it’s elegantly layered and racy, with a pinpoint mousse and a long, sapid finish.” [Base year may vary from review]
2016-base, disgorged 02/06/2021

Doyard Clos de l’Abbaye Premier Cru Extra Brut Champagne 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 3 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96+ points “Disgorged in January 2021 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2015 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Clos de l’Abbaye has turned out brilliantly. Wafting from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, warm bread and honeycomb that are still a little reserved after its recent disgorgement, this is a full-bodied, layered and concentrated Champagne that’s vinous and textural, displaying notable depth and mid-palate amplitude that’s framed by lively acids and an enlivening pinpoint mousse, concluding with a long resonant finish. As I’ve written before, this cuvée derives from a walled 0.4-hectare plot of 60-year-old cordon-pruned vines just behind the winery in Vertus, and only the first and second “serres” of the press are used.”

Doyard Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne 2013 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2013 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru has also turned out beautifully, unwinding in the glass with notes of citrus oil, peach, white flowers and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and complete, it’s taut and chiseled, with serious reserves of concentration and a long, mineral finish. Disgorged in spring 2021, while its quality is apparent, this is predictably a little introverted out of the gates, so I look forward to revisiting it later this year.”