New Weekend, New Arrivals And New Wines
Oregon
“A classic balance of fruit and acid.”
Ansel Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($21.95) $19.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “A crisp Chardonnay from the Chehalem Mountains AVA. A classic balance of fruit and acid to make it perfect for every occasion.”
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“It smells like cherries and carnations, with a whiff of a grape popsicle in the background.”
Ansel Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($21.95) $19.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Michael Alberty, The Oregonian/OregonLive “This wine has a secret. I can tell you it is made by Graham Markel of Buona Notte Wines and experienced wine hand Jeremy Byrd. I can tell you they purchased barrels of pinot noir from a handful of well-known Willamette Valley wineries to make the Ansel. I can’t, however, tell you which wineries as Markel and Byrd are sworn to secrecy… It smells like cherries and carnations, with a whiff of a grape popsicle in the background. Flavors of bittersweet dark chocolate and wild strawberries positively glide over taste buds like Yuzuru Hanyu on open ice. The Ansel makes it way too easy to pour a second glass. If you do, make sure something from The Bar-Kays is on the turntable.”
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“The texture is fresh yet not lacking in breadth or body, and the finish is rewardingly long.”
Gran Moraine Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton District 2019 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now.
Decanter 92 points “Produced in the estate vineyards in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, the 2018 vintage from Gran Moraine is a bit reserved initially with a bit of smoky reduction. Yet, with time a bright, pure raspberry and black cherry fruit develop with a pronounced mineral cast and interesting complexity of savoury smoky aromas. The texture is fresh yet not lacking in breadth or body, and the finish is rewardingly long.”
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“There’s a devoted cult following for Vincent Fritzsche’s graceful Pinot Noirs”
Vincent Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 12 bottles in stock
Josh Raynolds, Vinous-“There’s a devoted cult following for Vincent Fritzsche’s graceful Pinot Noirs but the outside world seems blithely unaware of the consistent quality here. Fritzsche sources fruit from some of the Willamette Valley’s most esteemed vineyards and then pretty much leaves it alone.” –
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“Impressive for its detailed structure and rich polish”
Zena Crown Vineyard Confier Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 24 bottles in stock
Wine Spectator 95 points “Impressive for its detailed structure and rich polish, this shows expressive raspberry, black tea, sweet anise and forest floor accents that with finish with silky, medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2030. 535 cases made. –TF”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Bright ruby-red. Cherry, musky red berries, pungent flowers and a hint of vanilla on the highly perfumed nose. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering cherry cola, raspberry and mocha flavors and a subtle touch of savory herbs. Pliant tannins add subtle grip to a very long, penetrating finish that echoes the cherry and floral notes.”
Washington
“It’s one of the finest wines I’ve ever tasted from Ben Smith”
Cadence Winery Bel Canto Cara Mia Vineyard Red Columbia Valley 2018 750ML ($69.95) $53.50 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2018 Bel Canto is a Cabernet Franc-dominated blend that includes 17% Merlot. As with the Camerata, it spent 23 months in 50% new oak. Gorgeous notes of cassis and ripe black cherry fruits as well as leafy herbs, forest floor, iron, tobacco, and spice all soar from the glass, and this head-turning beauty is full-bodied, with a seamless texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish. It’s one of the finest wines I’ve ever tasted from Ben Smith and should be snatched up by readers! It’s going to keep for 15+ years or more. Wow.”
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“It’s one of the finest wines I’ve ever tasted from Ben Smith”
Cadence Winery Camerata Cara Mia Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain 2018 ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “Moving to the reserve wines, the 2018 Camerata checks in 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc that saw a longer élevage, spending 23 months in 50% new French oak. Incredible notes of blackcurrants, black olives, tobacco, damp earth, and sous bois define the bouquet, and it’s a magical, full-bodied, incredibly balanced Cabernet with ripe, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a monster of a finish. As with the Bel Canto, it’s one of the finest wines I’ve ever tasted from this estate.”
“Well worth seeking out, it’s going to deliver the goods for a solid two decades.”
Cadence Winery Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Columbia Valley 2018 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2018 Ciel Du Cheval is based on 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 19% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot. It comes from unquestionably one of the top vineyards on Red Mountain and spent 18 months in French oak. Lots of classic Red Mountain tannins and minerality as well as notes of cassis, currants, dried herbs, graphite, and loamy soil define this beauty, and it’s medium to full-bodied and wonderfully balanced, with a round, expansive mouthfeel and a great finish. Well worth seeking out, it’s going to deliver the goods for a solid two decades.”
“Fruit flavors show the freshness of the vintage”
Cadence Winery Coda Red Mountain 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Editor’s Choice. A blend of 48% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 18% Petit Verdot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. The aromas show great purity, with notes of raspberry, flowers and herbs. The red fruit flavors show the freshness of the vintage and the palate the structure of this producer. -Sean P. Sullivan”.
“Fruit and opulence to shine today yet the structure and balance to evolve for 15-20 years”
Cadence Winery Tapteil Vineyard Red 2018 Columbia Valley 750ML ($49.95) $36 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “The 2018 Tapteil Vineyard is slightly more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated and checks in as 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Merlot. It too saw 18 months in 40% new French oak. Ripe red and black fruits, leafy herbs, chocolate, charcoal, and earthy nuances give way to a medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, concentrated red blend with the fruit and opulence to shine today yet the structure and balance to evolve for 15-20 years. Give it a few years if you can.”
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California
“The 2017 is a stunning wine by any measure”
Verite La Joie Sonoma County 2017 750ML ($449.95) $399 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “Tasting like a great bottle of Château Lafite, the 2017 La Joie is based largely on Cabernet Sauvignon and brought up, I suspect, in mostly new French oak. Deep ruby/purple, with a heavenly bouquet of crème de cassis, lead pencil, cedarwood, graphite, and tobacco, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, an incredible sense of elegance and purity, building tannins, and a great, great finish. This majestic, regal Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is going to require a decade of cellaring to hit maturity (although it’s far from unapproachable today) and will see its 50th birthday in fine form. I followed this bottle for three days and it never showed a hint of oxidation. This is easily my wine of the vintage in 2017.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points ““The Cab Franc was quite spectacular in 2017. There is a bit more in the blend this year,” Pierre Seillan told me during the tasting of the 2017s with his daughter and one day successor, Helene. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2017 La Joie has a very deep garnet-purple color. It opens a little closed and broody, giving glimpses of blackcurrant cordial, espresso, charcoal and black truffles to begin, before blossoming out to a whole array of preserved black and blue fruits, dusty soil, crushed rocks and iron ore scents plus a waft of roses. The medium to full-bodied palate is built like a brick house, with firm, grainy tannins and a lively backbone supporting the muscular fruit, finishing very long and mineral laced. The alcohol weighed in at just 13.9% this year (14% on the label), making for a particularly elegant but no less impactful La Joie! 2,500 cases were made.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 La Joie is another gorgeous wine in this lineup. Deep, pliant and nuanced, the 2017 is impeccably balanced. Silky and plush, La Joie is especially refined in 2017, and that complements its mid-weight structure so nicely. Hints of rose petal, lavender, mint and blood orange add brightness. The 2017 is a stunning wine by any measure.”
“Beautifully ripe, fine-grained tannins supporting the generous fruit, finishing long and perfumed”
Anakota Helena Montana Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley 2017 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 96 points “Fruit for this was harvested on September 8th, and the wine was bottled six months ago. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard gives up exuberant notions of warm blueberries, crème de cassis, lilacs and chocolate box with hints of fertile loam, licorice and menthol. Medium-bodied, elegant, very fresh and juicy, the palate has beautifully ripe, fine-grained tannins supporting the generous fruit, finishing long and perfumed. 1,200 cases produced.”
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“Nice sense of maturity and complexity”
Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Mendocino County NV 750ML ($21.95) $16.60 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case- 12 Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Mendocino County NV 750ML ($249.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “A well-rounded, supple texture surrounds attractive toast and nut flavors in this suave and mouthfilling wine. Notes of biscuit, peach and toasted bread give it a nice sense of maturity and complexity. -Jim Gordon”
Wine & Spirits 91 points “[Reviewed 8/2021] This is clean and crisp with rich undertones of brioche and lemon custard. It offers a balance of the soft and the lively, a refreshing sparkling wine to kick off a dinner party. —J.G.”
Champagne
In one of the smallest villages in the Côte des Blancs is Avize. One of the original Grand Cru villages, it plays a role in some of the most recognizable Champagnes: Dom Perignon, Heidsieck’s Blanc des Millenaires, Veuve Clicquot’s La Grande Dame, Selosse, and Agrapart. The wines are deeply influenced by the chalky soils and clay of the region, expressing a core of minerality.
Waris-Larmandier is a tiny estate founded in 1989. You’ll be forgiven for not having heard of the estate. It encompasses just over five hectares (all 32+ year old vines) and most of its understated production is snapped up in France and the UK. But the family is in good company, with close familial ties to Larmandier-Bernier, Pierre Gimonnet, and Guy Larmandier. Based in Avize, they tend vines in several Cote des Blanc villages as well as tiny parcels of Pinot Noir and Meunier in the Montagne de Reims, Côte des Bar, and the Aube. The base wines are aged in neutral barrels with liqueur de tirage and dosage made exclusively from estate vines, if added at all. Officially certified biodynamic just last year, these are structured wines bottled at a lower pressure to best showcase Chardonnay’s skill at conveying terroir.
“The Waris-Larmandier style is terroir-focused, understated, structured, and ultra-elegant.”
Waris-Larmandier ‘Racine de Trois’ Brut NV 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Cuvée Racines de Trois represents the “three roots” of Waris-Larmandier: the contribution of the three siblings to the project, and their use of three grape varieties (chardonnay, pinot noir, and meunier), coming from three regions of Champagne (Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, and Côte des Bar). Together they form the base of Waris-Larmandier’s entry-level Champagne, which combines the structure of chardonnay with the red-fruit characteristics from the two pinots in an incredibly food-friendly, drinkable package. The Waris-Larmandier family utilizes natural and regenerative agricultural practices to cultivate their old-vine Grand Cru vineyards near their village of Avize in the Côte des Blancs. Racines de Trois is certified organic and biodynamic Champagne. The Waris-Larmandier style is terroir-focused, understated, structured, and ultra-elegant.”
“The Waris-Larmandier style is terroir-focused, understated, structured, and ultra-elegant”
Waris-Larmandier Particules Crayeuses Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($89.95) $73.50 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Particules Crayeuses is Waris-Larmandier’s flagship Blanc de Blancs cuvée, sourced from the estate’s biodynamically farmed, old-vine chardonnay plots in the Grand Cru villages of Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, Oger, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs. The Waris-Larmandier family utilizes natural and regenerative agricultural practices. Particules Crayeuses is certified organic and biodynamic Champagne. The Waris-Larmandier style is terroir-focused, understated, structured, and ultra-elegant.”
“The harmonious palate has a savory, smooth and creamy texture and a long, elegant and supple finish.”
Waris-Larmandier ‘L’Instant de Passion’ Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ML ($89.95) $75 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Importer note “L’Instant de Passions Rosé is sourced from the estate’s biodynamically farmed, old-vine chardonnay plots in the Grand Cru villages of Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, Oger, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs and pinot noir from the Côte des Bar. The Waris-Larmandier family utilizes natural and regenerative agricultural practices—L’Instant de Passions Rosé is a certified organic and biodynamic Champagne. The Waris-Larmandier style is terroir-focused, understated, structured, and ultra-elegant. L’Instant de Passions Rosé is a very limited, complex œil de perdrix rosé with mellow, earthy mushroom nuances, melting into strawberries, pink grapefruit, saline notes, and baking spices. The harmonious palate has a savory, smooth and creamy texture and a long, elegant and supple finish. A rosé that can be enjoyed before a meal but also has the tension to pair beautifully with food.”
“Arpège” is in a different league; it’s finer in tone and more complex.”
Pascal Doquet ‘Arpege’ Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Brut NV ($69.95) $55 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Arpège is now the basic, non-vintage wine at the estate, with the “Horizon” bottling now being firmly established in other markets. “Horizon” hails from the Côte du Pertois, south-east of Chalons and east of the Côte de Sézanne. It is a parcel that Pascal’s father planted in 1971. “Arpège” is in a different league; it’s finer in tone and more complex. The chardonnay comes from Vertus, Villeneuve and Mont Aimé—the grapes that are not in the Coeur de Terroir series. The assemblage is 50% 2011, 50% reserve wine. It was bottled in May, 2013 and disgorged March, 2016 with 3.5 grams dosage MCR. There is substantial reserve wine in the blend, preserved in enamel tanks to maintain freshness. Aromas of spice, black tea and pear dominate the flinty-silex soils from the Mont Aimé and lend smokiness and depth to the structure.”
“There are aromas of ginger, anise, zest and sandalwood, and the Champagne emphasizes the spicy characteristics of Le Mesnil”
Pascal Doquet ‘Diapason’ Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut NV ($79.95) $69 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “‘Diapason’ Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Brut. Pascal’s grandfather consolidated to 1 hectare in which Pascal still owns 60 acres of, including “Les Migraines” where he has very old vines planted in 1929. 45% was fermented in enamel, 20% in neutral barrel. It’s an impressive non-vintage Champagne and is available anywhere. There are aromas of ginger, anise, zest and sandalwood, and the Champagne emphasizes the spicy characteristics of Le Mesnil. The wine finishes with some cut which helps focus the finish.”
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“Champagnes are of great precision and among the very best”
Pascal Doquet Le Mont Aime Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Extra Brut 2008 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 3 bottles in stock now
“Pascal Doquet’s organic Champagnes are of great precision and among the very best that the Côte des Blancs has to offer. Highly recommended.” -Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
Importer note “[Le Mont Aimé] is east of Vertus and it faces directly south. Even so, it is a cooler microclimate than Pascal’s parcels in Le Mesnil and Vertus and ripening here can happen a week later.”
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“Chalk and clay soils from Pascal’s best sites in the mid-slope of Vertus”
Pascal Doquet Vertus Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Brut 2008 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Importer note “This Champagne is the first in Doquet’s “Coeur de Terroir” series and it comes from the chalk and clay soils from Pascal’s best sites in the mid-slope of Vertus.”
“Rosé Champagne that will leave readers weak at the knees”
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Brut Rose 2007 750ML ($299.95) $239 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2007 Comtes de Champagne Rosé is a total knock-out. Racy and exuberant in the glass, the 2007 wraps around the palate with stunning textural depth and resonance. The 15% still Pinot adds structure and persistence to a creamy, inviting Rosé Champagne that will leave readers weak at the knees. Hints of rose petal, dried cherry, cinnamon and dried flowers meld into the sublime finish. This is about as good as it gets. Wow!”
Decanter 97 points “The Comtes de Champagne Rosé is composed of 30% Chardonnay (Grands Crus from Côtes de Blancs), 70% Pinot Noir (Grands Crus from Montagne de Reims, including 15% Pinot Noir from Bouzy, vinified as red wine). It has strawberry, mint, rose petal and cherry notes on the exuberant nose. The palate is racy and creamy, very compact and fresh, with a delicate salty note on the finish.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96 points “This bottle of Taittinger’s just-released 2007 Brut Comtes de Champagne Rosé was disgorged in December 2018, and it’s showing brilliantly, unfurling in the glass with a complex bouquet of blood orange, minty raspberries, red plums, dried flowers and warm brioche. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, chalky and tensile, sharing a racy, chiseled profile with its Blanc de Blancs cousin. Deep, concentrated and tightly wound, the wine concludes with a long, sapid finish. This is an intense, racy Comtes Rosé with a long future ahead of it. As has been the norm chez Taittinger for several years now, the blend is based upon 70% Pinot Noir and includes 15% still red wine from Bouzy.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This harmonious rosé Champagne offers quiet grace, with a pleasing juiciness to the sleek acidity, framing finely knit flavors of raspberry, peach, brioche and candied pink grapefruit zest. Showing a raw silk–like texture, this caresses the palate through to the fresh, ginger-laced finish. Drink now through 2027. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 550 cases imported. — AN”
“At their best, proprietor Jean-François Clouet’s wines are distinctive and full of character.”
Andre Clouet ‘Dream Vintage’ Brut 2013 750ML ($59.95) $53.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni, Vinous “100% Chardonnay, bottled one year after harvest. Disgorged to order for the importer. André Clouet is one of my favorite small domaines in Champagne. At their best, proprietor Jean-François Clouet’s wines are distinctive and full of character.”
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Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 375ML ($31.95) $24 special, 17 bottles in stock now
***Half bottle***
Wine Spectator 91 points “Rich aromas and flavors of poached apricot, melon, tangerine and hazelnut are enlivened by vibrant acidity in this well-knit Champagne, with a creamy finish of graphite and spice. Disgorged December 2019. Drink now through 2023. –AN” [Review for prior disgorgement]
“An elegant rosé Champagne”
Diebolt-Vallois Brut Rose NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “An elegant rosé Champagne, fresh with crunchy acidity and lacy texture, this shows a delicate mesh of star fruit, pink grapefruit pith, star anise and pickled ginger. Chalk-tinged finish. Disgorged October 2019. Drink now through 2022. –AN” [Review for prior disgorgement]
“There’s a firm backbone of zesty acidity and underlying minerality”
Diebolt-Vallois Tradition Brut NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Diebolt-Vallois Tradition Brut NV 750ML ($249.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Diebolt-Vallois Tradition Brut NV 750ML ($499.95) $449 special (that’s only $37.42/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 92 points “Like an orchard in late spring, this blends floral and fruit notes of ripe apple, white cherry and apricot. There’s a firm backbone of zesty acidity and underlying minerality, with a lingering hint of ginger on the finish.”
Beaujolais
“Juicy, sharply focused and alluringly sweet”
Domaine du Pavillon de Chavannes Cote de Brouilly Cuvee des Ambassades Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($29.95) $25 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Domaine du Pavillon de Chavannes Cote de Brouilly Cuvee des Ambassades Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($179.95) $142.50 special (that’s only $23.75/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Brilliant violet. Expansive, spice- and mineral-accented red fruit and spicecake scents show fine delineation and pick up a suave floral note with air. Juicy, sharply focused and alluringly sweet, offering vibrant raspberry, boysenberry and five-spice powder flavors that deepen slowly through the midpalate. Shows superb energy and finishes seamless and impressively long, with polished and reverberating mineral and floral notes.”
“Vibrant, spice-accented red and blue fruits and pungent flowers on the highly perfumed nose”
Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie l’Alchimiste Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 93 points “Glistening ruby. Vibrant, spice-accented red and blue fruits and pungent flowers on the highly perfumed nose. Sappy and seamless in the mouth, the spine of juicy acidity adding energy to plush boysenberry and raspberry preserve flavors. Shows sharp definition and repeating florality on the persistent, gently tannic finish, which leaves sweet red fruit and smoky mineral notes behind.”
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.”
Italy
“Bright aromatics and a refreshing lift on the palate”
Boira Pinot Grigio Veneto IGT Italy 2019 750ML ($19.95) $17 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Distributor note “(Certified Organic) Boira Pinot Grigio is made from certified organically farmed vineyards surrounding the city of Verona. The vineyards are rich in limestone, which gives this wine bright aromatics and a refreshing lift on the palate. Brilliant straw color with golden reflections. Fresh and floral bouquet with a hint of pears, apple blossom, and apricots, blended with the intense aroma of acacia flowers. Fresh and inviting taste with bright fruit and an easy drinking style with a pleasing hint of almonds in the aftertaste.”
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“This dances across the palate, pliant and soothing at times but then angular and boisterous at others”
Tiberio Montepulciano D Abruzz Archivio Italy 2017 750ML ($54.95) $44.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 95+ points “Garnering an official “wow” from the very first tilt of the glass, the 2017 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Archivio is breathtaking. Roses, violets, stone dust and sour citrus set the stage, deepening with notes of ripe blackberries, cherries and hints of brown spice. It’s profoundly textural, as a silky wave ushers in ripe red and hints of blue fruit, spice, licorice and sweet lavender. This dances across the palate, pliant and soothing at times but then angular and boisterous at others, leaving a fine coating of saturating tannin behind. I love the harmony here, already so likable yet also youthfully reserved. My best advice is to check in on at least one bottle now, but to lose the rest in your cellar for a number of years. The Archivio is produced from four separate biotypes in Cristiana Tiberio’s vineyard. These are the oldest of her vines, averaging 60 years, and all are pergola-trained, growing in clay-rich soils. Also, due to the thicker skins and need for oxygen during vinification, 30% of the wine is matured for twelve months in new barrique. This is a whole new level for Tiberio Montepulciano.”
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Newly Arrived from Domaine Drouhin:
Domaine Drouhin Roserock Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($37.95) $33 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “This version is defined by a beam of vibrant acidity and tannins that’s framed by refined blueberry and cherry flavors, accented by stony minerality and dusky spiced tea. Drink now through 2031. 6,745 cases made. — TF”
Domaine Drouhin Roserock Zephirine Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ML ($64.95) $54.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Deep in structure yet loaded with finesse, offering raspberry, pomegranate and rose petal accents that build tension toward fine-grained tannins. Captures the essence of Eola-Amity. Drink now through 2030. 1,737 cases made. — TF”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2018 Pinot Noir Zéphirine has layered aromas, with a pretty juxtaposition of tobacco leaves and dried flowers accenting a core of sweet rhubarb, raspberry and blueberry fruit. The medium-bodied palate is silky and elegant, offering loads of earth and spice-laced fruits and a long, uplifted and juicy finish.”
James Suckling 96 points “Very intense violets and fresh wild cherries, blueberries and a spicy, bracken-like note with a stony edge, too. The palate shows the clarity of tannin that is the hallmark of great pinot noir – super fresh, well-defined and fine yet powerful – carrying cherry flavors long and fresh. Drink or hold.”
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Arriving Friday, November 12th from Domaine Drouhin:
Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($44.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Medium ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills opens with savory notions of leather, graphite and tobacco with a core of red and blue berry fruits. The palate is medium-bodied with concentrated, incredibly spicy flavor layers, firm and super fresh, and it finishes very long and flavorful. Give it another 2-3 years in bottle.”
Domaine Drouhin Laurene Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “Super complex and rich with a ripe array of red to dark-cherry and plum aromas, as well as toasted-spice oak influence. This has much to enjoy already. The palate has a very rich, fleshy and intense, layered appeal with a swirling, spicy thread of rich red cherries and long, fine, supple tannins. Drink or hold.”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94 points “Medium ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir Laurène opens with pure raspberry, rhubarb and aniseed perfume with accents of bergamot and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated, super spicy, firm and very fresh, finishing uplifted and loaded with perfumed fruits. Give it another 2-3 years in bottle.”
Domaine Drouhin Arthur Chardonnay Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($44.95) $39 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “Baked apples, spiced pears, lemon pie, white flowers, nougat and nutmeg on the nose. It’s full-bodied with crisp acidity and seamless, elegant layers of ripe stone and citrus fruit. Hints of stones and blanched almonds to close. Drink or hold.”
Centenarian delight with Yohan Lardy
Beaujolais remains one of the most undervalued regions in France, especially among the old vine parcels that are scattered throughout the 10 Crus. Much like how Chardonnay dominates in the Burgundian villages of Chablis and Côte des Blancs, Gamay Noir makes up 99% of wine production. Beaujolais features soil types ranging from Limestone Marl, River clay, schist to the famous multi-colored Granite.
The crown jewel of Yohan Lardy’s estate is an inherited parcel that was planted in 1903. Hand farmed and without any synthetic inputs whatsoever, this is an incredibly transparent example of Moulin a Vent’s terroir. The heat waves of the vintage were considered worrisome for younger vine parcels, but older vines were able to cope and ripen to unprecedented levels. The result in Lardy’s bottling is a “Cabernet Lover’s Gamay” with a persistently jammy and candied fruit character. Still persistently granitic and juicy, there are alternating layers of red and black fruits that make it aromatically mesmerizing. Black raspberry, blueberry, cinnamon dusted strawberry, Morello and Bing cherry abound with violet, anise flower and granite on the finish. The medium body and tannin have a slight edge over the acid, making this incredibly food friendly for heartier meals.
Yohan Lardy Moulin-a-Vent Vieilles Vignes de 1903 Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Yohan Lardy Moulin-a-Vent Vieilles Vignes de 1903 Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($219.95) $175 special (that’s only $29.17/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Saturated magenta. A deeply perfumed bouquet evokes ripe, spice-tinged red and dark berries, licorice, violet and smoky minerals. Palate-staining black raspberry, bitter cherry, blueberry, floral pastille and succulent herb flavors turn sweeter as the wine opens up. Shows impressive power and sharp definition on the subtly tannic finish, which leaves cherry pit, allspice and floral notes behind.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Cellar Selection. Exceptional in its density, this wine comes from 116-year-old vines that yield small berries with concentration. The wine is dark and firm, with a great structure, packed black fruits and spice from the wood aging. Drink from 2023. -Roger Voss”
Other wines in stock now by Yohan and Lucien Lardy (Yohan’s Father):
Domaine Lucien Lardy Beaujolais Villages Blanc France 2019 750ML ($19.95) $17 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Importer note “4 generations family based in the Cru Fleurie in Beaujolais. Lucien took over the estate in the 90’s and expanded his estate vineyard in the Cru Fleurie on the lieu-dit “Les Roches” and “Les Moriers”. Organic practice and natural winemaking with partial destemming and aging in oak barrels.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Lucien Lardy Fleurie Les Roches Vieilles Vignes Beaujolais2019 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 93 points “From a rocky parcel where the pink-granite bedrock comes to the surface, this wine has the vivid sensation of crushed stones. Its beautiful wild-strawberry flavors are brisk and bright, completely filling the granite tannins and seeming to gain their energy from the rock. This wine’s herbal notes, from rosemary to thyme and black pepper, take its gamey perfume toward duck confit, with which it would be delicious.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Glistening ruby-red. Vibrant, spice-accented red fruits and candied flowers on the highly perfumed nose. Sappy and seamless in the mouth, where a spine of juicy acidity supports juicy boysenberry and raspberry preserve flavors. Shows very good energy and strong floral character on a persistent, subtly tannic finish that leaves sweet red fruit and smoky mineral notes behind.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Yohan Lardy Moulin-a-Vent Les Michelons Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Deep ruby. Dark berries, cherry pit, candied licorice, baking spices and a hint of potpourri on the fragrant nose. Sappy, well-delineated black and blue fruit flavors show bright mineral lift and turn sweeter through the back half. In an ample but energetic style, finishing velvety and long, with a repeating cherry note and just a hint of fine-grained tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Producer Spotlight: Nicolas Maillart
The Montagne de Reims is one of the most important regions in all of Champagne. As the birthplace of the style at the Abbey of Hautvilliers, the region has been home to Champagne superstars ever since. This is especially evidenced by the new generation of grower champenois, including Nicholas Maillart. With family history in the village dating back to 1753 and 8.5 hectares of entirely Premier and Grand Cru sites, their pedigree alone makes these remarkable for their price point.
Much like the pioneer monks Dom Pierre Pérignon and Dom Theirry Ruinart, Maillart processes and ferments every lot separately and differently depending on the character of the individual plot, with Pinot Noir taking the role of Prima Donna. Maillart’s assemblage or blending work is something to be experienced, capturing elegance, rich fruit, spice, minerality and quenching acidity.
This approach to vinification allows for an incredible level of creative freedom while still being able to maintain a “House style” especially considering all of the grapes are estate grown. The wide range of Champagnes he produces make them suited for truly any kind of cuisine, with the Platine and Rose being a dream pairing with spicy or fatty cuisine. For those looking for a leaner and more crisp expression to suit fishes, delicate cheeses and vegetables, there is the Extra Brut and single vineyard offerings. Maillart is one of the select few producers in the entire world that produces exceptional wine in every bottling.
In Stock now:
Nicolas Maillart Platine Premier Cru Brut NV 375ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ half-bottles in stock now
Importer note “2017-base. 57% Pinot Noir, 28% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier. 50% 2017 + 50% reserve wine.”
Winery Note “Golden in colour with a fine, lingering bead Nose: Intense with notes of fruit and hazelnuts and a slight toastiness Palate: The initial impact is wonderfully fresh and vinous, followed by great finesse. Slow, gentle pressing using gravity-flow techniques. Vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and a period in the barrel for a certain volume of reserve wines. Average two-year maturing period in the bottle. Disgorged by hand and laid down for at least three months before sale.”
Nicolas Maillart Grand Cru Rose NV 750ML ($69.95) $48 special, 12 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The new release of Maillart’s NV Brut Rosé Grand Cru is based on the 2015 vintage, complemented by one-third reserve wines, and was disgorged in October 2019 with six grams per liter dosage. Bursting from the glass with expressive aromas of ripe red apples, pears, plums and fresh bread, it’s fleshy and enveloping, with an ample core of fruit, ripe but racy acids and a nicely defined finish. Vinous and charming, it’s a blend of 60% Pinot Noir (some 7% of which is still red wine) and 40% Chardonnay, all from Bouzy.”
60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay. 60% aged in oak. Disgorged 12/2019.
Winery Note “Salmon-pink in colour with a fine, lingering bead Nose: Intense with notes of fruit (ripe and from the forest floor) Palate: The initial impact is wonderfully fresh and vinous, followed by great finesse. Maceration on skins for 52 hours Slow, gentle pressing using gravity-flow techniques. Vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and a period in the barrel for a certain volume of reserve wines. Average two-year maturing period in the bottle. Disgorged by hand and laid down for at least three months before sale.”
Much like the pioneer monks Dom Pierre Pérignon and Dom Theirry Ruinart, Maillart processes and ferments every lot separately and differently depending on the character of the individual plot, with Pinot Noir taking the role of Prima Donna. Maillart’s assemblage or blending work is something to be experienced, capturing elegance, rich fruit, spice, minerality and quenching acidity.
This approach to vinification allows for an incredible level of creative freedom while still being able to maintain a “House style” especially considering all of the grapes are estate grown. The wide range of Champagnes he produces make them suited for truly any kind of cuisine, with the Platine and Rose being a dream pairing with spicy or fatty cuisine. For those looking for a leaner and more crisp expression to suit fishes, delicate cheeses and vegetables, there is the Extra Brut and single vineyard offerings. Maillart is one of the select few producers in the entire world that produces exceptional wine in every bottling.
In Stock now:
Nicolas Maillart Platine Premier Cru Brut NV 375ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ half-bottles in stock now
Importer note “2017-base. 57% Pinot Noir, 28% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier. 50% 2017 + 50% reserve wine.”
Winery Note “Golden in colour with a fine, lingering bead Nose: Intense with notes of fruit and hazelnuts and a slight toastiness Palate: The initial impact is wonderfully fresh and vinous, followed by great finesse. Slow, gentle pressing using gravity-flow techniques. Vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and a period in the barrel for a certain volume of reserve wines. Average two-year maturing period in the bottle. Disgorged by hand and laid down for at least three months before sale.”
Nicolas Maillart Grand Cru Rose NV 750ML ($69.95) $48 special, 12 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The new release of Maillart’s NV Brut Rosé Grand Cru is based on the 2015 vintage, complemented by one-third reserve wines, and was disgorged in October 2019 with six grams per liter dosage. Bursting from the glass with expressive aromas of ripe red apples, pears, plums and fresh bread, it’s fleshy and enveloping, with an ample core of fruit, ripe but racy acids and a nicely defined finish. Vinous and charming, it’s a blend of 60% Pinot Noir (some 7% of which is still red wine) and 40% Chardonnay, all from Bouzy.”
60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay. 60% aged in oak. Disgorged 12/2019.
Winery Note “Salmon-pink in colour with a fine, lingering bead Nose: Intense with notes of fruit (ripe and from the forest floor) Palate: The initial impact is wonderfully fresh and vinous, followed by great finesse. Maceration on skins for 52 hours Slow, gentle pressing using gravity-flow techniques. Vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and a period in the barrel for a certain volume of reserve wines. Average two-year maturing period in the bottle. Disgorged by hand and laid down for at least three months before sale.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Nicolas Maillart ‘Les Chaillots Gillis’ Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2012 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Champagne from a specific area from old vines of Chardonnay. Produced only in great years, this Champagne is produced with limited quantity. A wine of Champagne before being a Champagne. Origin of the grapes: Ecueil 1er cru . Sourced from different parcels of old vines only, exposed on the south hills and different plots in the middle of the vineyard. Winemaking and aging: Slow, gentle pressing using gravity flow techniques. This wine is vinified exclusively in wooden vats . This Champagne has had a long maturation on wooden vats and no filtration took place before the bottling. Disgorged by hand and laid down at least six months before sale. Dosage : 0 g/L Tasting notes Eye : Golden yellow with a fine, lingering bead Nose : really delicate with notes of minerality and toasty notes. Palate: A lovely fresh, vinous attack. This is an intense Champagne that will do great justice to a meal.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Nicolas Maillart Premier Cru Extra Brut NV 750ML ($54.95) $45 special, 23 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “A blend of equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the NV Extra-Brut Premier Cru was disgorged in February 2019 with three grams per liter dosage. Offering up aromas of crisp green orchard fruit, dried white flowers and citrus oil, it’s medium to full-bodied, racy and incisive, with a perceptibly drier, tangier profile than Maillart’s more enveloping Brut Platine.”
Winery Note “Golden in colour with a fine, lingering bead. Aroma: Intense with notes of fruit and hazelnuts and a sligth toastiness. Taste: The initial impact is wonderfully fresh and vinous, followed by great finesse. Food and wine: Aperitif, white fish like haddock or cod. Pinot Noir is dominant, with a complement of Chardonnay that brings freshness to the blend. The high percentage of reserve wines (30 to 40%), aged in barrels, confers a high regularity and style to this Brut Platine. Only “Grand” and premier crus are used in this wine, with origins in the Montagne de Reims, on vineyards managed by us. With a very gentle process, we keep all the richness of the grapes. Aged around three years on its lees, this Brut Platine develops all its richness. A natural balance and freshness allows a low dosage (3 g/l).”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Maillart wines arriving Late November:
Nicolas Maillart Platine Premier Cru Brut NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Golden in colour with a fine, lingering bead Nose: Intense with notes of fruit and hazelnuts and a slight toastiness Palate: The initial impact is wonderfully fresh and vinous, followed by great finesse. Slow, gentle pressing using gravity-flow techniques. Vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and a period in the barrel for a certain volume of reserve wines. Average two-year maturing period in the bottle. Disgorged by hand and laid down for at least three months before sale.”
Collector’s Corner:
Thibaud Boudignon
Thibaud Boudignon
Have you ever had a Chenin Blanc from a French cult producer? You’ve heard of Boulay and Dagueneau’s history making Sauvignon Blanc but the Loire has another varietal amongst her crown jewels; Chenin. Cultivated in the Loire valley since 845, it’s known for being one of the most versatile on the planet; producing benchmark examples of still, sweet and sparkling wines with incredible longevity in the bottle. Across these styles you find an entire spectrum of Pomme fruit flavors, that can resemble green apples at their leanest to honeycrisp and quince at their most developed with an unshakable core of acid not unlike a well-made Riesling out of Germany.
In spite of this pedigree the world is only just starting to discover these works of art from the Loire, with producers like Boudignon leading a new generation that are taking Chenin Blanc to new heights. Originally from Bordeaux, Thibaud Boudignon made a name for himself working in Burgundy at the legendary house, Philippe Charlopin. This tutelage is clearly evident in his current work, which features a purity of varietal character and mineral spine rarely seen outside of Burgundy.
After producing exemplary work at Chateau Soucherie he purchased a small vineyard and initiated biodynamic conversion. His seminal vintage was in 2009 and immediately put him on the map in France, and he’s only gotten better since! His devotion to meticulous farming under biodynamic standards in addition to his masterful technical skill as a winemaker have made him a cult figure almost overnight. We only get small quantities of his wines every year, so get them while you can!
In Stock Now from Thibaud Boudignon:
Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc, Loire 2019 750ML ($47.95) $44 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc, Loire 2019 1.5L ($99.95) $89 special, 3 magnums in stock now
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 review provided for reference.
Jason Wilson – Vinous 92 points “Quiet, elegant nose of beeswax, ripe pear and smoke. Rambunctious, lively and textured in the mouth, bursting with grilled lemon and green apple plus notes of salt and smoke, all underpinned by smooth stoniness. A cool, youthful wine that is full of energy.”
Importer note “With a tight core of saline terroir enveloped within ripe medium bodied fruit, this chenin blanc delivers a focused example of Thibaud’s style of ripe fruit matched with elegance and precision.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc ‘a Francoise…’ Loire 2019 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Cut like a diamond with clean lines and explosive fruit. Long detailed finish that fans out with a touch of creaminess. Still evolving and will reward the one who has patience. A worthy homage to his mother and grandfather.”
Importer note “Made from his finest plots in Anjou. The wine is named after his late mother, who tragically passed away from cancer when Thibaud was 17 years old. He makes this wine in her honor, without any compromise. If he feels the wine does not live up to his mother’s name, he won’t make it.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Thibaud Boudignon Savennières Clos de Frémine, Loire 2019 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 22 bottle in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW – Vinous 95 points “An elegant and pure style that offers a delightful silken texture. The 2019 Clos de Frémine floats delicately, almost as if you are tasting a cloud, despite containing plenty of intensity in its focused core of fruit. There’s a burst of fresh acidity and a bristle of fine-grained texture; whether that’s the tannin or the soil, it’s there on the finish. I could tell you it tastes of apples and citrus, but this is a wine that seems to care less about fruit descriptors and more about the essence of its place.”
Importer note “Just across a small road from Clos de la Hutte, in the hamlet of Poissonnière, Clos Frémine is an exciting addition to Thibaud’s stunning Savennières lineup. Just like it’s famed neighbor, the vineyard sits on pure schist that is found only 20cm below the surface. There is a bit more sand at the base of this site, which provides the wine with a delicate lift and added layer of elegance.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Thibaud Boudignon Savennières Clos de la Hutte, Loire 2018 750ML ($119.95) $95 special, 15 bottles in stock now
No reviews available for the 2018 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
Rebecca Gibb MW – Vinous 97 points “The 2019 Clos de la Hutte is the site that spoke to Boudignon when he arrived in Savennières. Once the site of a monastery, it’s not yet a religious experience drinking this, but it’s not got far to go: there’s a sense of expansion in the mouth, followed by impressive structure, showing its serious intentions and a sense that it’s good enough to eat. There’s an intriguing white floral note alongside pear, followed up with energetic acidity. Excellent texture and sapidity on the finish, providing length and structure. This wine has it all: delicacy and power, structure and refinement. Unfortunately, frosts in 2019 were not kind so there is very little of it to go around.”
Importer note “[A new] addition to Thibaud’s range of Chenin Blanc comes from a half hectare plot within the Clos de la Hutte (1.5ha) lieu-dit. The vines are young but the wine is profound. There is a long history to this site and Thibaud is channeling every bit of it here. The volumes are miniscule – 1000 bottles released. Clos de la Hutte is situated in the commune of La Poissonnière; the Clos de la Hutte is an ancient religious site of 7 hectares, of which 2.6 are planted with vines. At the heart of this ancient monastery are vines produced from a massal selection of Chenin Blanc coming from the best domaines of the Loire. 5 different varieties of Chenin were planted together so as to best express the intensity and singularity of this special place. 50% vinified in oval demi muid, 25% in 320 liter cigars, and 25% in 500 liter. The ageing last one year in wood and a minimum of 3 months in stainless steel. The Clos de la Hutte seduces with its aromatic finesse and the intense minerality in the mouth.”
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 750ML ($199.95) 