The seventh generation Faiveley siblings Eve and Erwan have transformed the winemaking, retaining the age-worthiness that defined the domaine, while coaxing out more youthful charm.
 
The wines of Faiveley, while always of superlative quality, were more often described as concentrated, stern, and ageable instead of approachable and charming. It could be why they tended to capture the hearts in their native country than in America: the French people and restaurants have more patience and inclination for cellaring.
 
Even small changes to the style of a domaine dating back to 1825 is considered revolutionary in Burgundy, and there were a number of people who were afraid that the transition would ruin one of the anchors of the region.

New Arrival Featurette:

Viñedos de Páganos’ El Puntido Gran Reserva:
 
A Monumental Rioja
 

“Established in 1998 as a micro-project of the Eguren family’s Viñedos Sierra Cantabria, this bodega produces single-site wines from two vineyards, El Puntido and La Nieta, which are in the tiny village of Páganos. This is clearly a labor of love as the vineyards, mostly old Tempranillo, are impeccably maintained. Readers who appreciate more subtle oak influence might not be impressed with the wines when they are young, but I have found that patience yields great rewards when it comes to bringing things into harmony.” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous
 
Viñedos de Páganos El Puntido Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2013 750ml $89 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2013 El Puntido Gran Reserva started very shy and closed; it took time to open up to slowly unfurl the more tertiary notes, despite its youth.