“There’s a problem with the 2009 vintage in Burgundy.  It’s too attractive. So attractive that some UK merchants have already sold their allocations of the most sought-after wines. The good news, however, is that there are many delicious wines among the less famous producers and more humbly ranked vineyards. ” – Jancis Robinson

Historically, vintages on the “nines” have produced some memorable harvests—years like 1999, 1989, 1969, 1959 and 1949 were all heralded for their extraordinary taste. 2009 keeps this streak going, a beautifully ripe vintage that delivered stellar quality for both red and white wines.

The summer of 2009 began with a very different feel to it compared to its immediate predecessors.… Read the rest

St. Julien is a tiny yet important appellation within on the left bank of Bordeaux.  It is also the home of the Leoville trio of estates: Chateaux Leoville Las Cases, Chateau Leoville Poyferre and Chateau Leoville Barton.  The three estates were originally one (Domaine de Leoville) that was owned by the Marquis du Leoville.  It was split during the French Revolution and before the 1855 classification.  All three are classified as second growth estates. 

Chateau Leoville Barton is a 112 acre estate managed by Anthony Barton and his daughter Lilian.  Barton is of Irish descent, his ancestors left Ireland in 1725 and purchased the land in 19th century.  He was involved in managing the estate during the 50s and 60s and became the sole manager in 1983 when the owner, his uncle, donated the property to him.  … Read the rest

AUSTRIA

Rainer Wess Achleiten Riesling 2008 ($37.95) $19 special 2 bottles available
Wine Spectator 91 points “Exotic, spicy and rich-tasting, with flavors of peach cobbler that are backed up by crunchy acidity. The finish is plush and creamy.”

Hiedler Riesling Maximum 2005 ($49.95) $24 special 5 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-93 points “The 2006 Riesling Maximum allies sweet freesia and buddleia; citrus flower and oils (orange, kumquat); nuts and brown spices, and a litany (if they were nameable!) of mineral notes in a remarkable show of richness combined with vivacity.… Read the rest

Huet Vouvray Petillant Sec 1998 ($49.95) $24 special, specially Cellar released from Domaines Huet!

The Huet Petillant today, and since 2002 is made with the so-called “Methode Ancestrale’ wherein the initial fermentation is arrested before completion by chilling, the wine is bottled and fermentation completes in the bottle yielding CO2, IE bubbles. This 1998 was one of the final vintages that Huet’s master wine maker, Noel Pinguet, employed the more Champagne-like “Methode Traditionelle” wherein the initial wine is fermented to dryness, and then in bottling is re-charged with sufficient sugar and yeast to facilitate a renewed fermentation in bottle.… Read the rest

“2011 is just what the doctor ordered. If we could’ve scripted the perfect vintage for its moment, we’d have asked for 2011. ” Terry Theise

In the last decade, Germany has experienced a string of successful vintages that may be unprecedented in its long wine-growing history.  The 2011 harvest in Germany, like much of Europe,  was a curious year of weather extremes that brought great anxiety and fantastic harvest results.

The growing season got off to a precocious start with a Spring that was one of the hottest and driest on record. As March yielded to a very warm April, the temperatures only continued to rise in May.… Read the rest