Category Archives: Newsletter Archive

Leflaive On Sale Now! 6-8-25

5% off any 3-5 in-stock wines from Leflaive
10% off any 6 or more in-stock wines from Leflaive
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Discount ends Wednesday, June 11th at 9 am Pacific



 

Domaine Leflaive. That striking canary yellow capsule, and the unmistakeable label with the royal blue and yellow insignia of the family and domaine. There’s is no White Burgundy producer more immediately recognizeable than Leflaive and certainly none that match the art it is able to create with chardonnay. When I was first studying wine and learning about White Burgundy, Leflaive was the literal benchmark used to describe the infamous lemon curd, chalky minerality, and smoky matchstick flavors and aromas of Puligny Montrachet and it’s greatest examples. These wines are rare, they’re a luxury that cannot be replaicated, and we’ve got them on the shelf for you today.

Founded in the early 20th century by Joseph Leflaive, the estate has grown from modest roots into the peak of Chardonnay. Under the visionary leadership of Anne-Claude Leflaive in the late 20th century, the domaine not only refined its expression of terroir but also became a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture—long before it was fashionable.

The wines of Domaine Leflaive are renowned for their purity, precision, and longevity. From the mineral-driven village wines to the regal Grand Crus, each bottle is a masterclass in balance and expression. These wines are not about flash or weight but about depth, nuance, and the ability to evolve beautifully over decades. Leflaive’s Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru “Clavoillon” and Grand Cru “Bâtard-Montrachet” are among the most sought-after white Burgundies in the world, prized by collectors and sommeliers alike.

What sets these wines apart is their exceptional terroir. Domaine Leflaive’s holdings include parcels in some of the most hallowed Chardonnay vineyards in the Côte de Beaune: Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, and of course, Le Montrachet itself. The soils here—shallow, chalky, and rich in limestone—combined with low yields and meticulous viticulture, result in wines of remarkable tension, energy, and complexity. The domaine’s commitment to biodynamics only sharpens this connection between vine and soil.

If you’re building a cellar or seeking a white wine experience of unmatched pedigree, Domaine Leflaive deserves a place at the top of your list. We’re thrilled to offer a selection from this legendary estate—quantities are extremely limited, and demand is perennial. If you’re gonna buy Leflaive (and we know you want to), do it with a 10% discount!


In Stock & On Sale Now:
 
Domaine Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc 2020 750ml $149 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Burghound “Outstanding Top Value. A cool, pure and very pretty nose reflects notes of green apple, citrus and discreet spice wisps. There is very good delineation to the delicious middle weight flavors that are suffused with underlying tension and fine balance on the clean and dry finale. This is an excellent Bourgogne – moreover, it is one that should reward short to mid-term cellaring.”

Domaine Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc 2021 750ml $149 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Burghound “A deft but still easily perceptible dollop of wood sets off cool, airy and attractively fresh aromas of various white orchard fruit and just sliced lemon. There is excellent volume to the medium-bodied and sappy flavors that coat the palate with dry extract on the beautifully long, balanced, dry and complex finale. This is an excellent and ageworthy Bourgogne and worth checking out.”

Domaine Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc 2022 750ml $149 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Vinous “The 2022 Bourgogne Blanc has a pleasant bouquet with Granny Smiths and light white peach aromas, which are very well-defined. The palate is well-balanced with fine weight, taut, fresh and quite potent for a regional white. The 2022 is satisfyingly persistent on the finish. This is white regional Burgundy from the top drawer. (Drink between 2024-2034).”

Domaine Leflaive Mersault Les Dos D’Ane 2022 750ml $395 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Vinous 91 points “The 2022 Meursault Sous Le Dos d’Ane 1er Cru is clean and precise on the nose with hazelnut and light fumé aromas. The bouquet is focused and gains intensity with aeration. The palate is fresh and saline, a little Puligny-like in terms of the green apples towards the brisk, sapid finish. Lovely. (Drink between 2025-2035).”

Domaine Leflaive Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Clavoillon 2022 750ml $495 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “Though delineated by its vibrant acidity, this white shows some weight, with a creamy texture enveloping flavors of vanilla, buttery croissant, lime blossoms and hazelnut. Lithe and persistent on the finish, where the notes of lime blossoms carry over, with accents of citronella and baking spices. Drink now through 2032. 2,310 cases made, 462 cases imported.”

Domaine Leflaive Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Pucelles 2022 750ml $1199 special, 1 bottles in stock now
Vinous 95 points “The 2022 Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles 1er Cru has a subtle menthol note in the background, indicative of the concentration bestowed by the growing season. There’s a hint of exoticism, yet it doesn’t overwhelm the terroir expression. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with a wonderful umami sensation and razor-sharp acidity (incredible in a warm vintage). It is harmonious with a lightly spiced finish and traces of Vervane and white pepper on the aftertaste. Quite mercurial in the glass, I would give this 3-4 years in bottle. (Drink between 2028-2048).”

Domaine Leflaive Puligny Montrachet 2022 750ml $289 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Vinous 92 points “The 2022 Puligny-Montrachet Village has a nicely detailed bouquet of green apples. It’s a touch spicier than the Bourgogne Blanc, with a trace of walnut coming through with aeration. The palate is nicely balanced with a keen line of acidity, sour lemon hints and, again, that spice that lingers on the aftertaste. (Drink between 2025-2032).”

Domaine Leflaive Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2020 750ml $1,479 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Burghound 95-97 points “Don’t Miss! A wonderfully floral-suffused nose reflects additional notes of petrol, citrus, white orchard and a hint of oak toast. The bigger and richer flavors also possess a gorgeous mouthfeel that is almost delicate yet racy with excellent delineation on the youthfully austere and beautifully balanced finish that just goes on and on. This is potentially a magnificent Bātard and it’s going to be interesting to compare this with the Bienvenues-Bātard-Montrachet in a decade’s or so time. In sum, I would offer the same advice – if you can find it, buy it.”

Domaine Leflaive Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2021 750ml $1,699 special, 2 bottle in stock now
Burghound 95-98 points “Once again a subtle but not invisible application of wood frames cool and ripe aromas of green apple, acacia blossom, petrol and airy zest-tinged nuances. Interestingly, the middleweight flavors aren’t quite as dense as those of the Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet yet the intensity is even higher, indeed it’s almost painful, while flashing impressive power on the gorgeously complex, sneaky long and equally well-balanced finale. This is also stunning but patience required.”96 POINTS “Round and vibrant, this white leans into the citrusy spectrum of flavors, offering lemon, orange peel and yuzu notes accented by apple and stone. Linear and intense on the superlong finish, where the flavors expand and linger. Best from 2025 through 2035.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Round and vibrant, this white leans into the citrusy spectrum of flavors, offering lemon, orange peel and yuzu notes accented by apple and stone. Linear and intense on the superlong finish, where the flavors expand and linger. Best from 2025 through 2035.”
 
Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2020 750ml $1,999 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Burghound 96-98 points “Don’t Miss! Strikingly elegant, cool and restrained aromas are comprised by notes of citrus confit, mineral reduction, anise, exotic tea and the classic acacia blossom nuances. The almost painfully intense medium-bodied flavors are at once succulent yet chiseled while the practically pungent minerality adds a sense of lift to the hugely long finish that is youthfully austere and Zen-like in its harmony. This is quite simply majestic in its class and grace and is a wine that should age effortlessly for years.”
 
Domaine Leflaive Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2021 750ml $1,699 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Burghound 95-98 points “A trace of reduction isn’t sufficient to materially reduce the appeal of the honeysuckle, citrus confit and softly spiced aromas that are also trimmed in just enough wood to merit pointing out. The medium-bodied flavors aren’t necessarily finer than those of the Pucelles though they do possess more power and weight while retaining a beguilingly silky texture as well as excellent complexity on the strikingly long, balanced and Zen-like finale. This is a very serious and moderately austere BBM that is very clearly built to repay long-term keeping. In a word, superb.”

Rheingau Wine Sale 6-7-25

In This Newsletter:

Rheingau Sale
4 Monos


 
Stock Up & Save On:
 
Rheingau Wines
 
While the Mosel Valley captures the majority of press about German wine, the Rheingau was once considered Germany’s finest winemaking region before falling into obscurity itself in the previous century. The topographic isolation provided by confluence of the Taunus Mountains and Rhein River creates an oasis for growing Riesling. In contrast to other growing regions that feature a high percentage of slate, the Rheingau is characterized by high proportions of sandstone and quartzite. 

Today, interest and investment has brought the region back into the limelight. Quality-focused estates are becoming, if not common names among the average wine drinker, better known among insiders. The German fine wine association, the VDP, has also helped promote the region and its mostly-dry wines.
 
There are several notable producers benefiting from the renewed interest in the region, including longtime favorites at the shop: J.B. Becker, Weingut Künstler, and Weingut Prinz.
 
J.B. Becker crafts ultra-long-aging dry or mostly dry Rieslings from his family’s estate, and has for over fifty years. His wines are structured and heavily-influenced by their terroir, often resulting in notes of saline and iodine that brings to mind Chablis. Their longevity in the cellar is hard to match; even the Kabinetts reliably cellar for decades.
 
Gunter Künstler, owner and winemaker of Weingut Künstler since taking over from his father in 1992, makes fabulous Rheingau Riesling. He is based in Hochheim, where the river Main branches off of the Rhein River. The vineyards he works with, including the Hölle and Kirschenstück offer rich veins of limestone that impart chalky notes to the wines. These beauties embody grace and openness. 
 
Fred Prinz originally started Weingut Prinz as a “garagiste” or hobbiest winemaker operation in 1991. The critics quickly became enamored, and an invitation to join the legendary VDP consortium followed in 2005. Their estate vineyards are farmed organically, with a house style that aims for “minerality, elegance, finesse and ageing ability” that expresses terroir. With high-elevation holdings in the Rheingau, the winery produces a full range of Riesling’s including the ultra-rare Eiswein.
 
Browse highlights of our in-stock Rheingau selections below or shop the complete list on our webstore. These are producers that might not get the flashy ad campaigns, but are adored by insiders and professional reviewers for their value, complexity, and agability. Shop now during our three-day sale!
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Rheingau wines
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Rheingau wines
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
Discount does not apply to non-alcoholic wines,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Tuesday, June 10th at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer twenty-six in-stock Rheingau options on sale now, including:
 
Weingut Kunstler Hochheimer Holle Im Neuenberg Riesling 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 95 points “Enormous concentration and power for just 12.5% alcohol, the ripe peach, apricot and mirabelle aromas still restrained. Then comes the full-bodied, densely packed palate that is still so clean. So much depth at the spectacular, wide-screen finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Weingut Kunstler Kostheimer Weiss Erd Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 97 points “A masterpiece from an almost unknown vineyard site. The cool and deep nose pulls you into this very concentrated and supple dry riesling GG that has so much power, packed into a sleek silhouette. Long, silky and chalky finish. Drink or hold.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Weingut Prinz Hallgartener Jungfer Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 97 points “Very cool and reserved, but with great underplayed power, this is in every sense a very serious wine. Major structure crammed into a sleek package. Stunning depth at the very long, herbal and mineral finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
 
J.B. Becker Wallufer Walkenberg Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $33.50, that’s $31.83 at 5% off and $30.15 at 10% off, 19 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 92 points “Very clean and bright for such a warm vintage with delicate floral aromas, this is at once elegant and well structured thanks to the healthy tannins that give this serious presence at the long finish for just 11.5% alcohol. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
 
Weingut Prinz Vom Bunten Schiefer Riesling Feinherb 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $16, that’s $15.20 at 5% off and $14.40 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 92 points “Very clean, crisp and slatey, this has wonderful brightness and lightness of touch. Sleek and tight with a very dry balance for this (theoretically) medium-dry category. Firm finish that doesn’t let go. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
J.B. Becker Eltviller Sonnenberg Riesling Kabinett, Johannisberg 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $34.50, that’s $32.78 at 5% off and $31.05 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 90 points “Only for those seeking bone-dry wines will this seem anything other than dry. Appealing balance of ripeness, discreet tannin and lively acidity on the medium-bodied palate of this well-structured wine. Plenty of dried pear and apple ring character. Firm finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
August Kesseler ‘R’ Riesling Kabinett 2023 750ml Displayed Price: $16.50, that’s $15.68 at 5% off and $14.85 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 94 points “What a striking, barely off-dry riesling with a beautiful nose of bergamot, oranges and delicate spicy notes. Terrific structure beneath the wealth of fruit, the delicate spritz lightening this medium-bodied wine that has just 11.5% alcohol. Long, graceful finish. A cuvee of wines from sites in Rudesheim, Kiedrich, Hattenheim. Drink now.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Weingut Josef Spreitzer ‘303’ Oestricher Lenchen Riesling Spätlese 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “Concentrated, with peach, orange peel and spice aromas and flavors set on a velvety texture. Nicely structured, showing complexity, focus and length due to the acidity, which will help this age gracefully. Best from 2022 through 2036. 50 cases imported.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Weingut Prinz Hallgartener Wurzgarten Riesling Eiswein 2016 375ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 10 half-bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “AP: 63 17. The 2016er Riesling Eiswein was made from fruit harvested at approx. 120° Oechsle in Bernkastel, Erden and Ürzig on both November 29 and November 30, and was fermented down to noble-sweet levels of residual sugar (143 g/l). It develops a beautifully zesty and fresh nose of candied grapefruit, orange jelly, and spices, joined by riper notes of quince, pear puree, and almond cream after some airing. The wine is superbly balanced and refined on the palate, and leaves a rather pure and smooth feel in the very long and light finish. The sweetness still dominates the acid core in the after-taste at this stage, but this should change after a few years of cellaring. 2024-2036. (Oct 2019).”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Shop our twenty-six Rheingau selections now!



For You,
 
4 Monos
 
The friends behind the Spanish winery “4 Monos” (4 Monkeys) fell in love with the Sierra de Gredos during a hiking trip and returned to establish what would quickly become one of the region’s leading producers. Equal parts Mediterranean and Alpine, the region spans three viticultural regions (Méntrida, Vinos de Madrid, and Castilla y León) but represents a terroir all their own. 4 Monos’ wines are tense and evocative, crafted with a minimalist winemaking approach to ensure that the terroir they fell in love can speak for itself.
 
In Stock Now:
 
4 Monos Viticultores GR-10 Blanco, Sierra de Gredos 2022 750ml $28 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2022 GR-10 Blanco has a deeper color but lower alcohol (13.5%) than the 2023 I tasted next to it. Both years had similar cycles, and this one feels a little fresher, with notes of pollen and honey denoting the additional age. It’s round and juicy, with supple flavors and the characteristic bitter twist in the finish. 1,850 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2023.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
4 Monos Viticultores GR-10 Tinto, Sierra de Gredos 2022 750ml $26 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The red 2022 GR-10 Tinto is a blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Cariñena that fermented with full clusters and matured in barrels of different sizes and one 4,200-liter oak vat for seven months. It’s fruit-driven, the profile of the year, with 13.5% alcohol, good freshness and some more austere tannins as the grapes come from the lower part of Cadalso and Cenicientos. It’s expressive, aromatic and clean, with a medium-bodied palate that is juicy and tasty, with a supple finish. This is delicious and really impressive for the year. It represents very good value for money and a great introduction to the elegant style of the Garnachas from Gredos. They produced some 31,000 bottles. It was bottled in late August and early September 2023.”
 
4 Monos Viticultures La Danza del Viento ‘Arroyo de las Ánimas’ 2021 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The new single-vineyard red 2021 La Danza del Viento Arroyo de las Ánimas (bottled in 2020 but sold almost exclusively to the Mugaritz restaurant) comes from a plot between the lieux-dits of La Alberca and Lancharrasa between Cadalso and Cenicientos at 960 meters above sea level, with a west exposure but very shady, as it’s on a forest slope. The soil is very shallow degraded gray granite. The wine is perfumed and ethereal, with floral and citrus notes and is structured but with silky tannins. It was picked at the end of September and fermented with 100% uncrushed grapes, mostly full clusters and indigenous yeasts, and the wine matured in 500-liter barrel for 15 months. It has an expressive nose that is floral, with the herbal side from Cenicientos. It has a solid palate with great harmony, fine tannins and supple flavors and a long, clean and focused finish; this is closer to the La Isilla than Molino Quemado but doesn’t quite reach the same refinement and elegance. It has a moderate 13.5% alcohol, with a pH of 3.31 and 5.85 grams of acidity. Only 654 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2023.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
4 Monos Viticultures La Danza del Viento ‘La Isilla’ 2021 750ml $64.50 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 96+ points “My favorite wine this time was the 2021 La Danza del Viento La Isilla, the single-vineyard red from Cadalso de los Vidrios. It has an ethereal and floral personality that transcends the style of the village. It showcases the vintage with its firm tannins balanced by the tension, length and complexity of the wine. This comes from a vineyard at 860 meters above sea level on very fine sandy soils that they have been recovering since 2013; the grapes were picked in mid-September and fermented with full clusters and a 47-day maceration. It has 2% Cariñena in addition to a majority of Garnacha. The wine matured in 500-liter French oak barrels for 15 months. It has terrific tension, freshness and balance, velvety tannins and a vibrant, symmetric and crystalline finish. It has 13.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.25 denoting very good freshness and 5.56 grams of acidity. This is superb. Only 630 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2023.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
4 Monos Viticultores ‘Aguja del Fraile’ Sierra de Gredos 2021 750ml $49 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2021 Aguja del Fraile is their village red from Cadalso de los Vidrios and comes from a number of vineyards (five). It contains around 5% Cariñena and fermented with full clusters and had a longer maceration of 45 days. It matured in 400- and 500-liter oak barrels and five months in a 1,780-liter foudre. It has 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.25 and is fresher and cooler than the previous year. It has contained ripeness but keeping the fruit and the juiciness, with the fine-grained tannins and the strong granite sensation from the village. There’s one more plot in this 2021 from the La Isilla lieu-dit, and they believe this has improved the wine, making it narrower and finer-boned. 1,850 bottles and six magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2023.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
4 Monos Viticultores ‘Cien Lanzas’ Cenicientos, Sierra de Gredos 2020 750ml $33 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2020 Cien Lanzas was produced with Garnacha (and around 5% Cariñena and Garnacha Blanca) from four plots in Cenicientos. It fermented in concrete and oak vat with a long maceration, and it matured for five months in oak vats and 500-liter barrels and then in a 4,800-liter foudre for another 12 months. It has 14.5% alcohol but doesn’t show it. The expressive nose is very floral coupled with good freshness and mellow acidity. The tannins are similar to previous vintages, but the nose has gained in detail and refinement, which also comes back on the finish. This is the best vintage so far for this bottling. 6,400 bottles and four magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2022.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Browse our 150 in-stock Spanish selections!


 
Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
 
Bartolo & Giuseppe Mascarello
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Bartolo & Giuseppe Mascarello
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Bartolo & Giuseppe Mascarello
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Our Mascarello sale ends Monday, June 9th at 9 am Pacific.

Mascarello Sale 6-6-25

In This Newsletter:

The Mascarellos Sale
Collector’s Corner: Marques de Murrieta


 
The Mascarellos Sale
 
Stock Up & Save On:
 
Bartolo & Giuseppe Mascarello
 
Bartolo Mascarello: this estate was founded in 1918. Today, it’s run by second-generation winemaker Maria-Teresa Mascarello. Aside from the supreme quality of the wines, this estate is notable for its staunch resistance to the modernist influences on Barolo. They avoid the small French oak barriques that would impart oak flavors to the wine and they continue to employ the long, traditional maceration period before maturation in large Slavonian oak botti. The results are elegant wines with poise and finesse. A true must-have for all serious Barolo imbibers. Don’t overlook the Langhe Nebbiolo, either. These perfectly cellared gems are beloved by insiders.
 
Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio: Founded in 1881 by a longtime vineyard manager, this estate is managed by fourth-generation winemaker Mauro Mascarello. The estate vineyards are managed in a hands-off approach, allowing This estate, too, leans traditional in its winemaking with maturation occurring in Slavonian oak barrels purchased in the 1950s, though the maceration is short by Bartolo standards at roughly 30 days.
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Bartolo & Giuseppe Mascarello
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Bartolo & Giuseppe Mascarello
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Monday, June 9th at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer seven in-stock Bartolo & Giuseppe Mascarello options on sale now, including:
 
A single-vineyard Barbera crafted from 60+ year-old vines.
Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio Scudetto Barbera d’Alba Superiore 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Vineyard: Scudetto® is downside the Chapel of Santo Stefano of Perno, in the commune of Monforte d’Alba (CN). Grape Harvest: Beginning of October. Wine-making process: Traditional-style, floating cap fermentation of estate-grown grapes for 15/20 days. The wine is then matured in medium-sized oak barrels for few months or sometimes stabilized in inert tank. Expected cellar life: 10/15 years. Bottling: After three years following the vintage. Tasting notes: Colour: deep ruby-red, tending to purplish; Nose: fruity aroma of ripe grapes, intense, varietal; Taste: powerful stuffing and excellent body, well-balanced, varietal character.”
 
Bartolo Mascarello Langhe Nebbiolo 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $128, that’s $121.60 at 5% off and $115.20 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
“Sweet dried red cherry, mint, sweet tobacco, orange peel and incense are all lifted in the 2017 Langhe Nebbiolo. Translucent and pretty, the 2017 is a touch ethereal, but there is a good bit of tannic grip. Because of low yields in Barolo, Maria Teresa Mascarello made this wine from purchased grapes from San Rocco Seno d’Elvio, which is in the Barbaresco zone.” -Antonio Galloni, Vinous
 
Bartolo Mascarello Langhe Nebbiolo 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
“The 2018 Langhe Nebbiolo offers plenty of charm and immediacy. Dark cherry, spice, tobacco and leather are nicely pushed forward. There is plenty to like in the 2018, even if the Nebbiolo does not reach the heights of the very best editions.” -Antonio Galloni, Vinous
 
Bartolo Mascarello Langhe Nebbiolo 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $114.50, that’s $108.78 at 5% off and $103.05 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 91 points “What a joy it is to taste Maria Teresa Mascarello’s 2019 Langhe Nebbiolo. Bright and effusive, with gorgeous fruit presence, the 2019 is a total knock-out. Sweet red cherry, mint, spice, orange peel and licorice all grace this gorgeous, wonderfully expressive Langhe Nebbiolo.”
 
Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio Langhe Nebbiolo 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “Bright pale ruby, the 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo Dai Vigneti Di Proprieta is spicy and reserved on opening, with notes of spiced strawberries, fresh orange peel, and dried red flowers. Medium-bodied, it’s spritely and refreshing on the palate, with a lightly gamey finish and mouthwatering saline that’s quite notable. It is a zesty and refreshing wine to enjoy over the next 5-8 years.”
 
Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio Toetto Freisa Langhe 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Vineyard: Toetto®, in the village of Castiglione Falletto (CN). Grape Harvest: Beginning of October. Wine-making process: Traditional-style, floating cap fermentation of selected estate-grown grapes for 15/20 days. The wine is then matured in medium-sized Slavonian oak barrels for few months or stabilized in inert tank. Expected cellar life: 4/6 years. Bottling: After two years following the vintage. Tasting notes: Colour: deep ruby-red; Nose: varietal, spicy; Taste: dry, characteristic, good body with a lot of tannins.”
 
Bartolo Mascarello Barolo DOCG 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $235, that’s $223.25 at 5% off and $211.50 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Decanter 97 points “In the blend of Maria Teresa Mascarello’s Barolo 2020, the replanted San Lorenzo vineyard makes a comeback, with a small portion of young-vine fruit. It was harvested on 2 October, while the rest (from Rocche dell’Annunziata and Cannubi) was picked from 4-8 October, after the rain. The result is a wine with a backdrop of very fresh redcurranty fruits, violets, deep spices including liquorice root, as well as hints of linden, almost camphor, and wild strawberry. A defined expression demonstrating a lot of maturity and savouriness.”
 
Shop our seven Bartolo & Giuseppe Mascarello selections now!



Collector’s Corner

Marques de Murrieta
 
Marqués de Murrieta is one of the great pillars of classical Rioja—a titan of the region that’s responsible for some of the greatest wines ever produced in Spain. They resemble more polished, powerful versions of López de Heredia while sharing their age-worthiness. However, they also offer a distinctly more fruit driven profile in their youth. Murrieta’s wines have always been favorites amongst critics and consumers alike.
 
In Stock Now:
 
Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, Rioja DOCa 2011 750ml $189 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “Extremely well-mannered, traditional character to this, showing layer upon layer of savory complexity on the nose, with iron, dried meat, tobacco, balsamic fruit, dried red berries, orange peel, leather and dried mushrooms. A medium-to full-bodied, linear and zesty Rioja that’s full of nuanced flavors that linger through the very long, savory finish. Floral, too. Yet, it remains bright and precise. Tempranillo with 16% mazuelo.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ml $275 special, 8 bottles in stock now
#1 James Suckling’s Top 100 Wines of Spain 2023 & #10 James Suckling’s Top 100 Wines of 2023
James Suckling 100 points “So much dried flower, mushroom, iron, rust, sweet berry, and grilled orange. Full-bodied with very elegant and refined tannins that melt in the mouth and give a real sense of place and integrity. Balanced and harmonious. The finesse and finish is endless. Production was 30% less than in 2011. Already so drinkable. A wonderful future. This is the new 1934 or 1964, two legends. Drink or hold.”
 

 
Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
 
Eyrie & Westrey
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Eyrie & Westrey
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Eyrie & Westrey
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Eyrie & Westrey sale ends Saturday, June 7th at 9 am Pacific.

Mid-Week Newsletter 6-5-25

In This Newsletter:

Arnaud Lambert
Trending Rhone
Nerd Alert Featurette: Brick House
Multitude of Magnums: German


 
Arnaud Lambert:
 
Super Trendy Chenin Blanc
 
It’s no easy task to be one of the most important producers in the coveted Saumur wines regions of Brézé and Saint-Cyr-En-Bourg, but Arnaud Lambert makes it look easy. While the famous and infamously expensive Clos Rougeard’s cult classic blanc comes from Brézé, Lambert offers us access to this special place without the $150+ entry fee.
 
Brézé is geologically diverse, but characterized by the airy limestone that dots the finest vineyards in this part of the Loire. The wines, therefore, have a mineral-edge and delicate tone to them that’s unique.
 
By contrast, Saint-Cyr-En-Bourg has more clay in the topsoil, which produces wines of more overt power and structure. Both the reds and whites here seem to have an earthiness and weight about them that sets them apart from their Brézé neighbors.
 
No matter which bottling you pick, the wines are standouts. Lambert is a master at letting the terroir shine through. The whites have elegance, texture and poise, while the reds offer that classic combination of Saumur weight and polish.
 
So, don’t assume the quality means you’ll have to mortgage the house to explore the whole range. These are as famous for their quality as much as their value.
 
In Stock Now from Arnaud Lambert:
 
Arnaud Lambert Cremant de Loire Blanc NV 750ml $21.90 special, 14 bottles in stock now
50% Chardonnay / 50% Chenin blanc
Importer Note “Vine Age: Planted in 1990. Terroir: From the Clos of the Chāteau, 60 cm deep silt and clay sand soil on a soft Turonian limestone bedrock. Viticulture: Organic (certified). Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation. Aged for 24 months.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Arnaud Lambert Domaine de Saint-Just Cremant de Loire ‘1948 Yves Lambert’ 2020 750ml $39 special, 24 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: 100 Percent Chenin Blanc from 70-year-old vines grown in clay and limestone. The winemaking practice is ‘method traditional,’ and was aged in oak barrels with 32 months of aging on lees, with zero dosage. Drink now or age for 4-8 years. Compliments seafood platters or a charcuterie board.
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Arnaud Lambert ‘Les Parcelles’ Chenin Blanc 2023 750ml $20.90 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Becky Wasserman Importer Note “Size: Between 3.0-5.0 ha (7.41-12.35 ac) depending on the vintage. Variety: Chenin Blanc. Vine Age: Planted in 2017, 2019, and before depending on the vineyard. Terroir: From parcels in Brézé, Montsoreau and Saint-Cyr-En-Bourg, multiple soil types over chalky limestone bedrocks. Viticulture: Organic. Vinification: Pressed with whole clusters, fermented with a cultured yeast from the vineyards, 2-3-week fermentation and aging for 6-7 months in steel tanks, spontaneous and partial malolactic conversion (0-30%), SO2 added after malolactic conversion and before bottling (50-70 ppm total), filtered, stored in bottles for 3 months before release. Denoted as a “Vin de France” because in 2021, due to the frost damage, some organic purchased grapes went into the cuvée. They have maintained this designation to allow for flexibility in case future frost or climatic events affect their own grape production.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Arnaud Lambert Brézé Saumur Blanc Clos de Midi 2023 750ml $23.50 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Size: 8.0 ha (19.76 ac). Variety: Chenin Blanc. Vine Age: Planted between 1985 and 2017. Terroir: From Brézé, south and east-facing, 70 cm deep silty-sandy-clay topsoil on softer Turonian limestone rock. Viticulture: Organic (certified), average yields of 45 hL/ha. Vinification: Pressed with whole clusters, fermented with a cultured yeast from the vineyard, 2-3-week fermentation and aging for 9 months, 70% in steel tank and 30% in concrete eggs, spontaneous and partial malolactic conversion (0-30%), SO2 added after malolactic conversion and before bottling (50-70 ppm total), filtered, stored in bottles for 3-9 months before release.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Arnaud Lambert Brézé Saumur Blanc Clos David 2021 750ml $41.90 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “The wine starts out aromatically expressing the magic that limestone seems to impart to its wines. Pure and striking fruits, like sweet lime, meyer lemon with lemon curd, exotic spice and flint dart out of the glass and into the nose. If you can manage to keep it in the glass for a couple of hours of slow observation and drinking, the wine will take you on a rollercoaster of highs that seem only to climber higher with every passing minute. Acidity? More than you can imagine but somehow it presents itself gently on the finish after a somewhat overwhelming initial attack from the first sip.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Arnaud Lambert Brézé Saumur Rouge Clos Tue-Loup 2021 750ml $34 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Clos du Tue-Loup lands squarely in the ethereal department of Cabernet Franc, and while there are many examples of this grape that try to make up for their lack of noble terroir, Arnaud works to let Brézé do most of the speaking for the wine.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Shop our entire range of Loire Valley wines!



#Trending
 
Rhone Edition
 
Domaine Benjamin et David Duclaux Condrieu Les Caillets 2019 750ml $59 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “I loved the 2019 Condrieu Les Caillets. A real beauty, this supple, sexy Condrieu has classic yellow and citrus fruits, lots of honey and flower notes, medium to full body, and a great finish. It brings lots of fruit yet stays fresh, silky, and clean, and is just a joy to drink. It’s geared for the dinner table and should be enjoyed over the coming 2-3 years.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Domaine Bosquet des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Les 7 de Pignan’ 2020 750ml $89 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 96 points “A new cuvée, there is a single foudre of the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Les 7 de Pignan, a pure Grenache named for the seven small vineyard parcels it emerges from, all on sandy soils in and around Pignan. It showcases the filigreed, floral side of Grenache on sand, with delicate notes of rose petals and resinous herbs, plus raspberries and strawberries. Full-bodied, it’s silky in texture and almost airy in feel, with a lingering, elegant finish.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes 2020 750ml $99 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94-96 points “Inky ruby. Smoke- and mineral-accented black and blue fruits, violet, licorice and an olive nuance on the deeply perfumed nose. Stains the palate with intense cherry, blueberry and fruitcake flavors that are sharpened by a spicy touch of cracked pepper. Youthfully chewy tannins frame an impressively long, penetrating finish that leaves candied dark berry and floral pastille notes behind. These are still young days for this wine but, as usual, it already screams ‘Hermitage’.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Empreintes 2019 750ml $44.50 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “Iron, peppered game, smoked black and blue fruits, and new leather notes emerge from the 2019 Cornas Empreintes, and it’s medium to full-bodied and wonderfully balanced, with ripe tannins and one hell of a great finish. It’s another pure, balanced, fruit-loaded beauty from this estate that has tons of character. This cuvée comes from hillside parcels (a mix of granite and limestone) and 30-year-old vines. It was 75% destemmed and spent a year in 20% new barrels.”
 
Domaine Garon ‘La Part des Vivants’, Cotes du Rhone 2022 750ml $19 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Producer Note “Selection of Cotes Du Rhone mainly based on Syrah. Partly aged in oak barrels. Sunshine and generosity in the glass.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 2017 750ml $189 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2017 Hermitage La Chapelle comes from the firm’s vineyards on the western half of the Hermitage slope, primarily Le Méal, but with substantial contributions from Les Rocoules and Les Bessards. Classic notes of cassis, black olives, mocha and roasted meat are joined by hints of baking spices in a wine that’s full-bodied, deep, dense and rich, with a velvety texture and a lingering finish. It’s lower in alcohol than the 2018, less voluptuous and maybe just a step behind that monumental wine, but it’s still a serious collectible with three decades of evolution ahead of it.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres ‘Les Cotes’ 2020 750ml $69 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “My favorite in the lineup (although these are all brilliant) is the 2020 Vinsobres Rouanne Et Les Crottes, which comes from the middle of the hillside vineyard and more clay and iron soils. Lots of darker, almost blue fruits, violets, smoked herbs, and iron nuances define the bouquet, and it’s medium to full-bodied, has ultra-fine tannins, and offers a beautiful mix of both richness and elegance.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2019 750ml $54.50 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Modern and stylish, offering an engaging mix of raspberry puree, warm baking spices and red licorice, with vanilla highlights. A beam of iron minerality brings shape and balance to this version, while invigorating acidity and tannins drive the energy. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Drink now through 2035. —J.M.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes 2021 750ml $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: The Louisiane and Souteyrades single vineyard wines were not bottled in the 2021 vintage, but instead the fruit went into this bottling.
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 93-95 points “Vivid ruby. A highly fragrant bouquet evokes candied red fruits, smoky minerals and lavender; a spicy nuance builds as the wine opens up. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, juicy raspberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors show good heft, seamless texture and real energy. It finishes spicy and impressively long, with sneaky tannins adding a final grip. This is shaping up to be a highly impressive entry-level bottling, which is not surprising given that this is the only Gigondas that will be bottled this year, so all the juice from the Louisiane and Souteyrades is going into this wine. Get it, lots of it, if you can. Raised in neutral, 50 hectoliter oak foudres.”
 
Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Imperiale 2021 750ml $59.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 97 points “The stunning 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale comes from old vines in two sandy parcels—one in Pied Long and one in la Crau. Exotic aromas of orange zest, Campari-like spice and exquisitely ripe cherries appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is silky and creamy in texture yet airy and vibrant, with a long, zesty finish. It’s a definite candidate for wine of the vintage, alongside its Mourvèdre-based stablemate, La Part des Anges.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Shop our complete selection of red and white Rhone wines now!



Nerd Alert!
 
Brick House
 
Doug Tunnell founded Brick House in the early 90s and quickly shot to the top echelons of quality Oregon winemaking. Originally a CBS reporter who traveled the world, he was inspired to buy vineyard land in the Ribbon Ridge when he heard Domaine Drouhin had made a similar investment. Friends Steve Doerner of Cristom and Michael Etzel of Beaux Freres / Sequitur advised him from the start.
 
Tunnell strove to certify the vineyard as biodynamic, which he accomplished in 2005, making him a leader in the Valley.  The wines are thoughtfully handled (and raised with the accompaniment of classical music played in the cellar) with partial whole-cluster fermentation and a light touch of new oak. The results are deeply moving and age worthy. 

“…these are very refined and natural wines with minimal intervention, not surfeit with fruit, but surfeit with personality, freshness and nuance… Brick House comes recommended, but hey, I’ve said that before.” – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
 
In Stock Now:
 
Brick House Vineyards Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2023 750ml $31.90 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “2023 was a truly exceptional vintage. From the finish of fermentation to bottling day almost a year later our Brick House Pinot Noir offered freshness and verve, tempered by a rich presence on the palate thanks to a warm, largely dry ripening season. The 2023 Ribbon Ridge bottling comes from vines planted in 2015.”
 
Brick House Vineyards Select Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2023 750ml $41.90 special, 2 bottles in stock now
No reviews available for the 2023 vintage. 2022 review provided for reference.
Grapelive 93 points “This 2022 Select is fresh and lively in the glass with loads of charm, character and a delicate earthiness, it shows off a vibrant array of black cherry, cranberry, wild berry, plum and tart red currant fruits, plus a light dusting of spices, sandalwood, mineral tones, crushed flowers, loamy underbrush, a touch of toasty vanilla, snappy herbs and blood orange tea. This vintage is silken and has fine grained ripe tannins that melt into this pretty medium bodied Pinot Noir, sourced from all organic grapes coming from the Ribbon Ridge’s ancient Willakenzie soils.”
 
Brick House Vineyards ‘Les Dijonnais’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2022 750ml $59 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 94 points “Sweetly spiced, the 2022 Pinot Noir Les Dijonnais opens with an intoxicating bouquet of cedar spice box, incense, clove and black cherry. This is juicy in character, silky-smooth and complex, with vividly ripe red berry fruits and rosy inner florals accelerated by brilliant acidity. It finishes with admirable length, subtly tannic yet focused, leaving a tart cranberry concentration and a flourish of minerality that keeps the mouth watering for more. Fantastic.”
 
Brick House Vineyards ‘Evelyn’s’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2022 750ml $79 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Audrey Frick-Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “A best barrel selection, the 2022 Pinot Noir Evelyn’s is a reflective red hue and offers up notes of rosemary, black raspberries, cherries, dark stones, and pressed flowers. It has a refined and polished feel, with a seamless texture, ripe, velvety tannins, refreshing acidity, and a lovely flourish of iron-rich salty earth. Long on the palate, it’s a pleasure to taste now, and it’s going to age gracefully over the next 15 or so years. 175 cases were produced.”


Multitude of Magnums

German Edition
 
Shop our fun and fabulous German large formats and take your wine drinking experience all the way up to six-liters!
 
In Stock Now:
 
Weingut Donnhoff Riesling Trocken 2023 1.5L $75 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 93 points “Fantastic brilliance and a wealth of delicate stone-fruit and citrus aromas, also floral notes! Barely medium-bodied, but with all the attributes that make a dry Nahe riesling a thing of beauty to behold. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
 
Weingut Donnhoff Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2023 1.5L $179 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Weingut Donnhoff Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2023 3L $389 special, 1 double-magnum in stock now
Anne Krebiehl MW-Vinous 96-98 points “The 2022 Riesling Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg Felsentürmchen Grosses Gewächs is from a steep site of volcanic origin with porphyry and melaphyr. A touch of yeastiness still plays on the shy, tentative nose. The palate comes in with stony saltiness, a tingling sense of juicy lemon intensifying the salty impression even more. Great concentration aligns with lightness and energetic linearity. The bright acidity has a serene luminosity and ripe yet crystal clear smoothness that seems to stretch away into eternity, lighting the way, gliding along, dynamic, optimistic, promising and full of light. (Bone-dry)”
 
Weingut Emrich-Schonleber Monzinger Halenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2022 1.5L $199 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 95 points “Very attractive nose of peach and spice with just a touch of exotic fruits. Rich and ripe with a touch of mid-palate creaminess as it rolls gently over you, the power very understated. Delicate slatey minerality at the long silky finish. Drink from release.”
 
Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2023 1.5L $175 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2023 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett opens with substantial depth and a brilliant bouquet of wet slate. The fruit is intense but not dominating, thanks to the flintiness and savoriness of the Himmelreich terroir. On the palate, this is a mouth-filling, dense and complex Kabinett with ripe, elegant and juicy fruit intertwined with very fine phenols and an ethereal slate thread that gives this Kabinett an enormous length and animation. This will be a superb gastronomic wine after a decade of bottle age, although the 2023 already drinks beautifully today. 7.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in August 2024 from AP 2 24.”
 
Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spätlese 2023 1.5L $99 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 98 points “When worlds collide. The tension between the cool, dark side (think Darth Vader) and the enormous brightness of the stone fruit (think Luke Skywalker) makes this astonishing riesling Spatlese extremely compelling. The most beautiful pineapple and grapefruit aromas. Fabulous freshness at the stunningly straight and pure finish. Drink or hold.”
 
Weingut Wasenhaus Spatburgunder Mohlin, Baden 2022 1.5L $279 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Vom Boden Importer Note “The Wasenhaus Möhlin is grown from a very shallow and poor limestone clay parcel of the Ehrenstetter Ölberg, positioned below the Kanzel with a more southeastern exposure. Thus the site is quite a bit hotter and more exposed to the sun than the Kanzel; the wine is among the most powerful, most lavish and expansive of the Wasenhaus Pinot Noirs. Perhaps this is the most complete of the Pinots? The Möhlin is mainly German clones with different ages and origins and some French selection massale; due to the steepness here the site is worked completely by hand. Fermented 60% with whole clusters, with a bit of carbonic fermentation and then transferred to an open-vat for a classic fermentation with minimal punchdowns. The wine was aged in mainly used French oak barrels for about 16 months.”


 
Don’t miss our sales going on now:
 
Gerard Boulay
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Gerard Boulay
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Gerard Boulay
 
Eyrie & Westrey
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Eyrie & Westrey
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Eyrie & Westrey
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Gerard Boulay sale ends Friday, June 6th at 9 am Pacific. Eyrie & Westrey sale ends Saturday, June 7th at 9 am Pacific.
 

Eyrie & Westrey Sale 6-4-25

In This Newsletter:

Oregon Classics Sale
Grape of the Week: Nerello Mascalese


 
Eyrie & Westrey: Oregon Classics Sale
 
The Eyrie Vineyards
 
The Eyrie Vineyards is the original winery of the Dundee Hills. Founded by David Lett in 1965. David selected his location after careful consideration, wanting to prove that cool-climate European varieties could thrive in the United States. He planted the first Pinot Noir vines in the Willamette Valley, a prophetic selection.
 
In 2005, his soft-spoken yet brilliant son, Jason Lett, took over as winemaker and vineyard manager. He explored new varieties, such as Trousseau, without compromising on quality. The winery produces about the same volume it always has, around 9,000 cases annually, keeping the focus on craft and quality. We adore these wines. They are precious beyond measure, a reflection of the Letts’ foresight, knowledge, and hard work.  
 
Westrey
 
Founded in 1993 by Amy Wesselman and David Autrey, Westrey is a core producer in the Dundee Hills. They are farmers, first and foremost. They’re not bombastic enough to chase the ephemeral fame of trendy styles. Instead, they live their time-tested values. They prize sustainability, sourcing exclusively organic or LIVE-certified vineyards. Their fruit is all dry-farmed, too, because they believe it produces “better wines and respects the scarcity of water.” Their estate vineyard, Oracle, was originally planted in 1977 and revived, quite literally, by Amy and David after they purchased the property in 2000.
 
Unlike most Willamette Valley estates, Westrey holds back their wines for years before release, doing the cellaring for us. Their wines are beautiful examples of vintages perhaps forgotten, revealing complexities that are easily missed in younger wines.
 
Shop these two Oregon classic producers during our three-day sale!
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Eyrie & Westrey
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Eyrie & Westrey
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Saturday, June 7th at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer thirteen in-stock Eyrie & Westrey options on sale now, including:
 
The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $24.50, that’s $23.28 at 5% off and $22.05 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 92 points “The 2022 Pinot Gris Estate is delicate, with an understated bouquet of wildflowers and hints of ginger. The entry is round and soothing, contrasted by a reverberation of acid-driven tension as white pit fruits and sour melon nuances swirl throughout. The 2022 tapers off with a pleasantly bitter twang as lime and liquid stone suggestions fade slowly.”
 
The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2022 Chardonnay Estate has inviting aromas of dried apples, mixed nuts, beeswax and spicy undertones. The medium-bodied palate offers surprisingly concentrated, savory flavors. Its luxurious, mouth-coating texture is balanced by mouthwatering acidity, and it has a long, flavorful finish.”
 
The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Meunier, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “The Estate blend combines Pinot from Eyrie’s 5 certified-organic estate vineyards. Farming is certified organic, but Jason and his team take this only as a starting point. Viticulture at all of the Estate vineyards follows the precepts of regenerative no-till farming, with strict attention paid not just to the vines but to the healthy networks of soil organisms that support them. Not only does this approach avoid the need for artificial irrigation, it also nourishes the vines without the need for additional fertilizer, and captures atmospheric carbon. Picked by hand, our Pinot Meunier is destemmed and put into a variety of fermenters, from small one-ton bins to a 5 ton wooden cuve, to undergo native primary fermentation. Our barrels are mostly neutral—for this vintage, only 8% were new. Having undergone native malolactic fermentation, hand punched twice a day, the 2021 Pinot Meunier was blended after 22 months and then bottled and sealed under Diam cork.”
 
The Eyrie Vineyards Trousseau, Dundee Hills 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $36, that’s $34.20 at 5% off and $32.40 at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 92 points “Remarkably pretty, the 2022 Trousseau mixes savory woodland berries with rosemary, sage and hints of wet stone. It opens with a pretty inner sweetness and crisp red berry fruits, taking on a tinge of spice and white pepper toward the close. It finishes incredibly fresh and clean, tapering off with medium length and a pleasantly crunchy sensation.”
 
The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 94+ points “The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate lifts from the glass with a mentholated freshness, giving way to dried roses and strawberries. Silky and enveloping, it possesses a core of vividly ripe wild berries and sweet herbal tones that resonate over a tactile staining of saline minerals. Grippy tannins saturate through the long, spicy finish as repleting inner florals and bitter hints of licorice fade.”
 
The Eyrie Vineyards Sisters Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 94 points “The 2021 Pinot Noir Sisters blossoms in the glass with woodland berries and herbs complicated by allspice and clove. The palate is round and supple with cooling acidity and ripe wild berries cascading throughout, leaving a sweet spice tinge toward the close. This finishes with remarkable freshness, a gentle sour citrus twang, and slowly fading hints of red plum. The 2021 is already showing beautifully, but there’s the balance to excel over the next five to seven years of cellaring. (Drink between 2025-2035).”
 
Westrey Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $18, that’s $17.10 at 5% off and $16.20 at 10% off, 14 bottles in stock now
Decanter 93 points “A showy and opulent Pinot Gris with six years of bottle age, this wine defies expectations of simplicity for the variety aromatics of ripe stone fruits and dried white flowers with a hint of clover honey. The palate shows richness, honeyed peach and nectarine flesh, and dried notes of tarragon and mint offer complexity and freshness, showing the real ageability of this stalwart Willamette Valley varietal.”
 
Westrey Reserve Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Decanter 92 points “[Tasted July 2024] The 2017 Reserve Chardonnay from Westrey balances richness wonderfully with saline minerality and savoury dried florals. Chamomile, white pepper and seaspray aromatics play nicely with smoky grilled lemon notes. The palate shows savoury lemongrass, oyster shells and piquant notes of citrus rind alongside spiced pear, with white pepper carrying the finish. Drinking Window 2024-2029.”
 
Westrey Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $24, that’s $22.80 at 5% off and $21.60 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Decanter 89 points “Tasted July 2024] A dense and riper-styled Pinot Noir from Westrey, 50% of the fruit from Carlton Hill Vineyard and the other half from Holmes Gap in the Van Duzer Corridor. Dark berries and forest floor notes mark the aromatics, and the palate is dusty blackberries with hints of wild herbs with a zippy acidity to lighten the finish. Drinking Window 2024- 2030.”
 
Westrey ‘Nadja’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
Decanter 90 points “A dark and redolent barrel selection from the 2021 vintage, the Nadja carries a Willamette Valley designation and is focused on ripeness and fleshy black fruits. Notes of cola spice and kirsch aromas announce a concentrated, fruit-forward Pinot Noir expression. The palate shows flashes of baking chocolate, dark black plums and Christmas spice. Rich and ripe.”
 
Shop our thirteen Eyrie & Westrey selections now!



Grape of the Week:
 
Nerello Mascalese
 
It’s an oversimplification to describe Nerello Mascalese as Sicilian Pinot Noir, but it’s a fitting comparison given how well the Italian grape exceeds at reflecting it terroir. The indigenous grape is grown along the slope of Mount Etna, the irascible volcano on Sicily’s eastern coast. We have Marc de Grazia, proprietor of the Terre Nere estate, to thank for bringing international fame to these wines by way of his wine importing and wine making acumen.
 
Likely an offspring of Sangiovese, Nerello Mascalese offers a near-perfect lens through which to explore the volcanic soils of its homeland in some of Europe’s highest elevation vineyards. The wines are deeply perfumed and complex, showing berry and spice notes alongside myriad others. With crisp acidity, medium-body and -tannins, and a moderate depth of color, you’d be forgiven for mistaking this for a Burgundy or cool-climate Syrah. But there’s more to the wines than just a French facsimile, especially given the availability of ancient-vine bottles at modest prices.
 
Highlights of Nerello Mascalese & Blends In Stock Now:
 
Calabretta Nerello Mascalese Vigne Vecchie Sicilia IGT 2015 750ml $34.50 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The 2015 Nerello Mascalese Vigne Vecchie is simply stunning, erupting from the glass with a burst of crushed black cherries, cloves, blood orange and hints of dusty earth. This is soft-textured, nearly fleshy in feel, with a core of tart red berry fruits offset by sour citrus as rosy inner florals form toward the close. It finishes with staining length and concentration, just lightly structured, leaving a sensation of hard red candies to fade. This is a vibrant vintage of Vigne Vecchie, but it possesses the balance for further evolution.”
 
Calabretta ‘Gaio Gaio’ Rosso, Sicily 2022 750ml $21.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
100% Nerello Mascalese
Winery Note “Red wine from young vines planted in the Calderara Sottana district after rigorous mass selection, and partly without rootstock. The fruity character and delicate floral soul suggest a young, tasteful and drinkable wine. We recommend drinking it even in summer…with the help of an ice basket.”
 
Cusumano Alta Mora Guardiola Etna Rosso, Sicily 2014 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2014 Etna Rosso Guardiola is a wine of unique beauty and character. Having seen this stunning vineyard in person and climbed its steep ascent on the flank of the volcano, I am immediately reminded of the warm smells that come from these sun-scorched soils and the wild herbal notes that come off the scrub brush that grows in this harsh, otherworldly environment. This wine offers an immediate sense of place. The bouquet is elegant, almost ephemeral at first. It grows exponentially in intensity and complexity as the wine takes on more air in the glass. Give it the time it merits. Tangy acidity and sour cherry keep the palate very much alive. Congratulations to Cusumano of Alta Mora for this authentic taste of Etna inspiration. Only 5,310 bottles were made. Fruit comes from a three-hectare vineyard with 120-year-old vines.”
 
Girolamo Russo ‘San Lorenzo’ Etna Rosso, Sicily 2021 750ml $69.50 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96+ points “The Girolamo Russo 2021 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo is a very exciting wine with so much energy and verve. It opens to lean-bodied concentration with a brilliant ruby shine. The wine shows a long array of wild fruit and tiny berry aromas backed by crushed white pepper and crushed stone. San Lorenzo is one of the most impressive interpretations of Etna. I highly recommend you try and cellar this wine.”
 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘Bellacolonna’ 20th Anniversary Calderara Sottana Rosso Etna 2022 750ml $44.50 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points ‘This is a special bottling for the 20th anniversary of the estate. It has depth and intensity with a medium to full body, a creamy stone and basalt texture, red fruits and a mushroom and bark undertone. The linear, vivid finish goes on and on. Needs time to open. Be patient.”
 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘Dagala di Bocca d’Orzo’ Etna Rosso 2022 750ml $138 special, 4 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 99 points “This is really alluring with a density and a creamy, silky texture that goes on and on. Medium- to full-bodied, it has great texture and length with raspberries and some dried orange peel. Subtle, seductive and caressing. Drink or hold”
 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Feudo di Mezzo Etna Rosso 2022 750ml $49 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “Rosy and perfumed, the 2022 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo opens with a lovely bouquet that blends dried flowers with crushed strawberries and hints of lavender. This displays textures of pure silk with a lifted and finessed feel. Tart wild berry fruits add a lovely inner tension.”
 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don Peppino Calderara Sottana Etna Rosso 2022 750ml $165 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 96 points “Darkly alluring and youthfully backward, the 2022 Etna Rosso Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don Peppino Calderara Sottana smolders up with a blend of sweet spices, dusty violets and ash, giving way to dried black cherries, sage and cloves. This is velvety yet finessed, with a polished wave of ripe red and blue fruit that flows across a juicy stream of acidity. Hints of sour citrus add contrast toward the close. It finishes remarkably fresh and energetic, still tannic but lively, as crunchy tannins resonate and an air of lavender slowly fades. This is an elegant and genuinely harmonious edition of this cuvée. Simply stunning.”
 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Santo Spirito Etna Rosso 2022 750ml $49 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Dark and purple fruits with sliced mushroom and crushed stone, as well as terra-cotta and red-earth character in both the nose and palate. Full and powerful with chewy tannins and muscle. Good depth of fruit. Citrus fruit, too. It turns very perfumed and intense. Chewy at the end. Needs time to soften. Try after 2027.”
 

 
Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
 
Gerard Boulay
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Gerard Boulay
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Gerard Boulay
 
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Gerard Boulay sale ends Friday, June 6th at 9 am Pacific.