October 14 Newsletter

 October 14, 2013

Jump Start Sale
Bruna Grimaldi Barolo ‘Camilla’ 2009 ($37.95) $28 jump start special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The lovely 2009 Barolo Camilla opens to characteristic Nebbiolo aromas of wild berry, dried mint, licorice tar and pressed rose. The wine is elegant and feminine overall with fine, silky tannins at the rear. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025”
We had a few advance cases a couple months ago
Big hit! – many of you were looking for more – here it is
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today
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New Week -New Arrivals 

USA-OR
Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Evenstad Reserve 2010 ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Vibrant, focused and deliciously complex, offering raspberry, cherry, cinnamon, mocha and subtle sage notes rolling through the long and expressive finish. Deft. Drink now through 2020.”

Owen Roe Pinot Noir Merriman Vineyard 2012 (57.95) $44 special

Owen Roe Cabernet Franc Rosa Mystica 2010 ($42.95) $36 special 
USA- WA
Pendulum Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2011 ($17.95) $14 special
Wine & Spirits 93 points- Best Buys 2103- we’ll all have to wait until the December edition of W&S hits the news stands to read all about it. But in the meantime, maybe better to try it yourself. We did. Rich and easy; very  likeable.
Waterbrook Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2010 ($24.95) $18 super special
Wine & Spirits 92 points- Best Buys 2013– same story as the Pendulum, with added tannin notes suggesting a couple years of aging potential.
USA- CA

Ramey Napa Valley Claret 2011 ($39.95) $33 special
Ramey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 ($59.95) $51.90 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Ramey’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is a spherical wine with all of its elements in place. Mocha, espresso, blackberries, incense and graphite all come together in a wine that impresses for its exceptional overall balance. White flowers, cloves and asphalt all develop later, lending an element of exoticism that is simply compelling. The 2010 is a blend of valley floor and hillside fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030….In my mind, Ramey is one of the top wineries in the United States. Readers who aren’t familiar with these wines owe it to themselves to check them out.”
France- Champagne

Cedric Bouchard Inflorescence Val de Villaine Blanc de Noir Brut NV-2011 ($74.95) $66 special

Cedric Bouchard Inflorescence  La Parcelle Brut NV-2006 ($119.95) $99 special
Cedric Bouchard Roses de Jeanne Haut Lemble Brut NV-2009 ($149.95) $119 special
Cedric Bouchard Roses de Jeanne Haut La Boloree Brut NV-2009 ($179.95) $149 special
France- Burgundy
Domaine Leflaive Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2010 ($499.95) $419 special final 6 bottles
John Gilman 97+ points “Domaine Leflaive’s 2010 Bâtard-Montrachet is also brilliant, with the supreme elegance of the vintage translating into one of the most seamless and electric young examples of this great grand cru that I can ever recall tasting. The stunning nose soars from the glass in a refined mélange of apple, lemon, tangerine, crystalline minerality, orange blossoms, lemon zest and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and very tight, with a rock solid core, snappy acids and a rapier-backend of racy structure and profound minerality. This wine sizzles across the palate like a bolt of chardonnay lightning.” Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2010 Batard-Montrachet covers every inch of the palate with fruit. In 2010, the Batard is towering, statuesque and simply impeccable. Today the aromas and flavors are not at all developed, rather the wine is really all about textural elegance and finesse, and there is plenty of that here. A huge, explosive finish rounds things out in style. The Batard is a wine of contrasts. At times it is quite bold and extroverted, at others it possesses admirable restraint. Either way, it is magnificent.”
Domaine Leflaive Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2010 ($499.95) $399 special final 4 bottles
Antonio Galloni 97 points “Things go up a notch or two with the 2010 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet, which appears to hover on the palate with the grace of a ballerina. The Bienvenues is all about weightless elegance and implied structure, but it is all there in the glass. At times a bit intellectual, the Bienvenues is nevertheless immensely appealing. Layers of soft, perfumed fruit flow effortlessly to the nuanced, feminine finish. A hint of floral honey and almonds lingers on the palate. I can’t wait to see how this ages.”
Domaine Fourrier Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Goulots 2008 ($139.95) $99 special 
Louis Jadot Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Barre 2010 ($79.95) $59 special final 24 bottles
John Gilman 92+ points “The premier cru of Clos de la Barre is located immediately below the village center of Volnay, tucked in on the slope between les Angles to its north and Clos de la Bousse d’Or to its south. The 2010 from Maison Jadot is outstanding and another real sleeper to search out in this vintage. The classy and very precise bouquet offers up scents of cassis, dark berries, espresso, dark chocolate, a great base of complex minerality and just a hint of new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very pure on the attack, with impressive complexity, ripe tannins, a lovely core and impressive grip on the long and tangy finish. A beautiful bottle of Volnay in the
making,”
Louis Jadot Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots 2010 ($79.95) $69 special final 24 bottles
Wine Enthusiast 93  points “Santenots, like most premier crus, is located halfway down the slope. This is structured, yet it remains ripe and fruity, and it shows off the voluptuous texture that’s characteristic of Volnay. There is fine balance between the acidity and fruit, and the dry core promises aging potential.”
Louis Jadot Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru 2010 ($99.95) $79 special final 15 bottles

 

John Gilman 92 points “an exceptional example of Clos du Roi, as the wine offers up a complex and transparent blend of red currants, dark berries, bonfires, venison, stony soil tones, coffee and spicy wood. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and classy, with a fine core of fruit, firm tannins and excellent length and grip on the well-balanced and youthful finish.”
Louis Jadot Corton Greves Grand Cru 2010 ($119.95) $89 special final 16 bottles
Antonio Galloni 93-95 points, John Gilman 93+ points “The 2010 Corton ‘Grèves’ from Maison Jadot is the most broad-shouldered and potentially complex of these three excellent Cortons, as it offers up a deep and very precise bouquet of red and black cherries, coffee, iron-like soil tones, woodsmoke, coriander seed and cedar. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and quite reserved,with a rock solid core of fruit, outstanding transparency, firm tannins and excellent focus and grip on the very long, very young and soil-driven finish. This is a classic young Corton that will need some patience, but which should be absolutely stellar at its apogee.”
Louis Jadot Corton Pougets Grand Cru 2010 ($109.95) $79 special final 18 bottles
Antonio Galloni 92-94 points “The 2010 Corton Pougets is a beautifully focused wine laced with sweet red cherries, raspberries, flowers, mint and crushed rocks. The Pougets is all about nuance, detail and clarity. It comes across as quite elegant, but there is an understated weight that fleshes out on the finish.”
France- Beaujolais
Pascal Aufranc Julienas Les Cerisiers Vieilles Vignes 2012 ($17.95) $14 special Vinopolpick
In a word- delicious. Very cherry. That’s Cerisiers. Reminded me to eat more duck.
France- Jura 
Domaine Philippe Bornard Chardonnay Arbois Pupillion 2008 ($27.95) $24 special
France- Savoie
Eugene Carrel Rousette de Savoie Cru Marestel 2010 ($22.95) $19 special
Cru Marestal is 100% the signature Altesse grape (non-Cru Rousette de Savoie allows blending of Chardonnay with the Altesse). The remarkable Marestal vineyard faces the Southwest with slope faces of up to 70 degrees, thus full ripeness is achieved here despite the Alpine climate. This is a remarkably interesting wine for sub $20; and a terrific change of pace for a jaded palate. Special.
France- Rhone
Domaine Courbis Saint Joseph Les Royes 2010 ($41.95) $36 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “There’s a perfumy cocoa note out front, backed by steeped plum, blueberry and blackberry fruit flavors, wound with charcoal and tar on the finish. There’s lots of bass to this, but it’s also vivacious. Best from 2014 through 2020. 1,350 cases made.”
France- Bordeaux
Chateau Vernous Haut-Medoc 2010 ($24.95) $19 special – serious claret
Chateau Laforge Saint Emilion 2009 ($99.95) $79 special
Robert Parker 96 points “From proprietor Jonathan Maltus, this blend of three terroirs, two on sand and one on gravel, is a blend of 92% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. About 2,000 cases are produced, and the prodigious 2009 is the finest vintage to date. Inky blue/purple, with notes of licorice, camphor, black truffle, blackberry and blueberry, this full-bodied wine has massive concentration yet at the same time displays elegance and harmony. The equilibrium and 60+-second length make for a huge, massive, but incredibly well-balanced wine, like a shadow of the proprietor himself. Drink it over the next 15 or more years.”
Chateau Figeac Saint Emilion 2005 ($179.95) $159 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “This is subtle and complex, showing blackberry, fresh tobacco and light vanilla, with a hint of Indian spices. Full-bodied, with super well-integrated tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. Refined and classy. The best modern wine from this producer. Best after 2015.”
France- Loire
Domaine Landron Le Fief du Breil Muscadet S&M Sur Lie 2010 ($19.95) $16 special
Vatan Sancerre Clos la Neore 2011 ($79.95) $69 special
Wine Advocate 92-93 points “Bittersweet and musky floral perfume, mint, and eucalyptus surge from the glass of 2011 Sancerre Clos la Neore-as tasted from tank-and combine with gooseberry preserves, fresh apple, and honeydew melon on a lush, faintly oily, subtly sultry, yet persistently luscious palate. A hint of salted chicken and mushroom stock add a mysterious sense of (Kimmeridgian) place, while the hint of gooseberry and apple skin lends welcome invigoration to a long, saliva-liberating, and hauntingly musky, floral finish. This ought to be one of those rare 2011 Sancerres that will reward attention for more than a decade”
Germany- Mosel
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett 2012 ($24.95) $18 special
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “This offers beautiful flavors of pear, ripe apple, smoke and herbs. A great fresh side underlined with some chalky minerals and white flowers come through on the palate and add freshness to the experience. This finish is delicately racy and offers a fine, smooth and silky cream. This beauty is irresistible now but it will be even more impressive in a few years’ time, when it will have integrated the touch of sweetness which comes through in the after-taste. 2017-2027.”
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2012 ($29.95) $24 special
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “Subdued scents of red currant and apple give way to a slightly firm and tannic feel of minerals and acidity on the palate. The finish is nicely subdued and multi-layered and will even gain in quality once it will have integrated a touch of sweetness in the finish.”
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese*** 2012 ($49.95) $39 special
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “Harvested at a cool 100 Oechsle in a prime sector near the Urziger Sonnenuhr, this offer a great nose of cassis and strawberry. A touch of acidity comes through on the palate, which adds depth and presence. The finish is pure and fruity, and leaves a superb sense of creamy yet electrifying sense of silkiness on the finish. Everything is nicely balanced in this beautifully racy Auslese.”
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese*** Gold Capsule 2012 ($59.95) $49 special
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “While not showing much higher sugar levels that the regularAuslese*** in 2012, this towers over the other wine easily through a glorious nose of red currant, raspberry, honey and spices which give way to a gloriously lively and fruit-driven feel of creaminess on the palate. Despite the high level of ripeness, this remains juicy and utterly drinkable. This is a glorious wine.”
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese*** Gold Capsule 2012 ($59.95) $49 special
Mosel Fine Wines 96 points “This delivers a stunningly complex and multi-layered nose of quince, brown sugar and clean apply fruit. But what is the most remarkable about this wine is the feeling of delicate silkiness on the palate, which is simply out of this world. This transcends the usual Pralat aromatics (which have some power) and delivers them in a gracious and elegant way. This is a classis in the making!”
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese 2004 ($39.95) $29 special
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese*** 2004 ($49.95) $39 special
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese*** 2004 ($49.95) $39 special
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese*** 2004 ($49.95) $39 special
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese*** 2001 ($49.95) $39 special
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The wine shows a light golden color. It needs a few minutes in the glass to develop a subtle aromatic profile made of peaches, grape fruit, mint, spices and exotic fruit. The bouquet is still very primary and restrained. There is a striking botrytis purity which adds hints of honey, especially on the palate. The residual sugar is still quite present and gives a rather creamy and soft texture. However the finish is crystal clear and very long. This should age effortlessly. 2011-2031.”
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese*** 2001 ($49.95) $39 special
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese*** 1994 ($59.95) $49 special
Italy- Sudtirol
Weingut Gumphof Suditroler Vernatsch 2012 ($19.95) $16 special Vinopolpick
Yes, these Italians speak German. Vernatsch is German for Schiava, a red grape indigenous to this Alpine region. Gamay-like, thrillingly fresh and bright.
Italy- Piedmont
Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto 2008 1.5L ($419.95) $389 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Warm and chewy, this red exhibits cedar, sandalwood, tobacco and leather accents enhancing the core of cherry and raspberry. As this plays out on the palate, the wine turns more supple and vibrant, building to the long, expansive finish. Best from 2016 through 2035.”
Italy- Tuscany
Fattoria di Petrolo Torrione Toscana 2009 ($39.95) $28 super special
James Suckling 94 points “Aromas of lightly stewed fruit, with hints of fresh herbs and spices. Full bodied, with soft tannins and a fruity finish. This is balanced and long, with a caressing finish. Best ever. Mostly Sangiovese, with a hint of Merlot. Better after 2013”
Fontodi Flaccianello Toscana 2009 ($119.95) $89 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “The first impression of this red is purity and finesse, as black currant, raspberry and violet aromas and flavors stay focused and persistent. An earthy leather element and mineral notes chime in on the finish, backed by a vibrant structure. Sangiovese. Best from 2015 through 2032.”
WA/ID Flat rate shipping- $20 any size order,
Oregon Flat rate shipping- $17 any size order,
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Flashy Super Flash Sale 

The Tenuta di Arceno estate is a gorgeous property in the hills of the Chianti Classico region in central Tuscany between Florence and Siena, very near Castelnuovo Berardenga. Infact, once part of the feudal holdings of the Counts of Berardenga. But its roots extend back to the Etruscan civilization, its ownership by the wealthy and respected Taja family. The name Arceno derives from an Etruscan word for “border” or “riverbank.”  Two rivers, the Ambra on the east side and the Ombrone on the west, border the estate. In another era, it was owned by one of the most illustrious families of Siena, the Piccolominis. And finally, acquired by American wine pioneer Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke in 1994.
Tenuta di Arceno Il Fauno di Arcanum Toscana 2008 ($29.95) $20.90 flash sale special
Case-12: Tenuta di Arceno Il Fauno di Arcanum Toscana 2008 $228 flash sale special (that’s $19 / bottle)
Wine Advocate 94 points “A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and Petit Verdot, the 2008 Il Fauno di Arcanum opens with an inky dark color and perfectly ripe aromas of plump cherry and blackberry. Beyond the enticing fruit aromas is a long list of spice and tobacco-related characteristics. This is a thickly layered and opulent Tuscan blend that is enhanced by territory-driven aromas of grilled herb and rosemary oil. The best part for me, however, is the soft richness this wine delivers in the mouth. Anticipated maturity 2014-2027. “
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today
$24.50 to $29.99 everywhere else listed

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Sauternes
‘tis the season:
Not only a dessert wine
Another of those Appellations whose grand wines are not always priced beyond reach, fine Sauternes can live for decades. Layer upon layer of honey and exotic fruit, and great acidity make it a spectacularly complex wine. Yes, it’s sweet and it’s big, but that doesn’t mean it can be served only with cheese or dessert. The sweetness and richness are balanced by the acidity, making the wine more accommodating than you might think. The right match–a sip of Sauternes followed by a bite of something, say, buttery or salty–is a wonderful experience.
It isn’t hard to pair Sauternes with savory dishes. Look to the classic pairing of Sauternes and foie gras for a hint; then find other flavors and textures that will stand up to the wine. For instance, dishes with components which are creamy and/or salty, and/ or spicy. Similarly, the right textures will meld with the wine’s honey-like body: crunchy fried foods do that job beautifully. And, we’ll come out and say it today- most versions of a turkey dinner will fit a Sauternes accompaniment very, very well.  Really; never had a burger and a Coke, or a BLT and sweetened iced tea…?
Here are some of the Sauternes & Barsac selections in the shop today:
Chateau Climens Barsac 2004 375ml ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Sepctator 92 points “Shows apricot tart, with hints of candied lemons on the nose. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with lovely concentration and a lemony, spicy, almost flinty aftertaste. Impressive for the vintage. Very lively and zingy on the finish. Best after 2009.”
Chateau Coutet Barsac 2003 750ml ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Honey, apple tart and lemon rind. Full-bodied, medium-sweet and very spicy with intense flavors of mace, apple and honey. Long finish. Thick and powerful. Best after 2010.”
Chateau d’Arche Sauternes 2005 750ml ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Apple pie and lemon tart aromas follow through to a full body, with medium sweetness and a lively, bright finish of citrusy acidity and spiciness. Very young. Powerful. Best after 2012.”
Chateau de Myrat Sauternes 2007 750ml ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Darker in color that most 2007 Sauternes, showing intense aromas of driet apricot, with toffee notes and an almost smokey charachter.  This is full-bodied and very sweet, with a full-blown dried fruit and raisin flavor.  Long and superbly rich.  Best after 2014.”
Chateau Guiraud Sauternes 2009 375ml ($59.95) $49 special
Chateau Guiraud Sauternes 2009 750ml ($89.95) $79 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is a bird of a different feather, with an exotic, vibrant aroma of toasted coconut, followed by an almond cream note that gives way to the core of green fig, papaya, Cavaillon melon and honey. There’s stunning richness and mouthfeel, with the power to be one of the longer-lived wines of the vintage. Very impressive. Best from 2015 through 2040.”
Chateau Rieussec Sauternes 2009 375ml ($49.95) $39 special
Chateau Rieussec Sauternes 2009 750ml ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 97 points “The team at Chateau Rieussec have conjured a stellar wine in 2009. There is a little reduction at first that fortunately blows away, revealing thickly layered scents of honey, Danish pastry and quince that appear to gain vigor with every passing sip. The palate is stunning: very viscous in the mouth with tangy grapefruit, honey and white peach. It is still primal, but the acidity is perfectly judged and there is a life-affirming sense of precision and tension towards the finish. Exceptional. Drink now-2045.”
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Incoming
2011 ELV – just released – arriving this week
Evening Lands Vineyards Seven Springs Vineyard Chardonnay 2011 ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Light, tangy and juicy, with pear and lemon curd flavors, coming together intensely and harmoniously on the finish. Drink now through 2018.”
Evening Lands Vineyards ‘La Source’ Seven Springs Vineyard Chardonnay 2011 ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Vibrant, expressive, focused and concentrated, dancing lightly with an array of toast- and mineral-accented peach, pear, lime and orange blossom flavors, lingering enticingly against refined acidity. Best from 2015 through 2019.”
Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2011 ($49.95) $39 special
Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir Seven Springs Vineyard 2011 ($59.95) $49 special
Evening Land Vineyards “La Source’ Pinot Noir Seven Springs Vineyard 2011 ($79.95) $66 special

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Time To Say Goodbuy
Evening Lands Seven Springs Vineyard ‘Summum’ Chardonnay 2010 ($99.95) $75 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Light, racy and aromatic, with depth, offering mineral notes of crushed wet stone before delivering beautifully restrained apple, pineapple and citrus flavors that play against a lean, sinewy frame. The finish doesn’t quit. Drink now through 2020. 217 cases made.”
This is the lowest factually available listed price in the USA today