The Fastest Rising Star in Burgundy?

The Incredible Clos de la Chapelle

Every now and then, we taste wines from a producer that’s clearly Going Places—like the star student in a high school class, it’s painfully obvious that some domaines are driven in a fundamentally different way from their peers. The current incarnation of Clos de la Chapelle is clearly one of those estates—the praise keeps coming and it won’t be long until these are thought of (and priced with) wines like D’Angerville, Lafon and Lafarge as some of the top bottlings in Volnay.

Shop Clos de la Chapelle Now!

That drive comes down to one person, … Read the rest

Willamette Valley Pinot – Magic in the Vineyards

Magic in the Willamette Valley

New Reviews from Josh Raynolds of Vinous!

“Two thousand sixteen is yet another link in an unprecedented chain of outstanding vintages in the Willamette Valley that began in 2014 and has now extended to 2018. Compared to the ‘14s and ‘15s, the ‘16s, while on the rich side for Pinot Noir, show more freshness than wines of the previous years at a similar stage.” – Josh Raynolds, Vinous

Josh Raynolds at Vinous just handed out some very high scores that come as almost no surprise to anyone paying attention to Willamette wine for the last several years. We’ve been beating the drum that our local region makes Pinot Noir that is as good or better than anywhere else in the world, especially for the prices asked—and these new reviews just support that argument.… Read the rest

Felsina Rancia 2016 – New Wine Advocate Review!

Hot Off the Presses

Felsina Rancia Awarded 96 Points!

New Wine Advocate Review for our Favorite Chianti Estate

“Of [2015 and 2016], I’d put my money on 2016 in terms of long-term cellaring.” –Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, writing on Chianti in general

Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2016 750ML ($59.95) Buy Now: $49 special, in stock now!
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia knocks it out of the park. Like the other new releases from Fèlsina, this pure expression of Sangiovese needs more time to evolve and improve with bottle age. But even at this young stage, you are made fully aware of the beautiful intensity and complexity of the quality fruit at its core.… Read the rest

The Outstanding 2014 Produttori Crus

“this is one of the most consistently outstanding set of Riservas I can remember tasting here”–Antonio Galloni

Produttori del Barbaresco is revered for producing classically-styled Barbaresco and Riservas of uncompromising quality and transparency. It’s a miracle that these wines are still affordable and available, especially when compared to the skyrocketing prices of Barolo. You’d be hard-pressed to find such consistent quality and complexity out of such an extensive range of single-vineyard Nebbiolos anywhere else. We are pleased to present the 2014 Crus – a range already receiving rave reviews from Italian expert Antonio Galloni.

Consider yourself warned: These are HIGHLY limited in comparison to prior vintages (Rabaja in all formats is already sold out). Shop the complete list on our webstore now by clicking here or view them all below:… Read the rest

Schafer-Frohlich New Reviews from John Gilman

John Gilman Reviews

The Stunning 2018’s of Schafer-Frohlich

John Gilman offers a welcome alternative to the ripeness-oriented palates of Robert Parker, James Suckling, etc. He’s written his newsletter, A View from the Cellar, from his home in New York and attracted a following as a voice of reason, or at least of classicism. He doesn’t inflate scores like some others and so when we see a high scoring wine (which for him is 90+), we know we should pay attention. He recently reviewed the 2018 German vintage in his recent issue, with particular focus on the wines of Schafer-Frohlich. Read the complete write up below or jump to the web store to purchase!… Read the rest