Budget-Friendly Rhone Wines

June 2017

Featured New Arrivals

Just in time for your summer festivities!

Budget-Friendly Rhone

(And Rhone-Adjacent) Wine

Domaine Boisson Cotes du Rhone Villages Massif d’Uchaux Clos de la Brussiere 2009 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $18 special
Case-12 Domaine Boisson Cotes du Rhone Villages Massif d’Uchaux Clos de la Brussiere 2009 750ML ($299.95) Buy Now: $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Robert Parker 91 points “Even better is the 2009 Cairanne Clos de la Brussiere from the Massif d’Uchaux, the newest Cotes du Rhone-Villages appellation. A dark ruby/purple color is followed by deliciously ripe fruit in this seriously stacked and packed effort. Revealing lots of kirsch liqueur, loamy soil, garrigue and lavender notes, this full-bodied, richly fruity, pure, well-balanced 2009 should drink well for 4-5 years.”… Read the rest

La Jota Howell Mountain Cabernet 2013

June 2017

La Jota Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain 2013

A Great Big Cabernet at a Great Big Discount!

la jota wineryIt’s telling that La Jota’s full name is “La Jota Vineyard Co.”  Founded in 1898, it’s a winery explicitly tied to a place, in this case Howell Mountain.  Howell Mountain is a special place in Napa to grow Cabernet Sauvignon and the history of the winery reflects that—the first awards for the winery were in the 1902 Paris Exposition.  They shuttered during prohibition and became a “ghost winery” until the current winery opened in 1982.

The winery makes its wines from estate fruit spread over 28 acres of prime volcanic Howell Mountain real estate, and the Cabernet is what they’re known for. … Read the rest

Siro Pacenti Brunello

Siro Pacenti New Arrival!

June 2017

A Master of Modern Brunello

pacenti-brunello“Giancarlo Pacenti is by far the leading exponent of the modern school of Brunello di Montalcino. No other producer has succeeded in crafting wines of this much textural beauty and refinement.” – Antonio Galloni

“Giancarlo Pacenti is the best winemaker in the appellation of Brunello di Montalcino. Everything is done in the best possible way and at the right time in his well-kept vineyards and the pristine small winery under his house. His Brunellos are usually a blend of different vineyards from both the south and north sides of the Montalcino hill, giving them great richness and structure as well as freshness. They are aged in French oak barrels yet show very little wood character, and their crystal clear style is one that ages extremely well.”… Read the rest

Perrier Jouet 2008 On Sale Now

Just in Time for the May Sale

May 2017

New Release of Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque

Lowest listed price in the USA!

In Stock Now

perrier jouet 2008Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Brut Millesime, Champagne 2008 750ML ($119.95) Buy now: $99 special, In Stock Now!
Decanter 93 points “Shimmering pale gold with green lights, radiant clarity; persistent tiny bubbles: riot of white flowers scents, hawthorn, then more stone-fruit than citrus, reine claude (greengage) and elderflower. Vibrant mouthfeel, invigorating, expansive – perfect with saline fruits de mer. Perrier Jouët Belle Epoque 2008 reminds me somewhat of the grace of the exceptional 1995, Cellarmaster Hervé Deschamps’ first solo vintage and still one of his best. Though the two vintages 13 years apart share the same grace and class, the 2008 is more mineral, reflecting a quite sunless summer season.… Read the rest

Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2012 5-24-17

Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2012

il poggione 2012Most Brunello collectors buy either traditional or modern examples with the exception of a few wines whose appeal seems to transcend stylistic categories. These wines are the real ‘collectible’ Brunelli—there’s always going to be a market for them. In that category, Il Poggione manages to be unique. It’s a wine that’s traditionally made, yet approachable, beloved across the board and is still reasonably priced.

For that reason, Il Poggione remains one of our favorite wines in Brunello—it’s tough to beat the combination of quality and price. The wines are probably the least expensive, collectible-quality Brunello out there. The 2012 vintage is no exception and the wine is gorgeous, from a warm vintage but with the freshness and elegance you expect from Il Poggione.… Read the rest