Down to earth: Ayres grows and makes wines in the true Oregon tradition. From certified-sustainable viticulture in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, to hands-off winemaking (learned at Domaine Drouhin Oregon), and extremely reasonable pricing, Ayres represents Willamette Valley Pinot Noir with respect. The Lewis Rogers Lane and Perspective cuvees satisfy that plump red/blue fruit craving, while the Pioneer gives a deeper, darker taste. Meanwhile, to keep it bright, fresh, and under $20 a bottle, the Willamette Valley 2015 already drinks wonderfully. Pick one, two, or all four to taste and we’re sure you’ll add Ayres to your list of favorite Oregon producers. They’re definitely one of ours. – Daniel
Inman Family Wines’ Spectacular OGV Pinot Noir: January 2017
Inman Family Vineyards “OGV Estate” Pinot Noir 2010 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now: $33 special – in stock now!
We can be homers for Pinot from Oregon here, but every now and then we get a wine from California that is spectacular enough to break the spell of the Willamette–at least for a minute. That’s how it is for us with the wines of Inman Family Vineyards in the Russian River Valley
, especially for the OGV estate Pinot Noir.
Kathleen Inman is one of the most delightful winemakers we know of and the wine she makes from her estate vineyard, “Olivet Grange,” is the highlight of her portfolio every year. Her wines manage to combine a grace and elegance that one usually associates with old world wines with the rich, cherry fruit of the Russian River Valley. … Read the rest
Featured Champagne and Sparkling Wine Specials: December 2016
Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Millesime, Champagne 2009 750ML ($219.95) Buy Now: $169 super special
James Suckling 97 points “A very rich and full-bodied Cristal that harks back to 2006 or 1989 in style…”
Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Brut, Anderson Valley 2009 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now: $33 super special
Case-6 Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Brut, Anderson Valley 2009 750ML ($259.95) Buy Now: $179 super special (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 92 points “[$48 list] A luxurious sparkler, with toasty brioche, mineral and lemon brûlée…”
Dom Perignon Brut, Champagne 2006 750ML ($179.95) Buy Now: $149 super special
Antonio Galloni 97 points “…a beautifully balanced, harmonious Dom Pérignon …the 2006 shows off fabulous intensity in a style that brings together the ripeness of 2002 with the greater sense of verve and overall freshness that is such a signature of the 2004…”
Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Brut Millesime, Champagne 2007 750ML ($159.95) Buy Now: $79 super special
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “… There is an elegant style to the wine, fresh and with poise.”… Read the rest
Wine Spectator Top 10 in 2016
#3 Wine of the Year:
Beaux Freres ‘The Beaux Freres Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ML ($99.95) Buy Now: $89 special – in-stock now!
Wine Spectator 95 points
#6 Wine of the Year:
Orin Swift Machete, California 2014 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now: $44 special – in-stock now!
Wine Spectator 94 points
And our best value from the Top 100 wines:
#71 Wine of the Year:
Two Hands Wines Lilys Garden Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia 2014 750ML ($69.95) Buy Now: $41.90 special – in-stock now!
Wine Spectator 94 points
The next best listed price in the USA today is $57.95… Read the rest
Wine of the Day: Domaine de la Grange des Peres 2011 12-1-16
Domaine de la Grange des Peres, IGP Pays d’Herault, 2011 750ML ($119.95) Buy Now: $89 special
When you only make one wine, it better be good. In the case of Grange des Peres, in the Languedoc, it is and is cult-like in its following. We don’t always get as much as we’d like, but we scooped up little extra of the 2011 and are offering it at a killer price. It’s a big, rich wine—for Cabernet drinkers but with a few other grapes in there to liven things up. Drink this guy with some roasted birds or steaks off the grill. – Saul… Read the rest