In This Newsletter:
Rioja Sale
New Additions to our Autumn Savings Sale
Have It All!
Stock Up & Save On:
Rioja Wines
Rioja Sale
New Additions to our Autumn Savings Sale
Have It All!
Stock Up & Save On:
Rioja Wines
The wines of Spain’s most famous and celebrated wine region, Rioja, offer a bold and deeply complex look at Tempranillo and Garnacha. Wineries are well-known for their long love-affair with French and American oak barriques, which impart signature accents to these deeply impressive reds. One of the most impressive features of these wines are their long drinking window due to the expert use of long oak aging.
There’s plenty of options to choose from amongst our in-stock selections, from budget-friendly to star of the show. We offer releases from some of the region’s oldest producers, including Remelluri (founded in the 14th century), and most notable producers, such as Lopez de Heredia. You’ll find wineries with cult and popular followings, such as Marques de Murrieta and La Rioja Alta. Here too are picks from long-time favorites at the shop, such as Muga, and new and exciting collaborations such as Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia’s Macán.
You might just say Rioja has it all… and so do we. Now you can too, with our three-day sale.
There’s plenty of options to choose from amongst our in-stock selections, from budget-friendly to star of the show. We offer releases from some of the region’s oldest producers, including Remelluri (founded in the 14th century), and most notable producers, such as Lopez de Heredia. You’ll find wineries with cult and popular followings, such as Marques de Murrieta and La Rioja Alta. Here too are picks from long-time favorites at the shop, such as Muga, and new and exciting collaborations such as Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia’s Macán.
You might just say Rioja has it all… and so do we. Now you can too, with our three-day sale.
5% off any 3-7 in-stock bottles of wine from Rioja
10% off any 8+ or more in-stock bottles of wine from Rioja
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Friday, October 3rd at 9 am Pacific.
10% off any 8+ or more in-stock bottles of wine from Rioja
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Friday, October 3rd at 9 am Pacific.
We offer thirty-eight in-stock Rioja options on sale now, including:
R. Lopez de Heredia Viña Bosconia Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2011 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 92+ points “2011 was a warmer and riper year, but there’s not a huge difference between the 2011 Viña Bosconia Reserva and the 2010; this is perhaps mellower, with more integrated acidity. It’s 13.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.3 and 6.7 grams of acidity measured in tartaric acid per liter, and it fermented in the 144-year-old oak vats and matured in used American oak barrels for five years. 88,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2018.”
La Rioja Alta S.A. Vina Alberdi Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $24, that’s $22.80 at 5% off and $21.60 at 10% off, 14 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 92 points “The younger wine here is the 2020 Viña Alberdi, a versatile version of the Haro reds. It was produced with Tempranillo fermented in stainless steel and matured in American oak barrels for two years (it’s sold as Reserva in international markets and Crianza in Spain). It has 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.6 and five grams of acidity. It has a classical nose of ripe fruit, American oak and spices, the subtle notes of forest floor, still young. The palate is velvety and very balanced with polished tannins. Approachable but should also age. 650,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2023.”
Marques de Caceres Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $29.50, that’s $28.03 at 5% off and $26.55 at 10% off, 30 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “Warm spice and licorice notes lace the chopped cherry, green olive, sweet tobacco and vanilla flavors in this well-balanced red. Lightly chewy, with refined tannins and a minerally, tar-tinged finish. Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta and Graciano. Drink now through 2036. 16,666 cases made, 5,000 cases imported.”
Bodegas Muga ‘Prado Enea’ Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Spiced red and black fruits, new saddle leather, smoky tobacco, and lead pencil are just some of the nuances in the 2016 Prado Enea Gran Reserva, a pure, medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, beautifully textured Rioja from this team. With beautiful yet building tannins, a pure, focused style, and awesome length on the finish, it’s a brilliant wine with a solid two decades of prime drinking ahead of it.”
Bodegas Muga Rosado, Rioja DOCa 2024 750ml Displayed Price: $18, that’s $17.10 at 5% off and $16.20 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Joaquín Hidalgo-Vinous 91 points “The 2024 Rosado Muga, from Alto Najerilla, was aged for 16 weeks on lees. Pale pink, with cherry and mild sour cherry aromas accented by rose petals, it’s light and fresh with malic acidity. Expressive and lively, this is a crisp, uncomplicated Rosé.”
Bodegas Muga Torre Muga, Rioja DOCa 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $108.50, that’s $103.08 at 5% off and $97.65 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2019 Torre Muga is always a more powerful, ripe expression of Rioja that never loses its sense of place. Deep ruby/purple, with a glorious bouquet of cassis, graphite, tobacco leaf, chocolate, and crushed stone, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a deep, pure, multi-dimensional texture, building tannins, and good acidity. It’s young, unevolved, yet oh, so promising. Hide bottles for 7-8 years if you can, and it will cruise for 20-30 years. The blend is 80% Tempranillo and the balance Mazuelo and Graciano, aged 18 months in French oak.”
#1 James Suckling’s Top 100 Wines of Spain 2023 & #10 James Suckling’s Top 100 Wines of 2023
Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ml Displayed Price: $275, that’s $261.25 at 5% off and $247.50 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
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.”
Marques de Murrieta Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $29, that’s $27.55 at 5% off and $26.10 at 10% off, 35 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2020 Rioja Reserva, their flagship wine, comes from the 300 hectares of estate vineyards. Here, Tempranillo is the backbone, making up 82% of the blend in the low-yielding vintage of 2019, complemented with 8% Graciano, 7% Mazuelo and 3% Garnacha. It has controlled ripeness at 14% alcohol, with a pH of 3.65 and 5.1 grams of acidity. I loved the aromatics here—floral and elegant, more in the style of the 2018 than the 2019. it’s lighter, more elegant, fine-boned and has a silky texture and very fine tannins. Both 2019 and 2020 are very good, but 2020 is more my style. 980,000 bottles produced. It was bottled after 21 months in American oak barrels.”
Vinedos de Paganos El Puntido Gran Reserva, Rioja DOC 2013 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Joaquín Hidalgo-Vinous 95 points “The 2013 Gran Reserva El Puntido comes from a 1976 vineyard in Páganos, Laguardia. Elegantly evolved, it offers dried cherry, integrated aging notes, soft spices and a trace of menthol floating over delicate tertiary aromas. On the palate, fine-grained and active tannins create a framework for the fruit and juiciness to spread over, with firm grip and sustained freshness. This speaks clearly of its home, combining purity, structure and identity. Long-lasting and supple, it sets a compelling benchmark for Rioja’s aging potential.”
Granja Nuestra Senora de Remelluri Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The estate red 2016 Reserva comes from a late growing season and was produced with local varieties like Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and others from their 86 hectares of vineyards at 590 to 805 meters in altitude on limestone, sandstone and marl soils. The grapes were picked late with good ripeness and health and fermented with natural yeasts in stainless steel and open-top oak vats and then matured in oak containers of different sizes for 20 to 21 months. These are more classical wines, with a more evolved nose, with high ripeness and some balsamic and medicinal notes. It has a dusty palate with Nebbiolo-like tannins. 300,000 bottles and 8,200 magnums produced. It was bottled in May 2019.”
Granja Nuestra Senora de Remelluri ‘Lindes de Remelluri Salinillas de Buradon’, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $46.50, that’s $44.18 at 5% off and $41.85 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2020 Lindes de Remelluri Viñedos de Salinillas de Buradón, a parish of Labastida, was produced with a blend of 91% Tempranillo, 4% Garnacha and 5% other varieties from south-facing vineyards behind the Sierra de la Cantabria, the last vineyards that they recovered on quartz salt, gypsum and red clay soils. These are the last grapes to be picked, and the wine has 14.22% alcohol but doesn’t show any heat. It comes through as serious, shy and austere, a little closed at first. The tannins are a little rustic, but the wine has a strong mineral streak that made it my favorite from the lot. 20,114 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2022.”
Rothschild & Vega Sicilia Macán Clásico, Rioja DOCa 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The second wine in the Bordeaux sense is the 2019 Macán Clásico, a more concentrated and powerful wine cropped from a warmer and drier year that was saved by the 80 liters of rain in the first half of September. It fermented in stainless steel with 10% of their own yeasts, and the élevage was 22% in stainless steel and the rest in new and used oak barrels, mostly French but with around 5% of them American, and lasted 12 months. It has a moderate 14% alcohol, mellow acidity and good freshness and balance. 2019 was a dry and warm year when they did a soft vinification to avoid harsh tannins. The nose is ripe without excess, and the oak is neatly integrated. The palate is juicy and round, with fine tannins and a velvety texture. 77,316 bottles, 1,050 magnums and some larger formats produced. It was bottled in August 2021.”
Rothschild & Vega Sicilia Macán Clásico, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 13 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2020 Macán Clásico was cropped from a more generous crop. The grapes were put in a cold chamber for one night and then underwent a cold soak of three to four days, after which they inoculated the yeasts—in 2020, 25% of it was their native yeast. It fermented in stainless steel, and the élevage was 45% in new French and 5% new American oak barrels, 28% in second use barrel and 22% in stainless steel for one year. The bottled wine has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.78 and 4.5 grams of acidity (tartaric). This is one of the most elegant vintages of this bottling so far. It has showy aromatics with notes of smoky bacon, a bit meaty, and the thing that surprised me the most was the velvety texture. 202,697 bottles, 1,998 magnums and some larger formats produced. It was bottled in August 2022.”
Sierra Cantabria Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $20.90, that’s $19.86 at 5% off and $18.81 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Joaquín Hidalgo-Vinous 93 points “An intense Sonsierra wine with a modernist touch, the 2020 Crianza is 100% Tempranillo sourced from San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Labastida, Rioja. Aged for 14 months in oak barrels, this purple wine presents aromas of violets and cherry against a balsamic and herbal backdrop. Dry, juicy and compact on the palate, the taut, fine-grained tannins lead to a lingering, mouthwatering finish. This is a wellcrafted Rioja with an enticing style.”
Sierra de Tolono Nahikun Blanco, Rioja DOCa 2023 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The white 2023 Nahikun Blanco, now certified organic and biodynamic, was produced with a blend of grapes from vine micro plots in the village of Villabuena de Álava, Viura, Calagraño, Rojal, Garnacha Blanca, etc. from vineyards that also have red varieties, but the varieties are fermented and bottled separately. The grapes fermented in well-seasoned 500-liter barrels that do not give aromas but texture, and the wine matured in these barrels for eight months. It has a moderate 11.5% alcohol and great freshness and acidity from an early harvest, with great balance between freshness and finesse. 2,120 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2024.”
Sierra de Tolono Tempranillo, Rioja DOCa 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $24, that’s $22.80 at 5% off and $21.60 at 10% off, 19 bottles in stock now
Tim Atkin 92 points “The altitude and freshness of Rivas de Tereso were an advantage in the heat of the 2022 growing season. This old-vine Tempranillo really over-delivers at the price, with very little oak, lots of zip and freshness, succulent strawberry and red cherry fruit and undertones of pine and wild thyme. 2024-27.”
Villota Tinto, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $29, that’s $27.55 at 5% off and $26.10 at 10% off, 14 bottles in stock now
Joaquín Hidalgo-Vinous 90 points “The 2020 Tinto is composed of 88% Tempranillo and 12% Graciano from Laserna in Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa. Displaying a dark garnet color, it features balsamic aromas ranging from bay leaf to wild herbs in a garrigue-like mood, with hints of blackberry chutney. Dry, rich and intense, the fairly structured palate is flavorful—a potent and ripe Rioja.”
In Stock & On Sale Now:
Kapcsandy Family Winery State Lane Vineyard Roberta’s Reserve, Napa Valley 2015 750ml Was $369, Now $349 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98 points “Made from 100% Merlot, the 2015 Merlot Roberta’s Reserve has a deep garnet-purple color and gorgeous nose of black plums, warm blueberries and mocha with touches of anise, red roses and spice box. Medium to full-bodied and densely packed with layers of blue and black fruits and perfumed notions, it has a firm yet plush backbone to support and a very long, layered finish.”
Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2012 750ml Was $889, Now $789 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “The earthy, woodsy aromas show some evolution in this red, with just a hint of white truffle, yet there’s still a hefty dose of spicy oak to be resolved. Rich and sumptuous midpalate, showing plum, cherry, tar and tobacco flavors shaded by vanilla and toasty spices, with firm, dusty tannins laying a grip on the long finish. Give this another year or two in the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2042. From Italy. —B.S.”
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011 750ml Was $419, Now $379 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Beautifully balanced, this opens with alluring scents of wild berry, rose, baking spice and whiffs of chopped herb. Seamlessly combining ripe fruit and the firm’s trademark finesse, the bright elegantly structured palate delivers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and a hint of black tea framed in polished tannins and fresh acidity. It’s already tempting but the best is yet to come. Drink 202-2031.”
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 750ml Was $699, Now $619 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 99 points “Wow, here is a vintage I’ve been anxiously waiting to try. The 2016 growing season was one of the best in recent memory in Montalcino, and if we look back in time, this vintage marks the year Biondi-Santi was sold to a French group. The prestigious 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva proves a mighty collector’s bottle that will undoubtedly gain in complexity and depth with careful bottle age. The wine offers wild nuances of forest berry and tart cherry, and there are herbal side notes as well as floral tones of dried violet and lilac. The tannins are soft, powdery and feel like they melt away on the palate.”
Coche-Dury Hospices de Beaune Pommard Cuvee Suzanne Chaudron 2019 750ml Was $899, Now $799 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Hospices de Beaune Note “This wine is a classical Pommard with good balance of freshness, elegance and tension. The bouquet shows a powerful, dark fruit character that continues on the mouth. A classic yet very interesting wine. When the Cyrot-Chaudron couple left vineyards to the Hospices de Beaune in 1979, the gift included several plots of very ancient vines. When in perfect condition, yielding small quantities of fine fruit, these have been retained. There is virtually no Premiers Crus vineyard in this Cuvée, but over 40% was planted prior to 1959, with the oldest block dating from 1910. More than a third (35%) of the Cuvée comes from the Southeast facing, low-yield hillsides of Les Petits Noizons, which dominate Pommard from the north.”
Domaine Leflaive Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2020 750ml Was $1,899, Now $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 Was $1,999, Now $1,699 special, 2 bottles 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-Bātard-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.”
Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2020 750ml Was $2,499, Now $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 Was $1,799, Now $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.”
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Montrachet Grand Cru 2019 750ml Was $1,699, Now $1,599 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Jasper Morris 96-99 points “The 2019 production consists of one normal 228l barrel and one of 285 litres neither, brand new. There are some toasty notes from the wood while the detailed elements of fruit remain covered by the intensity. This wine is sitting back on its haunches, really promising. There is a huge sweetness of fruit through the middle, a very proper toastiness, a fine acidity. This massive Montrachet still retains enough lightness on its feet despite the majesty of the vineyard. Long too. Of course!
Vincent Girardin Pommard Les Vieilles Vignes 2019 750ml Was $75, Now $69 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “A rich and expressive red, delivering black cherry, violet, mineral and spice flavors. Firms up as this evolves on the palate, with dense yet refined tannins for support. Excellent balance and length overall. Best from 2024 through 2036. 700 cases made, 200 cases imported.”
Vincent Girardin Quintessence de Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2017 750ml Was $219, Now $199 special, 20 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2017 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Quintessence de Corton-Charlemagne was one of the most introverted wines in the range when I revisited it from bottle, unwinding to reveal scents of pear, white flowers, confit citrus and a delicate top note of petrol. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, ample and satiny, with a deep and intensely concentrated core, but it’s still very reserved after its recent bottling. Some patience will be in order here, though at maturity, I’m sure my score will look conservative.”
Kapcsandy Family Winery State Lane Vineyard Roberta’s Reserve, Napa Valley 2015 750ml Was $369, Now $349 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98 points “Made from 100% Merlot, the 2015 Merlot Roberta’s Reserve has a deep garnet-purple color and gorgeous nose of black plums, warm blueberries and mocha with touches of anise, red roses and spice box. Medium to full-bodied and densely packed with layers of blue and black fruits and perfumed notions, it has a firm yet plush backbone to support and a very long, layered finish.”
Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2012 750ml Was $889, Now $789 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “The earthy, woodsy aromas show some evolution in this red, with just a hint of white truffle, yet there’s still a hefty dose of spicy oak to be resolved. Rich and sumptuous midpalate, showing plum, cherry, tar and tobacco flavors shaded by vanilla and toasty spices, with firm, dusty tannins laying a grip on the long finish. Give this another year or two in the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2042. From Italy. —B.S.”
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011 750ml Was $419, Now $379 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Beautifully balanced, this opens with alluring scents of wild berry, rose, baking spice and whiffs of chopped herb. Seamlessly combining ripe fruit and the firm’s trademark finesse, the bright elegantly structured palate delivers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and a hint of black tea framed in polished tannins and fresh acidity. It’s already tempting but the best is yet to come. Drink 202-2031.”
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 750ml Was $699, Now $619 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 99 points “Wow, here is a vintage I’ve been anxiously waiting to try. The 2016 growing season was one of the best in recent memory in Montalcino, and if we look back in time, this vintage marks the year Biondi-Santi was sold to a French group. The prestigious 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva proves a mighty collector’s bottle that will undoubtedly gain in complexity and depth with careful bottle age. The wine offers wild nuances of forest berry and tart cherry, and there are herbal side notes as well as floral tones of dried violet and lilac. The tannins are soft, powdery and feel like they melt away on the palate.”
Coche-Dury Hospices de Beaune Pommard Cuvee Suzanne Chaudron 2019 750ml Was $899, Now $799 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Hospices de Beaune Note “This wine is a classical Pommard with good balance of freshness, elegance and tension. The bouquet shows a powerful, dark fruit character that continues on the mouth. A classic yet very interesting wine. When the Cyrot-Chaudron couple left vineyards to the Hospices de Beaune in 1979, the gift included several plots of very ancient vines. When in perfect condition, yielding small quantities of fine fruit, these have been retained. There is virtually no Premiers Crus vineyard in this Cuvée, but over 40% was planted prior to 1959, with the oldest block dating from 1910. More than a third (35%) of the Cuvée comes from the Southeast facing, low-yield hillsides of Les Petits Noizons, which dominate Pommard from the north.”
Domaine Leflaive Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2020 750ml Was $1,899, Now $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 Was $1,999, Now $1,699 special, 2 bottles 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-Bātard-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.”
Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2020 750ml Was $2,499, Now $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 Was $1,799, Now $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.”
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Montrachet Grand Cru 2019 750ml Was $1,699, Now $1,599 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Jasper Morris 96-99 points “The 2019 production consists of one normal 228l barrel and one of 285 litres neither, brand new. There are some toasty notes from the wood while the detailed elements of fruit remain covered by the intensity. This wine is sitting back on its haunches, really promising. There is a huge sweetness of fruit through the middle, a very proper toastiness, a fine acidity. This massive Montrachet still retains enough lightness on its feet despite the majesty of the vineyard. Long too. Of course!
Vincent Girardin Pommard Les Vieilles Vignes 2019 750ml Was $75, Now $69 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “A rich and expressive red, delivering black cherry, violet, mineral and spice flavors. Firms up as this evolves on the palate, with dense yet refined tannins for support. Excellent balance and length overall. Best from 2024 through 2036. 700 cases made, 200 cases imported.”
Vincent Girardin Quintessence de Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2017 750ml Was $219, Now $199 special, 20 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2017 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Quintessence de Corton-Charlemagne was one of the most introverted wines in the range when I revisited it from bottle, unwinding to reveal scents of pear, white flowers, confit citrus and a delicate top note of petrol. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, ample and satiny, with a deep and intensely concentrated core, but it’s still very reserved after its recent bottling. Some patience will be in order here, though at maturity, I’m sure my score will look conservative.”
We offer sixty-five wines on our Autumn Savings sale in stock now.
Shop the sale on our webstore now!