Category Archives: Special Features

Chateau Simone Palette Rose Provence 2014 – April 2016

Chateau Simone Palette 2014Chateau Simone Palette Rose, Provence 2014 750ML ($79.95) Buy Now: $59 special

Importer note “This magical and ancient estate in the hills just south of Aix-en-Provence produces a Rosé from the Palette appellation that is outside of category. It is a wine that belies the notion that rosés are simple wines to be drunk up young. We have indulged ourselves with 10-year old Château Simone Rosé and have marveled at the tenacity, vibrancy and complexity of this very serious wine. Expensive yes … but a special experience. A blend identical to the rouge: 45% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault, 20% Syrah, Castet, Manosquin, Carignan, Muscat Noir & Blanc. The mineral backbone of this wine is augmented by the flavors and bouquets sourced from the magnificent pines that surround this estate.”… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Lafage Cuvee Centenaire Cotes du Roussillon 2014 4-18-16

Lafage CentenaireDomaine Lafage Cotes du Roussillon Cuvee Centenaire, Languedoc-Roussillon 2014 750ML ($19.95) Buy Now: $16 special

I’m going to use two of my least favorite wine descriptors for this one: likeable and drinkable. They’re lazy truisms that leave me shuddering, but I can’t help but call Lafage’s ‘Centenaire’ just that. Truly likeable and really drinkable. There, I said it!

As the namesake suggests, the grapes are grown from hundred-year-old vines – Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, and a touch of Rousanne, in this instance. The wine has considerable body without ever overstaying it’s welcome. Round, somewhat tropical, and with this brilliant salinity which has me wanting more. Preferrably, outdoors, near a coastline. With seafood! I’m stumped in thinking who wouldn’t enjoy Cuvee Centenaire; it’s a killer wine at the moment and will only become more crucial as the summer months draw closer.… Read the rest

Taittinger Collection Zao Wou-Ki, Champagne 1998 – April 2016

Taittinger ZAO WOU-KITaittinger Collection Zao Wou-Ki, Champagne 1998 750ML ($499.95) Buy Now: $399 special

Importer note “The Taittinger Collection Series bottles are released only in great vintages, from a selection of the year’s finest cuvées. The wines are made from Chardonnay mainly from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs, and Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne vineyards. The fruit is pressed in the vineyards and the first pressing is transported to the winery for fermentation, followed by a second fermentation in the bottle. Aged for five or more years on the lees, the wine acquires complexity and the fine, pinpoint bubbles characteristic of its sparkle.”… Read the rest

Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva Blanco, Rioja DOCa 1981 – April 2016

R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva Blanco, Rioja DOCa 1981 750ML ($249.95) Buy Now: $189 special

Lopez de Heredia Tondonia Blanco 1981Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 95 points “The 1981 Vina Tondonia Blanco Gran Reserva has a complex bouquet of barley sugar, candle wax, dandelion and a touch of melon. The palate is medium-bodied with fine acidity, dried honey and a touch of lemongrass than lends it edge. The finish is bone dry, beautifully defined and persistent in the mouth. Drink now-2030+”

Antonio Galloni – Vinous 93 points “The richly-colored 1981 1981 Viña Tondonia Blanco Gran Reserva captures the essence of this house’s wines. It is a wine of great complexity as well as contrasts. At once mature yet seemingly ageless, full-bodied yet somehow also miraculously delicate, it displays evolved sensations of earthiness, smoke, roasted nuts and dried apricots in a more oxidative style with great persistence on the palate and enough acidity to make me think it will drink well for at least another ten or so years.”… Read the rest