Category Archives: Special Features

Zero Patience for Siro Pacenti

    

Do you drink Brunello?

You should.

 

5% off any 3-5 in-stock Siro Pacenti wines
10% off any 6 or more in-stock Siro Pacenti wines
Sale ends Wednesday July 3rd at 9AM PST

 
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2019 is being heralded as one of the all-time great Brunello vintages, building off of similar success for the year in the region of Piedmont to the north. As such, we’ll be bringing in a wide variety of top producers and bottlings from 2019 that demonstrate the incredible character of Montalcino and its ageworthy wines. One producer that consistently grabs our attention and is a MUST BUY for any Brunello enthusiast, is Siro Pacenti. This winery, founded in 1970 by Siro and now run by his son Giancarlo makes deliciously structured Brunello of a more opulent quality than many of its peers. The wines spend 2 years time in French oak, balancing Sangiovese Grosso’s powerful grape tannins with the softness of wood spice.

The estate’s vineyards exist in two zones. Their oldest vineyard Pelagrilli is just to the North of Montalcino (a place you must visit one in your life) and is comprised of sandy clay. Later in the estate’s history they incorporated vineyards to the South in the Piancornello district near Castelnuovo dell’Abate that consist of gravelly soil over hard bedrock. Pacenti works with massale selection of the existing vines, avoiding the use of clones to preserve the nuances of its vineyards. Biodynamic practices are paired with modern winemaking equipment to build Brunello that is meant to embody the terroir from where it is formed, and consistently achieve excellence in the bottle.
 


What is Brunello like?

It’s as ageworthy as a Bordeaux and as delicately perfumed as a fine Barolo. Dark black cherry, licorice, tobacco and sun-kissed Italian herbs.



There are 3 main wines which the estate produces:
  • Brunello di Montalcino: The flagship wine, made from 100% Sangiovese, it is known for its elegance, complexity, and longevity.
  • Brunello di Montalcino “Vecchie Vigne”: Produced from older vines, this wine is celebrated for its depth, concentration, and refined character.
  • Rosso di Montalcino: Often referred to as a “baby Brunello,” this wine is made from younger Sangiovese vines and is approachable at a younger age.
Perhaps no single classic region has experiencd rebirth as much as Brunello di Montalcino. Back in the late 20th century there were only a handful of producers that were catching global attention and occupying spots on some of the finest wine lists in the world. Today, the gorgeous hilltown of Montalcino and its surrounding vineyards are bursting at the seams with top-class wineries and beautiful sangiovese grosso based wines.

The wine community often looks to Tuscany and Bolgheri as it’s Italian comparisons to the wines of Bordeaux. This makes sense given that those regions are incorporating French varietals like Cabernet and Merlot into their Super Tuscan blends. However, when it comes to the wines that have the most density, structure, and potential to unlock bold complexity with age, it is Brunello that I think most about. Siro Pacenti being a wine I’d buy in a heartbeat over the 10x priced crus of Chateau that rest on their laurels.
 

Check out our selection of Siro Pacenti wines below!

Siro Pacenti, Brunello di Montalcino Pelagrilli 2019 750ml $59 special, 36 bottles available
PRE-ARRIVAL ETA EARLY JULY
Wine Spectator 97 points “Packed with vivid black cherry, black currant and plum fruit, as well as iron, sanguine and tobacco accents, this red shows some power and tension, but also grace and balance. The lingering aftertaste features bright, ripe fruit and wild herbs. Best from 2027 through 2043. 2,000 cases made, 680 cases imported.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The Siro Pacenti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Pelagrilli is heavily marked by an oak tone that sits front and center with whiffs of campfire ash or freshly split firewood. The wine shows rock-solid concentration and a level of phenolic extraction that you don’t easily find in Montalcino, unless you make it your mission. The tannins are bitter and grippy, and the oak tannins overshadow the fruit tannins at this very young stage in the wine’s life. The alcohol content is a very high 15.5%. Having said all that, 2019 does offer an excellent core of dark fruit, and it has the elements, and the freshness, for long aging. If you love the wines of Siro Pacenti, then you know these wines need more bottle age. Production is 24,000 bottles.”

Siro Pacenti, Brunello di Montalcino Vecche Vigne 2017 750ml $99 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The Siro Pacenti 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne shows an extra degree of concentration and thickness thanks both to the vintage (this hot and dry growing season produced darker, more intense berries) and the older vines that also work toward greater fruit weight. The Vecchie Vigne shows lots of depth and textural weaving with dark berries and oak spice. In fact, the oak (and that big 15% alcohol) is more prominent in this 18,000-bottle release. It offers long-lasting notes of smoke, sweet cedar and woodshop.”
Vinous 92 points “The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne presents an intense bouquet of crushed raspberries and cloves giving way to dusty florals and hints of incense. The textures are wonderfully silky and refined, ushering in a rush of mineral-tinged primary fruits that are brighter and more red-toned in this vintage than usual, as well as incredibly concentrated. The tannins come forward through the close, grippy and youthfully dry, along with a salty flourish, while leaving hints of licorice to slowly taper off. Siro Pacenti cut their production down by 50% to create this successful expression of the 2017 vintage.”

Siro Pacenti, Brunello di Montalcino Vecche Vigne 2018 750ml $99 special, 11 bottles available
Vinous 94 points “The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne opens with hauntingly dark florals and balsamic tones, as swirling bring about hints of black currant and crushed stone. This is supremely soft-textured, yet lifted by cooling minerality and bright acidity that guides its crunchy wild berry fruits across the palate. It tapers off with amazing length and potency, drenching the senses with primary concentration, as a framework of fine tannins gently tug at the cheeks. The 2018 Vecchie Vigne is a radiant Brunello in need of cellaring to fully blossom. That said, I don’t remember ever tasting a VV from Siro Pacenti with this much energy. I’m very eager to taste this again with some bottle age.”

Siro Pacenti, Brunello di Montalcino Vecche Vigne 2019 750ml $113.50 special, 18 bottles available
PRE-ARRIVAL ETA EARLY JULY
James Suckling 99 points “Black cherries, lavender, black mushrooms, lead pencil and violets on the nose. Full-bodied with a powerful and polished tannin structure that follows through to the very end. Pure, silky texture. Fascinating aftertaste of ripe fruit, yet it’s fresh and tense. Some orange peel, too. Glorious at the end. So well crafted and pointed. This needs another three to five years to integrate but already extremely impressive.” 
Wine Advocate 95+ points “Showing an inky dark appearance and made with old-vine fruit, the Siro Pacenti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne has a note of baked blackberry pie with the crust, raspberry preserves, barbecue smoke, cigar box and every other rather extreme aromatic description you could apply to a heavily barrique-aged red wine. It’s overblown for sure, especially at this young age, but experience teaches us that Siro Pacenti’s wines need time, lots of time, before all the elements fall into palace. The alcohol is registered at 15%, and there are jackhammer tannins to close. Some 22,000 bottles were made, and they should be put aside for another 10 years.”
Vinou 95 points “The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne is intense, bursting from the glass with a blend of rosemary and spiced blood orange before evolving to show dried black cherries and hints of incense. This flows across the palate with velvety textures complicated by tactile mineral tones and zesty acidity as cool-toned red and black fruits slowly saturate. A web of fine-grained tannins envelops the senses as the 2019 finishes dramatically long and staining, leaving traces of cedary spice and inner rose to linger on and on. This is a formidable VecchieVigne that will pay dividends in the cellar. Drink: 2026-2039.”

Siro Pacenti, Rosso di Montalcino Pelagrilli 2021 750ml $59 special, 36 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2021 Rosso di Montalcino drinks more like a Brunello than it does a Rosso. The wine shows dark but vibrant fruit with blackberry and blackcurrant. There is earthy spice, cola and smoke. The wine is powerful and full throttle (with a 15% alcohol content that you can’t overlook) with a rich, medium-weight mouthfeel. It also shows good structure and young tannins. Production is 15,000 bottles.”

BOND Estates Sale! 6-16-24

BOND - Winery | Wine-Searcher
 
Napa Valley makes some some of the finest wines on planet Earth. Which means the best wines from Napa are literally some of the greatest wines on Earth. Bond Estates is in that category year after year. This project from Bill Harlan (yes THE Bill Harlan) is about as far humanity can currently reach into producing ultra high-end cabernet sauvignon with our current knowledge of viticulture and winemaking. Harlan employs 55 full-time vineyard workers to nurture and ultimately hand-select only the most pristine grape clusters for the finished single-vineyard wines. The vineyard sites themselves were curated after more than a decade of research and quality testing to uncover which plots produced wine of the utmost pedigree.

Naturally, these wines are extremely limited. Only 450-500 cases are made of each bottling per year and sometimes even less. Think about that for a moment, there are less than 6000 bottles of any single Bond wine in existence. With ~340 million people living in the United States today, it’s an incredibly exclusive set of individuals that get to even taste, much less own these wines. 

We’re currently fortunate enough to have 11 distinct bottlings of Bond available for you today in top condition. We only have ONE bottle of each available, so it’s a race to be the person quickest to order. The opportunity is sizeable, as we’re putting these wines on 5%+ discount and we’re likely the only retailer in the US to carry this spread at this kind of pricing. Not a single one of these wines has scored less than 97 points from critics. We’ve been able to bring in 3 of the 2002 vintage as well at insane pricing given these wines are probably in peak drinking window in comparison to some of the younger vintages. Slow decision makers beware.
 

Buy any 1-2 bottles for a 5% discount

Buy any 3+ bottles for a 10% discount

Discounts will be applied after orders are received.

Offer ends on Wednesday June 19th at 9AM PST


 
Available Bottlings of Bond Estates:
 
BOND Estates Melbury, Napa Valley 2002 750ml Displayed Price: $549, that’s $521.55 at 5% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2002 Melbury, which comes from a hillside vineyard site near Lake Hennessey, is showing even better than it did in its youth. Probably years away from full maturity, the wine has an extraordinary aromatic profile of smoky meats intermixed with blackberry, crème de cassis, charcoal, lead pencil shavings and espresso. Dense, opulent and full-bodied, with terrific fruit, this is a showcase style of vintage for a wine of such great ripeness and massive intensity. This extraordinary effort displays oodles of glycerin and fabulous purity, while the oak has been completely absorbed. The cooler hillside climate of blue fruits and spring flowers is also present as the wine aerates in the glass. This wine has at least another 15-30 years of potential ahead of it.”

BOND Estates Melbury, Napa Valley 2015 750ml Displayed Price: $649, that’s $616.55 at 5% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 98 points “The more time passes, the more I think Melbury may turn out to be one of the most complete wines in the BOND range. The 2016 and 2015 both make a very strong case for that view. Tasted from bottle, the 2015 is exceptionally beautiful and vivid. Blood orange, mint and floral notes add nuance to an unbelievably polished, refined Cabernet Sauvignon. Put simply, the 2015 Melbury is a total stunner and every bit as captivating as it was last year.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97 points “Bottled in early 2018, the 2015 Melbury is deep garnet-purple colored with beautiful redcurrant jelly and crème de cassis notes with savory notions of tobacco, black olives and smoked meats plus a waft of lavender. The palate is full-bodied, firm and grainy, with a lively line lifting the perfumed, savory layers, finishing long.”
Decanter 96 points “Bond is Bill Harlan’s ‘Burgundian’ approach to a handful of Napa Valley Cabernet vineyards he considers ‘Grand Crus’. The Harlan viticultural and winemaking teams are in complete control of the vineyards and make the wines. Melbury (named after a London neighborhood where the owners reside) is a tiny rocky mountain vineyard east of Rutherford. The 2016 has the intoxicating wild berry and mountain ‘chaparral’ aromas reminiscent of the dry California forests that ring the valley. Very structured, with discernible tannins, the wine nonetheless exudes freshness.”
 
BOND Estates Melbury, Napa Valley 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $819, that’s $778.05 at 5% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 98 points “The 2018 Melbury is, as always, the first of the single-vineyard wines presented at Bond. The order is always the same: Melbury-Quella-St. Eden-Vecina and Pluribus. I suppose that makes sense from the standpoint of concentration and structure, but it is quite penalizing for the Melbury, a wine that is more about elegance than power or tannins. That said, the 2018 is not a shy wine, it certainly has plenty of depth. Freshness, energy and verve are the signatures in a Cabernet that is all about intangibles. Hints of dark red cherry, tobacco, rose petal, mint and sweet spice emerge over time. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 96-98 points “A barrel sample, the 2018 Melbury sports a deep garnet-purple and sashays out of the glass with bold, gregarious scents of fresh black cherries, mulberries and plums with hints of black currants, cinnamon toast and Sichuan pepper. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and refreshing, it is chock-full of crunchy fruit with compelling mineral accents coming through on the long finish.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Packed with dark blackberry and black currant preserves, this has nicely coiled energy, with sassafras and apple wood accents mixed with flashes of sweet bay leaf and tobacco. Subtle sanguine and black tea hints curl around the finish. Best from 2023 through 2037.—J.M.”
 
BOND Estates Pluribus, Napa Valley 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $819, that’s $778.05 at 5% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 99 points “The 2018 Pluribus captures all of the savory, mineral intensity of this site on Spring Mountain. Searing tannins, once such a challenge here, are much more finessed than in the past. Crushed rocks, mint, blood orange, gravel, exotic spice and rose petal lend tremendous complexity as the Pluribus shows off its considerable allure. This taut, mountain Cabernet Sauvignon has so much to offer. Today, it is wonderfully complete and thrilling. Even so, the best is yet to come.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97-100 points “From a vineyard located on Spring Mountain, the 2018 Pluribus (a barrel sample) reveals a deep garnet-purple. Youthfully reticent, it needs a fair bit of coaxing to reveal gorgeous notions of wild blueberries, ripe black plums and warm cassis plus hints of tilled earth, truffles, menthol and tobacco leaf. The full-bodied palate is densely packed with tightly wound black and blue fruit layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and great tension, finishing very long with loads of earthy/savory sparks.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is well-packed, with crushed plum, steeped black currant and warmed blackberry compote notes mixed together, laced with bramble, licorice snap and apple wood. The fruit takes a really nice encore through the finish, while a dark earth hint moves underneath. Best from 2023 through 2038.—J.M.”
 
BOND Estates Quella, Napa Valley 2015 750ml Displayed Price: $649, that’s $616.55 at 5% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “The Quella is somber and brooding in 2015. Dark cherry, plum smoke, tobacco, leather, spice and scorched earth give the 2015 distinctive baritone inflections. There is quite a bit of density and textural resonance, but at the same time, the Quella is not particularly expressive. Perhaps bottling has affected the Quella more than it has the other wines in the range, as it was quite showy from barrel. I have seen Quella go through a period of reticence after bottling, so I won’t be at all surprised if all it needs is time.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2015 Quella is a darker, more mineral-laced wine and offers a classic Quella bouquet of black fruits, black truffle, tobacco, and dried earth. It’s full-bodied, deep and layered on the palate, with ripe, present tannins and terrific elegance as well as purity. It has the balance and texture to shine today, yet the class to evolve for 20 years or more.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97 points “Bottled in early 2018, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Quella gives aromas of blackcurrants, black cherries and mulberries with touches of tobacco, new leather, iron ore and truffles plus a hint of tree back. The palate is full-bodied, muscular and laden with earth and mineral layers, finishing with persistent savory notes.”
 
BOND Estates Quella, Napa Valley 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $819, that’s $778.05 at 5% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “The 2018 Quella is rich, ample and beautifully resonant in the glass. There’s terrific depth here and tons of class. Blood orange, game, licorice, tobacco, lavender and dried herbs give the Quella beguiling aromatic presence to play off its muscular, brooding personality. The 2018 needs a few years to soften, but it is already compelling, to say the least.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Boasts black currant, fig and loganberry fruit flavors that are tightly packed yet nicely expressive already, while the backdrop of signed alder, juniper, bay leaf and warm loam adds extra dimension and length through the finish. Not shy on power, but everything is in proportion. Best from 2024 through 2040.—J.M.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 95-97 points “A barrel sample, the 2018 Quella has a deep garnet-purple color and opens with the most gorgeous perfume of violets, red and black plums, Morello cherries and cassis plus hints of iron ore and crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers lovely energy and tension, framed by fine-grained tannins and finishing with beautiful purity.”
 
BOND Estates St. Eden, Napa Valley 2002 750ml Displayed Price: $549, that’s $521.55 at 5% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2002 St. Eden, which comes from a valley floor vineyard in the Oakville corridor, is unreal. I had given the 2001 a perfect score, but the 2002 (made by the brain trust of on-site winemaker Bob Levy and outside French consultant Michel Rolland) is showing incredible elements of cedarwood, licorice, chocolate and creme de cassis as well as exquisite texture, full-bodied intensity, and unbelievable purity and length. It is only the second vintage for this vineyard, leased by Bill Harlan for several decades, and it has turned out to be a killer Cabernet Sauvignon and a great classic of Napa. It should drink well for 20-25 years.”

BOND Estates St. Eden, Napa Valley 2015 750ml Displayed Price: $699, that’s $664.05 at 5% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “Moving to the 2015s tasted from bottle, this is an incredible vintage for this estate and there are two perfect wines in the lineup. First up, the 2015 St. Eden, from a hillside of red volcanic soils near Oakville, boasts a saturated purple color and heavenly notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, lead pencil shavings, and huge crushed rock-like minerality. It’s full-bodied, deep, and layered on the palate, with incredible concentration, yet it stays seamless, pure, and perfectly balanced. It’s a magical wine to drink over the coming 2-3 decades.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 99 points “Bottled in early 2018, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 St. Eden springs from the glass with exuberant blueberry pie, potpourri and spice cake scents followed by a black raspberry, cassis and preserved plums core plus a touch of wild sage. Full-bodied, plush and decadently fruited, it completely packs the palate with layer upon layer of black fruit preserves, finishing very long with those spices coming through.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96 points “The 2015 St. Eden is another wine in this lineup that is not quite as expressive as it can be. Firm tannins dominate over softer contours that so often make St. Eden such an alluring wine. Time in the glass brings out an attractive set of dark cherry, plum, leather and tobacco notes. Even so, the 2015 is going to need a number of years to be at its very best.”
 
BOND Estates St. Eden, Napa Valley 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $819, that’s $778.05 at 5% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “The 2018 St. Eden is impressive. Dense and powerful in the glass, the 2018 is done in a style that emphasizes freshness and vibrancy, reflecting a generational transition in all of these wines that is most apparent here. Dark fruit, licorice, mocha, spice and chocolate begin to emerge with time, but the St. Eden is much less forthcoming than in the past. In fact, the 2018 might very well be the most reticent St. Eden I have ever tasted. That energy will serve it well in the cellar. Readers accustomed to the voluptuous, lush St. Edens of the past will not find that in the 2018. As much as the style has changed in this wine, I am not surprised to see that. A complete vertical of the Bond wines a few years ago showed the St. Eden to have the most condensed arc of peak drinkability of the Bond wines.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 96-98 points “A barrel sample, the 2018 St. Eden is deep garnet-purple in color. The nose is a little closed at this nascent stage, offering broody glimpses at blackcurrant jelly, boysenberries and black raspberries before opening out to a spicy undercurrent of cloves, black pepper and cumin seed. The palate is built like a brick house with a solid structure of ripe, grainy tannins and a lively backbone framing the full-bodied, muscular fruit, finishing long and layered.”
 
BOND Estates Vecina, Napa Valley 2002 750ml Displayed Price: $499, that’s $474.05 at 5% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Advocate 97 points “Intense aromas of mint, fine leather and ripe cherries emerge on the nose of the 2002 Vecina, which comes from a site near Harlan Estate, in the western hills of Oakville. It’s full-bodied, supple and charming, with a long, long finish. While mature, it’s in no danger of going off a cliff anytime soon.”

BOND Estates Vecina, Napa Valley 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $819, that’s $778.05 at 5% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 99 points “A regal, soaring wine, the 2018 Vecina is immediately captivating. Red fruit, iron, dried rose petal and exotic spice all soar out of the glass. Over the last two months the Vecina has acquired stunning aromatic presence to play off its deep, layered fruit. The 2018 is an absolute gem in the making. As a reminder, Vecina is sourced from Vine Hill Ranch, at the southern end of Oakville, where the Cabernets are distinguished by a beguiling combination of power and savory/earthy intensity.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97-99 points “A barrel sample, the 2018 Vecina displays a deep garnet-purple color and offers slowly emerging classic notes of black currants, black cherries, blackberry pie and cedar chest with hints of charcoal, tar, pencil lead and fragrant earth. The full-bodied palate has a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness supporting the generous black fruits, finishing on a lingering mineral note.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Ripe and focused, with a solidly built core of black currant and fig paste lined with tar and loam. Ends with an encore of fruit swathed in bittersweet cocoa and tobacco, giving this a muscular feel, but there’s also a nicely buried iron note that adds cut. This begs for cellaring. Best from 2024 through 2040.—J.M.”

Boulay 3 Day Sale! 5-26-24

 
 
 
We’ll get to Boulay, but first…..a few thoughts on Sancerre

It’s my belief that we’re witnessing a return to glory for the region of Sancerre. Not that the prestige ever quite went away, but wine drinking society certainly turned its back for a bit on what they perceived to be a region and a style that was almost too classic, too well understood. Part of the problem was that Sancerre experienced a major jump in production following the 90s and early 2000s that wasn’t always backed by top quality juice in the bottle. At its best, this region shows a wonderfully complex side of sauvignon blanc that no other place can. That steely lemon and grapefruit citrus, delicate white flowers, and subtle smoky aromas of gunflint. Where New Zealand SB is brash, bold, and obvious, Sancerre is tense and mysterious. And to me this difference is mirrored by the change that’s sweeping Western palates. Asian flavors are becoming a mainstay on the menus of many restaurants and preferences are shifting towards lighter, freshness focused dishes that showcase more vegetarian and vegan variations than ever before. The classic American diner food can still be found, but it’s playing second fiddle to the local Thai lunch spot.

Enter Boulay

What this means to the discerning wine drinker is that Sancerre may become more and more a part of your dining room experience, and the white you’re compelled to open. There are a whole host of new producers that are worth trying, but there are also the classic names that never stopped producing at the highest level. Gerard Boulay is one such name that stirs excitement in the tasting circle at a mere mention. The domaine which is located in Chavignol can trace its history back to 1380….yeah….that’s almost 700 years folks. Most of the vineyard lies on organically hand-farmed Kimmeridgian (terre blanche) soils which mimick the terroir of Chablis and bring immense freshness to the wine. Production is also classic, with wines fermented with natural yeast (huge for complexity) and aged in a mix of Foudres and used 300L barrels. Gerard is a patient and enigmatic figure that sees his obligation to the vines as one where he does not interfere, but rather allows the land and mother nature to express itself in a precise and crystalline form of Sancerre. 

I’ve tasted Boulay side by side with some of the absolute best Sauvignon Blanc out there. Below is a photo from a recent SB focused tasting I did with some friends and family. While there were certainly stunning wines all over the flight, few had quite the unique combination of energy and finesse that the Boulay delivered. I was extremely impressed. Luckily for you we’ve got Boulay’s wines on sale now so that you can recreate your own experience. Inevitably though, you’re going to want a half case or more of this stuff as the weather and your palate demands it.

Buy any 4-8 bottles for a 5% discount

Buy any 9+ bottles for a 10% discount

Discounts will be applied after orders are received.

Offer ends on Wednesday May 29th at 9AM PST


 
Available Bottlings of Boulay:

Gerard Boulay Sancerre Clos de Beaujeu 2022 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles available
Importer Note “One of Chavignol’s most historic vineyards, Boulay’s parcel lies within the original Clos of the vineyard, established by the monks of Beaujeu in the Middle Ages. The walls of the Clos are no longer standing as they were originally built from clay and hay, and did not withstand the test of time. Boulay farms a 0.75 hectares plot of 30- to 60-year old vins where the soils are pebbly, lime-rich and strewn with fossils. Along with the 60% gradient for much of the vineyard, the rocky soils make this parcel very difficult to farm. Clos de Beaujeu is the source of some of Boulay’s deepest, most structured wines and savory, spicy examples of Chavignol that are built to last.”

Gerard Boulay Sancerre Mont Damnes 2022 750ml $59 special, 22 bottles available
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Mont Damnes 2022 1.5L $119 special, 3 bottles available
Importer Note “Boulay began farming the steeply sloped Mont Damnés vineyard in 1982. His plot has an average vine age of 45 years. Mont Damnés’ reflective soils and south-facing exposition make it one of Chavi¬gnol’s warmest sites. Overall, Gerard Boulay’s “terre blanche” vineyards produce some of the most distinctive and soil-inflected Sauvignon Blancs in the Loire, with a delineation and minerality often reminiscent of a top Chablis. Boulay is certainly among the top examples of the appellation, including Boulay’s neighbors (Cotat Bros., Vatan). These are gorgeous, highly complex wines that are a clear step above “regular” Sancerre, and can age easily for 10-20 years or more. In fact, we have had them all the way back to the 1959 which was magnificent! They confirm Boulay’s place in the top ranks of Loire Valley vignerons.”

Gerard Boulay Sancerre La Cote 2022 750ml $64.50 special, 24 bottles available
Gerard Boulay Sancerre La Cote 2022 1.5L $64.50 special, 3 bottles available
Importer Note “Boulay’s parcel in “La Grande Côte,” which is partially owned and partically rented, is one of three designated Crus of Chavignol and is reputed for producing wines of incredible precision. Vintage 2010 was the inaugural release. Overall, Gerard Boulay’s “terre blanche” vineyards produce some of the most distinctive and soil-inflected Sauvignon Blancs in the Loire, with a delineation and minerality often reminiscent of a top Chablis. Boulay is certainly among the top examples of the appellation, including Boulay’s neighbors (Cotat Bros., Vatan). These are gorgeous, highly complex wines that are a clear step above “regular” Sancerre, and can age easily for 10-20 years or more. In fact, we have had them all the way back to the 1959 which was magnificent! They confirm Boulay’s place in the top ranks of Loire Valley vignerons. (referred to by the Cotat brothers as La Grande Cote)”

Gerard Boulay Sancerre Comtesse 2022 750ml $74.50 special, 21 bottles available
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Comtesse 2022 1.5L $149 special, 3 bottles available
Importer Note “From 50-75-year-old vines located in the sweet spot of the Mont Dam­nés vineyard (bottom of the slope, near Clos La Neore of Vatan), this is often the most powerful wine from Boulay’s lineup. Vintage 2005 was the inaugural release.”

All of Boulay’s wines that we have a available are below, with some excellent rose and Sancerre Rouge to boot!
 
BOULAY WINES AVAILABLE NOW  VWS PRICE  AVAILABLE LINK
BOULAY SANCERRE BEAUJEU 2022 $59.00 12 Link
BOULAY SANCERRE BEAUJEU 21 MAG $119.00 6 Link
BOULAY SANCERRE COMTESSE 2022 $74.50 21 Link
BOULAY SANCERRE COMTESSE 22 MAG $149.00 3 Link
BOULAY SANCERRE LA COTE 2022 $64.50 24 Link
BOULAY SANCERRE LA COTE 2022 MAG $129.00 3 Link
BOULAY SANCERRE MONT DAM 22 MAG $119.00 3 Link
BOULAY SANCERRE MONTS DAMNES 22 $59.00 22 Link
BOULAY SANCERRE ROSE 2022 $28.00 30 Link
BOULAY SANCERRE ROUGE ORIANE 17 $44.00 9 Link
BOULAY SANCERRE ROUGE ORIANE 20 $49.00 16 Link

Jaboulet 3 Day Sale! 5-1924

 

On offer today in our Sunday sale release is a winery which is known the world over. Founded in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet, the Jaboulet Aine brand quickly established itself as a producer of exceptional quality syrah based wines, and a beacon for the quality that the Northern Rhone possesses. The Flagship wine of the estate is the Hermitage La Chapelle, named after the small Saint Christophe chapel that overlooks the vineyards on top of Hermitage hill. The place itself is steeped in historical heritage stemming all the way back to the Albigensian Crusades. As the legend goes, a knight named Gaspard de Stérimberg returned home wounded in 1224 from the crusades and was granted permission  to build a small shelter to recover in on the hill, where he remained living as a hermit. And so began the name of Hermitage. The syrah from this hill is unquestionably the greatest expression of the varietal that exists, and stands alone in its ability to convey regal savoriness, blue florals, and multispectrum fruit.

Jaboulet and a few other names are in a class of their own when it comes to the wines of this magical terroir. No other producers have come remotely close in matching the legacies they’ve created and the incredibly ageworthy wines they’ve produced. The 1961 Jaboulet La Chapelle is perhaps one of the greatest bottles of wine to EVER be created. Those that have tasted it speak of an experience which will never be repeated and will haunt them ceaselessly. We’ve got 4 vintages of the Chapelle on offer for you today, all with fantastic pedigree and in a true lineage starting with the 2016. What I can tell you is that while you may never acquire a bottle of the 1961 ($17,000 anyone?), you can drink wine made from the same vines with quite possibly the same potential for a mere fraction of the price. Every single vintage of the Chapelle is an experience unto its own and not to be missed.

Frankly, these wines are a steal considering what top examples of other mainstay varieties can go for these days. We’ve all been burned by the Burgundy crisis, but fortunately Hermitage syrah is still a luxury product that is within reach of indulgence. Indulge and don’t miss this opportunity before it’s gone!


 
Buy any 3-5 bottles for a 5% discount

Buy any 6+ bottles for a 10% discount

Discounts will be applied after orders are received.

Offer ends on Wednesday May 22nd at 9AM PST

 

Available Bottlings of Jaboulet:

Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Petite Chapelle – La Maison Bleue 2019 750ml $59 special, 17 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Even richer, darker and more powerful than the 2018 version, the 2019 Hermitage La Maison Bleue offers up some lifted, minty notes to accent its potent cassis fruit. Dark, dense, and Port-like without being overly heavy or dense, this full-bodied effort is long, intense and concentrated, with softly dusty tannins on the finish.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 points “Beautiful cassis, truffle, damp earth, and ground pepper emerge from the 2019 Hermitage La Maison Bleue. Coming from the eastern portion of Hermitage Hill, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a rounded, opulent texture, building tannins, and a great finish. It’s certainly in the same league (and style) as the 2018, and while it’s going to drink nicely at a young age, my money is on it evolving gracefully for 20-25 years.”

Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 2016 750ml $225 special, 4 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2016 Hermitage La Chapelle is slightly denser than the 2017 and is a bigger, richer, more structured wine than the La Maison Bleue. Crème de cassis, blackberries, crushed rocks, ozone, scorched earth, and violet notes all emerge from this beautifully classic, elegant, seamless wine that carries full-bodied richness, building tannins, and a big finish, all while staying in the classic, elegant, balanced style of the vintage. It has plenty of tannins and is a quintessential La Chapelle that will have three decades of longevity.”
James Suckling 97-98 points “Very spicy and peppery with blue-granite aromas plus hints of grilled and smoked meat. Cloves and nutmeg. Full body, round and juicy tannins and a super spicy finish that almost burns with so much character yet turns fine and focused at the end. A beauty.”
Vinous 96-98 points “(raised in 20% new oak) Dark purple. A highly expressive, mineral-accented bouquet evokes fresh blackberry and blueberry, candied flowers, incense and exotic spices. Sweet, palate-staining black and blue fruit liqueur and violet pastille flavors are complicated by suggestions of cracked pepper and bitter chocolate; a spicecake nuance gains strength with aeration. Steadily building tannins add shape and grip to the extremely long, incisive finish, which emphatically repeats the floral and mineral notes. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this wine turn out as well as the amazing 2015 version.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “Sourced from the granitic western portion of the appellation, the 2016 Hermitage La Chapelle features mouthwatering aromas of black olives and charred beef. It’s full-bodied and creamy-velvety in texture, incredibly lush without being overtly fruity. In fact, it’s largely savory, with elegant shadings of leather and spice on the long, silky finish. Yet despite being delicious now, this still has the granite backbone to age through 2040.-JC”

Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 2017 750ml $189 special, 25 bottles available
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2017 Hermitage La Chapelle comes from the firm’s vineyards on the western half of the Hermitage slope, primarily Le Méal, but with substantial contributions from Les Rocoules and Les Bessards. Classic notes of cassis, black olives, mocha and roasted meat are joined by hints of baking spices in a wine that’s full-bodied, deep, dense and rich, with a velvety texture and a lingering finish. It’s lower in alcohol than the 2018, less voluptuous and maybe just a step behind that monumental wine, but it’s still a serious collectible with three decades of evolution ahead of it.-JC”
James Suckling 98 points “The icon is in dangerously seductive form. Such pristine dark cherries, blackberries and dark plums, dark chocolate, finely crushed spices and plenty of crushed dark stones on offer. The palate is very intense, very slick and fine tannins deliver an almost playfully soft impression. The oak is super integrated. Like La Maison Bleue, this approachability is an aberration, as it has immense power, concentration and length with such regal and alluring swagger at the finish. But there is so much more to come. Try from 2024, better after 2030.”
Vinous 95 points “Saturated violet color. Intensely perfumed ripe black/blue fruits, violet candy, exotic spices and smoky minerals show fine definition and lift. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering deeply concentrated yet lively black raspberry, boysenberry, floral pastille and spicecake flavors and a late touch of licorice. Finishes smooth, sappy and extremely long, with chewy tannins lending shape and grip to resonating dark berry and floral notes.”

Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 2018 750ml $189 special, 5 bottles available
Wine Advocate 98+ points “The beautifully proportioned 2018 Hermitage La Chapelle comes across as a complex, complete version of this renowned bottling, with no rough edges—just moderate spice, cassis, red berries and cedar on the nose. It’s medium to full-bodied, silky and fine, brimming with harmony and elegance on the palate, while the finish is long, echoing with cassis, charcoal and crushed stone. The tannins firm up a bit on the finish, so I suspect this will close down soon, then blossom sometime after 2025.”
Jeb Dunnuck #2 Wine of the Year 98+ points “As I wrote last year from barrel, the 2018 Hermitage La Chapelle is a backward, primordial Hermitage built for the ages. Incredible crème de cassis, blueberries, scorched earth, burning embers, and liquid violet-like aromas and flavors dominate the bouquet, and this beauty is full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful on the palate. With just hints of the smoky, meaty, beefy character that emerges from all aged examples of this cuvée, it has incredible tannins, perfect balance, and a monster of a finish. Don’t think about touching bottles for at least 7-8 years, and it’s going to keep for 50 years or more.”

Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 2019 750ml $199 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 98-100 points “Might this be the next vintage of La Chapelle to crack triple digits? Knockout aromas of crushed stone, violets, blueberries, and cassis mark the nose of the 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle, while the full-bodied palate is undeniably more intense and powerful than the more elegant 2018. Rich and velvety, it coats the mouth with dark fruit and creamy-textured espresso, yet retains remarkable length and licorice-derived peppery freshness on the finish. Wow!”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Showing even better than when I tasted it last year, the 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle is another ripe, powerful, sexy, and full-bodied example of this cuvée that brings classic La Chapelle gamey darker fruits as well as smoked meats, chocolate, sandalwood, and peppery spice. Full-bodied on the palate, it has good concentration, lots of ripeness, polished tannins, and a great, great finish. As with the 2018, it’s opened up beautifully on the palate since I tasted it at the domaine and is a ripe, expansive, pure, beautiful Hermitage.”

Temporary Tempier Sale! 5-12-24

 
 lucie et lucien peyraud tempier
 


You saw the title and now you’re upset. You have every right to be. But I just want you to know that it’s much harder than you think to come up with a tag line that works with Tempier. Btw for those that have always read it as “temp” like in “temperature”…..hate to break it to you….but it’s pronounced “tahhmp”.

There are few producers and wines that have been written about so passionately and fervently. The love affair that Kermit Lynch acquired for this domaine is the stuff of legend and a seriously long chapter within Adventures on the Wine Route. The Peyraud family and the timeless impression of the quieter France they embody are perhaps what so many romantic wine drinkers are searcher for every time they pour and raise a glass. The story is as strong and rich as the liquid that it rests in. The wines themselves are spectacular, and display an excellent potential to age well beyond a typical Provencal red. As the mourvedre matures it begins to open up the meaty, herb filled aromas that rest just beneath the surface of the younger bottlings. You’ll feel like you’re literally drinking picnic side in a field of garrigue and Riviera sunlight.

On offer we have a few vintages of the blanc and both 2020 and 2021 examples of all the top rouge bottlings. The individuals vineyard sites express themselves in magnifyingly unique ways if you’re able to taste them side by side (which is the greatest way to taste btw).. The whites are an exquisite blend of varietals you don’t see in your glass every day: Clairette, Ugni Blanc, Rolle (Vermentino), Bourboulenc etc..Complex and salty citrus flavors rest on a mineral rich palate. For the reds, mourvedre is of course the star, making up usually over 55% of the blend and supported by cinsault and grenache.
 

“Through their passion, pioneering, and advocacy for Bandol, the Peyrauds have become legendary. We are fortunate to have their wines serve as the flagship of our portfolio, and even more grateful to have the Peyrauds and their extended family as cherished friends. If any wine can be said to have soul, it’s Tempier.”
– Kermit Lynch
 
These are wines that true wine lovers seek to possess. To relive the fading dream of a rural France and to taste the essence of one of its most distinctive terroirs is the compelling opportunity that Tempier provides. With our discount pricing below you’ll be drinking and saving these wines for less than you can find almost anywhere in the USA. Roast some lamb, prep the garlic aoili, and pop open a bottle of this Provencal paragon and……live happy. 
 

Buy any 4-8 bottles for a 5% discount

Buy any 9+ bottles for a 10% discount

Discounts will be applied after orders are received.

Offer ends on Wednesday May 15th at 9AM PST


 
Available Bottlings of Tempier:

Domaine Tempier Bandol Blanc 2021 750ml $49 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Primarily Clairette (60%) and Ugni Blanc (30%), with bits of Bourboulenc, Marsanne and Rolle, the 2021 Bandol Blanc was still in tank when I visited early last year. It presents a striking juxtaposition of ripe pears and honeyed richness with brighter notes of fresh lime juice on the nose and medium-bodied palate, finishing with a sense of plush richness balanced by mouthwatering citrus zest and brine.”

Domaine Tempier Bandol Blanc 2022 750ml $49 special, 10 bottles available

Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge 2020 750ml $56 special, 17 bottles available
THE LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE ANYWHERE IN THE USA!
Wine Advocate 91-92 points “Tasted from foudre, the 2020 Bandol Cuvee Classique had been blended the week before my visit. Already showing classic notes of tree bark and truffle layered against cherries and raspberries and a touch of olive, it looks relatively precocious. In the mouth, it’s medium to full-bodied, concentrated and rich, with a long, plush finish.”
 
Domaine Tempier La Migoua Bandol Rouge 2020 750ml $81.80 special, 24 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2020 Bandol la Migoua—tasted from foudre—is a bit tarry and rubbery (expected, to some degree, in young Mourvèdre-based wines) but opens up to reveal seductive, ripe notes of blackberries and mulberries. A blend of approximately 55% Mourvèdre, 25% Cinsault, 15% Grenache and 5% Syrah, it’s medium to full-bodied on the palate, concentrated but silky in feel and elegant on the long finish.”

Domaine Tempier La Tourtine Bandol Rouge 2020 750ml $89 special, 33 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Mainly Mourvèdre (85%), with Cinsault and Grenache, the 2020 Bandol la Tourtine was still in foudre at the time of my visit last year. Scents of cola, smoke and red berries provide ample complexity on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is concentrated and almost creamy in texture while remaining fresh and dynamic on the lengthy finish.”

Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge 2021 750ml $59 special, 24 bottles available
THE LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE ANYWHERE IN THE USA!
 
Domaine Tempier La Migoua Bandol Rouge 2021 750ml $84.50 special, 12 bottles available

Domaine Tempier La Tourtine Bandol Rouge 2021 750ml $84.50 special, 12 bottles available

Domaine Tempier Cuvee Cabassaou Bandol Rouge 2021 750ml $119 special, 6 bottles available
 
 
TEMPIER WINES AVAILABLE NOW  VWS PRICE  AVAILABLE LINK
TEMPIER BANDOL BLANC 2021 $49.00 3 Link
TEMPIER BANDOL BLANC 2022 $49.00 10 Link
TEMPIER BANDOL CABASSAOU 2021 $119.00 6 Link
TEMPIER BANDOL LA MIGOUA 2020 $81.80 24 Link
TEMPIER BANDOL LA MIGOUA 2021 $84.50 12 Link
TEMPIER BANDOL LA TOURTINE 2020 $89.00 33 Link
TEMPIER BANDOL LA TOURTINE 2021 $84.50 12 Link
TEMPIER BANDOL ROUGE 2020 $56.00 17 Link
TEMPIER BANDOL ROUGE 2021 $59.00 24 Link