Sunday Night Newsletter 10/2/2022

 In This Newsletter:

Screaming Eagle ‘The Flight – Second Flight’, Napa Valley 2019 750ml $1,199 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
James Suckling 99 points “Extremely floral and aromatic with violets and lavender throughout. Black olives, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, very fine-grained tannins that run the length of the wine. Goes on for minutes. A greenish undertone comes out at the end with some spearmint, green tea and green olive. About two-thirds merlot. Best after 2028, but already stunning.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2019 The Flight, the estate’s Merlot-based wine, is dark, powerful and brooding in demeanor, almost shockingly so. The natural concentration of a year with low yields and small berries is very much in evidence. A rush of black cherry, plum, graphite, lavender and blue/purplish fruit builds as this virile, explosive wine shows off its arresting beauty. In a word: impressive.”

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In the town of Haro in Rioja, sit the some of the best and most essential wineries of the region within a few steps of each other: Lopez de Heredia, CVNE, and Bodegas Muga. Muga combines a traditionalist approach with modern cellar techniques. Muga is a core winery at the shop. The wines offer some of the best values in the region without skimping on complexity and ageability. These are wines to enjoy now or for years or decades to come.

Newly Arrived from Bodegas Muga:

Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2018 750ml $41.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “2018 was a cooler vintage, with a fairly long maturation, which made the wines somewhat fresher and less alcoholic, as showcased by the 2018 Selección Especial, a classical blend of the four red varieties from Rioja, Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano with contained ripeness (14.05% alcohol) and good freshness. It fermented in oak casks with indigenous yeasts and matured in French oak barrels, 40% of them new, for 26 months. They were not very happy with the vintage and had to sort and discard, but as they didn’t produce Prado Enea, Torre Muga or Haro, those grapes went into this wine. They are reluctant about 2018, but I think it was a vintage capable of the best and the worst, and this 2018 is floral, expressive and elegant. It’s medium to full- bodied, with very fine, chalky tannins, combining power and elegance. Amazing! 187,200 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2021.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2018 Muga Selección Especial is 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, and the rest Graciano y Mazuelo. It shows the fresher style of the vintage yet has good richness in its cassis and black raspberry fruit profile as well as notes of tobacco leaf, violets, and spicy oak. Straight-up gorgeous on the palate, it shines for its purity, has ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. I’m a fan.”

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Bodegas Muga Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2018 750ml $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “This was the only red that Muga made in 2018, and the wines from the best vineyards went into the blend. In other words, top vineyards were declassified. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are caressing and refined. Plenty of subtle berries, chocolate and walnuts. Tempranillo with garnacha, mazuelo and graciano. January 2021 release. Drink or hold.”
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “The 2018 Muga Reserva is a similar blend and has pretty, slightly fresher notes of darker, almost blue fruits as well as violets, spring flowers, and cedary oak. More medium-bodied on the palate, it shows the fresher, elegant style of the vintage, has beautiful tannins, no hard edges, and outstanding length on the finish.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “A harmonious red, medium-bodied and lightly juicy, layering light, creamy tannins with a pretty range of black cherry reduction, mocha, pomegranate puree and eucalyptus notes. Fresh, focused finish. Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now through 2028. 80,000 cases made, 15,000 cases imported.”

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Shop all our Spanish red wines on our web store now!

 

Oregon / Walla Walla 

Horsepower Vineyards Fiddleneck Vineyard, Walla Walla 2019 750ml $199 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen-Vinous 99 points “The stunning 2019 Grenache Fiddleneck Vineyard was sourced from a beautiful site where fiddleneck flowers were established before the vines were planted in 2015. The utterly mesmerizing nose features red rose petals, Linzer torte, umami and green olive tapenade, offering an air of aromatic complexity that is impossible to replicate in North America. On the seamless, beautifully textured palate, juicy red fruits collide with shades of white truffle, a dusting of salinity and an exquisite stony character. This is a wine unlike anything else in the world.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “There’s a lot going on in this red, which is explosively expressive with notes of wild game, smoked pepper, blackberry and garrigue that lead to multilayered and richly textured flavors, building polish and intensity toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032. —T.F.”

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Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah, Walla Walla 2019 750ml $179 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen-Vinous 96 points “The gorgeous 2019 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard is a gorgeous effort that is already drinking beautifully in its youth. On the nose, it shows off green peppercorns and smoldering stones alongside black cherry compote and roasted dates. The balance and feeling of tension and finesse midpalate are gorgeous. The weight of the core of dark fruits plays well with white pepper, umami, orange rind and shades of red cherry candy. Gorgeous in its youth, this will cellar well over the next decade.”

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France – Rhône

Château de Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhône Les Deux Albion, Rhône 2020 750ml $20.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Château de Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhône Les Deux Albion, Rhône 2020 750ml $219 special (that’s only $18.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Château de Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhône Les Deux Albion, Rhône 2020 1.5L $39 special, 12 magnums in stock now

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Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône 2020 750ml $39 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône 2020 750ml $399 special (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Case-6 Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône 2020 750ml $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 90-92 points “Leading off the red Northern Rhônes from barrel, the 2020 Crozes-Hermitage is medium to full-bodied, textured, and seamless, with classic berry, darker fruits, pepper, and violet aromatics. I love its texture.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “Sourced mainly from the area around Gervans, Barruol’s 2020 Crozes Hermitage features peppery, slightly ash-like scents, plus notes of black olives and blackberries. Medium to full-bodied, it’s silky and fine, with a touch of licorice creeping in on the finish.”

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Saint Cosme Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2019 750ml $49 special
Case-12 Saint Cosme Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2019 750ml $528 special (that’s only $44/bottle!)
Case-6 Saint Cosme Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2019 750ml $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape comes from La Crau and a few other terroirs and is 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre. Blackberries, black raspberries, peppery herbs, and some solid earthy minerality give way to a medium to full-bodied, ripe, yet also structured 2019. Some 2019s can have a touch of austerity in their tannins, but this is supple and seamless. It will evolve for 10-15 years.”

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Saint Cosme Côte Rôtie, Rhône 2020 750ml $69 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 points “I loved the 2020 Côte Rôtie, which is certainly the standout from the North. Coming from both the southern and northern ends of the appellation, it’s full-bodied, ripe, and textured, yet never loses a sense of Côte Rôtie elegance. Lots of bacon fat, exotic flowers (I wrote liquid violet in my notes), and gamey blue fruits define the nose, and the balance is spot on, it has silky tannins and is just another brilliant wine.”

Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Barruol’s 2020 Cote Rotie blends fruit from both ends of the appellation to create an exciting blend of violets and blueberries on the nose. It’s medium to full-bodied, but richly concentrated and silky, with a lingering, elegant finish. Terrific stuff.”

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Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhône 2020 750ml $39 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Case-6 Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhône 2020 750ml $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 91-93 points “A step up, the 2020 Saint Joseph comes all from the northern part of the Northern Rhône, and it’s medium-bodied and elegant, with good ripeness in its darker berry, violet, flower, and wet granite-like nuances. It’s another balanced, seamless red from Louis, and the 2019 vintage is a beauty for the Northern Rhône.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2020 Saint Joseph comes from Malleval, toward the northern end of the appellation. Scents of black olives, cracked pepper and espresso mark the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is nicely silky and gently tannic on the lingering finish. Showing excellent balance and plenty of crowd appeal, it should drink well on release.”

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France – Loire

Jacky Blot Domaine de la Taille aux Loups Montlouis Brut Tradition, Loire NV 750ml $26.60 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Decanter 93 points “From old-vine Chenin Blanc, this is quite a different style to the Triple Zero. With 5g/l of residual sugar it displays a bit more heft and richness. It’s aged in barrels previously containing the domaine’s dry Chenins, and has a touch of perfumed apple and stone fruit followed by a saline, steely character. Great balance.”
Wine & Spirits 92 points “Jacky Blot makes this wine from his old-vine fruit that’s not ripe enough to produce his Triple Zéro (recommended above). The rigorous selection of clean grapes and the winemaking process is similar, though this wine rests en tirage for 14 months, and is finished with a minimal dosage (usually about three grams). It has the same pale-limestone direction as Triple Zéro, with honeyed quince scents to fill it out, giving the wine a juicy feel. Refreshing and flavorful, this has a sense of purity that lasts.”

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A rich and robust white that’s a touch reductive at first but blossoms in the glass with Chenin varietal character.
Domaine Frederic Mabileau Anjou Chenin des Rouilleres, Loire 2021 750ml $26 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Sand and gravel with clay layers. Single-plot Les Rouilleres. 14 year old vines. Manual harvest. Fermentation at low temperature in stainless steel tanks. Native yeasts. 23 ppm SO2 before bottling.”

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Cranberry sauce in a glass! This will be delicious for fall feasts, especially Thanksgiving.
Jousselin et Fils, Domaine du Rin du Bois Touraine Petit Cot, Loire 2020 750ml $22.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Pascal Jousselin is an incredibly conscientious winemaker. Dedicated to his family’s Domaine, he is the fifth generation to live in this former hamlet, but the first to bottle wine from the family’s vineyards planted in 1969. He carefully manages about 18 hectares and works organically. Petit Côt, the original varietal of Malbec, is vinified with a short skin contact of 3 days to retain the fruit expression, under native yeast with no added sulfites.”

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France – Alsace

Moltes Cremant d’Alsace, Alsace NV 750ml $24 special, 24 bottles in stock now
70% Pinot Blanc – 20% Pinot Noir – 10% Riesling, bright & refreshing!

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Agathe Bursin Pinot Blanc Parad’Aux, Alsace 2021 750ml $24 special, 24 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Classic Alsace Pinot Blanc. Clean, crisp with nice minerality and a touch of nuttiness.  This would make an excellent aperitif or a smashing pairing with fish.

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Agathe Bursin Pinot Gris Dirstelberg, Alsace 2021 750ml $29 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Agathe Bursin Gewurztraminer Dirstelberg, Alsace 2021 750ml $29 special, 24 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: The Disrstelberg vineyard is mostly composed of pink sandstone and is known as a high quality vineyard for a variety of grapes.  The wines from the site tend to be linear and crisp, with good varietal character.  Unlike many Alsatian producers, Bursin errs on the side of delicacy and raciness rather than pick too late and allow the wines to become rich and flabby for the sake of “power.”

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Agathe Bursin Sylvaner Eminence, Alsace 2021 750ml $39 special, 12 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Agathe Bursin is known in Alsace as one of the top producers of Sylvaner.  This is one of her top wines and provides a compelling reason to pay attention to the grape.  Aromatically really interesting with a bright, mineral palate and great texture.  This is a wine worth paying attention to.

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Spain

Bodegas Breca ‘Breca’ Garnacha Old Vines, Calatayud 2017 750ml $15.50 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “All old vine Garnacha from the Calatayud region of Spain, the 2017 Breca was all destemmed and brought up in larger French oak barrels. It’s another head turner offering rocking red and blue fruits, melted licorice, peppery herbs, and spicy, earth-like aromas and flavors. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and wonderfully textured, it could cost twice the price and still be a good value. Buy a case and enjoy bottles over the coming 3-5 years. This is a killer wine.”

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Selbach-Oster: Grand, Yet Affordable
 

Let’s cut to the chase: Selbach-Oster makes wine every bit as good as the ‘name’ producers like Prüm, but because they aren’t quite as famous (and because Johannes Selbach isn’t a grand self-promoter) the wines are much less expensive than their peers. They represent some of the best buying opportunities for German wine lovers in the Mosel today.

What makes the Selbach wines so special, and perhaps what makes them as underrated, is that they aren’t showy or extreme. This is especially true when it comes to levels of residual sugar and, in the drier wines, with acidity as well. This makes them incredibly useful at the table. Sure they could leave more RS and they’d be more “opulent” and score higher points—but they don’t. As a result, you can drink the Spätlesen and Auslesen with your main course -not just cheese or lightly sweet desserts.

The wines are from great vineyards and made by an incredibly talented winemaker. They are delicious, age-worthy, and very reasonably priced. What more could you ask for?

A Selection of Selbach Wines, In Stock Now:

Selbach-Oster Riesling Feinherb, Mosel 2019 750ml $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Selbach-Oster Riesling Feinherb, Mosel 2019 $195 special (that’s only $16.25/bottle!)
Winery note “Selbach-Oster Rieslings are not ‘Zeitgeist’-trendy wines that change according to the whims of fashion. Nor are they ‘made’ according to a recipe. Though they are deeply delicious, they do not seek to ‘seduce’ with short-term exotic aromas from specially cultured yeasts, aromatic enzymes or ice-cold fermentations. They are true characters, wines with structure, wines that display their heritage, rooted deep into the slate rock like our old vines – many of which are still on their own vitis vinifera roots.”

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Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Riesling Kabinett Trocken, Mosel 2019 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Riesling Kabinett Trocken, Mosel 2019 750ml $266 special (that’s only $22.17/bottle!)
Mosel Fine Wines 90 points “The 2019er Zeltinger Riesling Kabinett Trocken comes from Estate holdings mainly in the Himmelreich (90%) as well as Schlossberg (10%). It offers a beautifully refreshing and light nose of white peach, apple, mint, herbs, anise, and spices. The wine develops good presence and the intensity of a Spätlese on the palate and leaves a nicely herbal and spicy feel in the surprisingly assertive but very satisfying finish. This is a serious Village wine to age and enjoy. 2023-2029”

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J & H Selbach Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2019 750ml $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 J & H Selbach Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2019 750ml $159 special (that’s only $13.25/bottle!)
VinopolNote: Purchased fruit from the one of the “Grand Cru” vineyards of the Mittelmosel.

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Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2019 750ml $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2019 750ml $279 special (that’s only $23.25/bottle!)
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2019 Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett is pure and flinty on the pure, elegant, terroir-driven nose. Piquant and crystalline on the palate, this is a crunchy and crispy, well-concentrated and nicely phenolic Schlossberg with juicy fruit but a crystalline and refined finish. Very long and stimulatingly salty. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
John Gilman 92 points “The 2019 Schlossberg Kabinett from Selbach-Oster is really a very pretty example of the vintage, but this is more Spätlese in terms of weight and breadth of shoulder than classical Kabinett. However, this takes away nothing from the charm here on both the nose and palate, with the bouquet delivering a lovely blend of white cherry, white peach, a touch of wild yeasts, a refined base of slate, bee pollen and a topnote of apple blossoms. On the palate the wine is medium-full, complex and nicely filigreed, with good acids, fine focus and grip and a long, complex and very nicely balanced finish. Think of this as a hybrid between Kabinett and Spätlese, but with personality to burn! 2020-2040+.”

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Selbach-Oster Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2019 750ml $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Selbach-Oster Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2019 750ml $342 special (that’s only $28.50/bottle!)
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate  93 points “The 2019 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese is very clear, pure and flinty on the intense, elegant, crunchy and slatey nose. Salty, piquant and lush on the palate, this is a crystalline, pure and salty Badstube that is juicier and rounder than the 2018. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The 2019er Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese was made from fruit picked at 90° Oechsle and was fermented down to sweet levels of residual sugar (69 g/l). It offers a very delicate and nicely perfumed nose of white flowers, rose petal, vineyard peach, apple, laurel, and herbs. The wine proves delicately juicy and refined on the smooth and slightly juicy palate and leaves a delicate sense of lightness in the more fruity-styled than really sweet-tasting finish. This is a joyful and remarkably easy-drinking expression of Spätlese. 2027-2044.”

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Selbach-Oster Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese, Mosel  2019 750ml $45 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2019 Bernkastler Badstube Riesling Auslese * is deep and concentrated on the still reductive, flinty and stony nose. Piquant, racy, dense and rich on the palate, this is a laser-sharp, salty-piquant and crunchy Auslese with concentrated lemon chutney notes and lingering salinity and grip. It is stunningly precise and like an ice wine because everything is concentrated due to the perfectly clear and clean botrytis. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “The 2019er Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese * comes from a parcel of old un-grafted vines in the Bernkasteler Graben situated next to the Bernkasteler Doktor and was fermented down to noble-sweet levels of residual sugar (117 g/l). It offers a superbly attractive and complex nose of grapefruit, yellow peach, honeyed pear, spices, flowers, and mint. The wine coats the palate with ample juicy and yellow honeyed fruits, almond cream, and a touch of nut paste and leaves one with a sense of herbal flavors reminiscent of great Doktor wines in the crystal clear and very long finish,. The after-taste of this truly magnificent Auslese feels sweet rather than noble-sweet. 2029-2059.”

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Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese**, Mosel 2017 750ml $54.50 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “From the lower part of the site and made with more botrytis grapes than the regular Auslese, the 2017 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese ** is clear and elegant on the perfectly ripe, intense and spicy nose. Lush and generous on the mouth-filling palate, this is a vibrantly fresh, salty-piquant and sensual Auslese with remarkable tannin structure and expression. A great, food-friendly wine that should be cellared for 10 to 15 years, even though it already drinks extremely well. Tasted in March 2019.”

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Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Beerenauslese*, Mosel 2005 375ml $89 special, 19 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 98 points “Sweet and backed by a vibrant structure, this is elegant and detailed, with concentrated red berry, lime and nectarine. One of the few BAs to show a mineral component. Terrific balance and harmony, ending with a long, slate-tinged aftertaste. Drink now through 2040.”

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Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenhuhr Riesling Beerenauslese, Mosel 2018 375ML $79 special, 24 half-bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2018 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese displays an intense but very clear and radiant citrus color in the glass. The nose is concentrated and fresh, with lemon chutney and broken stone aromas. Pure and fresh on the palate, this is a dense, concentrated, rich yet very precise, fresh and elegant BA with a long, crunchy, terroir-driven finish that represents the delicate slate structure of the Sonnenuhr. Still young but not really sweet due to the crystalline acidity structure. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
Mosel Fine Wines 94-96 points “This 2018er Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling BA was harvested at approx. 130° Oechsle and was fermented down to noble-sweet levels of residual sugar (approx. 200 g/l). This cask sample offers a gorgeous and clean nose of candied grapefruit, pineapple juice, rhubarb, apricot, melon and honey. The wine is very juicy and sweet on the delicately viscous palate. The finish is quite intense and very long. This BA is still very sweet and juicy, and will please lovers of rich and intense dessert wines. 2028-2058.”

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Not to be confused with the Spanish winery of the same name (Vina Zorzal), the Argentinian Zorzal makes groundbreaking, exciting wines in Gualtallary, some 50 miles east of Santiago de Chile, on the east side of the snow-capped Andes.  The ultra-modern, gravity-fed winery and its 173 acres of vineyards lie at 4400 feet above sea level, with cool breezes coming off the impressive backdrop of Andes Mountains. This is a wonderful place to ripen wine grapes. 

Their best wine, the “Tinto de Tiza” is our best-selling Malbec. Like previous vintages, this has an excellent review (94 points, Wine Advocate) and will be a big hit for fall. Unfortunately, the word’s out and the quantities imported to the US keep falling, so quantities are significantly limited compared to prior years.  Fans of Malbec or the winery’s previous releases would do well to stock up.

It seems incredible to think that this sensation of a winery is so new.  Ten years ago a new winery called Zorzal appeared in Argentina’s emergent Valle de Uco. Zorzal’s trio of Michelini brothers blended the freedom of New World winemaking with an appreciation for fine Old World wines and classic varieties. Then, in 2012, the global wine community took note of Zorzal: Robert Parker awarded their 2008 Porfiado, made in the winery’s inaugural vintage, 94 points. Two years later, Wine & Spirits Magazine included Zorzal’s Tinto de Tiza 2012 in its list of the best 100 wines for 2014. The name Zorzal had earned its place in the world atlas of fine wine.

In Stock Now from Zorzal:

Zorzal Eggo Blanc de Cal Tupungato 2019 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez Wine Advocate 94 points “2019 was cooler than 2018, and the 2019 Eggo Blanc de Cal is even fresher and stonier than the 2018 I tasted last time. This wine is never about the grape variety, and it’s like liquid chalk, even more so in 2019. It matured in concrete eggs for 10 months. This is always produced from a limestone-rich plot in the Tupungato Winelands. Half of the wine fermented with the skins, but it doesn’t have any “orange” characteristics. It’s sharp and super tasty. Amazing value. 7,775 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2019.”

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Zorzal Eggo Franco Cabernet Franc Tupungato 2017 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2017 Eggo Franco is pure Cabernet Franc cropped from seven-year-old vines on alluvial soils high in calcium carbonate. It fermented with 10% full clusters in concrete vats, where it matured with the full lees until bottling at the end of the year. It’s very varietal, herbal and spicy, with good structure and body, great balance and power, with fine-grained, chalky tannins. 6,000 bottles produced.”

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Zorzal Eggo Tinto de Tiza Gualtallary 2017 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 94 points “The mouthfeel of the 2017 Eggo Tinto de Tiza was like biting into a piece of chalk (“tiza” is the Spanish word for chalk), the texture provided by the limestone-rich soils from Gualtallary, especially in the higher part of this large region. This wine is not about the varieties (it’s a blend to start with) but about the place, the soils, the local vegetation, the austerity and the wilderness. 33,000 bottles. It was bottled in January 2018.”

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Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder 2018 750ml $89 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Mt. Brave is fabulous. Inky, rich and explosive, the 2018 possesses tremendous depth and tons of personality. Graphite, blue/purplish fruit, blackberry jam, bittersweet chocolate, sage, lavender, menthol give the 2018 tons of character to match its explosive feel. The brooding, backward wine is going to need quite a bit of time to unwind, but boy is it gorgeous.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Lots of cassis and black raspberry fruits as well as classic Mount Veeder notes of lavender, violets, bouquet garni, and rocky, mineral-like notes emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. A deep, full-bodied mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a plush, layered texture, beautiful tannins, a deep, concentrated mid-palate, and a great finish. Another head-turning wine from this label, it’s a candidate for the best Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon out there at the price point.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown- Wine Advocate  95+ points “A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder was aged for 22 months in oak barrels, 82% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it springs from the glass with vibrant crème de cassis, baked plums and Morello cherries scents, followed by nuances of sautéed herbs, clove oil, mocha and scorched earth. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with layers of black and blue fruits, sporting a rock-solid backbone of grainy tannins and great tension, finishing long and minerally. 6,753 cases were made.”

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Mt. Brave Malbec, Mount Veeder 2018 750ml $79 pre-arrival special
Lisa Perrotti-Brown – Wine Advocate 95 points “Made from 100% Malbec, the 2018 Malbec Mt. Veeder was aged for 22 months in oak, 34% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is flamboyantly scented of baked plums, blackberry compote and blueberry coulis with wafts of baking spices and dried Provence herbs. Full-bodied, the palate is packed with concentrated black and blue fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins, going long, lively and with a spicy kick on the finish. 582 cases were made.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “All varietal, the 2018 Malbec is terrific and well worth seeking out. Sporting a dense purple color as well as impressive notes of spiced red and blue fruits, violets, toasted bread, and herbes de Provence-like nuances, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a rounded, mouthfilling texture, and enough velvety tannins to keep it showing well for over a decade.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2018 Malbec opens with a rush of inky red/purplish fruit, rose petals, lavender and spice. Rich, pliant and super-expressive, the 2018 is a winner in this range from Mt. Brave. All the elements come together beautifully in this sumptuous, structured Malbec. I would cellar the 2018 for at least a few years. It’s a gorgeous wine.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Verite La Muse, Sonoma County 2018 750ml $419 pre-arrival special
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 100 points “A blend of 90% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec, the 2018 La Muse was matured 16 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the nose delivers a powerful perfume of cherry pie, blackberry preserves and baked plums, followed by suggestions of red roses, cast-iron pan, underbrush and unsmoked cigars, plus wafts of licorice and oolong tea. Medium to full-bodied, the black fruit and exotic spice layers flow so gracefully over the palate, textured by plush tannins and lifted with seamless freshness, finishing epically long and achingly fragrant. The intensity and complexity of aromas and flavors—all waltzing in captivating harmony—cannot fail to make your head spin in the best possible way. Electrifying!”
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “Checking in as 90% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Malbec that was raised in new French oak, the 2018 La Muse reveals a dense purple hue to go with plenty of black cherry and currant fruits as well as cedar pencil, graphite, dark chocolate, and smoked tobacco. Ripe, full-bodied, and brilliantly balanced on the palate, with both elegance and incredible opulence, it’s a hypothetical mix of Châteaux Canon and Lafite. This masterpiece of a Merlot can be drunk any time over the coming 20-30 years. Give bottles an hour in a decanter if drinking any time soon.”
Decanter 98 points “Such a pretty nose, floral, redolent also of autumn fruits and damsons, which over time in the glass releases the more oak driven mocha notes. The palate is compact, dense, the tannins are remarkably silky despite the youthfulness, the fruit is intensely ripe but not sweet. The overall impression is one of a circular wine, plush, hedonistic in the making, the flavours still in motion, becoming darker as they progress through the palate. There’s a freshness, a ‘tingle’ almost to the acidity mirroring the earlier picking regime, the efforts taken in the vineyard and at harvest to capture the essential freshness of Sonoma. The wine ends on black liquorice and coffee and the finish is seemingly endless – cut short only by the next wine. It’s a baby for sure. Drinking Window 2025 – 2050.”

Named after the outstanding cru vineyard that tops the hill where the winery resides, Cantina Rizzi and the family the runs it have long history dating back to 700 CE. The winemaking program here uses a combination of traditional large barrels and cement tanks, with the focus on preserving essential fruit profile in balance with ageable structure. We will receive bottlings of three outstanding vineyards produced by this estate that you won’t want to miss!

Arriving Friday, October 7th from Cantina Rizzi:

Rizzi Barbaresco Nervo, Barbaresco DOCG 2017 750ml $59 pre-arrival special
Rizzi Barbaresco Nervo, Barbaresco DOCG 2017 1.5L $119 pre-arrival special
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Rose, violet and perfumed berry aromas lead the nose followed by whiffs of camphor and culinary spice. Full bodied, supremely elegant and surprisingly fresh for the hot vintage, the savory palate delivers ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and crushed mint alongside taut, refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Drink 2022–2032.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Of these new releases from Rizzi, the 2017 Barbaresco Nervo is my favorite. That carefully assembled combination of fruit, minerals and Nebbiolo spice (with licorice and aniseed) is what I look for in a Barbaresco. This was not the easiest growing season by any stretch. The vintage was plagued by very cold weather during the first part of the year, followed by scorching heat during the summer. However, the folks at Rizzi have managed to preserve the freshness and linearity of that delicate Nebbiolo fruit. I would recommend a medium-term drinking window in the case of this wine, of which a precious 3,800 bottles were produced.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Rizzi Barbaresco Pajore, Barbaresco DOCG 2017 750ml $59 pre-arrival special
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Editor’s Choice. Wild rose, forest berry and camphor aromas mingle with star anise on this fragrant, full-bodied red. Combining structure and finesse, the delicious palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, orange zest and licorice alongside firm, polished tannins. A fantastic wine. Drink 2023–2032.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Rizzi Barbaresco Riserva Boito, Barbaresco DOCG 2015 750ml $99 pre-arrival special
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Cellar Selection. Camphor, pipe tobacco, iris and mature black-skinned fruit aromas shape the nose on this full-bodied red. Delicious and structured, the firm palate delivers succulent black cherry, raspberry and licorice framed in firm, tightly knit but noble tannins. Drink 2023–2030.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The Rizzi 2015 Barbaresco Rizzi Riserva Vigna Boito features the artwork of proprietor Enrico Dellapiana on the front label. With only 3,176 bottles produced, the wine reveals broad shoulders, width and impressive depth. This vintage offers a complete picture of the Nebbiolo grape and of the distinctive elegance of Treiso, one of the cornerstones of the Barbaresco appellation. This Riserva offers a solid center of gravity with ample fruit rendering and framing. The vintage achieves a richer, more concentrated style that suits the wine very nicely.”
Decanter 94 points “Enrico Dellapiana’s Riserva always comes from this hilltop site above the Rizzi vineyard. The soil is mostly clay, which gives the wine impressive structure. The nose is super-ripe, with opulent, seductive cherry aromas, but there’s no jamminess. Full-bodied and succulent, this is velvety yet supported by firm, fine-grained tannins. Chocolatey, forceful and very long.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $147