Sunday Night Newsletter 10-23-22

 In This Newsletter:

Mainly merlot along with 35% cabernet, delicious merlot from Tuscany. The grape varieties from Bordeaux have taken root all over Italy but nowhere better than ‘under the Tuscan sun.’
Castello di Camigliano Poderuccio Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ml $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Castello di Camigliano Poderuccio Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ml $91.50 special (that’s only $15.25/bottle!)
Case-12 Castello di Camigliano Poderuccio Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ml $175 special (that’s only $14.58/bottle!)
James Suckling 90 points “Lots of blackberries and tar, together with black-olive character on the nose and palate. Full-bodied and structured. A little raw, but should come around nicely with bottle age. Drink from 2020.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

M. Chapoutier Luberon La Ciboise Rouge, Rhône 2017 750ml Was $11.90, Now $10.75 super special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 M. Chapoutier Luberon La Ciboise Rouge, Rhône 2017 750ml Was $119, Now $99 super special (that’s only $8.25/bottle!), hurry only 6 cases available!
Anna Lee C. Iijima-Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Notes of crisp raspberry, bramble and crushed stone introduce this full-bodied yet invigorating red. Blackberry and mulberry flavors are juicy yet vital, edged by hints of mineral and a zesty midpalate. Peppery, fine tannins linger on the finish. This lovely sip is ready now but should hold through 2023.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $14

Pinot Noir abounds in and around Sancerre. Reminiscent of Oregon PN’s back when summer in the Willamette Valley included some cloudy and cool days. Perfect conditions for PN rosé.
Clement & Florian Berthier l’Instant Pinot Noir Rose, Vin de France 2020 750ml Was $14, Now $10.90 super special, 30 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 89 points “Shimmering orange. Spice-accented tangerine and raspberry aromas pick up a floral nuance with air. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering juicy red berry and orange zest flavors that show a refreshingly bitter edge. Finishes taut and dry, with a repeating floral note and a jolt of spicy white pepper.”
Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Pinot Noir. Sustainable. Clay & limestone. Tasting note: Fresh red berries and cherry, candied orange peel and strawberry. Medium body with a long finish.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

 

You’ve heard of Boulay and Dagueneau’s history making Sauvignon Blanc, but the Loire has another white varietal amongst her crown jewels: Chenin Blanc. Cultivated in the Loire valley since 845, it’s known for being one of the most versatile on the planet, producing benchmark examples of still, sweet and sparkling wines with incredible longevity in the bottle.

In spite of this pedigree, the world is only just starting to discover these works of art, with Thibaud Boudignon leading a new generation taking Chenin Blanc to glorious heights. The Savennières-based producer has rare gift of taking all of Chenin’s energetic richness and compressing it into a linear beam of mineral electricity. Originally from Bordeaux, Boudignon established his credentials by working at the legendary Burgundy house, Philippe Charlopin, and at the highly regarded Loire producer, Chateau Soucherie. His devotion to meticulous farming under biodynamic standards in addition to his masterful technical skill as a winemaker have made him a cult figure almost overnight. 

Boudignon has captured the attention and love of several reviewers and wine writers, so we’ll hand off the mike: 

“One of the most exciting up-and-coming producers in the Loire, Thibaud Boudignon already has a fervent following in America.” -Jason Wilson, Vinous Media

“Thibaud Boudignon is a recent entry to Savennières, having started his project in 2009, but oh, my, the purity of his wines is impeccable… It may only be a young domaine, but the clarity of the wines made from these young vines is truly exciting. I look forward to the vines maturing further.” -Rebecca Gibb MW, September 2022

“Thibaud Boudignon is unquestionably one of the most exciting figures in wine today… in just a few vintages, his name began to circulate among Loire growers, eventually to top restaurants in Paris, and finally overseas. The speed at which he has garnered so much praise speaks to the remarkable quality of his wines. It is wines like these that make us remember why we love this business. Just when you think you’ve had the best a region has to offer, a new discovery comes along to rock your world. Boudignon is such a discovery, with wines that speak so clearly of their place of origin. It is in this writer’s humble opinion, that there is no greater dry Chenin Blanc being made in the world today. Period.” –Skurnik Imports

Newly Arrived from Thibaud Boudignon:

Thibaud Boudignon Rose de Loire 2021 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Limpid orange. Vibrant, mineral- and spice tinged strawberry and orange zest aromas show fine definition and a building floral nuance. Shows firm tension and cut on the palate, offering intense citrus fruit and red berry character and a suggestion of botanical herbs. Finishes very long and precise, with the floral and mineral notes repeating. “
Importer note “While Thibaud has (rightly) become a superstar for his world-class Chenin Blancs, many insiders have discovered one of his best kept-secrets: rosé. Made from a plot of Cabernet Franc and Grolleau in Anjou that he simply could not pass up the opportunity to work with, this is one of the most saline and mineral rosés we have ever come across. 80% Cabernet Franc, 20% Grolleau. Shallow soils of grey schist and rhyolite (volcanic soil) and clay. Indigenous yeast fermentation. No malo. Direct press rosé. Aged in stainless steel. A noble, supremely saline rosé. Delicate texture. Made like a white wine to preserve salinity and structure.”

Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc, Loire 2020 750ml $44 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc, Loire 2020 1.5L $89 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Rebecca Gibbs MW-Vinous 91 points “Unlike his Savennières, the fruit for Boudignon’s 2020 Anjou Blanc is purchased. The result is a pure, clean wine with delectable purity. There are delicate flavors of just-ripe pineapple, citrus, nettles and a subtle hint of vanilla. It is fermented and aged in both 500-liter barrels and oval Stockinger ‘cigars’. A line of acidity pulls this wine through to a refined conclusion. It can be approached now for its fine fruit but will go on.”

Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc ‘a Francoise..’, Loire 2020 750ml $69 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc ‘a Francoise..’, Loire 2020 1.5L $145 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Rebecca Gibbs MW-Vinous 91 points “The 2020 Anjou Blanc à Francois(e) has the purity of mountain air. Hailing from a single parcel named Les Gats, it is a mid-weight style that’s not about aromatic appeal but texture. From a clay-based vineyard, this is one of the more weighty, rounded styles that Boudignon produces with a structured frame that clamps the mouth and acidity that pierces the wine’s core like an arrow. There’s no malo at this estate which somewhat explains its character.”

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Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos de Fremine, Loire 2020 750ml $85 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibbs MW-Vinous 93 points “The Clos de Frémine sits across a country lane from Clos de la Hutte, so it’s a similar climate; however, at Clos de Frémine, the wine is lighter, more sandy with brighter light. The 2020 is a delicate, almost quiet wine that has a line of acidity that is like a taut wire. There’s a silken, airy mouthfeel with delicate pineapple flavors and nectarine, which suffuses the mouth on the long, mineral finish. It gives the impression that it has a low pH due to its tangy acid and salinity, but the pH is actually at 3.6, which is rather high all things considered. Rather attractive.”

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Also In Stock Now from Thibaud Boudignon:

Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos de Fremine, Loire 2019 750ml $89 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibbs MW-Vinous 95 points “An elegant and pure style that offers a delightful silken texture. The 2019 Clos de Fremine floats delicately, almost as if you are tasting a cloud, despite containing plenty of intensity in its focused core of fruit. There’s a burst of fresh acidity and a bristle of fine-grained texture; whether that’s the tannin or the soil, it’s there on the finish. I could tell you it tastes of apples and citrus, but this is a wine that seems to care less about fruit descriptors and more about the essence of its place.”
Importer note “Just across a small road from Clos de la Hutte, in the hamlet of Poissonnière, Clos Frémine is an exciting addition to Thibaud’s stunning Savennières lineup. Just like it’s famed neighbor, the vineyard sits on pure schist that is found only 20cm below the surface. There is a bit more sand at the base of this site, which provides the wine with a delicate lift and added layer of elegance.”

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Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos de la Hutte, Loire 2018 750ml $95 special, 5 bottles in stock now
No reviews available for the 2018 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
Rebecca Gibbs MW-Vinous 97 points “The 2019 Clos de la Hutte is the site that spoke to Boudignon when he arrived in Savennières. Once the site of a monastery, it’s not yet a religious experience drinking this, but it’s not got far to go: there’s a sense of expansion in the mouth, followed by impressive structure, showing its serious intentions and a sense that it’s good enough to eat. There’s an intriguing white floral note alongside pear, followed up with energetic acidity. Excellent texture and sapidity on the finish, providing length and structure. This wine has it all: delicacy and power, structure and refinement. Unfortunately, frosts in 2019 were not kind so there is very little of it to go around.”
Importer note “[A new] addition to Thibaud’s range of Chenin Blanc comes from a half hectare plot within the Clos de la Hutte (1.5ha) lieu-dit. The vines are young but the wine is profound.  There is a long history to this site and Thibaud is channeling every bit of it here.  The volumes are miniscule –  1000 bottles released.”
Importer note “Clos de la Hutte is situated in the commune of La Poissonnière; the Clos de la Hutte is an ancient religious site of 7 hectares, of which 2.6 are planted with vines. At the heart of this ancient monastery are vines produced from a massal selection of Chenin Blanc coming from the best domaines of the Loire. 5 different varieties of Chenin were planted together so as to best express the intensity and singularity of this special place. 50% vinified in oval demi muid, 25% in 320 liter cigars, and 25% in 500 liter. The ageing last one year in wood and a minimum of 3 months in stainless steel. The Clos de la Hutte seduces with its aromatic finesse and the intense minerality in the mouth.”

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The La Fortuna estate has been run by the Zannoni family since its 1907 inception. One of the most established wine producers in Tuscany, their Brunello is world-renowned for consistently being among the very best produced year after year. In addition to drinking well right after purchase they cellar beautifully, making La Fortuna’s wines a superb choice for any moment that calls for an opulent red wine. Their 2012 Brunello Riserva is drinking quite well at the moment and would pair beautifully with tonight’s grilled, braised, or roasted dinner. Of course, it will become even more impressive after time in your cellar. Such a versatile wine is a valuable must-have. 

In stock now:

La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ml $89 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ml $515 special (that’s only $85.83/bottle!)
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 1.5L $199 special, 4 magnums in stock now
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 3L $399 special, 3 double-magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “Perfumed, with wild herb aromas and a subtle mix of strawberry and cherry fruit. Vibrant and dense, with fine acidity driving the long finish. Though elegant, there is intensity and fine energy on the aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2028.”

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New Weekend – New Arrivals
 

France – Champagne

Waris-Hubert Blanche Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut Millesime, Champagne 2012 750ml $79 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Sorting Table importer note “To the eye, a luminous champagne, wrapped in a yellow robe with pronounced golden highlights. The first scents encompass the universe of herbal and garrigue flowers like lime blossom, eucalyptus and mint. Then, they give way to exotic fruits: pineapple, lychee and mango. On the palate the wine is tender and voluptuous. This gives it a silky, full-bodied dimension, thanks to yellow peach and apricot flavors. It is a profound wine with fine harmony and perfect balance.  The heady complexity of the 2012 vintage is perfectly expressed in this 2012 Blanche Millésime Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from Waris-Hubert.”
From the village of Avize, 35 year-old vines on calcareous clay.

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Waris-Hubert Albescent Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, Champagne NV 750ml $54.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Sorting Table importer note “It has the finesse and exceptional potential of the Chardonnay Grand Cru of Côte des Blancs. To the eye, a pale golden robe with discrete green highlights. The wine’s aromas announce its extreme purity, airy dimension and elegance. Timid at first.  Then hazelnut and almond characterize the rich, creamy dimension of this cuvee. The mouthfeel is just as elegant as the aromas: one begins with lemon zest and white fruits’ aromas and tastes. Chrystalline, with barley sugar accents, it highlights our preferred grape variety, Chardonnay. An excellent dinner and aperetif wine.”
From the villages of Avize, Oger, and Cramant, 35 year-old vines on calcareous clay. 

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $59

Waris-Hubert ‘Lilyale’ Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Zero Dosage, Champagne NV 750ml $54.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Sorting Table importer note “Pale golden colour with intense glints of emerald green. Fine and lively effervescence; lasting beads of bubbles. The aromas are elegant and expressive with a floral and springlike tone. Notes of lime blossom, mint and freshly mown grass develop, which evolve to white fruit and fresh Mirabelle plum. The scent of Viennese pastries and brioche fill the senses. The palate is full and with a rich attack. Firm and powerful. Dense in the evolution phase with lively lemon flavors, complimented by minerality and hints of wild citrus fruits. It’s the purity, and elegance of the chardonnay grand cru of the Côte des Blancs. Elegant and expressive.”
From the village of Avize, Oger, and Cramant, 35 year-old vines on calcareous clay.

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Italy – Abruzzo 

Torre dei Beati ‘Bianchi Grilli per la Testa’ Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2020 750ml $26 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “A captivating mix of lemon oils, tangerine and dried peaches wafts up from the wickedly fresh 2020 Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Bianchi Grilli Per La Testa. It envelopes the palate with glycerol textures, initially seeming almost tropical in character, yet it quickly gains tension through a mix of saline-mineral tones and tart orchard fruits. There’s a reverberation of tension through the finale, along with a salty flourish, as exotic florals slowly taper off. The harmony here is remarkable; the 2020 has the fruit of a warm vintage with the structure and depth of a cool vintage. After seven days of skin-contact fermentation, about 20% of the Bianchi Grilli is matured in Acacia barrels with the bulk of it in Stainless steel. It’s a unique expression of Trebbiano that should not be missed.”

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Italy – Tuscany 

Lisini Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2019 750ml $31.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is spicy and intense, with a chalky air of crushed stone giving way to wild herbs and sour cherry. It’s round yet juicy in character, washing gobs of mineral-tinged red and black berries across the palate, as notes of licorice and inner violets collect toward the close. The 2019 keeps the energy high, remaining vividly fruity, with just a hint of fine tannins that frame the finish quite well. There is simply so much to like about this vintage of Lisini’s Rosso.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “Leads off with a distinctive graphite aroma, followed by black cherry, blackberry, earth and mineral flavors. Open, yet finishes with dense tannins and a chalky feel. Drink now through 2025. 1,300 cases made, 375 cases imported.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 89 points “Informal and medium dark in appearance, the 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is redolent of cherry confit and plummy fruit. This was a moderate vintage in terms of heat, but the wine overdelivers on sweet flavors and shows powerful 14.5% alcohol that might lead you to believe that the summer season was much hotter than reality. Those richly saturated fruit tones and the wine’s open-knit texture can stand up to hearty winter dishes. Production is a comfortable 10,000 bottles.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $36

Castello di Ama ‘San Lorenzo’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2018 750ml $59 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “A tight, polished red with a very beautiful texture of firm, polished yet integrated tannins. Full-bodied with plenty of subtle dark-berry and chocolate character. Hints of walnuts, too. Flavorful finish. A little tight at the end, but already really delicious. Serious young Gran Selezione. Drink or hold.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The Castello di Ama 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo is one of the most distinctive wines in the ample portfolio offered by this estate. I always seem to find a balsamic note in the San Lorenzo Sangiovese (a blend of some of the property’s best fruit, with a touch of Merlot and Malvasia Nera thrown in), and it definitely comes through in this vintage with grilled rosemary and even a touch of black olive. This wine is truly Mediterranean in spirit and it boasts an all-Italian identity. Its supple, mid-weight texture is amplified by elegant fruit and spice. And the wine’s fresh acidity makes it the ideal pairing partner with your favorite Tuscan pasta or pici recipes.”
Vinous 94 points “The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is a deep, potent wine. Black cherry, gravel, smoke, licorice, chocolate, spice infuse the San Lorenzo with tons of dark Sangiovese character. A heady, muscular wine, the 2019 exudes tremendous richness. I would give it a few years. The 2018 is a wine of aromatic intrigue and intensity.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $64.40

Italy – Piedmont

Rizzi Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2020 750ml $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2020 Barbera d’Alba is a terrific wine, especially if pizza night is on the calendar. This is a fun and exuberant expression of Barbera with sweet cherry and plum and lots of easy texture to absorb the natural acidity of the grape. This is a simple but very well-balanced expression of Piedmont’s favorite food grape.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $24.99

Spain – Cava

Mont Marcal Cava Brut Reserva, Catalonia 2019 750ml $16 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 89 points “Crisp and bubbly Cava with some chalky, earthy lemons, stones and brioche. Very frothy with direct effervescence. Made from organically grown grapes. Drink now.”

Mont Marcal Brut Rosado Cava, Catalonia 2020 750ml $18 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Tasting notes: Colour: Intense and attractive redcurrant with violet tones. Fine bubbles and mousse. Bouquet: Dominated by berries such as cherries and blackberries, with a base of plum and fig compote and slight evolution of the lees. Palate: On the palate it is young, fruity, fresh, soft and above all very elegant. This is an ideal cava to drink as an aperitif and with a great variety of dishes, from croquettes, soft creamy cheeses, light white fish dishes, pasta, salads of red berries, carpaccios, to dishes made with cured sausages, white meats (veal, rabbit, milk fed lamb), poultry (quails, chicken wings), strong spiced and smoked food and a great variety of cakes. The fine mousse makes it refreshing and an ideal complement to help the digestion.”

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Domaine Anita

Beaujolais lovers – don’t miss out on these: 
 

Originally a professional cyclist from Bresse, Anita Kuhnel fell in love with Beaujolais during visits. She purchased vines in 2015 and began producing stunning single-parcel Beaujolais.

“‘I am committed to putting all my energy into making the best wines every day,’ Anita declares. ‘This is why I chose to opt for plot cultivation, which allows each bottle to reflect the character of each plot.’ She calls this whole exercise ‘Making the plots talk.'” –Importer note 

Picture the cost of a Côte de Nuits single parcel bottling from a top scoring producer working with 50+ year old sustainably grown estate vines. Now move the decimal place over two spaces to the left, and you’re in grand cru Beaujolais territory. Snap up your allocation before the world, and pricing, catches up!

In Stock Now:

Domaine Anita Morgon Prestige, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $29 special, 28 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “Welcome to the black heart of Morgon! So dense, concentrated and ripe with serious tannins, but a wonderfully plush texture on the expansive palate. Then the mineral freshness pushes through at the powerful, yet finely etched finish. If you can find actual black cherries that smell like this, then let me know! Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Anita Moulin-a-Vent La Rochelle, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This Beaujolais masterpiece is so concentrated and so pure, with lush, velvety sensuality that reminds me of great Pomerol. But there’s also almost breathtaking brightness, thanks to the magical combination of gamay and granite. Great mineral freshness at the ripe yet pristine finish. Drink or hold.”

Domaine Anita Moulin-a-Vent ‘Les Caves’ Tres Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $24 special, 32 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “What a beautiful nose of violets and ripe (but not overripe) blackberries this has! So succulent, with a wonderful interplay of creaminess, fine tannins and mineral freshness on the concentrated, medium-bodied palate. Very long, velvety finish with so much finesse! Drink or hold.”

Domaine Anita Chenas Les Brureaux, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $28 special, 18 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Pure violets on the nose pull you into this Chenas, which is brimming with sour-cherry fruit, wrapped around a core of fine tannins. Intense, stony minerality at the powerful yet refined finish. So focused and uplifting! Drink or hold.”

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Domaine Anita Fleurie Les Moriers, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $24 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Stunning black-cherry fruit is married to generous, fine tannins and very lively acidity that lights up this rather bold wine. So many violets and ripe blackberries that this well-structured wine slips down very easily. Quite some allspice character at the long finish. Drink or hold.”

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Domaine Anita Fleurie Les Poncie, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $24 special, 35 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Dense violet and sour-cherry nose with just a hint of licorice. Very fresh and vital with quite a serious tannins structure for a Beaujolais Cru, this is still very young with tremendous energy. Quite dry finish, but in a very positive way, and one that reminds me of wines from cooler locations in the Northern Rhone. Drink or hold.”

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Domaine Anita Morgon ‘Chateau-Gaillard’, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $21.90 special, 32 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Stunning nose of ripe blackberries, the blackest cherries and smoke, with just a touch of balsamic vinegar. Ripe and firm with a ton of crushed-stone minerality. Very radical, but in the best possible way! All this needs is a bit of time in the bottle to resolve the substantial, fine tannins and crisp acidity. Great aging potential! Drinkable now, but best from 2024.”

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Autumn Breeze, Makes Me Feel Fine

Rosés for the Fall: Italian Edition
 

One of our most popular Italian rosés, this is lively yet structured and performs well in the cellar or with roasts and stews when you don’t quite want to reach for a red.
Proprieta Sperino ‘Rosa del Rosa’ Rosato Coste della Sesia, Piedmont 2021 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “Good luck pulling away from the 2021 Rosa del Rosa, with its sweetly scented bouquet that mixes notes of dusty rose and ripe strawberries with enriching hints of butter cream and vanilla bean. This sets off all of the pleasure indicators with soft textures complemented by sweet red fruits, then contrasted by sour citrus and, finally, a bump of juicy acidity that keeps the energy high. There’s plenty of length to keep the palate reeling with mouthwatering pleasure, as the Rosa del Rosa, a varietal Nebbiolo Rosato, tapers off wickedly fresh and long. This is, yet again, one of the top Italian Rosès of the vintage.”

Add a little pink peppercorn to your life! This is liquid sunshine for a chilly, rainy day.
G. B. Burlotto Elatis Vino da Tavola Rosé, Piedmont 2021 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: A blend of the rare Piedmont varietal Pelaverga and Nebbiolo, and our favorite pink Italian wines for the fall. This is only occasionally released and has only been reviewed once (in the 2019 vintage):
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “[2019 vintage] The nose shows ripe honeydew and crushed yellow apple with sweet herbs and smoky minerals. On the palate, the 2019 Burlotto Elatis Rosato coasts with ease. It is cool-toned and riding a core of vibrant acids, minerals, and citrus-tinged fruits. The finish is long, buzzing with energy, and just begging for another sip. This is a unique and wonderfully stimulating blend of 60% Pelaverga, 35% Nebbiolo and 5% Barbera.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $28

Castello di Ama ‘Purple Rosé’ Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 1.5L Was $49, Now $39 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 90 points “Luminous red-pink. Fresh aromas of strawberry and flowers, then ripe and sweet with similar flavors to the aromas that show very good acid cut. This actually leaves a sweet impression on the long suave finish, but has so much acidity it seems less sweet than it is. Lovely. Winemaker Marco Pallanti has changed the winemaking so as to macerate the must on the skins for twelve hours and then ages the wine in used (one year) barriques to round it. A blend of mostly Sangiovese with a little Merlot.”

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G.D. Vajra Rosabella Rosato, Piedmont 2021 750ml $16 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 90 points “The 2021 Rosato Rosabella is so understated yet pretty, capturing the eye with its pale pink color, and then the senses with nuances of rose, strawberries and a dusting of spice. It’s soothingly soft, with a pleasant inner sweetness offset by vibrant acidity and citrus-tinged orchard fruits. This leaves the palate completely refreshed, as a salty flourish punctuates the experience quite nicely. The Rosabella is a blend of 85% Nebbiolo, 10% Barbera and 5% Dolcetto.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Luigi Giordano Vino Rosato Alba, Piedmont 2020 750ml $21.90 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Nebbiolo from family parcels inside Barbaresco crus of Ovello, Ronchi & Cars. Hand-picked in September. Soft pressing followed by 3-hour maceration. 2,400-bottle production.”

Shop our complete selection of rosé wines on our webstore now!