In This Newsletter:
Rave New Reviews
For 2019 Oregon Wines:
“A Return to Classicism”
New Week – New Arrivals:
Jose Dhondt, Simon Bize, Sylvain Pataille,
Vieux Telegraphe, Raul Perez & more!
New Offer!
La Fortuna 2015 Brunello Riserva
Rave New Reviews from Josh Raynolds
For 2019 Oregon Wines:
“A Return to Classicism”
Marcus Goodfellow is one of the most talented winemakers in Oregon. He founded Matello wines, his original label, in 2002 and hasn’t looked back, making wines that have continually improved—both in bottle and from vintage to vintage. These are profound wines, both white and red, that are made in a style that’s distinctly savory—no fruit bombs here. We love them for their coiled power and Burgundian structure, and we stack them abundantly in our personal cellars to adore for decades to come.
“Marcus Goodfellow makes some of the most elegant and precise New World Pinot Noirs that I know of. That’s not exactly news to his numerous customers, who have helped to make his extremely well-priced wines so sought-after over the last few years. An Oregon native, Goodfellow cut his winemaking teeth with Russ Raney at Evesham Wood in the early 2000s, and also counts Cristom’s Steve Doerner as an early inspiration… the 2019s are vibrant, focused and graceful, displaying noteworthy balance and tension. Winemaking is hands-off , with native yeasts, no added enzymes and plenty of whole-cluster work; oak is barely a factor, as almost all barrels are neutral. The Pinots (and Chardonnays) are distinctly taut and precise, and they rarely hit above 13.5% alcohol. I cannot recommend them highly enough to readers who prize this style.” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous
New Release Arriving Thursday, February 17th:
Goodfellow Family Cellars Heritage No. 15 Whistling Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2019 750ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds 96 points “Translucent ruby. Expansive, mineral- and spice-accented red fruit preserve, potpourri and incense aromas are joined by hints of cola and botanical herbs as the wine opens up. Alluringly sweet and energetic on the palate, offering concentrated raspberry, cherry cola, star anise and candied rose flavors that slowly unfold through the back half. Smooth, polished tannins build slowly on the impressively long, focused finish, which strongly echoes the red fruit, floral and spice notes. This suave wine will age gracefully on its balance.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Newly Reviewed & In Stock Now from Goodfellow:
Goodfellow Family Cellars Durant Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($49.95) $37.70 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Glistening red. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes spice-accented red and blue fruits, cherry cola, potpourri and exotic spices, all sharpened by a smoky mineral topnote. Supple and energetic in the mouth, offering sappy, mineral- and spice-inflected black raspberry, cherry pie and candied lavender flavors that spread out steadily through the back half. Shows fine delineation and finishes extremely long and spicy, with polished tannins and lingering floral and red fruit liqueur notes.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Goodfellow Family Cellars Fir Crest Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Translucent ruby-red. Mineral- and spice-accented aromas of fresh red and blue fruits are complicated by suggestions of succulent herbs and sandalwood. Silky and pliant in texture, offering vibrant cherry, raspberry, pomegranate and spicecake flavors sweetened by a frisson of candied flowers. Discreet tannins build slowly on a sharply detailed finish that lingers with superb, floral-driven persistence.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Goodfellow Family Cellars Heritage No. 16 Lewman Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($69.95) $61.90 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Shimmering garnet. Vibrant red fruit, floral and exotic spice scents, along with hints of incense and musky earth. Sappy, energetic and penetrating on the palate, offering intense raspberry and cherry flavors and building blood orange and candied rose nuances. Delivers a serious punch but comes off lithe. The impressively long, finely detailed finish features polished tannins and reverberating floral and spice notes.”
Goodfellow Family Cellars Pumphouse Block Temperance Hill Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($64.95) $51.90 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Limpid violet. Vibrant red and blue fruit, floral oil, cola and exotic spice qualities on the intensely perfumed nose. Sweet and fleshy on the palate, offering concentrated raspberry, cherry, floral pastille and exotic spice flavors that tighten up and turn livelier as the wine opens up. Shows superb clarity and minerally lift and cut on an extremely long, focused finish shaped by smooth, well-judged tannins.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Goodfellow Family Cellars Long Acre Whistling Ridge Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($59.95) $46 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Vivid garnet. A highly fragrant bouquet evokes ripe red berries, potpourri and incense, along with exotic spice and subtle earth nuances that build as the wine opens up. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering appealingly sweet, expressive raspberry, cherry and rose pastille flavors accented by five-spice powder and black cardamom flourishes. Nicely concentrated but graceful as well, showing impressive finishing power, repeating florality and supple, well-knit tannins.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Goodfellow Family Cellars Whistling Ridge Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($44.95) $34.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Dark, bright-rimmed scarlet. An expansive bouquet evokes fresh boysenberry, raspberry, licorice and potpourri, along with blood orange and exotic spice nuances. Conveys a suave blend of depth and energy on the palate, offering vibrant red and blue fruit, bitter cherry, floral pastille and star anise flavors braced by an undertow of juicy acidity. Shows outstanding clarity on the gently tannic finish, which hangs on with strong, floral-driven tenacity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $38
Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($29.95) $21.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Bright garnet. Zesty red fruits and spices on the nose, plus hints of blood orange and botanical herbs. Tangy and sharply focused, offering nervy red currant, bitter cherry, orange zest and licorice flavors that take a sweet turn on the back half. Closes long and smooth, with the spice and herb notes repeating. This is a distinctly savory, restrained Pinot, which is uncommon for an entry-level offering.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
You would be hard pressed to find better representation of Oregon’s Coast Range than Crowley Wines. Still a relatively undiscovered growing area, the wines generally feature high toned acidity, vibrant fruit and a finish that meanders from alpine to oceanic. This is on account of multiple cooling factors including coastal winds from the Pacific Ocean, the surrounding forest, and the Van Duzer corridor. They’re stunning examples of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that are only represented in a handful of vineyards.
Crowley works with not only old, unirrigated vines but a high elevation site no less, and delivers masterpieces with every vintage. The house style is described as “A focus on transparent, terroir-driven winemaking to create the most direct evidence of both vintage and place” and can be seen throughout their portfolio. Natural fermentations are employed, and new oak is deliberately judicious as to not hide the varietal character of their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
“Tyson Crowley made his first wines under his own name in 2005 and has slowly built up his production over the years, but this is still a micro-producer, issuing about 3,000 cases total, per vintage. The winery has developed a loyal following even as it retains a distinct insider status. The pricing for these Pinot Noirs is extremely low given the quality of what’s in the bottle, and fans of elegant, balanced wines will adore them for their energy and fine detail. Very little new oak is used here – no more than a third and usually in the zero to 15% range – and the wines tend to be relatively low in alcohol as well. While I had a slight preference for the graceful 2019s this year, the 2018s are impressively lively and precise for the vintage.” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous
Newly Reviewed & In Stock Now from Crowley:
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Deep, shimmering garnet. Intensely perfumed red and blue fruits, potpourri, incense and exotic spice scents show excellent clarity and take on a suggestion of blood orange with air. Juicy and precise on the palate, offering concentrated raspberry, boysenberry, cherry cola and spicecake flavors and a suave rose pastille nuance. Plays power off delicacy with a sure hand and finishes very long and smooth, with polished tannins framing repeating red fruit and floral notes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Crowley La Colina Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Limpid ruby. Highly expressive aromas of raspberry liqueur, cherry cola, baking spices and succulent herbs show fine definition and acquire a suave floral note as the wine opens up. Silky and expansive on the palate, offering appealingly sweet red and blue fruit, candied lavender and exotic spice flavors that tighten up on the back half. Finishes sappy and impressively long, with strong red fruit thrust, repeating florality and gently gripping tannins.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
A barrel selection meant to highlight the vineyard sources and represent the house style of Crowley.
Crowley Entre Nous Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($49.95) $37 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Vivid garnet. Raspberry, blueberry, candied flowers and a deeper suggestion of licorice on the perfumed, spice-accented nose. Juicy red and blue fruit, cola and spicecake flavors put on weight as the wine opens up. Nicely concentrated yet lively as well, finishing long and smooth, with harmonious tannins lending subtle grip.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Oregon Reviews Continued:
Evesham Wood, Kelley Fox, Brooks, JC Somers & more!
Newly Reviewed & In Stock Now:
Thirty years ago, Russ Raney founded Evesham Wood and planted the small, dry-farmed and certified organic estate vineyard. Erin Nuccio took over the estate over ten years ago after working for and with Russ at the estate, founding his own original label (Haden Fig) during that time. Under Erin’s stewardship, the already topnotch winery has continued to improve, showcasing the profound terroir of the land. We’re honored to stock his lineup from the pristinely poised Willamette Valley up to the deeply moving estate barrel selection, Cuvee J. As a founding member of the Deep Roots Coalition (which includes other members such as Crowley, Goodfellow, Cameron, Eyrie, and Sequitur), the dedication to perfection and care for the land shows through. These are graceful, liner wines that will astound for years, especially from such a wildly delicious vintage as 2019.
“Evesham Wood is an iconic name in the history of the region’s wines, and the elegant, complex, ageworthy Pinots that Raney produced over his career are highly renowned and whispered about. Today’s wines do that heritage proud.” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous
Evesham Wood Cuvee J Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML (69.95) $51.90 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Vivid red. Red berry preserves, kirsch and pungent flowers on the nose, along with building Asian spice, incense and smoky mineral flourishes. Shows impressive depth and sharp definition on the palate, offering spice-laced red and blue fruit liqueur, candied rose and black tea flavors that pick up mineral and blood orange nuances with air. Finishes extremely long and precise, with polished tannins providing shape and grip to lingering raspberry and five-spice powder notes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($49.95) $36 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Vibrant red fruit, floral and spice qualities on the assertively perfumed nose, along with hints of succulent herbs and cola. Alluringly sweet and lively in the mouth, offering concentrated raspberry, cherry cola, floral pastille and exotic spice flavors that deepen as the wine opens up. Shows fine clarity and mineral cut on the extremely long, focused finish, which is framed by subtle, well-judged tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $41.99
Evesham Wood Illahe Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Dark magenta. Aromas of boysenberry and black raspberry pick up complementary suggestions of candied flowers, licorice and baking spices with aeration. Shows very good depth as well as energy to the sweet red and blue fruit, cola and lavender flavors, which are braced by a core of juicy acidity. Mounting tannins frame a long, spicy finish that emphatically echoes the blue fruit note.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2018 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Limpid ruby. Perfumed red and blue fruit, lavender and exotic spice scents, plus hints of cola and musky herbs. Juicy, penetrating boysenberry and bitter cherry flavors turn sweeter and fleshier as the wine opens up. Shows fine definition and minerally thrust on a long, spicy finish framed by slowly emerging tannins.”
“This set of 2019s represents yet another stellar collection of graceful wines from Kelley Fox, who has been making some of the Willamette Valley’s most finely detailed, perfumed, unadorned and elegant Pinots for some time now…” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous
Kelley Fox Wines ‘Mirabai’ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Shimmering red. Vibrant red fruit and floral scents, along with building spice and succulent herb elements. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering animated strawberry and cherry flavors that smoothly blend depth and energy. Supple tannins add shape to a long, red-fruit-dominated finish that leaves a hint of spiciness behind.”
Josh Raynolds Reviewed Wines Arriving Friday, February 18th:
Brooks Temperance Hill Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($54.95) $42.50 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Deep garnet. Highly complex on the nose, displaying cherry preserve, raspberry, vanilla and allspice scents and a sexy floral note that gains strength with air. Intense, appealingly sweet red and dark berry, cherry cola, lavender pastille and spicecake flavors possess outstanding depth and energy. Tightens up on the impressively long finish, where fine-grained tannins frame resonating floral, cherry and spice notes.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $50
“Jay Somers has been devoted entirely to this personal project since he left his long-time role as winemaker at J. Christopher, the winery he set up in 1996. He continues to work with Pinot Noir from the Dundee Hills vineyards of Abbey Ridge, Bella Vida and La Colina, with whom he has long-standing relationships that go back decades. Somers says he wants to cap his production at a manageable number of about 1,500 cases, which is significantly smaller than what he was doing at his previous gig. Both of these 2019s are quite impressive for their energy and balance. You can bet on them aging gracefully, as Somers’s wines always have.” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous
J.C. Somers Abbey Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($69.95) $61.90 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Shimmering ruby-red. An expansive bouquet evokes fresh red and blue fruits, potpourri and baking spices, along with hints of cola and smoky minerals. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering vibrant raspberry, boysenberry, spicecake and candied rose flavors braced by a core of tangy acidity. Gains weight with air while maintaining energy, and finishes extremely long and precise, with smooth tannins and resonating florality. All de-stemmed fruit and 25% new French oak.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
J.C. Somers Nouvelle Lune Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($44.95) $37 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Deep garnet. Powerful cherry, blueberry, potpourri and cola aromas are brightened by a building spicy nuance. Fleshy and weighty on the palate, offering appealingly sweet blue fruit, cherry and lavender pastille flavors that turn livelier through the back half. Fine-grained tannins build steadily on a long, sappy finish that echoes the floral and cherry notes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Colene Clemens Vineyards ‘Margo’ Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2018 750ML ($49.95) $32.50 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Glistening ruby-red. Lively and focused on the nose, displaying fresh red fruit and floral scents and a touch of peppery spice. Sappy, gently sweet cherry and raspberry flavors put on weight and stretch out slowly with air. The long, spice-laced finish is framed by steadily building tannins and leaves a hint of bitter cherry behind. All de-stemmed fruit and 22% new French oak.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
We offer over 170 wines from the Willamette Valley in stock now (that’s 2,000+ bottles in the shop). We aim to be the best price in the country, and are matchless in our depth and breadth of in-stock wines. We’re invested in our local producers in that we actually purchase and carry large inventories here now. We put our money where our mouths (and hearts) are to offer you the greatest selection of local (and international) wines available. Shop our selections here!
New Week – New Arrivals
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Jose Dhondt Mes Viellies Vignes Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2014 750ML ($99.95) $66 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Hints of toasted hazelnut and fleur de sel are enmeshed with a ripe, juicy mix of melon, baked white cherry, candied ginger and verbena in this lovely blanc de blancs. Vibrant and mouthwatering, but impeccably balanced, wrapping the vivid acidity in the fine, silky mousse, ending with a long, minerally finish. Disgorged January 2021. Drink now through 2034. 550 cases made. –AN”
Jose Dhondt Rose de Saignee Brut NV 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “[Reviewed 2021] An understated version, with a waft of pretty cherry blossom and spice notes on the nose drawing you into the glass, where a backbone of chiseled acidity is aligned with flavors of ripe red apple and raspberry fruit, pickled ginger and an underpinning of chalky mineral. Fine and vibrant in texture, this expands slowly, so give it time. Disgorged January 2021. Drink now through 2025. 200 cases made, 70 cases imported. –AN”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Doyard Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne 2013 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 1 bottle in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2013 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru has also turned out beautifully, unwinding in the glass with notes of citrus oil, peach, white flowers and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and complete, it’s taut and chiseled, with serious reserves of concentration and a long, mineral finish. Disgorged in spring 2021, while its quality is apparent, this is predictably a little introverted out of the gates, so I look forward to revisiting it later this year.”
Doyard Clos de l’Abbaye Premier Cru Extra Brut, Champagne 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 4 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2016 vintage. 2015 vintage review provided for reference.
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96+ points “Disgorged in January 2021 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2015 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Clos de l’Abbaye has turned out brilliantly. Wafting from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, warm bread and honeycomb that are still a little reserved after its recent disgorgement, this is a full-bodied, layered and concentrated Champagne that’s vinous and textural, displaying notable depth and mid-palate amplitude that’s framed by lively acids and an enlivening pinpoint mousse, concluding with a long resonant finish. As I’ve written before, this cuvée derives from a walled 0.4-hectare plot of 60-year-old cordon-pruned vines just behind the winery in Vertus, and only the first and second “serres” of the press are used.”
France – Burgundy
Domaine Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Aligote, Burgundy 2019 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 24 bottles in stock now
“The 2019 Bourgogne Aligoté which comes from mostly purchased fruit, is too turbid to read on the nose as I taste the barrel sample. The palate is much more expressive with grapefruit and light lemon zest notes, nice ‘n saline on the finish. Enjoy this over the next 4-5 years.” -Neal Martin, Vinous
“Outstanding. An exuberantly spicy nose is comprised mostly by citrus and floral scents. The racy, intense and concentrated flavors exude a bracing salinity on the wonderfully refreshing finish. To enjoy young.” -Burghound
Becky Wasserman note “Variety: Aligoté Doré. Vine Age: 50 years old on average. Terroir: 60% from Champ Forey (limestone and gravel soil), 40% from Auvonnes (clay, marl soil with small stones). Viticulture: Certified organic, biodynamic methods. Vinification: Directly pressed, indigenous yeast fermentation (2/3 in older barrels, 1/3 in tank). Aged for 12 months, minimal sulfur, added only at bottling.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Blanc Les Mechalots 2018 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 11 bottles in stock now
“Outstanding. Touches of menthol and wood surround the almost as spicy aromas of green apple and lemon rind. There is at once good mid-palate fat and good energy suffusing the delicious and well-delineated middle weight flavors that conclude in a clean, dry and delicious finale. This isn’t elegant; indeed it flirts with rusticity, but I like the depth and sneaky good length. This too is worth considering.” –Burghound
Domaine Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 11 bottles in stock now
“Outstanding Top Value. An expressive nose combines notes of various red berries, especially cherry, with those of earth and soft oak. There is good volume and richness to the nicely complex and persistent flavors that display only a touch of rusticity. This is very good for its level and worth a look.” –Burghound
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine Sylvain Pataille Marsannay ‘Clos du Roy’, Cote de Nuits 2018 750ML ($79.95) $64 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Burghound 90-92 points “Outstanding Top Value. Once again there is an attractive coolness to the expressive and relatively elegant nose of plum liqueur, violet, lavender and a whiff of newly turned earth. The delicious, intense and solidly dense middle weight flavors possess an abundance of minerality on the youthfully austere and markedly firm but not hard finale. This too will need at least some patience as the supporting tannins are ripe but firm.”
“[Domaine Simon Bize] has long and with good reason counted as one of its village’s top performers – if not number one – …young Bize wines – like the man himself – are lean, sinewy, frequently understated yet incisive, and have a habit of making fools of their critics.” David Schildknecht, Wine Advocate, writing in 2010 before the winemaker’s passing
Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Les Champlains Bourgogne Blanc, Burgundy 2018 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 12 bottles in stock now
“Aromas of citrus blossom, yellow orchard fruit and buttery pastry introduce the 2018 Bourgogne Blanc Les Champlains, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and generous wine that’s charming and gourmand, offering interesting gastronomic possibilities in partnership with richer cuisine.” -William Kelley, Wine advocate
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $38
Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Savigny-les-Beaune Blanc, Cote de Beaune 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 8 bottles in stock now
“The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Blanc has a perfumed bouquet with pressed white flowers complementing the citrus fruit. The palate is fresh and composed on the entry, offering tangerine and light marmalade notes. A little short on the finish but nicely focused.” -Neal Martin, Vinous
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $64
Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Bourgogne Blanc Les Perrieres 2018 750ML ($54.95) $45 special, 8 bottles in stock now
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Bourgogne Les Perrieres Rouge 2018 750ML ($54.95) $46 special, 10 bottles in stock now
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Savigny-les-Beaune Rouge, Cote de Beaune 2018 750ML ($59.95) $55 special, 10 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Subtle aromas of sweet berries and spice, such as nutmeg and rose petal. Medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins that are polished and very fine. Lovely strawberry-tart aftertaste. From biodynamically grown grapes. So delicious now.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89 points “Richer and more powerful than its 2019 counterpart, Bize’s 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Village evokes ripe raspberries, rose petals and rich spices. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, it’s a textural, fleshy wine with a deep core of fruit. Readers that privilege finesse and perfume will gravitate toward 2019; those that admire muscle and power will favor 2018.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $64
Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Aux Fourneaux, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 6 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 92 points “The 2018 Fournaux is the lowest octane wine in the cellar this year at 12.5 percent, and it is excellent. The bouquet offers up a deeply black fruity mix of black plums, dark berries, bitter chocolate, gamebird, a hint of Savigny fruitcake tones and a fine base of dark soil. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, complex and chewy, with a sappy core, fine mineral drive and a long, focused ant very nicely balanced finish. This is fine juice in the making. 2025-2055.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Fournaux exhibits notes of cherries, berries and potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and supple, it’s built around powdery, youthfully chewy tannins that lend the wine more obvious structure than its 2019 counterpart.”
Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Les Talmettes, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Talmettes 1er Cru has a fragrant bouquet of harmonious blackberry, cranberry and bilberry scents, plus light sea spray/brine in the background. The palate is very well defined with succulent tannins, very fine acidity and a precise, persistent finish. Superb.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $104.95
Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Aux Vergelesses, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 6 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2018 les Vergelesses is probably the ripest red wine chez Bize this year, coming in at 13.8 percent, but in the context of the vintage, this is still pretty low octane juice! The bouquet is deep, pure and very classy, wafting from the glass in a mix of dark berries, black cherries, gamebird, woodsmoke, gentle spice tones, just a whisper of fruitcake and a very complex base of soil. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and very elegant in profile, with a sappy core, fine mineral drive, ripe, buried tannins and outstanding length and grip on the complex and very refined finish. This is the most elegant premier cru terroir in the domaine’s lineup, but often that elegance takes a full decade or more to start to really make its presence felt; this year it is there right from the outset! 2028-2060.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Vergelesses has turned out nicely, mingling hints of rose petals and exotic spices with aromas of sweet berries and forest floor in an inviting mélange. Medium to full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, it’s deep and complete, with a muscular chassis of tannin and a rich core of fruit.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Vergelesses 1er Cru is more backward than the Talmettes on the nose, but sports just as much precision and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit, firm tannins and good acidity that segues into a more elegant and silky-smooth finish, leaving a touch of sea salt on the aftertaste.”
France – Rhone
An epic wine from one of Chateauneuf du Pape’s signature producers. A classic.
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Rouge, Rhone 2018 750ML ($99.95) $88 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Traditionally dominated by clairette (45%) and grenache blanc (30%), then roussanne and bourboulenc. The vines average 50+ years and there’s a very restrained nose with dialed-back white-pear and chalk aromas with dried flowers, too. The palate has a super fresh, zippy feel and a long, juicy and attractive core of fresh, salty minerals. The balance is innate and very fluid. Drink or hold.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “A nice throwback style, with a range of dried lavender and rosemary notes peeking out from a cedar-framed core of mulled cherry, blood orange and plum fruit. Features warm stone, licorice root and tobacco leaf accents that fill in through the energetic finish. A wine that’s very confident in its terroir. Best from 2024 through 2038. 2,495 cases imported. — JM”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The final blend of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau will include 60% to 65% Grenache, 15% each Mourvèdre and Syrah, with the remainder Cinsault. Boasting complex scents of roses, black tea, raspberries and cherries on the nose, it follows that up with a full-bodied palate that’s silky and airy in texture yet flavorful and tremendously long on the finish. It fits perfectly with the Brunier’s stated goal of pursuing elegance.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Shimmering ruby-red. Expansive red fruit preserve, lavender and allspice scents show excellent clarity and pick up a hint of incense with air. Gently chewy and energetic on the palate, offering alluringly sweet cherry, black raspberry and spicecake flavors that flesh out steadily on the back half. Shows impressive depth but comes off lively, finishing extremely long and spicy, with building tannins adding final grip.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The flagship of this great estate is the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape and it could quite possibly be one of the longest lived wines in the 2018 vintage, which in general, is a charming, forward vintage geared for consumption in the first decade of life. Revealing a more ruby, almost translucent color as well as a great perfume of wild strawberries, blackberries, Asian spices, peppery garrigue, and flowers, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a building, undeniable sense of minerality, plenty of mid-palate depth, and enough tannins to warrant 2-3 years or bottle age. It has the more upfront, expressive style of the vintage yet my money is on this evolving for 15-20 years.”
Wine & Spirits 94 points “The Bruniers have specialized in wines from La Crau, a lieu-dit in the northeast of the appellation, since 1898, when Hippolyte Brunier began building a name for his wines. The high elevation and the limestone-rich, galet-covered soils make for some of the appellation’s most elegant wines, their rich red fruit balanced by brisk acidity. The 2018 channels a bright, fresh feeling right from the start, with lots of floral spice moderating the sweet red-cherry flavor. There’s plenty of depth there, too, with earth notes that bring to mind roasted game, as well as forest floor and fresh button mushrooms. But it’s the brightness and freshness that make this so compelling, and so readily drinkable, especially if there are some lamb chops around.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $100
Italy
Mastrojanni Vigna Loreto, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($149.95) $125 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Mastrojanni 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto shows a creamy and robust constitution with loads of black fruit and spice. If you are looking for a soft and more contemporary expression of Sangiovese, this will fit the bill. It offers profound richness and texture that is laced with black fruit, spice and tobacco. This wine moves one step beyond the comforting boundaries of Brunello in terms of both richness and extraction. If you are going to go big, you might as well do so in style. Only 8,000 bottles were released in January 2020.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 96 points “Mastrojanni’s 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto shows depths of dusty red berry fruit and subtle spice, with minty herbs, crushed stone, sweet tobacco and the slightest hint of animal musk, all in a remarkably pretty expression. On the palate, I find silky textures with cool-toned red fruits, savory spice, saline-minerals, and energizing acidity, in an expression that is both polished yet also firmly rooted in the earth, as it glides effortlessly across the senses. The finish is long, showing ripe red fruits, salty-savory-minerals, leather, and wonderfully balanced tannins. It is so pleasurable already, yet full of potential.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Expressive aromas of strawberry, black cherry, black currant and rose are the hallmarks of this elegant Brunello. Though firm and slightly lean, this is balanced and possesses the requisite ripe fruit to match the dusty tannins. Lively acidity helps to keep this focused. Offers a long, mineral-tinged aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2042. 388 cases made. — BS”
Pra Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Morandina, Veneto 2015 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “A very typical Amarone with lots of dried figs and sultanas. Full-bodied with layers of fruit and intense flavors of chocolate, walnuts and dried fruit. Lovely finish. Drink or hold.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 95 points “The 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Morandina does a wonderful job of delivering the intensity of Amarone, but in a savory and balanced style that I’m finding quite attractive. Crushed cherries and stone dust evolve into notes of plum sauce, cloves, sage and dark chocolate. It’s velvety in texture yet lifted in feel, coming across as juicy at times, with vibrant acids that excite the palate with mineral-tinged red fruits and sweet spices. This becomes darker and more intense through the finale, revealing tart black currants, herbal tones and a hint of bitter coffee. There’s simply so much going on here, with a structure that can carry the 2015 in the cellar for well over a decade. What’s more, it shows no sign of its 16.5% abv.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $76
Pra Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Morandina, Veneto 2018 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Plenty of dried cherries, berries, figs, walnuts and hints of raisins. It’s full-bodied and chewy with polish and brightness at the same time. Drink or hold.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 89 points “The 2018 Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore Morandina captivatingly blends black cherries, sweet herbs and clove, all in a cloud of white smoke minerality. Its deep, silky textures usher in fleshy red fruits and spice, yet all remains fresh and vibrant throughout. Notes of dark chocolate and inner rose tones resonate while this tapers off, leaving the palate perfectly refreshed. Very nice.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $35
Spain
Raúl Pérez has emerged as one of the most exciting Spanish winemakers. He’s done it in an interesting way: not by making over-the-top big fruit and oak bombs, but rather by honing in on the terroirs in Galicia. The wines tend to be impressive, but in an introspective, earthy way.
Raul Perez Ultreia Saint Jacques, Bierzo 2018 750ML ($24.95) $18.80 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
John Gilman 94 points “The Ultreia ‘St. Jacques’ bottling from Raúl Pérez is one of my favorite wines from him, as these vines were planted between 1900 and 1940. The vineyard is a classic, Mencía-dominated field blend, with the 2018 version including eighty percent whole clusters and aged in a combination of various old oak casks and vats, as well as some cement tanks. The wine offers up a pure and complex nose of dark berries, pomegranate, tree bark, woodsmoke, a beautiful base of dark soil tones, a dollop of sweet stem botanicals and just a touch of cigar ash in the upper register. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, focused and displays outstanding mid-palate depth, with a fine foundation of soil tones, ripe, buried tannins, lovely focus and grip and a long, complex and impeccably balanced finish. This is simply outstanding young Bierzo.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The truly impressive 2018 Ultreia Saint Jacques transcends its price category. They destemmed more grapes because they fermented it in the oak vats they bought from Vega Sicilia to use in the new winery, where it macerated for two months and then matured in used barrels for nine to 10 months. The secret is to use very good grapes from very good vineyards. The wine is clean, precise and fresh, and the oak is super-subtle, almost unnoticeable. The palate reflects a fluid wine of pleasure, a red of thirst. This is the wine where they have invested more, and 2018 has to be the finest vintage to date. They did 150,000 bottles of this in the outstanding 2018 vintage. It was bottled in October/November 2019.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $22
New Offer!
La Fortuna 2015 Brunello Riserva
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $119
Can’t Wait? In Stock Now:
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2012 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2012 1.5L ($259.95) $199 special, 4 magnums in stock now
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2012 3L ($499.95) $399 special, 3 double-magnums in stock now
Case-6 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2012 750ML ($699.95) $515 special (that’s only $85.83/bottle!)
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.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($119.95) $88 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($699.95) $499 special (that’s only $83.17/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Fluid and fruity, supported by a matrix of dense tannins, this features a fine texture and structure, offsetting the saturated flavors of cherry, red berry, leather, iron and tar. Stays focused while cruising to a lingering finish. Really youthful, intense and long. Best from 2022 through 2045. 330 cases made, 200 cases imported.”
James Suckling 95 points “Very attractive and intense aromas of ripe black cherries and plums, leading to a palate that has a quite firm tannin core and finishes with a convincing serving of rich, ripe darker plums and berries. Drink or hold.”
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Rave New Reviews
For 2019 Oregon Wines:
“A Return to Classicism”
New Week – New Arrivals:
Jose Dhondt, Simon Bize, Sylvain Pataille,
Vieux Telegraphe, Raul Perez & more!
New Offer!
La Fortuna 2015 Brunello Riserva
Rave New Reviews from Josh Raynolds
For 2019 Oregon Wines:
“A Return to Classicism”
We love and admire our local producers, and can’t be more excited when their hard work is recognized by professional reviewer, Josh Raynolds, one of the most highly regarded among insiders. He’s one of the rare reviewers willing to use his impeccable integrity as a positive force, shining a spotlight on the good and a sharp light on the bad.
So what causes a lot of buzz around the shop? It’s when Josh Raynolds drops a report on our home state that tosses around terms like “classic,” “energy,” and “elegance” with abundance. For those who thought a return to the style that originally drew their interested to Oregon would never occur again (thanks to climate change), 2019 is the vintage for you. It began cool and ended cool, with no heat spikes, and a tiny crop. This is a vintage to cellar for the kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews: in 20-30 years wines from the top producers could be the last fair reminder of the good, cold days.
We’re featuring wines from Goodfellow, Crowley, Evesham Wood and more below!
So what causes a lot of buzz around the shop? It’s when Josh Raynolds drops a report on our home state that tosses around terms like “classic,” “energy,” and “elegance” with abundance. For those who thought a return to the style that originally drew their interested to Oregon would never occur again (thanks to climate change), 2019 is the vintage for you. It began cool and ended cool, with no heat spikes, and a tiny crop. This is a vintage to cellar for the kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews: in 20-30 years wines from the top producers could be the last fair reminder of the good, cold days.
We’re featuring wines from Goodfellow, Crowley, Evesham Wood and more below!
Goodfellow Family Cellars
Marcus Goodfellow is one of the most talented winemakers in Oregon. He founded Matello wines, his original label, in 2002 and hasn’t looked back, making wines that have continually improved—both in bottle and from vintage to vintage. These are profound wines, both white and red, that are made in a style that’s distinctly savory—no fruit bombs here. We love them for their coiled power and Burgundian structure, and we stack them abundantly in our personal cellars to adore for decades to come.
“Marcus Goodfellow makes some of the most elegant and precise New World Pinot Noirs that I know of. That’s not exactly news to his numerous customers, who have helped to make his extremely well-priced wines so sought-after over the last few years. An Oregon native, Goodfellow cut his winemaking teeth with Russ Raney at Evesham Wood in the early 2000s, and also counts Cristom’s Steve Doerner as an early inspiration… the 2019s are vibrant, focused and graceful, displaying noteworthy balance and tension. Winemaking is hands-off , with native yeasts, no added enzymes and plenty of whole-cluster work; oak is barely a factor, as almost all barrels are neutral. The Pinots (and Chardonnays) are distinctly taut and precise, and they rarely hit above 13.5% alcohol. I cannot recommend them highly enough to readers who prize this style.” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous
New Release Arriving Thursday, February 17th:
Goodfellow Family Cellars Heritage No. 15 Whistling Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2019 750ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds 96 points “Translucent ruby. Expansive, mineral- and spice-accented red fruit preserve, potpourri and incense aromas are joined by hints of cola and botanical herbs as the wine opens up. Alluringly sweet and energetic on the palate, offering concentrated raspberry, cherry cola, star anise and candied rose flavors that slowly unfold through the back half. Smooth, polished tannins build slowly on the impressively long, focused finish, which strongly echoes the red fruit, floral and spice notes. This suave wine will age gracefully on its balance.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Newly Reviewed & In Stock Now from Goodfellow:
Goodfellow Family Cellars Durant Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($49.95) $37.70 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Glistening red. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes spice-accented red and blue fruits, cherry cola, potpourri and exotic spices, all sharpened by a smoky mineral topnote. Supple and energetic in the mouth, offering sappy, mineral- and spice-inflected black raspberry, cherry pie and candied lavender flavors that spread out steadily through the back half. Shows fine delineation and finishes extremely long and spicy, with polished tannins and lingering floral and red fruit liqueur notes.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Goodfellow Family Cellars Fir Crest Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Translucent ruby-red. Mineral- and spice-accented aromas of fresh red and blue fruits are complicated by suggestions of succulent herbs and sandalwood. Silky and pliant in texture, offering vibrant cherry, raspberry, pomegranate and spicecake flavors sweetened by a frisson of candied flowers. Discreet tannins build slowly on a sharply detailed finish that lingers with superb, floral-driven persistence.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Goodfellow Family Cellars Heritage No. 16 Lewman Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($69.95) $61.90 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Shimmering garnet. Vibrant red fruit, floral and exotic spice scents, along with hints of incense and musky earth. Sappy, energetic and penetrating on the palate, offering intense raspberry and cherry flavors and building blood orange and candied rose nuances. Delivers a serious punch but comes off lithe. The impressively long, finely detailed finish features polished tannins and reverberating floral and spice notes.”
Goodfellow Family Cellars Pumphouse Block Temperance Hill Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($64.95) $51.90 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Limpid violet. Vibrant red and blue fruit, floral oil, cola and exotic spice qualities on the intensely perfumed nose. Sweet and fleshy on the palate, offering concentrated raspberry, cherry, floral pastille and exotic spice flavors that tighten up and turn livelier as the wine opens up. Shows superb clarity and minerally lift and cut on an extremely long, focused finish shaped by smooth, well-judged tannins.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Goodfellow Family Cellars Long Acre Whistling Ridge Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($59.95) $46 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Vivid garnet. A highly fragrant bouquet evokes ripe red berries, potpourri and incense, along with exotic spice and subtle earth nuances that build as the wine opens up. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering appealingly sweet, expressive raspberry, cherry and rose pastille flavors accented by five-spice powder and black cardamom flourishes. Nicely concentrated but graceful as well, showing impressive finishing power, repeating florality and supple, well-knit tannins.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Goodfellow Family Cellars Whistling Ridge Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($44.95) $34.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Dark, bright-rimmed scarlet. An expansive bouquet evokes fresh boysenberry, raspberry, licorice and potpourri, along with blood orange and exotic spice nuances. Conveys a suave blend of depth and energy on the palate, offering vibrant red and blue fruit, bitter cherry, floral pastille and star anise flavors braced by an undertow of juicy acidity. Shows outstanding clarity on the gently tannic finish, which hangs on with strong, floral-driven tenacity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $38
Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($29.95) $21.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Bright garnet. Zesty red fruits and spices on the nose, plus hints of blood orange and botanical herbs. Tangy and sharply focused, offering nervy red currant, bitter cherry, orange zest and licorice flavors that take a sweet turn on the back half. Closes long and smooth, with the spice and herb notes repeating. This is a distinctly savory, restrained Pinot, which is uncommon for an entry-level offering.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Crowley
You would be hard pressed to find better representation of Oregon’s Coast Range than Crowley Wines. Still a relatively undiscovered growing area, the wines generally feature high toned acidity, vibrant fruit and a finish that meanders from alpine to oceanic. This is on account of multiple cooling factors including coastal winds from the Pacific Ocean, the surrounding forest, and the Van Duzer corridor. They’re stunning examples of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that are only represented in a handful of vineyards.
Crowley works with not only old, unirrigated vines but a high elevation site no less, and delivers masterpieces with every vintage. The house style is described as “A focus on transparent, terroir-driven winemaking to create the most direct evidence of both vintage and place” and can be seen throughout their portfolio. Natural fermentations are employed, and new oak is deliberately judicious as to not hide the varietal character of their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
“Tyson Crowley made his first wines under his own name in 2005 and has slowly built up his production over the years, but this is still a micro-producer, issuing about 3,000 cases total, per vintage. The winery has developed a loyal following even as it retains a distinct insider status. The pricing for these Pinot Noirs is extremely low given the quality of what’s in the bottle, and fans of elegant, balanced wines will adore them for their energy and fine detail. Very little new oak is used here – no more than a third and usually in the zero to 15% range – and the wines tend to be relatively low in alcohol as well. While I had a slight preference for the graceful 2019s this year, the 2018s are impressively lively and precise for the vintage.” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous
Newly Reviewed & In Stock Now from Crowley:
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Deep, shimmering garnet. Intensely perfumed red and blue fruits, potpourri, incense and exotic spice scents show excellent clarity and take on a suggestion of blood orange with air. Juicy and precise on the palate, offering concentrated raspberry, boysenberry, cherry cola and spicecake flavors and a suave rose pastille nuance. Plays power off delicacy with a sure hand and finishes very long and smooth, with polished tannins framing repeating red fruit and floral notes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Crowley La Colina Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Limpid ruby. Highly expressive aromas of raspberry liqueur, cherry cola, baking spices and succulent herbs show fine definition and acquire a suave floral note as the wine opens up. Silky and expansive on the palate, offering appealingly sweet red and blue fruit, candied lavender and exotic spice flavors that tighten up on the back half. Finishes sappy and impressively long, with strong red fruit thrust, repeating florality and gently gripping tannins.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
A barrel selection meant to highlight the vineyard sources and represent the house style of Crowley.
Crowley Entre Nous Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($49.95) $37 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Vivid garnet. Raspberry, blueberry, candied flowers and a deeper suggestion of licorice on the perfumed, spice-accented nose. Juicy red and blue fruit, cola and spicecake flavors put on weight as the wine opens up. Nicely concentrated yet lively as well, finishing long and smooth, with harmonious tannins lending subtle grip.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Oregon Reviews Continued:
Evesham Wood, Kelley Fox, Brooks, JC Somers & more!
Newly Reviewed & In Stock Now:
Thirty years ago, Russ Raney founded Evesham Wood and planted the small, dry-farmed and certified organic estate vineyard. Erin Nuccio took over the estate over ten years ago after working for and with Russ at the estate, founding his own original label (Haden Fig) during that time. Under Erin’s stewardship, the already topnotch winery has continued to improve, showcasing the profound terroir of the land. We’re honored to stock his lineup from the pristinely poised Willamette Valley up to the deeply moving estate barrel selection, Cuvee J. As a founding member of the Deep Roots Coalition (which includes other members such as Crowley, Goodfellow, Cameron, Eyrie, and Sequitur), the dedication to perfection and care for the land shows through. These are graceful, liner wines that will astound for years, especially from such a wildly delicious vintage as 2019.
“Evesham Wood is an iconic name in the history of the region’s wines, and the elegant, complex, ageworthy Pinots that Raney produced over his career are highly renowned and whispered about. Today’s wines do that heritage proud.” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous
Evesham Wood Cuvee J Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML (69.95) $51.90 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Vivid red. Red berry preserves, kirsch and pungent flowers on the nose, along with building Asian spice, incense and smoky mineral flourishes. Shows impressive depth and sharp definition on the palate, offering spice-laced red and blue fruit liqueur, candied rose and black tea flavors that pick up mineral and blood orange nuances with air. Finishes extremely long and precise, with polished tannins providing shape and grip to lingering raspberry and five-spice powder notes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Evesham Wood Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($49.95) $36 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Vibrant red fruit, floral and spice qualities on the assertively perfumed nose, along with hints of succulent herbs and cola. Alluringly sweet and lively in the mouth, offering concentrated raspberry, cherry cola, floral pastille and exotic spice flavors that deepen as the wine opens up. Shows fine clarity and mineral cut on the extremely long, focused finish, which is framed by subtle, well-judged tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $41.99
Evesham Wood Illahe Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Dark magenta. Aromas of boysenberry and black raspberry pick up complementary suggestions of candied flowers, licorice and baking spices with aeration. Shows very good depth as well as energy to the sweet red and blue fruit, cola and lavender flavors, which are braced by a core of juicy acidity. Mounting tannins frame a long, spicy finish that emphatically echoes the blue fruit note.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2018 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Limpid ruby. Perfumed red and blue fruit, lavender and exotic spice scents, plus hints of cola and musky herbs. Juicy, penetrating boysenberry and bitter cherry flavors turn sweeter and fleshier as the wine opens up. Shows fine definition and minerally thrust on a long, spicy finish framed by slowly emerging tannins.”
“This set of 2019s represents yet another stellar collection of graceful wines from Kelley Fox, who has been making some of the Willamette Valley’s most finely detailed, perfumed, unadorned and elegant Pinots for some time now…” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous
Kelley Fox Wines ‘Mirabai’ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Shimmering red. Vibrant red fruit and floral scents, along with building spice and succulent herb elements. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering animated strawberry and cherry flavors that smoothly blend depth and energy. Supple tannins add shape to a long, red-fruit-dominated finish that leaves a hint of spiciness behind.”
Josh Raynolds Reviewed Wines Arriving Friday, February 18th:
Brooks Temperance Hill Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($54.95) $42.50 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Deep garnet. Highly complex on the nose, displaying cherry preserve, raspberry, vanilla and allspice scents and a sexy floral note that gains strength with air. Intense, appealingly sweet red and dark berry, cherry cola, lavender pastille and spicecake flavors possess outstanding depth and energy. Tightens up on the impressively long finish, where fine-grained tannins frame resonating floral, cherry and spice notes.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $50
“Jay Somers has been devoted entirely to this personal project since he left his long-time role as winemaker at J. Christopher, the winery he set up in 1996. He continues to work with Pinot Noir from the Dundee Hills vineyards of Abbey Ridge, Bella Vida and La Colina, with whom he has long-standing relationships that go back decades. Somers says he wants to cap his production at a manageable number of about 1,500 cases, which is significantly smaller than what he was doing at his previous gig. Both of these 2019s are quite impressive for their energy and balance. You can bet on them aging gracefully, as Somers’s wines always have.” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous
J.C. Somers Abbey Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($69.95) $61.90 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Shimmering ruby-red. An expansive bouquet evokes fresh red and blue fruits, potpourri and baking spices, along with hints of cola and smoky minerals. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering vibrant raspberry, boysenberry, spicecake and candied rose flavors braced by a core of tangy acidity. Gains weight with air while maintaining energy, and finishes extremely long and precise, with smooth tannins and resonating florality. All de-stemmed fruit and 25% new French oak.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
J.C. Somers Nouvelle Lune Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($44.95) $37 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Deep garnet. Powerful cherry, blueberry, potpourri and cola aromas are brightened by a building spicy nuance. Fleshy and weighty on the palate, offering appealingly sweet blue fruit, cherry and lavender pastille flavors that turn livelier through the back half. Fine-grained tannins build steadily on a long, sappy finish that echoes the floral and cherry notes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Colene Clemens Vineyards ‘Margo’ Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2018 750ML ($49.95) $32.50 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Glistening ruby-red. Lively and focused on the nose, displaying fresh red fruit and floral scents and a touch of peppery spice. Sappy, gently sweet cherry and raspberry flavors put on weight and stretch out slowly with air. The long, spice-laced finish is framed by steadily building tannins and leaves a hint of bitter cherry behind. All de-stemmed fruit and 22% new French oak.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
We offer over 170 wines from the Willamette Valley in stock now (that’s 2,000+ bottles in the shop). We aim to be the best price in the country, and are matchless in our depth and breadth of in-stock wines. We’re invested in our local producers in that we actually purchase and carry large inventories here now. We put our money where our mouths (and hearts) are to offer you the greatest selection of local (and international) wines available. Shop our selections here!
New Week – New Arrivals
France – Champagne
Jose Dhondt is a tiny producer in the Cote des Blancs village of Oger with some holdings in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. He rubs shoulders with other growers such as Pierre Gimonnet (who also produces a lovely Oger bottling at almost twice the price) and Pierre Peters (in Le Mesnil).
Jose Dhondt Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut NV 750ML ($54.95) $41.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “[Reviewed 2021] Ripe nectarine and melon flavors are backed by a firm spine of acidity in this graceful blanc de blancs. It’s plush and creamy in texture, with accents of smoked almond, candied ginger, preserved lemon and spun honey riding adding complexity to the juicy fruit profile. Disgorged January 2021. Drink now through 2024. 2,000 cases made, 250 cases imported. –AN”
Jose Dhondt is a tiny producer in the Cote des Blancs village of Oger with some holdings in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. He rubs shoulders with other growers such as Pierre Gimonnet (who also produces a lovely Oger bottling at almost twice the price) and Pierre Peters (in Le Mesnil).
Jose Dhondt Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut NV 750ML ($54.95) $41.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “[Reviewed 2021] Ripe nectarine and melon flavors are backed by a firm spine of acidity in this graceful blanc de blancs. It’s plush and creamy in texture, with accents of smoked almond, candied ginger, preserved lemon and spun honey riding adding complexity to the juicy fruit profile. Disgorged January 2021. Drink now through 2024. 2,000 cases made, 250 cases imported. –AN”
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Jose Dhondt Mes Viellies Vignes Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2014 750ML ($99.95) $66 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Hints of toasted hazelnut and fleur de sel are enmeshed with a ripe, juicy mix of melon, baked white cherry, candied ginger and verbena in this lovely blanc de blancs. Vibrant and mouthwatering, but impeccably balanced, wrapping the vivid acidity in the fine, silky mousse, ending with a long, minerally finish. Disgorged January 2021. Drink now through 2034. 550 cases made. –AN”
Jose Dhondt Rose de Saignee Brut NV 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “[Reviewed 2021] An understated version, with a waft of pretty cherry blossom and spice notes on the nose drawing you into the glass, where a backbone of chiseled acidity is aligned with flavors of ripe red apple and raspberry fruit, pickled ginger and an underpinning of chalky mineral. Fine and vibrant in texture, this expands slowly, so give it time. Disgorged January 2021. Drink now through 2025. 200 cases made, 70 cases imported. –AN”
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Doyard Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne 2013 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 1 bottle in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2013 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru has also turned out beautifully, unwinding in the glass with notes of citrus oil, peach, white flowers and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and complete, it’s taut and chiseled, with serious reserves of concentration and a long, mineral finish. Disgorged in spring 2021, while its quality is apparent, this is predictably a little introverted out of the gates, so I look forward to revisiting it later this year.”
Doyard Clos de l’Abbaye Premier Cru Extra Brut, Champagne 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 4 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2016 vintage. 2015 vintage review provided for reference.
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96+ points “Disgorged in January 2021 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2015 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Clos de l’Abbaye has turned out brilliantly. Wafting from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, warm bread and honeycomb that are still a little reserved after its recent disgorgement, this is a full-bodied, layered and concentrated Champagne that’s vinous and textural, displaying notable depth and mid-palate amplitude that’s framed by lively acids and an enlivening pinpoint mousse, concluding with a long resonant finish. As I’ve written before, this cuvée derives from a walled 0.4-hectare plot of 60-year-old cordon-pruned vines just behind the winery in Vertus, and only the first and second “serres” of the press are used.”
France – Burgundy
Domaine Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Aligote, Burgundy 2019 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 24 bottles in stock now
“The 2019 Bourgogne Aligoté which comes from mostly purchased fruit, is too turbid to read on the nose as I taste the barrel sample. The palate is much more expressive with grapefruit and light lemon zest notes, nice ‘n saline on the finish. Enjoy this over the next 4-5 years.” -Neal Martin, Vinous
“Outstanding. An exuberantly spicy nose is comprised mostly by citrus and floral scents. The racy, intense and concentrated flavors exude a bracing salinity on the wonderfully refreshing finish. To enjoy young.” -Burghound
Becky Wasserman note “Variety: Aligoté Doré. Vine Age: 50 years old on average. Terroir: 60% from Champ Forey (limestone and gravel soil), 40% from Auvonnes (clay, marl soil with small stones). Viticulture: Certified organic, biodynamic methods. Vinification: Directly pressed, indigenous yeast fermentation (2/3 in older barrels, 1/3 in tank). Aged for 12 months, minimal sulfur, added only at bottling.”
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Domaine Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Blanc Les Mechalots 2018 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 11 bottles in stock now
“Outstanding. Touches of menthol and wood surround the almost as spicy aromas of green apple and lemon rind. There is at once good mid-palate fat and good energy suffusing the delicious and well-delineated middle weight flavors that conclude in a clean, dry and delicious finale. This isn’t elegant; indeed it flirts with rusticity, but I like the depth and sneaky good length. This too is worth considering.” –Burghound
Domaine Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 11 bottles in stock now
“Outstanding Top Value. An expressive nose combines notes of various red berries, especially cherry, with those of earth and soft oak. There is good volume and richness to the nicely complex and persistent flavors that display only a touch of rusticity. This is very good for its level and worth a look.” –Burghound
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Domaine Sylvain Pataille Marsannay ‘Clos du Roy’, Cote de Nuits 2018 750ML ($79.95) $64 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Burghound 90-92 points “Outstanding Top Value. Once again there is an attractive coolness to the expressive and relatively elegant nose of plum liqueur, violet, lavender and a whiff of newly turned earth. The delicious, intense and solidly dense middle weight flavors possess an abundance of minerality on the youthfully austere and markedly firm but not hard finale. This too will need at least some patience as the supporting tannins are ripe but firm.”
“[Domaine Simon Bize] has long and with good reason counted as one of its village’s top performers – if not number one – …young Bize wines – like the man himself – are lean, sinewy, frequently understated yet incisive, and have a habit of making fools of their critics.” David Schildknecht, Wine Advocate, writing in 2010 before the winemaker’s passing
Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Les Champlains Bourgogne Blanc, Burgundy 2018 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 12 bottles in stock now
“Aromas of citrus blossom, yellow orchard fruit and buttery pastry introduce the 2018 Bourgogne Blanc Les Champlains, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and generous wine that’s charming and gourmand, offering interesting gastronomic possibilities in partnership with richer cuisine.” -William Kelley, Wine advocate
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The average price nationally is $38
Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Savigny-les-Beaune Blanc, Cote de Beaune 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 8 bottles in stock now
“The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Blanc has a perfumed bouquet with pressed white flowers complementing the citrus fruit. The palate is fresh and composed on the entry, offering tangerine and light marmalade notes. A little short on the finish but nicely focused.” -Neal Martin, Vinous
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The average price is $64
Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Bourgogne Blanc Les Perrieres 2018 750ML ($54.95) $45 special, 8 bottles in stock now
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Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Bourgogne Les Perrieres Rouge 2018 750ML ($54.95) $46 special, 10 bottles in stock now
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Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Savigny-les-Beaune Rouge, Cote de Beaune 2018 750ML ($59.95) $55 special, 10 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Subtle aromas of sweet berries and spice, such as nutmeg and rose petal. Medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins that are polished and very fine. Lovely strawberry-tart aftertaste. From biodynamically grown grapes. So delicious now.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89 points “Richer and more powerful than its 2019 counterpart, Bize’s 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Village evokes ripe raspberries, rose petals and rich spices. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, it’s a textural, fleshy wine with a deep core of fruit. Readers that privilege finesse and perfume will gravitate toward 2019; those that admire muscle and power will favor 2018.”
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Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Aux Fourneaux, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 6 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 92 points “The 2018 Fournaux is the lowest octane wine in the cellar this year at 12.5 percent, and it is excellent. The bouquet offers up a deeply black fruity mix of black plums, dark berries, bitter chocolate, gamebird, a hint of Savigny fruitcake tones and a fine base of dark soil. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, complex and chewy, with a sappy core, fine mineral drive and a long, focused ant very nicely balanced finish. This is fine juice in the making. 2025-2055.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Fournaux exhibits notes of cherries, berries and potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and supple, it’s built around powdery, youthfully chewy tannins that lend the wine more obvious structure than its 2019 counterpart.”
Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Les Talmettes, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Talmettes 1er Cru has a fragrant bouquet of harmonious blackberry, cranberry and bilberry scents, plus light sea spray/brine in the background. The palate is very well defined with succulent tannins, very fine acidity and a precise, persistent finish. Superb.”
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Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Aux Vergelesses, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 6 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2018 les Vergelesses is probably the ripest red wine chez Bize this year, coming in at 13.8 percent, but in the context of the vintage, this is still pretty low octane juice! The bouquet is deep, pure and very classy, wafting from the glass in a mix of dark berries, black cherries, gamebird, woodsmoke, gentle spice tones, just a whisper of fruitcake and a very complex base of soil. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and very elegant in profile, with a sappy core, fine mineral drive, ripe, buried tannins and outstanding length and grip on the complex and very refined finish. This is the most elegant premier cru terroir in the domaine’s lineup, but often that elegance takes a full decade or more to start to really make its presence felt; this year it is there right from the outset! 2028-2060.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Vergelesses has turned out nicely, mingling hints of rose petals and exotic spices with aromas of sweet berries and forest floor in an inviting mélange. Medium to full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, it’s deep and complete, with a muscular chassis of tannin and a rich core of fruit.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Vergelesses 1er Cru is more backward than the Talmettes on the nose, but sports just as much precision and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit, firm tannins and good acidity that segues into a more elegant and silky-smooth finish, leaving a touch of sea salt on the aftertaste.”
France – Rhone
An epic wine from one of Chateauneuf du Pape’s signature producers. A classic.
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Rouge, Rhone 2018 750ML ($99.95) $88 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Traditionally dominated by clairette (45%) and grenache blanc (30%), then roussanne and bourboulenc. The vines average 50+ years and there’s a very restrained nose with dialed-back white-pear and chalk aromas with dried flowers, too. The palate has a super fresh, zippy feel and a long, juicy and attractive core of fresh, salty minerals. The balance is innate and very fluid. Drink or hold.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “A nice throwback style, with a range of dried lavender and rosemary notes peeking out from a cedar-framed core of mulled cherry, blood orange and plum fruit. Features warm stone, licorice root and tobacco leaf accents that fill in through the energetic finish. A wine that’s very confident in its terroir. Best from 2024 through 2038. 2,495 cases imported. — JM”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The final blend of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau will include 60% to 65% Grenache, 15% each Mourvèdre and Syrah, with the remainder Cinsault. Boasting complex scents of roses, black tea, raspberries and cherries on the nose, it follows that up with a full-bodied palate that’s silky and airy in texture yet flavorful and tremendously long on the finish. It fits perfectly with the Brunier’s stated goal of pursuing elegance.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Shimmering ruby-red. Expansive red fruit preserve, lavender and allspice scents show excellent clarity and pick up a hint of incense with air. Gently chewy and energetic on the palate, offering alluringly sweet cherry, black raspberry and spicecake flavors that flesh out steadily on the back half. Shows impressive depth but comes off lively, finishing extremely long and spicy, with building tannins adding final grip.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The flagship of this great estate is the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape and it could quite possibly be one of the longest lived wines in the 2018 vintage, which in general, is a charming, forward vintage geared for consumption in the first decade of life. Revealing a more ruby, almost translucent color as well as a great perfume of wild strawberries, blackberries, Asian spices, peppery garrigue, and flowers, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a building, undeniable sense of minerality, plenty of mid-palate depth, and enough tannins to warrant 2-3 years or bottle age. It has the more upfront, expressive style of the vintage yet my money is on this evolving for 15-20 years.”
Wine & Spirits 94 points “The Bruniers have specialized in wines from La Crau, a lieu-dit in the northeast of the appellation, since 1898, when Hippolyte Brunier began building a name for his wines. The high elevation and the limestone-rich, galet-covered soils make for some of the appellation’s most elegant wines, their rich red fruit balanced by brisk acidity. The 2018 channels a bright, fresh feeling right from the start, with lots of floral spice moderating the sweet red-cherry flavor. There’s plenty of depth there, too, with earth notes that bring to mind roasted game, as well as forest floor and fresh button mushrooms. But it’s the brightness and freshness that make this so compelling, and so readily drinkable, especially if there are some lamb chops around.”
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The average price nationally is $100
Italy
Mastrojanni Vigna Loreto, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($149.95) $125 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Mastrojanni 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto shows a creamy and robust constitution with loads of black fruit and spice. If you are looking for a soft and more contemporary expression of Sangiovese, this will fit the bill. It offers profound richness and texture that is laced with black fruit, spice and tobacco. This wine moves one step beyond the comforting boundaries of Brunello in terms of both richness and extraction. If you are going to go big, you might as well do so in style. Only 8,000 bottles were released in January 2020.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 96 points “Mastrojanni’s 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto shows depths of dusty red berry fruit and subtle spice, with minty herbs, crushed stone, sweet tobacco and the slightest hint of animal musk, all in a remarkably pretty expression. On the palate, I find silky textures with cool-toned red fruits, savory spice, saline-minerals, and energizing acidity, in an expression that is both polished yet also firmly rooted in the earth, as it glides effortlessly across the senses. The finish is long, showing ripe red fruits, salty-savory-minerals, leather, and wonderfully balanced tannins. It is so pleasurable already, yet full of potential.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Expressive aromas of strawberry, black cherry, black currant and rose are the hallmarks of this elegant Brunello. Though firm and slightly lean, this is balanced and possesses the requisite ripe fruit to match the dusty tannins. Lively acidity helps to keep this focused. Offers a long, mineral-tinged aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2042. 388 cases made. — BS”
Pra Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Morandina, Veneto 2015 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “A very typical Amarone with lots of dried figs and sultanas. Full-bodied with layers of fruit and intense flavors of chocolate, walnuts and dried fruit. Lovely finish. Drink or hold.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 95 points “The 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Morandina does a wonderful job of delivering the intensity of Amarone, but in a savory and balanced style that I’m finding quite attractive. Crushed cherries and stone dust evolve into notes of plum sauce, cloves, sage and dark chocolate. It’s velvety in texture yet lifted in feel, coming across as juicy at times, with vibrant acids that excite the palate with mineral-tinged red fruits and sweet spices. This becomes darker and more intense through the finale, revealing tart black currants, herbal tones and a hint of bitter coffee. There’s simply so much going on here, with a structure that can carry the 2015 in the cellar for well over a decade. What’s more, it shows no sign of its 16.5% abv.”
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Pra Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Morandina, Veneto 2018 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Plenty of dried cherries, berries, figs, walnuts and hints of raisins. It’s full-bodied and chewy with polish and brightness at the same time. Drink or hold.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 89 points “The 2018 Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore Morandina captivatingly blends black cherries, sweet herbs and clove, all in a cloud of white smoke minerality. Its deep, silky textures usher in fleshy red fruits and spice, yet all remains fresh and vibrant throughout. Notes of dark chocolate and inner rose tones resonate while this tapers off, leaving the palate perfectly refreshed. Very nice.”
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Spain
Raúl Pérez has emerged as one of the most exciting Spanish winemakers. He’s done it in an interesting way: not by making over-the-top big fruit and oak bombs, but rather by honing in on the terroirs in Galicia. The wines tend to be impressive, but in an introspective, earthy way.
Raul Perez Ultreia Saint Jacques, Bierzo 2018 750ML ($24.95) $18.80 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
John Gilman 94 points “The Ultreia ‘St. Jacques’ bottling from Raúl Pérez is one of my favorite wines from him, as these vines were planted between 1900 and 1940. The vineyard is a classic, Mencía-dominated field blend, with the 2018 version including eighty percent whole clusters and aged in a combination of various old oak casks and vats, as well as some cement tanks. The wine offers up a pure and complex nose of dark berries, pomegranate, tree bark, woodsmoke, a beautiful base of dark soil tones, a dollop of sweet stem botanicals and just a touch of cigar ash in the upper register. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, focused and displays outstanding mid-palate depth, with a fine foundation of soil tones, ripe, buried tannins, lovely focus and grip and a long, complex and impeccably balanced finish. This is simply outstanding young Bierzo.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The truly impressive 2018 Ultreia Saint Jacques transcends its price category. They destemmed more grapes because they fermented it in the oak vats they bought from Vega Sicilia to use in the new winery, where it macerated for two months and then matured in used barrels for nine to 10 months. The secret is to use very good grapes from very good vineyards. The wine is clean, precise and fresh, and the oak is super-subtle, almost unnoticeable. The palate reflects a fluid wine of pleasure, a red of thirst. This is the wine where they have invested more, and 2018 has to be the finest vintage to date. They did 150,000 bottles of this in the outstanding 2018 vintage. It was bottled in October/November 2019.”
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New Offer!
La Fortuna 2015 Brunello Riserva
La Fortuna is a top producer of Brunello, having turned their small (11 hectare) estate into one of the most consistently excellent in all of Tuscany. The winery makes beautiful wines, with rich, ripe fruit and plush textures that maintain an earthiness to them grounded and allows them to age beautifully. The star of their lineup is undoubtedly their Brunello Riserva—a towering wine that is as majestic and complex as they come in Tuscany. Made from the best parcels of their vineyard and then held longer in barrel and bottle for maximum complexity, it’s one of the highlights of any Brunello vintage. The 2015 Riserva is landing next month, so scoop up your case for the cellar!
“With just four weeks before their release, the self-propagated hype and hyperbole surrounding these wines is growing with the unique, almost obsessive intensity that only Montalcino can muster. Very few of us in the press and trade have tasted through the range of new wines, yet there is a visceral awareness and intuitive expectation of great things to come: Brunello from 2016 and Brunello Riserva from 2015 are poised for long-term success, they will undoubtedly be remembered as important highlights on a long timeline of vintages. These are career-defining wines for many estates and for the appellation as a whole.” –Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, writing on the vintage
La Fortuna Arriving in March:
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Case-6 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 750ML ($719.95) $564 pre-arrival special (that’s only $94/bottle!)
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The La Fortuna 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva opens to a moment of sweetness, a tiny interval that is quickly followed by spice, balsam herb and dried cherry. That sweetness disappears after the second sip or two, and the savory components of the wine—the spice, the smoke and the earthy notes—begin to take over. This wine spreads over the palate with slow and steady consistency. This is a 7,000-bottle release made from a selection of fruit from the estate’s 18 hectares of vines.”
“With just four weeks before their release, the self-propagated hype and hyperbole surrounding these wines is growing with the unique, almost obsessive intensity that only Montalcino can muster. Very few of us in the press and trade have tasted through the range of new wines, yet there is a visceral awareness and intuitive expectation of great things to come: Brunello from 2016 and Brunello Riserva from 2015 are poised for long-term success, they will undoubtedly be remembered as important highlights on a long timeline of vintages. These are career-defining wines for many estates and for the appellation as a whole.” –Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, writing on the vintage
La Fortuna Arriving in March:
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Case-6 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 750ML ($719.95) $564 pre-arrival special (that’s only $94/bottle!)
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The La Fortuna 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva opens to a moment of sweetness, a tiny interval that is quickly followed by spice, balsam herb and dried cherry. That sweetness disappears after the second sip or two, and the savory components of the wine—the spice, the smoke and the earthy notes—begin to take over. This wine spreads over the palate with slow and steady consistency. This is a 7,000-bottle release made from a selection of fruit from the estate’s 18 hectares of vines.”
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Can’t Wait? In Stock Now:
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2012 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2012 1.5L ($259.95) $199 special, 4 magnums in stock now
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2012 3L ($499.95) $399 special, 3 double-magnums in stock now
Case-6 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2012 750ML ($699.95) $515 special (that’s only $85.83/bottle!)
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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La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($119.95) $88 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($699.95) $499 special (that’s only $83.17/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Fluid and fruity, supported by a matrix of dense tannins, this features a fine texture and structure, offsetting the saturated flavors of cherry, red berry, leather, iron and tar. Stays focused while cruising to a lingering finish. Really youthful, intense and long. Best from 2022 through 2045. 330 cases made, 200 cases imported.”
James Suckling 95 points “Very attractive and intense aromas of ripe black cherries and plums, leading to a palate that has a quite firm tannin core and finishes with a convincing serving of rich, ripe darker plums and berries. Drink or hold.”
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