In This Newsletter:
Jump Start Offer:
Giacomo Conterno
Ultra-Rare Releases Including Monfortino!
New Week – New Arrivals
Crowley
Our Spring Closeout Sale Continues:
Hot Price Reductions of Top Name Rhone Producers
New Offer: Montevertine
Jump Start Offer:
Giacomo Conterno
Ultra-Rare Releases Including Monfortino
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $77
Giacomo Conterno Vigna Francia Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2019 750ML ($89.95) $62.50 pre-arrival special, only 12 bottles available
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2019 Barbera d’Alba Vigna Francia is all about precision, power and a meticulous orderly approach that brings new intervals of increased aromatic intensity with each sip and swirl of the glass. The wine can be characterized as exceptionally direct and frank, and these qualities are especially well executed in this classic vintage. Barbera is cultivated at the top and the lower parts of the Francia vineyard, and this wine carries slightly more fruit weight and structure compared to the Cerretta. Francia also ends with distinctly mineral or graphite-like notes with iron or rust.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2019 Barbera d’Alba Vigna Francia marries elegance, power and energy. Inky blue/purplish fruit, menthol, licorice and sage are some of the nuances that build as this creamy, textured Barbera slowly opens in the glass. The Francia is wonderfully somber and mysterious, with striking shades of dimension that reveal themselves over time. The 2019 was just bottled, but its pedigree is evident.”
Giacomo Conterno Arione, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2017 Barolo Arione is so incredibly distinctive. Heady savory, earthy, lavender and mineral accents wrap around a core of dark Nebbiolo fruit in a potent, muscular Serralunga that speaks with gravitas and authority. There is something mysterious about Arione, something that is not easily understood, but that is very much at the heart of its personality. The depth, presence and tannic clout are Serralunga at its best. I can’t wait to check in on the 2017 in another few years, or decades.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “The Giacomo Conterno 2017 Barolo Arione is my favorite in a mini vertical from this cru site in Serralunga d’Alba. I prefer the 2017 to the classic 2016 and the wine’s inaugural vintage, the 2015. What this vintage has is an ample and generous sense of fullness and stature. These results are impressive, and even imposing to an extent. This is a statement wine that proudly submits multiple layers of black fruit, blackcurrant, cast iron, earth, licorice root and cola. The supportive tannins are well played against the wine’s rich texture, natural structure and fruit concentration. The power of a warm vintage and the muscle power of Arione overlap in this special bottle and will carry this wine over extended aging.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $313
Giacomo Conterno Cerretta, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 pre-arrival special, only 12 bottles available
Giacomo Conterno Cerretta, Barolo DOCG 2017 1.5L ($799.95) $549 pre-arrival special, only 1 magnum available
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “Thanks to altitude and heavier soils, Cerretta performs well in hot vintages, such as 2017, 2015 and 2011. The vines (planted a quarter century ago) sit at about 400 meters in elevation and water moisture is absorbed by the clay of Serralunga d’Alba. These conditions help to shape the wine’s important tannins and elegant structure. Ultimately however, I found the 2017 Barolo Cerretta to be very much identified by its birth year. The wine offers a long interlude of intense brightness with sweet cherry, fragolino and wild rose, which soften any angular or hard edges put forth by the Nebbiolo grape. This 2017 vintage is exceedingly smooth and silky in character with a pliant or yielding quality that should serve it nicely as the wine completes its aging trajectory.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Conterno’s 2017 Barolo Cerretta offers a classic expression of this Serralunga site. The tannins are just a bit nervy today, which lends a feeling of energy and brightness that is palpable. Bright floral and white pepper accents lift bright red-toned fruit in a Barolo that is wonderfully translucent and nuanced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $325
Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 pre-arrival special, only 12 bottles available
Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2017 1.5L ($799.95) $549 pre-arrival special, only 1 magnum available
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2017 Barolo Francia is dense, rich and explosive right out of the gate. There is virtually no feeling of tannin, as the creaminess of the fruit is so expansive. Bright red cherry fruit, blood orange, kirsch, sage and menthol gradually appear as the 2017 starts to open in the glass. In 2017, Francia is decidedly exotic, not to mention such a thrill to taste.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “I tasted the Giacomo Conterno 2017 Barolo Francia shortly before bottling. Like Roberto Conterno’s other wines from this controversial vintage, this wine shines with brilliant and unexpected purity and intensity that is harder to find in its peers. It shows a deep understanding of the potential of a warm growing season, and the Nebbiolo is supple, velvety and uncharacteristically exuberant (for a grape whose elegance starts famously with understatement). Francia in Serralunga d’Alba evokes power and profound depth, with black and purple fruit highlights, rusty nail, crème de cassis, grilled rosemary and reddish rock or baked terracotta. The wine carries its considerable fruit weight with grace, and at the end of the day, it offers a complete portrait of vintage, variety and vintner.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $315
Giacomo Conterno Monfortino, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2015 750ML ($1,299.95) $999 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
Giacomo Conterno Monfortino, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2015 1.5L ($2,999.95) $2,199 pre-arrival special, only 1 magnum available
Giacomo Conterno Monfortino, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2015 3L ($7,999.95) $6,999 pre-arrival special, only 1 three-liter available
Antonio Galloni 99 points “The 2015 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is magical. This is the first vintage that includes fruit from Arione, so the 2015 is 80% Francia and 20% Arione. That marks a return to Monfortino as a multi-vineyard wine, which it mostly was until 1978, when the first Monfortino from Francia was made. The combination of sites works so well. I remember tasting the 2015 as separate components and seeing what exactly the Arione piece adds, and that is aromatic explosiveness, texture and breadth. Rose petal, mint, sage, tobacco and cedar lend complexity. More than anything else, though, I am blown away by how utterly delicious the 2015 is. Of course, the 2015 will be better in time, but its pedigree is plainly evident today. Roberto Conterno gave the 2015 just five years in cask, the shortest time in wood for any Monfortino in recent memory, maybe ever. Like most producers around the world, Conterno is thinking deeply about what the optimal period of time in oak is. As for the 2015, it is a flat-out stunner in every way.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98+ points “Monfortino was not produced in 2016 nor was it made in 2017. The jury is out on whether will see it in 2018 (but I do know that Roberto Conterno is super excited about the 2019 vintage in Barolo, speaking generally). That means that we might not see his flagship wine for a number of years. The 2015 Barolo Riserva Monfortino gives us plenty to contemplate in the meantime. First, in terms of winemaking notes, this vintage see 22% Arione fruit in the blend, with the rest from Francia. Roberto Conterno is fond of telling me that “Francia is a Barolo you drink, and Monfortino is a wine you chew.” (The exact word in Italian is “masticare.”) I think his comment rings especially true in this vintage that arguably shows greater concentration and fruit weight and softer or more integrated tannins overall. There is structure but minus any hard edges or bite.”
These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!
The average price for the 750ml is $1,268
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Argentina
Zorzal Eggo Blanc de Cal Tupungato 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez Wine Advocate 94 points “2019 was cooler than 2018, and the 2019 Eggo Blanc de Cal is even fresher and stonier than the 2018 I tasted last time. This wine is never about the grape variety, and it’s like liquid chalk, even more so in 2019. It matured in concrete eggs for 10 months. This is always produced from a limestone-rich plot in the Tupungato Winelands. Half of the wine fermented with the skins, but it doesn’t have any “orange” characteristics. It’s sharp and super tasty. Amazing value. 7,775 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2019.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Zorzal Eggo Franco Cabernet Franc Tupungato 2017 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2017 Eggo Franco is pure Cabernet Franc cropped from seven-year-old vines on alluvial soils high in calcium carbonate. It fermented with 10% full clusters in concrete vats, where it matured with the full lees until bottling at the end of the year. It’s very varietal, herbal and spicy, with good structure and body, great balance and power, with fine-grained, chalky tannins. 6,000 bottles produced.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Zorzal Eggo Tinto de Tiza Gualtallary 2017 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 94 points “The mouthfeel of the 2017 Eggo Tinto de Tiza was like biting into a piece of chalk (“tiza” is the Spanish word for chalk), the texture provided by the limestone-rich soils from Gualtallary, especially in the higher part of this large region. This wine is not about the varieties (it’s a blend to start with) but about the place, the soils, the local vegetation, the austerity and the wilderness. 33,000 bottles. It was bottled in January 2018.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Australia
From the powerhouse team behind Two Hands!
Barr-Eden Estate ‘Dreams of Gold’ Mengler’s Hill Shiraz, Eden Valley 2020 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 90 points “A new addition to the lineup, the 2020 Dreams of Gold Shiraz comes from relatively young vines, planted in 1997 and 2013. Aged in older French oak, it boasts scents of “Eden Valley garrigue”—notes that suggest eucalyptus, bay leaf and wild thyme—set against a backdrop of blueberries. Less intense and concentrated than the other bottlings, it’s still medium to full-bodied, suave and silky in feel, with a clean, mouthwatering finish and a soft dusting of tannins. Barr-Eden Estate is the new name for the Love Over Gold partnership between Tim Howser, Joel Mattschoss, Pierre-Henri Morel and Michael Twelftree. Morel is the general manager of Two Hands and Howser and Twelftree are owners of Two Hands, while Mattschoss is a grape grower, with vines on Mengler’s Hill.”
This is the only listing 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 (but a strong place in our cellars).
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
Back In Stock from Crowley:
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Jasmine, lemongrass and salty mist jump out of the glass initially. Striking minerality melts into honeysuckle nectar on the palate. Earthen complexity is backed by apricot and white peach which lead into an incredibly long finish. A touch of wood frames this wine with firm structure. Wente, Dijon & Draper clones. Native fermentation. 200 cases.”
VinopolNote: A riotously fragrant release, this shows notes of dried lemon zest, sea salt, lime flower, and pear tart. Its creamy mouthfeel balances the bright, palate-cleansing acidity. One of the finest vintages to date.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 22 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, 21 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, 14 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!
Hot Price Reductions of Top Name Rhone Producers
Our Spring Closeout Sale continues!
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $106
Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape Amiral G, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Amiral G. is, as always, all Grenache brought up all in demi-muids. It’s unquestionably the most opulent, sexy, and expansive in the lineup, with overflowing notes of kirsch and blackberry fruits, incense, dried garrigue, and spice, full body, and no hard edges. Its incredible opulence and decadence are delivered with no sensation of weight or heaviness. This magical, thrilling beauty needs to be tasted to be believed. It’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for 15+ years or more.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “Like the l’Avenue, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Amiral G is 100% Grenache aged in demi-muids. Unlike the l’Avenue, the Amiral G is more about opulence and power. It’s full-bodied, ripe and plush, with impressive layers of black cherries, stone fruit, licorice and chocolate spice cake. Concentrated and chewy on the finish, it has all the ingredients for greatness—and it should get there relatively quickly, then drink well for at least a decade.-JC”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95-96 points “Lurid ruby-red. Assertive red berry and cherry liqueur aromas are complemented by building Asian spice, incense and vanilla accents. Concentrated and fleshy in the mouth, offering alluringly sweet raspberry, cherry pie, cinnamon and star anise flavors and hints of bitter chocolate and cola. Becomes more energetic with air and finishes with fabulous, floral-tinged persistence and velvety tannins that fold smoothly and quickly into the wine’s sweet, clinging fruit.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $102
Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape Amiral G, Rhone 2016 1.5L ($299.95) Was $219, Now $199, 2 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Amiral G. is based all on Grenache and comes from a single plot of very old Grenache vines (all rolled stone soils) that was destemmed and brought up in demi-muids. Just screaming “Grenache!” at the top of its lungs with its sweet bouquet of black raspberries, candied violets, baking spices, and crushed rock-like minerality, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness and density, a weightless texture, no hard edges, and awesome length. It’s a sensational, borderline perfect wine that has everything you want from a bottle of wine. Give it a year or three, and it’s going to cruise for 15+.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “This exemplary estate, owned by Laurent Brechet, has been on a roll. The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Amiral G, 100% Grenache aged in demi-muids, is a full-bodied, lush wine jammed with complex notions of tree bark, cola, allspice, anise and plummy fruit. At 15.4% alcohol, there’s plenty of power, but the wine never seems warm or heavy, instead feeling rich and velvety on the palate and ending long and spicy. With just 5,000 bottles produced, it may be tough to find, but it will be worth the search.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 96 points “Lurid ruby. A highly complex bouquet evokes red and dark berry preserves, candied lavender, sandalwood and smoky minerals, with Asian spice and vanilla notes in the background. Sappy and alluringly sweet, displaying palate-staining raspberry, boysenberry and spicecake flavors and slow-building florality. Shows impressive power on the sappy, penetrating finish, where the lavender and spice notes come back emphatically.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Back when the shop was in its old location, Hillaire was one of our two or three best-selling producers—there were stacks of those wines and they flew out the door by the case. They deliver exceptional value at each price level, from the entry level to the top end. We’ve been unable to source them for the last few years but are excited to bring them back in force.
Domaine Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Les Terrasses,’ Rhone 2016 750ML ($89.95) Was $69, Now $59, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Terrasses is a fine example of old-vine Grenache from a parcel of vines near La Nerthe. Rose petals and black tea accent pristine cherry and raspberry fruit in this full-bodied but silky-lacy, delicate wine. Long, briny and refreshing on the finish, it’s deceptively drinkable but undoubtedly packs a wallop.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Brilliant violet. Lively, mineral-accented red and blue fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of lavender and vanilla. Silky and energetic on the palate, offering concentrated raspberry and boysenberry flavors that deepen and become spicier as the wine opens up. Closes sweet, energetic and very long, displaying harmonious tannins and lingering smoke and red berry liqueur notes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Petits Pieds d’Armand, Rhone 2016 750ML ($99.95) Was $79, Now $69, 7 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Petits Pieds d’Armand comes from a parcel of Grenache originally planted at the end of the 19th century in a sandy part of La Crau. It’s Hillaire’s flagship, and it merits its status this vintage, where it shines with raspberry fruit and layers of dried spice complexity. It’s full-bodied and rich yet silky, elegant and long on the finish, epitomizing the delicious contradictions that Grenache can present.”
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Vivid ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes red fruit preserves, spicecake and incense, and a minerally element adds urgency. Impressively energetic on the palate, offering intense raspberry, cherry compote and lavender pastille flavors that deepen slowly on the back half. The floral note repeats emphatically on the impressively long, youthfully tannic finish, which leaves a smoky mineral note behind.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $85
Alain Jaume’s Domaine Grand Veneur is a trailblazer in Chateauneuf du Pape that continues to make some of the finest wines in the appellation. Year in year out they are some of the most dramatic, powerful and opulent bottlings made in the Southern Rhone, and the prices they charge make them a steal compared to their nearest competitors. The 2017 Vieilles Vignes is a must buy for anyone who appreciates a more modern interpretation of Chateauneuf du Pape.
Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocene Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) Was $39, Now $36, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocene Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($419.95) Now $385 (that’s only $32.08/bottle!)
Case-6 Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocene Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($249.95) Now $199 (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
Wine & Spirits 93 points “This is named for the period of time when the Rhone River sluiced its way from the Alps through Chateauneuf, leaving behind a plateau paved with the baseball-sized stones as the water retreated. Those “galets” are said to help the vines ripen their fruit in this northern sector of the appellation, the stones emanating the sun’s heat. This wine reflects both a spring-like coolness in its spicy, savory herbal notes and a warmth in its lush purple fruit. It’s spicy and firm, with a little bit of grip to the tannins that suggests this could benefit from aging in bottle for a few more years.”
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “The traditional cuvée at this great estate is the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Miocene, and in 2017 it’s a classic blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, brought up mostly in concrete (there’s a small amount in older barrels). It has a wonderful fresh, forward, delicious style as well as notes of black raspberries, garrigue, pepper, and hints of flowers. Pure, medium to full-bodied, upfront and ready to go, it’s a beauty geared for drinking over the coming 8-10 years.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $89, Now $75, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($499.95) Now $426 (that’s only $71/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a bigger, richer, more opulent wine. Beautiful notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed violets, all flow to a full-bodied, Châteauneuf Du Pape that has a voluptuous, sexy texture, brilliant depth of fruit, fine tannins, and a purity of fruit that’s hard to find in this vintage. It’s a thrill a minute, and while it’s approachable today, it will keep for 15-20 years. 416 cases.”
Wine & Spirits 96 points “The Jaume family has been growing grapes in Chateauneuf-du-Pape since 1826; they now own four Rhone wineries, including Domaine Grand Veneur, established in 1976. This wine comes off the estate’s oldest vines, a blend of half Grenache, the rest mourvedre, syrah and small bits of other varieties, all the parcels farmed organically. It’s a stunning wine, exuberantly fresh in its red-berry flavors while sophisticated in its detail, weaving in notes of licorice and pepper, flowers and wood spice. Even after the bottle has been open for a couple of days, the wine’s freshness doesn’t flag, the smooth, fine tannins holding it steady. This should age well for a decade at least.”
Decanter 96 points “Grown on galets, the fruit for this wine is all destemmed and fermented in stainless steel before being aged for 16 months, half in concrete and half in new barriques. The strong Mourvèdre component comes through as deep, ripe dark fruits and violets. It’s full-bodied and dense with soft, lush tannins, and is held together by a beam of strong acidity, finishing long. A lithe, muscular, impressive wine that will last the course. Just 5,000 bottles made.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $118
If you love big, powerful red wines and you’ve never had the top wines of Domaine de Fondreche, you need to rectify that situation now. These are some of the gutsiest, most expressive wines in the Rhone, with incredible critical praise and a price tag that’s equivalent to mid-tier CdP. From their mostly Syrah “Divergente” puts a lot of $80 Hermitage to shame. Because of the obscurity of Ventoux, these aren’t as expensive as they probably should be, despite a multitude of high scores and high praise.
Domaine de Fondreche Ventoux Divergente, Rhone 2016 750ML ($79.95) Was $66, Now $59, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Reminding me of one of the Sélections Parcellaires Hermitage from Michel Chapoutier, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was mostly destemmed and brought up in foudre. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, peppered meats, graphite, and liquid rock notes all flow to a fat, unctuous, sexy Syrah that has beautiful acidity, fine tannin, and a huge finish. It’s a true “Wow” wine that needs to be tasted to be believed. Put this in a blind lineup of top Hermitage and shock all your friends.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Less immediately showy and approachable than the 2016 Persia, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is tight and focused, deserving of a couple of years in the cellar. Smoke, black olive and plum notes dominate this full-bodied wine, picking up hints of espresso on the long, tannic finish.-JC”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $62
If there is a single producer from the Rhône that embodies incredible value, it is Saint Cosme. Whether the fruit hails from the Northern or Southern extremes of the valley, all of their wines over-perform.
Saint Cosme Cote Rotie, Rhone 2017 750ML ($79.95) Was $59, Now $55, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2017 Côte Rôtie is another satisfying, character-filled wine. Complex notes of blackberries, ground herbs, new leather, and violets flow to a medium to full-bodied, layered, complete, balanced Côte Rotie that’s going to shine for 10-15 years. It has some feral, wild notes as well as plenty of old-school character.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Saturated ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe, spice-tinged red and blue fruits, potpourri, violet and olive paste, and a smoky mineral nuance builds in the glass. Shows impressive depth and energy, offering sappy dark berry, cherry cola, spicecake and floral pastille flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Shows a welcome light touch for its heft and finishes on a gently tannic note, displaying fine delineation and mineral thrust.”
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Notes of smoked meat and cold fireplace mark the nose of Saint Cosme’s 2017 Cote Rotie. It’s medium to full-bodied, with a plush, seductive mouthfeel, supple tannins and a long finish. It should be a beauty.-JC”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $82
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89, 11 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 96 points “Brilliant violet. Highly perfumed black raspberry and cherry liqueur aromas are accompanied by potpourri, mocha, vanilla and baking spice nuances, along with a smoky mineral flourish that builds in the glass. Juicy and appealingly sweet, displaying palate-staining red and blue fruit, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that show superb depth and a smooth, seamless texture. Deftly balances richness and vivacity and finishes extremely long and spicy, with smooth, harmonious tannins and a subtle echo of candied flowers and kirsch.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 points “Notes of camphor, dried soil, crushed rocks, and loads of red and black fruits define the 2017 Gigondas Le Claux, which is 100% Grenache from a site just down the road from the estate. I always find a certain Burgundian character in this cuvée and it’s certainly present in the 2017. With medium to full body, a beautiful elegance and purity, and fine tannins, give bottles a few years and enjoy over the following decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2017 Gigondas le Claux features deep blue and black fruit on the nose. It’s full-bodied in the mouth, with a generous, silky mouthfeel and an expansive, voluptuous finish that folds in hints of dark chocolate and salted licorice. All Grenache, from vines planted in the 19th century, it’s a terrific Gigondas.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $124
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($139.95) Was $109, Now $99, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “More closed and backward than either the Hominis Fides or Le Claux, the 2017 Gigondas Le Poste is nevertheless just as impressive and offers its hallmark purity and elegance paired with stunning richness and depth. Black and blue fruits, crushed rocks, graphite, and a beautiful violet character all define the bouquet. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it’s the purity of fruit and balance that set this beauty above just about every other Gigondas out there. Do your best to hide bottles for at least 4-5 years.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “More civilized than it was last year out of barrel, the 2017 Gigondas le Poste boasts lovely blueberry and cassis fruit. It’s full-bodied and intense yet silky and darn near elegant on the palate. Don’t underestimate the quantity of (ripe) tannins here, which provide a pleasant chewiness to the long, salted-licorice finish.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is packed with steeped fig, blackberry and boysenberry confiture notes, laced liberally with violet, anise, tobacco and lavender accents. Has enough grip through the finish to keep it honest, with tar and juniper notes adding spine and heft. A beauty. Best from 2020 through 2035. From France.—J.M.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Deep lurid ruby. Highly fragrant suggestions of ripe red berries, cherry preserves, exotic spices and candied flowers are accompanied by a smoky mineral element that builds steadily with air. Smooth and seamless on the palate, offering intense black raspberry, cherry cola, spicecake and candied lavender flavors that convey a suave mix of power and delicacy. Closes smooth, gently tannic and impressively long, leaving sappy red fruit and floral pastille notes behind.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $126
This is rich, textured and powerful while remaining resolutely dry. One for the table or for the cellar, it’s always a favorite.
Chateau de Manissy Tavel Cuvee des Lys Rose, Rhone 2019 750ML ($21.95) Was $18, Now $16, 5 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Brilliant orange color. Mineral-accented red berry and citrus fruit aromas are complemented by a sexy floral nuance. Concentrated and energetic in the mouth, offering juicy redcurrant, cherry and candied rose flavors that slowly turn sweeter on the mid-palate. The mineral and floral notes echo on a penetrating finish that hangs on with very good tenacity.”
Importer note “Grenache, Clairette & Syrah from clay, river rock and sandy soils. Biodynamic. Juicy raspberry, watermelon, crushed minerals and burnt sugar. Full body with a long finish… Entirely hand-harvested. Maceration of 12-24 hours to extract primary aromas. Fermentation with only indigenous yeasts at a very low temperatures over 2 days, then increased in temperature to 25°C for 7 days in order to increase the fruity taste. Aged in concrete tanks and stainless steel. Natural balanced acidity of about 3.6hg/L and PH of 3.5mg/L with less than 1gr/L residual sugar. This cuvée comes from a plot of 10 hectares that is enclosed by a forest.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The average price for all vintages is $20
After studying under Rene Rostaing, Francois Merlin planted his first vineyard in the late 1980s. Since then, he’s been meticulously caring for his tiny acreage and making exquisite if under-the-radar Rhone wines. Preferring to let the grapes speak for themselves, he ages the wines in mostly neutral oak and steel. These are fresh and vibrant wines that, coming from the warm 2018 vintage, are beautiful now with grippy tannins and balanced acids indicating a long life ahead of them, particularly the Cote Rotie and the Saint Joseph. The IGP Syrah is a winner and a staff pick for winter meals.
Domaine Francois Merlin Cote Rotie, Rhone 2018 750ML ($79.95) Was $54.50, Now $49, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Domaine Francois Merlin Cote Rotie, Rhone 2018 750ML ($479.95) Was $299, Now $279 (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Decanter 93 points “A very soft style, very ripe and juicy. Fairly tannic, but they’re ripe and yielding with flavours of black fruit coulis and touch of liquorice. It has fairly high alcohol with a saline finish – there’s freshness despite the very ripe fruit. This is a palate-coating, fairly opulent style but will be good when it’s ready – has length.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Francois Merlin Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2018 750ML ($39.95) Was $29, Now $26, 36+ bottles in stock now
Decanter 91 points “An approachable wine that has lifted cedar and incense on the nose. Very plush with soft fruits, slightly lacking in acidity perhaps, but it’s an authentic representation of the vintage, not overly corrected. Good natural sense to the fruit, it’s expressive, unrestrained. Not overly marked by oak spice. South-facing granite terroir, 70% of vines are 45-years-old, the rest are 15-years-old. All destemmed, 12 months in barriques and demi-muids, from 1 to 4 years-old.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Francois Merlin Syrah Broceliande, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes 2018 750ML ($79.95) Was $19, Now $17, 29 bottles in stock now
Staff pick! Shows dark fruit, spice, and warm iron on the nose. Leather and black cherries leads into gingerbread and dried cherries with air. On the palate, the wine is impactful with flavors of spice and black berries. The light astringency of the tannins and solid acidity keep everything in check. There’s an aroma of black tea, plum and dark chocolate on the finish. A fantastic wine to pair with roast meats, game, or ratatouille.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Shop all 74 wines on our Spring Closeout Sale on our web store, including picks from Evening Land, Eisele, and Eden Specialty Ciders!
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10 AM – 6 PM Daily
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Giacomo Conterno
Ultra-Rare Releases Including Monfortino!
New Week – New Arrivals
Crowley
Our Spring Closeout Sale Continues:
Hot Price Reductions of Top Name Rhone Producers
New Offer: Montevertine
Jump Start Offer:
Giacomo Conterno
Ultra-Rare Releases Including Monfortino
Giacomo Conterno wines are a rarity, but well worth the hunt. These are among the top tier of wines being produced in all of Italy. The wines are always powerful and traditional, but with an elegance and grace that seems to transcend the immediate impact of flavor and leave you searching for descriptors to capture what you’ve tasted. We love the wines and if you are thinking about trying them—do it sooner than later. The way these wines have become collectable, it’s going to be harder and harder to source them going forward.
Arriving Late March:
Giacomo Conterno Cerretta Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2019 750ML ($89.95) $62.50 pre-arrival special, only 12 bottles available
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “I tasted the Giacomo Conterno 2019 Barbera d’Alba Vigna Cerretta a week or so after the wine had been bottled. You are immediately made aware of the richness and concentration achieved in this growing season thanks to the wine’s dark and velvety appearance. To the nose, this Barbera d’Alba imparts wild cherry, plum, spice, tarry smoke, dried mint and sweet apricot. Warm earthy notes frame that core of lively fruit. The Cerretta site in Serralunga d’Alba has more clay in the soils, which produces the extra power displayed by this wine. Ultimately, the 2019 will be remembered for its lasting textural impact.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2019 Barbera d’Alba Vigna Cerretta is bright and fresh, with plenty of red-toned fruit lifted by blood orange, mint and spice accents. Medium in body and super-refined, the Vigna Cerretta sizzles with tension and energy. Its effusive aromatics and vibrancy provide a fascinating contrast to the Francia Barbera.”
Arriving Late March:
Giacomo Conterno Cerretta Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2019 750ML ($89.95) $62.50 pre-arrival special, only 12 bottles available
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “I tasted the Giacomo Conterno 2019 Barbera d’Alba Vigna Cerretta a week or so after the wine had been bottled. You are immediately made aware of the richness and concentration achieved in this growing season thanks to the wine’s dark and velvety appearance. To the nose, this Barbera d’Alba imparts wild cherry, plum, spice, tarry smoke, dried mint and sweet apricot. Warm earthy notes frame that core of lively fruit. The Cerretta site in Serralunga d’Alba has more clay in the soils, which produces the extra power displayed by this wine. Ultimately, the 2019 will be remembered for its lasting textural impact.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2019 Barbera d’Alba Vigna Cerretta is bright and fresh, with plenty of red-toned fruit lifted by blood orange, mint and spice accents. Medium in body and super-refined, the Vigna Cerretta sizzles with tension and energy. Its effusive aromatics and vibrancy provide a fascinating contrast to the Francia Barbera.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $77
Giacomo Conterno Vigna Francia Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2019 750ML ($89.95) $62.50 pre-arrival special, only 12 bottles available
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2019 Barbera d’Alba Vigna Francia is all about precision, power and a meticulous orderly approach that brings new intervals of increased aromatic intensity with each sip and swirl of the glass. The wine can be characterized as exceptionally direct and frank, and these qualities are especially well executed in this classic vintage. Barbera is cultivated at the top and the lower parts of the Francia vineyard, and this wine carries slightly more fruit weight and structure compared to the Cerretta. Francia also ends with distinctly mineral or graphite-like notes with iron or rust.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2019 Barbera d’Alba Vigna Francia marries elegance, power and energy. Inky blue/purplish fruit, menthol, licorice and sage are some of the nuances that build as this creamy, textured Barbera slowly opens in the glass. The Francia is wonderfully somber and mysterious, with striking shades of dimension that reveal themselves over time. The 2019 was just bottled, but its pedigree is evident.”
Giacomo Conterno Arione, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2017 Barolo Arione is so incredibly distinctive. Heady savory, earthy, lavender and mineral accents wrap around a core of dark Nebbiolo fruit in a potent, muscular Serralunga that speaks with gravitas and authority. There is something mysterious about Arione, something that is not easily understood, but that is very much at the heart of its personality. The depth, presence and tannic clout are Serralunga at its best. I can’t wait to check in on the 2017 in another few years, or decades.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “The Giacomo Conterno 2017 Barolo Arione is my favorite in a mini vertical from this cru site in Serralunga d’Alba. I prefer the 2017 to the classic 2016 and the wine’s inaugural vintage, the 2015. What this vintage has is an ample and generous sense of fullness and stature. These results are impressive, and even imposing to an extent. This is a statement wine that proudly submits multiple layers of black fruit, blackcurrant, cast iron, earth, licorice root and cola. The supportive tannins are well played against the wine’s rich texture, natural structure and fruit concentration. The power of a warm vintage and the muscle power of Arione overlap in this special bottle and will carry this wine over extended aging.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $313
Giacomo Conterno Cerretta, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 pre-arrival special, only 12 bottles available
Giacomo Conterno Cerretta, Barolo DOCG 2017 1.5L ($799.95) $549 pre-arrival special, only 1 magnum available
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “Thanks to altitude and heavier soils, Cerretta performs well in hot vintages, such as 2017, 2015 and 2011. The vines (planted a quarter century ago) sit at about 400 meters in elevation and water moisture is absorbed by the clay of Serralunga d’Alba. These conditions help to shape the wine’s important tannins and elegant structure. Ultimately however, I found the 2017 Barolo Cerretta to be very much identified by its birth year. The wine offers a long interlude of intense brightness with sweet cherry, fragolino and wild rose, which soften any angular or hard edges put forth by the Nebbiolo grape. This 2017 vintage is exceedingly smooth and silky in character with a pliant or yielding quality that should serve it nicely as the wine completes its aging trajectory.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Conterno’s 2017 Barolo Cerretta offers a classic expression of this Serralunga site. The tannins are just a bit nervy today, which lends a feeling of energy and brightness that is palpable. Bright floral and white pepper accents lift bright red-toned fruit in a Barolo that is wonderfully translucent and nuanced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $325
Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 pre-arrival special, only 12 bottles available
Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2017 1.5L ($799.95) $549 pre-arrival special, only 1 magnum available
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2017 Barolo Francia is dense, rich and explosive right out of the gate. There is virtually no feeling of tannin, as the creaminess of the fruit is so expansive. Bright red cherry fruit, blood orange, kirsch, sage and menthol gradually appear as the 2017 starts to open in the glass. In 2017, Francia is decidedly exotic, not to mention such a thrill to taste.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “I tasted the Giacomo Conterno 2017 Barolo Francia shortly before bottling. Like Roberto Conterno’s other wines from this controversial vintage, this wine shines with brilliant and unexpected purity and intensity that is harder to find in its peers. It shows a deep understanding of the potential of a warm growing season, and the Nebbiolo is supple, velvety and uncharacteristically exuberant (for a grape whose elegance starts famously with understatement). Francia in Serralunga d’Alba evokes power and profound depth, with black and purple fruit highlights, rusty nail, crème de cassis, grilled rosemary and reddish rock or baked terracotta. The wine carries its considerable fruit weight with grace, and at the end of the day, it offers a complete portrait of vintage, variety and vintner.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $315
Giacomo Conterno Monfortino, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2015 750ML ($1,299.95) $999 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
Giacomo Conterno Monfortino, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2015 1.5L ($2,999.95) $2,199 pre-arrival special, only 1 magnum available
Giacomo Conterno Monfortino, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2015 3L ($7,999.95) $6,999 pre-arrival special, only 1 three-liter available
Antonio Galloni 99 points “The 2015 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is magical. This is the first vintage that includes fruit from Arione, so the 2015 is 80% Francia and 20% Arione. That marks a return to Monfortino as a multi-vineyard wine, which it mostly was until 1978, when the first Monfortino from Francia was made. The combination of sites works so well. I remember tasting the 2015 as separate components and seeing what exactly the Arione piece adds, and that is aromatic explosiveness, texture and breadth. Rose petal, mint, sage, tobacco and cedar lend complexity. More than anything else, though, I am blown away by how utterly delicious the 2015 is. Of course, the 2015 will be better in time, but its pedigree is plainly evident today. Roberto Conterno gave the 2015 just five years in cask, the shortest time in wood for any Monfortino in recent memory, maybe ever. Like most producers around the world, Conterno is thinking deeply about what the optimal period of time in oak is. As for the 2015, it is a flat-out stunner in every way.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98+ points “Monfortino was not produced in 2016 nor was it made in 2017. The jury is out on whether will see it in 2018 (but I do know that Roberto Conterno is super excited about the 2019 vintage in Barolo, speaking generally). That means that we might not see his flagship wine for a number of years. The 2015 Barolo Riserva Monfortino gives us plenty to contemplate in the meantime. First, in terms of winemaking notes, this vintage see 22% Arione fruit in the blend, with the rest from Francia. Roberto Conterno is fond of telling me that “Francia is a Barolo you drink, and Monfortino is a wine you chew.” (The exact word in Italian is “masticare.”) I think his comment rings especially true in this vintage that arguably shows greater concentration and fruit weight and softer or more integrated tannins overall. There is structure but minus any hard edges or bite.”
These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!
The average price for the 750ml is $1,268
New Week – New Arrivals
France – Rhone
If you don’t have a case of each wine in your cellar yet, you are seriously missing out on the best values in Chateauneuf and Cotes du Rhone in the shop. Sure, there’s plenty of highly lauded and handsomely pointed 2016 Chateauneufs in the $100+++ range. But isn’t it more fun to find an epic estate that doesn’t command those prices?
Le Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) $44.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Le Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2017 750ML ($299.95) $249 special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Le Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Le Caillou’ Rhone 2017 750ML ($499.95) $479 special (that’s only $39.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91-92 points “Glistening ruby-red. Pungent cherry pit and black currant aromas, along with hints of licorice, musky herbs and cracked pepper. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering slow-to-open bitter cherry and dark berry flavors braced by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. Shows firm tannic grip on the persistent finish, which leaves suggestions of candied licorice and cherry preserves behind. This is a pretty serious example of a “basic” bottling, and it deserves some patience.”
Jeb Dunnuck 90 points “Kirsch, blackberry, ground pepper, and incense notes all dominate the bouquet of the medium to full-bodied 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Caillou. It offers beautiful purity of fruit, a rounded, mouthfilling texture, and a great finish. Drink it over the coming decade.”
If you don’t have a case of each wine in your cellar yet, you are seriously missing out on the best values in Chateauneuf and Cotes du Rhone in the shop. Sure, there’s plenty of highly lauded and handsomely pointed 2016 Chateauneufs in the $100+++ range. But isn’t it more fun to find an epic estate that doesn’t command those prices?
Le Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) $44.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Le Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2017 750ML ($299.95) $249 special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Le Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Le Caillou’ Rhone 2017 750ML ($499.95) $479 special (that’s only $39.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91-92 points “Glistening ruby-red. Pungent cherry pit and black currant aromas, along with hints of licorice, musky herbs and cracked pepper. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering slow-to-open bitter cherry and dark berry flavors braced by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. Shows firm tannic grip on the persistent finish, which leaves suggestions of candied licorice and cherry preserves behind. This is a pretty serious example of a “basic” bottling, and it deserves some patience.”
Jeb Dunnuck 90 points “Kirsch, blackberry, ground pepper, and incense notes all dominate the bouquet of the medium to full-bodied 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Caillou. It offers beautiful purity of fruit, a rounded, mouthfilling texture, and a great finish. Drink it over the coming decade.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Argentina
Zorzal Eggo Blanc de Cal Tupungato 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez Wine Advocate 94 points “2019 was cooler than 2018, and the 2019 Eggo Blanc de Cal is even fresher and stonier than the 2018 I tasted last time. This wine is never about the grape variety, and it’s like liquid chalk, even more so in 2019. It matured in concrete eggs for 10 months. This is always produced from a limestone-rich plot in the Tupungato Winelands. Half of the wine fermented with the skins, but it doesn’t have any “orange” characteristics. It’s sharp and super tasty. Amazing value. 7,775 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2019.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Zorzal Eggo Franco Cabernet Franc Tupungato 2017 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2017 Eggo Franco is pure Cabernet Franc cropped from seven-year-old vines on alluvial soils high in calcium carbonate. It fermented with 10% full clusters in concrete vats, where it matured with the full lees until bottling at the end of the year. It’s very varietal, herbal and spicy, with good structure and body, great balance and power, with fine-grained, chalky tannins. 6,000 bottles produced.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Zorzal Eggo Tinto de Tiza Gualtallary 2017 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 94 points “The mouthfeel of the 2017 Eggo Tinto de Tiza was like biting into a piece of chalk (“tiza” is the Spanish word for chalk), the texture provided by the limestone-rich soils from Gualtallary, especially in the higher part of this large region. This wine is not about the varieties (it’s a blend to start with) but about the place, the soils, the local vegetation, the austerity and the wilderness. 33,000 bottles. It was bottled in January 2018.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Australia
From the powerhouse team behind Two Hands!
Barr-Eden Estate ‘Dreams of Gold’ Mengler’s Hill Shiraz, Eden Valley 2020 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 90 points “A new addition to the lineup, the 2020 Dreams of Gold Shiraz comes from relatively young vines, planted in 1997 and 2013. Aged in older French oak, it boasts scents of “Eden Valley garrigue”—notes that suggest eucalyptus, bay leaf and wild thyme—set against a backdrop of blueberries. Less intense and concentrated than the other bottlings, it’s still medium to full-bodied, suave and silky in feel, with a clean, mouthwatering finish and a soft dusting of tannins. Barr-Eden Estate is the new name for the Love Over Gold partnership between Tim Howser, Joel Mattschoss, Pierre-Henri Morel and Michael Twelftree. Morel is the general manager of Two Hands and Howser and Twelftree are owners of Two Hands, while Mattschoss is a grape grower, with vines on Mengler’s Hill.”
This is the only listing 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 (but a strong place in our cellars).
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
Back In Stock from Crowley:
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Jasmine, lemongrass and salty mist jump out of the glass initially. Striking minerality melts into honeysuckle nectar on the palate. Earthen complexity is backed by apricot and white peach which lead into an incredibly long finish. A touch of wood frames this wine with firm structure. Wente, Dijon & Draper clones. Native fermentation. 200 cases.”
VinopolNote: A riotously fragrant release, this shows notes of dried lemon zest, sea salt, lime flower, and pear tart. Its creamy mouthfeel balances the bright, palate-cleansing acidity. One of the finest vintages to date.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 22 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, 21 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, 14 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!
Hot Price Reductions of Top Name Rhone Producers
Our Spring Closeout Sale continues!
Château de Vaudieu is owned and helmed by the dynamic Brechet family—in this case by Laurent (brother of Dom. Bosquet’s Julien). This is a family hell-bent on quality and the pursuit of perfection. The family purchased the property in the 1950’s in a state of disrepair and has gradually restored the historic Château to the prominence it held in the 18th and 19th centuries. The estate sits on a confluence of soils and the myriad of terroirs yield exemplary complexity in the wines, which are made by the all-star team of Laurent Brechet and Philippe Cambie. The wines show Cambie’s trademark style, with big, opulent fruit and power to spare. This is one of the truly elite producers in all of the Southern Rhone and it’s always a treat to offer you these wines.
Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape L’Avenue, Rhone 2016 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89, 24 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape L’Avenue is all Grenache sourced from a single parcel near the estate and aged 18 months in demi-muids. This deeply colored beauty boasts a huge perfume of black raspberries, blackberries, dried flowers, bouquet garni, and sandy/loamy soil notes. With a powerful, concentrated, structured style, incredible purity of fruit, and tons of tannin on the finish, hide bottles for 3-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape l’Avenue is entirely Grenache from the lieu-dit Vaudieu, aged in demi-muids. Loaded with black cherries, cedar and vanilla, it’s a full-bodied, plush sexpot of a wine. Velvety, intense, long and layered, this wine has it all. If only there were more than 350 cases of this elixir.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Intense, with a gorgeous core of crushed plum, boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors, inlaid liberally with fruit cake, licorice snap and graphite notes. Fruit pumps through the finish while a graphite edge lends support and a black tea hint checks in. Best from 2020 through 2040. 75 cases imported.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Glistening ruby-red. Powerful red and blue fruit, floral pastille, exotic spice and incense aromas pick up a smoky mineral nuance as the wine stretches out. Fleshy and expansive in the mouth, offering spice- and smoke-inflected raspberry, boysenberry, lavender pastille and succulent herb flavors and a touch of candied licorice. Finishes seamless, sweet and impressively long, with an echo of juicy red fruit and delicate tannins that add discreet grip.”
Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape L’Avenue, Rhone 2016 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89, 24 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape L’Avenue is all Grenache sourced from a single parcel near the estate and aged 18 months in demi-muids. This deeply colored beauty boasts a huge perfume of black raspberries, blackberries, dried flowers, bouquet garni, and sandy/loamy soil notes. With a powerful, concentrated, structured style, incredible purity of fruit, and tons of tannin on the finish, hide bottles for 3-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape l’Avenue is entirely Grenache from the lieu-dit Vaudieu, aged in demi-muids. Loaded with black cherries, cedar and vanilla, it’s a full-bodied, plush sexpot of a wine. Velvety, intense, long and layered, this wine has it all. If only there were more than 350 cases of this elixir.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Intense, with a gorgeous core of crushed plum, boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors, inlaid liberally with fruit cake, licorice snap and graphite notes. Fruit pumps through the finish while a graphite edge lends support and a black tea hint checks in. Best from 2020 through 2040. 75 cases imported.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Glistening ruby-red. Powerful red and blue fruit, floral pastille, exotic spice and incense aromas pick up a smoky mineral nuance as the wine stretches out. Fleshy and expansive in the mouth, offering spice- and smoke-inflected raspberry, boysenberry, lavender pastille and succulent herb flavors and a touch of candied licorice. Finishes seamless, sweet and impressively long, with an echo of juicy red fruit and delicate tannins that add discreet grip.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $106
Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape Amiral G, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Amiral G. is, as always, all Grenache brought up all in demi-muids. It’s unquestionably the most opulent, sexy, and expansive in the lineup, with overflowing notes of kirsch and blackberry fruits, incense, dried garrigue, and spice, full body, and no hard edges. Its incredible opulence and decadence are delivered with no sensation of weight or heaviness. This magical, thrilling beauty needs to be tasted to be believed. It’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for 15+ years or more.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “Like the l’Avenue, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Amiral G is 100% Grenache aged in demi-muids. Unlike the l’Avenue, the Amiral G is more about opulence and power. It’s full-bodied, ripe and plush, with impressive layers of black cherries, stone fruit, licorice and chocolate spice cake. Concentrated and chewy on the finish, it has all the ingredients for greatness—and it should get there relatively quickly, then drink well for at least a decade.-JC”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95-96 points “Lurid ruby-red. Assertive red berry and cherry liqueur aromas are complemented by building Asian spice, incense and vanilla accents. Concentrated and fleshy in the mouth, offering alluringly sweet raspberry, cherry pie, cinnamon and star anise flavors and hints of bitter chocolate and cola. Becomes more energetic with air and finishes with fabulous, floral-tinged persistence and velvety tannins that fold smoothly and quickly into the wine’s sweet, clinging fruit.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $102
Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape Amiral G, Rhone 2016 1.5L ($299.95) Was $219, Now $199, 2 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Amiral G. is based all on Grenache and comes from a single plot of very old Grenache vines (all rolled stone soils) that was destemmed and brought up in demi-muids. Just screaming “Grenache!” at the top of its lungs with its sweet bouquet of black raspberries, candied violets, baking spices, and crushed rock-like minerality, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness and density, a weightless texture, no hard edges, and awesome length. It’s a sensational, borderline perfect wine that has everything you want from a bottle of wine. Give it a year or three, and it’s going to cruise for 15+.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “This exemplary estate, owned by Laurent Brechet, has been on a roll. The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Amiral G, 100% Grenache aged in demi-muids, is a full-bodied, lush wine jammed with complex notions of tree bark, cola, allspice, anise and plummy fruit. At 15.4% alcohol, there’s plenty of power, but the wine never seems warm or heavy, instead feeling rich and velvety on the palate and ending long and spicy. With just 5,000 bottles produced, it may be tough to find, but it will be worth the search.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 96 points “Lurid ruby. A highly complex bouquet evokes red and dark berry preserves, candied lavender, sandalwood and smoky minerals, with Asian spice and vanilla notes in the background. Sappy and alluringly sweet, displaying palate-staining raspberry, boysenberry and spicecake flavors and slow-building florality. Shows impressive power on the sappy, penetrating finish, where the lavender and spice notes come back emphatically.”
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Back when the shop was in its old location, Hillaire was one of our two or three best-selling producers—there were stacks of those wines and they flew out the door by the case. They deliver exceptional value at each price level, from the entry level to the top end. We’ve been unable to source them for the last few years but are excited to bring them back in force.
Domaine Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Les Terrasses,’ Rhone 2016 750ML ($89.95) Was $69, Now $59, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Terrasses is a fine example of old-vine Grenache from a parcel of vines near La Nerthe. Rose petals and black tea accent pristine cherry and raspberry fruit in this full-bodied but silky-lacy, delicate wine. Long, briny and refreshing on the finish, it’s deceptively drinkable but undoubtedly packs a wallop.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Brilliant violet. Lively, mineral-accented red and blue fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of lavender and vanilla. Silky and energetic on the palate, offering concentrated raspberry and boysenberry flavors that deepen and become spicier as the wine opens up. Closes sweet, energetic and very long, displaying harmonious tannins and lingering smoke and red berry liqueur notes.”
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Domaine Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Petits Pieds d’Armand, Rhone 2016 750ML ($99.95) Was $79, Now $69, 7 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Petits Pieds d’Armand comes from a parcel of Grenache originally planted at the end of the 19th century in a sandy part of La Crau. It’s Hillaire’s flagship, and it merits its status this vintage, where it shines with raspberry fruit and layers of dried spice complexity. It’s full-bodied and rich yet silky, elegant and long on the finish, epitomizing the delicious contradictions that Grenache can present.”
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Vivid ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes red fruit preserves, spicecake and incense, and a minerally element adds urgency. Impressively energetic on the palate, offering intense raspberry, cherry compote and lavender pastille flavors that deepen slowly on the back half. The floral note repeats emphatically on the impressively long, youthfully tannic finish, which leaves a smoky mineral note behind.”
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The next best price is $85
Alain Jaume’s Domaine Grand Veneur is a trailblazer in Chateauneuf du Pape that continues to make some of the finest wines in the appellation. Year in year out they are some of the most dramatic, powerful and opulent bottlings made in the Southern Rhone, and the prices they charge make them a steal compared to their nearest competitors. The 2017 Vieilles Vignes is a must buy for anyone who appreciates a more modern interpretation of Chateauneuf du Pape.
Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocene Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) Was $39, Now $36, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocene Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($419.95) Now $385 (that’s only $32.08/bottle!)
Case-6 Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocene Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($249.95) Now $199 (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
Wine & Spirits 93 points “This is named for the period of time when the Rhone River sluiced its way from the Alps through Chateauneuf, leaving behind a plateau paved with the baseball-sized stones as the water retreated. Those “galets” are said to help the vines ripen their fruit in this northern sector of the appellation, the stones emanating the sun’s heat. This wine reflects both a spring-like coolness in its spicy, savory herbal notes and a warmth in its lush purple fruit. It’s spicy and firm, with a little bit of grip to the tannins that suggests this could benefit from aging in bottle for a few more years.”
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “The traditional cuvée at this great estate is the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Miocene, and in 2017 it’s a classic blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, brought up mostly in concrete (there’s a small amount in older barrels). It has a wonderful fresh, forward, delicious style as well as notes of black raspberries, garrigue, pepper, and hints of flowers. Pure, medium to full-bodied, upfront and ready to go, it’s a beauty geared for drinking over the coming 8-10 years.”
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Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $89, Now $75, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($499.95) Now $426 (that’s only $71/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a bigger, richer, more opulent wine. Beautiful notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed violets, all flow to a full-bodied, Châteauneuf Du Pape that has a voluptuous, sexy texture, brilliant depth of fruit, fine tannins, and a purity of fruit that’s hard to find in this vintage. It’s a thrill a minute, and while it’s approachable today, it will keep for 15-20 years. 416 cases.”
Wine & Spirits 96 points “The Jaume family has been growing grapes in Chateauneuf-du-Pape since 1826; they now own four Rhone wineries, including Domaine Grand Veneur, established in 1976. This wine comes off the estate’s oldest vines, a blend of half Grenache, the rest mourvedre, syrah and small bits of other varieties, all the parcels farmed organically. It’s a stunning wine, exuberantly fresh in its red-berry flavors while sophisticated in its detail, weaving in notes of licorice and pepper, flowers and wood spice. Even after the bottle has been open for a couple of days, the wine’s freshness doesn’t flag, the smooth, fine tannins holding it steady. This should age well for a decade at least.”
Decanter 96 points “Grown on galets, the fruit for this wine is all destemmed and fermented in stainless steel before being aged for 16 months, half in concrete and half in new barriques. The strong Mourvèdre component comes through as deep, ripe dark fruits and violets. It’s full-bodied and dense with soft, lush tannins, and is held together by a beam of strong acidity, finishing long. A lithe, muscular, impressive wine that will last the course. Just 5,000 bottles made.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $118
If you love big, powerful red wines and you’ve never had the top wines of Domaine de Fondreche, you need to rectify that situation now. These are some of the gutsiest, most expressive wines in the Rhone, with incredible critical praise and a price tag that’s equivalent to mid-tier CdP. From their mostly Syrah “Divergente” puts a lot of $80 Hermitage to shame. Because of the obscurity of Ventoux, these aren’t as expensive as they probably should be, despite a multitude of high scores and high praise.
Domaine de Fondreche Ventoux Divergente, Rhone 2016 750ML ($79.95) Was $66, Now $59, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Reminding me of one of the Sélections Parcellaires Hermitage from Michel Chapoutier, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was mostly destemmed and brought up in foudre. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, peppered meats, graphite, and liquid rock notes all flow to a fat, unctuous, sexy Syrah that has beautiful acidity, fine tannin, and a huge finish. It’s a true “Wow” wine that needs to be tasted to be believed. Put this in a blind lineup of top Hermitage and shock all your friends.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Less immediately showy and approachable than the 2016 Persia, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is tight and focused, deserving of a couple of years in the cellar. Smoke, black olive and plum notes dominate this full-bodied wine, picking up hints of espresso on the long, tannic finish.-JC”
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The average price nationally is $62
If there is a single producer from the Rhône that embodies incredible value, it is Saint Cosme. Whether the fruit hails from the Northern or Southern extremes of the valley, all of their wines over-perform.
Saint Cosme Cote Rotie, Rhone 2017 750ML ($79.95) Was $59, Now $55, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2017 Côte Rôtie is another satisfying, character-filled wine. Complex notes of blackberries, ground herbs, new leather, and violets flow to a medium to full-bodied, layered, complete, balanced Côte Rotie that’s going to shine for 10-15 years. It has some feral, wild notes as well as plenty of old-school character.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Saturated ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe, spice-tinged red and blue fruits, potpourri, violet and olive paste, and a smoky mineral nuance builds in the glass. Shows impressive depth and energy, offering sappy dark berry, cherry cola, spicecake and floral pastille flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Shows a welcome light touch for its heft and finishes on a gently tannic note, displaying fine delineation and mineral thrust.”
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Notes of smoked meat and cold fireplace mark the nose of Saint Cosme’s 2017 Cote Rotie. It’s medium to full-bodied, with a plush, seductive mouthfeel, supple tannins and a long finish. It should be a beauty.-JC”
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Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $82
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89, 11 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 96 points “Brilliant violet. Highly perfumed black raspberry and cherry liqueur aromas are accompanied by potpourri, mocha, vanilla and baking spice nuances, along with a smoky mineral flourish that builds in the glass. Juicy and appealingly sweet, displaying palate-staining red and blue fruit, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that show superb depth and a smooth, seamless texture. Deftly balances richness and vivacity and finishes extremely long and spicy, with smooth, harmonious tannins and a subtle echo of candied flowers and kirsch.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 points “Notes of camphor, dried soil, crushed rocks, and loads of red and black fruits define the 2017 Gigondas Le Claux, which is 100% Grenache from a site just down the road from the estate. I always find a certain Burgundian character in this cuvée and it’s certainly present in the 2017. With medium to full body, a beautiful elegance and purity, and fine tannins, give bottles a few years and enjoy over the following decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2017 Gigondas le Claux features deep blue and black fruit on the nose. It’s full-bodied in the mouth, with a generous, silky mouthfeel and an expansive, voluptuous finish that folds in hints of dark chocolate and salted licorice. All Grenache, from vines planted in the 19th century, it’s a terrific Gigondas.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $124
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($139.95) Was $109, Now $99, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “More closed and backward than either the Hominis Fides or Le Claux, the 2017 Gigondas Le Poste is nevertheless just as impressive and offers its hallmark purity and elegance paired with stunning richness and depth. Black and blue fruits, crushed rocks, graphite, and a beautiful violet character all define the bouquet. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it’s the purity of fruit and balance that set this beauty above just about every other Gigondas out there. Do your best to hide bottles for at least 4-5 years.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “More civilized than it was last year out of barrel, the 2017 Gigondas le Poste boasts lovely blueberry and cassis fruit. It’s full-bodied and intense yet silky and darn near elegant on the palate. Don’t underestimate the quantity of (ripe) tannins here, which provide a pleasant chewiness to the long, salted-licorice finish.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is packed with steeped fig, blackberry and boysenberry confiture notes, laced liberally with violet, anise, tobacco and lavender accents. Has enough grip through the finish to keep it honest, with tar and juniper notes adding spine and heft. A beauty. Best from 2020 through 2035. From France.—J.M.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Deep lurid ruby. Highly fragrant suggestions of ripe red berries, cherry preserves, exotic spices and candied flowers are accompanied by a smoky mineral element that builds steadily with air. Smooth and seamless on the palate, offering intense black raspberry, cherry cola, spicecake and candied lavender flavors that convey a suave mix of power and delicacy. Closes smooth, gently tannic and impressively long, leaving sappy red fruit and floral pastille notes behind.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
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The average price is $126
This is rich, textured and powerful while remaining resolutely dry. One for the table or for the cellar, it’s always a favorite.
Chateau de Manissy Tavel Cuvee des Lys Rose, Rhone 2019 750ML ($21.95) Was $18, Now $16, 5 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Brilliant orange color. Mineral-accented red berry and citrus fruit aromas are complemented by a sexy floral nuance. Concentrated and energetic in the mouth, offering juicy redcurrant, cherry and candied rose flavors that slowly turn sweeter on the mid-palate. The mineral and floral notes echo on a penetrating finish that hangs on with very good tenacity.”
Importer note “Grenache, Clairette & Syrah from clay, river rock and sandy soils. Biodynamic. Juicy raspberry, watermelon, crushed minerals and burnt sugar. Full body with a long finish… Entirely hand-harvested. Maceration of 12-24 hours to extract primary aromas. Fermentation with only indigenous yeasts at a very low temperatures over 2 days, then increased in temperature to 25°C for 7 days in order to increase the fruity taste. Aged in concrete tanks and stainless steel. Natural balanced acidity of about 3.6hg/L and PH of 3.5mg/L with less than 1gr/L residual sugar. This cuvée comes from a plot of 10 hectares that is enclosed by a forest.”
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The average price for all vintages is $20
After studying under Rene Rostaing, Francois Merlin planted his first vineyard in the late 1980s. Since then, he’s been meticulously caring for his tiny acreage and making exquisite if under-the-radar Rhone wines. Preferring to let the grapes speak for themselves, he ages the wines in mostly neutral oak and steel. These are fresh and vibrant wines that, coming from the warm 2018 vintage, are beautiful now with grippy tannins and balanced acids indicating a long life ahead of them, particularly the Cote Rotie and the Saint Joseph. The IGP Syrah is a winner and a staff pick for winter meals.
Domaine Francois Merlin Cote Rotie, Rhone 2018 750ML ($79.95) Was $54.50, Now $49, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Domaine Francois Merlin Cote Rotie, Rhone 2018 750ML ($479.95) Was $299, Now $279 (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Decanter 93 points “A very soft style, very ripe and juicy. Fairly tannic, but they’re ripe and yielding with flavours of black fruit coulis and touch of liquorice. It has fairly high alcohol with a saline finish – there’s freshness despite the very ripe fruit. This is a palate-coating, fairly opulent style but will be good when it’s ready – has length.”
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Domaine Francois Merlin Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2018 750ML ($39.95) Was $29, Now $26, 36+ bottles in stock now
Decanter 91 points “An approachable wine that has lifted cedar and incense on the nose. Very plush with soft fruits, slightly lacking in acidity perhaps, but it’s an authentic representation of the vintage, not overly corrected. Good natural sense to the fruit, it’s expressive, unrestrained. Not overly marked by oak spice. South-facing granite terroir, 70% of vines are 45-years-old, the rest are 15-years-old. All destemmed, 12 months in barriques and demi-muids, from 1 to 4 years-old.”
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Domaine Francois Merlin Syrah Broceliande, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes 2018 750ML ($79.95) Was $19, Now $17, 29 bottles in stock now
Staff pick! Shows dark fruit, spice, and warm iron on the nose. Leather and black cherries leads into gingerbread and dried cherries with air. On the palate, the wine is impactful with flavors of spice and black berries. The light astringency of the tannins and solid acidity keep everything in check. There’s an aroma of black tea, plum and dark chocolate on the finish. A fantastic wine to pair with roast meats, game, or ratatouille.
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Shop all 74 wines on our Spring Closeout Sale on our web store, including picks from Evening Land, Eisele, and Eden Specialty Ciders!
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