Tuesday Newsletter 9-26-17

Ramey’s Pedregal Vyd; Featured Premier Round: Three Way Face-Off; Staff Pick; Trending All-Stars – Our Most Popular, Popular Picks; A Portland Importer’s Exclusive: Xavier Vignon; Gramercy Cellars – New Releases from this Rising Star; Mini Mes – 375MLs of Cristom; Piedmont Picks: Winery-Released Back Vintages of Elio Grasso & Bonus Best-Priced Barbera from A&G Fantino; Late Breaking News: 2015 Pegau Cuvee Reservee!

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Best Price on the West Coast!

Arriving October 6th

Ramey Pedregal Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 2013 750ML ($199.95) $159 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard has turned out beautifully. It is also much more accessible young than I expected, despite its considerable size. Bright red stone fruit and pomegranate notes are pushed forward. There is plenty of tannin, but it is nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. There is plenty of stuffing and potential here.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $184

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Three Way Face-Off:

Grenache

Three regions, three producers, all masterful and strikingly different expressions of Grenache (or Garnacha)

Experience where the heights of Spanish mastery meet the long-ago influences of French craftsmanship with the Clos Erasmus bottling. Luis Gutierrez of the Wine Advocate writes emphatically that “The 2013 Clos Erasmus ranks among the best vintages ever produced, following the path of freshness and balance opened by the 2012, certainly the most elegant vintage to date. True to place and vintage, Clos Erasmus is better than ever.”

Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus, Priorat DOCa 2014 750ML ($219.95) $149 special
Wine Advocate 97 points “There is a little more Syrah in the blend of the 2014 Clos Erasmus, where it reached around 30% to complement the majority of Garnacha. As is the norm, the wine matured for some 18 months before bottling, with most of the volume in French oak barrels, 40% of which are renewed each vintage, but there are also one or two amphorae. I tasted it next to the 2013 and as the 2013 required so much attention, it took some time to get to the 2014. It showed a bit shy at first, but when I finally came back to it, I found that it had really blossomed with a mixture of violets, ground, smoky meat and black raspberries. The slight increase in Syrah was noticeable, but it somehow also seemed to increase the voice of the slate in the bottle. The palate is medium to full-bodied with terrible balance and elegance combined with inner strength. This is simply terrific. 3,000 bottles were filled at the end of May 2016.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $193

The Brunier brothers of Vieux Telegraphe and the irrepressible importer Kermit Lynch have revitalized the historic Domaine Les Pallieres estate. No serious Rhone drinker can doubt the craftsmanship behind their now thirty year run with the 500 year old estate. The estate’s renaissance is full of joy: a tradition that will be preserved into the future by passionate experts.

Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable, Rhone 2013 750ML ($49.95) $33 special
Case-12 Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable, Rhone 2013 750ML ($539.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Dark ruby. Candied red berries, cherry compote and potpourri on the highly pungent nose; a mineral element adds vivacity. Energetic black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors show excellent clarity and a hint of licorice pastille that builds as the wine opens up. The energetic finish repeats the floral and mineral notes, while supple tannins lend shape and grip.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “Offers a taut, slightly sinewy feel, with cedar-laced grip cutting through the core of dried cherry, red currant and raspberry flavors. Displays a lightly chalky spine on the finish, with an ample tobacco note.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39
The average price is $45

Quick? What easy-drinking red offers vibrant, cool-climate aromatics from 80 year old vines at insane affordability? Bernabeleva’s Camino! How can such bright and fresh aromatics be achieved from a typically full-bodied, tannic grape? It’s all about the terroir. Oh, and the winemaking, too. From high up in the Sierra de Gredox mountains, Marc Isart Pinos and rising star Raúl Pérez craft these utterly delicious cuvees. The Camino is the entry-level of the estate, but no less worthy of a place at the table.

Arriving Friday:
Camino de Navaherreros Garnacha, Madrid 2015 750ML ($19.95) $14 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros Garnacha, Madrid 2015 750ML ($219.95) $149 pre-arrival special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 90 points “The entry-level red 2015 Camino de Navaherreros is always produced with Garnacha from organically farmed vineyards in the zone of Navaherreros in San Martín de Valdeiglesias. It fermented in stainless steel with some 45% full clusters and aged in 5,000- and 10,000-liter oak vats for nine months. This is a very serious red Garnacha for the price asked, with an herbal touch, faint phenolic twist and no oak whatsoever, as well as a very balanced palate, refined tannins and the austere texture provided by the granite minerality. Very impressive. 33,000 bottles produced.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $15

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Staff Pick

Andy:
Some winemakers occupy such a specialized niche that it is difficult to imagine them trying anything new. Then there are producers like Michèle Aubèry-Laurent who has reinvented herself and her winery multiple times. You are never quite sure what to expect from these incredibly natural, very ripe wines. It is its own special brand of Syrah: not northern Rhone roasty, not a southern Rhone fruity. Perhaps the unpredictability, the refusal to fall into any one category is what keeps me coming back for more.

The 2014 Sierra du Sud is the perfect example of how Gramenon takes the ordinary and twists it into something powerful, yet balanced and elegant. From one of the northernmost points in the southern Rhone, high atop a limestone bench, the wine develops into a deep throated growl – spicy, wild, ripe with violets, blueberry, herb and olive notes. The structure of the wine has been changing nicely as well; tannins and blocky flavors are melding, becoming more flexible and unified. As with all of the Gramenon wines, there is no fining or filtration, and this lends to a wildness that will continue to develop; decanting carefully is advisable. It’s near perfect now, but the Sierra du Sud is definitely still changing, and this is that much more reason to keep opening another bottle.

These are the Gramenon wines we have in-stock now:

Gramenon Cotes Du Rhone Sierra Du Sud 2014 750ML ($34.95) $24.40 special, 36+ bottles available
Josh Raynolds 91 points “Deep ruby. A complex bouquet evokes musky red and dark berries, cherry pit, olive, dried flowers and pungent herbs. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering gently sweet raspberry, boysenberry, violet pastille and spicecake flavors that become livelier as the wine opens up. Pliant tannins give shape to a very long, spicy finish that features a lingering blue fruit note.”
Wine Advocate 91 points “A smokin’ southern Rhone is the 2014 Côtes du Rhône la Sierra du Sud, which is 100% Syrah, from 15- to 35-year-old vines, that was destemmed and aged in a combination of tank and barrels. Ground pepper, wild herbs, black cherries and the essence of blackberry fruit all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, ripe, layered and beautifully textured 2014. It has more depth and richness than most in the vintage and will keep for upwards of a decade.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $30

Gramenon Cotes Du Rhone La Sagesse 2014 750ML ($37.95) $27 special, 12 bottles available
Josh Raynolds 91 points “Vivid ruby-red. Potent, mineral-laced red berry liqueur and cherry aromas are complicated by suggestions of peppery spices and garrigue. Lively and alluringly sweet, offering juicy black raspberry and lavender pastille flavors that become deeper with air while maintaining vivacity. Fine-grained tannins build slowly on an impressively long, penetrating finish, which leaves behind suave spicecake and kirsch notes.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

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#TrendingAllStars

Wines You Picked

Again and Again!

Goodfellow Family Cellars Durant Vineyard Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2014 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2014 Chardonnay Durant Vineyard delivers an intense minerally/struck match and crushed stones nose over a core of lemon pie, orange blossoms and grapefruit plus hints of toasted almonds and brioche. Medium-bodied, very fresh and very fine, the palate reveals a gorgeous creamy texture and wonderful flavor intensity, with the citrus, savory and mineral flavors lingering long and multi-layered in the mouth.” –LPB

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Whistling Ridge Vineyard, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Whistling Ridge Vineyard, Ribbon Ridge 2014 375ML ($24.95) $19.50 special, 19 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2014 Chardonnay Richard’s Cuvee knocks it out of the park with a nose of ripe apricots, pink grapefruit and guava underscored by fresh ginger, baking bread, beeswax and yeast extract hints with a waft of jasmine. Medium-bodied, the palate is very elegant and refined, with incredible freshness and depth wrapped in a lovely satiny texture, finishing with long lasting mineral and spices layers. Wow!”-LPB
Winery note “Dry-farmed chardonnay from a 1-acre parcel at Whistling Ridge, hand-picked, whole-cluster pressed. After a brief period settling the wine is racked into large French oak vessels. Fermentation and elevage lasts about 21 months on the gross lees. The shallow marine sediment soils and windy environs at Whislting Ridge produce a Chardonnay that is mineral, deep and long with chalky citrus fruit.”

These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!

Bow & Arrow Hughes Hollow Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2015 750ML ($37.95) $28 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Bow & Arrow Hughes Hollow Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2015 750ML ($419.95) $299 special, 1 case in stock now (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
VinopolNote: Hughes Hollow is an own-rooted vineyard. Scott Frank works with the Pommard clone of Pinot in the Jory soils. In the 2015 vintage, he used 10% whole cluster. The wine shows savory notes of black tea and freshly turned earth, lightened by aromas of red fruits and green herbs.

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $37.99

Terlato Family Vineyards Angel’s Peak, Napa Valley 2009 750ML ($69.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 90 points “Soft and fleshy on entry, showcasing fine depth, focus, purity and a range of flavors, with crushed rock, red berry, spice and mineral notes that turn elegant and silky on the finish. Drink now through 2022.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next lowest listed price is $39.17!
The average listed price is $48!

Staff Pick!
Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Fidele Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2012) 750ML ($89.95) $59 special, 21 bottles available
Case-6 Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Fidele Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2012) 750ML ($479.95) $336 special, 3 six-packs available (that’s only $56/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The NV (2012) Extra Brut Fidele is another fabulous wine from Vouette & Sorbée. Here, the richness of Pinot Noir comes through loud and clear in the wine’s depth and overall richness. Creamy and beautifully layered throughout, the 2012 hits all the right notes. Red berry, mint, flowers, sweet spices and candy fill out the wine’s broad frame effortlessly. What a gorgeous wine this is. Simply put, the 2012 is a total knock-out.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Olivier Larochette Bourgogne Rouge Vieille Vignes 2009 750ML ($19.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Olivier Larochette Bourgogne Rouge Vieille Vignes 2009 750ML ($199.95) $138 special, 3 cases in stock now (that’s only $11.50/bottle!)
VinopolNote: It’s an old vine bottling from a small nego Olivier Larochette. Ruby red in color. Intense aromas of crushed black raspberry, fresh plums and violets with a light herbal note underneath that’s akin to Sencha tea. The rich aromas translate into rich initial flavors at the first sip with a lingering, zippy acidity and very fine tannins. The note of fresh red plums continues on the palate accented by toasted almonds and red raspberries. This would make a great pairing with roast chicken or caramelized onions.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

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Xavier Vignon

Portland is the not-so-sunny home of many under-the-radar importers. With the insane grower Champagne and sherry selections, impossible to find elsewhere mom & pop Piedmont/Tuscan picks and super-star super-scorers that never even have time to hit the shelves in NYC, we consider ourselves lucky to be surrounded by so many hidden gems. Allow us to let you in on one of our secrets: Phil Smith Wines. This long-time local importer has brought us some of the world’s greatest wines, including your favorite classic Rioja producer, Lopez de Heredia, and our best-selling budget-friendly picks from Bordeaux.

When Phil let us know about the Xavier releases he was bringing into town, we jumped at the chance. For those that may not know, Xavier Vignon has produced some of the top-rated wines to come out of Rhone (Grand Veneur’s 100 Point Châteauneuf-du-Pape VV 2010 and Raymond Usseglio’s 99 Point Cuvée Impériale 2010, to name a couple).

Few in the Southern Rhone can make wine like Xavier Vignon. Having studied at Montpellier’s prestigious winemaking school, and polished his skills in places like Napa, Bordeaux, and Australia, Xavier arrived in Chateauneuf in the late 1990s. He began buying specific barrels from some of his winery clients (Raymond Usseglio, La Gardine, Jerome Quiot, Beaurenard, La Nerthe, Mont Redon, Marcoux and Grand Veneur ) and blending his own line of wines. The wine world has thanked Xavier for his contribution, critics like Robert Parker continuously praise his signature bottlings, and we’re thanking Phil for giving us an unmatched opportunity that we can share with you.

Besides unquestionable skill, Xavier’s lineup also offers unquestionable value. The wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras, and Rasteau, for example, sing in their purest voices under the guidance of Xavier. His intuition and decades of experience as a Rhone winemaker pay off not just in 99-100 points, but likewise in his own brand of wines. These releases, all in the 90+ point range, are a fraction of what you’d pay for the wines Xavier makes as consultant.

Available here now from Xavier Vignon:

Xavier Vignon Cotes du Rhone S.M. NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The NV Côtes du Rhône S.M. is thrilling stuff. Made from equal parts Grenache and Syrah and aged half in concrete and half in barrel, it offers a full-bodied, voluptuous and decadent style to go with overflowing notes of plum and darker fruits, licorice and violets. Gorgeous on all counts, it’s a shockingly good Côtes du Rhône to drink over the coming 4-6 years, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see it last even longer.”

Xavier Vacqueyras, Rhone 2010 750ML ($31.95) $26 special
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2010 Vacqueyras was made from a somewhat unusual blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Mourvedre and 20% Grenache, most of it from the Plateau de Garrigue, near Sarrians in Vacqueyras. This rich effort reveals lots of forest floor, roasted herb, blackberry and cassis notes as well as a hint of acacia flowers. Impeccably pure, rich and long, it should drink well for 6-8 years.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Xavier Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2010 750ML ($47.95) $38 special
Wine Advocate 91+ points “Richer, fuller and denser is the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape, which is composed of 65% Grenache and the rest equal parts Mourvedre and Syrah. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by abundant notes of black fruits, licorice, lavender, Provencal herbs as well as a meaty richness.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Xavier Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Reserve VII IX X NV 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Advocate 96 points “While I reviewed this NV Châteauneuf du Pape La Reserve VII IX X (a blend from the 2007, 2009 and 2010 vintages) last year, I was able to taste it again this go around, and it still blew me away. Fabulously full-bodied and decadent, with loads of lavender, incense, black raspberry and cured-meat nuances, it’s still youthful and vibrant, with notable freshness and purity. Enjoy this brilliant wine through 2028.”

Xavier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Anonyme X 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 95+ points “The powerful, rich 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme reveals an off-the-chart level of extract, lots of glycerin (nearly 16% natural alcohol) and copious black cherry, blueberry, forest floor, lavender and graphite characteristics. This full-throttle red requires 3-4 years of cellaring and should keep for two decades.”

Xavier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Anonyme X 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The top wine of the estate, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme is a hidden gem in the vintage! A blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Counoise and Vaccarese, from 90-year-old vines and aged in one-third new barrels (although you wouldn’t know it), it possesses fabulous notes of blackberry and currant fruit, big minerality, roasted meats and leather. Full-bodied, with beautiful freshness, big tannin and a layered, thrillingly concentrated mid-palate, it will be better in another year or two, and have over 15 years of longevity. Drink 2015-2026.”

Xavier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Anonyme X 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The top wine from the portfolio, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme offers thrilling purity and focus in its lively dark fruits, roasted meats and underbrush-scented bouquet. Full-bodied, ripe and textured, with fantastic polish and sweetness to its tannin, it has a supple, forward feel, yet will easily evolve for 10-15 years.”

We offer 123 different red wines to choose from in-stock now from the Southern Rhone – check out the full list on our web store!

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Gramercy Cellars

A Washington Rising Star

Arriving Friday

Since 2005, Gramercy Cellars has made a fine reputation for itself. Ask the critics. It’s no coincidence that owner/winemaker Greg Harrington also happens to be a Master Sommelier. Once he had tasted his first Walla Walla wines, he knew where to pursue his passion. Today, Gramercy produces 8,000 cases of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Mourvedre, blended and single-varietal. The winery purchases fruit from local growers who share Harrington’s taste for balanced, fruit-driven, cellar-worthy wines. Oak is kept to a minimum to let the Walla Walla terroir shine through. If you haven’t heard of Gramercy yet, welcome to one of Washington’s rising stars.

“My goal is to make wines the kind I like to drink, lower alcohol, higher acid, wines that taste like they came from some place.” -Greg Harrington

Gramercy Cellars John Lewis Reserve Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2014 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95 points “Notably more fresh and lively than the Lagniappe Syrah, the 2014 Syrah John Lewis is a pretty, perfumed effort that has classic notes of blueberries, spice box, lavender and olives. Medium to full-bodied, structured and tannic, it has nicely integrated acidity, a beautiful mid-palate and a great finish. Forget bottles for 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade.”

Gramercy Cellars ‘Lower East’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2014 750ML ($37.95) $27 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 91 points “Coming from the Columbia Valley, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Lower East from Gramercy is a polished, classy Cabernet Sauvignon that has lots of spice box, black currants and dried herbs in a supple, rounded, delicious and textured style. It’s ideal for drinking over the coming 5-7 years.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $32

Gramercy Cellars Lagniappe Syrah, Columbia Valley 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94 points “A big, powerful example of this cuvee, the 2014 Syrah Lagniappe comes from the Red Willow, Forgotten Hills and Minick vineyards and is 100% Syrah. It offers a deep, rich bouquet of smoked herbs, cured meats, blackcurrants and pepper. This is followed by a powerful, tannic red that has full-bodied richness, plenty of mid-palate depth and a big finish. I was surprised by the tannin in this cuvee and it showed quite a bit differently (more fresh and lively) from barrel. Nevertheless, it’s a serious wine that need 2-3 years of bottle age.”

Other Great Picks Arriving Friday

Your Favorite Under-the-Radar Cali Producer:

Bucklin Bambino Old Hill Ranch Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley 2012 750ML ($27.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Winery notes: “Established in 1852 near the town of Glen Ellen, Old Hill Ranch is one of California’s oldest vineyards. Our “Bambino” comes from a 10-acre block we planted on Old Hill in 1998. This young vine field-blend is patterned after the ancient vine field-blend for which Old Hill is known. The wine is a blend of several grape varieties – principally Zinfandel, but also Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouchet and Grenache to name a few…Grapes were harvested on the early side resulting in lower alcohol and higher natural acidity. The fermentations were relatively cool and long, a result of the use of indigenous yeast without any nutrient or water additions. Pressing occurred after 15 days on the skins. The wine was bottled March 2014 after 20 months aging in neutral French oak barrels.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $22.99

Spanish Super Deal – White Wine for the Table

Adela Algueira Brandan Godello, Ribeira Sacra 2015 750ML ($19.95) $14 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(all stainless steel) Pale onion skin. Vibrant citrus and orchard fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of white flowers and dusty minerals. Juicy, incisive and energetic on the palate, offering bitter pear skin and Meyer lemon flavors and a hint of tarragon. Becomes deeper with air and finishes with very good clarity, power and a lingering floral note.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

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Mini Mes

375ML Single Vineyard Pinots

Three Littles that Go a Long Way

Arriving Friday

Cristom Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2013 375ML ($34.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Bright red. Tightly wound red berry and Asian spice aromas pick up a suave floral nuance with air. Silky and precise, offering energetic raspberry and bitter cherry flavors with a touch of star anise. A suave, seamless Pinot with no excess weight. Closes tangy and very long, with silky tannins and lingering spiciness.”

This is the only listing in the USA today for the 375ML!

Cristom Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2013 375ML ($34.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Ruby-red. Highly perfumed scents of dark berries, cola and rose oil. Fleshy, expansive black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors display a suave blend of richness and energy, picking up a spicy character with air. Finishes juicy and very long, with lingering dark fruit flavors and slow-building tannins.”

This is the only listing in the USA today for the 375ML!

Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2013 375ML ($39.95) $27 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Exotic, highly expressive aromas of raspberry liqueur, Asian spices, cola and smoky minerals, with a suave floral overtone building in the glass. Sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering intense red and dark berry and spicecake flavors given spine by juicy acidity. A distinctly elegant, seamless Pinot Noir with superb finishing energy; the gentle tannins are quickly absorbed by the wine’s vibrant fruit. A standout of its vintage.”

This is the only listing in the USA today for the 375ML!

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Piedmont Picks

Two Classic Vintages

One Classic Producer

In 1979, Elio Grasso left his lucrative banking job to produce wine from his family’s old farm. Under Aldo Conterno’s guidance, he converted the farm into a winery and went on to become one of the highest regarded winemakers in the region. His style straddles the traditionalist and modernist camps. His son, Gianluca, followed in his father’s footsteps shortly after to become winemaker. He has produced the Runcot since its creation in 1995 from the Gavarini vineyard. We’re pleased to announce two new offers of Runcot from two of Piedmont’s finest not-too-recent vintages!

Arriving October 6th

Elio Grasso Runcot, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2006 750ML ($159.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “The 2006 Barolo Riserva Runcot is a huge, structured wine bursting at the seams with fruit. The French oak (100% new) is beautifully integrated. Today the wine is understandably quite reticent but its pedigree is hard to miss. Flowers, licorice and minerals linger on the finish. The 2006 Runcot needs time, most likely lots of it. Let me just say I can’t wait to taste this powerhouse once it has had more time in bottle. It is a dazzling effort.”

Elio Grasso Runcot, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2008 750ML ($169.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2008 Barolo Riserva Rüncot is an exceptional wine that is only made in the best years. It was produced in 2008, 2010 and 2013. The wine undergoes a 40-day maceration time with four years in oak and one more year of bottle aging. The results are sublime and generous. Riserva Rüncot opens to a beautifully tempered and expressive bouquet that exhibits elements of wild berry, forest floor, candied fruit, licorice, cola and dried ginger. The balsamic signature is particularly beautiful and elegant. Smooth and silky tannins denote the mouthfeel and carry the wine forward over the palate. This is one of the top releases from Piedmont this year.”
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2008 Barolo Riserva Runcot is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Smoke, tar, licorice, menthol, plums and spices form a tapestry of undeniable class. The sweet, perfumed fruit typical of the 2008s here is evident in the glass. A rich, sumptuous wine, the 2008 Runcot is fabulous. The 2008 spent 45 months in new French oak, all of which it has handled with superb grace. Even though the Runcot is one of the few Barolos that handles new French oak this well, once again I wonder what it might taste like if aged like the rest of the Grasso Barolos. Dark red/black fruit, spices, new leather and smoke add the last nuances of complexity.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $138

Bonus Best-Price Deal!

Alessandro & Gian Natale Fantino Vigna dei Dardi Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2014 750ML ($21.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Alessandro & Gian Natale Fantino Vigna dei Dardi Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2014 750ML ($249.95) $175 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14.58/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 91 points “Fantino’s 2014 Barbera d’Alba emerges from 70 year-old vines in the heart of Dardi. Sweet red cherry, plum and smoke are some of the signatures. The 2014 was vinified and aged in steel, so it needs time in the glass to blow off some of its slight elements of reduction, but it is a pretty special wine. This is one of the more compelling, alluring 2014 Barberas I have tasted so far.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $19.98

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Late Breaking News:

2015 Pegau Reservee Pre-Arrival

ETA February 2018

Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee, Rhone 2015 750ML ($89.95) $75 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Réservée is beauty, and about as classic an expression of this estate as I can recall. Blackcurrants, peppery herbs, roasted meats and garrigue all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, balanced, nicely concentrated 2015 that has ripe tannin and a great finish. It’s not on par with the 2010, 2009 or 2003, but it should surpass the 2012 and have two decades or more of longevity.”

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Thank you for reading!