Vinopolis February 17 Newsletter

Taittinger Champagne Brut La Francaise NV ($57.95) $36 special
John Gilman 91+ points “The new release of Taittinger’s Brut ‘La Francaise’ is a lovely wine that seems to me to be a touch drier in dosage than has been the case in the last few years, and is even better out of the blocks as a result. The lovely nose is a blend of green apple, lemon, bread dough, stony minerality and a nice touch of smokiness in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, young and zesty, with a fine core, very elegant mousse and excellent mineral drive on the long, clean and focused finish. I really like the new version of Brut la Française, which should age very well and offer up quite sophisticated drinking right from the outset. High class non-vintage Brut. 2013-2030.” (08/13) – 91+ Pts John Gilman – View from the Cellar

Westrey Wine Company Chardonnay Reserve 2012 ($29.95) $24 special

Elemental Cellars Pinot Noir ‘Farrar’ 2012 ($29.95) $26 special

Araujo Eisele Vineyard Syrah 2010 ($249.95) $189 special
Robert Parker 96 points “Another standout, the 2010 Syrah Eisele Vineyard is drop-dead gorgeous. A bevy of black olives and plums burst from the glass in an explosive wine loaded with varietal nuance and sheer power. The cooler vintage brought out the best. This is a marvelous, totally compelling wine endowed with massive concentration and depth. The addition of 3% Viognier and a small amount of stems add complexity. Black fruit, tobacco, savory herbs, licorice and menthol are layered into the brooding finish.”

Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 ($449.95) $379 special
Robert Parker 98 points  “Araujo’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is a picture perfect example of the year. Vibrant, precise and beautifully chiseled, the 2010 boasts serious depth and concentration. The aromas and flavors are incredibly vivid in this textured, dazzling Cabernet Sauvignon. Hints of dark blue and black fruit, mocha, espresso and grilled herbs flesh out on the huge finish. Today the 2010 is unusually open, but it is almost certain to shut down in bottle over the next 6-12 months. The 2010 is a super-classic Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon from Araujo. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2035”

Savart Bulle de Rose NV ($59.95) $44 special
Savart Calliope Extra Brut 2007 ($79.95) $59 special
Savart L’Annee Extra Brut 2009 ($69.95) $51.90 special

Nicolas Potel Macon Villages 2012 ($17.95) $14 special
Nicolas Potel Bourgogne Rouge 2012 ($17.95) $14 special

Lucien Le Moine Chassagne-Montrachet Abbaye de Morgeot 2011 ($139.95) $119 special
Antonio Galloni 92-94 points “The 2011 Chassagne-Montrachet Abbaye de Morgeot leaves an impression of Pinot-like depth. A broad-shouldered, intense wine, the 2011 boasts tons of class and potential. The flavors remain quite floral and bright, but with plenty of underlying structure. This is going to be a fascinating wine to follow.”

Lucien Le Moine Meursault Charmes 2011 ($139.95) $125 special
Antonio Galloni 92-95 points “Bright beams of minerality run through the 2011 Meursault Charmes. This is without question one of the more focused, structured and tight Charmes of the year. The 2011 boasts remarkable polish in its flavors and texture. A rich, insistent finish rounds things out nicely. There is plenty of potential here, but readers are going to have to be patient.”

Lucien Le Moine Meursault Genevrieres 2011 ($149.95) $133 special
Steven Tanzer 92-94 points “Orange oil and a hint of fresh pineapple on the nose; reminded me a bit of a German riesling.  Intensely flavored and glyceral too, with sneaky sweetness leavened by ripe pineappley acidity.  Very tactile, superconcentrated wine with broad shoulders (Saouma describes it as “a red wine made from chardonnay”) and a seriously palate-saturating finish.  These 60-year-old vines always maintain very good acidity, notes Saouma.  Exciting potential.”

Lucien Le Moine Puligny-Montrachet Folatieres 2011 ($149.95) $133 special
Antonio Galloni 91-94 points “The 2011 Puligny-Montrachet Folatieres is going to need serious time to come together. Today, it is the wine’s persistence and textural finesse that stand out most, even if all the elements haven’t fully come together just yet. There is a lot to look forward to here. It will be interesting to see if the wine retains the powerful personality that is on display today, or if further time in barrel tames some of the exuberance.”

Lucien Le Moine Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2011 ($249.95) $219 special
Antonio Galloni 93-96 points “…the 2011 Clos de la Roche has an expressive bouquet with lifted raspberry, crushed strawberry and red currant notes that blossom in the glass. The palate is very well-defined on the entry with crisp red fruit, cold stones, citrus fruit and a touch of black currant. The acidity is very well-judged, the finish sophisticated and beautifully poised. Excellent.”

Lucien Le Moine Latricieres-Chambertin  Grand Cru 2011 ($299.95) $279 special
Burghound 92-95 points “Don’t miss!-Noticeable but not prominent oak frames restrained, cool and stony red pinot fruit scents that complement perfectly the textured, mineral-inflected and notably taut medium full-bodied flavors brimming with dry extract on the explosive and energetic finish that is finer than that of the Charmes. There is plenty of underlying tension and I very much admire the balance and obvious class though note that patience will be required.”
 

Lucien Le Moine Chenas 2011 1.5L ($149.95) $133 special
David Schildknecht 92-93+ points “…it mingles striking wisteria perfume with scents and flavors of blueberry, pomegranate, black raspberry and smoked meat. Mouthwateringly salt-tinged and with crystalline suggestions of stony counterpoint, its infectiously juicy primary fruit informs a silken-texture palate and strikingly vibrant and persistent finish.”

Domaine de Montille Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2011 ($199.95) $179 special
Stephen Tanzer 91-93 points “(vinified entirely with whole clusters; 40% new oak):  Good full red.  Lovely high-pitched aromas of black cherry, blackberry, licorice and violet.  Deep, sappy and vinous, with an enticing savory/sweet quality to the intense flavors of wild dark berries, violet and graphite.  Finishes with firm-edged tannins, a very primary medicinal black cherry note, and lovely floral lift.  This will need at least four or five years of bottle aging.  Chef de cave Sieve noted that the domain owns parcels on either side of the tower in Clos Vougeot, with part of its vines located in a frost pocket that was hit hard in December of 2009.”

Domaine Trapadis Rasteau Rouge Tradition 2012 ($19.95) $16 special

Domaine Demeure-Pinet Vin des Allobroges Jonquieres 2012 ($14.95) $10.90 special

Le Dolci Colline Prosecco NV ($14.95) $11.90 special

Signorello Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 ($99.95) $71.90 special
Robert Parker 93 points “Signorello’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc) exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as sweet notes of cedar, black currants and spice box, medium to full body, and good acidity and purity. Accessible now, it is capable of evolving for 15+ years.”

Signorello Estate Padrone Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 ($169.95) $119 special
Robert Parker 95 points “Signorello’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc) exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as sweet notes of cedar, black currants and spice box, medium to full body, and good acidity and purity. Accessible now, it is capable of evolving for 15+ years.” “The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Padrone (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) boasts a blockbuster nose of blackberries, blueberries, camphor and acacia flowers. Sweet tannins and a wonderful sucrosity and ripeness on the palate conceal some serious structure. This pure, long, full, rich wine possesses lots of black fruits as well as an impressive finish that lasts nearly 45 seconds. It should be consumed over the next 15-20 years.”

Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2006 1.5L ($219.95) $149 special
Robert Parker 95 points “The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is big, dark and juicy. There is an element of wildness that runs through the wine. Graphite, licorice, tar and smoke are just some of the nuances that add complexity. The 2006 boasts superb purity from start to finish. Elements of fleshiness give the impression the 2006 might drink well relatively early, until the massive tannins set in. Floral notes add freshness on the finish. This is another fabulous wine from Randy Dunn. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036.”

Palazzo Cabernet Franc Napa 2008 ($79.95) $44 special
Robert Parker 92 points “The 2008 Cabernet Franc, a wine Palazzo seems to have a Midas’ touch with, has a deep bluish/ruby/purple color. Notes of cedar wood, spice box, bay leaf, black currant and black cherry fruit jump from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, elegant, ethereal wine. It displays good ripeness and moderately sweet tannin. It should be better in 2-3 years and evolve for 12-15+.”

Kalin Cellars Semillon 2000 ($39.95) $29 special
Robert Parker 93 points (in December 2013) “Even better, the 2000 Semillon is a blend of 75% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc with some of the Semillon coming from 100-year-old vines. The wine was fermented in French oak for ten months and bottled without filtration in August, 2001. It displays a light gold color as well as aromas of wet gravel, honeysuckle, candle wax, orange marmalade and earth. Full-bodied, exceptionally fresh, rich and long, this remarkable white wine should drink well for 10+ more years.”

Amuse Bouche Proprietary Red Napa 2009 ($299.95) $149 special
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2009 Amuse Bouche is laced with freshly cut flowers, sweet spices and expressive red berries. Today, I find the 2009 beautifully expressive, with gorgeous aromatics, layers of fruit and lovely overall balance. This is a decidedly feminine, refined style, but it all works nicely. Layers of fruit continue to blossom through to the structured, powerful finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.”

Au Sommet Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak Napa 2009 ($299.95) $149 special
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2009 Au Sommet is a bit lighter on its feet than the 2008. Sweet, silky tannins frame the fruit. Unlike the 2008, the 2009 is not particularly wild or exotic. Instead, it is a wine that stands out for its textural finesse and understated personality. This mid-weight, gracious Cabernet Sauvignon should be cellared for another year or two and enjoyed over the following decade. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024”

Taz Chardonnay Santa Barbera 2008 ($17.95) $6.60 special
Wine Enthusiast 90 points  “With this 2008, Taz brings to the table a wonderful Chardonnay at a great price. It’s dry and crisply acidic, with bright, perky flavors of oranges, peaches, Meyer lemons and smoky vanilla. Really nice and clean, a lovely wine and a good restaurant by-the-glass selection.”

Alta Vista Atemporal Red Mendoza 2007 ($21.95) $9 special
Wine Spectator 90 points “Dark and juicy, with plum, boysenberry, raisin and fruitcake flavors backed by dark cocoa and enticing cigar smoke notes. The finish is long and fleshy. A fun, hedonistic wine. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot.”

Leo Alzinger Gruner Veltliner Steinertal Smargd 2011 ($69.95) $49 special
Falstaff report 96 points “(translated) Bright Green Yellow. Fine yellow peach fruit, delicate orange flavor, mineral touch, multi-faceted bouquet, succulent, very elegant texture, fine stone fruit touch, balanced, underlaid with a finesse acid structure remains very good stick, mineral finish, very good from an inspiring transparency, aging potential”

Tempier La Tourtine Bandol 2010 ($79.95) $49 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Densely packed, with a brooding feel, offering plum eau-de-vie, kirsch and blackberry paste notes held in check behind a wall of charcoal, loam and singed rosemary sprig. Features ample, fine-grained grip, revealing a mouthwatering sanguine echo at the very end. Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault. ”

Domaine Tempier Cuvee Cabassaou Bandol 2010 ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “The pure, solid core of kirsch and blackberry pâte de fruit is studded with rosemary, bitter plum, ganache and anise notes. This slowly yields to extra juniper, iron and sanguine accents that play out through the long, layered finish. This needs time to unwind fully. Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Best from 2017 through 2020.”

Faiveley Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses 2010 ($69.95) $49 special
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Bright green-tinged yellow.  Sexy, precise aromas of orange marmalade and flowers.  Broad and minerally on the palate, with orange and peach fruit flavors complicated by a creamy quality and a menthol element.  Finishes fine-grained, high-toned and very long, at once sweet and dry.  I picked up a note of botrytis here.”

L. Aubry Champagne Brut Premier Cru NV ($44.95) $33 special
Case-12: L. Aubry Champagne Brut Premier Cru NV $359 special (That’s just under $30 / bottle)
Josh Raynolds 91 points “(45% pinot meunier, 25% pinot noir and 25% chardonnay, with the rest arbanne, petit meslier and fromenteau; disgorged in April, 2013):  Bright straw.  Pungent aromas of Meyer lemon, pear and fig, with a gingery accent adding lift.  Sappy, penetrating citrus fruit and floral flavors are given a refreshingly bitter character by notes of pear skin and peach pit, with a waxy note coming up on the back half.  A smoky nuance lingers on the finish, which shows very good clarity and length.  Fifty-five percent of this blend is from 2010 and the rest is reserve wines, mostly from a solera that was begun in 1998.”

Piollot Champagne Cuvee de Reserve Extra-Brut NV ($39.95) $27  special
Rowland Piollot is a 5th generation grower in Polisot, Cotes des Bar. A zealot in respect to organic practices, and literally married to Champagne- his wife is Dominique Moreau, she of Marie-Courtin acclaim. This wine is nicely balanced in all respects; the light touch on dosage (extra-brut) adds a verve to the richness inherent in a 50% Pinot Noir blend from the relatively warm Cotes des Bar, in the southern reaches of the Champagne Appellation.

A.Margaine Champagne Premier Cuvee Le Brut NV ($49.95) $36 special
Josh Raynolds 90 points “(90% chardonnay and 10% pinot noir; bottled in July, 2013 after 26 months on its lees):  Bright straw.  Fresh melon and peach on the nose, with a dusty mineral quality adding complexity and lift.  Juicy honeydew and pit fruit flavors are concentrated and energetic, picking up bitter quinine and toasty lees notes with air.  Finishes with good focus and lingering floral and spice qualities.”

Christian Moreau Les Clos des Hospices, Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2011 ($119.95) $75 special
Antonio Galloni 94-96 points “Expressive yellow stone fruits, spices, graphite and subtle French oak flow from the 2011 Chablis Les Clos Clos des Hospices. Hints of slate, smoke and oyster shells come to life on the beautifully delineated finish. There is great energy in the glass, but this is an infant. Here, too, I have a slight preference for the 2011 over the 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2013+.”

Trimbach Pinot Noir Reserve Alsace 2009 ($29.95) $17 special
Here is a wine for Pinot Lovers with a distaste for wood barrels. None at all used here. An earthy-spicy expression of Pinot Noir. Will pair well with anything along the poultry-pork-veal-lamb spectrum, and also a red selection to accompany spicier Asian foods.

Trimbach Riesling Clos Sainte Hune 2005 ($249.95) $179 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “In its aromas of lime, apricot, narcissus, chalk dust, red currant, and musk, the 2005 Riesling Clos Ste-Hune is surprisingly a bit more open and expressive than the Frederic Emile. On the palate this exhibits amazing, chalky density, firm citricity and a satiny, slippery, glycerin-rich texture. Tart red berry, pungent citrus zest, and quarry dust dominate in a finish that is unsurprisingly unyielding but promisingly long. Only time can reveal this wine’s true degree of superiority to the Frederic Emile, and the latter might well nip at its heels indefinitely! ”

Domaine Maume Mazi-Chambertin Grand Cru 2007 ($199.95) $99 special, only 12 bottles
Burghound 90 points “Traces of crushed herbs and cassis add depth to the spicy and elegant yet sauvage nose, which is admittedly an interesting contrast in character. The rich, full and intense flavors offer good if not exceptional size and weight though there is a taut muscularity to the mineral suffused finish that coats and stains the palate…”

Selbach- Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese* 2010 ($59.95) $39 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “Honeysuckle, lily and heliotrope; apple and white peach essences ravishingly scent the Selbach-Oster “one-star” 2010 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese*, then reconvene on a creamily-textured yet insistently juicy palate that conveys an irresistible sense of tenderness, delicacy, caress, yet at the same time vibrancy. The savor of browned butter, salt, and deep nut oils here are like catnip to the salivary glands. This glorious epitome of its great site finishes with extraordinary, multi-layered, and in the end almost ethereal persistence. The berries here were still largely green-gold, freckled, but only delicately (“perhaps 20-25%”) botrytized, relates Johannes Selbach, and this seems to me entirely recognizable in the glass. I would hope to follow and be spoiled by some of the 2,000 liters of this for the next quarter century.”

Donnhoff Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spatlese 2010 ($49.95) $33 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “Cherry blossom, lily, and peony scent Donnhoff’s 2010 Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spatlese, persisting on the palate accompanied by succulent white peach and refreshing lime. As with this year’s Kabinetts, here is buoyancy and elegance along with a lusciously-lingering, kissed-stone finish. Look for at least 15 years of delight.”

Donnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett 2010 ($34.95) $21.90 special
Wine Advocate 91 points “Enhanced levity to Donnhoff’s 2010 Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett, even when compared with the corresponding Krotenpfuhl, may well be the effect of these vines’ literally slate underpinnings. In any event, this displays a lovely hint of creaminess allied to refreshment, and features a dynamic finishing interaction of fresh lemon and grapefruit, herbs, and wet stone. I would anticipate 12-15 years of high-performance.”

Selbach-Oster Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Beerenauslese 2006 375ml ($119.95) $79 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “A racy style, sporting lime, dried apple and peach flavors. Has a glycerol texture and finishes cleanly. There’s a lot packed into the slim frame. Drink now through 2032. 140 cases made”

Produttori dell’ Barbaresco Rio Sordo Barbaresco Riserva 2008 ($59.95) $39 special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “this riserva from the legendary Rio Sordo vineyard offers intense underbrush aromas of truffle, pine forest, leather and balsamic notes. The palate has a core of juicy black cherries layered with cinnamon-spice and shows plenty of depth” Wine Spectator 92 points “Graphite and mineral aromas and flavors turn into cherry, licorice and sandalwood in this muscular, savory red, which is pungent and dense, with a tight-grained finish. Racy. Best from 2015 through 2027.” Wine Advocate 92 points “A picture perfect example of site, the 2008 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is classic Rio Sordo. Medium in body, it possesses a sweet, open bouquet and a relatively medium-bodied personality next to the rest of the wines in this range. A long, pointed finish rounds things out nicely. Overall, the 2008 is a pretty, nuanced wine with lovely detail, precision and class,…”

Castello di Ama Chianti Riserva 2008 ($41.95) $30.90 special
Stephen Tanzer 92+ points “Good medium-deep red.  Black cherry, redcurrant, licorice and menthol aromas are lifted by a floral element that carries through on the palate. Flavors of dark cherry, licorice and underbrush are complicated by a tarry quality.  Finishes suave and smooth, with harmonious tannins and good subtle, spicy length.  I was impressed by the purity of the sangiovese fruit, given the fact that the wine also includes cabernet franc and merlot components; chalk up another winner to the dynamic duo of Lorenza Sebaste and Marco Pallanti.”

Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino 2008 ($59.95) $36.60 special
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino sweeps across the palate with superb richness and depth. Dark cherries, plums, spices, tobacco and menthol blossom as the wine opens up in the glass. A decidedly large-scaled, dramatic wine for the year, the 2008 impresses for its pure resonance and rich, enveloping finish. This is one of the most rewarding 2008s to drink upon release, but it should also age well for a number of years.”

Altesino Brunello di Montacino Riserva 2007 ($89.95) $59 special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Pungent with balsamic and macchia underbrush aromas, this distinctive red also features cherry, leather and tobacco notes. The supple texture is offset by firm yet ripe and refined tannins. Excellent length.” James Suckling 95 points “Fine wine with fabulous aromas of tangerines and peaches with plums. So aromatic. Full body, with super polished tannins and a long, long finish. Drink or hold.”

Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico Reserva 2007 ($59.95) $44 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is all about energy and sheer power. The Montefico is quite virile, even in this vintage, with a certain austerity in the tannin that will require time in bottle to soften. Dark red fruit, leather, anise and spices are some of the notes that wrap around the insistent, pointed finish. There is plenty of nuance here, but not the early appeal of the year. This is a great showing, but readers will need to be patient.

Marziano Abbona Barolo Terlo Ravera 2007 ($79.95) $39 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2007 Barolo Terlo Ravera is a little more reserved than the Pressenda. It comes across as rather inward, with lovely definition in its sweet red fruit, mint and floral notes. The Terlo Ravera impresses for its length and energy rather than for its sheer power. It, too, is dazzling, though, and should drink well for a number of years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”

Cerbaiona di Diego Molinari Brunello di Montalcino 2005 ($149.95) $89 special
Antonio Galloni – Vinous 93+ points “Succulent red cherries, dried roses, violets, tar and spices are some of the many notes that are woven together in the 2008 Brunello di Montalcino. Intensely perfumed, the 2008 shows many of the classic Cerbaiona signatures, even if it is a touch less polished than some of the recent vintages. At the same time, the 2008 has come together nicely over the last few years, so it will be interesting to watch what happens with further time in bottle. Dried rose petals and spices add complexity to the subtle, layered flavors. This is one of the stronger wines of the year.”

Bodegas Cepa 21 “Hito” Ribera del Duero 2010 ($17.95) $10.90 special
Josh Raynolds 90 points “Bright ruby.  Pungent aromas of cherry, dark berries, licorice and mocha, with a subtle note of cracked pepper in the background.  Juicy, penetrating bitter cherry and cassis flavors unfold to show a richer plummy character.  Closes smoky and long, with gentle tannins and lingering spiciness.” 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo).

Dominio Pingus Flor de Pingus Ribera del Duero 2011 ($99.95) $69 special
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2011 Flor de Pingus demonstrates wonderful purity on the nose, perhaps more feminine and wily than the 2010 with luscious raspberry, blackberry and forest floor notes. The palate is full-bodied with filigree tannins and a little more volume than the 2010. It seems generous and very supple at this early juncture with a caressing, peppery finish that is extremely well focused. There 2011 has awesome potential and I cannot wait to taste this after two or three years in bottle.”

Alvear Fino en Rama Sherry 2004 ($19.95) $9.90 special
Wine Advocate 90 points “It was aged for two years in 500-liter American oak barrels. This non-fortified, unfiltered Sherry is loaded with flor (the yeast that forms a film on the surface of sherry during fermentation) and reveals aromas of roasted nuts and sea salt. Round and full-flavored on the palate, this lengthy effort is a superb example of its type.”

Bodega Riojanas Monte Real Rioja Gran Reserva 1998 ($59.95) $39 special
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Dark red with a pale rim. Pungent, spicy nose shows pure cherry, redcurrant and plum complemented by succulent herbs, vanillin oak spice and a hint of dried flowers. Supple, lush and deep, with sweet red fruit flavors framed by gentle, harmonious tannins. Fleshy and sweet on the back end, with impressive concentration and focus. This should age well.”

Pocas Junior Vintage Port 2009 ($59.95) $41.90 special
Wine Spectator 95 points #20 Top 100 2012 “Elegant, with a deep purple color and complex, refined flavors of dark currant, ginger, blackberry and dark plum. Boysenberry and licorice notes chime in as well, lingering on the suave and silky finish. Fruity and complex. Best from 2016 through 2034.”

Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2012 ($12.95) $7.50 special
Case 12: Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2012 $79 special (That’s $6.583 / bottle)
Wine Spectator 88 points “Offers a lightly roasted feel, with an espresso frame and notes of ganache, steeped plum and blackberry fruit hanging through the finish, where white pepper flickers”

FX Pichler 2012
Pre-arrival specials  –  here in March

FX Pichler Klostersatz Gruner Veltliner Federspiel 2012 ($39.95) $33 special Falstaff 91 points
FX Pichler Frauenweingarten Gruner Veltliner Federspiel 2012 ($39.95) $33 special Falstaff 92
FX Pichler Urgestein Gruner Veltliner Smaragd 2012 ($44.95) $36 special  Falstaff 93 points
FX Pichler Loibenberg Gruner Veltliner Smaragd 2012 ($59.95) $47 special Falstaff 94-96 point
FX Pichler Loibner Steinertal Gruner Veltliner Smaragd 2012 ($59.95) $49 special Falstaff 93-95 points
FX Pichler Durnsteiner Liebenberg Gruner Veltliner Smaragd 2012 ($69.95) $55 special Falstaff 92-94
FX Pichler Kellerberg Gruner Veltliner Smaragd 2012 ($89.95) $79 special Falstaff 94-96 points
FX Pichler Gruner Veltliner M Smaragd 2012 750ml ($109.95) $89 special

FX Pichler Loibner Burgstall Riesling Federspiel 2012 ($39.95) $33 special  Falstaff 92 points
FX Pichler Oberhauser Riesling Smaragd 2012 ($49.95) $39 special Falstaff 93 points
FX Pichler Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd 2012 ($69.95) $59 special Falstaff 94-96 points
FX Pichler Steinertal Riesling Smaragd 2012 ($69.95) $59 special  Falstaff 93-95 points
FX Pichler Kellerberg Riesling Smaragd 2012 ($109.95) $89 special Falstaff 95-97 points

Produttori Barbaresco Riserva Pora 2008 ($69.95) $44 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Playing true to type, the 2008 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is another of the more open wines in this vintage. But that is only in relative terms. Layers of expressive red fruit, crushed flowers and spices flesh out in this radiant Barbaresco. In most vintages the Pora is one of the more accessible of the Riservas when young. The close proximity of the vineyard to the Tanaro River results in a warm microclimate that ripens the fruit earlier than elsewhere. In 2008, though, the Pora packs a serious punch. The coolness of the late harvest comes through in a finish laced with considerable tension and minerality. This is easily one of the very best Poras I have ever tasted from the Produttori.”