January 27, 2014
Jump Start Sale
Burghound 94 points “A reticent, backward and exceptionally earthy nose reluctantly displays the aromas of red pinot fruit and crushed plums. The rich, full-bodied and overtly muscular flavors possess outstanding size and weight before culminating in an extract-rich finish where the tannins are buried yet quite tactile. This offers simply knockout depth and despite the huge size, it is impeccably balanced but this is in all likelihood a 20+ year wine so if you buy it, be prepared to forget it in the back of your cellar.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA
Wine Spectator 91 points “Has presence and depth, with a sharp, tangy edge to the blackberry and black cherry flavors, picking up steely and minerally notes as the finish lingers. Best from 2015 through 2020. 900 cases made. ”
Ransom ‘Jigsaw’ Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2012 ($17.95) $14 special
Lundeen Pinot Noir ‘Mon Pere’ Willamette Valley 2012 ($21.95) $17 special
Walter Scott Pinot Noir ‘Cuvee Ruth’ Willamette Valley 2012 ($31.95) $27 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Even better and a prodigious Cabernet Sauvignon that’s up there with the best Washington has to offer, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Champoux Vineyard is made all from Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged in 83% new French and American oak. Red and black fruits, wild herbs, cedar, lead pencil and toast are just some of the nuances that emerge here, and the palate boasts stunning richness, medium to full-body and solid underlying tannic grip that emerges on the finish. Still holding onto the overall elegance of the estate, this is a great Cabernet that will shine for 15+ years.”
Raveswood founder, Joel Peterson’s personal project to save Heritage Old Vines. 35% Carignane, 20% Petite Sirah, 18% Zinfandel, 13% Mourvedre, 9% Alicante Bouschet, 5% Barbera. Winery notes “Dark, rich, full flavors ignite your senses with blackberry, black cherry, plum, cardamon, resolving into a delicious, smooth, satisfying finish.” Vinopolnotes- all true! And we’ll add that while it is full flavored as described, it is not a heavy wine; rather pleasing mid-weight.
Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2006 ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Enthusiast 95 points
Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2007 ($119.95) $89 special
Burghound 93 points “A toasty, expressive and highly complex nose of pain grillé, green fruit and dried rose petal leads to rich, full, well-muscled and impressively intense full-bodied flavors that possess plenty of dry extract that really coats the mouth on the long and serious finish. This is very Corton-Charlemagne in character and one that should reward mid-term cellaring.”
Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2008 ($119.95) $99 special
Burghound 92-94 points “An upper register and highly complex nose of green apples, white pear and citrus notes introduces almost painfully intense, pure and impressively powerful big-bodied and overtly muscular flavors that possess an almost aggressive minerality on the palate staining, tension-filled and driving finish. This is really a striking wine that is built to age as there is an abundance of dry extract. Gorgeous.”
Chenin Blanc; and like most all Loire 2011s it is on the fruity side. But well balanced with Chenin’s typical peach, salted butter, and spice notes.
Joel Payne 94 points “Alluring floral aromas, with apple blossom, cinnamon and pine nuts adding complexity. The delicate texture of peach fruit is paired with an understated acidity that gradually swells with mineral salts on the palate. Well-balanced and ethereally spicy but still somewhat withdrawn, this is a stunning spätlese and one of the best of the vintage.” But here is the rub: the above review was published in Stephen Tanzer’s IWC as applying to Christoffel’s 2012 Erdener Treppchen Spatlese. Which it could not possibly be, because Christoffel did not make an Erdener Spatlese in 2012. In fact, the winery insists that our Urziger Wurzgarten was the wine tasted. Mr. Payne remarking on ‘ethereally spicy’ would seem to confirm that. Any case, if he was talking about Christoffel Jr Spatlese 2012, he was talking about our Urziger.
Wine Spectator 94 points “Cedar, tobacco and spice hints frame dried cherry, berry and vanilla notes in this silky red. The flavors mingle nicely, framed by juicy acidity and light but firm tannins. The wine has a lovely, weightless intensity. A fine example of the traditional style. Drink now through 2020.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The lovely 2009 Barolo Camilla opens to characteristic Nebbiolo aromas of wild berry, dried mint, licorice tar and pressed rose. The wine is elegant and feminine overall with fine, silky tannins at the rear. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025”
Monchiero Barolo Rocche del Falletto Riserva 2006 ($39.95) $30.90 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Distinctive and alluring aromas and flavors of flowers, dried cherry, leather and licorice are matched to an elegant profile. There’s a firm, underlying structure, and this lingers with dried berry, leather and tobacco notes. Best from 2014 through 2028. 275 cases made.”
Vietti Barolo Castiglione 2009 ($49.95) $37 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2009 Barolo Castiglione delivers a radiant but subdued quality with polished notes of dry mineral, black fruit, tar, licorice, leather and many more levels of complexity. This entry-level Barolo demonstrates that great results are achieved in 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”
Burlotto Barolo 2009 ($49.95) $39 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2009 Barolo is a great introduction to the wines of this historic estate. Plums, black cherries, menthol, licorice and sweet herbs all emerge from a layered, totally sensual Barolo loaded with class and pure personality. A bit juicier than normal, the 2009 offers lovely persistence and mid-palate pliancy all the way through to a creamy, expressive finish laced with sweet tobacco, herbs and cedar. There is a lot to like here.”
Elvio Cogno Barolo Ravera 2006 ($59.95) $44 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2006 Barolo Ravera is darker, richer and more sensual than the Cascina Nuova. Layers of dark fruit intermingled with sweet balsamic nuances of cloves, pine and menthol flow effortlessly from the Ravera. The richness of the density matches the tannins step by step all the way through to a sensual, inviting finish that begs for another taste. This, too, is a superb effort. Ravera isn’t usually considered one of the very finest sites for Nebbiolo in Barolo, but in Cogno’s hands the fruit seems to reach an unprecedented level of finesse and elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026.”
Burlotto Barolo ‘Acclivi’ 2009 ($59.95) $47 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Another gorgeous wine, the 2009 Barolo Acclivi is one of the more delicate wines here, its considerable depth notwithstanding. Freshly cut flowers, mint licorice and spices are backed up by serious weight, which is quite unusual for the Acclivi. As readers can tell from this note, the Acclivi is a wine of beautiful contrasts. Firm, dusty tannins frame an insistent, beautifully articulated finish. In 2009, the Acclivi impresses for so many things, most importantly a sense of balance that is elusive in this vintage.”
Conterno Fantina Barolo Vigna del Gris 2004 ($99.95) $49 super special
Stephen Tanzer 93+ points “Good full red. Wonderful floral precision to the aromas of wild red fruits, mocha and smoky oak. Sweet, pure and primary, with terrific definition to the fruit-driven flavors of cherry and raspberry. Enticing floral, truffle and mineral notes add complexity to this classy wine. Finishes with lush, fine-grained tannins and terrific building length.”
Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero 2009 ($59.95) $51.90 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Burlotto’s 2009 Barolo Vigneto Monvigliero is exceptional. A creamy, totally layered Barolo, the Monvigliero stands out for its texture. The use of whole clusters in fermentation – highly unusual in Piedmont – gives the 2009 a sense of aromatic lift and brightness that is quite welcome in this hot vintage. An intriguing mélange of tar, licorice and dried flowers leaves a lasting impression. The Monvigliero isn’t for everyone as sometimes it can be a bit eccentric, but in 2009 all the elements come together with impeccable grace. There is little doubt this is one of the wines of the vintage.”
Aldo Conterno Barolo Bussia 2009 ($69.95) $55 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2009 Barolo Bussia is a magnificent wine that makes a bold opening statement thanks to the high caliber and intensity of its bouquet. Power and sheer determination set the wine on course smoothly over the palate and the quality of the tannin is firm and tense. The wine presents fruit characteristics of dried cherry and cassis that are not too obvious but are soon followed by delicate tobacco, Indian spice, cola, tar and licorice. It’s a picture-perfect young Barolo for 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”
Montepeloso A Quo Toscana Suvereto 2011 ($24.95) $17.70 special
Antonio Galloni 90 points “Once again, Montepeloso’s entry-level A Quo is fabulous. I expected to find a rich, powerful wine given the year, instead the 2011 A Quo is fresh, vibrant and beautifully delineated. Hints of raspberry jam, rose petals and sweet spices literally jump from the glass. The 2011 is best enjoyed over the next few years, while the fruit remains vibrant. This is a terrific showing from proprietor Fabio Chiarellotto.”
Felsina Chianti Classico 2010 ($24.95) $19 special
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2010 Chianti Classico is beautiful, pointed and articulate. Sweet red berries, anise, flowers, spices and licorice are some of the many notes that flow from this gorgeous Chianti. The freshness and vibrancy are pure 2010. The Chianti Classico is 100% Sangiovese aged in a combination of casks and smaller French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020.”
Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino 2007 ($39.95) $27 super special final 18 bottles
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino wraps around the palate with layers of rich, seductive fruit. There is plenty of expressiveness in the glass, even if the wine loses some of its persistence on the mid-palate and finish. This is a tasty, approachable Brunello that should drink well right out of the gate. The 2007 spent three years in Slavonian and French oak casks. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.”
Vitanza Brunello di Montalcino Tradizion 2007 ($49.95) $28 super special
James Suckling 93 points “Rose petals and plums on the nose. Full body, with round and chewy tannins and a ripe finish. Tannic, yet polished texture. Give it two to three years of bottle age. This wine is clearly better in 2007 than 2006”
Montepeloso Eneo Toscana Suvereto 2008 ($44.95) $33 super special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2008 Eneo literally sparkles on the palate with vibrant red fruit, freshly cut flowers and spices. It shows remarkable tension and delineation all the way through to the resonant finish. This is a striking wine in every way. Floral notes reappear on the finish, along with iron, smoke and ferrous notes, all of which add considerable complexity. This is a dazzling effort from proprietor Fabio Chiarellotto. It is composed of 40% Montepulciano, 35% Sangiovese, 15% Marselan and 10% Alicante Bouschet. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. Fabio Chiarellotto has done a fabulous job with his 2008s. The Eneo in particular remains one of the best -priced wines from Tuscany’s Maremma.”
Felsina Fontalloro 2008 ($49.95) $37.50 super special
Case-12 Felsina Fontalloro 2008 ($49.95) $399 super special (that’s $33.35 / bottle)
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2008 Fontalloro is the yin to the Rancia’s yang. It is also characteristically beautiful, open and expressive at this stage. Layers of sweet red fruit, flowers and spices blossom effortlessly from the 2008 Fontalloro. The intensely saline finish that is present in the Rancia is found in Fontalloro as well. I am usually not the biggest fan of Fontalloro, but there is no denying the superb pedigree and sheer class of the 2008. This is a wonderfully, sophisticated, polished wine from Felsina. In 2008 the slightly drier microclimate at Fontalloro vis-a-vis Rancia is the main reason this wine is such a huge success in 2008. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2026.”
Wine Spectator 92 points, Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Inky ruby. Pungent, heady aromas of black raspberry, cola, incense and potpourri. Smells like a head shop, with notes of patchouli and star anise coming up with air. Taut and focused, offering spicy red and dark berry flavors and a strong suggestion of cracked pepper. Livelier than the excellent 2006, with strong finishing cut and spicy persistence. These grapes were not destemmed. ”
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.”
Stephen Tanzer 91+ points “Green-gold. Yeasty and rich, with powerful pear and white peach aromas and pungent notes of toasted bread and sweet butter. Very fresh and clean, with lively citrus-dominated flavors, a hint of candied pear and gentle, enlivening acidity. This gained richness and weight with air, finishing on a ripe note of orchard fruit.”
Burghound “A classic Chablis nose features notes of sea breeze, green fruit and oyster shell that can also be found on the riper and more complex middle weight flavors that are delicious, intense and nicely detailed, all wrapped in a finish brimming with plenty of Chablis character…”
Stephen Tanzer 91+ points “Lemon cream, vanillin oak and hazelnut on the nose, with a hint of citrus peel. A step up in intensity over the foregoing wines, with very good structure and depth. This juicy wine shows a youthful austerity that’s refreshing for the vintage. Aged half in tank and half in barrel (just 1 out of the 20 barriques was new).”
Burghound 89 points
“Here the elegant, floral and slightly herbal fresh and pure red and blue fruit nose introduces intensely mineral, vibrant and supple medium-bodied flavors that possess plenty of verve on the complex, balanced and harmonious finish. A Lavaut of finesse and refinement.”
The next best listing is $204
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…”
The next best listing is $174.09
Nicolas Potel Gevrey-Chambertin 2006 ($59.95) $29 special
Burghound “An unusually pretty and expressive nose of airy red berry fruit nuanced by touches of earth, underbrush, stone and only a trace of the sauvage slides into rich, full and attractively intense flavors that culminate in a moderately firm and only slightly rustic finish. This is not overly complex but it’s certainly delicious.”
Selbach- Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2009 ($49.95) $29 special
Wine Advocate 92 points
“The Selbachs’ 2009 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese smells complexly of spiced apple, lily, narcissus, sassafras, musk, and white raisin. It may give up something in elegance, refinement, textural allure, or finishing juiciness vis-a-vis typically exemplary performances chez Selbach of this site and degree of ennoblement, but it offers a dynamic, interactive multiplicity of flavors with pungent penetration and exotic intrigue. Look for 20-25 years of fascination.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA
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.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA
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.”
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Antonio Galloni 94+ points ” The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum has more focus and nuance than the 2009. A big, broad-shouldered wine, the 2010 develops beautifully in the glass as the fruit fleshes out. Firm tannins frame a core of super-ripe fruit. The Annum is made almost exclusively from hillside fruit. It is also the ripest of the Ramey Cabernets and that overtness strikes me as a bit over the top, as the Annum often lacks the precision of the best Ramey wines. ”
Ramey Pedegral Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 ($219.95) $199 pre-arrival special only 6 bottles available
Robert Parker 98 points “As usual, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard is a fabulous effort. The debut vintage of this cuvee was 2004, which is still quite young (I recently rated it 95). From the Oakville appellation, it is aged in 100% new Taransaud barrels, but sadly, only about 260 cases are made. The 2010 boasts beautiful notes of fruitcake, espresso roast, chocolate and black currants in its complex, full-bodied, concentrated, multi-dimensional personality. There is a huge up-side to this beauty as the tannins have not yet fully resolved. Give it another few years of bottle age and drink it over the following two decades or more.”Ramey Rodger’s Creek Syrah 2010 ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
Robert Parker 98 points “The 2010 Syrah Rodger’s Creek Vineyard flirts with perfection. From a cold, windy site planted on volcanic soils, the Syrah was co-fermented with 9% Viognier and aged 27 months in new French oak. A stunning perfume of bacon fat, bouquet garni, acacia flowers, black raspberry jam and kirsch moving toward black currants and blackberries is followed by a complex, gorgeously proportioned, opulent, full-bodied Syrah. It should drink well for a decade. This killer wine priced at $60 competes with a Cote Rotie costing $350-$500 a bottle.”
Ramey Syrah 2011 ($41.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “Ramey’s 2011 Syrah is flat-out gorgeous. In this vintage, the Syrah includes the Rodgers Creek fruit, so it is more varietal than is typically the case. Savory herbs, dried flowers, black cherries and black pepper are some of the many notes that flow through to the finish. Quite simply, the 2011 is an extraordinary wine in its price range.”
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana 2010 ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special ends Friday
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “Isole e Olena’s 2010 Cepparello is magnificent. In particular, I admire the way the wine fleshes out in all directions, with seemingly endless layers of dark, mineral-infused berry, plum and pomegranate notes. A primal wine in need of significant cellaring, the 2010 is easily one of the highlights of the year. Bright, saline notes support the precise finish. Today, the 2010 is naturally quite backward and undeveloped, but it should be a gem in another 5-10 years. This is an especially dark, structured Cepparello built for the cellar. The 2010 brightens up with time in the glass, but it remains one of the darker, more brooding wines made in the estate’s history.”
Savart Champagne Brut Millesime 2008 ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special very limited supply
Savart Champagne Brut Dame de Coeur 2008 ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special very limited
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2008 Ecueil Premier Cru La Dame de Coeur is striking. Rich and beautifully expressive to the core, the 2008 blossoms in all directions with huge resonance and depth. The broad shoulders of the Montagne de Reims come through in spades in an enveloping, layered Chardonnay loaded with class and personality. White flowers, lemon, pastry and chalk add complexity on the sculpted, delineated finish. All the elements are in gorgeous balance. Barrel fermentation no doubt adds volume, but the oak is barely perceptible, if at all. There is a purity to the fruit that is striking. This is a fabulous showing from Savart. The 2008 was fermented and aged in barrel, then spent 54 months on its lees prior to being disgorged. Dosage is 2 grams/liter.”
Bereche Vallee de Marne Rive Gauche Extra-Brut NV (2009) $79.95) $59 pre-arrival special very limited
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The NV (2009) Extra Brut Rive Gauche (Pinot Meunier) shows the pure structure of this site in its big, broad-shouldered frame. The aromas and flavors take on decidedly bright overtones that at times recall Chardonnay. Hints of lemon peel, raspberry, candied orange and licorice linger on the exotic, beguiling finish. Focused and exceptionally beautiful, the Rive Gauche is another drop-dead gorgeous 2009 from Raphael Bérèche. Here, Chardonnay takes on certain Pinot-like flavors and body, with hints of smoke and chalk that add complexity on the close. This bottle was disgorged in December 2012. Dosage was 3 grams per liter.”
Vouette et Sorbee Rose Saignee de Sorbee Extra-Brut NV (2010) ($109.95) $89 pre-arrival special limited supply
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Another drop-dead gorgeous beauty, Vouette et Sorbée’s Extra Brut Saignée de Sorbée is insanely beautiful. Crushed flowers, tobacco, mint and dried cherries waft from the glass in an eccentric, nuanced Champagne loaded with personality and class. The Saignée de Sorbée is unquestionably wild and unique, but it is also compelling. Readers who want to explore the wines of Vouette et Sorbée might want to start here, or with the Fidèle.”
Prelude to a Kiss?
V-Day Special / Now to Feb 14
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Stephen Tanzer 90 points “(made from 51% chardonnay, 39% pinot noir – about a quarter of which is still red wine – and 10% pinot meunier; disgorged September, 2011): Pale orange. Bright, mineral-accented aromas of orange peal, brioche and white flowers, with a spicy topnote. Silky and open-knit, offering tangy citrus fruit and red berry flavors and a hint of toastiness. Closes smooth, fruity and long, with good breadth and clarity.”
The average price in the USA is $51
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Henri Boillot Volnay 2010 ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Burghound 90 points ‘Outstanding top value’ “This is more aromatically reserved with an elegant nose of red and dark pinot fruit, earth and an interesting note of smoked tea. There is even more refinement to the mouth feel of the lightly mineral-infused medium-bodied flavors that possess a dusty and rather serious finish of impeccable balance and persistence. This may be labeled as a villages but it’s easily of 1er quality.”
Faiveley Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers 2011 ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer 92-94 points “Good bright, full red. Knockout perfume of raspberry and rose petal offers an element of lift that I associate more with Clos Saint-Jacques. Then sappy and vibrant in the mouth, with outstanding purity and salty intensity to the flavors of red fruits and blood orange. Utterly fine-grained premier cru with perfectly harmonious acidity. The very long, rising finish features terrific floral, mineral lift. A great Cazetiers in the making.”
Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes 1995 ($299.95) $249 pre-arrival special, original cases, cellar released
Neal Martin Wine Journal 95-97 points “Tasted at the chateau. O.K. – I think this is better than the 1990! Intense hue. Brilliant expressive apricot/orangey nose with tonnes of botrytis. Unctuous and fat. Slightly lower in acidity than other vintages. Very concentrated with an incredibly intense finish.”
Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou Saint Julien 2009 ($399.95) $359 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 100 points “The 2009 Ducru Beaucaillou will eclipse the brilliant wines produced in 2005, 2003 and 2000. It will be interesting to see how the 2009 fares against the 2010 after twenty years of aging, but my money is on the 2009. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot that achieved 13.5% natural alcohol, this inky purple, unctuous wine possesses classic aromas of graphite, creme de cassis, blueberries, violets, licorice and Christmas fruitcake. Full-bodied and intense with Ducru’s inimitable elegance and purity, it should firm up in the bottle after 7-10 years of cellaring and last for 40-50 years. Magnificent!”
Chateau Leoville Barton Saint Julien 2003 ($229.95) $179 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 98 points “Intense blackberry and cherry, with hints of currant. Toasted oak and sweet tobacco too. Roses and other flowers, such as lilacs. Full-bodied, with masses of tannins yet incredibly long and seductive. Best after 2012.”
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Time to Say Goodbye
Wine Advocate 92 points “With striking clarity and lift welcome in the present context though typical for the very best wines of its vintage, Huet’s 2008 Vouvray Moelleux Le Haut-Lieu smells almost like Gewurztraminer in its evocation of litchi and bacon fat, rose petal, pear and quince. Opulently rich and subtly creamy, its salinity and bright citricity keep it invigorating, and it finishes with admirable refreshment and perspicuous floral and mineral complexities alongside of ripe, honeyed quince and pear. ”