June 9, 2014
Keep reading for almost arrival deals from great producers
including Gaja and Penfolds!
Jump Start Sale
Yes, more Champagne
Bollinger Champagne Brut Special Cuvee NV ($69.95) $47 jump start special
Wine Spectator 94 points “A rich, smoky Champagne, with hints of marzipan and fennel seed accenting honeyed malt, bread dough, baked apple and gingersnap flavors. It’s all focused by intense acidity, which meshes beautifully into the layers of flavor and refined texture, with a lingering finish. Drink now through 2021.”
The average listed price is over 30% higher- $62 / bottle
USA-OREGON
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Vineyard Chardonnay 2012 ($27.95) $24 special
Evesham Wood Gruner Veltliner 2013 ($17.95) $16 special
Marty Red Blend 2011 ($17.95) $14 special
60% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
USA-CALIFORNIA
Lieu Dit Melon de Bourgogne, Santa Maria Valley 2013 ($24.95) $20.90 special
Lieu Dit Chenin Blanc, Santa Ynez Valley 2013 ($29.95) $24 special
Lieu Dit Cabernet Franc, Santa Ynez Valley 2013 ($31.95) $28 special
Beaulieu Vineyard BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2010 ($119.95) $79 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points (Wine Advocate) “[$125 list] The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Freshly cut flowers, mint, spices, licorice and graphite all burst from the glass as the 2010 shows off its personality. While some of Beaulieu’s 2010s are ripe and flashy, the Georges de Latour is wonderfully fresh and alive in the glass, not to mention absolutely classic in feel. Graphite, violets and pencil shavings linger on the close. The 2010 has captured every bit of the potential I sensed last year. Drink: 2016-2030. (Nov 2013)”
Robert Parker 93 points “[$125 list] The strongest vintage since the 2007 is the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour. This beautifully ripe wine boasts a dense ruby/purple color along with abundant notes of cassis, kirsch, cedarwood, foresty and background vanilla notes, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and moderately high tannins. Given the richer fruit concentration, the tannins are easily balanced and do not interfere with currant drinkability or the potential for the wine to be cellared for two decades or more. (Oct 2013)”
Wine Spectator 93 points “[$125 list] Delightfully pure and flavorful, with generous plum, blueberry and blackberry notes, framed by solid yet friendly tannins. Most impressive on the finish, where the flavors sail on. Best from 2014 through 2025. (11/15/13)”
FRANCE-BURGUNDY
Domaine du Ch. De Chorey Beaune Les Cras 2005 ($89.95) $79 special
Stephen Tanzer 92+ points “Bright, deep red. High-pitched aromas of blackberry, blueberry, minerals, licorice and violet. Densely packed and sweet, with very good mineral lift to the deep dark berry flavors. This really spreads out impressively on the back end, finishing with broad, fine tannins, hints of smoke and leather and lingering sweetness. A structured Beaune wine that needs time. Germain noted that his father used to age his Beaune crus in 70% to 100% new barrels, but that he has cut back dramatically on the use of new oak-to 30% in the case of the 2005s-for fear of ‘covering the fruit.’”
Domaine du Ch. De chorey Beaune Les Teurons 05 ($89.95) $79 special
Stephen Tanzer 91+ points “Bright, full red. Sexy aromas of dark raspberry, leather, game, iron and spices. Suave on entry, then juicy and pure in the middle; this appears to be in the process of shutting down. An intensely flavored wine with a serious tannic spine and noteworthy finishing energy. All of these 2005s were destemmed but this comes across as quite spicy. I like this…”
Domaine Faiveley Gevrey-Chambertin 2010 ($59.95) $42 special
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “Light colored and fruity, this is all about red fruit—its structure and firm tannins coming out slowly. This village wine demonstrates the richness of the appellation, showing a fine balance between its ripe fruit and its smoky, dry, tannic core.”
Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal, Pauillac 2010 ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate & Stephen Tanzer 91 points “The finest Haut-Bages-Liberal I have tasted in many years, this sleeper of the vintage exhibits a blue/purple hue as well as projected aromatics of blue and black fruits, spring flowers and subtle background oak. Full-bodied with moderately high tannins, a layered mouthfeel and a long finish, it should be at its best between 2017 and 2035.” WA
Chateau Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Leognan 2010 ($249.95) $199 special
Wine Advocate 98 points “Deep plum/purple, Haut-Bailly’s 2010 required some coaxing to appreciate its subtle notes of barbecue smoke, lead pencil shavings and creme de cassis as well as its touches of pomegranate and forest floor. The oak is pushed far into the background and the tannins are extremely silky, but the intensity of the wine is profound and the finish lingers for close to 55 seconds. This wine is ripe yet delicate, powerful yet stylish, and essentially resembles a remarkable fashion design from a house of haute couture. This wine needs a good 7-8 years of bottle age and should keep for 40-50+ years.”
FRANCE-CHAMPAGNE
Dom Perignon Brut 2004 ($179.95) $149 special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2004 Dom Pérignon continues to develop beautifully. A vibrant, focused Champagne, the 2004 clearly reflects the personality of the year. Freshly cut flowers, white peaches and pears are woven together in a Champagne that impresses for its focus and energy. Chiseled saline note support the crystalline finish. I imagine the 2004 will always remain relatively bright and linear, but at the same time, each time I have tasted it over the last two years the 2004 seems to have a little more body and broader shoulders. The 2004 will appeal most to readers who find the 2002 and 2003 too exuberant. There is a lot to like in the glass.”
Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Brut 2004 ($79.95) $59 special
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Vintage Champagne is always the ultimate expression of a producer. This shows the approachable character of Moët wines, while adding intensity and complexity. It is taut and minerally, with a spiced apple note and nervy acidity. It’s now ready to drink, but it also has good aging potential.”
Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Brut Rose 2004 ($89.95) $59 special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This serious, ripe offering is packed with red berry and stone fruit flavors. It also has complex touches of toast and acidity, producing a sense of dryness. This is finely balanced and is now ready to drink, but it will also likely age for a few more years.”
Domaine Rouge-Bleu Cotes du Rhone Mistral 2011 ($29.95) $16 special
M. Chapoutier Saint-Joseph Les Granits Rouge 2011 ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “Another stunner is the 2011 St.-Joseph Les Granits. It’s made in a forward, accessible style and offers up gorgeous blackberry, crushed flowers, toasted bread, licorice and background meatiness to go with full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. Already approachable, with knockout complexity and loads of fruit, it should drink nicely over the coming 10-12 years.”
Domaine Andre Neveu Sancerre Le Grand Fricambault Rose 2013 ($27.95) $20.90 special
Domaine Lafond Tavel Roc-Epine Rose 2013 ($21.95) $18 special
FRANCE-JURA
Jean Francois Ganevat ‘Sul Q’ NV 375ML ($99.95) $89 special
Importer note “A ‘sélections des grains nobles’ of Savagnin though SGN is not officially recognized in the Jura. 250 grams RS.”
Jean Francois Ganevat Savagnin Les Vignes de Mone Pere Ouille 2003 ($179.95) $149 special
Distributor note “From Savagnin Vert vines, planted in 1930 on the blue marl of the Chalasses site. Aged 8 to 11 years (there are three releases of the wine during the process) in cask and topped up regularly. A very big, deep wine with slight oxidative notes, even though it is ouillé (meaning the foudres or tanks are regularly “topped up” to prevent oxidation).”
Jean Francois Ganevat Cuvee Prestige Savagnin, Cotes du Jura 2010 ($89.95) $79 special
Importer note “Made in an oxidative style, wine remains sous voile for 48 months in demi-muid. Vineyard planted in 1977.”
ITALY-PIEDMONT
Vietti Barolo Villero Riserva 2006 ($349.95) $299 special
Wine Advocate 97 points “The last wine of the flight is the outstanding 2006 Barolo Riserva Villero. It literally bursts open to full force intensity and beauty. It’s a mind-blowing interpretation of the often austere and brooding Nebbiolo grape that shows abundant life and vigor. Dark leather, cured beef, pressed rose petal, candied fruit, prune, cola, dried herbs and crushed mineral emerge from the glass like an aromatic marching band. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035.”
Sottimano Cotta, Barbaresco DOCG 2010 ($69.95) $59 special
Stephen Tanzer 93 (+?) points “(from classic clay-and-limestone soil; aged in 15% new oak; Sottimano gets all his barriques from Francois Freres): Bright, saturated medium red. Raspberry, brown spices and earth on the nose, accented by a note of wild sage. At once silky and bright, showing tangy floral lift to the intense, tightly coiled red berry and earth flavors. Juicy, sharply delineated wine with a sexy topnote of blood orange. Finishes with fine tannins and terrific persistence and lift. Barbaresco for the Burgundy lover. ”
Sottimano Curra, Barbaresco DOCG 2009 ($79.95) $69 special
Wine Advocate & Stephen Tanzer 92+ points “Sottimano’s 2009 Barbaresco Curra is striking in this vintage. The Curra is often hard when it is young, but in 2009 the wine has a little more volume and richness, which serves to cover the tannins. Bright red berries, flowers, mint and sweet spices flesh out in this radiant, textured Barbaresco. High-toned floral notes flow through to the inviting close. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.”
Sottimano Fausoni, Barbaresco DOCG 2010 ($69.95) $59 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “(aged in 25% new oak; from sandy soil): Good medium red. Highly perfumed aromas of redcurrant, red plum, licorice, incense and dried herbs. Juicy and fairly light, with lovely rose petal lift to the pure flavors of red fruits, dry spices and herbs. Finishes with fine-grained tannins and excellent length and lift.”
Sottimano Pajore, Barbaresco DOCG 2010 ($69.95) $59 special
Stephen Tanzer 92(+?) points “(from a limestone-based vineyard in Treiso, planted at an altitude of 380 meters; vinified with 15% whole clusters): Good bright dark red. Slightly balsamic aromas of cherry cola, dried spices, cedar and cigar box, with some suggestions of very ripe fruit. Lush, round and silky but less showy and aromatic today than the Cotta. Less primary fruit and more soil and tobacco here, supported by firm limestone-driven acidity. Finishes with dusty tannins that reach the front teeth, and a building sweetness that leaves behind nuances of herbs and spices.”
Muller-Catoir Riesling Trocken 2012 ($24.95) $18 special
Terry Theise “Sandier and more granular than usual – probably from bottling- and while a still admirable and solid everyday dry Riesling, I expect its usual fruity citricity to emerge as the wine recovers.”
Muller-Catoir Haardt Riesling Trocken 2012 ($27.95) $24 special
Terry Theise notes “Remember the VDP’s new organization: this is the “village-wine.” Also clipped from bottling, but there’s a sneaky length and herbal sense (Vetiver); orchid and oleander and osmanthus, leading to a minty finish. Tasted near the end of my trip, these were the silkiest wines I’d tasted.”
Muller-Catoir Breumel Mauern Grosses Gewaches 2012 ($69.95) $59 special
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “($72) Subdued aromas of white peach, clove and mineral salts. Taut, spicy apricot pit fruit and lively acidity make this riesling stand out. Although built more on elegance, this wine also has very good depth, length and potential.”
Muller-Catoir Mussbach Riesling Kabinett 2011 ($34.95) $27 special
Muller-Catoir Mussbach Riesling Kabinett 2012 ($34.95) $27 special
Terry Theise notes “Typical aromas with the lime oil notes of their `12s; incisive and detailed; the palate is charming in a verbena-chartreuse style, with notes of wild vineyard peaches (a.k.a. “pêche de vigne”); it’s certainly a wine-with-sweetness, and Philip Catoir and I talked a little about reducing the sweetness on these types of wines in general – but the wine’s not at all unbalanced. I am, but the wine is fine.”
Muller-Catoir Mandelgarten Spatlese 2012 ($44.95) $39 special
Stephen Tanzer 90 points “($50) Spicy bouquet offers scents of papaya, pineapple and lemon grass. The sweet tropical fruit flavors and creamy texture are nicely interwoven, with just enough acidity to keep this wine fresh. With appealing length, this is a surprisingly elegant spätlese from the Pfalz.”
Vina Cartin Albarino Rias Baixas 2013 ($14.95) $11.90 special
Bodegas Pedro Martinez Alesanco Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2008 ($19.95) $16 special
Bodegas Hermanos Perez Pascuas Vina Pedrosa La Navilla, Ribera del Duero 2007 ($39.95) $21.90 special
Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez Tinto Pesquera Crianza, Ribera del Duero 2010 ($37.95) $29 special
Wine Advocate & Stephen Tanzer 92 points ” (100% tempranillo, raised for 18 months in small American oak): Vivid ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes candied red berries and cherry, with smoke, anise and cola accents. Sappy, penetrating bitter cherry and redcurrant flavors give way to darker cassis with air and pick up a peppery nuance. Smooth, sweet and energetic on the lingering finish.”
Old Friends Return Again
Crowley Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2012 ($26.95) $21.90 special
Crowley Entre Nous Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2011 ($32.95) $27 special
Patricia Green Sauvignon Blanc 2013 ($21.95) $18 special
Patricia Green Pinot Noir Balcombe Vineyard 2012 ($34.95) $29 special
Patricia Green Estate Pinot Noir 2012 ($29.95) $24 special
Evesham Wood Illahe Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011 ($31.95) $26 special
Haden Fig Pinot Noir Rose 2013 ($18.95) $16 special
Haden Fig Pinot Noir Cancilla Vineyard 2012 ($29.95) $26 special
Haden Fig Pinot Noir Bjornson Vineyard 2012 ($29.95) $26 special
Walter Scott Dumb Ox Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2012 ($44.95) $37 special
Bodegas Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha, Campo de Borja 2012 ($17.95) $14 special
Robert Parker 92 points “The terrific 2012 Tres Picos is one of the finest inexpensive, Grenache-based wines made in the world. This full-bodied beauty boasts a deep ruby color as well as loads of strawberry and black cherry fruit, hints of lavender and crushed rocks, sweet tannin, and a broad, savory mouthfeel. It, too, should be consumed over the next 3-4 years.”
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “(half fermented in French oak and half in stainless steel): Bright purple. Heady aromas of blueberry, cherry compote, white pepper and woodsmoke, plus an exotic cinnamon note. Fresh and seamless, offering vibrant blueberry and black raspberry flavors and suave floral notes. The spicy quality lingers seductively on the tenacious finish.”
Burgundy of the Week
Henri Boillot
Henri Boillot is the fifth generation winemaker in his family. Since 2005, he has owned and managed the Domaine founded by his familt in 1855. From village level to Grand Cru, Boillot’s wines are revered as intense, structured, and extremely age-worthy. Whether the wine emanates from one of the various family-owned plots (Domaine labeled), or is sourced from one of Boillot’s dozens of managed sites (Maison labeled, or simply labeled as Henri Boillot), Henri makes stunning wines that receive praise with every new vintage. Today, Domaine Henri Boillot consists of 14 hectares evenly split between white and red. Henri’s wines include several Premier Crus from Meursault (Les Poruzots, Les Charmes, Les Genevrières, Les Perrières), Puligny Montrachet (les Folatières, les Perrières, les Pucelles), Chassagne-Montrachet (Chevenottes, Embrazees), Volnay and Savigny-les-Beaune, including the impressive and exclusive Les Mouchères monopole in Puligny-Montrachet. The vineyards are sustainably grown and strictly pruned to reduce yields, all held to the Boillot’s strict specifications. The handpicked grapes are hand sorted twice and completely destemmed. His 2010 Volnay and 2010 Pommard Domaine bottlings are both aged for 18 months in barrel. The Volnay is floral and earthy with dark fruit notes while the Pommard is richer with dark coffee and chocolate notes alongside black cherries and fine tannins.
Domaine Henri Boillot Pommard 2010 ($59.95) $49 special 3+ cases available
Antonio Galloni 90-92 points “The 2010 Pommard is pure sensuality. Sweet roses, dark red fruit and spices wrap around the palate in this supple, refined wine. The Pommard impresses for its elegance and richness. It is a beautiful and highly representative 2010. Sweet floral notes linger on the finish. The Pommard is made from vines in Clos Blanc, a 1er Cru vineyard. – Henri Boillot turned out a superb set of 2010 reds. Best of all, readers won’t have to shell out a fortune to enjoy them, as a number of the more modestly priced wines far exceed the quality of their respective appellations”
Domaine Henri Boillot Volnay 2010 ($59.95) $49 special 3+ cases available
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.”
The average listed price is $62 / bottle
New Reviews from
Wine Spectator 93 points “($95) Almost plump, with a juicy core of orange, date, persimmon and toasted mango. The edges are dry, with bitter almond and musk accents lending contrast. The finish features an echoing iodine hint. Distinctive. Drink now.”
Bodegas Tradicion Pedro Ximenez VOS NV ($89.95) $79 special 10 bottles available
Wine Spectator 94 points “($110) Supremely thick, with a syrupy feel to the buckwheat, toasted brown bread, warm date and molten chocolate notes. Not tiring or top-heavy, this offers singes walnut, almond, fig paste and Turkish coffee details that impart energy through the finish. Drink now.”
Riesling of the Week
Since Von Winning Winery was founded in 1849, they have produced unique wines reflecting the best vineyards in Ruppertsberg, Deidesheim, and Forst. Leopold von Winning, son-in-law of Dr. Andreas Deinhard, dedicated his life to creating top quality wines with respect to the outstanding vineyards in the area. He meticulously raised the quality of the wines to a new level as a founding member of the VDP, an association of Germany’s premium wineries. His decision to work as gentle and close to nature as possible remains the ultimate goal of today’s young and ambitious team led by winemaker Stephan Attmann.
Attmann describes his winemaking as “not doing the wrong thing at the wrong time.” The estate’s premium wines are treated with a minimalist approach and with the highest respect in the cellar. Gentle clarification, a natural and spontaneous fermentation and the abandonment of fining agents create wines with a distinctive indigenous and very elegant style. Pumping the juice or wine is never necessary in the gravity flow winery, allowing for minimal, and gentle vinification.
Von Winning Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad 2012 ($44.95) $39 special 11 bottles available
Terry Theise: “The appetizer for the main course(s) to follow. It isn’t mineral, but rather smoky, belly-rich and robust, corporeal and mouth-filling and butterscotchy, spicy and generous, and yet solid and refined even with its big open bones.”
Von Winning Kalkofen Grosses Gewaches 2012 ($69.95) $59 special 9 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 90 points “($80) Bright aromas of white peach, sage, resin and lemon oil. Bright, penetrating apricot pit fruit and chalky minerality are nicely entwined on the juicy, pliant palate. The wine’s depth and spice rise above the austerity that this site often shows in its youth.”
Von Winning Kieselberg Grosses Gewaches 2012 ($69.95) $59 special 9 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “($80) Apple blossom, persimmon, nut oil and a smoky earthiness on the nose. Glossy, dense nectarine fruit with sweet herbal inflections animate the palate. The opulent depth, spicy juiciness and twist of clove ensure a compelling finish. Excellent potential!”
Von Winning Langenmoregan Grosses Gewaches 2012 ($69.95) $59 special 10 bottles available
Terry Theise: “It’s the manly side of Pfalz Riesling, and we debate whether this is a Grand or just a Premier Cru; yet the wine is articulate, herbal and peppery, cedary and woodsy, long, studious and spicy, with an almost urgestein minerality, suave even while it’s rural, and gentle even as it prods with its leafy message.”
Von Winning Pechstein Grosses Gewaches 2012 ($119.95) $89 special 11 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 (+?) points “($110) Exotic aromas of apricot pit, muskmelon, nutmeg and lemon oil. Rich and dense in texture, with pleasing depth to its peach pit and smoky spice flavors on the mineral lattice typical of the site. With its tantalizing herbal lift on the finish and impressive length, this is certainly the estate’s best dry riesling this year.”
Von Winning Kirschenstuck Grosses Gewaches 2012 ($149.95) $109 special 9 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “($144) Rich scents of white peach, toasted almond, lemon zest and mint. Bright star fruit and spicy minerality give shape to the luscious flavors. Full-bodied yet graceful, this riesling ends on cool spices, with pleasing length.”
Staff Picks
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Vineyard Chardonnay 2012 ($27.95) $24 special 12 bottles available
“The new release from Evesham Wood’s estate vineyard is a delightful textural expression of Chardonnay from the Eola-Amity Hills. The vineyard is dry farmed not only for environmental reasons, but because the original owners felt it helped produce wines of distinction, with vintage variation. Erin Nuccio, the current co-owner of Evesham Wood and of Haden Fig, had worked with the original owner (Russ Raney) for several years before purchasing the estate. The wine opens with some grassy and lemon notes and finishes with Gala apple, herbal and smoky notes. Allow it to warm and open slightly: you will miss much of its fragrance if served ice cold.”
J&H Selbach Riesling Kabinett 2012 ($17.95) $14 special 3+ cases available
“It’s summertime and this Riesling is easy. Johannes Selbach is a winemaker of the people, opting for drier styles that lend themselves well to food and wines that “people can use in their everyday lives”, as he says. This Riesling, with its iconic fish label, fits that ideology exactly. Nice rich fruit on the front, this wine finishes with well-balanced acidity, just enough of a green apple bite to make this the perfect porch wine.”
Almost Arrivals
Here This Week
Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2010 ($29.95) $18 special
Wine Spectator 90 points, James Halliday 94 points “Bright colour and personality, this represents excellent value, as the bouquet reveals a depth of dark fruit and complexity of character often seen in more highly regarded bins from Penfolds; bright fruited, layered and long, there is an evenness to this wine that rings true with the house style and will be certain to engage and please avid consumers of the brand.” JH
The average listed price in the USA today is 50% higher- $27 / bottle
Penfolds Grange 2008 ($799.95) $579 special
Wine Spectator 100 points “An utterly majestic Shiraz, sleek and seamless, brimming with ripeness on a framework that allows for grace and expressiveness in equal measure. The intensity of fresh blueberry and plum fruit holds attention until the nuances kick in, offering glints of exotic spice, coffee, cocoa, bay leaf and mint. Shows tremendous presence without a lot of weight, the tannins present but not even close to getting in the way. A great wine now, with plenty of room to grow. Drink now through 2040.”
Wine Advocate 100 points “Deep purple-black in color, the 2008 Grange puts forward a very complex nose packed with aromas of mulberries, layers of baking spices, cloves and cinnamon with nuances of minced meat, anise, potpourri and whiffs of dried mint and chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, taut and very spicy in the mouth, it shows touches of sandalwood and Chinese five spice complementing the layers of dark fruit flavors. It is framed by firm, grainy tannins and a refreshing acid line before finishing very long with aniseed and lingering blackberry preserves notes. This is clearly a wonderfully opulent and a magic vintage for this label. Drink it from 2018 to 2035+.”
The average listed price in the USA today is $706 / bottle
Gaja Barbaresco 2006 ($219.95) $169 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2006 Barbaresco reveals terrific concentration, depth and purity. This is a remarkably soft, harmonious Barbaresco from Angelo Gaja with pretty notes of raspberries, crushed flowers and spices. The wine turns more powerful in the glass, as it gains additional richness, volume and depth, all of which carry through to the polished finish. The wine’s balance is impeccable, and this is easily is one the more harmonious, complete wines of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026.”
The average listed price in the USA today is 24% higher- $198 / bottle
Gaja Barbaresco 2008 ($219.95) $169 special only 12 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2008 Barbaresco emerges from the glass with sweet red cherries, spices, flowers and licorice. This is an attractive Barbaresco with excellent depth and a firm, tannic spine that is very nicely integrated with the fruit. The 2008 isn’t a blockbuster, but it should drink well with minimum cellaring. This is a classic, linear Barbaresco endowed with terrific energy and focus. Right now the 2008 seems to be holding its cards close to the vest. I would not be surprised to see it show even better in a few years’ time. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2028.”
Gaja Barbaresco 2010 ($219.95) $159 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Smack from the start, the 2010 Barbaresco shows full-on Gajissimo personality with irresistible opulence and intensity, magically contrasted against remarkable smoothness and finesse. Everyone wants to know his secret. The wine delivers seductively rich concentration and integrated oak that is offset by a delicate portfolio of chiseled mineral, dried berry fruit, Spanish cedar, crushed herb, anisette and blue flower. Fruit is sourced from 14 vineyards in Barbaresco. It already leaves a mark, but will reward those who wait. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.” WA
The average listed price in the USA today is 24% higher- $197 / bottle
Gaja Sperss (Barolo / Langhe) 2005 ($279.95) $189 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Blueberry and ripe raspberry aromas, with hints of fresh flowers, follow through to a full body, with extra-refined yet powerful tannins and a long, long finish. Polished and well-crafted. Best after 2014. 1,500 cases made.”
The next best listed price in the USA is $30 more – $219 / bottle
Gaja Sperss (Barolo / Langhe) 2009 ($279.95) $189 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “A much different expression of Nebbiolo comes through in the 2009 Sperss. The firm, structured tannins of Serralunga frame the fruit in this powerful wine. The 2009 is an unusually sunny, radiant Sperss with bright, floral aromatics and a distinctly red-toned expression of fruit. The overall impression is of elegance and femininity, while the more typical, virile side of this vineyard seems to be a bit less in evidence. Sperss is such a magical site. The vineyard excels in many vintages, but is particularly advantaged in warm years. Over the last few months, the more typical Sperss notes have begun to take shape as the differences between Conteisa and Sperss – attenuated when the wines were yonger – become much more marked. ” AG
Wine Spectator 93 points “This rich, velvety red boasts complex black cherry, plum and spice aromas and flavors. The tannins are dense and ripe, adding refinement and lift on the lingering, minerally aftertaste. This tightly wound version needs some time to unwind. Best from 2017 through 2032. 1,100 cases made.”
The average listed price in the USA today is $228 / bottle
Time to Say Goodbye
Atalon Pauline’s Cuvee Napa Valley Red 2010 ($29.95) $19.90 special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This Merlot-based blend is a huge success. It’s a big, tannic, tight wine, packed to bursting with black cherry liqueur, cola and spice flavors. Yet it maintains an exciting balance, with the tension between acids, tannins and oak in equilibrium. Seems like it wants 5-6 years in the cellar to let it throw some tannins and mellow.”
The average listed price in the USA today is 25% higher- $25 / bottle