9/21/15
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New Week – New Arrivals; Staff Picks; Evesham Wood & Haden Fig; Leon Barral; Champagne Andre Clouet; La Fortuna 2010 Brunello; Saint Roch and Other Impressive Bargains with Impressive Reviews
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Whistling Dog NSV Estate Heritage Blocks Pinot 2011 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Case-12 Whistling Dog NSV Estate Heritage Blocks Pinot 2011 750ML ($219.95) $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Winery notes “The 2011 NSV Estate Heritage Blocks Pinot is produced from 100% whole-berry, native yeast fermented, own-rooted fruit from Pommard and Wadenswil Clones; using minimalist winemaking techniques. No chaptalization or concentration techniques needed or used in making this wine, in a vintage when most wineries needed to use these techniques. Eighteen months in barrel, eighteen months in bottle upon release in October 2014. Hints of leather, spice, and dark cherry and blackberry on the nose; rich flavors of red, blue, and black berries, spice, and earth; balance of moderate tannins and soft acids; lingering fruit finish. Only 202 cases produced.”
The next best price is $26.67
Bergstrom Wines Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
FRANCE-BURGUNDY
Domaine Michel Lafarge Bourgogne Passe-tout-grains 2010 750ML ($34.95) $29 special
“A well-layered, ripe and fresh nose combines pepper, earth and red berry fruit aromas. There is good verve to the equally fresh and detailed flavors that display limited rusticity and very good depth in the context of the appellation.”–Burghound
Domaine Michel Lafarge Bourgogne Passe-tout-grains 2011 750ML ($34.95) $26 special
“An exceptionally fresh nose of red berry fruit, earth, floral and pepper notes leads to delicious, clean, energetic and detailed flavors that possess fine intensity and persistence for what this is.”–Burghound
Domaine Michel Lafarge Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2005 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 88-89 points “In the realm of pure Pinot, the Lafarge 2005 Bourgogne also offers excellent value and unusual quality for its humble class, assisted in this instance, of course, by the character of the vintage. Concentrated, bright, bitter-edged black fruit aromas and flavors are accompanied by grilled meat and chalky minerality. This displays cut and clarity and an undeniable Volnay elegance in its mouth watering finish.” DS
Domaine Michel Lafarge Volnay 2010 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2010 Volnay blossoms onto the palate with refined dark red berries. This is a supple, generous Volnay endowed with gorgeous inner perfume and terrific overall balance. A juicy, generous finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.” WA
Domaine Michel Lafarge Meursault 2010 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Burghound 89-91 points “This is also quite pretty though aromatically very different as here the nose speaks of distinct Meursault-like scents that run the gamut from classic hazelnut to yellow orchard fruit to pear to floral hints. There is excellent richness to the attractively textured, sappy and mouth coating medium-bodied flavors that possess excellent complexity for a villages level wine. Worth considering.” BH
Domaine Michel Lafarge Meursault 2012 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Antonio Galloni 89-91 points “Lafarge’s 2012 Meursault is laced with expressive yellow stone fruits, slate and smoke. There is a lot to like in the 2012, most notably the wine’s pure energy and terrific balance, both commendable at this level.” AG
FRANCE-RHONE
Cave Yves Cuilleron Saint-Joseph L’Amarybelle 2012 750ML ($41.95) $36 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(raised in one- and two-year-old barriques): Opaque ruby. Deeply pitched aromas of dark berry liqueur, licorice, violet and peppery spices. A smoky mineral nuance adds vibrancy and lift to the plush blackberry and cassis flavors, which become spicier with air. Quite lively for its heft, finishing on a smoky bacon note, with strong thrust and smooth, slow-building tannins.” JR
The next best price is $44.02
Wine Advocate 94-97 points “Looking at the 2012 Hermitage, which is still resting in barrels and getting ready to be bottled, it’s a much more classic, easy to read Hermitage that has lots of ripe, sweet fruit in its full-bodied, concentrated, textured profile. It has copious sweet blackberry and cassis fruit, violet and serious granite-like minerality, superb mid-palate depth and a focused, structured finish. It’s a beautiful, classy 2012 that will have 20-25+ years of longevity.” WA
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 95-97 points “Presented as components from four different barrels: #1, from Beaume: Exotic scents of candied licorice, dark berries and smoky Indian spices. Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the middle, displaying superb depth to its bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors. #2, from Peleat: Explosive red fruit and potpourri aromas, with a bright mineral overtone. Silky and sweet, offering vibrant raspberry and cherry compote flavors and a touch of bitter chocolate. The red fruit note echoes strongly on the back half. #3, from Meal: Fleshier and rounder than the first two components, offering plush dark berry and violet flavors that coat the palate. Chewy tannins build on the finish and fold smoothly into the wine’s dense fruit. #4, from Bessards: Emphatic mineral and dark berry aromas pick up a sexy floral note and a hint of cola. Sappy, penetrating and sharply focused, displaying an impressive array of red fruit and floral qualities and strong finishing spiciness. Jean-Louis Chave told me he thinks this wine will be “classic Hermitage with an emphasis on fruit, not structure, but not lacking in structure at all–just compared to, say, 2010 and 2005.” JR
ITALY-VENETO
Ca Rugate Rio Albo Valpolicella 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
“Zesty and light- to medium-bodied, this is driven by lots of ground spice and herb notes, with flavors of wild strawberry and cherry. Juicy finish. Drink now through 2018. 792 cases imported.”–Wine Spectator
Ca Rugate Valpolicella Ripasso 2012 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Wine Spectator 90 points “A juicy red, with a tarry underpinning and a silky palate of dried fig and cherry fruit, accented by hints of gumdrop, red licorice, espresso and spice. Well-balanced, revealing light tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 168 cases imported.” WS
ITALY-OTHER
Bruno Verdi Pinot Grigio Oltrepo Pavese 2013 750ML ($24.95) $18 special
Importer note “The grapes are harvested by hand from vineyards in both Canneto Pavese and the adjacent commune of Castana. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel at a low temperature and the wine is bottled at the end of winter to capture its freshness. Verdi’s Pinot Grigio is a fine, elegant wine of great balance and relatively low alcohol (11.5%).”
SPAIN
Neboa Albariño Rias Baixas 2014 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special
Winery note “100% Albariño. From an extraordinary plot with 75 year old vines on slate soils. This is unique both because of the age of the vines, but also the slate component (most of the rest of the DO is granite soils). Vinification and elevage in tank on the lees. The cooler, higher elevation Condado do Tea subregion gives rise to a fresh, precise expression of Albariño in general and this particular site lends an intense mineral streak through the wine.”
Staff Picks
“We’ve written up the estate below, so I will skip the intro for now. The Le Puits Sec is Evesham Wood’s estate vineyard: all Pommard, organic and self-rooted from the 1986 planting. The grapes were harvested before the rains. The 2013 opens with notes of crushed violets. As this is still young, I gave the wine a chance to unwind and for 24 hours before revisiting. The second taste still holds on to the violet and floral notes while adding a touch of wet autumn leaves that gives the nose a delightfully rustic note. The palate is all finesse with extremely fine, grippy tannins, delightfully balanced acidity and a light to medium body. It finishes with a hint of iron and red berries with an extra, unexpected something reminiscent of classic Sangiovese. A stylish 2013 and, of those I’ve tried, showing a superb aging potential.”
New wines from local favorites
The estate vineyard, Le Puits Sec, is planted on an east facing slope overlooking the Willamette River. It has iron-rich soils and is planted to several varieties. While the Evesham Wood wines tend toward elegance and the Haden Fig wines towards more fruit-forward notes, both are expressive examples of their (all dry-farmed) vineyards.
Featured New Arrivals
Haden Fig Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 12 bottles available
Evesham Wood Blanc du Puits Sec, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 6 bottles available
Winemaker’s note: Lucky for us, the 2014 vintage delivered significantly higher yields than those of 2013. Even better, the quality was outstanding and the 2014 Blanc du Puits Sec is a prime illustration. Referred to as “the white of the vineyard” Blanc du Puits Sec is comprised of mostly Pinot Gris with a smaller measure of Gewürztraminer. Both grapes originate from the 1986 planting on the estate. The nose leaps from the glass with bright jasmine, honeysuckle and rose followed by a flavor of pear, balanced weight on the palate and bright acidity. It finishes with spice from the Gewürztraminer. Evesham Wood Blanc du Puits Sec is certified organically grown. 450 cases produced.
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2013 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 4 bottles available
Winery note “We thought the single barrel of Chardonnay from the estate in 2012 was a low yield, but 2013 gave us even less; only a half barrel of estate Chardonnay. Lighter in body than the 2012, bright citrus mixes with honey and mineral notes. Only 12 cases produced. (certified organically grown)”
Winery note “Every Spring I still drag Russ into the caves to taste through our Le Puits Sec barrels to determine the Cuvée J blend. Named in honor of Henri Jayer, the legendary Burgundian winemaker that Russ modeled much of his winemaking after we intend it to be our top cuvée worthy of the longest cellaring and capturing the vintage. Again this year’s blend is 6 barrels selected from Le Puits Sec. Certainly the most closed of our 2012 special cuvées, it’s easy to see the layers and complexity that are packed in the glass. This will easily age for a decade plus. 150 cases produced. Certified organically grown.”
Winery note “Each and every spring, we set out to taste our Eola Amity Hills barrels with the idea of selecting and reserving the best offerings within. Once chosen, they are racked in to caves to rest for an additional ten months. Consistently one of our favorite bottlings, the 2013 Eola Amity blend will greet the front end of the palate with a rich, dense profile that marries pure black and red cherry with hints of cinnamon. The cherry follows through to the lively mid-palate where fresh herbs and plum flavors join and are followed by a silky finish.”
Evesham Wood Illahe Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($31.95) $27 special, 9 bottles available
Winery note “Located about 15 miles southwest of Evesham Wood, Illahe Vineyard resides in the cool and misty foothills of the Coast Range. As with much of the fruit from Mahonia Vineyard, most of what originates from our friends at Illahe also makes its way into our Willamette Valley blend. But our favorite, most expressive barrels receive additional age in the caves. The 2012 is deliciously forward with dark berries and a velvety texture balanced with ample acidity.”
Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 1 bottle available
Winery note “Our 2013 La Grive Bleue bottling originates from the fruit of a unique two-acre block on the estate vineyard. As always, everything from this block is fermented, barreled and bottled separately. On the nose, the deeply concentrated dark cherry, juicy plum and aromatic baking spice are evident and are closely followed with beautifully balanced weight and dark, rich fruit. This bottling finishes with a hint of new oak and great length. Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue is certified organically grown.”
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2012 1.5L ($89.95) $79 special, 4 magnums available
Winery note “2012 produced a darker bottling, both in color and flavors. Dark cherry with hints of blackberry, typical Le Puits Sec plum flavors with a silky, creamy texture. Very forward and showing great now, I expect it to improve handsomely for the next 7-10 years. 500 cases produced. Certified organically grown.”
Winery note “Whole cluster pressed and racked straight to stainless steel barrels. Honeysuckle and spearmint on the nose and ending with meyer lemon. 68 cases produced.”
Winery note “Red cherry, violet, dusty rose, silky texture with great length.”
Winery note “Set in the heart of the Eola Amity Hills, just south of the Seven Springs Vineyard, Bjornson Vineyard never fails to impress. Pattie and Mark Björnson’s meticulously managed, LIVE-certified sustainable operation continues to be our most fruit-forward source for Haden Fig and it leverages every bit of the liveliness at play in the slopes of Eola Amity. Reflecting the character of its environment, the 2013 Haden Fig Pinot Noir Bjornson Vineyard designate hints of wild berries, subtle earth, and fresh rosemary while delivering great length.”
Haden Fig Cancilla Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($29.95) $27 special, 13 bottles available
Winery note “As he has for years, our good friend Ken Cancilla continues to grow exceptional organic, dry-farmed grapes for us. Cool, late-ripening fruit from this low-yield vineyard contributes to the structure of Haden Fig’s signature Willamette Valley Pinot Noir blend as well as our Cancilla Vineyard designate Pinot. Very fruit driven with dense dark cherry, creamy raspberry, a bright red cherry finish and perfect acidity.”
Haden Fig Croft Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2013 750ML ($29.95) $27 special, 9 bottles available
Winery note “The storied vines of the Croft family are located in the southern aspect of the northern Willamette Valley and nestled in the coastal foothills. Organically-farmed for 30 years and certified Salmon Safe since 2008, three generations of the Croft family continue to carry on a legacy of responsible growing and management that dates back to its earliest days. This bottle is about black cherry, and raspberry preserves and extends a firm grip to the finish. Wonderful. The Haden Fig 2013 Pinot Noir Croft Vineyard is certified organic.”
Fab Faugeres
The resultant wines of Domaine Barral’s labor-intensive vine work are nothing short of profound. Known for their age-worthiness, many come from very old vines (50, 60, 70 years +…), and are hand-harvested. The juice is vinified in gravity-fed, cement cuves; fermentation takes place with native yeasts, with manual punchdowns in an old wooden vat. After maceration, the grapes are slowly pressed with a wooden basket press. Never fined, racked, or filtered, some cuvees spend time in neutral oak.
We’re excited for a new shipment from Barral, as seen below.
Domaine Leon Barral Faugeres, Languedoc-Roussillon 2012 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 pre-arrival special
50% Carignan, 30% Grenache, 20% Cinsault; 40-70 year old vines
Domaine Leon Barral Faugeres Jadis, Languedoc-Roussillon 2012 750ML ($51.95) $44 pre-arrival special
50% Carignan, 30% Syrah, 20% Grenache; 30-60 year old vines
Domaine Leon Barral Faugeres Valiniere, Languedoc-Roussillon 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
80% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah, 15-30 year old vines
Arriving Mid-October
The estate’s Grande Reserve Brut is aged on the lees – a complex interpretation of Pinot. Un Jour de 1911 is a blend of 1995 (25%), 1996 (50%) and 1997 (25%) vintages which was hand-riddled and discorged in February of 2012. Fittingly, only 1,911 bottles were produced. Overall, the wines are a captivating take on Champagne as a whole and an elegant option for bubble lovers of all sorts.
Andre Clouet Champagnes Arriving Mid-October
Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut NV 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut NV 750ML ($229.95) $189 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut NV 750ML ($449.95) $349 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The NV Brut Grande Reserve emerges from the glass with layers of hazelnut, pear, spice and dried flower aromas. This rich, creamy wine impresses for its balance and sheer richness. I loved it.” AG
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature NV 750ML ($49.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature NV 750ML ($229.95) $189 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature NV 750ML ($449.95) $349 pre-arrival special
100% Grand Cru, 100% Pinot Noir, no dosage
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The NV Brut Nature Silver is naturally a very focused, driven wine given the no-dosage style. This shows wonderful nuance and depth all the way through to the long finish, with bright aromas and flavors but less of the toastiness than some of the house’s other wines. The mousse and finish are both utterly impeccable in their elegance.” AG
Andre Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rose NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Andre Clouet Brut Millesime2008 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Andre Clouet Brut Millesime2008 750ML ($399.95) $319 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Andre Clouet Brut Millesime2008 750ML ($689.95) $599 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Clouet’s 2008 Brut Millesime shows quite a bit more tension and focus than the 2007, hardly a surprise given then personality of the vintage. Bright, saline notes frame expressive red fruits, flowers and sweet spices. The 2008 Brut is a gorgeous wine with plenty of appeal today, but it will also develop beautifully in bottle. Stylistically it is less overt than the 2007 but places more emphasis on length. Brut Millesime is mostly Pinot, with 30-40% Chardonnay.” AG
Andre Clouet Un Jour de 1911… Brut NV 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Andre Clouet Un Jour de 1911… Brut NV 750ML ($479.95) $379 pre-arrival special
Antoni Galloni 93+ points “The NV Grand Cru Cuvee 1911 emerges from the glass with the most haunting of perfumes. Sweet rose petal and jasmine are some of the nuances that emerge over time. Despite recent disgorgement, the purity of the fruit and the extraordinary elegance of the mousse are hard to miss. This is an exceptional, elegant version of the 1911 that should drink beautifully for years to come. The bottle I tasted needed quite a bit of air to open up, so readers should be patient with the wine at this stage.” AG
A Fortuitous Fortuna
Case-6 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($319.95) $249 pre-arrival special (that’s only $43.17/bottle!)
James Suckling 96 points “Aromas of wet earth, meat and dried fruits. Some nuts and spices. Complex. Full body, with super fine tannins and fabulous intensity and richness. Dried cherry and candied citrus fruit. Fabulous finish. You want to drink this now. But shows superb finesse and intensity. Why wait?(1/15)” JS
Wine Spectator 95 points “Saturated with cherry, raspberry, spice and tobacco aromas and flavors, this strikes a balanced between the supple texture, succulent acidity and refined yet gripping tannins. Really sings on the lingering finish. Best from 2019 through 2035.” WS
Don’t miss the 18 other 2010 Brunellos available here now or arriving here soon: www.vinopoliswineshop.com
Impressive Reviews for Impressive Bargains
In 1998, Francis Guérin founded the domaine and purchased various vineyard plots around the area based on their soil type and ecosystem. The Syrah lies near the top of the hills, dense plantings of grey Grenache and Mourvedre cover a dale, and at the top of the Caribou plateau are black Grenache vineyards. Green harvesting and selective picking are down to limit production and ensure optimal maturity and quality. The grapes are sorted again at the winery. In the cellar, the wine undergoes slow, gentle handling.
Chateau Saint Roch Wines Available Here Now
Chateau Saint-Roch Cotes du Roussillon Vieilles Vignes Blanc, Languedoc-Roussillon 2014 750ML ($19.95) $14 special, 25 bottles available
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2014 Côtes du Roussillon Vieilles Vignes is a terrific, medium-bodied, bright and juicy effort that’s loaded with notions of citrus blossom, lime and hints of green herbs. Made from 80% Grenache Blanc and 20% Roussanne that was brought up almost exclusively in tank (10% in new oak), buy this beauty by the case and drink it over the coming year.” WA
Chateau Saint-Roch Cotes du Roussillon Villages ‘Chimeres’, Languedoc-Roussillon 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Chateau Saint-Roch Cotes du Roussillon Villages ‘Chimeres’, Languedoc-Roussillon 2013 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “A joint venture between Jean-Marc Lafage and Eric Solomon, the 2013 Cotes du Roussillon Chimeres is just another example of the brilliance of the 2013 vintage in the Roussillon. Coming all from the schist soils of Maury and a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan that spent 8-12 months in 500-liter barrels and concrete, it possesses a deep purple color to go with savory notes of kirsch and assorted darker berry fruits, pepper, truffle and damp earth. Full-bodied, thrillingly textured and with incredible purity of fruit, this knockout effort stays lively and elegant, with fine tannin, terrific length and no hard edges. It will knock your socks off over the coming 4-6 years.” WA
Chateau Saint-Roch ‘Kerbuccio’ Cotes du Roussillon Villages, Languedoc-Roussillon 2013 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Chateau Saint-Roch ‘Kerbuccio’ Cotes du Roussillon Villages, Languedoc-Roussillon 2013 750ML ($299.95) $219 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $18.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Advocate 95 points “One of the most incredible values I’ve tasted in a long, long time, the jaw-dropping good 2013 Kerbuccio Maury Sec (this is a new appellation dedicated to dry wines from Maury) is 40% Syrah, 30% Mourvedre and 30% Grenache, all from the black schist soils of Maury, that spent eight months in concrete tank prior to being bottled unfiltered. Its inky purple color is followed by fabulous aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, violets, crushed rocks and licorice. Full-bodied, seamless and incredibly textured, all while staying fresh and pure, it’s an off-the-charts Roussillon that will drink well for 5-8 years, possibly longer.” WA
Other Great Values with Great Reviews
WASHINGTON
Cadence Winery Tapteil Vineyard Red, Columbia Valley 2011 750ML ($49.95) $36 special, 15 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “More ripe, layered and textured, the 2011 Tapteil Vineyard is knockout stuff. Showing impressive black and blue fruits, wild herbs, underbrush and hints of flowers, it is full-bodied, concentrated and has plenty of sweet tannin and integrated acidity. Enjoy this beauty anytime over the coming decade or more.” WA
The average price is $47
Tensley Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara County 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 12 bottles available
Case-12 Tensley Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara County 2013 750ML ($499.95) $419 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $34.91/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 94-97 points “The largest-scaled Colson Canyon to date, the 2013 Syrah Colson Canyon is classic cassis, black raspberry, graphite and toasty notes to go with a full-bodied, concentrated and layered profile on the palate. This got a big “Wow” in the notes, and while it doesn’t pull any punches with regards to fruit or texture, it stays lively and elegant. It will have 10-15 years of longevity” WA
Hartford Family Winery ‘Hartford’ Highwire Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River 2012 750ML ($59.95) $46 special, 30 bottles available
Case-12 Hartford Family Winery ‘Hartford’ Highwire Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River 2012 750ML ($599.95) $499 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $41.48/bottle!)
Robert Parker 95 points “The 2012 Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard, a site that is half head-pruned and half on a high wire trellising system, sees more new French oak (52%). A dense ruby/purple color is followed by a rich, full-bodied wine displaying lots of boysenberry, black raspberry and cherry fruit intermixed with hints of incense and Asian spice. Supple tannins and a big, pedal-to-the-metal, juicy, succulent style suggest it will drink well for 5-6 years.” RP
The average price is $55
ITALY-TUSCANY
Franco Pacenti Canalicchio Brunello di Montalcino DOCG2010 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 18 bottles available
Case-12 Franco Pacenti Canalicchio Brunello di Montalcino DOCG2010 750ML ($549.95) $419 special, 2 bottles available (that’s only $34.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!!)
James Suckling 95 points “Beautiful aromas of dried flowers, dark berries and cedar follow through to a full body, firm tannins and a chewy finish. Tannins are refined and pretty giving tension to the wine. Drink or hold.” JS
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Violet, rose, pressed powder, perfumed berry and forest floor are some of the aromas offered by this stunning wine. The palate is still tightly wound, but delivers juicy black cherry, white pepper and licorice alongside youthfully assertive but fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2018–2030.” WE
Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno Toscana IGT 2012 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 19 bottles available
James Suckling 97 points “Fabulous aromas of blackberries, orange peel, raspberries and citrus. Violets too. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a light, dusty texture. It’s so fine and beautiful, racy and refined. Very structured indeed but also soulful and very, very inspiring. There’s a new refinement to this wine as the winemakers search for a truly beautiful expression of the terroir. Better in 2017 but a joy to taste now.” JS
GERMANY
Selbach-Oster ‘Anrecht’ Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling, Mosel 2011 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 19 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The block-picked, lightly-botrytized Selbach 2011 Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Anrecht leads with a gorgeous though subtle amalgam of apple blossom, chamomile, sweet lime, pear nectar, and quince preserves, all of which reconvene on a silken-textured, subtly creamy and oily yet admirably juicy and utterly transparent palate, through which shimmer stony, smoky and saline notes. Allying a Kabinett-like sense of levity, primary juiciness and mineral interaction with the richness of flavor typical for a great Auslese – at just 7.5% alcohol yet not dominated by its sheer sweetness! – this perfectly illustrates precisely the point of block picking that captures all of the sorts of ripeness that are out there and layers them on the palate to render a masterpiece of counterpoint and harmony. Expect this to be worth following for a quarter century, though who can really tell, absent any recent track record for such a wine.” WA
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.”WA
SPAIN
Bodegas Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas, Yecla 2012 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 5 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “Even more remarkable is the 2012 Solanera Vinas Viejas, a blend of 70% Mourvedre, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Grenache aged 10 months in a combination of French and American oak. A custom cuvee that is only available through importer Eric Solomon, this amazing red wine displays notes of lead pencil shavings, acacia flowers, black raspberries, blueberries and black currants. This full-bodied, intense 2012 tastes like it should cost three to five times as much. Full-bodied, stunningly pure and textured, it should last for 4-5 years, possibly longer.” WA
Alvear Pedro Ximenez de Anada, Montilla-Moriles 2011 375ML ($79.95) $47 special, 9 half-bottles available
Case-12 Alvear Pedro Ximenez de Anada, Montilla-Moriles 2011 375ML ($999.95) $479 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $39.92/half-bottle!)
Robert Parker 100 points “Alvear’s 2011 Pedro Ximenez de Anada is the most amazing Pedro Ximenez I have ever tasted. It may also be one of the first to be vintage-dated. The grapes were hand-harvested in September, then allowed to dry in the sunshine until they began fermentation, which is ultimately arrested by the addition of spirits. The wine spent six months in large American oak prior to being bottled. It is an amazing effort that looks like molasses. Notes of macerated figs, chocolate and caramelized tropical fruits emerge from this full-bodied, unctuously-textured wine. While sweet, it has enough acidity to balance out its richness. This astonishing 2011 Pedro Ximenez will last as long as any reader of this newsletter.” RP
AUSTRALIA
Two Hands Wines Bella’s Garden Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2012 750ML ($69.95) $47 special, 34 bottles available
Case-6 Two Hands Wines Bella’s Garden Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2012 750ML ($299.95) $259 special, 3 six-pack available (that’s only $43.17/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Utterly seamless, focused, powerful and elegant, layered with cherry, boysenberry and red plum fruit, revealing glints of coffee, jasmine and cardamom that add extra nuances. Delivers complexity without extra weight. The finish won’t quit. Drink now through 2022. 6,000 cases made.” WS
ARGENTINA
Kaiken Ultra Malbec, Mendoza 2012 750ML ($21.95) $16.60 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Kaiken Ultra Malbec, Mendoza 2012 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $15.74/bottle!)
James Suckling 94 points “Intense aromas of ripe berry, sandalwood and dark chocolate follow through to a full body, with super integrated tannins and a blueberry and light vanilla character. Ultra serious. Drink or hold.” JS