Friday Newsletter
In This Newsletter:
New Arrivals
Bodegas Avancia:
Value and Old-Vines
New Grapelive Review:
G.D. Vajra Barbera D’Alba
Domaine Collotte
Burgundy’s Top Value
Best in Budget Chardonnay
Sweet Temptations:
Italian Dessert Wines
Rosé Feature:
Bandol and Domaine de la Bastide Blanche
Collector’s Corner:
Andre Clouet’s Un Jour de 1911…
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New Arrivals
Italy – Abruzzo
Torre dei Beati ‘Cocciapazza’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2017 750ML ($39.95) $34.50 special, 24 Bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “An alluring bouquet of smoky minerals, crushed blackberries, exotic spice and flowery undergrowth lifts up from the 2017 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Cocciapazza. This elegant, polished yet powerful effort displays silky textures with ripe black fruits, giving way to notes of licorice and lavender. Fine-grained wood tannins come forward toward the close, as this tapers off youthfully structured, resonating on purple-tinged florals and a note of bitter almond. The 2017 Cocciapazza is simply stunning, but will need some time to flesh out and fully show the gorgeous Montepulciano fruit within.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “This rich Montepulciano offers dense aromas of brandy-soaked black cherry and blackberry, blended with integrated accents of clove, menthol, tobacco and worn leather. It’s plush in feel on the full-bodied palate, showing fully fleshed out berry flavors etched in a bevy of warm and savory spice tones. Despite all that richness, there’s ample lift and intensity to the acidity and a gentle grip to the rounded, polished tannins. It’s accessible now but would hold well through 2028. -Alexander Peartree”
Torre dei Beati ‘Cocciapazza’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2017 750ML ($39.95) $34.50 special, 24 Bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “An alluring bouquet of smoky minerals, crushed blackberries, exotic spice and flowery undergrowth lifts up from the 2017 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Cocciapazza. This elegant, polished yet powerful effort displays silky textures with ripe black fruits, giving way to notes of licorice and lavender. Fine-grained wood tannins come forward toward the close, as this tapers off youthfully structured, resonating on purple-tinged florals and a note of bitter almond. The 2017 Cocciapazza is simply stunning, but will need some time to flesh out and fully show the gorgeous Montepulciano fruit within.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “This rich Montepulciano offers dense aromas of brandy-soaked black cherry and blackberry, blended with integrated accents of clove, menthol, tobacco and worn leather. It’s plush in feel on the full-bodied palate, showing fully fleshed out berry flavors etched in a bevy of warm and savory spice tones. Despite all that richness, there’s ample lift and intensity to the acidity and a gentle grip to the rounded, polished tannins. It’s accessible now but would hold well through 2028. -Alexander Peartree”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Torre dei Beati ‘Bianchi Grilli per la Testa’ Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2019 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 36+ Bottles in stock nowEric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The 2019 Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Bianchi Grilli Per la Testa pulls you close to the glass with a display of spiced yellow apple and geranium, evolving into a mix of curry leaf, crushed stone and almond paste. This is silky with medium-bodied weight, ushering in a dense and textural mix of apricot and mineral-tinged pear. There’s so much going on here and so much more to come, as this tapers off long, staining the senses with a nutty richness under an air of honeysuckle and sage. The Bianchi Grilli Per la Testa spends eleven months on the lees in a combination of stainless steel, neutral tonneaux and acacia wood barrels. It’s quite a wine.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
California – Fort Ross Seaview
Hirsch Vineyards East Ridge Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2018 750ML ($99.95) $84.50 special, only 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Powerfully fresh and crunchy, with plenty of minerality to the dried cherry and berry flavors that are backed by crisp acidity. Shows cedary notes and hints of juniper berry on the lithe finish. Best from 2022 through 2027. 527 cases made. — KM”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2018 Pinot Noir Estate East Ridge is juicy, open-knit and seductive. Sweet red cherry, red plum, spice, mint and blood orange infuse the 2018 with tons of nuance and character. In this tasting, the East Ridge stands out for its mid-palate density and creaminess, along with slightly darker/purplish tonalities of fruit.”
Wine & Spirits 94 points “Bright, spicy and clean, this pinot noir shows the riper side of the Hirsch far-coast vineyard, from parcels on the relatively protected eastern ridge. It opens to immediate pleasure, rich with a smoky sandstone rasp to the tannins, but it really only shows its depth of flavor a day or two later. What starts out as glossy gains complex detail, refreshed by mineral tones layered with red-grapefruit and cardamom spice. (527 cases) —J.G.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Similarly hued, the 2018 Pinot Noir East Ridge has a slightly more mineral-laced, marine, and savory earth-driven bouquet that includes plenty of ripe red fruit, forest floor, and spring flower-like aromas and flavors. It’s vibrant, racy, and nicely focused on the palate, with good acidity, building minerality, and a great finish. It’s certainly a racier, more vibrant style of wine compared to the East Ridge and will benefit from short-term bottle aging. It has a kiss of background oak as well, but that will integrate with a year or two in the cellar. It’s another Burgundian, complex, age-worthy wine from this estate.”
Decanter 94 points “Smouldering, introspective nose of black cherry, red plum, cocoa and potting soil. The same characters are subsequently broad and mouthcoating on the palate, which has a spry, lifted finish. You could cellar this a few years to let it unwind. This site, with low-yielding, 30-year-old vines on steep slopes, has less oceanic influence than the rest of the property, producing the richest of the Hirsch single-block wines. Drinking Window 2024 – 2039.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Cellar Selection. Structured and wildly complex, this wine is just starting to reveal itself, offering a quiet wealth of juicy pomegranate, black tea and rocky tannin. Textured, it is both savory in nature and bursting in acidity, providing a lengthy freshness as it goes. Still, time in the cellar is recommended; enjoy best from 2025–2028. -Virginie Boone”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Hirsch Vineyards West Ridge Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2018 750ML ($99.95) $84.50 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Decanter 95 points “Hirsch produces both an East Ridge and West Ridge bottling, and vintage conditions seem to determine which shows better; the West Ridge in 2018 is exceptional. The nose is charming and poised, with ripe but delicate redcurrant fruit. The attack is fresh and svelte, and the palate has ample grip without being extracted. It shows far more punch and drive than the low alcohol suggests, and the finish is balanced and long. Drinking Window 2022 – 2035.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2018 Pinot Noir Estate West Ridge is soft and gracious, yet retains the nervousness and translucence that runs through the 2018s here. Deceptive in its mid-weight feel, the 2018 possesses striking depth. Sweet red cherry, red plum, spice, new leather and cedar all flesh out. Vibrant and intensely mineral, the West Ridge is compelling. The core of West Ridge is a Block 7, which is planted with Mt. Eden Clone planted in 1990 that are now heavily virused and therefore naturally produce a small crop.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “One of the more lightly colored Pinot Noirs in the lineup, the 2018 Pinot Noir West Ridge has a translucent ruby color to go with a more subtle nose of ripe mulled cherries, dried flowers, savory herbs, and a touch of marine-like minerality and iodine. More round, supple, and elegant on the palate, it still brings plenty of ripe tannins, terrific overall balance, and just a charming, interesting, satisfying style. My money is on it benefiting from another year or two of bottle age and keeping for a solid decade.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Vibrantly fruity and minerally, with cherry, currant and berry flavors that are sculpted and precise. The juicy finish hums with cedar and underbrush accents. Drink now through 2025. 486 cases made. — KM”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Pinot Noir West Ridge opens with touches of leather and angostura bitters over a core of bright red berry fruit and citrus peel. The light-bodied palate offers firm, fresh, crunchy fruits with loads of spicy accents, and it finishes long.”
Wine & Spirits 93 points “This comes from a collection of parcels on the ocean-side of Hirsch’s far-coast estate, on ridgetops once covered in redwoods—timbered more than a century ago to rebuild San Francisco after the city burned. The wine carries a memory of those coastal redwoods in its foresty red-berry flavor, along with a gentle rain of tannins, persistent in their mineral spice. You might imagine the exposed sandstone of the ridges or scents of the kelp beds of the Pacific as the pretty red fruit lasts. (486 cases) —J.G.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Exotic elements of blood orange and tangerine are lifted by a carbonic underbelly of complex freshness in this salty, subdued wine. Silky in texture, it has a beautiful nose of rose petal and sea spray, with finishing touches of cardamom and black tea. -Virginie Boone”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bodegas Avancia:
Value and Old-Vines
Value and Old-Vines
When looking for premium offerings in the world of wine Spain is without a doubt the biggest “Bang for your buck”. With grapevines planted from tip to tail and a beautiful assortment of styles, there are also large amounts of old vines still planted throughout the country. As stewards of these old vines, Bodegas Avancia cultivates their vines just as their ancestors did; eschewing any synthetic inputs whatsoever including irrigation as well!
Based in the Valdeorras, or the Valley of Gold region, their champion grape is the indigenous Godello grape. A rarity in that the varietal is shared by both Portugal and Spain, the grape reaches its apex in the high elevation hills of pure schist and black slate. Sourced from a single vineyard planted in 1939 these are among the oldest vines still utilized for commercial production. The flavors include a plethora of orchard character such as apple and pear blossom against a delightful pear skin, quince, nectarine and summer peach flavor. The judicious use of new French oak brings additional structure against the slatey minerality not unlike well-crafted White Burgundy or Savennieres.
The Mencia is equally compelling. Primarily the latter varietal there is also being small amounts of Garnacha Tintorera (The same cultivar of Grenache used in Priorat to the south) and indigenous varietals Mouratón (Juan García), Gran Negro, Sousón, Cariñena. As a traditional field blend aged in neutral oak this is a Mencia inspired by iterations of centuries past, while still delivering a clean and refreshing red fruited character. The exceptional terroir is evident throughout, with pervasive aromatics and a refreshing finish evocative of slate.
Bodegas Avancia Wines in stock now:
Bodegas Avancia Nobleza Old Vines Godello Valdeorras 2020 750ML ($69.95) $56.50 special, 29 bottles in stock nowJosh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Pale gold. Intensely perfumed pear nectar and orange zest qualities on the nose; honeysuckle and mineral notes add lift. Juicy, penetrating and sharply focused on the palate, offering concentrated citrus and orchard fruit and floral flavors along with suggestions of salty minerals and bitter quinine. Deftly melds depth and vivacity and finishes extremely long and briny, with outstanding clarity and repeating florality.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92 points “A new top-of-the-range white, the 2020 Nobleza Godello is a barrel selection from the wine from the Finca Aeiroá, which was planted in 1939 on schist and slate soils above the village of O Barco. They selected 900 liters from three 600-liter barrels, one of them new. It’s textured, voluptuous and ripe at 14% alcohol but with balancing acidity. It’s peppery and spicy and a little marked by the oak, with a dry, slightly astringent finish. It should improve with time in bottle. 1,148 bottles were filled in July 2021.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bodegas Avancia Mencia Valdeorras 2019 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock nowJames Suckling 92 points “Dark plums, blackcurrants, grilled herbs, roasted coffee and smoked meat on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins. Smoky, rich and concentrated. Very smooth-textured. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
G.D. Vajra Barbera D’Alba
G.D. Vajra Barbera d’Alba Piedmont 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Grapelive 93 points “I love these varietal regional bottlings from Vajra, especially their Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and this beautiful Barbera d’Alba DOC, with this 2019 vintage delivering a deep color and rich flavors with a purple/garnet hue and a dense core of blackberry, currant and cherry fruits along with hints of Asian spices, anise, mineral tones, savory and snappy herbs and a light loamy earthy note. This vintage has a lovely mouth feel and texture as well as a fresh core of acidity that keeps things nicely vibrant, crisply dry and focused, making for a delicious example of Barbera, showing the grape’s best character and it goes brilliantly with food, as it should and it really over performs for the price. This wine, 100% Barbera, is a blend of all organic fruit from estate vineyards growing on a wide range of terroirs with classic marl limestone, clay and sandy soils. The Vajra’s, pioneers of sustainable, organic and holistic farming in Piedmonte, promote, as they say, the biodiversity of both flora and fauna, not just in their vineyards, but also on the winery grounds and the near by forests.
The Vajra’s Barbera d’Alba, which is an outstanding example, is sourced from a selection of estate vines, some of which date back to 1949, with some coming from Bricco delle Viole, the Vajra’s great Barolo Cru and Bricco Bertone, providing this wine with concentration and a prestigious sense of place. Many of these vineyard sites are at higher and cooler elevations that allows for long hang time, that adds to the depth and charm found in this wine. Made from carefully sorted and 100% de-stemmed grapes that was fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel vats with 20 days of maceration, then this Barbera d’Alba DOC saw 12 months on the lees. Prior to release Vajra rests it a few more months in bottle to make sure the wine is fully integrated and harmonious at release. Vajra uses gentle punch downs and, explaining that they rinse he cap for longer periods of time, in order to capture all the fragrance of the grapes, with this bottling going through malolactic fermentation and aging exclusively in stainless steel, that promotes clarity and purity of this Barbera. The recent releases from Vajra are outstanding, of course led by their fantastic Barolo offerings, but even their basic stuff, like this Barbera, is tasty and very rewarding.”
Grapelive 93 points “I love these varietal regional bottlings from Vajra, especially their Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and this beautiful Barbera d’Alba DOC, with this 2019 vintage delivering a deep color and rich flavors with a purple/garnet hue and a dense core of blackberry, currant and cherry fruits along with hints of Asian spices, anise, mineral tones, savory and snappy herbs and a light loamy earthy note. This vintage has a lovely mouth feel and texture as well as a fresh core of acidity that keeps things nicely vibrant, crisply dry and focused, making for a delicious example of Barbera, showing the grape’s best character and it goes brilliantly with food, as it should and it really over performs for the price. This wine, 100% Barbera, is a blend of all organic fruit from estate vineyards growing on a wide range of terroirs with classic marl limestone, clay and sandy soils. The Vajra’s, pioneers of sustainable, organic and holistic farming in Piedmonte, promote, as they say, the biodiversity of both flora and fauna, not just in their vineyards, but also on the winery grounds and the near by forests.
The Vajra’s Barbera d’Alba, which is an outstanding example, is sourced from a selection of estate vines, some of which date back to 1949, with some coming from Bricco delle Viole, the Vajra’s great Barolo Cru and Bricco Bertone, providing this wine with concentration and a prestigious sense of place. Many of these vineyard sites are at higher and cooler elevations that allows for long hang time, that adds to the depth and charm found in this wine. Made from carefully sorted and 100% de-stemmed grapes that was fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel vats with 20 days of maceration, then this Barbera d’Alba DOC saw 12 months on the lees. Prior to release Vajra rests it a few more months in bottle to make sure the wine is fully integrated and harmonious at release. Vajra uses gentle punch downs and, explaining that they rinse he cap for longer periods of time, in order to capture all the fragrance of the grapes, with this bottling going through malolactic fermentation and aging exclusively in stainless steel, that promotes clarity and purity of this Barbera. The recent releases from Vajra are outstanding, of course led by their fantastic Barolo offerings, but even their basic stuff, like this Barbera, is tasty and very rewarding.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Domaine Collotte
Burgundy’s Top Value
“Collotte remains one of the most under the radar growers in Marsannay. At their best, these wines are striking for their purity of fruit and overall sense of harmony.” –Antonio Galloni
While the prices for the top wines from the best producers have skyrocketed, the value producers’ prices barely budged, even after some of the hardest growing seasons ever seen on record. Historically, the vineyard (and village) classifications have been based on consistent ripeness and power, as well as complexity
A perfect example? Their wines from Marsannay and Fixin. You should be stocking up on these wines across the board. They’re reasonably priced, from old vines on great soil and made by a real craftsman. In a cooler year, these wines might be a bit rustic compared to their more famous neighbor, Gevery-Chambertin with vintages trending consistently warmer due to climate change.
In Stock Now from Domaine Collotte:
Domaine Collotte Fixin Les Champstions Cote de Nuits 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 32 bottles in stock now
While the prices for the top wines from the best producers have skyrocketed, the value producers’ prices barely budged, even after some of the hardest growing seasons ever seen on record. Historically, the vineyard (and village) classifications have been based on consistent ripeness and power, as well as complexity
A perfect example? Their wines from Marsannay and Fixin. You should be stocking up on these wines across the board. They’re reasonably priced, from old vines on great soil and made by a real craftsman. In a cooler year, these wines might be a bit rustic compared to their more famous neighbor, Gevery-Chambertin with vintages trending consistently warmer due to climate change.
In Stock Now from Domaine Collotte:
Domaine Collotte Fixin Les Champstions Cote de Nuits 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 32 bottles in stock now
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Collotte Gevrey-Chambertin Cote de Nuits 2018 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 28 bottles in stock nowThis is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Les Boivins Cote de Nuits 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special,16 bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Importer note “The Marsannay Boivins is lieu-dit in Marsannay Villages, on vines over 40 years and varying limestone soil. Aged in oak, 25% new, to round the tannins.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Le Clos de Jeu Cote de Nuits 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Importer note “The Clos de Jeu Marsannay comes from several parcels of 50 year old vines from Clos de Jeu on soft limestone crinoidal soil. Aged in oak, 25% new, this wine is harmonious in its flavors and tannins.”
Weygandt-Metzler Importer note “The Clos de Jeu Marsannay comes from several parcels of 50 year old vines from Clos de Jeu on soft limestone crinoidal soil. Aged in oak, 25% new, this wine is harmonious in its flavors and tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Cuvee Vieilles Vignes Cote de Nuits 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Importer note “The Marsannay Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is assembled from five different terroirs of the appellation: “Combereau”, “Favières”, “Grasses Têtes”, ” Boivin” and “Récilles” on vines of about 50 years old. Completely destemmed, the wine is fermented and aged in tank.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Best in Budget Chardonnay
The California y is world famous for its Chardonnays that combine the stylistic ripeness of California Sun with the acidity and backbone of Burgundy. The 2019 vintage defied all expectations and delivered even higher quality than the year before, with even wildfire season seeming to wait for harvest to finish. Expect the classic California style of yellow pome, jasmine blossom, Shoumei tea and sea salt with a medium body and long finish. This is the perfect wine for someone looking for a richer style of Chardonnay that is still acid driven. We carry multiple styles of California Chardonnay in-house including Sandhi, Mount Eden Vineyards and Carpe Diem!
Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock nowWinery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay Edna Valley 2017 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special 36+ bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points “This comes mostly from the Wolff vineyard with some fruit from the Middle Ranch vineyard. The 2017 Edna Valley Chardonnay opens with wonderful aromas of honeycomb, orange blossoms, saline, crushed shell and loads of baked apple and quince with an earthy undercurrent. The palate is medium-bodied, satiny and intense, with seamless freshness on the finish, which lingers with honeyed notions.”
Carpe Diem Chardonnay Anderson Valley 2016 750ML ($24.95) $16.60 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Vivid oaky, earthy aromas lead to ripe firm flavors of apple and citrus in this assertive and well-structured wine. The char and wood-smoke nuances carry over to the palate, along with a nice nip of tannin and firm acidity that help to offset the richness. -Jim Gordon”
Sweet Temptations:
Italian Dessert Wines
Italian Dessert Wines
Much like olive oil and wine production, dessert wine is one of the great “unifiers” of Italian culture, with examples seen from Sicily to the northern reaches of the Veneto. Traditionally sourced from local varietals, there are a number of techniques that have been developed over the centuries to make these wines.
The main styles are Passito, Recioto and Vin Santo with the latter being first mentioned by Ancient Roman writer Pliny the Elder. There is a dizzying assortment of producers, sweetness levels, and varietals used with only a handful making it to the United States. Most examples feature medium-to-high levels of residual sugar, with a medium of acidity and an incredibly full body that can be almost syrupy. The time needed to late harvest, dry the grapes, slowly press and ferment make these some of the most labor intensive dessert wines in the entire world. We carry an incredible assortment in store.
Italian Sweet wine selections in stock now:
Avignonesi Vin Santo di Montepulciano, Tuscany 2001 375ML ($219.95) $169 Special, 19 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2001 Vin Santo di Montepulciano (375 milliliters) is a divine and superbly delicious sweet blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia and Grechetto. The results are super concentrated and simmered down to a virtual reduction sauce of deliciousness. There are so many aromas to name, but some of the most evident highlights include candied orange peel, almond marzipan, caramel, toasted coffee bean, vanilla stick, mocha, dark honey and fragrant yellow rose. The mouthfeel is creamy, rich and deeply layered. I’m suggesting a slightly shorter drinking window here compared to the Occhio di Pernice. But, the truth is: I have no idea. I’m pretty sure these wines will outlive anyone of legal drinking age.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $229.90
The next best price is $229.90
Rocca di Montegrossi Vin Santo del Chianti Classico, Tuscany 2006 375ML ($149.95) $119 special, 4 half-bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Rocca di Montegrossi often makes one of the richest Vin Santos in Chianti Classico. The 2006 is a bit less opulent than is often the case, but that just means the Vin Santo is not a blockbuster. Voluptuous and beautifully layered throughout, the 2006 offers an attractive infusion of dried herbs, wild flowers, coconut, mint and leather, all wrapped around a core of dark, deeply spiced fruit.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Rocca di Montegrossi often makes one of the richest Vin Santos in Chianti Classico. The 2006 is a bit less opulent than is often the case, but that just means the Vin Santo is not a blockbuster. Voluptuous and beautifully layered throughout, the 2006 offers an attractive infusion of dried herbs, wild flowers, coconut, mint and leather, all wrapped around a core of dark, deeply spiced fruit.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Rocca di Montegrossi Vin Santo del Chianti Classico, Tuscany 2009 375ML ($99.95) $89 special, 24 half-bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2009 Vin Santo is a rich, exotic wine, as it always is. Readers will find one of the richest most intense Vin Santos being made today. Plush, tropical and ample in feel, Rocca di Montegrossi’s Vin Santo is bold and racy to the core. The 350 grams of residual sugar leave the wine with tremendous textural plushness.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Castello di Volpaia Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Tuscany 2015 375ML ($69.95) $59 special, 16 half-bottles in stock now
Wilson Daniels tasting note “Scintillating amber. It is a full, balanced wine with intense flavors of cane sugar, apricot jam and sultan grapes. Warm and luscious with an almond finish.”
Arnaldo-Caprai Sagrantino di Montefalco Passito DOCG 2016 375ML ($69.95) $59 special, 9 half-bottles in stock now
Wilson Daniels tasting note “AROMA: The sweetness arrives first to the nose with scents of blackberry and strawberry jam, revealing vanilla and cinnamon. TASTE: warm and sweet, soft and intense. The tannins work to balance the sugars and leave the palate cleansed, ready for another taste.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Buglioni ‘Il Recioto’ Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2019 500ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 10 500ml-bottles in stock now
Wilson Daniels tasting note “Dark ruby red colour. Intense and elegant aromas of ripe fruit, raisins, black Cherries and plums in alcohol; spicy scents of cocoa, vanilla and tobacco. Sweet and warm aroma, velvety and round.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Feudo Montoni Passito Rosso, Sicily NV 375ML ($39.95) $33 special, 22 half-bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 94 points “Bright deep red with an orange rim. The nose really opens with aeration to offer sweet red plum, dehydrated red cherry, cinnamon and raisins. Then similar flavors to the aromas lifted by juicy, harmonious acidity. Finishes very long and suave with saline nuances and repeating notes of raisins. Lovely, light on its feet dessert wine that seems less sweet than it really is thanks to its piercing acidity. One of the best sweet wines I have tasted so far this year. This is a blend of air-dried Nero d’Avola and Perricone aged in wood barrels for seven months and then twelve months in bottle prior to going on sale.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Rosé Feature:
Bandol and Domaine de la Bastide Blanche
Bandol rosé has taken the world by storm and for good reason: it’s delicious! Bandol became famous as a source for dense reds from Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault. Today, the rosé revolution has commandeered the lion’s share of production, now commanding almost 3/4s of total production.
To exemplify the richer style we can’t think of a better example than Domaine de la Bastide Blanche, who delivers a harvest basket full of blood orange, sorbet, mandarin orange, fresh raspberry, hibiscus, lavender and sage that’s all underscored by a chalky minerality. Made from a minimum of 75% Mourvèdre, Bastide Blanche is considered a benchmark producer of Bandol rosé, with the estate being originally founded to compete with the best of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the north. Also known for being one of the few roses that benefits from bottle age, the texture of the wine becomes almost tea-like on the finish with the fruit also softening as well. Bastide Blanche is a “red wine drinker’s rosé.”
In Stock Now:
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose Provence 2020 1.5L ($69.95) $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Limpid orange-pink. Expressive red berry, blood orange and pit fruit aromas are accompanied by building mineral and floral nuances. Taut and energetic in the mouth, offering sappy strawberry, orange zest and lavender flavors braced by a spine of chalky minerality. Finishes silky and impressively long, with repeating mineral and floral notes.”
Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette. Organic. Clay, limestone & cailloux. Tasting note: Dense cherry and raspberry fruit with citrus and stone flavors. Full body with a perfectly balanced and long finish.”
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rose Provence 2020 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Wine note “The Bandol Rosé from Pradeaux is perhaps the most serious wine in this category. Robust, rich, and complex with an ability to age gracefully, this wine is based on Cinsault (50%) and Mourvèdre (50%), taking its slight orange tint from the latter cépage. The younger vines of the domaine (average age: 25 years) are utilized to produce a rare rosé with staying power and exceptional complexity. The Rosé is vinified by a direct pressing for 24 hours followed by fermentation in cement tanks at a controlled temperature of 18 degrees Celsius for about 15 days; the malo-lactic fermentation is blocked and the wine is usually bottled in mid-April of the following year.
Chateau Pradeaux ‘Vespree’ Rose Vin de France 2019 750ML ($47.95) $39 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Wine note ““Vespree,” meaning evening in Provençal and Occitan, presents a full, swaggering nose of quince paste, white pepper, and coarse-ground Indian spices, and the big, richly textured palate possesses a structural tension that heavily underlines its potential for aging—though it is fresh, tense, and very delicious right in its youth. It is exceedingly difficult to find rosé of this caliber and character, even from Bandol—and, in a twist of irony, this wine which is so purely and deeply Bandol to its very core was denied appellation status on three separate occasions, and is thus labeled a “Vin de France.” But, in an appellation that has seen production shift from 70% red wine to 85% rosé over the years in response to market trends, this is perhaps more depressing than surprising. In any event, we are proud of the wine, and proud to work with such a courageous and iconoclastic family—and we know “Vespree” will delight those who appreciate Pradeaux’s ruggedly uncompromising sensibility.”
Chateau Pradeaux Cotes de Provence Rose France 2020 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Wine note “Côtes de Provence: Made from 45% Cinsault and 40% Mourvedre, with the balance split among Grenache and Carignan, a core of sappy, glycerol red-cherry fruit anchors a firm, punchy minerality, and the finish is remarkably persistent. The vineyards that comprise this wine were, in fact, classified as Bandol AOC as recently as 2012, and this 2017 clearly distinguishes itself from among the vast ocean of Côtes de Provence rose by virtue of its terroir’s unique pedigree.”
To exemplify the richer style we can’t think of a better example than Domaine de la Bastide Blanche, who delivers a harvest basket full of blood orange, sorbet, mandarin orange, fresh raspberry, hibiscus, lavender and sage that’s all underscored by a chalky minerality. Made from a minimum of 75% Mourvèdre, Bastide Blanche is considered a benchmark producer of Bandol rosé, with the estate being originally founded to compete with the best of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the north. Also known for being one of the few roses that benefits from bottle age, the texture of the wine becomes almost tea-like on the finish with the fruit also softening as well. Bastide Blanche is a “red wine drinker’s rosé.”
In Stock Now:
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose Provence 2020 1.5L ($69.95) $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Limpid orange-pink. Expressive red berry, blood orange and pit fruit aromas are accompanied by building mineral and floral nuances. Taut and energetic in the mouth, offering sappy strawberry, orange zest and lavender flavors braced by a spine of chalky minerality. Finishes silky and impressively long, with repeating mineral and floral notes.”
Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette. Organic. Clay, limestone & cailloux. Tasting note: Dense cherry and raspberry fruit with citrus and stone flavors. Full body with a perfectly balanced and long finish.”
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rose Provence 2020 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock nowRosenthal Wine note “The Bandol Rosé from Pradeaux is perhaps the most serious wine in this category. Robust, rich, and complex with an ability to age gracefully, this wine is based on Cinsault (50%) and Mourvèdre (50%), taking its slight orange tint from the latter cépage. The younger vines of the domaine (average age: 25 years) are utilized to produce a rare rosé with staying power and exceptional complexity. The Rosé is vinified by a direct pressing for 24 hours followed by fermentation in cement tanks at a controlled temperature of 18 degrees Celsius for about 15 days; the malo-lactic fermentation is blocked and the wine is usually bottled in mid-April of the following year.
Chateau Pradeaux ‘Vespree’ Rose Vin de France 2019 750ML ($47.95) $39 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Wine note ““Vespree,” meaning evening in Provençal and Occitan, presents a full, swaggering nose of quince paste, white pepper, and coarse-ground Indian spices, and the big, richly textured palate possesses a structural tension that heavily underlines its potential for aging—though it is fresh, tense, and very delicious right in its youth. It is exceedingly difficult to find rosé of this caliber and character, even from Bandol—and, in a twist of irony, this wine which is so purely and deeply Bandol to its very core was denied appellation status on three separate occasions, and is thus labeled a “Vin de France.” But, in an appellation that has seen production shift from 70% red wine to 85% rosé over the years in response to market trends, this is perhaps more depressing than surprising. In any event, we are proud of the wine, and proud to work with such a courageous and iconoclastic family—and we know “Vespree” will delight those who appreciate Pradeaux’s ruggedly uncompromising sensibility.”
Chateau Pradeaux Cotes de Provence Rose France 2020 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Wine note “Côtes de Provence: Made from 45% Cinsault and 40% Mourvedre, with the balance split among Grenache and Carignan, a core of sappy, glycerol red-cherry fruit anchors a firm, punchy minerality, and the finish is remarkably persistent. The vineyards that comprise this wine were, in fact, classified as Bandol AOC as recently as 2012, and this 2017 clearly distinguishes itself from among the vast ocean of Côtes de Provence rose by virtue of its terroir’s unique pedigree.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Don’t miss other Bandol rosés from Clos Cibonne, Chateau Peyrassol, and Le Galantin on our web store now!
Collector’s Corner:
Andre Clouet’s Un Jour de 1911…
Did you know that Tête de Cuvee’s can also be non-vintage? While it’s true that non-vintage bottlings are every champenois “Bread and butter” there can still be top offerings made from the style. Often done from an artistic decision rather than economic, Clouet cites blending masters Laurent Perrier and Krug for the inspiration behind the cuvee. Taking the concept of using assemblage to create “A perfect year” within the bottle and combining it with a solera of reserve wines is how Clouet has melded the two styles and has clearly succeeded.
Andre Clouet crafts their 1911 cuvee from the 10 best plots in their portfolio in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy. The village shares borders with 3 other Grand Cru villages and specialized in powerfully structured Pinot Noir. As such, the 1911 is entirely Pinot Noir and exemplifies the village’s reputation beautifully. Comprised of a single vintage that’s at least 7 years old and a solera based reserve wine that was started in 1998, this is champagne that encapsulates both maturity and youthful vigor. Complex doesn’t begin to cover this wine with the solera aging for the reserve wine portion adding incredible nuance like white truffle, rose petal, ground coffee, and miso to the flavor profile. The aromas are equally compelling, delivering a spectrum of white flowers like jasmine and orange blossom against a chalky backdrop.
In stock and available now:
Andre Clouet Un Jour de 1911 Champagne, NV 750ML ($99.95) $74.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “[Review is for a prior disgorgement] 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.”
Andre Clouet crafts their 1911 cuvee from the 10 best plots in their portfolio in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy. The village shares borders with 3 other Grand Cru villages and specialized in powerfully structured Pinot Noir. As such, the 1911 is entirely Pinot Noir and exemplifies the village’s reputation beautifully. Comprised of a single vintage that’s at least 7 years old and a solera based reserve wine that was started in 1998, this is champagne that encapsulates both maturity and youthful vigor. Complex doesn’t begin to cover this wine with the solera aging for the reserve wine portion adding incredible nuance like white truffle, rose petal, ground coffee, and miso to the flavor profile. The aromas are equally compelling, delivering a spectrum of white flowers like jasmine and orange blossom against a chalky backdrop.
In stock and available now:
Andre Clouet Un Jour de 1911 Champagne, NV 750ML ($99.95) $74.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock nowAntonio Galloni 93+ points “[Review is for a prior disgorgement] 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.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
We carry a whole assortment of Clouet and Champagne in house and on our web store.