An Amazing Burgundy Sale: Chevillon and de Montille; Delicious Cabernet Franc from Guiberteau, Zorzal, Thierry Germain, and more; Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 in-stock now; Exceptional Austrian: Gruner Veltliner from Nikolaihof; Podere Scalette and Chateau Bel-Air arriving today; Lower Mosel Magic from Heymann-Löwenstein, arriving Friday…
~~~~~~~~~~~
De Montille and Robert Chevillon
30 Wines on Super Sale Now!!
In-stock now
Domaine de Montille Les Sizies, Beaune Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($79.95) Was $49, Now $39, 15 bottles available
Burghound 89-91 points “An expressive and relatively deeply pitched nose is composed by notes of dark currant, earth, violets and forest floor. There is solid density and intensity to the vibrant, detailed and lightly mineral-inflected medium weight flavors that exhibit only a touch of austerity on the finish. The tannins are angular but ripe and this should reward mid-term cellaring.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Cailles, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($139.95) Was $99, Now $89, 23 bottles available
Burghound 92-94 points “As complex as the Pruliers is, the Les Cailles ratchets it up yet another notch with its spicy and pure blend of cassis, plum, violet and distinct iron-infused earth. There is excellent richness to the cool and equally pure medium-bodied flavors that possess excellent focus on the explosively long finish. The tannins are dense but quite fine and this offers outstanding upside development potential.” BH
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
Keep reading this newsletter for the full selection of de Montille (18 more wines!) and Chevillon (10 more wines!) on super sale!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon
In-Stock Now
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2005 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 2 bottles available
Wine Advocate 100 points “From a hot vintage and incredible any way you look at it, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon has that laser-like focus of a cooler year, yet the voluptuousness and richness of a warmer year. Smoked black fruits, coffee, truffle and pen ink-like aromas and flavors all emerge from this massive, incredibly full-bodied effort and on the palate, it carries itself perfectly with a weightless, yet decadent texture, masses of polished tannin and blockbuster length. More classic and textbook than the 2007, it is every bit as good. Enjoy it over the coming two decades or more. Drink now-2033.”
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2007 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 100 points “A monumental wine in the making, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of those wines that presents such an over the top array of aromas and flavors that it’s hard to figure out what you think about it with just a quick glance. It’s only with the second or third sip that you really start to see how special this effort truly is. Offering up perfumed, intense aromas of plum, violets, ink, licorice and black currants, it flows onto the palate with a massive, incredibly full-bodied texture that builds through the mid-palate and carries layers of polished tannins, awesome purity of fruit and blockbuster length. Most likely not for everyone given the sheer size, it is an incredible wine in my opinion. Still tasting like a barrel sample, it will have 30+ total years of longevity. Drink 2017-2037.”
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2008 750ML ($199.95) $159 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Enthusiast 99 points “The flagship wine from Quilceda Creek offers exotic scents of plum, cassis, loam, coffee and pine sap, a rich and evocative blend. The wine delivers all that is promised and more; it is deep and dense with flavor, polished, focused and persistent. Vanilla, espresso, fine tannins, luscious acids and cascading fruits.”
Wine Advocate 97+ points “More pure and focused than the 2009, with a slightly closer to the vest feel, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon shows the cooler nature of the vintage and has incredible detail, purity and freshness to its aromas and flavors. A blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot that spent 22 months in 100% new French oak, it offers classic black currant, spice box, coffee bean, violets and exotic spices to go with an ethereal, layered and seamless palate that delivers massive amounts of fruit and texture without any apparent weight. I thoroughly enjoyed it now, yet it will age for decades. Drink now-2033.”
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2009 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 2 bottles available
Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot) is a ripe, flamboyant and brilliantly proportioned effort that oozes kirsch, licorice, lead pencil shavings and dried spice on the nose. Showing the perfume and headiness of the vintage, it nevertheless stays vibrant and lively on the palate while delivering layers of fruit and texture. While formidably structured and tannic, it can be enjoyed now due to the overall tannin quality and purity of fruit. It will evolve and drink well for over two decades. Drink now-2029.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cinderella Story –
Cabernet Franc and Matt Kramer
Wine Spectator’s Matt Kramer published a list of 25 new wines to try in 2017, and Cabernet Franc was #6: “The Cinderella grape just waiting to be asked to the ball. All sorts of possibilities—from the Loire, Napa Valley, Bordeaux and elsewhere. Always seems to need food, unlike some stand-alone Cabernet Sauvignons.”
We love Cabernet Franc, too, so here’s a list of wines (either 100% or a majority of the blend) from around the world:
Thierry Germain Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny, Loire 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 23 bottles available
Grapelive 93+ points “The beautiful and detailed all biodynamic/organic 2015 Les Roches by Thierry Germain takes a few moments to unveil itself, like an exotic fan dancer. But then wow, this gorgeous chalky and perfumed 100% Cabernet Franc really shows its class and energy, it’s absolutely stunning. The Thierry Germain Saumur Champigny Les Roches comes from mostly 30 to 40 year old vines set on clay, chalk, sand and limestone. It was 100% de-stemmed, native yeast fermented in stainless and raised in old foudres and stainless steel on the fine lees for just a few months without added sulfur. This pure and natural Saumur Champigny is medium bodied and delicate. It has layers of graceful flavors and intriguing class. The nose brings earth, violets, mineral notes and a hint of bell pepper and mixed spices leading to a refined palate of blackberry, creme de violet, tart currants, black cherry and earthy mulberry fruits with cinnamon, truffle, chalky dust, lavender oil and sweet basil. This charming Cabernet Franc speaks to the soul and heart. It gives remarkable terroir expression and is a great value. At 13% alcohol it is perfectly balanced and wonderfully open knit with ripe opulence and dreamy texture. Imported now by Kermit Lynch, drink over the next 3 to 5 years, though I suspect it can easily go well longer. Cab Franc lovers will not want to miss this vintage of Thierry Germain, and especially this seductive and classic Les Roches Saumur Champigny which really over delivers, it’s a brilliant starting point to explore his wines and the region. ($24 Est.)”
Zorzal Eggo Franco Cabernet Franc, Tupungato, Argentina 2015 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles available
No reviews yet on the 2015
Here is the Wine Advocate on the 2014- 94 points “There is a Cabernet Franc in the Eggo range, and I tasted the 2014 Eggo Franco, produced with grapes from Tupungato Winelands in Gualtallary, a place that defines itself as a wine country club that touts a combination of real estate, vineyards and sport facilities, including golf and polo! The vines were only planted in 2008 (everything in Gualtallary is really new). There are some 300 hectares of vines there, in one of the best parts of Gualtallary. They have three-hectare plots owned by mostly foreign investors and most of the highly sought after grapes are sold. Zorzal has agreements to buy grapes (and control the viticulture) of 20 of these plots. Incredibly perfumed for a Cabernet Franc, as the nose is very floral and made me think of a Malbec rather than a Cabernet Franc. The spiciness of all these Eggo wines comes from the grapes and the fermentation and aging in cement, as none of the wines see any oak. And I tell you one thing, you do not miss the oak or the complexity or anything, it’s all here. This is the first year for this vertical, fresh, tremendous Cabernet Franc. Well done, bravo! 2,200 bottles produced. The Michelini brothers keep producing fresh, elegant and terroir-driven wines from their base in Gualtallary. The range seems to be growing almost infinitely, as their creativity also seem to have no limits”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Rouge, Loire 2015 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 27 bottles available
VinopolNote: This entry-level Cab Franc red from Guiberteau hails from three parcels of silt and sand over limestone from vines planted between 1955 and 1957. The wine sees a similar treatment as the single-vineyard: careful attention in the vineyard, dense plantings with low yields all the way through the long maceration and natural yeast fermentation. This wine is aged in tank for 6 months before release, resulting in a fresh & more forward wine.
Domaine de la Petite Mairie Bourgueil Cuvee des Galluches, Loire 2013 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 26 bottles available
Importer note “The cuvée “Les Galluches” is made from a blend of grapes harvested from different parcels, a majority of which are of sandy composition thus yielding a wine of intense aromatics and subtle tannins. This wine is aged in oak “foudres” or large casks for 4 to 6 months, then racked into cement cuves for several more months before bottling. The “Galluches” is a consistently impressive wine that is sophisticated in it subtle complexity and offers impeccable value.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
There’s never enough classic Cabernet Franc, so here’s more:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two Titans of Burgundy
One Unbeatable Sale
All wines in-stock now
Domaine de Montille
Domaine de Montille Les Taillepieds, Volnay Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($149.95) Was $99, Now $89, 3 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 91 points “Bright, dark red. Much riper on the nose than the Beaune Grèves but still with a medicinal aspect to the complex aromas of black cherry, crushed rock and flint. Plush, dense, savory wine with excellent purity and lift, conveying strong mineral cut to the raspberry and redcurrant flavors. There’s something Vosne-like in this wine’s salinity. The slatey finish features suave, well-integrated tannins; really glistens and rises on the aftertaste. This has turned out very well.”
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2013 Volnay 1er Cru les Taillepieds, which is one-third whole cluster and raised in 30% new oak, has the most elegant bouquet of de Montille’s Volnays with mineral rich red and black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a keen thread of acidity and superb salinity toward the marine-influenced finish. Probably the pick of the Volnay wines from the domaine in 2013, and possibly the most complete, even if it cuts off a little abruptly.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine de Montille Les Greves, Beaune Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($99.95) Was $69, Now $58, 2 bottles available
Burghound “There is enough reduction present to push the underlying fruit to the background. By contrast there is good freshness and verve to the moderately scaled and intense medium weight flavors that exude a fine bead of minerality on the dusty and punchy finish that displays a very mild hint of dryness. As with several wines in the range, the balance isn’t perfect but the complexity and mid-term cellaring potential help.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine de Montille Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($449.95) Was $319, Now $269, 1 bottle available
Burghound 91-94 points “This is also quite firmly reduced at present. There is good verve and plenty of underlying tension to the unusually big-bodied flavors that display an abundance of both mouth coating dry extract along with ample amounts of the hallmark minerality that helps to shape the intensely saline and beautifully persistent finish. This is quite dry and exhibits slightly better overall complexity than the Corton-Charlemagne.” BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine de Montille Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2013 750ML ($219.95) Was $149, Now $119, 1 bottle available
Stephen Tanzer 91+? points “Bright pale yellow. Pear, lime and crushed and wet stone on the nose, plus a suggestion of lavender that carries through onto the palate. Densely packed and tactile, with strong acidity and stony minerality giving this wine a distinctly austere, slightly disjointed impression. The tannins reminded me of a red wine. No easy sweetness here, but this is built to age.”
Burghound 90-93 points “Once again the nose is quite reduced and impossible to assess. In the same fashion as the Perrières there is a lovely sense of tension and complexity to the slightly denser and more powerful flavors that exude a note of green apple on the dry but not really austere finale. This too should benefit from a few years of cellar time to better harmonize but it should be worth the wait.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2013 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, which comes from south-east facing vines, has a well-defined, slightly resinous bouquet (candle wax and pithy pear) that demonstrates good intensity and perfume. The palate is well balanced with lemon peel and white peach notes the segue into quite a terse, almost aloof finish. I would like to see just a little more cohesion by the time of bottling, but there is certainly potential here.”
Domaine de Montille Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Saints Juliens, Cote de Nuits 2013 750ML ($79.95) Was $49, Now $39, 20 bottles available
Burghound 88-91 points “A subtle application of wood frames the attractively floral suffused nose of earth, sauvage and plum aromas. There is fine mid-palate concentration to the delicious and robust middle weight flavors where the supporting tannins are mildly rustic, all wrapped in a long, serious and balanced finish. This is a relatively big Nuits villages that should amply reward up to a decade of cellaring.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine de Montille Aux Thorey, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($119.95) Was $79, Now $59, 14 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2013 Nuits St Georges Aux Thorey, which is two-thirds whole-cluster fruit and 50% new oak, has a more modern, opulent bouquet compared to the Volnay and Pommard ‘13s previously: quite lush blackcurrant and iodine scents coming through with aeration. The palate is rounded and supple in the mouth, the new wood adroitly assimilated with the fruit and lending weight toward the harmonious finish. There is also an attractive spicy, lemongrass note on the aftertaste. This is showing great potential.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine de Montille Les Grands Epenots, Pommard Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($149.95) Was $119, Now $99, 1 bottle available
Burghound 89-92 points “A deft application of wood sets off an agreeably fresh nose that features notes of black raspberry liqueur and just turned earth nuances. There is an appealing vibrancy to the velvet-textured medium-bodied flavors that possess very fine volume and mid-palate weight before terminating in a lingering finish. Here too there is just a trace of dryness but the supporting tannins appear to have the requisite phenolic ripeness such that it should dissipate with a few years of bottle age and my predicated range offers the benefit of the doubt.” BH
Domaine de Montille Les Grands Epenots, Pommard Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($149.95) Was $119, Now $99, 8 bottles available
Burghound 87-90 points “This is earthier than the Péz and not quite as elegant with its aromas of plum, red currant, forest floor and softly oaked nose. There is a sleek, round and velvety mouth feel to the medium-bodied flavors that terminate in a moderately austere and dry finish that may round out but that is far from clear.”
Domaine de Montille Les Pezerolles, Pommard Premier Cru 2009 750ML ($179.95) Was $149, Now $135, 18 bottles available
Burghound 88-91 points “This is the first wine to this point to exhibit any appreciable wood influence though it’s not so much as to mask the otherwise fresh, spicy and layered plum and black currant aromas. There is a really lovely mouth feel to the tension and mineral-inflected medium weight flavors that also display just a touch of backend dryness. Still, my sense is that this should mature nicely even if the balance is unlikely to be ideal.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine de Montille Les Pezerolles, Pommard Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($149.95) Was $119, Now $99, 8 bottles available
Burghound 88-91 points “This is the first wine to this point to exhibit any appreciable wood influence though it’s not so much as to mask the otherwise fresh, spicy and layered plum and black currant aromas. There is a really lovely mouth feel to the tension and mineral-inflected medium weight flavors that also display just a touch of backend dryness. Still, my sense is that this should mature nicely even if the balance is unlikely to be ideal.”
Domaine de Montille Les Rugiens, Pommard Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($199.95) Was $149, Now $119, 1 bottle available
Antonio Galloni 91-93 points “Savory herbs, wild flowers, mint and black fruit all take shape in the 2012 Pommard Les Rugiens. The aromatics are nicely lifted, while there is plenty of vintage 2012 fruit and tannin to fill out the wine’s frame. Here it is the wine’s balance that impresses most of all.” AG
Domaine de Montille Les Rugiens, Pommard Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($199.95) Was $149, Now $129, 6 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91+ points “(completely destemmed): Healthy deep, bright red. Very expressive, slightly metallic perfume of red berries and iron. Delivers a stimulating combination of sweet, almost candied fruits and penetrating acidity, with an herbal element contributing to the impression of inner-mouth lift. This very savory, intense Rugiens finishes a bit tough; in fact, it went into a shell in the glass.”
Burghound 90-92 points “A subtle hint of wood serves as a backdrop to the very fresh, spicy and ripe nose of exotic tea and black fruit liqueur aromas. There is a lovely sense of tension to the stony, intense and tautly muscular middle weight plus flavors that possess notably better balance and length on the complex finish.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 88-90+ points “The 2013 Pommard 1er Cru les Rugiens was completely destemmed after around 50% of the crop had survived the travails of poor flowering and hail. It was raised in 40% new oak and finished its malolactic very late during the 2014 harvest. Consequently the aromatics are not expressive at the moment, however the palate appears to show more fruit and flesh than the Pezerolles and may well turn out to be the better of the two Pommards.”
Domaine de Montille Le Cailleret, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($199.95) Was $149, Now $119, 2 bottles available
Burghound 91-93 points –Outstanding—“Here there is no such reduction as the expressive nose is composed of acacia blossom, pear and lemon zest. As with all of the whites in the de Montille stable there is an intense minerality to the citrusy medium-bodied flavors that possess the best concentration in the range, all wrapped in a well-balanced, complex and strikingly persistent finish. Patience will of course be required but this should be excellent in time.”
Stephen Tanzer 91-93 points “Bright gold-tinged yellow. Refined, soil-inflected aromas of crushed stone, menthol, noble herbs and sexy brown spices, with fruit in the deep background. Juicy and penetrating, boasting terrific inner-mouth perfume and saline minerality to the concentrated flavors of yellow fruits and spices. Finishes with excellent rocky length and dusty, spicy grip. The crop level here was a solid 40 hectoliters per hectare: “Puligny was generous in 2013,” noted Etienne de Montille.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2013 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru les Caillerets has a very elegant bouquet with dried white flowers and jasmine scents, not so far from the Meursault Perrières in style. The palate is well balanced with touches of bitter lemon and orange rind, plenty of finesse and tension, especially on the finish that feels long in the mouth. This is a well-crafted Caillerets to enjoy over the next decade.”
Domaine de Montille Les Champans, Volnay Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($149.95) Was $119, Now $99, 2 bottles available
Burghound “Here the intensely earthy nose is also quite somber and reserved with its array of various dark berry fruit and discreet humus aromas. There is good volume and a sleek muscularity to the mineral-inflected middle weight flavors that possess that lovely sense of underlying tension yet culminates in a mildly austere and dry finish. This is likely to add depth and flesh out somewhat with bottle age but I’m less certain that the balance is going to improve with time and my suggested initial drinking window reflects this concern.”
Domaine de Montille Les Champans, Volnay Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($149.95) Was $119, Now $99, 5 bottles available 2013
Burghound 89-92 points “A ripe, spicy and elegant nose presents notes of plum, cassis and warm earth. There is both good volume along with fine detail to the delicious and nicely concentrated medium-bodied flavors that also exude a fine bead of minerality before culminating in a dusty, cool and refined finale. Though there is some youthful austerity present there is no dryness and thus the overall sense of balance is more complete.”
Domaine de Montille Les Mitans, Volnay Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($129.95) Was $119, Now $99, 6 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 90-92 points “100% vendange entier; 20% new oak; small, concentrated berries from old vines): Good medium red. Lovely subtle perfume of cherry and raspberry liqueur lifted by a peppery element. Sweet, dense and lively but restrained on the palate, with distinctly dark flavors of blueberry, licorice and bitter chocolate. The brooding finish features broad, palate-coating tannins. I like the peppery stem element here as it contributes energy without overpowering the wine’s fruit.” ST
Domaine de Montille Les Mitans, Volnay Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($149.95) Was $119, Now $99, 7 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 89-92 points “(the only one of these 2013s that was vinified with 100% whole clusters; these degenerating vines produce tiny berries that are usually very ripe): Dark, full red. Seductive aromas of redcurrant and rose petal. Delivers lovely inner-mouth perfume, with flavors of raspberry, smoke and minerals lifted by peppery spices and flowers. Intense premier cru with enticing sweetness and excellent precision. Finishes with firm but fine-grained dusty tannins and noteworthy grip. Just 50% of normal production in 2013.”
Burghound “An intensely floral and spicy nose reveals notes of lilac, rose petal and cool red and blue pinot fruit aromas. There is a lovely sense of vibrancy and tension to the well-delineated and subtly mineral-inflected middle weight flavors that poses a dusty, youthfully austere and ever-so-mildly dry finish. In much the same fashion as the Grèves the balance isn’t perfect but this is still an interesting effort.”
Domaine de Montille Les Malconsorts Cuvee Christiane, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($599.95) Was $499, Now $469, 3 bottles available
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2013 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru les Malconsorts “Christiane,” which I asked to taste directly alongside the regular Malconsorts, has more delineation and precision, more mineralité coming through on the nose, veins of wet limestone and sea spray emerging with time. The palate is also noticeably different with greater tension and focus, a sense if coiled-up energy that is uncommon in this vintage. This surely illustrates the profound effects of terroir: a serious 2013 that should age with style.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 92-95 points “Bright, deep red. More discreet on the nose than the “regular” Malconsorts, showing ineffable floral lift. A step up in fruit intensity and pungency, but with powerful crushed-stone minerality keeping the wine under wraps today. Conveys a very strong impression of extract and stuffing but very closed in on itself today. Brisk acidity contributes to the impression of energy. The wine’s sophisticated tannins spread out horizontally to saturate the palate on the sappy, very firm finish. Great incipient complexity here but this will require serious patience.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Robert Chevillon
Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Bousselots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($99.95) Was $69, Now $59, 15 bottles available
Burghound 89-91 points “The well-layered mélange of red currant, blue berry and wet stone nuances marries seamlessly into slightly earthy, precise and energetic flavors that possess a firm but not hard tannic spine, all wrapped in a delicious and saline-infused finish. This is also quite understated yet stylish and I very much like the purity of expression.” BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Bousselots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($119.95) Was $89, Now $79, 7 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90-92 points “Good bright, dark red. Deep aromas of black raspberry, minerals, smoke and flowers, along with notes of licorice and dark chocolate; ripe and sexy. A step up in density and finesse of texture from the Chaignots, offering good acid spine to its wild dark fruit flavors. Quite dry and uncompromising today, finishing bright and long, with serious tannins and a juicy character. A very good showing.” ST
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Cailles, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($179.95) Was $149, Now $121.90, 6 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 93-95 points “Bright, deep red. Pungent crushed-stone minerality accents musky black cherry and red berries on the almost liqueur-like nose. Juicy, supple and energetic on the palate, communicating a sappy, youthfully imploded character and a magically light touch for such a rich wine. The tactile, slowly building finish saturates the mouth with red fruits and crushed stone. Great potential here.” ST
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Robert Chevillon Aux Chaignots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($99.95) Was $69, Now $59, 22 bottles available
Burghound 89-91 points “Here too discreet wood spice frames a pretty and cool mix of red and dark pinot fruit that is trimmed in warm earth nuances that are also reflected by the refined, pure and silky middle weight flavors. There is fine complexity and verve to the well-defined and persistent finish. A classic Chaignots of grace and harmony with no lack of aging potential.” BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Robert Chevillon Aux Chaignots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($119.95) Was $89, Now $69, 3 bottles available
Antonio Galloni–Vinous 90-92 points “The 2012 Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Chaignots is one of the more supple wines in this range. As such, it won’t demand as much cellar time as many of the other Chevillon 2012s. Gently spiced notes open up in the glass, followed by sweet red berries, flowers and cinnamon. The 2012 is soft and understated, with lovely overall balance and tons of medium-term appeal. This is another gracious, totally inviting wine from Chevillon.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Perrieres, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($109.95) Was $89, Now $79, 2 bottles available
Burghound 90-92 points “Here the nose just soars from the glass to reveal strikingly fresh and pure red berry fruit, wet stone and discreet earth hints. There is an equally striking sense of energy to the precise, intense and stony middle weight flavors that possess very fine balance and depth, all wrapped in a lingering and notably firm finish that suggests that this will need 10 to 12 years to reach its apogee.” BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Pruliers, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($119.95) Was $88, Now $69, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2013 Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru les Pruliers is slightly deeper in color than Chevillon’s other 2013s. The bouquet is one of his most sophisticated, with mineral-infused red and black fruit intermingling, almost crystalline in purity. The palate is harmonious straight from the off, replete with filigree tannins, well-judged acidity and a tense, rocky, structured finish that lingers long in the mouth. This will deserve several years aging – one of Bertrand and Denis’s best contributions to the vintage.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Roncieres, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($99.95) Was $69, Now $59, 1 bottle available
Burghound 90-93 points “There is a trace of herbal tea that adds breadth to the otherwise exceptionally fresh and equally pure red currant and wild cherry aromas. There is really beautiful intensity to the precise flavors that are on the lighter side yet deliver that wonderful quality of power without weight. This is first rate as it’s balanced, harmonious and offers excellent depth and length.”BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Robert Chevillon Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes 2011 750ML ($69.95) Was $49, Now $39, 16 bottles available
Burghound 87-89 points “A discreet touch of wood sets off equally fresh and bright red berry fruit and soft earth aromas that give way to mouth coating, delicious and vibrant medium-bodied flavors that possess good mid-palate concentration, all wrapped in a seductively textured, balanced and solidly persistent finish.”BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Robert Chevillon Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes 2012 750ML ($99.95) Was $59, Now $49, 5 bottles available
Antonio Galloni “The 2012 Nuits-Saint-Georges is another wine with considerable near and medium term appeal. There is a lovely immediacy and juiciness in the glass. Hints of red stone fruits and spices inform the pliant, supple finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our Current
Shipping Promos:
Welcome to the club, Colorado!
Along with Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California,
we now offer flat rate shipping to Colorado! Here’s the scoop:
Single orders of any quantity of wines qualify for the flat rate;
this does not apply to orders held in storage for any reason
or multiple orders consolidated into one shipment.
The flat reach for each state is, as follows:
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California & Colorado for $25.
Take Advantage of the Flat Rate!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nikolaihof’s Secret Wines
Out of the Ordinary Selections from an Austrian Superstar
Nikolaihof is well known for Riesling and Gruner Veltliner made in traditional style of the Wachau (admittedly in a brighter, more elegant idiom). They also make a few other wines which aren’t widely available in the US, either from grapes you know (Riesling, Gruner) but in alternate styles and also some wines from less well known grapes.
We’ve got some off-dry Riesling (rare for Austria), a Riesling left in cask for 17 years, an unfiltered Gruner, some Neuberger and a vertical of our favorite Muscat in the world. Read on for more!
In-Stock Now
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Gelber Muskateller, Wachau 6-Pack Library ($279.95) $219 special, 3 cases available
Contains one of each: ’07, ’08, ’09, ’10, ’11, ’12
VinopolNote: “Nikolaihof makes some of the most compelling Muscat in the world. The general assumption is that Muscat doesn’t age, which is one of the reasons that they’ve put this mixed six-pack together—specifically to dispel this idea. We find the wines compelling and fascinating, picking up depth and nuance as they age, and turning into incredibly compelling wines.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Gruner Veltliner “Zwickl,” Wachau 2015 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 10 bottles available
Terry Theise: “Leave it to them! This is, in essence, an unfiltered “Hefeabzug,” and you get two wines in the same bottle if you want. How? It’s fallen bright in the top one-third, and if you pour carefully you will have a clear wine. You can then shake the rest of the bottle to mix the sediment and pour yourselves a cloudy glass of tasty atavism. They encourage this! The wine-on-top is oyster and delicate and birchy. The cloudy one is “darker,” more boxwood and cress. It’s fun! But the clear wine, in the ’14 vintage, is lovelier. However, the 2015 on its heels is doughier and richer and here the cloudy wine makes more sense. In any case, I offer you what is probably the world’s first interactive Grüner Veltliner.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Neuburger, Wachau 2011 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 20 bottles available
David Schildknecht–Vinous 89 points “This soft and (at only 12.5% alcohol) full-feeling rendition of Neuburger emphasizes that grape’s inherent nuttiness, though the usual resemblance to white asparagus still applies. A faintly smoky piquancy adds an intriguing counterpoint to an otherwise soothing finish. (Not only is this wine still for sale, but so is the 2012. The 2013, says Nikki Saahs, was the first vintage ever to be sold out within a year of bottling and before he could even set aside stock for the family table and library, which explains why I missed out on tasting it, as well as why a decision has been made to replace with Neuburger 500 vines of Chardonnay, whose 2014 performance was as usual uninspiring.)”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Vom Stein Jungfernlese Riesling, Wachau 2006 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Terry Theise notes: “It means the virgin-vintage, the first crop from young vines. And it’s what the Germans would call Feinherb, and it’s what any sane person would call irresistible! A potion of iris and lavender, spicy and penetrating; very long, seductively earthy, like a really profound Nahe Spätlese, almost the 5-spice and wildflower of Dönnhoff’s Felsenberg.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Vinothek Riesling, Wachau 1997 750ML ($219.95) $149 special, 20 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 points “Aged for 17 years in a domestic 3,500-liter cask before it was bottled in August 2014, the 1997 Riesling Vinothek is the best part of the regular 1997 Riesling Smaragd Im Weingebirge, which was bottled and marketed in late 1998. The aged Vinothek version offers a fascinatingly clear, bright, deep and multi-layered nose with iodine and ripe as well as intense white-fleshed fruit aromas. Full-bodied, full of finesse and elegant, this dry, transparent and mineral Riesling develops a great intensity, complexity and power on the palate, but never leaves its silky road of purity, finesse and transparency. There is a lot of Spiel and tension here, but the most exciting characteristic trait is the intense and very mineral, almost endless finish. How youthful this wine is! And its further aging potential is still terrific. The wine reminds me of certain sherries, white Riojas and Jura wines, although it is not less oxidative. But it spent a long time in cask and has the freshness, complexity and thrilling taste of those. It’s a great, unique and stimulating wine that was bottled with 12.8% of alcohol, 6 grams of residual sugar and 6.5 grams of acidity.”
Arriving Soon
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Riesling Gutsriesling, Wachau 2013 750ML ($44.95) $31.90 special, pre-arrival eta January 2017
Terry Theise: “23 g/l of residual sugar, as it happened, and every wine here is as-it-happened. So Nikki declined to futz with it. The result tastes like something Florian Weingart would have made in the Wachau, all the mirabelle and herbs but with a different twangy terroir here. I don’t know what “use” you’ll make of it; I only know I like it.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Heymann-Löwenstein: A Master of the Lower Mosel
Arriving Friday!
The Terrassenmosel (A part of the lower Mosel steep enough that terraces are required to farm it) is a spectacular place to behold. Steep and daunting, it makes sense that singular wines would emerge from here. In that sense, then, the wines of Reinhard Löwenstein are perfectly in sync with expectations, provided your expectations are lofty enough.
These are some of the most sought after wines in Germany—monuments of mineral, most dry, aged for a full year longer than most of his peers before bottling and release because, cash-flow be damned, it’s about making the most impressive wines possible. If you haven’t had them and have any interest in dry Mosel Riesling, you should change that. If you have, you’ll notice how sharp our pricing is!
Heymann-Lowenstein Winninger Uhlen ‘R’ Roth Lay Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2007 375ML ($99.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Candied citrus, jujube, sweet spice and quince paste aromas and flavors mark this sweet, bracing Riesling, which is light on its feet and resonates on the finish with a mouthwatering feel and echoes of citrus. Best from 2012 through 2045.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Lowenstein’s 2007 Winninger Uhlen Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule Roth Lay (as in the corresponding dry wines, the letter “R” is prominent on the label of this A.P.#9) benefits from counterpoint and collaboration among bright citrus, rich pit fruit essences, and the honey of botrytis. For all of its enormous sheer ripeness and concentration, this retains a striking sense of delicacy. A snappy, spicy, pungent streak – taken together with vivid, diverse pit fruits and citrus – serves for exhilaration in a finish of memorable length and energy, with a vivid impression of crushed stone one hardly expects in a wine of such sweetness and prominent botrytization. There seems to be something of a personality role reversal at work this year, because the corresponding Rottgen Auslese is cool and refined whereas this Uhlen displays more of the piquancy and (as French growers might say) nervosite that I associate with Rottgen. But then, botrytis is always something of a wild card, so that a wine like this is profoundly and unpredictably influenced by the precise microclimatic conditions for and differences in the nature of that fungus. No doubt this too will be worth following for two or more decades.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Heymann-Lowenstein Winninger Uhlen ‘R’ Roth Lay Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2010 750ML ($199.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 93 points “Lowenstein’s 2010 Winninger Uhlen Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule Roth Lay – destined for auction – displays an almost sweaty aromatic alliance of salinity and musky pungency, along with nose-prickling lemon rind such as one might expect from an Eiswein. Suggestions of marigold and narcissus add to the exotic, pungent muskiness on display here. Fig and peach preserves; pear drops; marzipan and salted caramel intensely mark the palate, while zesty, musky, and saline mineral impingement serve for strikingly persistent stimulation. Despite its lower (7.5%) alcohol, though, this comes off not only as more viscous but also less buoyant (let alone “uncannily” so) than its Rottgen counterpart. That wine is an example of botrytis performing its magic and leaving nary a fingerprint behind, whereas here, prints are quite evident, even if fascinatingly smudge-free. This compellingly complex concentrate will not be everybody’s cup of nobly rotten Riesling, but ought to merit at least the better part of two decades attention.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Heymann-Lowenstein ‘von Blauem Schiefer’ Riesling, Mosel 2015 750ML ($44.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 89 points “The 2015er Trocken vom blauen Schiefer is made from fruit out of the Koberner Weissenberg, Koberner Fahrberg and Klottener Brauneberg. It offers an inviting nose of spices and herbs as well as mirabelle and some wet slate. The wine proves nicely full-bodied but packed with glorious zesty acidity and minerals on the palate and leaves a long and powerful yet mouth-watering finish. This needs a few years in the bottle to shine. 2017-2023”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Heymann-Lowenstein Kirchberg Riesling, Mosel 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92+ points “This wine is rather reduced but offers a gorgeously flowery nose of pear and Provence herbs. It proves superbly elegant on the palate where grip and saltiness define the aromatics. Great multi-layered complexity already comes through in the long and airy finish. This is still very primary and in need of bottle age to balance out but this beauty will easily turn into the most complete and elegant expression of Kirchberg we have taste to date. This is hugely impressive and has even some upside potential. 2018-2025.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Heymann-Lowenstein Rottgen Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Mosel 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The wine proves slightly bold at this stage as it delivers ripe scents of canned peach, mirabelle, quince, herbs and spices on the nose and a delicate baroque and toffee-infused side full of grip on the palate. These elements are nicely framed by minerals in the intense finish, leaving one with a complex and very individualistic set of flavors in the after-taste. This wine is nicely made in the richer style that has made the success of Heymann-Löwenstein and, consequently, will need some time find its inner balance. 2018-2025.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Heymann-Lowenstein Schieferterrassen Riesling, Mosel 2015 750ML ($39.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines “The 2015er Trocken Schieferterrassen is made from the Estate’s holdings in Winningen (Domgarten, Brückstück and Hamm) and Kobern (Fahrberg and Weissenberg) as well as from declassified fruit from its “cru” vineyards. It offers a gorgeous nose of marzipan, herbs and spices. The wine is delicately baroque and full of character on the palate as ripe yellow fruits are nicely complemented by spicy herbs and a hint of tartness in the finish. 2018-2025”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Heymann-Lowenstein Stolzenberg Riesling, Mosel 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 90+ points “This offers a gorgeous nose of ripe peach lifted up by a hint of honey, marzipan and dried herbs. The wine is delicately rich yet balanced on the palate and leaves a nicely clean feel of spices in the finish. This delicately full-bodied expression of Stolzenberg delivers great elegance in the finish and could easily exceed our initial expectations. 2017-2025.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Heymann-Lowenstein Uhlen B Blaufusser Lay Riesling, Mosel 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92+ points “A gorgeously elegant nose of greengage, almond, fresh herbs and spices as well as slate and smoke leads to rich flavors of minerals and good grip on the palate. Spicy herbs come through in the long finish, adding a gorgeously complex and multi-layered side to the wine. This is still quite backward and needs several years to develop its balance. We would not be surprised if it even exceeds our expectations once it reaches its maturity plateau. 2018-2025.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Heymann-Lowenstein Uhlen Laubach Lay Riesling 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “This offers a gorgeously elegant and refined nose of pear, mirabelle, ginger, fresh herbs and spices. The wine proves ostentatious yet loaded with flavors in the finish and leaves a gorgeously multi-layered feel of minerals, herbs and a slight touch of power in the finish at this early stage. The raw material is beautiful and only needs time to integrate and deliver a full-bodied wine with multi-layered complexity. 2020-2030.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Heymann-Lowenstein Uhlen ‘R’ Roth Lay Riesling, Mosel 2015 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92-95 points “We tasted the three different casks which will make out the final Uhlen R. While there are differences in structure and mouth-feel between the casks, all casks offers a similarly gorgeous nose of candied grapefruit, yellow peach, wet stones and fine dried spices. The wine is beautifully well balanced on the palate, marrying aromatic precision with silky smoothness and delicately tickly zest as fruit and minerals coat the palate. The finish is beautifully pure and multi-layered. There is huge potential here if the wine’s presence and finesse will make it into the bottle and shine through at maturity. 2020-2030.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arriving Today!
Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione Alta Valle della Greve IGT, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($69.95) Was $49, Now $44 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2012 Il Carbonaione comes across as quite shy and reserved today, with less of its typical exuberance. That just makes me think the wine is going to need a few years to blossom. Sweet red cherry, plum, kirsch, spice and rose petal nuances gradually emerge from the glass, but the 2012 remains reticent and not fully expressive. I would not be surprised to see the market look past the 2012, as it is not at all showy, but that will just create an opportunity for savvy consumers. There is plenty to look forward to. Readers will have to be patient, though. Over the years, Il Carbonaione has built a tremendous track record of aging very well. Next to Chianti Classico’s other 100% Sangioveses, Carbonaione is made in a sweeter, jammier style with more mid-palate opulence. Although showy in its youth, Carbonaione needs time in bottle to show at its best.”
Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione Alta Valle della Greve IGT, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($69.95) Was $49, Now $41.90 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2013 Il Carbonaione is compelling. That’s the good news. The bad news, if you can call it that, is that the 2013 is going to take the better part of the next decade to be at its best. Black cherry, plum, licorice and menthol are all fused together. Today, the 2013 is rich, deep and unctuous, with superb depth and striking balance. Opening a bottle anytime soon, though, is likely to be a mostly academic exercise, as the Carbonaione is so primary, it almost tastes like a barrel sample!”
Chateau Bel-Air, Pomerol 2009 750ML ($37.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Chateau Bel-Air, Pomerol 2009 750ML ($419.95) $299 pre-arrival special (that’s only $24.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Robert Parker “Owned by the Martin family (who also own Gloria), this dense ruby/plum-colored sleeper of the vintage displays oodles of fruit as well as some notes of Christmas fruitcake and roasted herbs along with loads of cassis. Tasty, round, generous, and ripe, this 2009 has a lot going for it.”
Chateau Bel-Air, Pomerol 2010 750ML ($37.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Chateau Bel-Air, Pomerol 2010 750ML ($419.95) $299 pre-arrival special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Grapelive 92 points “The vintage shows through here without question, a great year makes this lovely Pomerol a terrific value and wonderfully textured wine from Chateau Bel-Air. This dark and full bodied Pomerol hits all the right notes and does so with class, vitality and verve showing beautiful detail and complexity in a forceful, but elegantly pure Merlot, this is really seductive stuff in the glass, holding its own against far more expensive labels with ease and poise. The rich layers of fruit, mineral tones and sweet tannin give decadence and refined structure, highlighting Merlot’s promise in a world that sometimes lacks the respect of this often maligned varietal. Chateau Bel-Air has captured in the bottle the right bank’s charm and beauty in this 2010, it shows terroir, with subtle loamy/earth, plummy dense mouth feel and stylish silken length with a wine that has the potential to age another 10 to 15 years, but is pretty darn good right now too. The lead off here is dark floral tones a hint of smoky cedar and black cherry fruit with blackberry, plum, dark kirsch liqueur along with a touch of mint, dried clay, a touch of cigar wrapper and vanilla. This fine Bordeaux delivers well beyond its price and is wonderful with food choices that range from duck breast, lamb, roast pork, wild mushroom dishes to prime rib, and or any comforting winter fare really, and it can also be enjoyed with cheeses or on its own. This is the kind of wine that brings you back to Bordeaux, and certainly makes you wonder why you don’t drink more Merlot, drink this Chateau Bel-Air Pomerol from 2016 to 2028.”