Monday, March 9th, 2015
In the region of Piedmonte, Nebbiolo has sustained the reputation of being the ‘king grape’ of this Northwest part of Italy. It has two main characters; the dark, slightly rugged and very tannic wines of Barolo, and the elegant, less structured and softer wines of Barbaresco. Lighter in color, and more approachable when young, Barbaresco’s have really beautiful red fruit components and tend to show more floral notes, along with great spice, earth and leather characteristics.
Paitin estate history goes back to 1796, when Benedetto Elia (Paitin) purchased a vineyard of about 5 acres in the Neive region of Piedmonte. About 30 years later, Elia bought roughly 5 more acres of Nebbiolo and Barbera vineyards with a house and cellar, and the first Barbaresco wine was bottled in 1893. Following historic tradition, Paitin estate has remained within the family, and since 1965 (7 generations later), Secondo Pasquero Elia has taken over the winery and now runs the estate with his sons, Silvano and Giovanni.
Paitin is now currently one of the highly acclaimed wineries in Piedmonte for Barbaresco. The family passionately works with the fruit, dependent upon the soil patterns of the slopes, the microclimates of each parcel and the differentiations between the multiple layers of schist soils throughout the vineyards. This is an incredible value for this Barbaresco, in which you rarely see price tags under the $40-$50 range for such high quality, and certainly nowhere near Barolo prices. Paitin’s Serra tends to have notes of both dark and tart bing cherry fruit, beautiful peppery spice, followed by soft, fine-grained tannins. Enjoy with Italian cured meats, or with a lovely Bolognese dish. Cheers!
Paitin Barbaresco – 2011 Arriving March 11th
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Serra’, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($41.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Serra’, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($419.95) $399 pre-arrival special (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 94 points “Rich and velvety, yet also vibrant and complex, this red boasts floral, berry, anise, leather and mineral flavors. Harmonious, this turns slightly chewy in texture on the lingering finish. Best from 2017 through 2027. 1,000 cases made.” WS
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Crushed flowers, sweet red berries, spices and mint race across the palate in the 2011 Barbaresco Serra. This is one of the most intense, tannic 2011 Barbarescos readers will come across. Far from an easygoing wine, the 2011 is going to need considerable patience. Hints of sweet tobacco, mint and anise add nuance on the layered, super-expressive finish. The 2011 Serra spent two years in 50-hectoliter casks.” AG
Paitin Barbaresco – 2010 Available Here Now
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Serra’, Barbaresco DOCG 2010 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 36+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Dark cherries, menthol, tobacco, licorice and tar all emerge from the glass in the 2010 Barbaresco Serra. This is a decidedly dark, powerful, brooding vintage for the Serra. Readers will find a powerful, structured Barbaresco that will require considerable cellaring. The broad-shouldered, brooding style typical of this part of the Barbaresco zone comes through in spades. The Serra spent 18 months in cask.” AG
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New Arrival Special Feature
Bedrock Winery
Morgan Twain-Peterson’s winemaking career began at the age of 5 when he began making small lots of Pinot Noir at Ravenswood Winery, founded by his father, Joel Peterson. He continued making this wine (named Vino Bambino) until left for college in 2001. By then he’d secured places for it on the wine lists of several famous restaurants including Blue Hill, Gramercy Tavern, and Delmonico’s. In 2007, Twain-Peterson founded Bedrock in what was once a 550 square foot chicken coop. He eventually convinced his best friend Chris Cottrell to move from New York to become a partner in the winery. Today, the duo cultivates strong bonds with growers throughout Sonoma and the North Coast, creating exquisite, expressive wines.
Bedrock Wines Available Here Now
Bedrock Wine Co. Sherman & Hooker’s Shebang Old Vine White Wine “3rd Cuvee,” Sonoma Valley NV ($14.95) $12 special
Winemaker’s note “78% Sauvignon Blanc 22% Chasselas and Muscadelle. Vineyard: The Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from the Gibson Ranch in Mendocino. The Muscadelle and Chasselas are sourced from old vine vineyards in Sonoma. Vinification: Fermented in stainless steeel using indiginous yeasts. Aging: primarily aged in stainless steel with a small portion (15%) seeing new French oak.”
Bedrock Wine Co. Sherman & Hooker’s Shebang Old Vine “8th Cuvee” Red NV ($14.95) $12 special
“This is becoming one of the hottest red wine values in California,” proclaims Robert Parker. A juicy blend of Zinfandel, Grenache, Alicante, Petite Sirah and Sangiovese aged in 50% new French oak.
Bedrock Wine Co. Old Vine Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley 2013 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “This Rhône Ranger-styled effort displays notes of raspberries, black cherries, forest, earth, pepper and spice. Full-bodied, heady, seductive and lush, it can be enjoyed over the next 5-6 years.” WA
Wine Spectator 91 points “A zesty red, with briary cherry and sage aromas that lead to lively and layered flavors of wild berry, anise and smoky cracked pepper.” WS
Winemaker’s note: “This Zin comes from vines averaging more than 80 years of age. Its core is from Sonoma, with additional parcels in Alexander Valley, Russian River, and Lodi. In typical Bedrock fashion, this wine has a variety of wacky varietals added including Carignan, Mourvedre, Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Abouriou. Lively and complex!”
Bedrock Wine Co. Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Red, Contra Costa County 2013 750ML ($41.95) $36 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2013 Evangelho Heritage Wine is a real stunner. Silky, suave and nuanced on the palate, the 2013 impresses for its balance and total sense of class. Sweet red berries, flowers, spices and mint are all given an extra dimension of aromatic lift from the significant presence of sand found in this Contra Costa site. The acidity is especially bright in 2013, adding to the wine’s energy. Carignane, Zinfandel and Mourvedre form the core of the blend.” AG
Winery note: “Evahgelho lies just inland from the Sacramento River Delta on banks of sand that can reach 40 feet in depth. Though a warm area, the perpetual, strong wind shapes this into a wine that defies conventional wisdom on warm weather sites. The wine is a blend of 60% Zinfandel and 18% Carignane, with a smattering of Mourvèdre, Palomino and Mission. The dusty, loamy characteristics of its sandy soil are present along with silky red fruits, pepper, and earth. Extremely limited.”
Bedrock Wine Co. ‘The Bedrock Heritage’ Wine, Sonoma Valley 2013 750ML ($49.95) $42 special
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2013 Bedrock Heritage Wine is one of the most intriguing wines in the range. Smoke, cedar, tobacco and a host of savory notes meld together in a powerful yet nuanced wines built on delineation and energy. Even with all of its intensity, the 2013 remains lifted, floral and light on its feet for such a big wine. This is by far the most polished and refined wine I have tasted from the Bedrock Vineyard, where the wines have often been much riper and bigger.” AG
Winery note: “This wine comes from the Peterson family’s old vineyard, planted between 1888 and 1895. With over 22 interplanted varieties, this is a unique place and one that is close to Twain-Peterson’s heart. ‘This is the wine that I started the winery to make,’ he says. This is composed of roughly 55% Zinfandel and 30% Carignan, with many other varieties as they’re scattered through the rocky, red-clay vineyard. This garnered 93+ points from Wine Advocate, who proclaimed it ‘full bodied, heady, savory, broad and expansive.’ Extremely limited.”
Arriving Here Mid-March!
Bedrock Wine Co. Syrah, North Coast 2013 750ML ($29.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Winemaker’s note: “This Syrah is blended from Hudson, Weill, and Kick Ranch, and cofermented with 4% Viognier. Raised in a combination of larger format and traditional barrel sizes, this wine saw 17% new oak with a 14 month elevage. A Syrah’s Syrah, filled with pepper, smoke and violets.”
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This Week’s New Arrivals
OREGON
Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc 2014 ($19.95) $16 special
VinopolNote: 100% Stainless SteelAyres Estate Rose of Pinot Noir 2014 ($19.95) $16 special
Winery note: Lively, with melon and berry notes.
Atticus Yamhill-Carlton District Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Bright, vivid, expressive and intense, with cherry and raspberry flavors at the core, plus shadings of pear skin, yogurt, white pepper and floral that mingle with the fruit as the finish persists against refined tannins. Drink now through 2022.” WS
CALIFORNIA
Wine Advocate 92 points “Longtime winemaker Ted Edwards has fashioned a beautiful 2013 Chardonnay, an 11,000-case, non-malolactic, 70% barrel-fermented cuvée from multiple sources throughout Napa. One-third new French oak was used. Notes of delicate pear, apple blossom and tropical fruits emerge from this classic Chardonnay. Medium to full-bodied with a greenish hue to its color, it exhibits impressive layers and minerality. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years.” WAStonestreet Alexander Mountain Estate Christopher’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2010 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “This low-production Cab defines Stonestreet’s mountain vineyard, high above the Alexander Valley. It’s very tannic now, with the drying astringency that marks a young wine. Given the fruity concentration, it should have no trouble aging for 10-15 years. High elevation fruit yields an amazing combination of cassis, minerals, tannins and acidic freshness. Drink 2020 and beyond.” WE
Stonestreet Alexander Mountain Estate Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2010 750ML ($37.95) $28 special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “A lovely Cabernet, ripe and delicious, yet complex enough to hold your interest. It’s just beginning its journey in the bottle. Very dark in color, with hard tannins, it has an immense core of blackberries and cherries. Give it at least 6-8 years, but it could still be rocking in 2022.” WE
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “This is an awesome Cabernet, that’s so packed with blackberries and cassis, it blows your mind. The richness is superbly balanced by fine acidity and sweet, complex tannins that rein everything into a focused structure. Feels velvety, refined and ageable. Hold until 2018 and drink it for an additional decade or beyond.” WE
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “At the age of three years, this Cabernet Sauvignon is still very tannic and closed. It has a solid core of black currants, with sweet oak and mineral complexities. The structure is exceptionally refined, and it’s crisp with acidity. A gorgeous wine to age for eight years, if not longer.” WEFreemark Abbey ‘Sycamore’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2002 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Robert Parker 95 points “The superstar of this trio is the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Sycamore, which comes from a vineyard planted in gravelly soils about a mile south of the Bosche Vineyard. Composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc, it is a deeper, fuller, more complete effort displaying blacker fruit flavors. Notes of blackberries, cassis, licorice, charcoal, graphite and dark chocolate emerge from this opaque-colored, full-bodied, muscular, back-strapping Cabernet. Give it another 2-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 15+.” RP– 2012 Retrospective tasting
Freemark Abbey ‘Sycamore’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2004 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “Kudos to winemaker Ted Edwards. Lastly, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Sycamore Vineyard, which is just to the south of Bosche, is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, from the gravelly, clay and loamy soils of this area. It, too, was aged 24 months in French oak and seems dense, full-bodied, powerful and backward as well. Most of the 2004s are far more open than this cuvee and the Bosche, but there is plenty of ripe fruit, moderate tannin and a deep black currant, blackberry, smoky sweetness, with a full, voluminous mouth texture. Give this one another 2-3 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 15-20.” RP– 2014 Retrospective tasting
FRANCE-CHAMPAGNE
Guy Charlemagne Mesnillesime Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2004 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Firm and well-knit, with a subtle streak of minerality underscoring flavors of crunchy white peach, fresh ginger and tangy currant, showing hints of pastry and spice. Clean and racy. Drink now through 2023.” WS
The next best price is $64.99/bottle
Domaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot Clos Saint Denis Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($279.95) $219 special
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2012 Clos Saint Denis Grand Cru, limited to one barrel courtesy of 0.17-hectares, is adorned with a beautiful, floral bouquet that has wonderful mineralite, and there is a crescendo of aromas in the glass as the aromatics seem to gain confidence. The palate is medium-bodied with a succulent, almost honeyed opening. There is great depth and substance here, perhaps not quite as tense as the Echezeaux ’12, but very convincing on its precocious, lascivious finish. This is very impressive.” Neal MartinDomaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot Gevrey-Chambertin La Justice 2012 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Supple and spicy, this red exudes macerated cherry, wood smoke, spice and a hint of bacon fat. Firmly structured and persistent on the long, mouthwatering finish. Best from 2017 through 2028.” BS
The next best price is $79.99
Wine Spectator 93 points “Exhibits fine purity to the cherry, berry and floral aromas and flavors. Elements of tobacco and earth add depth and the silky texture is backed by harmonious acidity and tannins. Excellent length. Best from 2017 through 2028.” BSDomaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot Chambertin Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($349.95) $299 special
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2012 Chambertin Grand Cru comes from 0.21-hectares of vine close to those of Domaine Armand Rousseau. Deep in color, it has a vibrant, almost boisterous bouquet with dark cherry, bergamot and orange rind scents all vying for attention. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent dark berry fruit, impressive mineralite and a sturdy structure towards the tightly wound finish. Perhaps it does not quite possess the persistency of other Chambertin 2012s, but remains a delicious, complex grand vin.” Neal Martin
The next best price is $339.99
Stephen Tanzer 92-95 points “(just 11 barrels produced from two hectares in 2012; vinified with 20% whole clusters and aging in 45% new oak): Good deep red. Slightly reduced aromas of black and red fruits, leather and minerals. Dense and thick, with terrific sappy intensity and complex soil character. At another level of complexity in the way it combines deeply pitched earth tones and high-pitched flowers and minerals. Wonderfully tactile wine with an explosive finish. This was the last to finish its malolactic fermentation, at the end of September. Liger-Belair is one of the leaders of an ongoing effort to have this vineyard elevated to grand cru status, and this wine could make his point.” ST
The next best price is $174.95
Antonio Galloni 95-97 points “A drop-dead gorgeous beauty, the 2012 Richebourg takes hold of all the senses with a kaleidoscope of aromas and flavors that is truly breathtaking. This is a gracious Richebourg that adds considerable finesse to all of the structure one expects to find. Violets, cloves, new leather and black fruit are all supported by veins of cool, incisive minerality. The flavors are intense and resonant, with tons of mineral drive and pure energy. What a magnificent wine this is. Liger-Belair vinified the Richebourg with fully destemmed fruit.” AG
The next best price is $565
FRANCE-LOIRE
Guy Bossard Domaine de l’Ecu “La Divina” Method Traditionnelle Extra Brut NV ($24.95) $19.90 special
Importer note “This sparkling wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Melon de Bourgogne, and Folle Blanche, with some Cabernet Franc to add complexity and structure. After bottling the wine is fermented a second time with champagne yeasts and let to age on the lees for at least one year.”
Guy Bossard Domaine de l’Ecu Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie Granite 2013 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special
ITALY-PIEDMONT
Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Leather, balsamic herbs, black fruit and spice aromas lead the nose. The delicious palate delivers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, cinnamon, black pepper and carob notes, balanced by bold but noble tannins and vibrant acidity. It needs years to fully develop and will age for decades. Drink 2020–2040. Cellar Selection.” WE
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2010 Barolo Bricco Boschis is the flagship wine from this historic estate in Castiglione Falletto. The personality here is dark and brooding with savory aromas of cured meat and smoked bacon in a leading role. The intensity is bright and vibrant and the longer you contemplate the wine, the more it offers. Following a few swirls of the glass, you encounter sweet cherry, white almond skin, licorice and pressed rose. Still young, the wine shows enormous complexity. Its balanced structure and acidity would pair next to succulent lamb chops or any number of sophisticated meat recipes. Drink: 2016-2026.” WA
Case-12 Montes Alpha Syrah, Apalta 2008 750ML ($249.95) $119 special (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2008 Alpha Syrah is purple/black in color with an alluring nose of smoke, game, mineral, underbrush, and blueberry. Medium- to full-bodied, succulent and chewy on the palate, this lengthy effort is likely to evolve for 1-2 years but can be approached now.” WA
The average price is $17/bottle!
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2006 Folly is a world class Syrah (not only because of the superb Ralph Steadman label). It is sourced from a ridiculously steep vineyard in Apalta and aged for 18 months in new French oak. Inky black in color, it reveals a super-expressive nose of toasty new oak, pepper, lavender, game, incense, and blueberry. Voluptuous on the palate but not heavy, it has gobs of sweet fruit, layers of flavor, a firm structure, and 5-7 years of aging potential. Drink this impeccably balanced, lengthy effort from 2015 to 2026.” WA
Wine Spectator 94 points “Rich and lush, but with superb poise, this offers a huge core of crushed plum, raspberry ganache and macerated currant fruit that easily absorbs its dark, coffee-tinged toast and muscular, loamy undertow. The finish is powerful, but well-knit. Should age nicely. Syrah. Best from 2010 through 2014.” WS
The next best price is $62.49
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25
These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason.
Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment do not qualify for flat rate shipping.
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Staff Picks
“This is a delightfully refreshing white blend from Lobo Hills winery in Yakima, Washington. Their previous bottling of the wine was chosen by Seattle Magazine as the best Washington white for under $20. It is 50% Pinot Gris, 40% Gewurztraminer and 10% Riesling all done in stainless steel. It is remarkably clean, showing very pure aromas from each of the three varietals. The fragrant nose shows notes of roses and lilies, honeydew melon and touch of ripe apricot on the finish. A refreshing blend to ring in the warmer weather in the PacNW.”
“A blend from Miller Vineyard, Meredith Mitchell Vineyard and the Ayres Estate vineyard. Made in a crisp style, with no malo. Nice minerality with tropical and melon fruit notes. More going on than I usually expect from a Pinot Blanc. A crowd pleasing wine.”
Opus One Proprietary Red Napa Valley 2009 1.5L ($799.95) Was $579, Now $549, 3 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2009 Opus One is impeccable. It brings together the silkiness of the 2007 with the power and darkness of the 2008, a combination that is hugely appealing, to say the least. With a little air, the 2009 can be enjoyed young, but it is best cellared for at least a few years, which will allow some of the baby fat to drop off. The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot and 1% Malbec.” AG
The next best price is $578.99
FRANCE-CHAMPAGNE
Ulysse Collin ‘Les Pierrieres’ Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut NV (2010) ($89.95) Was $79, Now $69, 20 bottles available
Peter Liem ChampagneGuide.Net 2 stars “Collin’s 2010s are uniformly sleek and shapely, and true to form, the Perrières is perhaps the most overtly elegant of them all. While it feels ripe and concentrated at its core, it emphasizes its stony minerality above all else, complementing this with a suave texture and a racy, elongated finish. It feels fresh, youthful and vibrant, and it should develop superbly well with another few years in the cellar. Last tasted: 11/14.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The NV (2010) Blanc de Noirs Les Maillons is especially dry and bracing in this vintage. Chalk, hazelnuts, spices, dried pears and plums meld together as this striking, crystalline Blanc de Noirs shows off its personality. The sense of energy is palpable. Olivier Collin has done a magnificent job with his 2010. This is a fabulous wine by any measure.” AG
FRANCE-BURGUNDY
Nicolas Potel Maison Roche de Bellene Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2009 750ML ($199.95) Was $159, Now $119, 12 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92-94 points “Good bright yellow. Pure, perfumed aromas of lime, pineapple, spearmint and crushed rock. Juicy, steely and dense, with penetrating citrus and mineral flavors complicated by a saline quality that contributes to the wine’s savory, tactile mouth feel. Very dense, clean, precise and persistent wine that avoids austerity thanks to its touch of sweetness.” ST
Burghound 91-94 points “This is presently the spiciest of the three Vosne 1ers in the range which adds plenty of background nuance and complexity to the red currant, plum and cassis aromas. The earthy and relatively powerful big-bodied flavors possess excellent intensity and copious amounts of dry extract that coats the palate on the hugely long finish. Despite the youthful expressiveness presently being displayed, this is really quite a serious effort that I suspect will shut down for a good while as it’s clearly built to age.”BH
AUSTRALIA
Two Hands Wines Bella’s Garden Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2011 750ML ($79.95) Was $49, Now $39, 18 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Dark ruby. Spicy cherry and dark berry aromas are complemented by an exotic Indian spice quality. Chewy, round and nicely concentrated, with sweet, focused black and blue fruit compote flavors lifted by tangy acidity. Appealingly sweet on the youthfully tannic finish, which leaves allspice, blueberry and bitter chocolate notes behind. Shows the best traits of this difficult Barossa vintage and might surprise with its ability to age.”
The average price is $66/bottle
Wine Advocate 93 points “presents youthfully mute aromas of warm blackberries, stewed plums, kirsch, cedar and cloves with an array of Indian spices opening out with air. In the full-bodied mouth it gives very firm, coarsely grained tannins, very crisp acid and good concentration, finishing long and chewy.” WA
The average price is $144/bottle
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Deep violet. Complex bouquet of red and dark berries is complemented by smoky minerals, potpourri, anise and black pepper. Rich but focused on the palate, offering sweet black raspberry and cassis flavors, a velvety texture and strong mineral snap. This elegant,precise wine boasts impressive finishing sweetness. For such a rich wine, this is very graceful and surprisingly approachable, although it’s built to age.” ST
The average price is $116/bottle
Amontillado Seleccion 1951 750ML ($279.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95 points “My favorite of the two Amontillados is the 1951 Amontillado Selección a rare, single-vintage Amontillado produced with Pedro Ximénez grapes as is the norm in Montilla-Moriles. It’s a bright mahogany color with an amber-green tint that reveals pharmaceutical notes and balsamic, with roasted, charred aromas and a sweetish palate that retains the sharpness expected in this kind of wine. It is lacking a bit in the mid-palate before ending with a slightly bitter, tarry finish. This is completely different to an Amontillado from Jerez.”
Don PX Reserva Especial 1965 750ML ($299.95) $249 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 97 points “Small lots of old vintages are released following no apparent logic, like this 1965 Don PX Selección, which is produced with white Pedro Ximénez grapes but it’s black rather than white, bottled in June 2014 with 290 grams of residual sugar. It has a nose of pure curry, aromas of an Indian restaurant, very balanced, not as sweet as others, in fact it’s more bittersweet than sweet, combining the spices with bitter chocolate and with very good acidity that makes it relatively easy to drink.”
Don PX Convento 1955 750ML ($379.95) $299 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 98 points “One more single-harvest, old sweet wine, the 1955 Don PX Convento Selección was bottled in September 2014 and it had been aged slowly in very old American oak barrels and getting thick and concentrated through evaporation. It’s 320 grams of sugar are (partially) compensated by 6.5 grams of acidity. It has a nose and palate of chocolate-covered candied orange, spices, molasses. I’d say the dominant aromas in the nose are dark chocolate. It’s very dense, developing notes of very concentrated licorice and balsamic, mint, camphor and evolving notes of petrol with time. Complex, rare and unique.”
Don PX Convento 1929 750ML ($459.95) $359 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The extreme 1929 Don PX Convento Selección is a thick, dense and unusual, rare sweet beast. It is very dark with a green border, dense, oily and serious full-bodied palate with the profile of a PX from Jerez. With 500 grams of residual sugar per liter, it is a little monolithic, a little heavy and not so easy to drink. Still it is an impressive, very sweet wine that is really unique”