Monday, June 1, 2015
Flash Sale
Grand Cru Chablis: $37 / $33.25
Arriving June 5th
Jean-Marc Brocard Valmur Grand Cru, Chablis 2009 750ML ($59.95) $37 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Jean-Marc Brocard Valmur, Valmur Grand Cru, Chablis 2009 750ML ($619.95) $399 pre-arrival special (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Burghound 93 points “A pretty mix of ripe citrus and white flowers that is cut with tidal pool nuances that add just enough Chablis character to confirm the origins of this wine. Happily there are more obvious Chablis nuances to the concentrated and silky-textured flavors that possess good underlying minerality and ample dry extract on the wonderfully long finish. This is quite well-balanced and impressively complex and about the only nit is the barest hint of backend warmth.” BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price listed is $61 –that’s 64% over our price today!!!
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Mid-West, East & South
Summer Shipping Saver
Whisk your wine through warmer weather!
Beginning now, for the summer season we are offering UPS Three Day Select Service for the price of UPS Ground for shipments normally travelling 4 or more business days.
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New Arrival Special Feature
Domaine Hubert Lignier Gevrey-Chambertin 2012 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Antonio Galloni “Moderately saturated pale red. Diffuse red fruits, earth and white truffle on the nose. Then spicy, supple and sweet in the mouth; easygoing and rather slight, with round, accessible flavors of strawberry and raspberry dominating. Finishes with sweeter tannins than the Gevrey La Justice.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $86.99
Don’t miss the additional Domaine Hubert Lignier new arrivals listed below!
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OREGON
Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2008 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2008 Pinot Noir Abbey Ridge comes from the estate’s oldest vines. Medium cherry red, it displays a fragrant bouquet of Asian spices, incense, floral notes, cherry, and raspberry. Incipiently complex on the palate, it will benefit from 2-3 years of additional cellaring to fully unwind and will provide enjoyment through 2020, perhaps longer.” WA
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2010 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 91-92+ points “Based on the oldest blocks at that site, Cameron’s 2010 Pinot Noir Abbey Ridge – which represented a single fermentation lot tasted from multiple barrels, and will total around 200 cases – smells pungently of cherry, purple plum, and holly berry, all shadowed by their distilled counterparts; incense; sage; citrus oils; and brown spices. These manifold features go on to inform a sappy, bright, buoyant palate, finishing with grip and verve. Expect a good 15 or more year run.” WA
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Rouge Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2008 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2008 Clos Electrique Rouge displays a similar elegant personality. Medium ruby red with aromas of spice box, wild berries, incense, and smoke, on the palate it has excellent concentration, intense flavors, and several years of aging potential. It will offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2023.” WA
This is the only listing in the USA today!
WASHINGTON
Gramercy Cellars Southern Blend Lower East, Columbia Valley 2011 750ML ($31.95) $19 special
Case-12 Gramercy Cellars Southern Blend Lower East, Columbia Valley 2011 750ML ($219.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
VinopolNote: 59% Grenache, 34% Syrah, 7% Cinsault. 13.7% alcohol.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $30
The average price is $34
CALIFORNIA
Nickel & Nickel Tench Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 2010 750ML ($89.95) $59 special
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $69.99
The average price is $86
FRANCE-BURGUNDY
Domaine Louis Michel & Fils Vaillons, Chablis Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
Antonio Galloni 91-93 points “The 2013 Chablis Vaillons is bright, punchy and expressive. White flowers, green pear and lemon oil jump from the glass as this expressive, wonderfully nuanced wine shows off its class and personality. The hugely appealing finish is all about direction, energy and focus.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $34.98
The average price is $38
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Rose, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
100% Pinot Noir
Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Tres Girard 2012 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 88-90 points “The 2012 Morey-Saint-Denis Tres Girard comes from a parcel behind the winery close to the cemetery. It has a light but fragrant, well-defined, pretty bouquet that some might argue is missing a little vigor. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins on the entry. Nicely balanced with good backbone on the finish that carries the 20% new oak well. Fine.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $86.99
Domaine Hubert Lignier Les Chaffots, Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($219.95) $179 special
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2012 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Chaffots is more backward and coy than the La Riotte out of barrel, but it unfurls with a little coaxing to reveal some lovely, broody black fruit infused with forest floor aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp, mineral-rich opening. At its core is structured, tertiary black fruit but it displays impressive intensity before leading you down a dark alley on the introspective finish. This will require several years to spring open. Cellar this whilst enjoying the La Riotte.” WA
Domaine Hubert Lignier Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($399.95) $299 special
Antonio Galloni 92-94 points “The 2012 Charmes-Chambertin (from Mazoyères) comes across as a bit raw and not fully formed just yet. Still, there is plenty to admire in the focused, direct flavors. Dark red and black fruit, violets, dried rose petals, spices and licorice are all woven together in a resonant, expressive Burgundy. This is surprisingly open for a young Mazoyères, which makes me think the 2012 will drink well with minimum cellaring.” AG
Domaine Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($799.95) $699 special
Wine Advocate 98-100 points “The 2012 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru comes from the family’s own 0.82-hectare of fruit located in the lieux-dits of “Les Fremieres” (one-third of the holding) and in “Monts Luisants” (two-thirds). There are just four barrels this year and that includes 20% whole cluster fruit. It already offers an enthralling, pure bouquet with heavenly scented blackberry, raspberry and pressed roses that are supremely well delineated. As usual, the palate is extremely intense although there is a sense of finesse suffused into this grand cru from beginning to end. This Clos de la Roche frankly soars over its peers, a wine that seems so effortless that is you are left totally under its spell. This might well be the greatest 2012 Burgundy.” WA
ITALY-PIEDMONT
Luigi Giordano Cavana, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
“Brilliant garnet red colour with orange highlights developing with age; ample and intense perfume with fruity, jammy and spicy notes; dry, full and aristocratic flavour.”–Winery Notes
This is the only listing in the USA today!
ITALY-TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE
Foradori Morei Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2011 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “It’s fascinating to taste the 2011 Teroldego Morei next to the Sgarzon. Here the flavors are more intensely savory and mineral-driven. This parcel is planted on an old river bed rich in rocks and sand, a terroir that gives the wine much of its distinct personality. The Morei shows a bit less opulence than the Sgarzon, but also more length and tension. Pomegranate, plum, sage, smoke, violets and graphite add nuance on the brilliant finish.”AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $109.63
Foradori Morei Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2012 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Foradori’s Teroldego Morei is once again compelling in 2012. A host of intensely savory/mineral notes meld into a core of dense dark red and black stone fruits. Grilled herbs, lavender and smoke follow, adding considerable aromatic intrigue. Big tannins support the huge, explosive finish in a wine endowed with magnificent complexity and pedigree. The dark, brooding finish is particularly of note. Today, the 2012 stands out for its superb complexity and undeniable pedigree. The Morei was vinified and aged in upright terra cotta amphorae.”AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Foradori Vigneto Sgarzon Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2011 1.5L ($119.95) $89 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Raspberry jam, black cherry compote, smoke, incense, blood orange and game flow across the palate in Foradori’s 2011 Teroldego Sgarzon. A rich, sumptuous wine, the Sgarzon impresses for its pure volume and resonance. The 2011 has more than enough density to support at least a handful of years of aging. What a gorgeous wine this is.”AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $109.63
Foradori Vigneto Sgarzon Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2012 1.5L ($119.95) $89 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2012 Teroldego Sgarzon wraps around the palate with the essence of dark raspberries, smoke, licorice, iron, mint, rose petals and sweet spices. A wine of pure polish and voluptuousness, the 2012 will drink beautifully pretty much right out of the gate. Radiant, supple and forward in its expression of fruit, yet with plenty of underlying structure, the Sgarzon stands out from the more virile, imposing Morei. Both wines are striking, though. The Sgarzon was vinified and aged in upright terra cotta amphorae.”AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
ITALY-OTHER
La Valentina “Spelt” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva 2010 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Good dark ruby. Enticing scents of crushed blackberry, licorice and spices, plus a whiff of flint. Broad and pliant, with perfumed dark berry, licorice and flint flavors spreading out to coat the palate. Finishes smooth and long, with complex notes of pepper and herbs. This is much more refined than past vintages, which were too ripe and sweetly oaky. The best Spelt ever?” JR
SPAIN
Celler Pasanau Ceps Nous, Priorat DOCa 2012 750ML ($27.95) $18 special
82% Garnacha and 18% Syrah
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $23
Bodegas Breca ‘Breca’ Garnacha Old Vines, Calatayud 2012 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Case-12 Bodegas Breca ‘Breca’ Garnacha Old Vines, Calatayud 2012 750ML ($179.95) $149 special
Robert Parker 91 points “The 2012 Breca from Calatayud is 100% old-vine Garnacha (from vines planted between 1925 and 1945) made from yields of less than one ton of fruit per acre. Fermented in stainless steel tanks and then transferred to new to 3-year-old French oak casks for 21 months, this outstanding red is the poor man’s Priorat. Mineral notes of wet slate and gun flint are intermixed with blackcurrant, black cherry and cassis fruit in this dense, full-bodied, pure, lavishly rich, intense Spanish red. It is hard to believe what one can get at this price point if the importer and wine producer are committed to high quality.” RP
Bodegas Breca Garnacha de Fuego Old Vines, Calatayud 2013 750ML ($11.95) $8.80 special
Case-12 Bodegas Breca Garnacha de Fuego Old Vines, Calatayud 2013 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 89 points “(all stainless steel): Bright purple. Dark berries, cherry and a touch of smokiness on the nose and in the mouth. Spicy and juicy, showing good focus and back-end cut. The red fruit and smoke qualities carry through a sweet, gently tannic finish that shows surprising power for the vintage. Offers excellent bang for the buck.” JR
GERMANY
Weingut Keller Westhofener Brunnenhauschen Abts Erde [Abtserde] Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2013 750ML ($179.95) $149 special
Wine Advocate 94-95 points “For the 2013 Westhofen Brunnenhauschen Riesling trocken Abts E (the spoken term Abtserde is officially not allowed) Keller harvested 40% less compared to 2012 but the 2013 is perhaps one of the greatest dry Rieslings he has produced so far. Lovely pure and fresh limes along with white-fleshed stone fruits (peaches, nectarines), wet chalk, white pepper and tobacco characterize the nose which is fresh, dense and fascinatingly precise. Obviously due to a higher tolerance for a certain amount of botrytis the palate is quite rich, creamy and juicy but less pure and naked than Wittmann’s corresponding Brunnenhäuschen. However, this is a dense, tightly woven and enormously complex dry Riesling whose taste is persistently dominated by lime and yellow-fleshed aromas as well as a lovely, stimulating piquancy. This is surely a galvanizing and elegant Riesling to keep for another 4 or 5 years at minimum and enjoy it for a decade.” WA
Stein Rose Secco [Sekt], Mosel 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Importer note “Like the still Rosé, Stein’s gently sparkling Rosé Secco is made from mostly Spätburgunder but also small amounts of rogue Cabernet and Merlot, grapes that only someone as daring and experimental as Ulli would even consider planting in a village like St. Aldegund.”
Stein Rosé Trocken, Mosel 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Importer note “Ulli Stein’s Rosé bottlings are predominantly Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) but also include some Cabernet and Merlot grown on the steep slopes in St. Aldegund.”
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Just a reminder about our current shipping specials during this season:
For the Mid-West, East, and South during the summer season we are offering UPS Three Day Select Service for the price of UPS Ground for shipments that would normally travel four or more business days to their destination.
We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-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
Weingut Donnhoff Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2012 750ML ($39.95) $29 special
“Donnhoff’s Felsenberg vineyard is an old, unirrigated site on weathered volcanic soils. When first opened, this Riesling comes off as coy and reserved. Decant for a few hours or even open the day before to coax this charmer out of its shell. With air, it shows notes of ripe pineapple and fresh whipped cream with deep mineral undertones, creamy texture and gently balanced acidity. The sweetness level makes it a good pairing for roast pork with fruit compote or a crisp salad with a mustard and fresh herb vinaigrette. If you can stave off temptation, this would make an excellent candidate for cellaring 5-10 years.”
-Suzanne
Luigi Giordano Cavana, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
“Weather favored the 2011 vintage much better than 2010, and so far, Barbaresco’s are showing very well early on. The wines are much more approachable, and this one is just that. Wonderful hints of black cherry and raspberry open up to soft, medium tannins. Other vegetal nuances such as olives and truffles add to the complexity. A gorgeous wine for drinking this young, and it will obviously get better.”
-Troy
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Saint Cosme
“Without a doubt, the leading estate in Gigondas is Louis Barruol’s Chateau Saint-Cosme. Located just outside the village, he releases an assortment of world class Gigondas, as well as a number of value priced, negotiate-styled Cotes du Rhone efforts that always deliver high-quality (these are normally released under his Saint-Cosme label and do not say Chateau Saint-Cosme).” Jebb Dunnuck in The Wine Advocate
The Saint Cosme estate is located in the heart of Gigondas in the Southern Rhone. The Chateau at the center of estate was built in the 16th century over the remains of a Gallo-Roman era villa and wine cellar. The family retained much of the original stonework, including the winemaking vats carved into the stone cellar that date from the 2nd century. The Chateau is surrounded by 37 acres of old-vine vineyard land. It is no surprise that the vines average an impressive 60 years in age, coming from an estate that was founded in 1490 and saw 14 successive generations of the Barruol family manage it. The estate is in the middle of two geological faults, resulting in a wide variety of soil types. The microclimate is quite cool for the region; grapes are usually harvested later than other estates in the area.
In 1995, Louis Barruol took over from his father, Henri. He expanded the business to include a negociant label for Rhone Valley wines. He takes a very active role in managing the vineyards, personally overseeing pruning, ripening and harvests. He oversaw the expansion of the wine cellar in 2007 into ancient Roman tunnels. Instead of destroying them to make room for a modern cellar, he saw the value in their longevity and ability to maintain the ideal humidity and temperature for aging wine.
Saint Cosme Wines Arriving June 5th
Saint Cosme Condrieu, Rhone 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 89-91 points “Starting with the white, his 2013 Condrieu is beautiful, and should be in the same league as his 2012. Classy, fresh and focused, with lots of pineapple and tangerine notes, it’s medium-bodied, laser focused and yet still has notable richness.” WA
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Les Deux Albion 2013 750ML ($21.95) $17 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Les Deux Albion 2013 ($249.95) $179 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 88-90 points “The 2013 Cotes du Rhone Les Deux Albions is 50-60% Syrah and the rest Grenache and other permitted varieties. It exhibits classic Syrah character with its sweet dark fruits, pepper, wood smoke and crushed rock-like minerality. Medium to full-bodied, it bucks the vintage stereotype and has a rounded, supple texture, good concentration and plenty of length. Possibly outstanding, it should have a decade of longevity.” WA
Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage 2013 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 86-88 points “Starting off the 2013s, the 2013 Crozes Hermitage has a soft, forward style to go with attractive, chocolate-laced dark fruits and pepper. It has a soft underbelly and will be best drink in its youth.” WA
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph 2013 750ML ($37.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 88-90 points “A step up over the Crozes, the 2013 St Joseph is a pretty, elegant and finesse-driven effort that has lots of purple fruits, violets and spring-flower nuances, medium-bodied richness and terrific purity of fruit. It should drink well on release and have 7-8 years of longevity.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $32
Saint Cosme Cote Rotie 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 89-91 points “My favorite of the 2013s, the 2013 Cote Rotie, which comes all from the northern, more schist-influenced region, offers lots of minerality to go with notes of plum, violets and olive. Medium-bodied, elegant and seamless, with good ripeness and fine tannin, it will have 10-15 years of longevity.” WA
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Can’t Wait?
Saint Cosme Wines Available Here Now
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Les Deux Albion 2012 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91 points “A wine that come all from estate vineyards (mostly Plan de Dieu and Cairanne) since 2008, the 2012 Cotes du Rhone Les Deux Albions is mostly Grenache and Syrah, yet also includes a tiny amount of Clairette and other permitted varieties. It exhibits knockout notes of dark fruits, chocolate, smoked meats and pepper. This is followed by a ripe, textured and beautifully pure effort that has both richness and freshness. Drink it anytime over the coming 7-8 years.” WA
Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph 2012 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Spectator 92 points “Warmed pain d’epices and moch notes lead the way, followed by melted black licorice, fig paste and macerated black currant fruit. Dark and fleshy through the finish, with a lively anise element adding contrast and lift. Best from 2015 through 2022. 125 cases imported.” WS 91-
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “(all serine): Dark purple. Vibrant black and blue fruit aromas are complicated by olive, violet, black tea and smoky minerals. Juicy and precise on entry, then fleshier in the mid-palate, offering intense, mouthcoating cassis and blueberry flavors given spine by tangy acidity. Shows excellent clarity on the sweet, seamless, very persistent finish.” ST
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas 2012 750ML ($44.95) $38 special, 4 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “Lovely bay leaf, pepper, lavender and tobacco notes impart texture and range as they wrap around a core of solid black currant and fig fruit. Shows a grippy charcoal feel through the finish. Very solid. Best from 2015 through 2024. 835 cases imported.” WS
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “Moving to the releases in barrel, the 2012 Gigondas (60% Grenache and the balance mostly Mourvedre, with some Syrah) has plenty of potential, with juicy black raspberry, sweet spice, licorice and toasty notes as well as medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. Nicely balanced, it shows the purity of the vintage, as well as a relatively approachable style that should allow it to drink nicely on release.” WA
Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2011 750ML ($69.95) $51.90 special, 18 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “A wine I missed getting into the first southern Rhone report (Issue 215), the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape showed brilliantly from bottle. Loaded with Provencal character, it has tons of garrigue, licorice, ground pepper and sweet dark fruit, full-bodied richness and a sexy, seamless profile. I don’t think it will be the longest lived Chateauneuf du Pape out there, but it will dish out plenty of pleasure over the coming 7-8 years at least.” WA
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Valbelle 2012 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 26 bottles available
Wine Spectator 94 points “A broad, muscular style, with red and black currant paste flavors, bolstered by a graphite underpinning. Bittersweet cocoa, bay leaf and smoldering tobacco accents lurk in the background, adding extra bass to the finish. This offers loads of grip, but needs time to settle down. Best from 2016 through 2030. 34 cases imported.” WS
Wine Advocate 94 points “One of the more limited production releases, the 2012 Gigondas Cuvee Valbelle (which comes from a blend of terroirs) exhibits fabulous cassis, cocoa dusted meat, dried herbs, soy sauce and Asian spice-box-like aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, deep, concentrated and structured, it’s a powerhouse of a Gigondas that will have 15+ years of evolution.” WA
Saint Cosme Cote Rotie 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 13 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92-94 points “(made from whole-cluster serine grown in the Cote Brune and aged in a 50/50 combination of new and one-year-old barriques): Brilliant ruby. Smoke-accented cassis and cherry-cola on the nose, with suave floral and Indian spice nuances adding an exotic touch. Sweet dark berry preserve and violet pastille flavors show very good depth, with a peppery, spicy quality emerging with air. In an elegant style, finishing smooth, sweet and very long.” ST
Wine Spectator 93 points “Energetic, with white pepper and alder notes framing a core of racy red currant, blackberry and black cherry fruit. Hints of bay and iron line the back end, where everything streamlines together for a lengthy finish. Approachable now, but could expand with cellaring. Best from 2015 through 2025.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides 2012 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 7 bottles available
Wine Spectator 95 points “Offers a dense core of black currant, fig and blackberry paste flavors, showing terrific cut and definition. A bright chalky minerality runs underneath, with pepper, charcoal and bay leaf notes on the sleek finish. Best from 2015 through 2028. 24 cases imported.”WS
Wine Advocate 93-96 points “Despite coming from sandy soils, the 2012 Gigondas Hominis Fides has a masculine, structured and almost burly profile. Underbrush, black raspberry, crushed rock, pepper and black licorice are just some of the notions here, and it hits the palate with full-bodied authority and richness. I expect it will flesh out nicely once in bottle, but it should still warrant 2-3 years in the cellar and have the capacity to keep for 20 years.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $107
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux 2012 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 8 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “Probably my favorite of the single vineyard releases (although, truthfully, I find the quality among the three almost indistinguishable), the 2012 Gigondas Le Claux has beautiful minerality to go with notions of black fruits, smoked herbs, graphite and liquid violets. A big, full-bodied Gigondas, it never puts a foot wrong, has building, polished tannin and a blockbuster finish that stays focused. Give it a couple years and enjoy bottles through 2032.” WA
Wine Spectator 95 points “This has a gorgeous beam of pomegranate, red currant and damson plum fruit, coiled tightly for now. A snap of red licorice adds lift before tangy sanguine, iron, pepper and bay leaf notes emerge on the finish. Exhibits terrific cut and length. Best from 2015 through 2025. 72 cases imported.”WS
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $113
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Arriving Next Week
Arriving June 4th
Vilmart & Cie Grand Cellier d’Or Premier Cru Brut, Champagne 2007 1.5L ($299.95) $239 pre-arrival special
Case-3 Vilmart & Cie Grand Cellier d’Or Premier Cru Brut, Champagne 2007 1.5L ($799.95) $679 pre-arrival special (that’s only 226.33/magnum!)
Wine Spectator 94 points “A skein of ground spice unravels through flavors of black cherry coulis, crème de cassis, honeycomb and brioche in this elegant version. Mouthwatering acidity and a lightly chalky texture push through to the lasting finish. Drink now through 2025.” WS
Arriving Friday, June 5th
Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs, California NV 750ML ($24.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs, California NV 750ML ($249.95) $156 pre-arrival special
“Floral raspberry aromas lead to crisp and appealing citrus, spice and cherry flavors, with a lively finish. Drink now.” Wine Spectator
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Bourgogne Rouge 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 86-88 points “The 2013 Bourgogne Rouge, which was taken from barrel, has a bright tart red cherry and cranberry-scented nose that is bright and lively. The palate is crisp with racy acidity, bright ‘n’ bouncy with a fresh tart finish that is almost clinical. Lovely.” WA
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Chassagne-Montrachet Les Encegnieres 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 88-90 points “The 2013 Chassagne-Montrachet les Encegnieres, which has a little more new wood than Colin’s other premier crus albeit only at 20%, offers a expressive honeycomb and apricot scents on the bouquet that delivers intensity if not quite the complexity of its fellow premier crus. The palate is comparatively richer in style with lightly honeyed fruit married with good acidity, leading to a weighty finish with plenty of “roundeur.” Flattering in style, I would drink this over the next 5 or 6 years.” WA
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Flavio Fanti La Palazzetta Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Importer note “La Palazzetta is a small family run winery, with 18 hectares of vineyards that are situated on the south-eastern edge of Montalcino in the tiny village of Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Cultivating his vineyards organically, Flavio Fanti is a traditionalist who somewhat straddles the fence. While only utilizing large Slovenian and French oak for his Brunello, he chooses to use various size barrique for his rosso in order to create a wine that is characteristic of Sangiovese Grosso, but incredibly approachable upon release.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Flavio Fanti La Palazzetta Sant’ Antimo, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 pre-arrival special
VinopolNote: Sangiovese and Colorino Toscano blend. Aged for 12-14 months in large barrels.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cordero di Montezemolo Enrico VI, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 96 points “Wonderful aromas of crushed berries and flowers here. Particularly roses. Full body, with fine yet chewy tannins and a long intense finish. Needs four or five years to open. Best wine ever from here?” JS
Cordero di Montezemolo Monfalletto, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “It offers compelling fragrances of rose, violet, leather, woodland berries and herbs, with balsamic accents. The savory palate delivers crushed Morello cherry, raspberry, mint, vanilla and espresso with a blast of orange zest on the finish. It’s young but already elegant and balanced. Drink after 2018.” WE
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Montepeloso
Arriving Next Week
Suvereto, one of the warmer micro-climates on the Tuscan coast just south of Bolgheri, is an area that is relatively new to many. Despite its long winemaking and farming history going back as far as 1000 AD, the Suvereto DOC was only officially recognized in 2000. Set in the fertile Val di Cornia, clay soils and proximity to the sea give intensity to the flavors, producing ripe and direct wines typically made from Cabernet, Merlot and Sangiovese.
In 1998, Fabio Chiarelotto purchased the Montepeloso estate. Though the vineyard was already well-renowned, Chiarelotto saw the potential of the site and chose to take the necessary steps to make the vineyard even better. Retraining, pruning, and even re-grafting many vines, Fabio was committed to perfection, pulling up thousands of low quality vines and replacing them with varietals more suited to the windy warmth of Suvereto.
Chiarelotto admits that it’s “easy to produce concentrated wines in such a hot climate but it’s much harder to achieve elegance and finesse.” Experimenting with blending every vintage, Montepeloso wines are made with many of the common varieties found in Tuscany. The Gabbro is composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Eneo and A Quo include many local and rare varietals such as Montepulciano (an indigenous Italian grape), Alicante Bouschet (a dark-red grape cultivated from Grenache and Petit Bouschet), and Marselan (a Southern France varietal cultivated from Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache). With these blends, offered here today, Chairelotto has found a mix of varieties that he feels express the spirit of Suvereto and Montepeloso.
Montepeloso Wines Arriving June 4th
Montepeloso Eneo Toscana IGT 2011 750ML ($49.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Montepeloso Eneo Toscana IGT 2011 750ML ($479.95) $399 pre-arrival special (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Case-6 Montepeloso Eneo Toscana IGT 2011 750ML ($279.95) $208 pre-arrival special (that’s only $34.67/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Black cherries, raspberry jam, cloves lavender and violets are some of the many notes that take hold of the senses in the 2011 Eneo. This dark, brooding beauty possesses fabulous depth and intensity all the way through to the voluptuous finish. The Eneo is very ripe – in the style of the year – but all the elements are in the right place. The blend is 45% Sangiovese, 35% Montepulciano, 15% Alicante and 5% Marselan.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39.84
Montepeloso Gabbro Toscana IGT 2011 750ML ($179.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Montepeloso’s 2011 Gabbro (Cabernet Sauvignon) continues to come together in bottle. The warmth of the year has baked out some of the varietal notes that are usually present. Instead, the 2011 stands out for its intensity, volume and extroverted personality. In other words, exactly what one might expect from Suvereto in a warm year. Blackberry jam, mocha, smoke and tobacco all flow through to the huge finish.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $140.94
Montepeloso Wines Available Here Now
Montepeloso A Quo Toscana IGT 2011 750ML ($24.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Montepeloso A Quo Toscana IGT 2011 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 5 cases available (that’s only $16.58/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Antonio Galloni 90 points “Once again, Montepeloso’s entry-level A Quo is fabulous. I expected to find a rich, powerful wine given the year, instead the 2011 A Quo is fresh, vibrant and beautifully delineated. Hints of raspberry jam, rose petals and sweet spices literally jump from the glass. The 2011 is best enjoyed over the next few years, while the fruit remains vibrant. This is a terrific showing from proprietor Fabio Chiarellotto.” AG
Montepeloso Gabbro Toscana IGT 2009 750ML ($179.95) $119 special, 4 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2009 Gabbro (Cabernet Sauvignon) is impeccable and refined from start to finish. This isn’t a vintage built on structure, as has been the case in the recent past, but rather a wine that impresses for its silky tannins, expressive aromatics, and overall finesse. The 2009 is quite feminine and gracious in style, but there is plenty of underlying tannin and fruit. In exchange, the 2009 should drink well earlier than some of the other, more important vintages that precede it. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $139.94
Montepeloso Gabbro Toscana IGT 2010 750ML ($199.95) $119 special, 7 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2010 Gabbro, Montepeloso’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is all about texture. Today the flavors are completely unevolved, instead it is the wine’s towering presence and sheer personality that stand out most. With time in the glass hints of melted road tar, graphite, smoke and incense gradually being to emerge. An exotic mélange of savory herb nuances melt into veins of salinity frame the finish. Readers will have to be patient with the 2010, but it is a jewel of a wine.”
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Time to Say Good Buy
Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Macon Milly-Lamartine 2011 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 19 bottles available
Case-12 Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Macon Milly-Lamartine 2011 750ML ($319.95) $289 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $24.08/bottle!)
Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Macon-Uchizy Les Maranches 2011 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 3 bottles available
Case-12 Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Macon-Uchizy Les Maranches 2011 750ML ($399.95) $328 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $27.33/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2011 Macon-Uchizy Les Maranches has a tightly wound bouquet with lovely limestone and citrus scents, touches of dried flowers emerging with time. The palate is very well-balanced with fine tannins, a fresh elegant mid-palate with lovely poise toward the precise finish.” WA
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