Jump Start Offer:
Avignonesi Desiderio Merlot
Arriving Tuesday, December 21st
While Tuscany is famous for her blends of the indigenous Sangiovese grape and Bordeaux varietals more commonly known as “Super Tuscans”, there have been Bordeaux blends utilized since the 14th century!
The combination of rich soil, high elevation and generous Tuscan weather creates a level of ripeness that is almost Napa Valley-esque but with the quintessential Italian rusticity and character. These qualities are exemplified and emphasized under the meticulous farming practices of Avignonesi, who converted the estate to biodynamics in 2009.
Desiderio is named after a prizewinning bull from Tuscan history credited as the “Father of Chianina”, the regions emblematic breed. Just like it’s namesake the wine is accordingly brawny while still maintaining a sense of place, with a full body, explosive aromatics and exceptionally long finish.
The 2013 vintage is noted as being one of the best for Merlot in recent memory, with the season being luxuriously paced with perfectly timed weather. CellarTracker agrees with us, with many reviewers commenting that these are just beginning to enter their ideal drinking windows. If that wasn’t enough we were able to secure the quarter-century anniversary bottling, which includes a commemorative box for those purchasing by the Case-6.
Avignonesi Desiderio Merlot Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($69.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Avignonesi Desiderio Merlot Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($419.95) $199 pre-arrival special (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points “A generous red that shows exuberance and tension. Medium to full body, silky tannins and superb intensity of berries, crushed chocolate and sage. Even so, this remains always refined and elegant. A classic merlot from Tuscany. Better in 2020.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Pure cherry forms the core of this rich red, shaded by hints of cedar, vanilla and tar. Lush and dense, with a lingering aftertaste of sweet fruit and spice. Drink now through 2022. — BS”
While Tuscany is famous for her blends of the indigenous Sangiovese grape and Bordeaux varietals more commonly known as “Super Tuscans”, there have been Bordeaux blends utilized since the 14th century!
The combination of rich soil, high elevation and generous Tuscan weather creates a level of ripeness that is almost Napa Valley-esque but with the quintessential Italian rusticity and character. These qualities are exemplified and emphasized under the meticulous farming practices of Avignonesi, who converted the estate to biodynamics in 2009.
Desiderio is named after a prizewinning bull from Tuscan history credited as the “Father of Chianina”, the regions emblematic breed. Just like it’s namesake the wine is accordingly brawny while still maintaining a sense of place, with a full body, explosive aromatics and exceptionally long finish.
The 2013 vintage is noted as being one of the best for Merlot in recent memory, with the season being luxuriously paced with perfectly timed weather. CellarTracker agrees with us, with many reviewers commenting that these are just beginning to enter their ideal drinking windows. If that wasn’t enough we were able to secure the quarter-century anniversary bottling, which includes a commemorative box for those purchasing by the Case-6.
Avignonesi Desiderio Merlot Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($69.95) $36 pre-arrival specialCase-6 Avignonesi Desiderio Merlot Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($419.95) $199 pre-arrival special (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points “A generous red that shows exuberance and tension. Medium to full body, silky tannins and superb intensity of berries, crushed chocolate and sage. Even so, this remains always refined and elegant. A classic merlot from Tuscany. Better in 2020.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Pure cherry forms the core of this rich red, shaded by hints of cedar, vanilla and tar. Lush and dense, with a lingering aftertaste of sweet fruit and spice. Drink now through 2022. — BS”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for any vintage!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for any vintage!
New Week – New Arrivals
Oregon
Domaine Drouhin Laurene Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 34 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “Super complex and rich with a ripe array of red to dark-cherry and plum aromas, as well as toasted-spice oak influence. This has much to enjoy already. The palate has a very rich, fleshy and intense, layered appeal with a swirling, spicy thread of rich red cherries and long, fine, supple tannins. Drink or hold.”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94 points “Medium ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir Laurène opens with pure raspberry, rhubarb and aniseed perfume with accents of bergamot and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated, super spicy, firm and very fresh, finishing uplifted and loaded with perfumed fruits. Give it another 2-3 years in bottle.”
Fox did not make any 2020 reds, so you’ll have to wait a year for the next release after this final case of 2019 is sold out…
Kelley Fox Wines ‘Mirabai’ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 12 bottles in stock nowWinery note “Oh, I love 2019. The Mirabai 2019 is a light-to-medium, youthful blue-red with brilliant transparency. Like all of my other 2019 bottlings, it is certainly lighter in colour and more nuanced than my 2018. True to the Dundee Hills, this Mirabai begins with a beautiful, fresh strawberry nose with subtle spices and tastes of the same carried by the lightest drape of silk. To me, this luminous Mirabai is both heart-warming and uplifting.”
France – Champagne
Charles Ellner’s origin as a passion project is clearly evident even to this day, with the estate fruit being grown organically and without synthetic inputs whatsoever. This commitment to quality does not stop in the vineyard however; the minimum time his Champagnes receive on the lees is double the required time. The resulting wines capture the beauty of autolysis and the freshness of a current vintage along with the juxtaposing toast, fruit and mineral character.
Charles Ellner Carte Blanche Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Importer note “This elegant and subtle blend offers an attractive freshness. On the palate, it is fruity and round with floral hints and citrus notes.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Charles Ellner Grande Reserve Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 14 bottles in stock nowWine Enthusiast 92 points “[Reviewed 2016] Deliciously balanced, this wine is on the dry side while keeping its fruitiness up front. A blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, it has both minerality and rich apple and pear fruits with a tangy texture. It is ready to drink. -Roger Voss”.
Charles Ellner Premier Cru Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $31.90 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “[Reviewed 2016] Editor’s Choice. As its name indicates, this is a blend of premier cru wines. Holding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it is ripe with yellow fruit and apple flavors tinged attractively with touches of toastiness. This rich Champagne is ready to drink. -Roger Voss”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Charles Ellner Brut Rose Champagne NV 375ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 24 half-bottles in stock now
Winery note “Soft pink: an invitation to the eyes, strong on the nose with hints of strawberry, this champagne offers intensive fruity aromas. The chardonnay that represents half of the blend gives freshness, but also longevity.”
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Charles Ellner Seduction Brut Millesime Champagne 2007 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “A toasty hint of grilled nut adds savory richness to this bright, light-footed Champagne. The firm acidity is well-meshed to notes of yellow plum, candied ginger and lemon curd. Not a powerhouse, but fresh and balanced. Drink now through 2027. — AN”
Winery note “Mature, expressive nose opening up to candied figs and dried fruits with pastry aromas in the background. A wonderful vinosity on the palate, balanced by a beautiful freshness and fine delicate bubbles.”
Lilbert is one of the best kept secrets in Champagne. Drawing from Grand Cru vineyards in the Cote des Blancs, Lilbert makes blanc de blancs wines from some excellent vineyards in a finessed, minerally style. Their wines have a notable brioche-y character, as well, due to the large quantities of reserve wines in their various blends. At the prices asked, these are wines that massively over-deliver. That’s certainly because they fly under the radar (at the moment) but that could (and should) change over the next few years.
Lilbert-Fils Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $51.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Grand cru grapes from the Côte des Blancs give this Champagne great intensity and texture. While the bottling is still a little young, it does have hints of the richness of maturity that will shine through the white fruits and lemon flavors. Drink this fine bottling from 2021. -Roger Voss”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The latest rendition of Lilbert’s NV Grand Cru Cramant Blanc de Blancs was disgorged in spring 2019 with a low three grams per liter dosage. It’s based on the 2016 vintage, complemented by 50% reserve wines. Offering up a crisp and pure bouquet of green apple, wet stones and lemon oil, as well as subtle suggestions of freshly baked bread, it’s medium to full-bodied, racy and incisive, with fine depth at the core, a delicate mousse and a chalky finish. This is quite a tender, charming rendition of this cuvée, despite the very low dosage, but as usual it will amply reward some aging on cork.”
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is a very pretty entry-level wine in this lineup. Citrus and floral overtones give the Brut lovely freshness to match its weightless, gracious personality. Understated and classy, the Brut is an absolute delight. I would prefer to drink it as an aperitif or alongside lighter foods. The low dosage of 3 grams per liter adds to the wine’s taut feel. The current release is based on 2016, with 50% reserve wines.”
Lilbert-Fils Perle Blanc de Blancs Perle Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($89.95) $75 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “The Perle style is a comparative rarity in Champagne, bottling the wine at a lower than usual pressure. This dry Champagne is therefore softly textured with an open mousse. It does however have all the fine, tight minerality of great Chardonnay in Champagne and will surely develop further. Drink from 2021.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The latest release of the NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Perle was disgorged in fall 2018 with five grams per liter dosage, and it’s a blend of equal parts 2015 and 2014, complemented by some 10% reserve wines. Offering up a lovely bouquet of fresh peach, lemon oil, white flowers and hints of the elegantly nutty complexity to come, the wine is medium to full-bodied and textural but incisive, with a creamy low-pressure mousse, a tight-knit core that needs a little time on cork to unwind and an elegantly chalky finish.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Ripe pineapple and white cherry fruit flavors are accented by honeysuckle and spice notes in this appealing blanc de blancs Champagne, which is lithe and harmonious, with a fresh, lightly chalky finish. Disgorged autumn 2018. Drink now through 2023. 200 cases made, 40 cases imported.”
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“The champagnes of Vouette et Sorbée are uncompromisingly original, possessing deep, vinous aromas and assertive personalities, and their intensity of character makes them more suitable to contemplative drinking or to accompanying food than to casual sipping. They are clearly the products of a natural philosophy of viticulture, with all that that implies in the French wine world, and while this may put some tasters off, those wine aficionados who enjoy the wines of other natural growers in France such as Emmanuel Houillon, Marcel Lapierre or Claude Courtois will find an affinity here. These are not champagnes that will please everyone, but there is not enough quantity to go around anyway, and those of us who do appreciate Gautherot’s wines will seek them out wherever and whenever possible.” –Peter Liem, Champagne Guide
Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Blanc d’Argile Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne (2017) NV 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews available for the 2017-base (R17). Recent review provided for reference.
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “From a rather young vineyard (less than ten years old) planted with nothing but Chardonnay, the NV Brut Nature Blanc d’Argile—here, the “R14,” which is entirely based on the 2014 harvest—is an intensely citrus colored, white-golden shimmering beauty. Intense yet fine and floral on the nose, this oak-fermented (you don’t really get that aromatically!) Blanc de Blancs shows an iodine and almost floral (think of broom!), intense and vinous nose like a fine Chablis. The palate is round yet dry, firm and mineral until the long, tensioned, well-structured and very salty finish. This is a great mix of ripe, lush fruit, elegance, finesse and iodine flavors—so, where are the oysters?”
Vouette et Sorbee Fidele Extra Brut, Champagne (2018) NV 750ML ($89.95) $71.90 special, 9 bottles in stock now
No reviews available for the 2018-base (R18). Recent review provided for reference.
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The NV Brut Nature Fidèle (R14) is a Blanc de Noirs from Pinot Noir on Kimmeridgian soils and is entirely based on the 2014 vintage. Disgorged in October 2017 the oak-fermented wine shows a golden-reddish apricot color and opens with a very delicate, floral and herbal yet intense and vinous bouquet of red fruits, with warm, dry earth and spices and just a hint of oak. Bone dry (of course), fresh and elegant on the palate, this is an impressively delicate and filigreed Champagne to be enjoyed as a still wine rather than a fizz. The finish is long, clear, dry and well-structured (even with fine tannins) and reveals discreet salinity. In fact, Fidèle drinks like a Burgundy-inspired Coteaux Champenois with very fine but not effervescent bubbles, persistent lemon juice and a touch of oaky flavors. Don’t use a flute to enjoy this young, gastronomic wine; instead, use a wine glass or one of the rounder, more voluminous Champagne glasses like the Lehmann Jamesse (which stresses the finesse rather than the vinous character). Don’t serve the Fidèle too fresh, either, but if you must, wait a bit and don’t worry if the wine is suddenly 12 or even 14 degrees Celsius—it’s still delicious and even more vinous then! (To be honest, when tasted at 15 or 16 degrees Celsius, I even got some Gewürztraminer notes (lychees) on the nose…!)”
France – Rhone
Paul Avril Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95-96 points “Shimmering violet. Pungent aromas of red and blue fruit preserves, potpourri and smoky minerals, along with a spicy nuance that builds as the wine opens up. Youthfully chewy and deeply concentrated, displaying sappy black raspberry, bitter cherry and boysenberry flavors and suggestions of candied lavender and licorice. Shows impressive finesse for its depth and finishes extremely long and precise, with building tannins that meld smoothly with the wine’s densely packed fruit.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 96 points “As predicted last year by Paul-Vincent Avril, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, about 10% Syrah and the rest other permitted varieties. It boasts a cool, fresh nose of strawberries, cola and tree bark, yet it’s full-bodied and tannic on the palate. Dense and chewy, albeit with a mouthwatering sense of freshness, this will need a few years to relax and unwind, but it looks very promising.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Supple and alluring in feel, with a silky edge to the mix of anise, plum sauce and raspberry pâte de fruit flavors. A twinge of roasted apple wood shows on the finish, followed by an echo of lavender. Displays lovely range. The texture makes this approachable now, though there’s no rush. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2038. 700 cases imported.”
Domaine Vincent Paris Crozes-Hermitage Selection Rhone 2020 750ML ($37.95) $28 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Practicing organic fruit meticulously selected by Vincent from a long-time organic grower in Crozes. Vines average 30 years of age.”
France – Beaujolais
Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie Les Cocottes Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($35.95) $29 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Starting with the 2015 vintage, Anne-Sophie has decided to release a different side of her Fleurie. Up until then, all of her Fleuries were 100% destemmed and fermented in a Burgundian-style. In stark contrast to her usual style, she is making Les Cocottes with 100% whole cluster and using carbonic maceration. It is released the spring after the vintage and is intended to be fruit driven and drunk early & often. The label was drawn by Anne-Sophie herself. (She’s really into art.)”
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Don’t miss our December Burgundy sales:
Pierre Gelin
Pierre Bouree &
Francois Gay
Shop the sales on our web store!
Trending Case Buys
True to Roederer’s house style the Brut Excellence is mostly Chardonnay with enough Pinot Noir to contribute red fruited character. Scharffenberger’s Brut Excellence undergoes complete malolactic fermentation, contributing a fuller and creamier texture.
Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Mendocino County NV 750ML ($21.95) $16.60 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case- 12 Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Excellence Mendocino County NV 750ML ($249.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!) ***In-store pick up only available for the case special
Wine & Spirits 91 points “This is clean and crisp with rich undertones of brioche and lemon custard. It offers a balance of the soft and the lively, a refreshing sparkling wine to kick off a dinner party. —J.G.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
A favorite grower Champagne that’s less than $50 per bottle, and from a protégée of Anselme Selosse no less!
Chartogne-Taillet Cuvee Sainte Anne Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($51.95) $44 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Chartogne-Taillet Cuvee Sainte Anne Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, (That’s only $41.50 per bottle!)
John Gilman 90+ points “The current release of Alexandre Chartogne’s Cuvée Ste. Anne non-vintage Brut is from the base year of 2017. The vins clairs were raised in a combination of both stainless steel and oak and the wine was not bottled up for secondary fermentation until July of 2018. The cépages is its customary blend of nearly equal parts of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier and the wine was disgorged in February of 2020, with a finishing dosage of just over five grams per liter. The wine offers up a vibrant bouquet of apple, white peach, a fine base of soil tones, brioche, gentle smokiness and a topnote of white flowers. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied, focused and complex, with a good core, elegant bubbles, fine balance and grip and a long, zesty and quite classy finish. This seems a touch longer on the backend to me than the last couple of iterations of this bottling that I have tasted and is first class, non-vintage Brut. But, this is still a fairly young wine and I would be inclined to give it some bottle age to let it start to blossom properly. 2022-2040.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “The latest release of Chartogne’s NV Brut Sainte Anne is based on the 2017 vintage, complemented by 40% reserve wines. Disgorged in September 2020 with five grams per liter dosage, it opens in the glass with aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit, white flowers and fresh pastry. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, it’s elegantly textural, bright and precise, with a seamless, harmonious profile.”
Importer note “60% 2017 base, 40% from 2016 & 2015.” Disgorgement date may vary from reviews.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Drappier Carte d’Or Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $38 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Drappier Carte d’Or Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($299.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “Disgorged in April 2021, Drappier’s new NV Brut Carte d’Or delivers attractive aromas of golden orchard fruit, stone fruit, honeycomb and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, it’s charming and elegantly vinous, with a flavorful core of fruit, lively acids and a chalky finish.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “Racy acidity enlivens this crisp and lacy Champagne. Well-knit, with the delicate mix of ripe white cherry, blanched almond, yellow plum and grated ginger flavors. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported. — AN”
[Disgorgement date may vary from reviews]
Vineyard sources for the Sandhi lineup include the legendary cool climate Bien Nacido, best known by the single vineyard bottlings produced by the Bien Nacido estate, Au Bon Climat, and Qupe Winery.
Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock nowCase-12 Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($399.95) $249 special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
Winery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation.”
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Looking for a Cabernet Sauvignon that encapsulates both richness and elegance? The 2016 bottlings from Stonestreet remain some of the most tantalizing of the vintage, in perfect reflection of their sprawling estate in Alexander Valley. With elevation that ranges from 400 to 2,600 feet above sea level in the Mayacamas Mountain range there’s a tremendous variety of loams and volcanic tuff that contributes to the wine’s burly structure. Black fruited, savory, and spicy with just enough oak to keep everything together for another 5 years easily. We won’t judge you for a cracking a few bottles open now however!
Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2016 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2016 750ML ($249) $199 special (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
Case-12 Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2016 750ML ($479) $389 special (that’s only $32.42/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Moving to the reds, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 19 months in 37% new French oak) offers impressive notes of tobacco leaf, damp earth, cedar, and blackcurrants. It’s look-alike for a top Bordeaux, has nicely integrated acidity, plenty of tannins, and is going to keep for over a decade.”
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Treading the fine line between traditional and modern is the 2018 Artuke Pies Negros. It’s a fun wine that shows the earthiness and lightness of old-world producers while simultaneously offering a little more fruit and tannin that move the wine into something slightly more hedonistic.
Bodegas y Viñedos Artuke ‘Pies Negros’, Rioja DOCa 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Bodegas y Viñedos Artuke ‘Pies Negros’, Rioja DOCa 2018 750ML ($299.95) $215 special (that’s only $17.92/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Pies Negros was produced with grapes from the Sierra Cantabria in the village of Ábalos, so another village wine, even if it won’t get the official qualification, as they don’t have a winery in Ábalos! It’s a blend of Tempranillo with 15% Graciano fermented with destemmed but uncrushed grapes with indigenous yeasts, and it matured in 500-liter oak barrels for 12 months, except for 10% of the volume that was kept in concrete for that time. This didn’t stop growing in the glass, and the aromas are subtle and elegant. Since they started working with larger oak containers, they had to learn to work under more reductive conditions; they now seem to have mastered it, at least in some of the wines, like this one. The wines are subtler and less immediate than the wines aged in barrique, and this long-cycle vintage has a tendency toward this profile of wines. The palate is very balanced and fresh, with a core of red fruit, with bright flavors and very good precision. 70,000 bottles produced.”
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Casa Castillo manages the trick of taking that natural richness and allying it to a bright minerality—they know they’ll get plenty of fruit and power and so try to make winemaking decisions that focus on freshness and verve. The results have been spectacular, and they’ve quickly become some of our favorite Spanish wines. So it’s come as no surprise that The Wine Advocate has consistently scored these wines highly —they’re thrilling bottlings.
Casa Castillo Vino de Finca, Jumilla 2017 750ML ($24.95) $18.80 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Casa Castillo Vino de Finca, Jumilla 2017 750ML ($299.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez 93+ points “There is a big jump in depth, complexity and nuance between the Monastrell and the 2017 Vino de Finca, which is a blend of Monastrell with almost 25% Garnacha. This comes from four plots that were selected from what was previously used for the entry-level Monastrell; they aim was to find a wine with more finesse and elegance but with the inherent power of the zone. This is only the third vintage for this cuvée, and it feels quite established and different from the rest of the range; it has less varietal character and is more about the place, getting closer to the single-vineyard bottlings where they do not search for fruit character. The idea here is to ferment at temperatures that are quite so low and to stabilize the wine in oak barrels for a long-ish time (12 months in 500-liter barrels and 5,000-liter oak foudres). They are wines of sun and limestone. This is a good reflection of it with a perfumed and floral note on the finish (elegance!) that is quite remarkable. 31,000 bottles produced in 2017. It was bottled in November 2018.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arriving Tuesday, December 21st:
Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 34 bottles in stock nowCase-6 Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ML ($229.95) $159 pre-arrival special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ML ($399.95) $299 pre-arrival special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points “Wonderful aromas of mushrooms, bark, cigar tobacco and plums with just a hint of citrus. Full-bodied with incredible softness and complexity. Subtle chocolate, fruit and walnut in the aftertaste. Goes on for minutes. Fantastic wine. Classic, textbook Rioja. A joy. Incredible value! Drink or hold.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “I was quite impressed by the 2012 Viña Cubillo Tinto Crianza, a classical Rioja that is nicely crafted, with less aging in barrel than the rest of reds and therefore with more fruit character and less López de Heredia signature. This was born as a red for tapas, a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo with 13.5% alcohol. It matured in well-seasoned American oak barrels for three years. It has ripe fruit (black rather than red) without excess and a pinch of spices and a twist of oak. 94,500 bottles produced. There are seven lots of this. I tasted a bottled that was filled in May 2018.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Glistening ruby. Spice-accented aromas of red berries, cherry cola and candied rose, plus a smoky nuance in the background. Supple and energetic in style, with a core of zesty acidity adding lift and cut to bitter cherry and red currant flavors that take a sweeter turn through the midpalate. Finishes long and smooth, delivering gentle tannic grip, a snap of peppery spices and repeating florality.”
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New Grapelive Review
Cameron Winery Giuliano White Oregon 2020 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 93 points “The light and crisp Giuliano, an Italian inspired white blend, is from Cameron’s Dundee Hills estate vineyards, Clos Electrique and White Oak. It is a delicious wine, one that has become one of my favorites, when I can get it of course. All of these Cameroni (the Italian style wines) are highly sought after by fans of the legendary John Paul, famous for his Pinots, but who is an Italian wine fanatic himself, so they sell out fast, especially this one. Highly refreshing, slightly effervescent from the capture of CO2 during tank fermentation and with a lovely white flowers bouquet the latest Giuliano delivers a zingy palate of racy citrus, green apple, bosc pear and tart quince fruits, saline infused wet rock, sweet and sour herbs, spearmint and lingering mineral tones. This is a wine to enjoy with oysters, sushi and or linguine pasta with Manila claims. It is jazzy stuff that gets more interesting with food and is rather more than the sum of its parts. The nose, the fruit and tanginess mixed with the stony dimension and orange blossoms add up to a very compelling white wine that gains texture and spice with air highlighting the volcanic Jory soils. Those that like the whites and or field blends of Northeastern Italy will find this wine faithful if not a riveting new world example, full of personality with no pretense and with a raw transparency that is wonderfully addictive…”
Shop the full line up of Cameron wines in stock now on our web store!
Grapelive 93 points “The light and crisp Giuliano, an Italian inspired white blend, is from Cameron’s Dundee Hills estate vineyards, Clos Electrique and White Oak. It is a delicious wine, one that has become one of my favorites, when I can get it of course. All of these Cameroni (the Italian style wines) are highly sought after by fans of the legendary John Paul, famous for his Pinots, but who is an Italian wine fanatic himself, so they sell out fast, especially this one. Highly refreshing, slightly effervescent from the capture of CO2 during tank fermentation and with a lovely white flowers bouquet the latest Giuliano delivers a zingy palate of racy citrus, green apple, bosc pear and tart quince fruits, saline infused wet rock, sweet and sour herbs, spearmint and lingering mineral tones. This is a wine to enjoy with oysters, sushi and or linguine pasta with Manila claims. It is jazzy stuff that gets more interesting with food and is rather more than the sum of its parts. The nose, the fruit and tanginess mixed with the stony dimension and orange blossoms add up to a very compelling white wine that gains texture and spice with air highlighting the volcanic Jory soils. Those that like the whites and or field blends of Northeastern Italy will find this wine faithful if not a riveting new world example, full of personality with no pretense and with a raw transparency that is wonderfully addictive…”
Shop the full line up of Cameron wines in stock now on our web store!