Saturday, July 11th, 2015
Flash Sale; New Weekend, New Arrivals; Admirably Aged Albala; Case Deals; John Gilman New Reviews; 2013 White Burgundies
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Flash Sale
An Outstanding Score for an Outstanding Price!
Orin Swift Department D 66 Proprietary Blend, IGP Cotes Catalanes 2013 750ML ($41.90) $37.70 special
Case-12 Orin Swift Department D 66 Proprietary Blend, IGP Cotes Catalanes 2013 750ML ($479.95) $419 special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 95 points “In the same mold as the 2012, the 2013 Cotes Catalanes Grenache D66 is being held for six months in bottle prior to release. Completely destemmed (as are all the wines here) and aged in 30% new barrels, it has elegant, lively notes of blackberry, cassis, plum, pepper and violets to go with a medium to full-bodied, balanced and yet still hedonistic feel on the palate. A slightly tweaked blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 10% Carignan, this is a more civilized version of this cuvee that still won’t disappoint with regard to depth, flavor or length. Drink it over the coming 5-7 years.”JD
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Mid-West, East & South
Summer Shipping Saver
Whisk your wine through warmer weather!
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.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
New Arrival Special Feature
The Spanish region of Toro produces powerful red wines from Tempranillo, which is known locally as Tinto de Toro. The wines are more robust and darker in style than typical Rioja and Ribera del Deuro expressions.
Bodegas Allegro con Spirito Monte Hiniesta, Toro 2010 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Case-12 Bodegas Allegro con Spirito Monte Hiniesta, Toro 10 750ML ($179.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Advocate 92 points “The palate is medium-bodied with ripe, succulent, fleshy tannins that are caressing in the mouth. There is plump, ripe red berry fruit, red currant, raspberry and a touch of balsamic at the finish. This is just as good as the succeeding vintage. Drink 2014-2019.” WA
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
New Weekend New Arrivals
OREGON
Johan Vineyards Pétillant Naturel Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous Media 90 points “Deep, lurid pink. A wild, highly perfumed bouquet evokes medicinal red fruits, blood orange, potpourri and quinine, with a zesty white pepper overtone; smells exactly like a Negroni. The palate offers incisive redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors and a jolt of orange pith, along with a hint of candied ginger. Dry and minerally on the long, precise finish, which shows resonating spice and floral notes. The Brooklyn and Portland crowd will especially go nuts for this but I suspect that plenty of un-hip wine lovers will as well; I did and I’m an old suburban guy.”
FRANCE-OTHER
Joseph Drouhin Moulin-a-Vent, Beaujolais 2010 750ML ($29.95) $18 special
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $30
Chapoutier Cotes du Roussillon Villages Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem, Languedoc-Roussillon 2013 750ML ($31.95) $28 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Slightly more ripe, voluptuous and textured than the more Syrah-dominated l’Esquerda, the translucent purple-colored 2013 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France Occultum Lapidem comes from the schist soils around the village of Latour de France. A blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Carignan that was harvest on September 15 and aged all in concrete tanks, it’s a fabulous wine that offers elegant notes of red and black raspberries, roasted herbs, pepper, melted licorice and asphalt. These flow to a medium to full-bodied 2013 that has a full, layered mid-palate, beautiful fruit, fine tannin and a classically focused, dry finish. It continues to freshen up in the glass, has integrated acidity and lots of class. Buy this brilliant wine by the case and drink it over the coming decade.”
Chateau Suduiraut Castelnau de Suduiraut, Sauternes 2010 375ML ($24.95) $19 special
Wine Spectator 90 points “A ripe, mouthfilling version, with toasted almond and coconut leading the way for apricot, creamed peach, melon and meringue flavors. The long, tropical finish lets a marizpan note play out. Drink now through 2022.” WS
This is the only listing in the USA today!
SPAIN
CVNE Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana Cune Rosado 2014 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Wine Spectator 90 points “Bold flavors of blood orange, maraschino cherry, rose petal and pomegranate mingle in this full-bodied rosé. Citrus peel acidity and light tannins impart structure. This shows the character and color of a light red wine. Distinctive. Drink now through 2016. 2,000 cases imported.” WS
La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2008 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Wine Advocate 91 points “I tasted two vintages of the only pure Tempranillo wine they produce. The 2008 Viña Alberdi comes from their vineyards in Rodezno and Labastida and matured in American oak barrels for two years, the first year in new barrels and the second year in used ones. The nose is very classical, with notes of beef blood, leather and spices and more fruit than its siblings. The oak is perfectly integrated despite having some new wood (they have to use the new barrels somewhere). It develops aniseed aromas with time in the glass. The palate is soft and polished, has good acidity and freshness through to a very tasty finish. This is sold in the export markets as a Reserva and in Spain mostly as Crianza, but it’s a very classical Rioja at a very good price” LG
Wine Spectator 91 points “Leafy, herbal and gamy notes mingle in this light, crisp red, backing modest berry and dried cherry flavors. Light tannins and juicy acidity keep this wiry and lively. A traditional style. Drink now.” TM
La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2005 375ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Cropped from a vintage deemed almost perfect, the 2005 Viña Ardanza Reserva follows the same varietal mix found in the last vintages; 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha. The grapes are always sourced from the same vineyards, 30-year-old Tempranillo from Fuenmayor and Cenicero in Rioja Alta and Garnacha from Tudelilla in Rioja Baja. In the case of the 2005, it was racked six times during its elevage. The one bottle I tasted first was a bit evolved with plenty of cigar ash, incense and leather along with hung game (woodcock came to mind). But the palate was drying out a bit. Another bottle showed much fresher, with a great classical Rioja profile. This is very affordable making it a superb value for what it delivers. 600,000 bottles were produced of the prodigious 2005 vintage. This wine is not produced in 2002, 2003, 2006, 2011 or 2013.” LG
This is the only listing in the half-bottle in the USA today!
ARGENTINA
Kaiken Ultra Malbec, Mendoza 2012 750ML ($21.95) $16.60 special
Case-12 Kaiken Ultra Malbec, Mendoza 2012 750ML ($219.95) $189 special (that’s only $15.75/bottle!)
James Suckling 94 points “Intense aromas of ripe berry, sandalwood and dark chocolate follow through to a full body, with super integrated tannins and a blueberry and light vanilla character. Ultra serious. Drink or hold.” JS
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Arriving Next Week
Toro Albala – Vintage PX
Toro Albala is the world’s only source of aged vintage Pedro Ximenez. High-density PX is subjected to a decades-long reduction process, in which casks are topped exclusively with wine of the same vintage while suffering an annual 3% volume loss. Toro Albala’s youngest aged vintage, Don PX Gran Reserva, is released after a minimum of 25 years in cask. Amontillado is released with a minimum of 35 years’ age.
New Releases Arriving Thursday, July 16th
Bodegas Toro Albala Marques de Poley 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.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Bodegas Toro Albala 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. Its 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.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Bodegas Toro Albala 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”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A Case, Of Course
We offer over 80 diverse, deeply discounted case prices, such as:
CALIFORNIA
Case-12 Frog’s Leap Rutherford, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($599.95) $519 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $43.25/bottle!)
Frog’s Leap Rutherford, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 27 bottles available
Winery note “The 2012 vintage had nearly perfect growing conditions for developing depth of flavor and complexity; warm days, cool nights, and a beautiful crop of evenly ripened, small berries. The grapes were harvested at full maturity while retaining high acidity and low pH. This Cabernet Sauvignon has all the hallmarks of the legendary Cabernets of Rutherford: the deep, cassis-currant aromas, the classic notes of ‘Rutherford Dust,’ and the earthen flavors of cedar and black olive. The mouthfeel is plush across the palate with velvety tannins, yet balanced by bright acidy and firm structure that hints at promising years to come. Pair it with rack of lamb, N.Y. Strip, or just another glass! This wine is destined to give decades of drinking pleasure.”
FRANCE-BURGUNDY
Case-12 Domaine Gachot-Monot “Chant de Muses” Bourgogne Rouge 2012 750ML ($319.95) $219 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
Domaine Gachot-Monot “Chant de Muses” Bourgogne Rouge 2012 750ML ($31.95) $21.90 special, 20 bottles available
“The 2012 Bourgogne Cuvee Chant de Muse, which comes from two climats on the limit of the Chambolle appellation, has better delineation on the nose compared to the Bourgogne Rouge, the fruit a little darker. The palate is medium-bodied with dark cherry and blackberry notes. The acidity is higher with an edgy and tense finish. This is very fine. Drink now-2018.”–Wine Advocate
This is the only listing in the USA today!
FRANCE-RHONE
Case-12 Vignobles Brunier Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable 2010 750ML ($479.95) $359 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Vignobles Brunier Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable 2010 750ML ($49.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles available
Vignobles Brunier Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable 2010 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special, 2 magnums available
Wine Advocate 93 points “Slightly superior, revealing more minerality and a subtle, incremental building of flavor intensity, the 2010 Gigondas Terrasse du Diable offers lots of black raspberry, kirsch and floral characteristics along with an undeniable crushed rock minerality. Medium to full-bodied and elegant as well as impressively built, rich, pure and beautifully balanced, it can be enjoyed now and over the next 15 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $47
Case-12 Vignobles Brunier Domaine La Roquete Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2010 750ML ($499.95) $399 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Vignobles Brunier Domaine La Roquete Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2010 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 27 bottles available
Wine Spectator 92 points “Silky and briary, with lots of pepper, savory and tobacco notes coursing along, while a hint of shiso leaf separates them from the blackberry and black currant confiture flavors. Lovely, finely beaded acidity offsets the tarry grip. Great range and tension. Best from 2014 through 2028. 1,200 cases imported.” JM
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $49.99
ITALY-TUSCANY
Case-12 Podere Poggio Scalette Chianti Classico DOCG 2012 750ML ($319.95) $219 special, 1 case available (that’s only $18.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Podere Poggio Scalette Chianti Classico DOCG 2012 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 12 bottles available
Antoni Galloni 89+ points “Poggio Scalette’s 2012 Chianti Classico is gorgeous. Dark red and black stone fruits, spices, leather and menthol meld together in a supple yet powerful wine endowed with terrific depth and complexity at its level. All the elements are in the right place.” AG
SPAIN
Case-12 Jorge Ordonez & Co Nisia Verdejo Old Vines, Rueda 2013 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Jorge Ordonez & Co Nisia Verdejo Old Vines, Rueda 2013 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Nisia Old Vines Rueda Light yellow-gold. Musky, mineral-laced orchard and citrus fruit aromas are complicated by hints of jasmine, green tea and quinine. Sappy and precise on the palate, offering bitter pear skin and Meyer lemon flavors that put on weight with air. Closes fleshy and long, with supple pear and melon qualities and very good clarity.” JR
Case-12 Alvaro Palacios ‘Les Terrasses’ Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa 2012 750ML ($419.95) $359 special, 5 cases available (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Alvaro Palacios ‘Les Terrasses’ Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa 2012 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Brilliant ruby. Potent, mineral-laced raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by exotic floral and spice qualities, picking up white pepper and mocha accents with air. Seamless and sweet, offering silky red berry preserve flavors with a touch of allspice. Closes lively and precise, with sneaky tannins and a jolt of bitter cherry.” ST
ARGENTINA
Case-12 Bodega del Rio Elorza ‘Verum’ Chardonnay, Rio Negro 2012 750ML ($199.95) $99 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $8.25/bottle!)
Bodega del Rio Elorza ‘Verum’ Chardonnay, Rio Negro 2012 750ML ($19.95) $10.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Stephen Tanzer and Wine Adocate 88 points “Bright pale yellow. Slightly liqueur-like tropical fruits dominate the nose. Bright, subtle stone fruit flavors are lifted by flowers and complicated by a touch of vanillin oak. Supple, pliant, moderately concentrated chardonnay with understated stone fruit flavors and a slightly edgy finish.”ST
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $17.56
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
New 2014 Riesling Reviews
John Gilman – View From The Cellar
Arriving October 2015
Willi Schaefer
Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett 2014 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2014 Domprobst Kabinett is also excellent, and as is customary with the two top vineyards in Graach, the Domprobst is more reserved in personality out of the blocks than its colleague from the Himmelreich. The bouquet offers up a deep and primary blend of apple, pear, petrol a lovely base of slate and again, a gentle touch of smokiness. On the palate the wine is deep, medium-bodied and very transparent, with a rock solid core, crisp acids and a very long, currently fairly reserved finish. This is an excellent Domprobst Kabinett in the making, and given that wines from this vineyard always start out life a bit less expressive than the Himmelreich, I would not be surprised to see this wine’s score climb a bit with sufficient bottle age. 2019-2040.” JG
Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2014 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 94 points “The 2014 Himmelreich Kabinett is outstanding in this vintage, as it delivers great purity and filigree on both the nose and palate. The lovely bouquet wafts from the glass in a blend of green apple, lime, a touch of tangerine, excellent slate minerality, lime blossoms and just a touch of smokiness in the upper register. On the palate the wine is medium-bodied, transparent and dancing, with a lovely core, classic Kabinett weight and balance, bright acids and superb length and grip on the focused and complex finish. Great juice. 2015-2035.” JG
Willi Schaefer Graacher Riesling Trocken 2014 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 88+ points “The “basic” Trocken Riesling from Christophe Schaefer is really a pretty wine that year, with a lovely interplay of minerality, pure fruit and excellent acidity. The very bright and stylish nose offers up scents of lime, green apple, slate, bee pollen and petrol. On the palate the wine is medium-full, long and nicely focused, with a very good core, excellent balance and a long, crisp and zesty finish that closes with impressive grip and bounce. Good juice. 2015-2025+” JG
Willi Schaefer Estate Riesling 2014 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 90 points “The Estate Riesling from Weingut Schaefer in 2014 finished off nicely at between thirtyfive and forty percent residual sugar, to balance out nine grams per liter of acidity and is really a beautiful bottle of wine. The bouquet offers up a complex and youthful bouquet of pear, apple, a touch of orange zest, a fine base of slate, petrol and a nice esthery topnote of bee pollen. On the palate the wine is medium-full, pure and bright, with a fine core, vibrant acids and superb filigree and focus on the long and classy finish. I really love the balance of this wine in 2014 and this will be one of the great sleepers to be found in the vintage. 2015-2030+.” JG
Willi Schaefer Riesling Feinherb 2014 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 89+ points “As I have written in the past, I really enjoy Feinherb bottlings from top producers and wish more of these types of wines found their way to the US market. The 2014 from Weingut Schaefer is very stylish and classy, with about eleven percent alcohol and around eighteen grams per liter of residual sugar striking a lovely balance. The bouquet wafts from the glass in a pretty blend of white cherries, apples, slate, a touch of apple blossoms, orange zest and a bit of petrol in the upper register. On the palate the wine is medium-full, bright and bouncy, with a good core, zesty acids and lovely focus and grip on the complex and vibrant finish. 2015-2025+.”JG
Weingut Donnhoff
Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Tonschiefer Riesling Trocken 2014 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 89+ points “The 2014 Tonschiefer is a lovely wine, with a bit different expression of minerality than the Estate Trocken, as these grapes hail entirely from the Leistenberg and are a on a bed of carbon-slate that is geological outlier of the coal beds in the Saar. The nose offers up a lovely constellation of tangerine, a hint of white cherry, wild yeasts, slate, citrus peel and a gentle topnote of lemongrass. On the palate the wine is medium-full, crisp and quite suave on the attack, with lovely focus and grip, ripe, well-integrated acids and a long, balanced and quite classy finish. Lovely juice and a fine value. 2015-2025+.” JG
Weingut Donnhoff Roxheimer Hollenpfad Riesling Trocken 2014 750ML ($47.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Weingut Donnhoff Roxheimer Hollenpfad Riesling Trocken 2014 1.5L ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 91+ points “I did not take note on the alcohol level of the Kahlenberg this year, but the Höllenpfad Trocken bottling comes in between twelve and 12.5 percent alcohol, and I have to assume it is the same for the Kahlenberg. The 2014 Höllenpfad is really lovely in this vintage and very, very reflective of its unique, red sandstone soils on both the nose and palate. The lovely nose offers up scents of pink grapefruit, tart orange, lemongrass, a dollop of wild yeasts and a very complex base of minerality. On the palate the wine is medium-full, pure and more filigreed, with a lovely core, bright acids and lovely focus and grip on the long, vibrant and really quite elegant finish. This is a touch more feline than the Kahlenberg and gets the slight nod in 2014 as a result. 2018- 2035+.” JG
Weingut Donnhoff Kreuznacher Krotenpfuhl Riesling Kabinett 2014 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 89-90+ points “The 2014 Krötenpfuhl Kabinett had just been bottled as well- this time only a few days before my visit and was a bit out of sorts as a result. The nose is open and juicy at the present time, offering up scents of apple, peach, lovely soil tones, a touch of beeswax and a topnote of citrus blossoms. On the palate the wine is medium-full, accessible and succulent on the attack, with a nice core of fruit, good complexity and a slightly pinched finish at the present time, from the very, very recent bottling. I am sure this will be very tasty, but it was not entirely on form at the time of my visit. 2015-2025.”
Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett 2014 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett 2014 1.5L ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 90-92 points “In the past there has been versions of the Leistenberg Kabinett under both screwcap and natural cork, but this year, it is all under the screw, and this wine too had only been bottled for a few days prior to my visit. The bouquet is a very stylish blend of apple, pear, slate, lilacs and a touch of wild yeasts in the upper register. On the palate the wine is medium-full, long and succulent, with a good core, beautiful balance, ripe acids and very good length and grip on the finish. This too is a bit unsettled from its recent bottling, but will be very good. …2015-2025.” JG
Weingut Donnhoff Kreuznacher Kahlenberg Riesling Trocken, er Lage 2014 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 pre-arrival special
Weingut Donnhoff Kreuznacher Kahlenberg Riesling Trocken, er Lage 2014 1.5L ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 91 points “The 2014 Kahlenberg Trocken hails from grapes with Spätlese must weights this year and is a notable step up from the first two, very good wines. The bouquet wafts from the glass in a classy blend of white cherries, apple, spring flowers, a lovely base of soil and a youthful topnote of orange peel. On the palate the wine is medium-full, bright and nicely reserved on the attack, with a fine core, bright acids and superb backend energy and cut on the long finish. This is really high class juice that would age long and happily under cork, though I cannot remember which closure it was destined to receive. 2017-2035.” JG
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese 14 1.5L ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 94+ points “As is the case with the Brücke Spätlese, the 2014 Hermannshöhle Spätlese is a superb bottle that may always live just a bit on the shadow of the pure magic of the 2013 version. The wine offers up an excellent and complex aromatic constellation of pink grapefruit, white cherries, slate, a hint of petrol, wild yeasts, orange peel and a topnote of lemongrass. On the palate the wine is medium-full, focused and very suave on the attack, with a fine core, ripe acids and outstanding length and grip on the still very primary, but utterly seamless finish. Fine, fine juice. 2020-2050.” JG
Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese 2014 1.5L ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 93 points “The 2014 Brücke Spätlese is really a lovely wine this year, but it cannot quite compete with the really classic example of this bottling crafted here in 2013. The wine offers up a lovely and quite complex bouquet of tangerine, apple, a classy base of slate, wild yeasts, a nice touch of Brücke spice tones and a topnote of apple blossoms. On the palate the wine is deep, fullish, pure and seamless, with a rock solid core, ripe acids and excellent length and grip on the focused and vibrant finish. This is really a lovely bottle of Spätlese. 2020-2050.” JG
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2014 750ML ($119.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2014 375ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2014 1.5L ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2014 Hermannshöhle Auslese is the only bottling at this Prädikat level in the cellars this year, and it is a very pretty and elegant example of the vintage. The wine delivers a refined and gently-glazed nose of pineapple, apple, bee pollen, wild fennel, tangerine and a lovely base of slate. On the palate the wine is fullish, elegant and beautifully balanced, with a very good midpalate depth, impeccable focus and balance, vibrant acids and lovely grip on the long and zesty finish. 2023-2060+.” JG
Weingut Donnhoff Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2014 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Weingut Donnhoff Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2014 1.5L ($149.95) $125 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 94+ points “The 2014 Dellchen GG is another really stunningly focused young wine, with superb aromatic and flavor precision to go along with excellent structural elements and impeccable balance. The bouquet is a mix of grapefruit, tart orange, wild yeasts, plenty of smokiness, a fine base of slate and again, a distinct topnote of lemongrass. On the palate the wine is pure, fullbodied and rock solid at the core, with lovely focus and balance, racy acids and a long, refined and utterly seamless finish. Outstanding juice this year. 2022-2060+.” JG
Weingut Donnhoff ‘Felsenturmchen’ Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2014 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Weingut Donnhoff ‘Felsenturmchen’ Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2014 1.5L ($149.95) $125 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 93+ points ‘The 2014 Felsenberg Grosses Gewächs bottling form the Türmchen section of the vineyard this year has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass in a classic constellation of white cherries, pink grapefruit, complex floral tones, a fine base of slate, wild yeasts, lemongrass and orange peel. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and very refined, with a rock solid core, ripe, zesty acids, laser-like focus and a long, youthful and energetic finish. A beautiful bottle of dry Riesling in the making. 2020-2055″ JG
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2014 ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2014 1.5L ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 94+ points “The Grosses Gewächs from the Hermannshöhle in 2014 is another outstanding wine in the making, offering up a superb and utterly suave aromatic mélange of grapefruit, tart orange, slate, wild yeasts, citrus peel and a lovely, discreet topnote of white flowers. On the palate the wine is deep, pure and full-bodied, with a superb core of fruit, ripe, seamless acids and superb length and grip on the tightly-knit finish. A really superb and suave young Hermannshöhle GG. 2022-2060+” JG
Weingut Donnhoff Riesling Grosses Gewachs 6-Pack 2014 ($419.95) $379 pre-arrival special
2 bottles each of the three Grosses Gewachs bottlings from 2014: Norheimer Dellchen, Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg, Niederhauser Hermannshohle
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2013 White Burgundies
Dauvissat & Colin Morey
Arriving Mid July
2013 was a difficult year in Burgundy and resulted in a small crop harvested as late as the end of October. The resulting wines from the more meticulous producers were very good, often compared to the 2008 or 2010 vintages. Vignerons describe the white wines as less concentrated than 2012, with refreshing and precise minerality.
Rene et Vincent Dauvissat Chablis, Burgundy 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 87-90 points “Lemon oil, white flowers and orchard fruit are laced together in Dauvissat’s 2013 Chablis. There is plenty of nuance in the glass, but I also can’t help noting how open the Chablis is at this very early stage. The 2013 finishes with notable freshness and vibrancy. Today my sense is that the 2013 will be a very pretty early drinker, but then again, the wines here have a proven track record of aging exceptionally well.” AG
Arriving Late July
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Les Champlots, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2013 Saint Aubin 1er Cru Champlots has a more austere bouquet compared to Pierre-Yves’s other premier crus: stony, touches of damp moss in an old churchyard. The palate is well balanced with sharp acidity on the entry: sour lemon, hints of apricot with quite an intense saline finish, this is a very well-crafted Saint Aubin that should repay time in the cellar. There’s something enigmatic about this wine.” WA
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey La Chateniere, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 92-94 points ‘The 2013 Saint Aubin 1er Cru Chatenière is initially reticent on the nose, but it unfolds with time in the glass with delicate orange blossom and white peach aromas that remain very well defined. The palate is crisp and tensile on the entry. There is a wonderful salinity here, very good persistence in the mouth with a taut, linear finish that begs another sip. Top class.” WA
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Les Combes, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 88-90 points “The 2013 Saint Aubin les Combes has another very expressive bouquet with hints of mango and overripe Satsumas combining nicely with the mineral component. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, quite refined, although it just eases off a little prematurely on the tapered finish. Otherwise I envisage this slipping down the throat with ease.” WA
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Les Creots, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2013 Saint Aubin 1er Cru les Creots has very fine mineralité on the nose: flint and wet limestone, almost Puligny-like in style. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, hints of orange zest and lime with a dash of spice to round things off nicely on the finish. It does not quite have the complexity of a top climats, but it is still very well crafted and should offer a decade of drinking pleasure, possibly more.” WA
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Flash Deal!
Arriving Late October 2015
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a striking wine that shows uncompromising varietal pureness, albeit in a most concentrated and elaborate form. This is what great Sangiovese is all about. There’s so much happening on the nose and the wine brings you to cherry, spice, licorice, cured meat, pressed rose and grilled meat in equal measure. No one element overpowers the next. The mouthfeel is also tight and bright with the kind of fruit intensity that promises long cellar aging. This Brunello is only at the beginning of a long road ahead. The longer the wine stays in the glass, the more it offers in terms of complexity and intensity. This is a true standout that can be enjoyed for up to 20 years ahead…Never have I encountered a Il Poggione Brunello as beautiful as the one released this year. This is one of the highest expression of Sangiovese you will ever taste. 2/27/15”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Rich, with excellent density, ripe cherry and plum fruit, and a well-integrated structure. Licorice, earth and tobacco notes add depth while this cruises to a long, tobacco- and mineral-tinged finish. Shows balance and grip. Best from 2018 through 2033.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94+ points “Il Poggione’s 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a remarkably beautiful wine. Rose petal, mint, cinnamon, sweet dark cherries and smoke lift from the glass in a translucent, wiry Brunello built on energy and power. This is an especially lifted, precise and nuanced Brunello from Il Poggione, with more emphasis on length and mid-weight structure rather than overt volume. In many ways, the 2010 comes across as a modern-day version of the 1982 Riserva. Readers who have tasted that wine know just how special that is. For the money, there is not a single better wine being made in Montalcino than Il Poggione’s Brunello. Truth is, it is also better than many far more expensive offerings. There are two Brunellos I would buy confidently in any vintage. This is one of them. 2/2015”