Vinopolpick Thursday – Burgundy 2009

September 18, 2014

*Stick around at the end for a special feature on Champagne Pre-Arrivals*

The 2011 / 2012 / 2013 vintages in Burgundy were all characterized by reduced yields. And, on the commercial side a propensity towards price increases to compensate growers and importers for wine not made nor traded. Our reaction was to double up on our 2010 orders (in 2012) and simultaneously re-buy all the better and well-priced 2008 & 2009 that we could find. Today we’d like to share with you our remaining stocklist on 2010 vintage:

Burgundy 2009

There’s a problem with the 2009 vintage in Burgundy.  It’s too attractive. So attractive that some UK merchants have already sold their allocations of the most sought-after wines. The good news, however, is that there are many delicious wines among the less famous producers and more humbly ranked vineyards. ” – Jancis RobinsonHistorically, vintages on the “nines” have produced some memorable harvests—years like 1999, 1989, 1969, 1959 and 1949 were all heralded for their extraordinary taste. 2009 keeps this streak going, a beautifully ripe vintage that delivered stellar quality for both red and white wines.This is not a vintage of village highs and lows across the Côte d’Or, as only the few vineyards hit hard by hail saw a reduction in yields. The health of the grapes was exceptional, without a trace of the rot that so often threatens the vineyards of Burgundy. 2009 was a vintage that delivered both quality and quantity. With such healthy fruit, the rigor of selection was not an issue, as is so often the case. This shines through in wines with excellent fruit quality from both the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune.Ripe, elegant and classic; 2009 is a lovely vintage. Most of the reds are rich, satiny and vibrant, with delicious red fruit; the whites juicy, aromatic, and approachable. These wines are made on their balance, as the best find a beautiful harmony of acidity, tannin, and concentration. Drinking lovely now, these wines have great ageing potential as well, living up to the high expectations set by the preceding “9” vintages with sumptuous, supple reds and luscious whites. Brightness of fruit and clarity of flavor delivers a fragrant, classic vintage, with beauty and finesse that only Burgundy can provide. Burgundy lovers please enjoy the charming and fruity reds and whites provided here today.Stock List – Burgundy 2009 – Available Now

CHABLIS

William Fevre Chablis Bougros Cote Bouguerots Grand Cru 2009 ($89.95)
$79 special 12+ bottles available

William Fevre Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru 2009 ($99.95) $89 special 12+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points
“The 2009 Chablis Les Preuses is one of the most complete wines in this lineup. It possesses striking delineation of aromas and flavors, with nuance after nuance that emerge in the glass. It is another of the weightless wines here in that it is full of flavor but never heavy. Intense notes of minerality and smokiness grace the textured, sublime finish. This is a fabulous effort from Fevre and Didier Seguier. The Preuses is made from two parcels; the first an east-facing steep slope, the second a flatter parcel richer in clay with a southwest exposure. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. ”

William Fevre Chablis Vaudesir Grand Cru 2009 ($89.95) $79 special 12+ bottles available

WHITE BURGUNDY

Domaine Leroy Bourgogne Aligote 2009 ($89.95)
$59 special 12+ bottles available

Domaine Leroy Bourgogne Blanc 2009 ($59.95) $49 special 10 bottles available
Wine Spectator
“Floral aromas add interest to this vibrant, lime- and apple-infused white. A hint of seashore leads to a racy finish.”

Blain-Gagnard Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot Premier Cru 2009 ($79.95) $69 special 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91 points
“The 2009 Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot shows the breadth of this site in its rich, generous fruit. Despite its size, the Morgeot retains gorgeous freshness and vivacity, although the style is very much one that emphasizes a soft, textured expression of fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2012+.”

Faiveley Bienvenues Batard Montrachet Grand Cru 2009 ($269.95) $199 special 3 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points
“Palish green-yellow. Crushed stone, lemon-lime, hazelnut and a whiff of leesy complexity on the explosive nose. Boasts terrific density and sucrosite but with excellent acid backbone and firm minerality providing lift and shape. Best today on the long finish, which features palate-staining red grapefruit and crushed stone flavors. These 50-year-old vines are planted in deep soil, but there’s a lot of minerality in the subsoil, notes Hervet. Offers superb potential, but the 2008 may be even better.”

Louis Jadot Le Montrachet Grand Cru 2009 ($549.95) $399 special 3 bottles available
John Gilman 95+ points
“The 2009 Jadot Montrachet (which hails from the Chassagne side of the vineyard, by the way) is also exceptional. The nose offers up a great and compelling mélange of apple, white peach, lemon, great minerality, floral tones and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and superbly structured, with a rock solid core of fruit, beautiful focus and balance, impeccable grip and a very long, racy and refined finish. A wonderful bottle of wine. 2020-2050′

Comte Lafon Meursault Les Charmes Premier Cru 2009 ($259.95) $219 special 2 bottles available

Montille Puligny Montrachet Le Cailleret Premier Cru 2009 ($189.95) $119 special 1 bottle available

Olivier Leflaive Puligny Montrachet Les Folatieres Premier Cru 2009 ($129.95) $95 special 10 bottles available
Domaine Leflaive Les Combettes, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2009 ($219.95) $179 special 3 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 93 points
“Pale yellow with a green tinge.  Musky, discreet nose hints at lime and nut oil.  Dense, ripe and lush; shows sweet notes of vanilla and hazelnut but this is very tightly coiled today in the mid-palate.  Explosive on the back end, finishing with excellent breadth and flavor intensity and a slightly tannic impression.  Terrific volume here.” ST

Pousse D’or Puligny Montrachet Le Cailleret Premier Cru 2009 ($189.95) $119 special 5 bottles available

Roche De Bellene Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2009 ($199.95) $159 special 12 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92-94 points
“Good bright yellow. Pure, perfumed aromas of lime, pineapple, spearmint and crushed rock. Juicy, steely and dense, with penetrating citrus and mineral flavors complicated by a saline quality that contributes to the wine’s savory, tactile mouth feel. Very dense, clean, precise and persistent wine that avoids austerity thanks to its touch of sweetness. Potel picked vines on the Pernand side on September 26, and also bought must from a parcel in Aloxe.”

RED BURGUNDY – COTE DE BEAUNE

Courcel Pommard Grand Clos Des Epenots Premier Cru 2009 ($129.95)
$88 special 10 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92-95 points
“Deep ruby-red. Black fruits, violet, licorice and minerals on the nose. Dense and ripe but sappy and not at all thick, with its impressive volume cut by violet and spice. This boasts an impressive combination of sweetness, vibrancy and powerful underlying structure. Finishes with saline and chocolate notes and excellent lift. Offers superb potential.”st

Domaine Des Croix Beaune Pertuisots Premier Cru 2009 ($64.95) $49 special 3 bottles available

Dugat-Py Pommard Levriere Vieille Vigne 2009 ($229.95) $149 special 10 bottles available
Follin-Arbelet Aloxe Corton Clos du Chapitre Premier Cru 2009 ($89.95) $66 special 2 bottles available

Girardin Pommard Les Vignots 2009 ($49.95) $33 special 6 bottles available

Henri Boillot Volnay Les Caillerets Premier Cru 2009 ($169.95) $99 special 10 bottles available


Jadot Chorey Les Beaune 2009 ($33.95)
$21.90 special 12 bottles available
Jadot Savigny-Les-Beaune Les Lavieres 2009 ($39.95)
$29 special 12 bottles available
Jadot Savigny-Les-Beaune Les Vergelesses 2009 ($39.95)
$29 special 12+ bottles available
Jadot Pernand-Vergelesses Rouge 2009 ($39.95)
$27 special 1 bottle available

Jadot Pommard Les Rugiens Premier Cru 2009 ($89.95) $69 special 1 bottle available
Wine Spectator 92 points
“Though ripe with cherry and plum flavors, this red is also fresh and well-toned, courtesy of its rigid tannins. All the elements are in the right proportions, with a nice marriage of fruit and tannins on the finish. Best from 2015 through 2024. 90 cases imported.”

Louis Boillot Volnay Les Brouillards Premier Cru 2009 ($84.95) $59 special 6 bottles available

Rapet Pernand Vergelesses Les Belles Filles 2009 ($44.95) $29 special 6 bottles available


Roche De Bellene Vosne Romanee Malconsorts Premier Cru 2009 ($219.95)
$189 special 12+ bottles available

Michel Sarrazin Maranges 2009 ($31.95) $26.60 special 2 bottles available

Violot Guillemard Beaune Clos Des Mouches 2009 ($69.95) $59 special 8 bottles available

Violot Guillemard Pommard Clos de Derriere St. Jean Premier Cru 2009 ($99.95) $79 special 10 bottles available

Violot Guillemard Pommard Les Epenots Premier Cru 2009 ($119.95) $89 special 4 bottles available

RED BURGUNDY – COTE DE NUITS
Chateau De La Tour Clos De Vougeot Grand Cru 2009 ($199.95) $119 special 11 bottles available
Chevillon Nuits-St-George Les Roncieres Premier Cru 2009 ($99.95) $69 special 12+ bottles available

Chezeaux Nuits St Georges Aux Boudots Premier Cru 2009 ($69.95) $59 special 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 92 points
“The 2009 Vosne-Romanee Aux Boudots is a rather delicate, understated wine laced with crushed berries, spices and flowers. Silky tannins frame the graceful, feminine finish. The open bouquet and accessible personality make the Boudots a touch more pleasurable today than the Chaumes, but both are gorgeous. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.”

Chezeaux Nuits St Georges 2009 ($59.95) $49 special 7 bottles available
Wine Advocate 90 points
“The 2009 Nuits St. Georges is another terrific village wine. It shows fabulous vibrancy along with a crystalline purity that is totally beguiling. There is an element of slight firmness here that will require bottle age to soften, but this is a dazzling bottle that only needs time, and the tannins only serve to balance and preserve the integrity of the fruit. This is a gorgeous wine at the village level. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.”

Chezeaux Vosne Romanee 2009 ($59.95) $49 special 2 bottles available

Domaine et Selection Bonnes Mares Elevage L. Ponsot 2009 ($349.95) $319 special 5 bottles available

Domaine et Selection Chambertin Elevage L. Ponsot 2009 ($349.95) $319 special 3 bottles available

Domaine et Selection Echezeaux Elevage L. Ponsot 2009 ($249.95) $219 special 4 bottles available

d’Ardhuy Clos Des Langres Cote de Nuits Monopole 2009 ($44.95) $36 special 1 bottle available

Pierre Damoy Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 2009 ($219.95) $179 special 9 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points
“The 2009 Chapelle-Chambertin floats across the palate with delicate red berries, flowers and sweet spices. Highly expressive, perfumed aromatics are woven throughout, while silky tannins convey an impression of pure sensuality. I especially like the way the Chapelle freshens up in the glass, always a good sign for the future. Of the 2009s I tasted from bottle, the Chapelle is the one wine that appears a bit reticent today. Pierre Damoy’s 2009s have turned out magnificently. Damoy remains one of my favorite under-the-radar growers. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.”

Dugat-Py Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2009 ($399.95) $299 special 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91-94 points
“The 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru is a totally seamless, opulent wine that caresses the palate with layers of intense fruit. Full-bodied and rich to the finish, the 1er Cru is flat-out beautiful. This authoritative Burgundy will require patience, but it is striking in is harmony. In 2009 the 1er Cru is made from parcels in Les Corbeaux and Les Perrieres, as Dugat made the decision to vinify and age the Fontenys separately in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2039.”

Dugat-Py Gevrey Chambertin Champeaux Premier Cru 2009 ($429.95) $289 special 2 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93-96 points
“The 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Champeaux is one of the richest, darkest wines in this lineup. The Champeaux is a decidedly opulent wine that emphasizes sheer extract of fruit over aromatic complexity. There is plenty of underlying tannic material, but the tannins are totally buried by the sheer depth of the fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2039.”

Dugat-Py Gevrey Chambertin Coeur De Roi Vieilles Vignes 2009 ($249.95) $129 special 10 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91-93 points
“The 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin Coeur du Roi is a dark, inward wine. It shows serious weight and density in its dark fruit and sensual personality. A blast of smoke, licorice and menthol informs the long, beautifully delineated finish. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2039.”

Dugat-Py Gevrey Chambertin Petite Chapelle Premier Cru 2009 ($429.95) $339 special 5 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-95 points
“The 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin Petite Chapelle opens with a sensual, exotic bouquet. Layers of crisp, nuanced fruit follow effortlessly as this seductive wine shows off its pedigree. Full-bodied and supple on the palate, the magnificent Petite Chapelle conquers all of the senses. The finish is breathtaking and eternal. This is a dazzling effort from Dugat-Py. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2039.”

Dugat-Py Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2009 ($159.95) $99 special 11 bottles available
Wine Advocate 90 points
“The 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes shows more freshness and elegance than the 2010. Ripe red berries, flowers and mint come together nicely in this supple, pliant Gevrey. Floral notes reappear on the finish, adding brightness and lift. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.”

Dugat-Py Gevrey Chambertin Les Evocelles 2009 ($249.95) $149 special 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 90-92 points
“The 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Evocelles is deep, dark and sensual in its inviting layers of dark fruit, spices and menthol. Clean, mineral notes frame the long, intensely satisfying finish. This saw 100% new oak, but you would hardly know it based on the wine’s exceptional balance. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2049.”

Dugat-Py Vosne-Romanee Vieilles Vignes 2009 ($249.95) $149 special 8 bottles available
Wine Advocate 90-93 points
“The 2009 Vosne-Romanee Vieilles Vignes is a sweet, sensual wine graced with exquisite depth in its spiced dark red fruit. Mineral notes add to a sense of thrust as the wine works its way through to the intense, textured finish. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.”

Domaine Dujac Morey St Denis Premier Cru 2009 ($249.95) $149 special 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91 points
“The 2009 Morey St. Denis 1er Cru is a blend of three vineyards; mostly Ruchots with some Clos Sorbe and Charrieres. The blend usually includes fruit from Millandes, but in 2009 that parcel was being replanted. This is an impressive wine graced with layers of dark red fruit. Mint and minerals add complexity on the focused, textured finish. The 1er Cru was bottled in January 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.”

Dupont Tisserandot Gevrey Chambertin 2009 ($59.95) $44 special 7 bottles available


Faiveley Chambolle Musigny Les Fuees Premier Cru 2009 ($199.95)
$129 special 6 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91-93 points
“Bright red-ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of black raspberry, mocha and coffee. Very ripe on the palate but juicy, tight and gripping, with superb energy to its dark berry, floral and mineral flavors. Finishes with some superripe notes and firm tannic spine. Really refreshes the palate on the very long finish. This really grew on me.”

Faiveley Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru 2009 ($299.95) $249 special 1 bottle available
Stephen Tanzer 94-97 points
“Good deep red. Ineffably complex aromas of wild red fruits, menthol, white pepper, minerals and powdered stone. A wine of great nobility, a bit imploded on entry, then wonderfully complex and aromatic in the middle, with terrific sappiness and energy to the lightly saline flavors of red fruits, spices, licorice and crushed stone. The rising, endless finish titillates the taste buds. This makes the Latricieres seem dry in comparison. ”

Faiveley Nuits St Georges Aux Vignerondes Premier Cru 2009 ($69.95) $59 special 12+ bottles available

Follin-Arbelet Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru 2009 ($499.95) $333 special 12 bottles available
Forey Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2009 ($199.95) $119 special 1 bottle available

Forey Nuits Saint Georges 2009 ($79.95) $59 special 3 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer & Wine Advocate 89 points
“Good full red.  Fairly fresh aromas of black cherry, licorice, violet and menthol.  A big, sweet fruit bomb in the mouth, with a distinct fleshiness to the slightly medicinal black cherry flavors.  This has very good stuffing to support its tannins.  Boasts fresher fruit than the Morey or Vosne bottlings.  Finishes with dusty tannins and good length.”WA

Georges Noellat Nuits St Georges Les Boudots Premier Cru 2009 ($99.95) $79 special 9 bottles available

Georges Noellat Vosne Romanee Les Beaux Monts Premier Cru 2009 ($99.95) $79 special 12+ bottles available

Jean Grivot Nuits St Georges Roncieres Premier Cru 2009 ($149.95) $99 special 12+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points
“Smoke, incense and spices are some of the nuances that emerge from the 2009 Nuits St. Georges Roncieres. This is a powerful incisive wine loaded with dark fruit and minerals. All of the elements meld together gracefully, showing tremendous energy and vibrancy, especially on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.”

Jean Grivot Vosne Romanee 2009 ($69.95) $59 special 12+ bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 88-90 points
“Good full red. Expressive aromas of raspberry, spices, flowers and minerals. Juicy and fruit-driven, with a suggestion of chocolatey ripeness lifted by flowers. Begins rather generous but finishes with good nervosite and suave tannins. An attractive village wine in the making.”ST

Harmand-Geoffroy Gevrey Chambertin Clos Prieur Premier Cru 2009 ($69.96) $59 special 8 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91 points
“The 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Prieur emerges from the glass with layers of dark fruit, minerals, white flowers and spices. It shows considerable depth and finesse in the deep, fruit-driven style that is the hallmark at this address. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.”

Louis Jadot Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru 2009 ($179.95) $119 special 4 bottles available
Wine Advocate 90-92 points
“The 2009 Charmes-Chambertin shows excellent suppleness in its round fruit. This is a generous, open style with good balance, even if the wine lacks the sheer excitement of the best selections here. Bright red fruits and flowers inform the open, accessible finish. The Charmes is made from purchased wine. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.”


Louis Jadot Clos De La Roche Grand Cru 2009 ($249.95)
$149 special 11 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-95 points
“The 2009 Clos de la Roche comes across as big, powerful and a touch heavy-handed. This shows tons of richness and depth but lacks the sheer excitement of the estate’s finest wines. The Clos de la Roche is made from purchased wine. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034.”

Lous Jadot Clos St Denis Domaine Gagey 2009 ($319.95) $199 special 3 bottles available

Louis Jadot Gevrey Chambertin Estournelles St Jacques Premier Cru 2009 ($129.95) $79 special 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91-93 points
“The 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin Estournelles St. Jacques emerges from the glass with explosive dark fruit. This is an especially large scaled, big style of Gevrey, but all of the elements come together nicely in the glass. The tannins turn incisive on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.”

Louis Jadot Gevrey Chambertin Petite Chapelle Premier Cru 2009 ($109.95) $59 special 2 bottles available

Louis Jadot Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru 2009 ($319.95) $199 special 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 92-94 points
“The 2009 Grands-Echezeaux is a fresh, vibrant wine. Minerality takes center stage in this perfumed, sweet Burgundy. The clenched style calls for patience, but the wine’s potential seems quite high. The finish is vibrant and impeccably polished in every way. The Grands-Echezeaux is made from purchased wine. Not surprisingly, this is totally different in style from the Echezeaux. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034.”

Louis Jadot Marsannay 2009 ($39.95) $24 special 1 bottles available

JJ Confuron Clos De Vougeot Grand Cru 2009 ($189.95) $149 special 1 bottle available


Domaine Rene Leclerc Gevrey Chambertin 2009 ($59.95)
$39 special 12+ bottles available

Leroy Vosne Romanee Les Beaux Monts Premier Cru 2009 ($999.95) $799 special 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 96 points
“The 2009 Vosne-Romanee Les Beaux Monts bursts from the glass with dazzling fruit that covers every inch of the palate. Sweet dark fruit, spices, tar and leather are some of the notes that flesh out on the stunning, multi-dimensional finish. This is a dazzling wine endowed with tons of class and sheer pedigree. It is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.”

Leroy Vosne Romanee Les Genevrieres 2009 ($699.95) $499 special 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 95+ points
“The 2009 Vosne-Romanee Aux Genaivrieres opens with delicate spice notes, then explodes on the mid-palate with waves of flavor. Sweet crushed rose petal notes develop in the glass, weaving through the eternal finish. This is a gorgeous, fleshy wine graced with exquisite class. I especially like the way the Genaivrieres fleshes out on the finish. Frankly, its hard to move on to the next wine after this. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.”

Meo Camuzet Nuits St Georges Aux Murgers Premier Cru 2009 ($219.95) $199 special 6 bottles available
Wine Spectator 95 points
“This rich red is saturated with black cherry, blackberry, licorice and mineral aromas and flavors. Its texture is supple, yet there’s plenty of grip, and the concentrated fruit flavors pulse through the resonant finish. Fresh and harmonious. Best from 2015 through 2032. 10 cases imported.”

Ponsot Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 2009 ($399.95) $249 special 3 bottles available

Pousse d’Or Chambolle Musigny Les Amoureuses Premier Cru 2009 ($399.95) $319 special 6 bottles available

Pousse d’Or Clos De La Roche Grand Cru 2009 ($319.95) $199 special 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 95 points
“The 2009 Clos de la Roche saturates the palate with tons of fruit. Despite its richness, the Clos de la Roche remains brilliant through and through, with dazzling elegance and an intense, powerful finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2044. ”

Jacques Prieur Chambertin Grand Cru 2009 ($379.95) $299 special 1 bottle available

Jacques Prieur Clos De Vougeot Grand Cru 2009 ($299.95) $179 special 6 bottles available

JacquePrieur Echezeaux Grand Cru 2009 ($399.95) $289 special 4 bottles available

Serafin Chambolle Musigny Les Baudes Premier Cru 2009 ($159.95) $109 special 12+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 91-93 points
“The 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Baudes is one of the more open, radiant wines in this lineup. There is an unabashed sexiness to the fruit that is quite beautiful. This shows superb intensity and juiciness all the way through to the round, finish. The Baudes comes from a parcel next to de Vogue’s vineyards in Bonnes Mares. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029.”


Serafin Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru 2009 ($279.95)
$219 special 5 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95+ points
“The 2009 Charmes-Chambertin is striking, even if it is an infant today. Graceful and weightless through to the finish, the 2009 impresses for its balance, freshness and overall sense of structure. This is far from and easygoing 2009. It will require at least a decade to enter the early part of its drinking window. Here, too the integration of fruit and structure is superb. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034.”

Serafin Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2009 ($99.95) $69 special 12 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 90 points
“Medium red.  Full-blown aromas of coffee, mocha and game.  Less fruity than the basic village wine but dense, sweet and nicely fresh, with a deep middle and plenty of medicinal reserve.  Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and persistent notes of chocolate, coffee and underbrush.”

Serafin Gevrey Chambertin Les Corbeaux Premier Cru 2009 ($139.95) $89 special 12 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points
“Juicy, precise aromas of red berries, cherry, spices and mocha, plus a whiff of menthol.  Juicy, fine-grained and densely packed but a bit medicinal today.  For all its richness this communicates an impression of weightlessness.  In fact, this wine is downright balanced and bright.  Firmly tannic and dusty but not dry.  Finishes long and lively.”

Serafin Gevrey Chambertin Le Fontenys Premier Cru 2009 ($159.95) $109 special 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points
“The 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Fontenys is layered with dark cherries, flowers, spices and menthol. This is an especially fleshy, textured Gevrey. The showy personality of the vintage comes through, but there is also plenty of underlying structure and vibrancy. I especially like the intensity of the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.”

Serafin Morey St Denis Les Millandes Premier Cru 2009 ($159.95) $99 special 12+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points
“The 2009 Morey St. Denis Millandes is fabulous. It boasts a great combination of rich, dark fruit and powerful structure. Today the wine is already starting to shut down, something that bodes quite well for the future. Mint, flowers, spices and licorice stain the palate on the deep, resonant finish. This is a brilliant showing from Christian Serafin. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.”

Vougeraie Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 2009 ($299.95) $235 special 8 bottles available

Special Feature – Pre-Arrival Champagnes

Champagne Arriving in November
Pierre Peters Cuvee Speciale Les Chetillons Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2007 ($149.95) $129 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “What a pleasure it is to taste the 2007 Cuvée Spéciale Les Chétillons. An absolutely impeccable Champagne, the 2007 is gorgeous today. Crushed flowers, sage, almonds, lemon peel and ripe, juicy pears inform the supple, resonant finish. In 2007, the Chétillons is a model of grace and finesse. This is the first vintage Rodolphe Péters made from start to finish, and he nailed it.” AG

Champagnes Arriving in Mid-October
Pierre Peters Cuvee Speciale Les Chetillons Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2007 1.5L ($319.95) $269 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “What a pleasure it is to taste the 2007 Cuvée Spéciale Les Chétillons. An absolutely impeccable Champagne, the 2007 is gorgeous today. Crushed flowers, sage, almonds, lemon peel and ripe, juicy pears inform the supple, resonant finish. In 2007, the Chétillons is a model of grace and finesse. This is the first vintage Rodolphe Péters made from start to finish, and he nailed it.” AG

Pierre Peters Cuvee Esprit Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Millesime 2008 ($109.95) $89 special

Pierre Peters Cuvee Rose for Albane Brut NV ($99.95) $79 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points: “The NV Brut Rosé per Albane is drop-dead gorgeous. Perfumed, ethereal and beguiling, the Albane is both incredibly delicate and full of flavor. Sweet floral notes, red berries, mint and crushed rocks linger on the bright, crystalline finish. The long, brilliant finish leaves a lasting impression. The Albane is 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Meunier, an unusual combination. This bottle was disgorged in March 2013.”

Pierre Peters Reserve Oubliee NV (’08) ($179.95) $149 special

Vilmart & Cie Coeur de Cuvee Premier Cru Brut 2004 1.5L ($419.95) $379 special
Stephen Tanzer 95 points “Light, bright gold.  Exotic aromas of poached pear, smoky minerals and iodine are complemented by a sexy floral nuance.  On the palate, incisive, tangy flavors of candied citrus and orchard fruits, ginger and minerals gain flesh and weight with air.  Finishes on a seductively sweet note, with outstanding juicy persistence and strong mineral cut and grip.” ST

Vilmart & Cie Cuvee Rubis Brut Rose 2009 ($179.95) $149 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Vilmart’s 2009 Brut Premier Cru Grand Cellier Rubis is fabulous. A rich, deep rosé, the 2009 is all about texture. Layers of fruit open up in the glass in a silky, aromatically expressive Champagne loaded with class. The radiant, resonant style, so typical of the year, is on full display. The Grand Cellier Rubis remains one of the most polished, compelling wines in Champagne. The 2009 is another drop-dead gorgeous showing from Vilmart and proprietor Laurent Champs. The Grand Cellier Rubis is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.” AG