VinopolPick Weekend – 6-25-16

Saturday, June 25th, 2016

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Oregon’s Own- Johan – New Arrival with a New Review!; Quick Guide for Pairing with July 4TH Festivities; New Arrivals: Bedel, Contador & La Garrigue; Philippe Pacalet New Arrivals; Staff Picks; New Vintage of Our 2015 Best Selling White White; New Wine Spectator Reviews (Produttori del Barbaresco, Saint Cosme, Domaine Huet, Vincent Girardin and more!); Round Pond Cabernets; Late Breaking News – Marchesi di Barolo Re-Arrival and New Spanish & Suertes Del Marques Arrivals; July is Coming & So Are These…

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Newly Arrived & Newly Reviewed
“maybe the best deal in American wine” ?
We’ll provide – You decide

Johan Vineyards Farmlands Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18.80 special
Grapelive 92+ points “Dag J. Sundby makes some compelling wines, from Norway, Sundby has hit the Oregon wine scene like he’s always been a part of it, and in a short time made a big name for himself along with his winegrower Dan J. Rinke. All the wines are from organic grapes with all of the Johan estate being farmed biodynamic. The main estate Pinot Noir and his Gruner Veltliner are the signature wines, but be sure to check out his fabulous Pet-Nat Sparkling Pinot Noir and maybe the best deal in American wine, the Farmlands Pinot Noir! The 2015 Johan Vineyards “Farmlands” Pinot Noir is made from all biodynamic estate grown grapes, native yeast fermented and spends 9 months in French oak, inspired by the wines of Burgundy and the natural wine movement. It is an unfiltered, unfined Pinot without any additives, no egg whites, no cooper sulfate and no enzymes just natural and pure as can be. The 2015 is rich and detailed with low 13.3% alcohol a beautiful deep color and layers of dark fruit with mineral and spice as well as gentle wood notes. This is impressive stuff and as mentioned one of the best deals in American wine, let alone classy Oregon Pinot Noir with real depth of terroir and character. The layers of plum, black cherry, tangy currant and blackberry fruits dance on the palate in youthful harmony with ripe/sweet silky tannins, bright acidity, a medium body and good length with hints of fennel, cedar, dusty stones and flinty pepper. The smooth textures show the grace and finesse of the winemaking and without question highlights the pleasures of the vintage, which is in many ways similar to the 2014 with its forward style. Drink over the next 2 to 5 years, it’s a beauty.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

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July 4th
Quick Guide for Festive Pairings

Let the corks fly with the fireworks: it’s time to celebrate the Fourth of July! Let there be hot weather, barbeques, family gatherings, and parties all in honor of our country’s 240th birthday. No matter what your plans, we have wines for sipping, gulping, and toasting. It’s an occasion to explore the reds, whites, and rosés from the USA, but also to salute our French associates in revolution. We’ve put together a selection of fine wines to suit the needs of this year’s Fourth, so kick back, read on, and stock up for the upcoming festivities!

The best choice for Independence Day wines?
Reds and whites from our West Coast!

Matello Fool’s Journey Deux Vert Vineyard, Willamette Valley, 2011 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
VinopolNote: 90% Syrah, 10% Viognier from the Deux Vert vineyard (planted 1994) in Yamhill-Carlton. Deeply colored, with fountains of dark fruit and spice, and smooth tannins. Only 130 cases were produced from these non-irrigated vines. Bottled at 12.7% alcohol, at Matello’s new winery in McMinnville.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Evesham Wood Cuvee J Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon 2013 750ML ($49.95) $42.90 special
Winemaker’s note: Again, a six barrel selection from Le Puits Sec, always looking for depth, complexity and structure. Selected for long-term aging (depending on the vintage) it’s often tight as nails, however, the 2013 is surprisingly approachable. Red and black cherry, violet, plum, dried herbs de provence and with a finish that goes on and on. 149 cases produced.

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘The Classic’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “First made in 2012, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon The Classic comes from vines planted in 2008 and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in 40% new French oak, it sports an inky purple color to go with awesome notes of cassis, jammy blackberries, wild herbs and graphite. Full-bodied, fresh and elegant, yet with rocking concentration, this is a serious Cabernet that has the class to drink nicely in its youth, yet the balance, depth and structure to evolve for upward of two decades.”

Charles Smith ‘Sixto’ Moxee Chardonnay, Washington 2012 750ML ($69.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Coming from a warmer site and old vines (37-year-old) that are located northeast of Yakima city, the 2012 Chardonnay Moxee Vineyard (aged in 20% new French oak puncheons) gives up perfumed spice, lemon curd, toast and chamomile-like nuances to go with a medium-bodied, rounded, supple and yet fantastically pure and layered profile on the palate. I love the mid-palate here, and this is a rich, textured effort that’s geared for consuming over the coming 3 to 4 years.” WA

Franciscan Estate Cuvee Sauvage Chardonnay, Carneros 2012 750ML ($37.95) $19 special
Case-6 Franciscan Estate Cuvee Sauvage Chardonnay, Carneros 2012 750ML ($159.95) $99 special (that’s only $16.50/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “A classic Napa Valley Chardonnay, this is smooth, rich, balanced and well composed. Flowery aromas of honeysuckle open the way for lemon curd and ripe apple to compete with a depth of crème brûlée character that provides plenty of complexity, with additional accents of honey and spice.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Hartford Family Winery ‘Hartford’ Zinfandel, Russian River Valley 2013 750ML ($37.95) $27.50 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2013 Zinfandel Russian River Valley is an attractive, boisterous wine to drink now and over the next few years. Dark red cherry, raspberry, spice, and mint inform the juicy finish. The 2013 is gracious, inviting and pretty much impossible to resist.” AG

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Toast our nation’s 240th in style:

Chartogne-Taillet Le Rose Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “A crowd-pleasing rosé, this offers finely tuned, mouthwatering acidity paired with fruit-forward flavors of candied cherry and black currant, macerated plum, pastry dough and spiced nut. Displays lovely texture and a lingering finish. Drink now through 2020.” WS

Philippe Gonet Blanc de Blancs, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $29 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “An expressive skein of ground spice is the aromatic highlight of this finely balanced blanc de blancs, offering a refined and creamy bead, layered with flavors of poached pear, candied lemon zest, honey and pastry. Drink now through 2023.”

Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $33 special
Wine Spectator 90 points “Spring blossom and smoke notes mix in this lively Champagne, with a creamy bead carrying hints of lemon shortbread, peach and ground ginger. Drink now through 2017.” WS
Hot weather refreshers:

Chateau de Montfaucon Les Gardettes Rose, IGP Gard, France 2015 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Winery note “Les Gardettes refers to the guard towers of the Chateau de Montfaucon overlooking the Rhone River.  Refreshing and crisp with hints of peaches, raspberries and violets, this easy drinking dry Rose is meant to be enjoyed casually in a jovial spirit.  Produced in the traditional saignee method, this wine is full of character and panache.”

Domaine des Deux Puits Rose, Côtes du Roussillon, France 2015 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Importer note “90% Grenache, 10% Syrah. Entirely hand-harvested.  Whole-bunch pressed.  Cool fermentation.  Aged in steel tank.  This project was established in 2008 by Philippe Gard and Andy Cook. It was their mission to distribute a range of top quality wines from the Roussillon. Finally in 2012, the Region Controlée granted them official domaine status and they now call the estate “Domaine des Deux Puits” (previously Tramontane) meaning domaine of the two wells, as there are two old stone wells located right in the vineyards here.  Philippe also owns Coume del Mas in Banyuls. Andy Cook was an importer in Scotland and learned about winemaking in New Zealand before he relocated to the Roussillon.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Varner El Camino Vineyard Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2013 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special
Lettie Teague of the Wall Street Journal “Anti-Chardonnay drinkers have likely never experienced the well-balanced examples from Varner Wine. Their El Camino, produced from a cool-climate site in Santa Barbara, is full-bodied but vibrant, with a tropical nose and a hint of oak.”
VinopolNote: From El Camino Vineyard, Block 4. Los Alamos Clone 4, 100% stainless steel fermentation. 26% aged 6 months in new Francois Freres puncheons; 74% aged in stainless steel on fermentation lees. No malo-lactic fermentation.
BBQ: big reds to match bold flavors

Chateau Puech-Haut Saint-Drezery Prestige Rouge, Languedoc-Roussillon, France 2013 750ML  ($21.95) $18 special
Case-12 Chateau Puech-Haut Saint-Drezery Prestige Rouge, Languedoc-Roussillon, France 2013 750ML  ($249.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2013 Coteaux du Languedoc Prestige (which was already in bottle at the time of this tasting) is a blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Syrah aged all in concrete tank. Fresh, elegant and thrillingly pure, with first rate aromas of blackberry, fresh plum, licorice and ground herbs, it is decidedly sexy and forward, yet stays perfectly balanced, with juicy acidity and fine tannin on the finish. Easily one of the top estates in the Languedoc (if not southern France), Chateau Puech Haut lies just outside the village of Saint-Drezery and is owned and run by Gerard Bru, with consulting help from Philippe Cambie. They produce a number of cuvees, with their entry level efforts representing superb values, and their top cuvees being able to stand toe to toe with the greatest wines in the world.”

Domaine Lafage Bastide Miraflors, IGP Cotes Catalanes, France 2013 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Robert Parker 93 points “I have loved the wines from Domaine Lafage in the past, and this 2013 Bastide Miraflors Cotes Catalanes is one of the greatest red wine values I have tasted in the last year or so. A custom cuvee put together by Eric Solomon and Jean-Marc Lafage, it is a blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache that spent one year in 80% concrete tank (Grenache) and 500-liter demi-muids (Syrah). From a Roussillon vineyard dominated by gallets roules that resembles many Chateauneuf du Pape vineyards, the wine undergoes a long maceration of six weeks. The result is an inky/blue/purple-colored wine offering a big, sweet bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, acacia flowers, pepper and spice. This full-bodied, opulent, majestic dry red unleashes tremendous ripeness, richness and intensity. One would normally think such a superb, remarkable wine would cost over $50 a bottle, but this beauty is available for an astonishing $14 a bottle. You’ll have to taste it to believe it! It should drink well for 2-5 years.” RP

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Mid-West, East & South
Summer Shipping Saver

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.

Free service upgrade only applies on single orders shipped during the promotional period.
Additional fees will apply to orders held for any reason until after the promotional period
and shipped by Three Day Select.
Offer not valid on pre-arrival items that arrive after the promotional period.

Don’t forget about our other current shipping promos:

We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment

-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25

These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason.
Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment
do not qualify for flat rate shipping.

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Beguiling Bedel

This terroir-focused grower-producer works with just over 20 acres of biodynamically grown estate fruit. They are true to the land, even producing their own compost, to bring the distinct terroir to each parcel to the forefront of their enchanting wines. They work primarily with Pinot Meunier resulting in Champagnes of supple fruitiness and intense bouquets. A touch of Chardonnay adds flower and mineral notes while the Pinot Noir adds body and berries. The following cuvees are all tank aged to preserve the heady, fresh aromas and just arrived this week to our shop:

Francoise Bedel Cuvee Entre Ciel et Terre Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($89.95) $71.90 special
Winemaker’s note: Biodynamic, hand-harvested. Vinified exclusively in enameled steel tanks. Made from the majority of the 2006’s harvest. Wonderful effervescence with very fine bubbles. Bright and brilliant gold in colour. The nose is fresh and reminiscent of white flowers (hawthorn, acacia). After agitation, it reveals very delicate aromas of floral-flavoured honey and spice bread. Palate : A champagne with a crisp initial impact on the palate, giving way to rich and generous floral notes, enhanced by a touch of liquorice. The dosage is understated and perfectly integrated, thus allowing the true essence of the wine to come to the fore. This finish is exuberant with a freshness accentuated by citrus aromas (lemon and grapefruit). Extra brut; 60 % de Pinot Meunier, 30 % de Pinot noir, 10 % de Chardonnay.

Francoise Bedel L’Ame de la Terre Extra Brut Millesime, Champagne 2004 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Winemaker’s note: Vinified in enameled steel tanks and oak barrels. Nose : Ripe and mature on the nose with candied fruits and dried apricots. After aeration, it reveals very delicate aromas of santalwood, cinnamon and orange tree. Palate : It is full and round on the palate, with great vivacity. The finish is exuberant with honey and gingerbread aromas. Its right dosage gives the impression of balance. Biodynamically-farmed and hand-harvested; Brut. 90 % de Pinot Meunier, 7 % de Pinot noir, 3 % de Chardonnay.

Francoise Bedel & Fils Cuvee Dis Vin Secret Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Light, bright yellow. Pungent, highly aromatic bouquet evokes peach nectar, poached pear, vanilla and honeysuckle. Deeply pitched orchard and pit fruit flavors show very good intensity and lift, picking up spiciness with air. Finishes on a suave floral note, with impressive focus and length.” 95 % de Pinot Meunier, 5 % de Chardonnay.”

Francoise Bedel & Fils Extra Brut, Champagne NV 375ML ($31.95) $26.60 special
90% Meunier, 10% Pinot Noir

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Rhone Ranger: La Garrigue Vacqueyras

A shop favorite for complexity and value! A classic Rhone blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault from the little sister AOC of Chateauneuf du Pape.

Domaine La Garrigue Vacqueyras 2012 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Deep red. Vibrant, spice-accented raspberry, cherry and floral pastille aromas are complicated by hints of star anise and smoked meat. Supple and open-knit, offering juicy red fruit and spicecake flavors plus a deeper suggestion of licorice pastille. Plays power off elegance smoothly, showing no excess fat. A refreshing jolt of peppery spices adds lift and cut to the persistent finish.” JR

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New-Wave Rioja: Bodegas Contador

Though only founded in 1995, Bodegas Contador quickly gained a superb reputation for outstanding terroir and skilled winemaking – even earning 100 points from Wine Advocate.

Bodegas Contador – Benjamin Romeo ‘Predicador’, Rioja DOCa 2009 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “(96% tempranillo, 3% garnacha and 1% viura, aged for 16 months in one-year-old French oak barrels): Glass-staining ruby. Explosive, alluring aromas of black and blue fruits, incense, licorice and vanilla bean. Lush and broad but juicy and focused as well, with suave candied dark berry flavors accented by sexy floral and Indian spice nuances. Finishes broad, spicy and impressively long, with echoing boysenberry and licorice notes. In the context of flamboyant, new-wave Rioja this is an absolute steal.”

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Philippe Pacalet Wines Just Arrived
The Man with the Grand Master’s Touch

Phillipe Pacalet, nephew of Marcel Lapierre, the legendary natural winemaker, represents the diversity of Burgundian wine. The vineyard plots he organically farms lie from Chablis, through the Cȏte de Nuits and Cȏte de Beaune, and down to the Beaujolais and even Cornas. He makes the wines in Beaune, all in the same hands-off style, and in a way that most others do not follow: whole-cluster fermentations for the reds, while the whites are vinified in oak on the lees. No racking, filtering, or sulfuring of the wines takes place. The terroir is thus left to express itself without any make-up or contrivances. Pure, honest red and white Burgundy, from a man passionate about his region’s wine.

Philippe Pacalet Beauroy, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 3 bottles available
Vinopolnote: From a south-facing clay-limestone vineyard with typical Kimmeridgien subsoil, which delivers the intensity of Chablis Premier Cru. Peach, mango, and white flowers form the bouquet, while the palate is minerally and rich.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Philippe Pacalet Puligny-Montrachet, Cote de Beaune 2014 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 3 bottles available
Vinopolnote: From the cool, clay-limestone climats of Les Noyers Brets, Les Petits Noizerots, and les Reuchaux. On the nose are white flowers and lime, while the palate is rich and mineral, with a savory finish.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Philippe Pacalet Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2014 750ML ($269.95) $219 special, 3 bottles available
Vinopolnote: From the prestigious Charlemagne vineyard on the steep Corton hill, where the soils are white with calcareous marl. Very floral on the nose, while very tense and with good minerality on the palate. One of the world’s most profound white wines, demanding cellar time before offering its true beauty.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Philippe Pacalet Cornas, Rhone 2014 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 24 bottles available
VinopolNote: A new addition to the Pacalet line-up, Cornas is by law 100% Syrah. Rich and intense, it yields to bottle ageing. Ripe dark fruit and a powerful finish are a few of the pleasures offered by this wine.

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $99.99

Philippe Pacalet Gevrey-Chambertin, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 6 bottles available
“The Gevrey Chambertin is very forward and expressive with red organic fruit and the classic pacalet spices cinnamon and all spice. On the palate forward, harmonious and very drinkable. Not a big wine but a lovely Gevrey village that will provide a lot of pleasure over the next years.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Philippe Pacalet Nuits-Saint-Georges, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 6 bottles available
“The Nuits-Saint-Georges village is a step up in concentration. The nose offer red expressive fruit .. very forward and transparent. On the palate juicy and airy .. quite lightfooted for a NSG. Will provide fine drinking … but perhaps lacking a bit of weight compared to the previous vintages.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Philippe Pacalet Pommard, Cote de Beaune 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 6 bottles available
“The Pommard village is a bit more austere than the expressive Gevrey village. In the nose red and dark berry fruit, pure and transparent with hints of cinnamon and white peppar. On the palate more serious and weighty than the Gevrey, with more tannins and structure. A lovely Pommard village … will offer delightful drinking.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Philippe Pacalet Les Sentiers, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 6 bottles available
“The Chambolle Sentiers is a new wine in the Pacalet lineup … and a welcomed addition for us who adores the Chambolles from Pacalet. The Sentiers is a more serious and focused wine than the extrovert 1er cru – at least in this first vintage. In the nose juicy red berry fruit and a lovely Chambolle minerality … somewhat darker than the 1 er cru. On the palate also slightly darker fruit, more weighty with a core of lovely sweet fruit. This wine really reflects the location of the vineyard on the Morey side of Chambolle with its somewhat denser nature and personality. This terroir really suits the style of Pacalet .. really looking forward to follow this wine.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Philippe Pacalet Aux Argillas, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 3 bottles available
Vinopolnote: Aux Argillas lies on the north border of the town of Nuits-Saint-Georges, where the soil contains higher amounts of clay, hence the name, plus fossilized oysters. The wines are sturdy yet elegant, showing dark berries like blackberry and cassis, plus the rich tannins that characterize Nuits-Saint-Georges.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Philippe Pacalet Echezeaux Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($319.95) $279 special, 6 bottles available
“The Echezeaux 2014 from Pacalet is very forward compared with the same wine in the previous vintages.. The bouquet offer expressive organic red berry fruit – with lovely spicy notes of violets and peony rose. On the palate layers of airy red berry fruit – forward and quite openly knit. It’s not a powerful wine, but it has a lovely energy and intensity from the juicy fruit and the expression of terroir. A fine Echezeaux in the making.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Philippe Pacalet Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, Cotes de Nuits 2014 750ML ($319.95) $279 special, 6 bottles available
“The Clos de Vougeot is another new terroir in the Pacalet lineup. The bouquet offer a quite classic expression of the weighty terroir – combined with the organic style of Maison Pacalet. The weighty red and dark fruit in the nose integrates well with the expressive and spicy style offering cinnamon, violets and allspice. On the palate same story … the lightfooted and energetic style really presents the virtues of Clos de Vougeot. The rather dense fruit of the terroir becomes almost energetic in the hands of Pacalet … and unfolds into a vibrant version of this famous wine. While this is a quite forward wine … the tannins suggest that it’s build for cellaring .. so best to keep for a decade or so.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org

This is the only listing in the USA today!

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Staff Picks

Daniel:
Chateau d’Arcole, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2009 750ML ($34.95) $29 special

“My palate exercised by a cellar-worthy 2010 Sociando-Mallet, I relaxed with the first sip of 2009 Château d’Arcole. The former Bordeaux, a deep Cabernet, was still quite young; the latter, a soft Merlot, drank smoothly till all was gone. Both years were outstanding, but sometimes life calls for a fleshy, rounded St. Emilion, full of plum and spice, like Château d’Arcole.

“The name comes from a Napoleonic battle, the grapes (70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon) from the château’s 300-year-old vineyard, which has never been bombarded by synthetic chemicals. The wine, certified organic, receives the dignified attention of Château d’Arcole’s Grand Cru status: Rotating stainless fermentation vats, gravity pumping, no filtration, not too much new oak. Such gentle treatment makes for a wine more delicate than aggressive, whose tannins meld with the bouquet of ripe fruit and toastiness, as if made for roasted fowl or a fine cut of pork. This wine is balanced enough to handle a few more years in bottle, but it is drinking so well now…”

Tyler:
Francoise Bedel Cuvee Entre Ciel et Terre Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($89.95) $71.90 special

“There’s a local spot on the other side of town known for their illustrious, borderline-obsessive selection of Champagnes. The wine list hits the table with a weighty thud… Navigating their offerings is equal parts daunting and exciting, so packed with famed producers that it resembles what Sir Winston Churchill’s Christmas list. While barside a few months ago, a friend noticed Mme. Bedel’s name among the selections and nearly leapt for joy. Without hesitation, a frosty bottle and two glasses were summonsed, our server nodding with approval.

“First, some context. Francoise Bedel is about as real-deal as you can get in Champagne. Her estate has practiced biodynamic agriculture for twenty years; harvest is performed by hand and wines are held for a minimum of five years prior to release. With ‘Entre Ciel et Terre’, free run and press wine is separated before vinification in oak and enameled tanks. The majority of this cuvee comes from the 2006 harvest and spent eight years on the lees. As with all bottlings, it is hand-riddled and disgorged prior to release.

“The finished wine – an extra brut composed of 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, and the remainder Chardonnay, carries one of the most pleasing textures I’ve come across with Champagne. Bubbles are tightly-woven and explode across the palate; wildflower aromatics meld with a spice-tinged, honey-soaked flavor profile. Overall, a rich and multifaceted sparkling wine with great integration and no shortage of character. We’ve just picked up a handful of cuvees from Bedel, though not all that much of ’em. If you can manage to grab a bottle, please do – farmer fizz doesn’t get much better than this.”

Suzanne:
Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special, ETA fall 2016
Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2015 1.5L ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special, ETA fall 2016

“Portland was host to a smattering of winemakers represented in Terry Theise’s German and Austrian portfolios this week, none the least of whom was Anne Donnhoff sharing her entrancing range of 2015s. To say I tasted the wines quite young would be a bit of an understatement (many other winemakers were pouring barrel samples!) but there’s plenty to gleam from the youthful expressions Riesling in all its Pradikat guises.

“I could, and have, waxed poetic about the ethereal Brucke wines – the vineyard home of Donnhoff’s elusive eiswein. The vineyard is a monopole composed of grey slate on clay soil. This year’s Theise release grants us a Spatlese, Auslese Goldkapsel and, rumor has it, an Eiswein (stay tuned for that!).

“At the tasting, the 2015 Brucke Spatlese was poured after the Felsenberg Spatlese, which was fitting as it showed a touch sweeter on the palate with gentler acidity. The palate was creamier than the Felsenberg with a touch of the apple-skin-like texture I found in the wine’s 2013 release.

“It was the aroma in the glass that, like an old friend, brought a smile. Words escaped me for a few blessed moments while I sniffed. I was taken back to a few months ago when my little Meyer lemon tree blossomed. The scent from those precious days that filled my living room what not quite something to fit into words: certainly there were notes of citrus, a touch of Meyer lemon zest, and that haunting citrus-flower quality that evokes Proust’s remembrances of madeleines and lime flower tea. Which leads me to the word that best describes the Brucke wines in all their guises: evocative.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

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New Vintage!

Our Best Selling White Wine in 2015

Domaine des Cassagnoles Gros Manseng, IGP Cotes de Gascogne 2015 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Case-12 Domaine des Cassagnoles Gros Manseng, IGP Cotes de Gascogne 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Winery Notes–“The Gros Manseng produces fleshier, more ample wines with fruity apricot and pear aromas. It is a lively wine, but not to excess, with a persistent final. It may be kept for several years and should be drunk chilled, at a temperature of 10/12°”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

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New Wine Spectator Insider Reviews
Round One:

…for Loire Valley
Domaine Huet Vouvray Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec, Loire 2015 750ML ($41.95) $36 pre-arrival special, ETA September 2016
Wine Spectator 94 points “Quite ripe, with tropical mango and papaya notes mixed with peach, apple and quince flavors. Pretty ginger and heather details fill in the background, while the finish shows a well-embedded mineral edge, imparting tension to match the opulence. Best from 2017 through 2030.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

…for Rhone
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cote Rotie, Rhone 2014 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special, ETA late June 2016
Wine Spectator 94 points “A firm, taut, minerally style, with lots of iron-edged grip striding from start to finish, while red currant and damson plum fruit push out from the core. White pepper and singed juniper details fill in the background. This will need some time to stretch out fully. Best from 2019 through 2030.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

…for Burgundy
Vincent Girardin Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2014 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special, ETA fall 2016
Wine Spectator 93 points “A concentrated white, boasting peach, floral, spice and lemon aromas and flavors. There is density here, but also a sense of style and freshness thanks to the lively acidity. Offers a long, savory aftertaste. Best from 2017 through 2026.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

New Wine Spectator Insider Reviews
Round Two:
The case specials are limited to the quantities listed here today and are ending June 30th

Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $44 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($519.95) $459 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $38.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Broad and brooding, this muscular Barbaresco packs in black cherry, tar, licorice and spice flavors. More about power than finesse, with a long finish. Best from 2019 through 2035.”

Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 24 bottles available
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($699.95) $679 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $56.58/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “A juicy, cherry-, menthol- and tar-flavored red, with a linear profile and fine tension. Floral and mineral elements enter the fray as this builds to a long finish. Best from 2019 through 2033.”

Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 21 bottles available
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($699.95) $619 special, 1 case available (that’s only $51.58/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 94 points “Aromatic, offering cherry, strawberry and tar notes, picking up a licorice flavor on the palate. Round and supple, this has fine grip and a long, savory finish. Drink now through 2028.”

Best Value!
Produttori del Barbaresco ‘Muncagota’, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36 bottles available
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco ‘Muncagota’, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($469.95) $419 special, 1 case available (that’s only $51.58/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “All about finesse, elegance and a silky texture. Cherry, eucalyptus, licorice and spice flavors permeate the vibrant frame. The balance suggests you could enjoy this now, but there is a firm underlying structure. The terrific finish echoes the fruit and ups the ante with a chalky, minerally vein. Best from 2018 through 2032.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $50

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Round Pond Estate
Under the Radar,
Next to the Legends

“Round Pond remains one of the true under the radar jewels of Napa Valley.”
— Antonio Galloni

You can’t talk about Rutherford, that tiny but mighty subregion of Napa Valley, without mentioning Round Pond. With such esteemed neighbors as Beaulieu Vineyards, Caymus, Cakebread, Honig and Frog’s Leap, the estate shares a rich culture of world-class winemaking while managing to remain family-owned and accessible to those who want a piece of Napa Valley without spending an arm and a leg.

Bob and Jan MacDonnell purchased a small parcel in the Valley in the early 80’s; after spending years selling grapes to neighboring estates, Round Pond Estate was created in 2002. The winery now includes 362 acres and is run by the brother-sister team of Ryan and Miles MacDonnell. Their wines are layered and lively, and we’re proud to currently carry three wines from their collection – all seen below.

Available Now from Round Pond Estate:

Round Pond Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Round Pond Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2013 750ML ($649.95) $536 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $44.67/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Robert Parker 92 points “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford, a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec, is a beauty. It’s also realistically priced by Napa standards. The wine reveals toasty oak, blackberry and cassis fruit, beautiful texture, purity and length. This is a big-time winner and should drink well for 12-15 years.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Round Pond’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is fabulous. Aromatic, pliant and expressive, the 2013 is incredibly nuanced for such a young wine. Sweet red plum, wild flowers, mint and cinnamon meld together in a medium-bodied, gracious Cabernet that will drink well with minimal cellaring.”

Round Pond Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2011 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 28 bottles available
Wine Spectator: “Offers an easy-drinking allure, with vivid, snappy notes of berry, light oak, dried herb and fresh tannins. Drink now through 2022.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Round Pond Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2012 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 3 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Dark red and black fruit, smoke, licorice, new leather and cedar blossom in the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (formerly Bovet). A dark, sumptuous beauty, the 2012 is built on pure texture, resonance and volume. The addition of 8% Petit Verdot adds an attractive dimension of gravitas. This is another striking wine from Round Pond.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $110

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Ar. Pe. Pe.

Nebbiolo Seen Anew:
Alpine Vibes

You’d be at a loss to find a more picturesque wine locale than Valtellina. As the Alps dramatically ease their way from the north of Italy to Switzerland, the small region is nestled between snow-peaked mountains, rolling hills, and meandering rivers. With regard to northern Italian wine and Nebbiolo-at-large, Valtellina is one of those best-kept-secrets which has carefully revealed itself, glass by glass, one person at a time.

One of the region’s finest examples – and likely the best-known – comes from Ar. Pe. Pe. Established in 1984, Arturo Pelizzatti Perego (hence the name) set out to express the unique alpine terroir. In the ensuing thirty years, he has helped elevate the winery and region alike to global recognizance and appreciation. Not bad, considering that in the 90’s, most Valtellina was either consumed ‘on the spot’, so to speak, or otherwise in nearby Switzerland.

Within the cellar the winery carved out of a mountain in Grumello, the family follows the time-tested script of traditional winemaking, crafting incredibly expressive wines with poise, grace, and some serious age worthiness.  The Rosso is 100% Nebbiolo, offering an easy-drinking ready-to-go style while the other wines cellar.  The Grumello Rocca de Piro is sourced many from the area surrounding the Grumello de Piro castle, an elegant and rich wine with leather and tobacco notes, while the Sassella is from the zone of the same name with a brighter, fresher character.  The Vigna Regina is their flagship wine, a single-vineyard bottling from within the Sassella zone.  It is aged for three years in chestnut and oak barrels and at least one year in bottle before release.  A magnificent offering of Nebbiolo to rival Piedmont’s finest.

We are proud to present the following from Ar. Pe. Pe., all available here now:

Ar. Pe. Pe Rosso di Valtellina, Lombardy 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Antonio Galloni 89 points “The 2013 Rosso di Valtellina is a delicious, entry level offering. Sweet dried cherries, mint, alpine herbs, flowers and cinnamon abound in a delicate, mid-weight wine that hits all the right notes. Drink this super-expressive Rosso over the next handful of years. The 2013 is 100% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo), given a short maceration of 8 days and a year of aging in cement and cask. Readers who want to explore the wines of Valtellina without investing in some of the region’s top wines should start here. The 2013 Rosso is absolutely delicious. It’s as simple as that.”

Ar. Pe. Pe. Grumello Rocca de Piro Riserva, Valtellina Superiore Grumello DOCG 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2010 Valtellina Superiore Grumello Riserva Rocca del Piro is an excellent choice for drinking in the near and medium-term, as it has a little more mid-palate fleshiness than some of the other wines in the range. At the same time, the 2010 is also less aromatically expressive, while the acidity feels softer and more integrated with the fruit. Sweet red cherry, cherry pit, smoke, dried herbs, tobacco and anise are some of the many notes that meld into the pliant finish. Within the context of traditionally made Valtellina Nebbiolo, the 2010 Rocca del Piro is soft and open-knit in style, both of which add to its considerable appeal. The 2010 is 100% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) that spent 8 days on the skins followed by two years in cask and cement.”

Ar. Pe. Pe. Stella Retica Riserva, Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Crushed rose petals, mint, sweet tobacco, game, red cherry and cranberry lift from the glass in the 2010 Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva Stella Retica. Bright and salivating, with lively acidity laced throughout, the 2010 is an absolutely joyous wine to drink now and over the next decade. The 2010 is 100% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) that was given a relatively short ten days of maceration in oak vats followed by two years in cask and cement. Translucent and deeply expressive, with a long, sinewy finish, the 2010 is striking from the very first taste.”

Ar. Pe. Pe. Vigna Regina Riserva, Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 2005 750ML ($99.95) $81.90 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2005 Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva Vigna Regina is a beautiful and delicate wine. This is a pure expression of the Nebbiolo grape that shows some of the sharper edges and the finer contours of the Alpine environment that characterizes its birthplace. Now, one decade after the harvest, the wine delivers enormous beauty and elegance with pure aromas of honey, dried cassis berry and light touches of licorice. Dusty mineral notes appear on the edges. The mouthfeel is super light weight and polished.”ML
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2005 Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva Vigna Regina is a very pretty wine to drink today, as the tannins have softened and the flavors show a good deal of complexity. Tobacco, game, incense, iron and dark stone fruits form the backbone in an imposing, brooding Sassella. Mid-weight but slightly burly, the 2005 has enough structure and acidity to drink well for another decade plus. This is a classic Valtellina red built on an understated sense of power. Readers who enjoy firm, structured wines will find much to admire.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $90

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Late Breaking News

Marchesi di Barolo Re-Arrival

Marchesi di Barolo Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont 2010 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2010 Barbaresco offers a classic portrait of a beautiful wine in a celebrated vintage. There’s not much to criticize here: The fruit is fleshy and lively, the aromas are intense and well-defined, and the finish is long and juicy. There’s a playful dusting of white pepper that works exceptionally well to add focus and overall sharpness. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $40

New Spanish Arrivals

Equipo Navazos La Bota de Vino Blanco No. 44 ‘Florpower’, Andalucia NV 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Wine Advocate 91 points “According to the website, it is one Luis Gutierrez who came up with the term: “Florpower.” As stated on the label in Roman numerals, Lot 44 La Bota de Vino Blanco MMX “Florpower” comes from the 2010 vintage: unfortified Palomino from chalky Sanlucar soils that spends 32 months under flor and 8 months in sherry casks. Jesus mentioned that he did not want to risk excessive oxidation. It has a very attractive nose of beeswax, honeysuckle, smoked walnut that is clean and supremely well-focused. The palate is poised with impressive weight and presence in the mouth allied with a crisp seam of acidity: bitter lemon and dried orange peel, cloves and walnut towards the attractive, focused finish. This is a joy to behold, although I will have to ask my colleague what exactly “florpower” is and where I can buy some for myself.”

Equipo Navazos La Bota de Amontillado No. 37 ‘Navazos’ Sherry, Andalucia NV 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The Lot 37 La Bota de Amontillado is selected from around 100 butts from the amontillado Soleras of Rainera P. Marin that were acquired by the Estevez Group and the idea here was to choose butts with freshness and heightened aromatics. Bottled in September 2012 it has a lucid deep straw color. The nose is very attractive with caramel, hazelnut, Turkish Delight and a touch of wild honey that are all very well defined and vibrant. The palate is very well-balanced with that caramel note coming through and combining beautifully with quince, white pepper, dried honey and marmalade. The oxidative element is perfectly judged on the finish with a delicate, nutty aftertaste that renders this approachable and for want of a better word – delicious!”

Equipo Navazos La Bota de Fino No. 35 ‘Macharnudo Alto’ Sherry, Andalucia NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The La Bota De Fino Macharnudo Alto 35 was bottled in June 2012, and shows a deep golden color. This wine is sourced from the Inocente solera from Valdespino, and averages 10 years under flor. The idea is that once the wines age for a long time and the flor sharpens the wine, if you continue to age it further it gains in volume and intensity, making them much more powerful and if you like, less fine. An old wine that is a complex gentle giant crying for food. It shows a deep old-gold color, and feels dense and concentrated. The very complex nose is redolent of yeast, chalk, esparto grass, salted almonds and iodine, and keeps changing and developing as the wine stays in the glass. The palate is full-bodied, intense, balanced, ending dry with a bitter note. As good as Fino gets. Drink 2013- 2019.”

Cecilio Black Slate Gratallops, Priorat DOCa 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Garnacha Negre, Carinyena, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.  Sustainably grown. From Eric Solomon Selections.

Celler Capcanes Mas Donis Negre, Montsant 2013 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Winery Note: “Medium ruby with flecks of violet; lovely perfume of cherry and red berries; ripe and complex; floral, with ripe crispy fruit; medium body; pure fruit seduction and charm;  fine finish with ripe soft tannins and nicely refreshing aftertaste. A fresh, crisp, and lively summer red, to be served slightly chilled. 65% Grenache, 15% Carinyena, 5% Syrah, 5% Merlot, 5% Tempranillo, 5% Cabernet.”

Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’, Priorat DOCa 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Brilliant ruby. Heady, mineral-laced aromas of candied red fruit, Indian spices and rose pastille. Juicy and incisive on the palate, offering intense raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that gain sweetness and spiciness in the glass. Packs a powerful punch but comes off lithe and precise, with alluring sweetness and a touch of candied rose on the gently tannic finish. This suave wine was aged in a combination of French oak tanks, barrels and clay amphoras for 18 months.”

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Newly Arrived
Suertes Del Marques Winery
Canary Island Wine

After thirty years of growing the autochthonous grapes of Tenerife, including centenarian Listán Negro and Blanco vines, Suertes del Marqués founded its own winery in 2006. The estate owns 27 acres, all on the north part of the island, where the soil is composed of sand and clay on volcanic soils. Note that phylloxera never arrived on Tenerife, so rootstocks are not used, and the vines are never irrigated. Suertes del Marqués purchases another 37 acres of grapes from local growers. Organic vineyard practices dictate the winegrowing, and everything in the vineyard and cellar is done by hand. Fermentation takes place in concrete vats, pumping is kept to a minimum, and most wines are aged in neutral French oak. Spain has the greatest biodiversity in all of Europe, and these wines from Tenerife, compared to La Rioja or Priorat, add more proof.

Decanter Magazine, October 2015: “[Suertes del Marqués] pursues a strictly hands-off philosophy, flirting with natural wine ideologies and following some biodynamic practices. Minimal sulphur dioxide is used, only indigenous yeasts are employed, and the wines are never filtered or fined. The naturally low yields created by these old vines, climate and soils are celebrated, and across the Suertes del Marqués range the wines capture the freshness and agility that mark so many of the most exciting contemporary fine wines.”

Suertes del Marques 7 Fuentes Tinto, Valle de la Orotava, Canary Islands 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “The QPR champion 2013 7 Fuentes is a blend of Listán Negro and 15% Tintilla (the local name given to Trousseau) from different plots on volcanic soils of ungrafted, old vineyards. Each plot is fermented separately with indigenous yeasts in cement vats and small bins. Sixty-five percent of the wine matures in cement and the rest is transferred to 500-liter oak barrels for a period of seven months. After some initial reduction (give it an energetic decanting) there are showy aromas of dried flowers, white pepper, pumice, volcanic ash and perhaps some plums with savage, meaty undertones. The palate is silky with supple tannins framing the red fruit and pungent flavors that are intermixed with notes of volcanic rocks. It reminds me quite a lot of the 2011 that is pure minerals. This is one to buy by the case; it is a bargain” WA
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(98% listan negra and 2% tintilla; aged for eight months in a combination of concrete tanks and 500-liter French oak barrels): Brilliant red. Spice- and mineral-tinged red fruits on the intensely perfumed nose and palate. Fine-grained and very well balanced, with sexy floral pastille and incense qualities coming up with aeration. Finishes with strong mineral cut, no obvious tannins and excellent spicy persistence.” JR

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Suertes del Marques La Solana, Valle de la Orotava, Canary Islands 2012 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2012 La Solana is a single-vineyard Listán Negro planted with very old, ungrafted vines at 300-450 meters altitude on volcanic soils, probably their oldest vineyard. The wine aged for one year in 500-liter French oak barrels. It feels serious and closed, ripe with plums, violets and rocks, developing more perfume with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, with fresh, acid red fruit flavors and a mineral, earthy finish with the dried roses making a glorious comeback in the finish. 9,000 bottles.” WA
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Brilliant ruby. A complex bouquet evokes intense raspberry, floral and mineral scents and a hint of Asian spices. Vibrant and precise on the palate, offering lively red fruit flavors that gain sweetness with air. Silky tannins give shape to the finish, which emphasizes juicy red fruit and rose pastille qualities.” JR

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

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July is Coming,
So are These:

Maison Dujac Fils et Pere Les Damodes, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($99.95) $88 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni–“Dried cherries, tobacco and crushed flowers meld together in the 2011 Nuits St. Georges Les Damodes. The 2011 is soft, juicy and approachable, with plenty of near-term appeal, but less of the structure typical of Damodes.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine de Montille Les Greves, Beaune Premier Cru 2007 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90+ points “Medium red. Spicy redcurrant, raspberry, minerals and subtle earth tones on the inviting nose. Then rather reticent and firmly built, with good energy and lift to frame the red berry and spice flavors. Precise, juicy wine with very good aging potential. This is a modest 12.5% alcohol with a rather low 3.4 pH, according to Etienne de Montille.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine de Montille Les Greves, Beaune Premier Cru 2009 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90+ points “The 2009 Beaune Les Grèves is a weighty, powerful wine graced with a solid core of fruit. Hints of smoke, tar and ash add complexity to the dark fruit. This has more than enough energy and sheer heft to develop nicely for at least a few years in bottle. Crushed rocks frame the intense finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine de Montille Les Pezerolles, Pommard Premier Cru 2009 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2009 Pommard Les Pezerolles is rich, round and seductive. Layers of fruit caress the palate in this enveloping, textured Burgundy. There is plenty of intensity in the glass. Hints of hard candy and licorice wrap around the finish. The Pezerolles was made with 100% destemmed fruit. Although I like the wine’s frank immediacy, I also think it will age gracefully.”

Chateau Marojallia, Margaux 2009 750ML ($179.95) $138 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 95+ points “This is possibly the finest wine I have ever tasted from this property, run by Jean-Luc Thunevin and his partner Murielle Andraud. An absolutely stunning nose of violets, creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, forest floor and subtle new oak burst from the glass. The wine has great fruit, superb texture, a full-bodied mouthfeel and an extravagantly rich, concentrated palate with low acidity and ripe tannin. Give it another 3-4 years to firm up and lose some baby fat, then drink it over the following 20+ years.” RP

Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable 2011 750ML ($49.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable 2011 750ML ($479.95) $359 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Vivid ruby. Heady scents of candied cherry, raspberry preserves, anise and potpourri. Shows a darker profile in the mouth, offering palate-staining blackberry and bitter cherry flavors and a strong floral quality. Picks up smokiness with air and finishes with superb focus and length and youthful tannic grip. No question that this is one of the best wines I tasted from Gigondas this year.” JR

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $42.99
The average price is $46

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Have a lovely weekend!