1/13/16
New Arrivals; Grand Vin de Bordeaux; Grapelive Reviews; JJ Prum; Hubert Lignier; Alvaro Palacios
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This Just In!
More New Arrivals
FRANCE-RHONE
Famille Perrin Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2013 750ML
Wine Advocate 92-95 points “Looking at the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape, I was able to taste the individual components, with each showing fantastic depth and richness. The Mourvedre is the star of the show and had blockbuster levels of concentration and depth, with perfectly ripe tannin. While certainly not a Grenache year, even this variety showed well here, and it’s obvious that the multiple passes through the vineyard during harvest and then multiple sorts in the winery paid off. This should come together beautifully in bottle and be one of the vintage’s strongest efforts.” WA
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92-94 points “Inky ruby. Expressive aromas of cherry, black raspberry, licorice and smoky minerals, with a dark chocolate element building slowly. Then tightly wound and focused on the palate, offering intense flavors of dark berries, bitter cherry and candied flowers. Powerful but at the same time quite elegant, finishing with wonderful clarity and length and smooth tannins.” JR
FRANCE-CHAMPAGNE
Marie-Noelle Ledru Grand Cru Brut 2009 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Marie-Noelle Ledru Grand Cru Brut NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(85% pinot noir and 15% chardonnay, all grown in Ambonnay and Bouzy): Light gold. Pungent aromas of pear skin, pit fruits, honey and smoky lees, with a spicy ginger note gaining strength with air. Broad, pliant orchard and pit fruit flavors are lifted by gentle acidity and complemented by hints of redcurrant and toasted nuts. A finishing jolt of smoky minerality suggests that this firmly structured Champagne will be even better with some bottle age.” JR
Also, back in stock:
Marie-Noelle Ledru Grand Cru Extra Brut NV 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “(85% pinot noir and 15% chardonnay, grown in Ambonnay and Bouzy): Light gold. Underripe pear, ginger, lemon rind and honeysuckle on the mineral-driven nose. Spicy, focused and emphatically dry, offering bitter pear skin and citrus fruit flavors with hints of rhubarb, iodine and tarragon. Tight, linear and pure, finishing with excellent clarity and impressive stony persistence. While some may find this Champagne too austere, it has plenty of fruit intensity to buffer its angles and edges.” JR
Peter Liem writes “Ledru owns five hectares in Ambonnay and one in Bouzy, with a total of 30 different parcels. All of the vineyards are planted with cover crops and tilled, and she uses no herbicides or insecticides, seeking to work her vines as naturally as possible. The same sensibility extends to the cellar, where she makes the wines without filtration, without cold-stabilization and without any sulfur at disgorgement. Fermentation is all in stainless steel and enameled steel tanks, for their neutrality, and the malolactic is allowed for all wines. “I do the malo because for me it’s natural,” she says. The wines are aged for a respectably long time on their lees, averaging about three years for the brut sans année and five years for the vintage wines, and all disgorgement is done by hand, in a fashion not dissimilar to how it might have been done two or three generations ago. Ledru only bottles about half of her production, meaning that there’s very little wine to go around, and the other half is sold to the négoce, most notably to the houses of Pol Roger and Deutz.”
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Grand Vin de Bordeaux
New Large Format Arrivals from Clinet
Ronan by Clinet, Grand Vin de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Superieur 2010 3L ($149.95) $119 special
Ronan by Clinet, Grand Vin de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Superieur 2010 6L ($299.95) $268 special
James Suckling 91 points “Attractive nose with milk chocolate, caramel and blackberries. Some floral notes and vanilla. Full and nicely focused on the palate with dark fruit and fine tannins. Elegant medium-long finish with a touch of licorice. Drink from 2016.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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Grapelive
Real Reviews,
Really Good Wine
We recently stumbled across Grapelive.com, where wine writer Kerry Winslow crafts levelheaded, eloquent dispatches about wines from all over the globe. After reading through his archives, we thought we’d shine light on some of his reviews for wines we currently stock.
To see more of Winslow’s work, click over to www.grapelive.com!
Current reviews for wines we stock:
ITALY
Brovia Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 7 bottles available
94+ Points, Grapelive “The 2010 vintage is looking epic, these are Barolo wines that might only come around two or three times a generation and there are some amazing wines just hitting the market that you should really jump on, and this regular Barolo from Brovia is for sure a top choice for quality and value. Brovias Cru Baroli are going to be legendary and spectacular, but this “normale” Barolo is fantastic, and it is a blended cuvee of their top Cru sites. Brovia from Castiglione Falletto is one of the great traditional new generation producers, a winery that uses old school techniques, but with intense attention to farming and every detail, I have become a huge fan of these wines over the last five years since being introduced to them. They are considered the Burgundy of Barolo, and in the 2007, 2008 and now in 2010 vintages, you can see why, these are beautifully crafted wines that gives pure Nebbiolo character, but are done in an elegant, poised and restrained fashion. The 2010 Barolo by Brovia is seductive from start to finish, leading with sweet and savory herbs, multi floral bouquet with incense, rose petal and mineral tones. The palate is vigorous with damson plum, cherry, balsamic dipped strawberry, red currant and black licorice flowing along with gravelly stones, saline, bitter herbs, tea spice, tar and truffle adding nice cut and counterpoints to the fruit, there is some fine grained tannins, as you’d expect from a young Barolo, but it doesn’t get in the way of massive appealing pleasure found in this classy Nebbiolo. There are added complex components to be found to, with cedar, mint, game and kirsch finding there way into the pretty layers that unfold in the mouth, this wine has good density and stunning length, it most certainly will age gloriously and drink well into the next decade and more, while it will be hard to wait too long on this Barolo, it should be advised to hold on for another couple of years before exploring it’s many exceptional facets, drink from 2016 to 2026. Be sure to look for these Brovia 2010 Barolos, and for great everyday stuff check out their fabulous Barbera too! Tasted twice, better each time. ($56 Est.)”
Brovia Barolo DOCG 2011 750ML 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 7 bottles available
93+ Points, Grapelive “The soon to be released Brovia Barolo normale is a generous and sexy Nebbiolo that still has serious stuffing, but can be enjoyed in its youth, much more so that the 2010’s, if you are looking for a great Barolo that can age and can be drunk near term this is your wine. Brovia makes a polished old school Barolo with refinement and elegance, from vineyards around Castiglione Falletto, along with G.D. Vajra and Oddero these are some of the most highly regarded and reasonably priced wines in their class, as well as making a fine Dolcetto and Barbara. The latest set of wines I tasted were all wonderfully expressive and total quality, even the 2013 vintage, which was a very difficult year, another highlight was their pretty 2012 Langhe Nebbiolo all from Barolo fruit and a steal at about $34 a bottle. The 2011 Brovia Barolo starts with a heady mix of wilted roses, tar, grilled fennel, red berries and sweet and savory earthy notes leading to a full palate of tangy cherry, damson plum, dried currants and mix berry fruits along with salted black licorice, minty herb, porcini/wild mushroom, red spices, cedar and chalky stones. The tannins are firm, dusty and have some grip, but meld in nicely letting the fruit coat the mouth and the acidity is just enough to keep everything lifted and fresh, this is a vibrant, vivid and seducing Nebbiolo that pumps out the pleasure from start to finish, it is well balanced, complex and shows solid density and length, highly impressive especially at such a young stage. There is a lot to admire in this bread and butter Barolo from Brovia even now, but it certainly will gain with time in the bottle, best from 2017 to 2025, though as mentioned it would not be a crime to open a few early, it is really good stuff, and I can’t wait to try the later release of the 2011 single Cru wines!
($54 Est.)”
Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($499.95) $469 special, 4 cases available
94-96 Points, Grapelive “The Felsina lineup of Chianti Classico is a gorgeous group and 2010, 2011 and 2013 look wonderful and interesting from the basic Classic to the Gran Selezione Colonia, but I must say the Rancia is just stunning, it is a flowing sexy wine that is opulent, hedonistic and gracefully balanced. Even from this ripe and warm vintage, the Felsina delivers poise, class and focus, it is well crafted and is a total package of precise form and detail, it is hard not to love this stunning example of pure Sangiovese from the Castelnuovo Berardenga commune of Chianti Classico. The Felsina 2011 Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva starts with a bouquet of floral perfume, smoke, a mix of sweet and savory spices and roasted herbs, mint and red fruits leading to a layered palate of mulberry, black cherry, raspberry, plum and dark currant fruits with a complex array of supporting elements that include polished walnut, cedar, a hint of chalk dust, mineral, vanilla, cigar wrapper/sweet tobacco leaf, anise and mission fig notes. The sweet ripe tannins of vintage make this a pleasure filled experience, though there is live and vibrancy with subtle acidity and there is a lot of hidden vigor, this is not over-ripe or flabby, it reminds me of a superb Saint-Emillon in some ways, while the 2010 was more left bank Bordeaux like, Rancia is a special vineyard and a special place, one of Chianti’s finest terroir driven wines. The 2011 Rancia is a wine of body, texture and fruit, the feel is excellent and the length is magical, I certainly love this vintage and while it will drink great right away, it has the stuff to age well too, I would guess from my own experiences with Felsina, and Rancia is particular, the window is going to be easy 7 to 12 years, best from 2016 to 2028. ($48 Est.)”
GERMANY
Weingut Donnhoff Riesling 2013 750ML ($24.95) $18.80, 19 bottles available
91 Points, Grapelive “The semi dry Estate bottling is going to be a winner too, I found it juicy off dry with hints of sweet and sour, it is well defined, balanced and flexible. Again it is hard to match the 2012, but it is pretty darned close, and there will be far less available anyway, so as mentioned it would be wise to stock up on 2012, though I will certainly be getting a few of these myself, the touch of sweetness really makes this a grand summer sipper. The 2013 starts with a tropical note, floral charm and orange leading to a peach and sour apple infused palate with hints of lime, more stone fruit and kiwi, plus hints of mango, mint and river stones. This is pure and easy, super with Asian cuisine and is priced well, especially for the quality. I look forward to seeing what evolves in the bottle, drink 2014 to 2018. ($24 Est.)”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Von Winning Ungeheuer Riesling Grosses Gewachs Trocken, Pfalz 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 16 bottles available
97 Points, Grapelive “I think Stefan Attmann might be the greatest winemaker you’ve never heard of and his von Winning wines are some of the best in the world, period, that’s it, especially his Grosses Gewachs Rieslings, which on are on par with the top Grand Cru Burgundy producers, like Laflaive, Lafon, William Fevre or California producers like Marcassin, Aubert and Kistler. Recently I tasted through von Winning’s cask samples of 2013 wines with Andreas Hutwohl, who was lengthy and patient with me in explaining the vineyards and techniques used by the estate to make such amazing and mind-blowing wines. The 2013 wines were thrilling expressions of dry, intense Riesling and while the Grand Cru Pechstein may end up being 100 Point perfection, certainly the 2011 and 2012 were close, I adored the Ungeheuer best at this stage and maybe that is because, like Terry Theise suggested, it might be feeling a tad riper in style, but regardless this wine is pure sex in a bottle and ultra classy from start to finish. I have mentioned before, von Winning is inspired by the Burgundians and there is long lees contact and the Grosses Gewachs spend time in French barrique, but they remain as German as German can be, think of the German world cup soccer team, power, poise, control, playing the world game and winning it all, that is how you can relate to this majestic wine. The 2013 Ungeheuer Grosses Gewachs starts with stony mineral, brioche, citrus flower and tropical notes leading to a layered and lush palate of lemon, minty lime, apricot, peach and almost a cherry taste along with clove, salted caramel, grapefruit, green banana and mango all wrapped in cedary wood, brisk acidity and Chablis like steely mouth feel. This is totally gorgeous rich Riesling Trocken, seductive, exotic and haunting, again this wine is as good as any Puligny or Corton-Charlemagne, and I must point out that the price reflects that, while not cheap, it is a top value in this class of wine, the quality level is insane, von Winning is a winery to be on your bucket list, and you can’t go wrong with this 2013 Ungeheuer Grand Cru which should be available this coming winter. Without question, this glorious Riesling will be better on release than this cask sample, and it will continue to gain over the coming years, drink anytime, but you should know it will age fantastic with a 15 to 20 year drinking window! ($65 Est.)”
AUSTRIA
Weingut Emmerich Knoll Loibner Riesling Federspiel 2013 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 19 bottles available
93+ Points, Grapelive “Knoll is one of the top performers in Austrian white wine, there is no question year in and year out these are wines to cherish, but 2013 is a remarkable and special vintage, and you should search them out. The basic level Federspiel Loibner Riesling is a very brisk dry wine with vigorous acidity and light extract, but it has plenty of flavor and sex appeal with exotic fruit and stony mineral adding to the classic lemon/lime and white peach core along with dried apricot, hints of grapefruit, tangerine, lemon grass, straw, brine and white tea. This wine is electric, zesty and mouth watering, it shows an austere nature with a steely edge, though very poised, likable and pleasing, especially compelling with food, I was thrilled how well it went spicy lobster and crab meat, and it would be gorgeous with speck, or cured ham as well as many other cuisine choices. With air it looses some of it’s sharper edges and as it warms a few notches in the glass there is a feeling of more density and width, and there is a bit more bouquet with subtle white flowers, and sandy salty seashore notes. This is a year to own any of Knoll’s wines, and this one is a top value and drinks fantastic, best from 2016 to 2024. ($36 Est.)”
FRANCE
Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 3 bottles available
95 Points, Grapelive “Charvin is always one of my favorites and the 2012 is no exception, this is gorgeous stuff, one of the purest and most beautiful Grenache expressions on earth and without question one of the top Chateauneuf’s of the vintage. The Domaine Charvin is 85% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Vaccarèse, fermented and raised in cement vats and is crafted from three Lieux-Dits plots in mostly sandy limestone and loamy soils with some loose rocks or Galets, these vines average over 45 years old, no oak is used and the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered to capture the essence of terroir and keep freshness. Laurent Charvin is certainly a wonderful winemaker and this vibrant 2012 is everything that he aims for, balance, lush character and vivacious personality showing ripe density, spice, sweet fruit and layers of pleasure as well as a mix of complex savory and mineral tones. The nose is bright with acacia flowers, pepper, chalk and kirsch leading to a vivid palate of boysenberry, pomegranate, strawberry preserves, black cherry, just picked plum and tangy currants along with warm stones, minty herbs, anise, lavender/garrique and hints of iron, saline and umami. The finish is detailed and lingering, leaving sweet crushed berries and has a touch of rustic dustiness, this is a fantastic Rhone wine, it totally rocks even now in it’s infancy, if you own this you are a very lucky person indeed, if you love Chateauneuf or want one of the world’s great Grenache driven wines, then you must get this, drink from 2016 to 2022, Charvin, imported by Weygandt Selections, absolutely killed it in 2012, this is a stunner. ($75 Est.)”
Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Granges 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 9 bottles available
92 Points, Grapelive “Organic and artisan crafted, all of the Baudry wines are quality offerings, but you should not miss the latest Chinon Les Granges, it is splendid and charming Cabernet Franc that is cleanly made and full of flavor with classic terroir influence and class. Bernard Baudry makes some of the best Cabernet Franc for the money you will ever find, and I love his dry Chenin Blanc, white Chinons as well, this is solid value stuff no question and a staple in Kermit Lynch’s impressive Loire portfolio of imports. The 2013 Les Granges is dark, almost black in the glass with deep purple and garnet hues, leading to an impressive palate and a soft perfumed bouquet that hints at crushed violets, mineral and earthy elements. The mouth is filled with joyous red and black fruits with blackberry and cherry fruit leading the way along with plum and tangy currant, after which there is chalky stones, mineral essences, a touch of game, bell pepper, cedar, anise and pipe tobacco. This is supple, refined Cabernet Franc, fresh and youthful with good vigor and acidity adding life, it is drinking beautifully now and shows an artfulness and alluring grace, though it should age nicely for 5 to 7 years easy, drink from 2015 to 2022. ($20 Est.)”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Pierre Chermette Beaujolais 2014 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 32 bottles available
90 Points, Grapelive “This is really good good! Not your typical Beaujolais Nouveau, maybe that is why Pierre Chermette doesn’t label it Nouveau at all, there is a tiny “Primeur”sticker on the neck, otherwise it says Beaujolais only, and to tell you the truth it tastes way better than it should for such a new wine, and I think I’ll be quaffing a few bottles over the next month or so. The Domaine Vissoux/Pierre Chermette wines are wonderful examples of top notch Gamay and are surly some of the best offerings for the money in the region, and while I love Foillard’s wines if you are going to pick just one Nouveau or Primeur to drink this holiday/celebration season I’d go with the Vissoux/Chermette, it is more complex, deep and rewarding. The 2014 Pierre Chermette Beaujolais Primeur is dark with violet/purple and garnet color, fresh flavors and surprising length showing a juicy plum, sweet strawberry, tangy cherry and dried currant along with hints of walnut, red peach and a mix of candied jells, plus a hint of earth, spice and mineral. There is a vibrant youthful zest and this is pure fun in the glass, but it has nice palace, elegance and a medium textural feel, making this fun little Gamay worth searching out, certainly a nice option for Thanksgiving table, and taking Nouveau to stylish heights! Drink now! In a world that takes itself way too seriously, this is a fun way to enjoy a few silly moments, and it is delicious. ($14 Est.)”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 10 bottles available
Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut NV 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special, 18 magnums available
Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut NV 3L ($499.95) $399 special, 3 jeroboams available
94 Points, Grapelive “Rodolphe Peters makes some wonderful artisan Champagne from estate vines in one of the world’s great Chardonnay terrors, Le Mesnil an area that is only surpassed by Montrachet in Burgundy for having a bigger name when it comes to legendary Chardonnay. Le Mesnil is home to Krug and Salon, and while Krug is dense and exotic, Salon is powerful and serve, this leaves a lot of great middle ground, this is filled nicely by Rodolphe at Pierre Peters, his bubbles are luxurious and elegant, extremely well crafted and remarkable values in handmade Champagne. Pierre Peters, a small family Champagne house, a Terry Theise Selection, makes grower producer terroir driven Champagnes that show class, complexity and are easily understood, these are not in the same vein as Selosse, Cedric Bouchard, Jerome Prevost or Francois Boulard, which are unique single vineyard Champagnes, or the next generation (as I call them) style Champers, but Pierre Peters makes high end bubbles that are distinct and lavish. The Peters vintage Champagnes are excellent and very age worthy, it is better to cellar them, but the Reserve non-vintage is stunning and is fantastic young, it is on my list for a New Year’s Eve pick, especially this glorious new batch, which is now on the shelves. the Grand Cru “Cuvee de Reserve” is 100% Chardonnay and is lavishly rich and decedent with refined mousse, toasty birch, hazelnut, apple and pear fruits, mineral, saline, white flowers, white fig, melon, wet stones and a dreamy texture which is vivid, creamy, but lively and dry on the palate with nice lemony tension, lush mouth feel and lengthy finish. While I usually opt for extreme Extra Brut these days, this beauty is the exception, and I find it rewarding, pleasing and hedonistic, a superb Champagne that does not disappoint, and will make for a lovely celebration as the clock ticks down to the New Year, drink now and over the next 5 to 10 years. ($65 Est.)”
CALIFORNIA
Bedrock Wine Co. Syrah, North Coast 2013 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 2 bottles available
93 Points, Grapelive “Morgan Twain Peterson’s basic North Coast Syrah is a blend of five cool climate sites and is made partial whole cluster and with about 40% stems with modest oak makes for a real generous and forward wine. Bedrock can’t seem to miss these days and this new vintage is as good as any they’ve done, with their Syrah and Zinfandel offerings both showing great fruit detail and rich complexity and style. The 2013 North Coast Syrah starts with crushed violets, cracked pepper, cassis and bitter chocolate with blueberry, blackberry and boysenberry on the palate along with vanilla, bacon fat and mocha. This sexy and ripe flavored wine is very pleasing and very opulent, giving Saint-Joseph like character, but truly Californian through and through, best to enjoy this one between 2016 and 2019. Not as nervy as past vintages and with good density and plush layers, this wine will appeal to a wider set of palates and it gets even better with air and time in the glass, very impressive length too! ($36 Est.)”
SPAIN
Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 22 bottles available
94 Points, Grapelive “I love the 2010 Muga(s) especially this Seleccion Especial Rioja Reserva, they are dynamic, fresh and vital reds with loads of personality and charm, I think at this price point, these are a great alternative to Bordeaux or new world Cab. The Muga is a polished, poised and full bodied effort with superb focus and balance, even though it does still show off it’s sweet wood notes, though in time it should get massively better, this looks set to have an extremely long drinking window, it should be a savvy cellar choice, there is a lot of quality here for the money and it certainly is a wonderfully attractive Rioja, maybe close to Remelluri in that sense, both offer fantastic value. The 2010 Muga Reserva Seleccion Especial starts with a deep color in the glass and a dark fruit and toasty wood note on the nose with a bouquet of dried flowers, vanilla, cassis and creamy kirsch leading to a sweet tannin filled palate of blackberry, plum and cherry fruits with pipe tobacco, graphite, mineral tones, a hint of loamy earth, cedar and walnut, bitter coco and anise. Everything folds together nicely and there is a nice lift of acidity, and with air the texture fills the mouth in smooth fashion, this has some youth and vigor making it very good with food at this stage, though over time it will get even richer, denser and more complex. Mostly Tempranillo here, and it tastes of it, very pure and lengthy, this is true Rioja and a great Muga, drink over the next 10 to 15 years. ($42 Est.)”
Ameztoi Txakoli di Getaria Hondarribi Zuri, Getariako Txakolina 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 7 bottles available
Case-12 Ameztoi Txakoli di Getaria Hondarribi Zuri, Getariako Txakolina 2014 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 1 case available
92 Points, Grapelive “The latest Ameztoi is bursting with energy and has a sexy array of vibrant flavors, it is always a fun and entertaining pink, excitingly zesty, dry and almost with a spritz, don’t miss this Basque rarity, especially this new 2014 version. At first this eye-popping Rose puckers you with impressive tang, but as you adjust to it’s vivid crisp intensity you feel refreshed and alive and the wine’s lovable charm and character win you over completely, this is one of the all time great summer wines, it is alive, vivacious and wonderfully quaffable. The nose is full of mineral, citrus and wet stones with a hint of strawberry, loam and floral/spice leading to that extremely light and sizzling palate of watermelon, sour cherry, red peach, grapefruit, rosewater and wild herbs along with a touch of salt lick, wet stones and lingering grenadine. Pulling this beautiful Rose out of an ice bucket at a backyard BBQ is pure heaven, this is great and easy pink wine, super dry and delicate, it brings lots of smiles and laughter, what’s not to love. Ameztoi makes a fine set of Txakolina, and their white is also one to look for, the 2014 is a bit fruity with a Riesling meets Muscadet melding to it, but still feels dry and zingy, but it’s their lovely pink that really steals the show, drink now and as long as you can find it! ($24 Est.)”
Destilerias Manuel Acha Tinto Vermouth NV 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 3 bottles available
92-94 Points, Grapelive “Acha’s, or Atxa in Basque, sweet red Vermouth is super tasty and maybe one of the world’s great Manhattan ingredients and makes for a super Negroni too, but frankly this stuff is so delicious you can serve straight chilled, and I secretly think a great sangria would enhanced using a touch of this wonderful stuff. Gabriel is a long line of Achas that have been making artisan Vermouth since 1831, he crafts all natural Basque vino Vermouth using local organic grapes and herbs. The pay of bitter and sweetness is near perfect and very exciting, much less cloying than the Italian offerings with little of the overwhelming vanilla, this is more delicate and subtle with complexity and flair, very Basque indeed. This aperitif makes for great sipping and even better cocktails with floral extracts, lavender, fennel, sweet sugar beet and classic red berry wine character along with liqueur dipped plum and candied citrus rind. Richly detailed on the palate and easy to love, if you are looking for excitement in your Vermouth and want something truly unique and special you really need to find this great product made myth passion and tradition. ($20 Est. 750ml)”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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JJ Prum
The Great German Estate
“Few estates in the world can claim to have maintained the highest quality standards uninterrupted for half a century and more. Joh Jos Prüm, the most famous of the many Mosel wine estates bearing the Prüm name, is one estate that can. Since the early 1920’s its wines have been among Germany’s best, Rieslings with the Mosel’s vivacious aroma and racy elegance in its highest form.” — Stuart Pigott, The Wine Atlas of Germany.
The wine region of Mosel, officially shortened from Mosel-Saar-Ruwer in August 2007, is home to the prestigious JJ Prum estate. The Mosel has a long history as a winegrowing region, having been first planted by the Romans during the second century. Its top sites are located in the Mittelmosel, the middle section of the Mosel River between the villages of Bernkastel-Kues and Erden. The cool, northern continental climate necessitates planting along slopes as steep as 65 degrees for maximum sun exposure. Mosel white wines are considered some of the best white wines in the world with decades-long aging potential.
JJ Prum winery and top vineyard sites are located in the village of Wehlen in the center of the Mittelmosel; their other vineyards are in the surrounding towns of Zeltingen-Rachtig, Graach an der Mosel, and Bernkastel-Kues. The Prum family has a long history in the region, dating as far back as the 12th century, and it is one of the most highly respected producers of the region. Their 33.5 acres of vineyards are composed of 70% ungrafted vines, benefitting from phylloxera’s inability to survive in slate soil. They specifically maintain old vines that produce low concentrated yields, practicing rigorous berry selection. The wines are produced with minimal intervention and fermented with naturally present yeasts under reductive conditions. They rarely produce completely dry wines and only at special request. Such practices results in wines that benefit greatly from cellar aging to allow the wine to slowly absorb and interact with the minute amounts of oxygen cork allows into a bottle.
The JJ Prum estate is known for four benchmark sites that have been under vine for about two millennia. Their premier vineyard site is Wehlen Sonnenuhr, the VDP-classified Erste Lage (First Growth) vineyard. The vineyard is extremely steep at 35 degrees, faces south-west and is composed entirely of Devonian blue slate. It is known for producing wine of freshness, structure, focus and lively minerality. From these vineyards, JJ Prum produces its top wines which achieve notable depth and age with profound grace.
JJ Prum’s vines are between 60-70 years old and the resultant wines are marked by their complex mineral notes of rocks and smoke. Zeltinger Sonnenuhr is the northern-most site for JJ Prum and is considered the best vineyard around the twin villages of Zeltingen and Rachtig.
The Graach Himmelreich vineyard is planted along the right bank of the Mosel on a slate mountain facing south-west. The soil is a mix of clay and slate. Wines from the area are noted for their racy acidity and strong minerality. The Bernkasteler Badstube vineyards are in the greater region around the village of Bernkastel
We are pleased to present our wide variety of Prum wines, all listed below:
Joh. Jos. Prum Bernkasteler Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2011 750ML ($21.95) $17 special, 23 bottles available
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $24
Joh. Jos. Prum Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2012 750ML ($27.95) $19 special, 31 bottle available
“This delivers a simple yet attractive nose of citrus, white peach and smoke, in which one notices a great touch of herbs and ground spices. The finish is balanced yet powerful. The sweetness is nicely framed by the structure of the wine. Now-2022.”-Mosel Fine Wines
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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Joh. Jos. Prum Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2008 750ML ($49.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “Lime, mint, and dark cherry village-typically dominate the Prum 2008 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese, with impingements of orange zest, fresh ginger, and wet stone adding further interest on a palate that manages in 2008-specific fashion to both sooth and invigorate. This finishes with an intensity that goes beyond that of the corresponding Kabinett, yet preserves the same sense of uncanny buoyancy. Look for three decades of satisfying evolution here.” WA
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Joh. Jos. Prum Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2012 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 4 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “($39) Easygoing aromas of cling peach, sweet lime and wild herbs. The rich depth of velvety passion fruit is animated by an elegant acid backbone that gives the wine poise. Ends on a delicately spicy note.” ST
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2008 750ML ($44.95) $38 special, 31 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “The Prums’ 2008 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese is less obviously rich but even more remarkably delicate than the corresponding Zeltinger Sonnenuhr. Here too, we have creaminess of texture allied to refreshing brightness. Iris, buddleia, apple, and pineapple are tinged with enticing salinity, and one is drawn back infectiously for the next sip, as this wine’s intrigue and understated charm work their magic. Over the next three decades, I predict that this will remain the most intimate and delicate of the vintage’s Prum Spatlesen.” WA
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “($44) Apricot pit, lime zest and clove on the nose. The delicate nectarine fruit and creamy texture are held aloft by nutmeg and mineral salts. Finishes bright, lively and satisfying, with a spicy character provided by the slate.” ST
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2008 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93+ points “The Prum 2008 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spatlese – as with the corresponding Kabinett – is aromatically more marked by the residues of fermentation than are its immediate siblings. Hints of mango, quince, and musk added to the more predictable apple, vanilla, and liquid floral perfume and lend this an exotic touch, while its mineral side is dominated by striking salinity that enhances the savory stimulation of a long finish as well as offering a fascinating foil to the wine’s creaminess of texture and sheer ripeness. And while the nose needs to clear up here, the palate displays a remarkable sense of clarity to a wealth of flowers and spices. The wine seems to coat the palate while hovering above it, to seduce without touching. This should put on quite a show over the next 30 or more years.” WA
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Joh. Jos. Prum Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2007 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 94 points “Yeasty, fermentative notes to some extent shroud the true aromas of the Prums’ 2007 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese, which with patience reveals high-toned herbal essences, fresh lime, and gardenia. In the mouth this is intensely saline and lime-fruited, making for a refreshing and enervating character one seldom finds at Auslese level, and that offers dynamic counterpoint to the wine’s wafting floral notes and its rich flavors of cherry preserve and honey. As Manfred Prum is the first to point out, this Auslese is more than a little Saar-like. It also finishes straight and penetrating as an arrow, with suggestions of peat, salt, and wet stone adding a fascinating mineral dimension.” WA
Wine Spectator 94 points “Gorgeous aromas and flavors of tropical fruit salad stay vivid and etched across the finish thanks to the vibrant structure. Ethereal yet intense, with a snappy finish that makes you want more. Drink now through 2035.” WS
Joh. Jos. Prum Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2012 750ML ($44.95) $31.90 special, 20 bottle available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “($49) Pale golden yellow. Rich, musky aromas of yellow plum and sweet herbs. Possesses good depth of rich tropical fruit, but is more noteworthy for its velvety texture and supple, pleasing style. Finishes with salty minerality and excellent persistence.” ST
Joh. Jos. Prum Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “Pure, fresh and lovely greenish lemon and grapefruit flavors on the nose of the filigreed but firm 2013 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese (7.5%, AP #1614) lead to a pure, lean and piquant palate with a lovely sweet juiciness and a crisp, lingering, salty minerality. Very quaffable. “RP
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Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2012 375ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 2 half-bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Pale golden yellow. Candied papaya, persimmon, clove and a vague hint of smoky botrytis on the nose. Luscious, creamy peach nectar flavor is nicely framed and accented by a splash of salty minerality. Richer and denser than the spätlese, showing excellent length, but not necessarily much better.” ST
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Joh. Jos. Prum Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2012 750ML ($47.95) $33 special, 9 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2012 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese (AP #10 13) opens with delicate peach, ripe apricot and orange flavors on the nose. Quite sweet, lush and fruit intense, though still pure and delicate on the palate, this peachy flavored wine finishes with a piquant and racy acidity. Aromatically less complex at the moment compared to the Sonnenuhr from Wehlen or the Himmelreich from Graach, but this fine and pure wine just needs some years. “RP
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “($51) Pale golden yellow. Lively aromas of peach pit, honeysuckle and candied lemon. Bright and spicy, with sweet, plush papaya fruit showing a velvety texture and a note of creaminess. Herbal essences heighten the pleasing finish. Not a show reserve, but a lovely auslese.” ST
Joh. Jos. Prum Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2013 750ML ($51.95) $39 special, 7 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “Under-ripe herbal and green apple flavors on the cool nose of the 2013 Zeltlinger Sonnenuhr Auslese intermix with stony, gravelly as well as lemon aromas. Sweet and well concentrated on the palate but piquant and provided with green apple flavors the 7.5% Auslese from 2013 is much less juicy and lush than in 2012 but very stimulating and mouth-cleaning. This will always be a quaffable drinking wine with a firm structure.(AP #1314)”RP
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2011 375ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 8 half-bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “Candied, spiced apple and overripe Persian melon dominate the Prum 2011 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese gold capsule, with honeyed impingement both aromatically and on the palate reinforcing the sense of relative opacity and rounded richness that the other Graachers in this year’s collection displayed. Here the sense of delicacy is nearly weightless; intriguing and enticing notes of liquid peony and lily enter the picture mid-palate after the wine takes on air; and for all of the botrytization in effect, there is a welcome retention of primary juiciness, spurring a lusciously long finish.
Look for four decades or more of luxuriant satisfaction.” WA
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Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2012 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 2 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2012 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule (AP #16 13) reveals a concentrated bouquet of highly delicate Riesling berry aromas along with grapefruit flavors. Rich and concentrated, but with a lots of finesse, transparency and elegance on the palate, this noble sweet Auslese is fresh, delicate and very stimulating.”RP
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “This offers a comparatively ripe feel on the nose as well as a long and fresh finish. The wine is quite driven by minerals and herbs on the palate and leaves an airy and smoky feel in the long and smooth finish. The wine develops a cool, zesty and minty side with airing. 2027-2047.” MFW
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2013 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 5 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “The pale-colored 2013 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule displays a stunning pure and precise, stony-flavored bouquet with fresh white and green fruit aromas. Very clear, elegant and strikingly piquant on the palate, this is a noble sweet wine with a highly precise fruit expression and a very mineral and still stringent finish. Bottled with 7.5% of alcohol this is an extremely fine, tightly woven and lovely salty Auslese that seriously rivals the auctioned Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese this year. (I tasted AP number #12 14.)”RP
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2011 375ML ($59.95) $46 special, 2 half-bottles available
Wine Advocate 95 points “A delightful hint of salted caramel creeps into the nose and onto the palate of Prum’s 2011 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese gold capsule, which when combined with apple jelly, honey and nougat not to mention a creamy and almost taffy-like texture, makes for a decidedly confectionary aura. Sweet liquid essences of lily, musky peony and gardenia as well as a faint oiliness and high glycerol enhance the luxuriantly seductive effect of this long-lingering performance, yet there remains a critical modicum of fresh apple and melon juiciness (if less efficacious than that of the corresponding Bernkasteler) to complement the sense of levity in this elixir’s finish and to render the next sip virtually irresistible.” WA
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Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2012 1.5L ($249.95) $179 special, 3 magnums available
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2012 375ML ($69.95) $44 special, 8 half-bottles available
Wine Advocate 96+ points “More reductive on the nose than the Himmelreich Auslese Gold Capsule, the 2012 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule (AP #19 13) combines its deeper mineral character with a perfect expression of highly noble botrytis. The finish is piquant and firm and also more grippy and stringent due to the reductive style. The wine lacks the finesse and elegance of the Himmelreich at the moment, but is provided with the density and complexity for a long flight over the years.”RP
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Joh. Jos. Prum Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel2012 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 9 bottles available
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “Made exclusively from the parcel forming the original Sonnenuhr, this delivers a great fresh nose of bergamot, quince and mango which turn into more botrytized and homeyed flavors of exotic fruits including passion fruit and pineapple on the palate. The zesty and fruity finish makes one magically go for another sip. This is gorgeously made. 2022-2042.” MFW
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Hubert Lignier
Beauty in Burgundy
The Lignier estate has been passed down from father to son for five generations. The property in Morey-Saint-Denis, within the Cote d’Or, makes Pinot noirs of stunning depth and a refreshing amount of transparency. Beginning with just two different bottlings, their efforts have extended to include 24 distinctive cuvees.
Importer Neal Rosenthal began his company’s involvement with the domaine in 1978 with two bottlings. As the relationship developed, additional cuvees were bottled and sold under the family’s label instead of being sold off earlier on to negociant. All of Lignier’s plots are now farmed, vinified, and bottled under the Lignier name, with holdings including some stunning Grand Cru and Premier Cru efforts.
The family’s holdings are predominantly shallow clay and limestone soils, for which they employs only organic compost and abstain from the use of herbicides and lab yeasts. Prior to fermentation, winemaker Laurent Lignier prefers to allow a five-day cold soak in order to allow for additional extraction.
Fermentation then takes place over 15-20 days in open-top cement vats in order to allow manual pigeage. New oak is used judiciously, with village-level wines spending 18 months in barrel and Premier and Grand Crus resting for 20-24 months. Cellar work is done by gravity, not pumped, and the wines are neither fined nor filtered. The resulting wines are profound at the very least – age-worthy and elevated, an absolute must in terms of what is available within their pocket of the world.
Hubert Lignier Wines Available Here Now:
Domaine Hubert Lignier Gevrey-Chambertin 2012 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 14 bottles available
Antonio Galloni “Moderately saturated pale red. Diffuse red fruits, earth and white truffle on the nose. Then spicy, supple and sweet in the mouth; easygoing and rather slight, with round, accessible flavors of strawberry and raspberry dominating. Finishes with sweeter tannins than the Gevrey La Justice.”
Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Tres Girard 2012 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 10 bottles available
Wine Advocate 88-90 points “The 2012 Morey-Saint-Denis Tres Girard comes from a parcel behind the winery close to the cemetery. It has a light but fragrant, well-defined, pretty bouquet that some might argue is missing a little vigor. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins on the entry. Nicely balanced with good backbone on the finish that carries the 20% new oak well. Fine.” WA
Domaine Hubert Lignier Les Chaffots, Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 5 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2012 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Chaffots is more backward and coy than the La Riotte out of barrel, but it unfurls with a little coaxing to reveal some lovely, broody black fruit infused with forest floor aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp, mineral-rich opening. At its core is structured, tertiary black fruit but it displays impressive intensity before leading you down a dark alley on the introspective finish. This will require several years to spring open. Cellar this whilst enjoying the La Riotte.” WA
Domaine Hubert Lignier Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($399.95) $299 special, 3 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 92-94 points “The 2012 Charmes-Chambertin (from Mazoyères) comes across as a bit raw and not fully formed just yet. Still, there is plenty to admire in the focused, direct flavors. Dark red and black fruit, violets, dried rose petals, spices and licorice are all woven together in a resonant, expressive Burgundy. This is surprisingly open for a young Mazoyères, which makes me think the 2012 will drink well with minimum cellaring.” AG
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Alvaro Palacios
Spanish Royalty
Alvaro Palacios is not exactly a new face in the wine scene – he has helped revolutionize the Spanish wine industry by making rich, complex wines from Priorat and is considered, along with Peter Sisseck of Pingus, to be one of the most important winemakers of Spain’s modern era.
One of nine children from the esteemed Rioja winemaking family Bodegas Palacios Remondo, Alvaro Palacios interned in Bordeaux at the side of Christian Moueix, the celebrated winemaker of Pomerol château Pétrus. He credits his tenure under Moueix for much of his winemaking philosophy and for showing him “the importance of great wines.” Upon his return to Spain he decided against getting involved in the family business and instead pursued his own ventures. Strongly drawn to the ancient, abandoned vineyards of Priorat, Alvaro acquired his first vineyard in 1990. Located 60 miles from Barcelona, Priorat had been one of Spain’s important pre-Phylloxera wine regions, planted predominantly with Garnacha, with Cabernet, Syrah, and Merlot producing a smaller percentage. Known for its minerally black soil and the powerful wines produced from this terroir, Alvaro believed he could make a wine that would truly express the unique area. He was right. His first wine there, 1995 L’Ermita, is what orginally gained him recognition as one of the world’s most inspired and dedicated winemakers.
His success in Priorat inspired Alvaro to search again for something new, this time putting his faith in the potential of Bierzo and the area’s primary varietal Mencia. In 1998, Alvaro and his nephew Ricardo Perez, who had just finished studying in Bordeaux, opened the doors to Descendientes de Palacios. Purchasing old vine Mencia vineyards, Alvaro and Ricardo hope to bring new life to Bierzo in the same way Alvaro did in Priorat. The winery is dedicated to Alvaro’s father, and Ricardo’s grandfather, who passed away in early 2000, once again drawing inspiration from their families’ long history in Spanish winemaking.
Alvaro Palacios Wines Available Here Now:
Alvaro Palacios Finca Dofi, Priorat DOCa 2013 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 9 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “2011 was not an easy act to follow as it produced what probably was the best Dofí to date, yet the 2013 Finca Dofí is as good or even better! The single-vineyard 2013 Finca Dofí, made since 2011 with Garnacha and perhaps 5% Cariñena (previously made with Cabernet Sauvignon), was fermented in oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in barriques for 16 months after malolactic. They have achieved a level of sophistication in the élevage of this wine because it is completely different from the wines of, say, 2005 (or 1995!) that were hard and full of tannins. This 2013 is nothing like that. Of course, there are tannins, but the texture is completely different, more akin to a Barolo with earthiness that is coated by ripe fruit to create a singular, unmistakable Priorat. Again, the best Dofí to date. 18,000 bottles produced.” LG
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Alvaro Palacios ‘Les Terrasses’ Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa 2013 750ML ($44.95) $31.90 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2013 Les Terrasses Velles Vinyes, from a rainy year and a late harvest that resulted in perfect ripeness and low yields, is a blend of 55% Garnacha and 45% Cariñena. You might find labels and literature referring Cariñena to as Samsó, something that is wrong and creates confusion since Samsó is the Catalan name for Cinsault. The grapes are sourced from different villages (Gratallops, La Vilella Baixa, Bellmunt, El Lloar, El Molar, Porrera, Scala Dei, Torroja and Poboleda) all of them grown on schist llicorella soils, fermented in a combination of oak and cement vats with natural yeasts and matured in barrique for one year. It has a meaty nose with aromas that transported me to the Northern Rhône, showing smoky bacon intermixed with violets and really well-integrated oak resulting in a very fine and elegant impression. It seems more refined than other vintages of Les Terrasses, lighter and more elegant with none of the volatility or oak of yesteryear. It is really fine, polished and is without edges. Somehow within the Atlantic vintage you can see the Mediterranean character. Awesome Terrasses and good value for Priorat.”
Alvaro Palacios ‘Les Terrasses’ Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa 2012 750ML ($44.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Alvaro Palacios ‘Les Terrasses’ Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa 2012 750ML ($419.95) $349 special, 4 cases 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
Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat, Priorat DOCa 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 7 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “From a top-notch vintage, the 2014 Camins del Priorat is deep in dark fruit character, with exotic floral and spice accents and seamless texture. This is a delicious entry-level offering from Alvaro Palacios.” JR
Wine Advocate 90 points “Bottled one week before my tasting in February 2015, the entry-level 2014 Camins del Priorat is the only wine that contains French grapes and is more or less 50% Garnacha, 15% Cariñena, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah and 5% Merlot. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in many different villages, fermented in stainless steel, oak and cement vats with indigenous yeasts and aged in barriques and oak vats for six months. This ultra young, jovial wine is a commercial success in the thirsty local restaurant market. It is really affordable too, considering that it bears the signature of Álvaro Palacios. It is bottled at different phases, released already because 2012 and 2013 were short vintages, and this lot is the first bottling with around four months in barrel; the last lot is kept in large oak and cement vats so all lots are more or less four months in barrels. Ripe, juicy and somewhat balsamic, it shows a Priorat character that is highly drinkable with fine tannins and pungent flavors. It is a wine to enjoy at the table. I missed the 2013 because this wine sells like hot cakes. Very good wine at a very good price.” LG
Descendientes de J. Palacios Las Lamas, Bierzo 2011 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 5 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2011 Las Lamas is a true expression of both the vintage and the vineyard, which is usually the most powerful of all the wines produced by the winery. Perhaps 2011 imprinted more character in the wine than 2010 did. The nose is full of blueberries, peach and gunpowder, wet slate, peat and smoke notes. It’s a powerful wine, this is the only vineyard where they have some clay mixed with the slate. Some fine-grained tannins hint at the need of a couple of years in bottle.”
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