In This Newsletter:
Vinopolis Super Subscriber Sale
Deep discounts on wines from California, Oregon & Burgundy!
Staff Pick
New Arrival Special Feature:
Markus Molitor & the Ürziger Wurzgarten Vineyard
Subscriber Super Sales Continue:
Saint Cosme
Mid-Week New Arrivals:
Rhone & Tuscan Wines
Vinopolis Super Subscriber Sale
Deep discounts on wines from California, Oregon & Burgundy!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $169
Ric Forman’s wines remain some of the most overlooked profound wines in Napa.
Forman Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2014 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89 Super Subscriber Special, 15 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “A brooding and nuanced bouquet of red and black fruit, petroleum jelly, woodsmoke, bitter cocoa, truffle and violet leads into a supple, elegant palate with fine savoury tannins and juicy acidity. Balanced, sapid and sophisticated. (WK) “
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Forman’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon offers lovely precision to match its mid-weight, gracious personality. The flavors are bright, floral and nicely focused. The 2014 is attractive, but it remains on the lighter side of things, even within the context of Ric Forman’s Cabernets. I imagine the 2014 will age well on its freshness. It will be interesting to see if the 2014 gains depth in bottle. What is clear, though, is that the 2014 has been more and more reticent each time I have tasted it. Readers will have to be patient.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $115
Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Rose of Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($29.95) Was $26, Now $21.90 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “The 2019 Seven Springs Rosé of Pinot Noir comes from young vines Pinot planted up on the vineyard’s East Ridge. These densely planted vines grow in well-draining soils and receive a full day of sunshine during the growing season. The gradual and even ripening that occurred during the 2019 growing season resulted in beautifully layered wines, with nuance and refinement. For the rosé, we were fortunate to realize a depth of flavor and aroma across the bright fruit and floral spectrum while still retaining mouthwatering acidity and freshness. The wine opens with a subtle whiff of reduction followed by under-ripe strawberries, white flowers, and dried apricots. The palate is lively and whimsical and begs for a dish like fritto misto or a salde nicoise.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Eisele is one of the most hallowed terroirs in the Napa Valley. Tucked into the foothills in Calistoga, it has produced incredible wines since 1971 for Phelps, Araujo and now (indirectly) Chateau Latour, who bought the property a few years ago.
Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-3 Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($349.95) Was $285, Now $255 Super Subscriber Special (that’s only $85/bottle!)
James Suckling 97 points “Sliced apples and limes on the nose with grassy and chamomile notes. But then it turns to honeysuckle, chalk and minerals. Full-bodied with papaya, sliced-pear and green-pineapple flavors. Tight and fresh at the end. Crunchy acidity. Solid density. Energetic finish. Drink now or hold.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 94+ points “Already bottled, the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc bursts from the glass with energetic notes of fresh grapefruit, lime leaves, green apples and orange blossoms with wafts of dill seed and white pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate is practically electric with vibrant citrus and apple flavors and a wonderfully spicy background, finishing fantastically long, minerally and refreshing.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $100
“Supple and beautiful” from Eisele’s legendary estate vineyard.
Eisele Vineyard ‘Altagracia’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($169.95) Was $149, Now $119 Super Subscriber Special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Lots of violets and dark berries with sweet underbrush and fresh mushrooms, following through to a medium to full body, soft and silky tannins and a succulent and refined finish. It remains supple and beautiful. Hard not to drink now. Better after 2023.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The Altagracia is produced almost exclusively from estate fruit this year and was bottled at the end of June 2018. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia comes bursting forth with vivacious black cherries, blackberries, wild blueberries and cassis notes with touches of cinnamon stick, cloves, forest floor, violets and dusty earth with a waft of violets. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with loads of iron and mineral accents, finishing long and perfumed.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $150
Most producers are lucky to own any land in Chambertin Clos de Beze. It’s hallowed ground in Burgundy—one of the most prestigious vineyards in a region that is known for famous plots. Faiveley takes it to a new level, though, and produces two bottlings: a “normal” Clos de Beze and their top end cuvee the Clos de Beze “Les Ouvrées Rodin.”
Produced from some of the Domaine’s oldest vines in a parcel on the Chambertin side of the Clos de Beze, this is a wine that commemorates the family’s relationship with the sculptor Rodin in awe-inspiring fashion. This is up there with any wine from Burgundy—you name it, Faiveley’s top bottling competes with it. Compared to any of its peers (see: Rousseau, DRC, etc) it remains excellently priced.
Domaine Faiveley Chambertin-Clos de Beze Les Ouvrees Rodin Grand Cru, Cotes de Nuits 2016 750ML ($1,499.95) Was $1,199, Now $1,049 Super Subscriber Special, 3 bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru Les Ouvrées Rodin is showing brilliantly from bottle, unfurling in the glass with a rich bouquet of cassis, cherries, red berries, grilled game, licorice, spices and smoky new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and expansive, with a deep and intense core of sapid fruit that cloaks its satiny but abundant structuring tannins, underpinned by succulent acids and concluding with a seriously long, penetrating finish. This special cuvée hails from a parcel of vines planted in 1966 on the Chambertin side of Clos de Bèze, and its name commemorates a Faiveley family connection with the sculptor Rodin.”
Stephen Tanzer 95-98 points “(like the “regular” Clos de Bèze, this special cuvée from 60+-year-old vines on the Chambertin side of the cru was totally destemmed): Dark red-ruby. Less expressive but slightly riper aromas of purple and black fruits and pungent spices. Then utterly seamless and suave on the palate, offering a lacy, feminine texture with great energy and sophistication. The penetrating red berry and white pepper flavors are amplified by the wine’s mineral underpinning. The endless rising finish combines serious power and refined tannins. Ultimately a bit less expressive and tight-grained than the classic Clos de Bèze but this is even deeper.”
Burghound 94-97 points “(a selection of the oldest vines in one of their 3 parcels). This is aromatically similar to the regular cuvée save for being even spicier and displaying a bit more wood influence. There is almost painful intensity to the super-sleek big-bodied flavors that possess a positively gorgeous mouthfeel due to a mid-palate that brims with sappy dry extract that coats the mouth on the hugely long and impeccably well-balanced finale. While this may change given that these are barrel samples but based on the two that I tasted, this is actually slightly less structured though I emphasize slightly. Either way, this is a seriously impressive effort that should age effortlessly. (94-97)/2034+.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $1,383
Domaine Faiveley Les Preuses, Chablis Grand Cru 2016 750ML ($89.95) Was $79, Now $69 Super Subscriber Special, 12 bottles in stock now
This is the only listing in the USA today!
We’re offering 88 wines on our Super Subscriber Sale! Shop them all on our web store.
Staff Pick
Ben:
The Manetti Family purchased their property in Panzano in 1969 and are responsible for putting the village on the map as one of the best little areas in Chianti Classico (a couple of our other favorite producers like Molino di Grace and Rampolla are located there as well). All of the growers in Panzano have an agreement that they will grow organically so there is no risk of a neighbor’s chemical sprays jumping to other vineyards. Although the Chianit Classico bottling is Fontodi’s most “humble” wine, it is always my favorite because it is the most inherently “Tuscan”. I love this wine because the pure Sangiovese showcases the terroir of Panzano without the oak influence that Flaccianello has or the Cabernet that is contained in the Riserva bottling, Vigna del Sorbo. The wine smells of red cherries, plums, tobacco, and leather boots after spending a day working on the farm. It is chiseled and shy at the moment but I think it will really flesh out in 6 months and continue to improve for the next 8 years…if you have managed not to drink it all by then!
Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Chianti Classico Fontodi is a wine of extreme elegance that shows how much the house style has evolved here. A decade ago, in a warm year the Fontodi Chianti Classico would have been opulent, but these days proprietor Giovanni Manetti seeks finesse more than power, and that is exactly what comes through here. Ripe red Sangiovese fruit, rose petal, blood orange and spice infuse this racy, exotic Chianti Classico with so much character. The 2016 spent two years in oak, half in cask and half in neutral oak. I loved it.”
James Suckling 94 points “A rich, layered CC with intense cherry and flower character, as well as orange peel. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”
Rhone & Tuscan Wines
Vinopolis Super Subscriber Sale
Deep discounts on wines from California, Oregon & Burgundy!
“The flagship Winston Hill and Patriarch are more concentrated, sumptuous wines with considerable new oak influence that will appeal most to readers who enjoy flamboyant Cabernets.” –Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
Frank Family Vineyards Winston Hill Red, Rutherford 2015 750ML ($179.95) Was $159, Now $138 Super Subscriber Special, 12 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “Similarly inky colored as the 2014, the 2015 Winston Hill Red Wine checks in as a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that spent 21 months in 75% new French oak. It offers more graphite and minerality, with gorgeous notes of blueberries, crushed violets, lead pencil and hints of licorice. Deep, elegant and layered, with a profound textural elegance, it has terrific mid-palate depth, building, fine tannin, and a killer finish that won’t quit. It’s a gorgeous wine any way you look at it. It’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades or more.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2015 Winston Hill, from Frank’s hillside Rutherford vineyard, is lush, radiant and super-expressive. An array of jammy red berries, mint, rose petal, licorice and sweet spices fleshes out effortless in the glass. The 2015 is rich and unctuous, but not at all heavy or overdone. All the elements are simply in the right place. What a gorgeous wine this is.”
Frank Family Vineyards Winston Hill Red, Rutherford 2015 750ML ($179.95) Was $159, Now $138 Super Subscriber Special, 12 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “Similarly inky colored as the 2014, the 2015 Winston Hill Red Wine checks in as a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that spent 21 months in 75% new French oak. It offers more graphite and minerality, with gorgeous notes of blueberries, crushed violets, lead pencil and hints of licorice. Deep, elegant and layered, with a profound textural elegance, it has terrific mid-palate depth, building, fine tannin, and a killer finish that won’t quit. It’s a gorgeous wine any way you look at it. It’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades or more.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2015 Winston Hill, from Frank’s hillside Rutherford vineyard, is lush, radiant and super-expressive. An array of jammy red berries, mint, rose petal, licorice and sweet spices fleshes out effortless in the glass. The 2015 is rich and unctuous, but not at all heavy or overdone. All the elements are simply in the right place. What a gorgeous wine this is.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $169
Ric Forman’s wines remain some of the most overlooked profound wines in Napa.
Forman Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2014 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89 Super Subscriber Special, 15 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “A brooding and nuanced bouquet of red and black fruit, petroleum jelly, woodsmoke, bitter cocoa, truffle and violet leads into a supple, elegant palate with fine savoury tannins and juicy acidity. Balanced, sapid and sophisticated. (WK) “
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Forman’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon offers lovely precision to match its mid-weight, gracious personality. The flavors are bright, floral and nicely focused. The 2014 is attractive, but it remains on the lighter side of things, even within the context of Ric Forman’s Cabernets. I imagine the 2014 will age well on its freshness. It will be interesting to see if the 2014 gains depth in bottle. What is clear, though, is that the 2014 has been more and more reticent each time I have tasted it. Readers will have to be patient.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $115
Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Rose of Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($29.95) Was $26, Now $21.90 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “The 2019 Seven Springs Rosé of Pinot Noir comes from young vines Pinot planted up on the vineyard’s East Ridge. These densely planted vines grow in well-draining soils and receive a full day of sunshine during the growing season. The gradual and even ripening that occurred during the 2019 growing season resulted in beautifully layered wines, with nuance and refinement. For the rosé, we were fortunate to realize a depth of flavor and aroma across the bright fruit and floral spectrum while still retaining mouthwatering acidity and freshness. The wine opens with a subtle whiff of reduction followed by under-ripe strawberries, white flowers, and dried apricots. The palate is lively and whimsical and begs for a dish like fritto misto or a salde nicoise.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Eisele is one of the most hallowed terroirs in the Napa Valley. Tucked into the foothills in Calistoga, it has produced incredible wines since 1971 for Phelps, Araujo and now (indirectly) Chateau Latour, who bought the property a few years ago.
Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-3 Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($349.95) Was $285, Now $255 Super Subscriber Special (that’s only $85/bottle!)
James Suckling 97 points “Sliced apples and limes on the nose with grassy and chamomile notes. But then it turns to honeysuckle, chalk and minerals. Full-bodied with papaya, sliced-pear and green-pineapple flavors. Tight and fresh at the end. Crunchy acidity. Solid density. Energetic finish. Drink now or hold.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 94+ points “Already bottled, the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc bursts from the glass with energetic notes of fresh grapefruit, lime leaves, green apples and orange blossoms with wafts of dill seed and white pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate is practically electric with vibrant citrus and apple flavors and a wonderfully spicy background, finishing fantastically long, minerally and refreshing.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $100
“Supple and beautiful” from Eisele’s legendary estate vineyard.
Eisele Vineyard ‘Altagracia’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($169.95) Was $149, Now $119 Super Subscriber Special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Lots of violets and dark berries with sweet underbrush and fresh mushrooms, following through to a medium to full body, soft and silky tannins and a succulent and refined finish. It remains supple and beautiful. Hard not to drink now. Better after 2023.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The Altagracia is produced almost exclusively from estate fruit this year and was bottled at the end of June 2018. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia comes bursting forth with vivacious black cherries, blackberries, wild blueberries and cassis notes with touches of cinnamon stick, cloves, forest floor, violets and dusty earth with a waft of violets. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with loads of iron and mineral accents, finishing long and perfumed.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $150
Most producers are lucky to own any land in Chambertin Clos de Beze. It’s hallowed ground in Burgundy—one of the most prestigious vineyards in a region that is known for famous plots. Faiveley takes it to a new level, though, and produces two bottlings: a “normal” Clos de Beze and their top end cuvee the Clos de Beze “Les Ouvrées Rodin.”
Produced from some of the Domaine’s oldest vines in a parcel on the Chambertin side of the Clos de Beze, this is a wine that commemorates the family’s relationship with the sculptor Rodin in awe-inspiring fashion. This is up there with any wine from Burgundy—you name it, Faiveley’s top bottling competes with it. Compared to any of its peers (see: Rousseau, DRC, etc) it remains excellently priced.
Domaine Faiveley Chambertin-Clos de Beze Les Ouvrees Rodin Grand Cru, Cotes de Nuits 2016 750ML ($1,499.95) Was $1,199, Now $1,049 Super Subscriber Special, 3 bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru Les Ouvrées Rodin is showing brilliantly from bottle, unfurling in the glass with a rich bouquet of cassis, cherries, red berries, grilled game, licorice, spices and smoky new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and expansive, with a deep and intense core of sapid fruit that cloaks its satiny but abundant structuring tannins, underpinned by succulent acids and concluding with a seriously long, penetrating finish. This special cuvée hails from a parcel of vines planted in 1966 on the Chambertin side of Clos de Bèze, and its name commemorates a Faiveley family connection with the sculptor Rodin.”
Stephen Tanzer 95-98 points “(like the “regular” Clos de Bèze, this special cuvée from 60+-year-old vines on the Chambertin side of the cru was totally destemmed): Dark red-ruby. Less expressive but slightly riper aromas of purple and black fruits and pungent spices. Then utterly seamless and suave on the palate, offering a lacy, feminine texture with great energy and sophistication. The penetrating red berry and white pepper flavors are amplified by the wine’s mineral underpinning. The endless rising finish combines serious power and refined tannins. Ultimately a bit less expressive and tight-grained than the classic Clos de Bèze but this is even deeper.”
Burghound 94-97 points “(a selection of the oldest vines in one of their 3 parcels). This is aromatically similar to the regular cuvée save for being even spicier and displaying a bit more wood influence. There is almost painful intensity to the super-sleek big-bodied flavors that possess a positively gorgeous mouthfeel due to a mid-palate that brims with sappy dry extract that coats the mouth on the hugely long and impeccably well-balanced finale. While this may change given that these are barrel samples but based on the two that I tasted, this is actually slightly less structured though I emphasize slightly. Either way, this is a seriously impressive effort that should age effortlessly. (94-97)/2034+.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $1,383
Domaine Faiveley Les Preuses, Chablis Grand Cru 2016 750ML ($89.95) Was $79, Now $69 Super Subscriber Special, 12 bottles in stock now
This is the only listing in the USA today!
We’re offering 88 wines on our Super Subscriber Sale! Shop them all on our web store.
Staff Pick
Ben:
The Manetti Family purchased their property in Panzano in 1969 and are responsible for putting the village on the map as one of the best little areas in Chianti Classico (a couple of our other favorite producers like Molino di Grace and Rampolla are located there as well). All of the growers in Panzano have an agreement that they will grow organically so there is no risk of a neighbor’s chemical sprays jumping to other vineyards. Although the Chianit Classico bottling is Fontodi’s most “humble” wine, it is always my favorite because it is the most inherently “Tuscan”. I love this wine because the pure Sangiovese showcases the terroir of Panzano without the oak influence that Flaccianello has or the Cabernet that is contained in the Riserva bottling, Vigna del Sorbo. The wine smells of red cherries, plums, tobacco, and leather boots after spending a day working on the farm. It is chiseled and shy at the moment but I think it will really flesh out in 6 months and continue to improve for the next 8 years…if you have managed not to drink it all by then!
Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Chianti Classico Fontodi is a wine of extreme elegance that shows how much the house style has evolved here. A decade ago, in a warm year the Fontodi Chianti Classico would have been opulent, but these days proprietor Giovanni Manetti seeks finesse more than power, and that is exactly what comes through here. Ripe red Sangiovese fruit, rose petal, blood orange and spice infuse this racy, exotic Chianti Classico with so much character. The 2016 spent two years in oak, half in cask and half in neutral oak. I loved it.”
James Suckling 94 points “A rich, layered CC with intense cherry and flower character, as well as orange peel. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”
New Arrival Special Feature:
Markus Molitor & the Ürziger Wurzgarten Vineyard
After a good meal in the lower part of Urzig, it is a ridiculous thing to attempt to ride the zig-zagging road that takes you through the vineyard up, up, up to the upper part of town where your hotel room is. The views are fantastic and you’ll pass the source of the most fragrant and elegant Riesling on Earth, but you will hurt yourself. Badly. At least you’ll have time to appreciate the stunning beauty of the perilously steep vineyards while waiting for your lungs, legs and heart to stop exploding as you climb.
There is no other vineyard in the Mosel that represents so intensely spicy, earthy and so richly tropical. The lightness and elegance of the fruit is impossible to replicate. Even from its storied neighbor, Erdener Treppchen, despite such a similar soil composition the wines are a wholly different animal. All of our favorite producers highlight the spice garden; Merkelbach, Christoffel, and of course Molitor.
Molitor might have the most well cut wines from Urz Wurz, and while you must be patient with them, the return on investment could not be greater. I would rather have a twenty year old Molitor Auslese than almost any Bordeaux of the same age. These wines will overdeliver every time. The citrus and honeyed white fruit, the pure mineral backbone, and the fountain of youth like freshness that accompanies these bottles is without compare. Fortunately, the Mosel is still the king of bargains. These wines are ridiculously undervalued and will provide decades of delight to come.
Newly Arrived from Markus Molitor:
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Gold Capsule, Mosel 2018 750ML ($34.95) $29 special
Decanter 95 points “Candied tangerine peel rejoices with tangy freshness, exuberant aromatics of ripe and heady citrus. There is lovely lightness, inherent playfulness, like little putti twirling and dancing in a fruit bowl. The dry Kabinett did not reach that balance so the counter-intuition of nature decrees that a richer year can take more sweetness – not less.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2018er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett (Golden Capsule) offers a beautiful nose of strawberry puree, fine spices, and herbs on the nose. The wine offers a nice and beautifully playful side on the zesty and mineral palate. It leaves a gorgeously vivid and structured feel in the long and engaging finish. A creamy side comes through in the finish, which adds to the overall immense pleasure to enjoy this beautiful full fruity-styled wine. 2028-2048”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The 2018 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett (Golden Capsule) opens with an intense and flinty yet still reductive, sulfuric bouquet with herbal and warm, ripe fruit aromas. Mouth-fillingly round as well as precise on the palate, this is a crystalline and razor-sharp Würzgarten Kabinett with a still tight and closed (sulfuric) finish. Promising but asking for patience. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
There is no other vineyard in the Mosel that represents so intensely spicy, earthy and so richly tropical. The lightness and elegance of the fruit is impossible to replicate. Even from its storied neighbor, Erdener Treppchen, despite such a similar soil composition the wines are a wholly different animal. All of our favorite producers highlight the spice garden; Merkelbach, Christoffel, and of course Molitor.
Molitor might have the most well cut wines from Urz Wurz, and while you must be patient with them, the return on investment could not be greater. I would rather have a twenty year old Molitor Auslese than almost any Bordeaux of the same age. These wines will overdeliver every time. The citrus and honeyed white fruit, the pure mineral backbone, and the fountain of youth like freshness that accompanies these bottles is without compare. Fortunately, the Mosel is still the king of bargains. These wines are ridiculously undervalued and will provide decades of delight to come.
Newly Arrived from Markus Molitor:
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Gold Capsule, Mosel 2018 750ML ($34.95) $29 special
Decanter 95 points “Candied tangerine peel rejoices with tangy freshness, exuberant aromatics of ripe and heady citrus. There is lovely lightness, inherent playfulness, like little putti twirling and dancing in a fruit bowl. The dry Kabinett did not reach that balance so the counter-intuition of nature decrees that a richer year can take more sweetness – not less.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2018er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett (Golden Capsule) offers a beautiful nose of strawberry puree, fine spices, and herbs on the nose. The wine offers a nice and beautifully playful side on the zesty and mineral palate. It leaves a gorgeously vivid and structured feel in the long and engaging finish. A creamy side comes through in the finish, which adds to the overall immense pleasure to enjoy this beautiful full fruity-styled wine. 2028-2048”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The 2018 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett (Golden Capsule) opens with an intense and flinty yet still reductive, sulfuric bouquet with herbal and warm, ripe fruit aromas. Mouth-fillingly round as well as precise on the palate, this is a crystalline and razor-sharp Würzgarten Kabinett with a still tight and closed (sulfuric) finish. Promising but asking for patience. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Feinherb Green Capsule, Mosel 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
David Schildknecht-Vinous 93 points “The nose of strawberry laced with basil, mint and cress presages an infectiously juicy, soothingly cooling and invigoratingly incisive palate impression. Low alcohol guarantees levity, yet as with other “green chip” Kabinetts in this collection, sweetness is very subtly supportive. The multifaceted, impressively sustained finish in fact flirts with outright weightlessness, the herbal essences joined by floral perfume for a strikingly inhalative impression yet without neglecting sheer refreshment.”
Stuart Pigott-Jamessuckling 93 points “Pungent, herbal character with plenty of licorice and some lemon zest. Then, a juicy and lively palate. This Kabinett has the balance those wines had back in the 1970s. Very clean finish with a ton of herbal notes. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett (Green Capsule) is very clear, pure and fresh on the intense and stony yet still somewhat sulfuric nose. Round, lush and piquant yet still tight from the addition of sulfur, this is a very clear and elegant Würzgarten with stimulating grip and purity on the finish. Needs time, though. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Trocken White Capsule, Mosel 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Stuart Pigott-Jamessuckling 92 points “Very fresh lemon-balm and blossom nose with no hint of the opulence of the vintage. Excellent balance of bright lemon and white-peach fruit with silky acidity and a whisker of unfermented grape sweetness that smoothes the touch of tannin. Drink or hold.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 91 points “Apple, kiwi and lime are laced with green herbs on the nose, introducing a generously juicy palate whose polish is complemented by contrasting pungent and incisive accents of cilantro and cress that turned out to manifest themselves in Molitor vintage 2018 Würzgarten bottlings all the way up to sweet, “three-star” Auslese. At 10.5% alcohol, there is delightful delicacy. Tingling suggestions of kiwi fuzz and lime zest add to the invigoration of an animatingly bright and infectiously juicy finish. This is a notable example of 2018-typical ripeness and fruit-forwardness allied to clarity, energy and buoyancy that can by no means be taken for granted from the vintage.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 90+ points “The 2018 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett (White Capsule) is pure, fresh and flinty on the precise and reductive nose. Juicy, piquant and with nice mineral grip, this is a salty-piquant and crunchy Kabinett with good concentration and lingering juicy fruit. Still a baby, though. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
Mosel Fine Wines 90 points “The 2018er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett (White Capsule) offers a delicately floral and spicy nose of pear, smoke, almond, and a hint of camphor. The wine offers some ripe fruits well wrapped into zesty and dynamic acidity on the smooth and creamy palate. The zesty side adds tension and play to the long and fresh finish. 2023-2033”
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Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese Trocken White Capsule, Mosel 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2018 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Spätlese (White Capsule) is pure, fresh and flinty on the clear and crunchy, very elegant and complex nose. Pure and almost astringent on the salty palate, this is a piquant, very nervous and persistently salty Riesling with great tension, vitality and finesse. A great and promising Würzgarten. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
Stuart Pigott-Jamessuckling 94 points “Stand back for the arrival of this Mosel riesling express! Very spicy with dried-strawberry, dried-cranberry and cumin notes, this is a very distinctive, almost dry white. Serious concentration (old vines?) and nice creaminess, then comes a wave of spice at the imposing finish. Drink or hold.”
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Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett Gold Capsule, Mosel 2018 750ML ($34.95) $27 special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2018 Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett (Golden Capsule) is clear, very fine and discreet on the precise and detailed nose. Dense and compact on the palate, with a tight mineral structure, this is a light and filigreed yet quite substantial Kabinett with a long and intense as well as piquant and salty finish. Crystalline and with intense fruit and very good length. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 93 points “The greenhouse-like aromatic amalgam of flowers and foliage by now so familiar from Molitor 2018s is here surprisingly weighted on the side of greenery. Accompanying that, though, is a site-typical alliance of apple and vanilla that then lusciously informs a creamily textured palate, where perfume of honeysuckle and heliotrope also emerges prominently in glossy, liquefied form. And as if this conjunction of elements were not alluring enough, fresh juiciness of apple and pear as well as grapefruit and lime arrive on the scene to generate animation and guarantee refreshment. The finish is a real tour de force of flowers and fruit strikingly transparent to stony underpinnings. This wine deliciously reveals how Wehlener Sonnenuhr – justly renowned though it already is – particularly excelled in 2018.”
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Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett Gold Capsule, Mosel 2018 750ML ($31.95) $28 special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The 2018 Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Kabinett (Golden Capsule) is intense and aromatic on the nose that displays a concentrated and ripe stone-fruit aroma with reductive, sulfuric notes. Round and silky on the palate, this is a crystalline, salty-piquant and structured Kabinett with intense and sweet yet elegant fruit and a promising long and grippy finish. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The 2018er Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett (Golden Capsule) offers a beautiful nose made of white peach, melon chalky minerals, and some slightly earthy spices. The wine is nicely mellow but delicately zesty on the palate, and leaves a nicely playful balance of a great light-footed Auslese from the 1990s in the long finish. A touch of apricot blossom adds a rounder side in the after-taste of this gorgeous fruity-styled wine in the making. 2028-2048”
Stuart Pigott-Jamessuckling 91 points “Lots of pear and ripe yellow-apple fruit here and, on the palate, there’s terrific freshness to balance the generous, unfermented-grape sweetness. Long, clean finish. A hint of apple core pulls the brakes on a bit. Drink or hold.”
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Saint Cosme Cote Rotie, Rhone 2017 750ML ($79.95) Was $59, Now $55 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2017 Côte Rôtie is another satisfying, character-filled wine. Complex notes of blackberries, ground herbs, new leather, and violets flow to a medium to full-bodied, layered, complete, balanced Côte Rotie that’s going to shine for 10-15 years. It has some feral, wild notes as well as plenty of old-school character.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Saturated ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe, spice-tinged red and blue fruits, potpourri, violet and olive paste, and a smoky mineral nuance builds in the glass. Shows impressive depth and energy, offering sappy dark berry, cherry cola, spicecake and floral pastille flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Shows a welcome light touch for its heft and finishes on a gently tannic note, displaying fine delineation and mineral thrust.”
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Notes of smoked meat and cold fireplace mark the nose of Saint Cosme’s 2017 Cote Rotie. It’s medium to full-bodied, with a plush, seductive mouthfeel, supple tannins and a long finish. It should be a beauty.-JC”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2017 Côte Rôtie is another satisfying, character-filled wine. Complex notes of blackberries, ground herbs, new leather, and violets flow to a medium to full-bodied, layered, complete, balanced Côte Rotie that’s going to shine for 10-15 years. It has some feral, wild notes as well as plenty of old-school character.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Saturated ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe, spice-tinged red and blue fruits, potpourri, violet and olive paste, and a smoky mineral nuance builds in the glass. Shows impressive depth and energy, offering sappy dark berry, cherry cola, spicecake and floral pastille flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Shows a welcome light touch for its heft and finishes on a gently tannic note, displaying fine delineation and mineral thrust.”
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Notes of smoked meat and cold fireplace mark the nose of Saint Cosme’s 2017 Cote Rotie. It’s medium to full-bodied, with a plush, seductive mouthfeel, supple tannins and a long finish. It should be a beauty.-JC”
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides, Rhone 2014 750ML ($89.95) Was $79, Now $69 Super Subscriber Special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Well-built, with sage, savory and tobacco notes weaving around the core of blackberry and black currant, picking up charcoal and roasted alder accents. Best from 2017 through 2024.”
Jeb Dunnuck – Wine Advocate 92-94+ points “What will mostly likely end up being the wine of the vintage is the 2014 Gigondas Hominis Fides. From a single vineyard located just down the hill from the estate, fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged all in Burgundy barrels, it offers sensational notes of crushed rock, graphite, dried rose petals and licorice in a medium to full-bodied, elegant, seamless style that hides considerable tannic grip. It’s a beautiful wine that will still be drinking nicely in 2034.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91-93 points “Deep ruby. Powerful, smoke-accented aromas of dark berries and incense, complicated by suave floral pastille and woodsmoke nuances. Fleshy and deeply concentrated, showing impressive depth to the densely packed red and blue fruit flavors, which are lifted by juicy acidity. The smoky note repeats on a youthfully tannic finish that shows impressive energy, power and thrust.”
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89 Super Subscriber Special, 19 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 96 points “Brilliant violet. Highly perfumed black raspberry and cherry liqueur aromas are accompanied by potpourri, mocha, vanilla and baking spice nuances, along with a smoky mineral flourish that builds in the glass. Juicy and appealingly sweet, displaying palate-staining red and blue fruit, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that show superb depth and a smooth, seamless texture. Deftly balances richness and vivacity and finishes extremely long and spicy, with smooth, harmonious tannins and a subtle echo of candied flowers and kirsch.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 points “Notes of camphor, dried soil, crushed rocks, and loads of red and black fruits define the 2017 Gigondas Le Claux, which is 100% Grenache from a site just down the road from the estate. I always find a certain Burgundian character in this cuvée and it’s certainly present in the 2017. With medium to full body, a beautiful elegance and purity, and fine tannins, give bottles a few years and enjoy over the following decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2017 Gigondas le Claux features deep blue and black fruit on the nose. It’s full-bodied in the mouth, with a generous, silky mouthfeel and an expansive, voluptuous finish that folds in hints of dark chocolate and salted licorice. All Grenache, from vines planted in the 19th century, it’s a terrific Gigondas.”
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The average price is $131
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($139.95) Was $109, Now $99 Super Subscriber Special, 8 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “More closed and backward than either the Hominis Fides or Le Claux, the 2017 Gigondas Le Poste is nevertheless just as impressive and offers its hallmark purity and elegance paired with stunning richness and depth. Black and blue fruits, crushed rocks, graphite, and a beautiful violet character all define the bouquet. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it’s the purity of fruit and balance that set this beauty above just about every other Gigondas out there. Do your best to hide bottles for at least 4-5 years.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “More civilized than it was last year out of barrel, the 2017 Gigondas le Poste boasts lovely blueberry and cassis fruit. It’s full-bodied and intense yet silky and darn near elegant on the palate. Don’t underestimate the quantity of (ripe) tannins here, which provide a pleasant chewiness to the long, salted-licorice finish.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is packed with steeped fig, blackberry and boysenberry confiture notes, laced liberally with violet, anise, tobacco and lavender accents. Has enough grip through the finish to keep it honest, with tar and juniper notes adding spine and heft. A beauty. Best from 2020 through 2035. From France.—J.M.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Deep lurid ruby. Highly fragrant suggestions of ripe red berries, cherry preserves, exotic spices and candied flowers are accompanied by a smoky mineral element that builds steadily with air. Smooth and seamless on the palate, offering intense black raspberry, cherry cola, spicecake and candied lavender flavors that convey a suave mix of power and delicacy. Closes smooth, gently tannic and impressively long, leaving sappy red fruit and floral pastille notes behind.”
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Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2017 750ML ($37.95) Was $29, Now $24 Super Subscriber Special, 32 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “A step up, the 2017 Saint Joseph offers another level of class and purity. Beautiful blackberry, black raspberries, cured meats, and pepper notes give way to a medium to full-bodied Saint Joseph that has subtle oak, a seamless texture, and fine tannins. It’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age.”
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Deep magenta. Powerful, spice- and mineral-accented cherry and dark berry aromas show very good clarity and pick up smoky bacon and potpourri flourishes as the wine opens up. In a concentrated but lively style, offering appealingly sweet red and dark fruit and floral pastille flavors and a salty olive flourish. The floral and spice notes drive an impressively long finish that’s framed by fine-grained, harmonious tannins. From vines in Malleval.”
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Mid-Week New Arrivals
France – Rhone & Southern
Paul Jaboulet Aine Domaine Mule Blanche Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, Rhone 2018 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Burgundian notes of crushed citrus, white flowers, salty minerality, orange pith, and honeysuckle all emerge from the 2018 Crozes-Hermitage Mule Blanc, and it’s fresh, medium to full-bodied, concentrated and elegant on the palate. Give it a year or two.”
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Vivid straw. Tangerine, peach and chamomile on the fragrant nose, along with subtle honey and tarragon nuances. Sappy, expansive orchard and pit fruit flavors show very good concentration, velvety texture and a refreshingly bitter touch of orange zest. Finishes youthfully chewy, long and subtly spicy, leaving a hint of pear nectar behind.”
Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes – Marquise de la Tourette, Rhone 2011 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, only 12 bottles available!
Jeb Dunnuck-Wine Advocate 95+ points “Starting off the 2011s, both of which were tasted out of bottle numerous times, the 2011 Hermitage Domaine de Tourettes is another blockbuster from this producer. Full-bodied, rich, layered and voluptuously textured, it offers up a beautiful bouquet of smoked herbs, leather, ground pepper and assorted meaty nuances that are grounded by a rich core of cassis and darker berry fruit. While a big wine, it has remarkable freshness and purity, serious mid-palate depth and silky tannin, all of which allow it to dish out loads of pleasure, even now. Enjoy it over the coming 15-20 years.”
Paul Jaboulet Aine Domaine Mule Blanche Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, Rhone 2018 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Burgundian notes of crushed citrus, white flowers, salty minerality, orange pith, and honeysuckle all emerge from the 2018 Crozes-Hermitage Mule Blanc, and it’s fresh, medium to full-bodied, concentrated and elegant on the palate. Give it a year or two.”
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Vivid straw. Tangerine, peach and chamomile on the fragrant nose, along with subtle honey and tarragon nuances. Sappy, expansive orchard and pit fruit flavors show very good concentration, velvety texture and a refreshingly bitter touch of orange zest. Finishes youthfully chewy, long and subtly spicy, leaving a hint of pear nectar behind.”
Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes – Marquise de la Tourette, Rhone 2011 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, only 12 bottles available!
Jeb Dunnuck-Wine Advocate 95+ points “Starting off the 2011s, both of which were tasted out of bottle numerous times, the 2011 Hermitage Domaine de Tourettes is another blockbuster from this producer. Full-bodied, rich, layered and voluptuously textured, it offers up a beautiful bouquet of smoked herbs, leather, ground pepper and assorted meaty nuances that are grounded by a rich core of cassis and darker berry fruit. While a big wine, it has remarkable freshness and purity, serious mid-palate depth and silky tannin, all of which allow it to dish out loads of pleasure, even now. Enjoy it over the coming 15-20 years.”
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Chateau Sixtine Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2016 1.5L ($99.95) $89 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Château Sixtine is the finest vintage of this cuvée ever made, surpassing the 2003, 2007, and 2010. Deep purple/ruby-colored, with a full-bodied, deep, powerful bouquet of blackcurrants, ground pepper, crushed violets, and spice, it’s full-bodied, has a voluptuous, powerful texture, sweet tannin, and a great, great finish, all while staying light and graceful. A blend of 50% Grenache and 25% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, it’s going to keep for two decades.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Sappy and intense, with a terrific beam of dark plum, boysenberry and blackberry fruit. The long finish shows a gorgeous graphite underpinning while flashes of Turkish coffee, licorice snap and roasted apple wood fill in. Great energy. Best from 2020 through 2040. 2,500 cases made, 500 cases imported. — JM”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Editor’s Choice. This is a forward, fleshy wine full of sun-drenched blackberry and plum flavors edged by violet and lavender perfume. While rich and concentrated, it has an invigorating crush of minerals that lends freshness to the midpalate. Ripe, seamlessly integrated tannins make it immediately appealing but it should also reward cellaring through 2036. -Anna Lee C. Iijima”
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Italy – Tuscany
Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($279.95) $249 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia is a wine of extreme complexity and precision. It offers monumental depth with profound layers of black fruit, coffee, licorice and baking chocolate. I tasted this 2016 vintage beside the less-impactful 2015 vintage (which was reviewed last year). These two editions are very different when compared side to side, and this 2016 release is clearly superior in terms of the quality, clarity and intensity of its offerings. This Ornellaia delivers glossy shine and a polished texture that segues to important richness, concentration and textural fiber. It wraps thickly over the palate, imparting waves of sweet dark fruit and dark spice that linger for many long minutes. This beautiful wine is hitting the market now, but collectors will want to put it straight into their cellars for safekeeping.”
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “Just bottled, the 2016 Ornellaia is a dense, powerful wine. Naturally, the 2016 is just at the beginning of its life, but I am struck by how polished the tannins are for such a young wine. Ornellaia is at its best starting around age ten, but there is little doubt the 2016 is a hugely promising wine. Black cherry, chocolate, plum, new leather and a range of spice notes all build into a veritable crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Black currant, plum, cedar, lead pencil and toasty, spicy elements highlight this intense red. Muscular tannins line the extended finish, leaving a peppery impression. The parts are all there but need time to integrate. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2043.”
Il Molino di Grace Riserva, Chianti Classico DOCG 2016 750ML ($37.95) $29 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “A sheen of vanilla and toasty oak complements the lush, ripe black cherry and plum fruit in this suave Chianti Classico. Focused and well-structured, showing fine balance and a long finish that brings tobacco and orange peel hints into play. Best from 2022 through 2040. 4,500 cases made, 350 cases imported. — BS”
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Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Streamlined and elegant, this mid-weight red trots out notes of grilled herb and dark fruit nuances that segue to spice, tilled earth and savory tobacco, with great complexity. This 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardenga is still a bit closed and tight, but this beautiful wine boasts all the best qualities of this vintage. It shows elegance and power, two contrasting characteristics that only work well together in the world’s most achieved expressions. The most satisfying aspect of this Riserva is the crisp acidity on the close that keeps the palate refreshed and ready for the next sip.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “This red offers density and focus, creating an ideal frame for the cherry, strawberry, almond, leather and earth flavors. A firm backbone of tannins lends structure and the finish persists, leaving an accent of bitter almond. Best from 2022 through 2040. —B.S.”
Antonio Galloni 92+ points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva shows all the quality and pedigree of the year in its layered personality and overall nuance. Cedar, dried cherry, game licorice and tobacco convey the darker, gamier side of Sangiovese that is such a signature at Fèlsina. The 2016 finishes with terrific energy and bright acids that suggest it will enjoy a long life in the cellar, but readers should plan on giving it at least a few years in bottle.”
Grapelive 93 points “One of the greatest vintages I’ve tasted of Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) labeled, Chianti Classico wines has to be the 2016….certainly this black label Riserva is a do not miss for Sangiovese lovers.…The 2016 black label Chianti Classico Riserva is wonderfully supple and densely packed with luxurious fruit and solid length, while retaining a fresh feel and balance with a range of flavors including blackberry, plum, black cherry, mulberry and currant fruits along with a subtle wave of mocha, minty herb, spicy cut tobacco leaf, dried flowers and cedar, adding an a touch of anise, leather and a lingering liqueur note. This bottling, while not surprising given Fèlsina’s record of quality, does raise an eyebrow for its value and purity of form in this price point, you’d most likely be happy with this wine’s performance at twice the asking price, I should have bought many more bottles! Time in the glass brings out more and more with a poised mineral element emerging along with pretty floral intensity adding class to the almost lavish nature of the fruit core, it is hard not to finish the bottle too quickly and patience is definitely rewarded.…The rolling hills of Castelnuovo are covered with chalky, rocky calcareous soils, with primarily marl, a common characteristics in Chianti, along with layers of sandstone and clay, along with ancient marine sediments rich in minerals all facing the path of the sun that allows for ripe fruit, concentration and refined tannins, while retaining energy with natural acidity. This Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva was a special selection of top sites, carefully sorted with de-stemmed grapes that were fermented and macerated in temperature controlled stainless steel vats with gentle punchdowns and pump overs to ensure perfect extraction after which the wine was aged in a combination of large Slovenian oak casks and twice and three time filled French oak barriques for between 12 to 16 months before the final blend was assembled to taste in the cellar. This dark garnet and delicately perfume Chianti Classico Riserva matches robust cuisine and or aged Pecorino (hard) cheeses and gains an extra dimension with air, this is everything you’d want from a 100% Sangiovese!”
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Talenti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Editor’s Choice. Rose petal, crushed mint, woodland berry and eucalyptus aromas slowly take shape on this delicious full bodied red. It’s linear and elegantly structured, featuring juicy Marasca cherry, cranberry, licorice and cocoa alongside firm velvety tannins. It closes on an orange-zest note. Drink 2023–2035.”
James Suckling 96 points “There’s freshness galore here i,n the form of orange zest and citrus peel. But this Brunello isn’t short on power either; red licorice, cardamom and dried hibiscus pepper the nose. To support the ripe fruit are layers of sinewy tannins and gliding acidity, making for an altogether sophisticated and edgy impression. Refined and elegant on the long finish. Drink from 2023.”
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 95 points “Bright vibrant red-ruby. Inviting aromas of red plum, mocha, redcurrant jam, tobacco, and gently smoky herbs. Bright, silky and suave, with mellow flavors of redcurrant, red plum, tobacco and mocha. Multilayered and extremely stylish wine, finishing with polished tannins, outstanding balance and subtle persistence. So well-balanced in fact, this gorgeous Brunello is almost deceptively easy to drink and can practically be accessed even now. Very well done.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Well-delineated black cherry and black currant flavors are matched to graphite, earth and wild herb accents in this powerful red. Balanced in a broad-shouldered way, this leaves a vibrant impression on the lingering finish. Best from 2023 through 2042. 2,700 cases made, 380 cases imported.”
Cordella Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Case-6 Cordella Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($249.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points “Fascinating aromas of dried oranges, blackberries and black truffles follow through to a full body, fine and integrated tannins and a flavorful finish. Very well-crafted. Made from organic grapes. Drink or hold.”
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Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
James Suckling 98 points “Extremely perfumed and decadent with dried flowers and spices and fresh mushrooms. Cherries,too. Full body. Solid core of fruit, yet ever so fine tannins. Goes on for minutes. Such beautifully crafted tannins. Drink after 2021.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Enticing aromas of ripe wild berry, iris, camphor and sunbaked soil take shape in the glass. Full in feel and enveloping, the smooth, delicious palate doles out juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry jam, licorice and tobacco while firm, velvety tannins provide support. It boasts concentration and structure but also balance, thanks to the fruit richness and freshness. Drink 2023–2030.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona estate enjoys a beautiful and huge expanse of vineyards at the back of the Castelnuovo dell’Abate village, where the downward slope of the hamlet meets the Orcia River, which delineates the appellation border. The estate’s 2015 Brunello di Montalcino offers lovely harmony and elegance. The wine’s taste profile follows the soft contours and beautiful horizons that characterize this beautiful part of Tuscany. The mouthfeel is medium-weight but carefully balanced with just enough acidity to add brightness. It shows just enough backbone to guarantee staying power and longevity. That said, the tannins are carefully integrated into the delicate fiber of the wine. This is no doubt one of the most graceful Brunellos to emerge from the 2015 vintage.”
Casanova di Neri Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($34.95) $26.60 special
Case-6 Casanova di Neri Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($199.95) $149 special (that’s only $24.83/bottle!)
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Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98+ points “Giacomo Neri and his family have crafted a wine that impresses from the first sip forward (especially when the wine is given ample time to open). The Casanova di Neri 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova must be treated with patience, and that patience is returned with many great rewards. Blackberry, plum and summer cherry are slowly folded into lasting flavors of spice, leather and beautiful balsam or medical herb. These are always a distinctive signature of this estate. The aromas flow with seamless transitions, and that fluid and ever-changing nature of the bouquet is what helps to build intensity and staying power. Fruit is harvested from a south- and southeast-facing slope at 250 to 300 meters above sea level. The soils are mixed loosely with crushed rock, allowing access to air and moisture. Indeed, pretty mineral accents appear as the wine takes on more air in the glass. What stands out most in this Brunello is the quality of the bouquet that is rigid and firm, yet not excessively so. You feel the structural texture of the wine as it sits firmly over the palate, yet there is mobility and softness to its many moving parts. I tasted this wine at various intervals over a 24-hour period. Tenuta Nuova was bottled in June 2018, and some 70,032 bottles were released.”
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 96 points “Bright full red. Redcurrant, red cherry, violet, sweet spices, and orange zest on the scented nose. Not in the quite sweet and fleshy style this bottling is famous for, but suave and very well delineated, with the orange peel note providing inner-palate lift. Closes very clean with excellent length.”
Eric Guido – Vinous 96 points “The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova was quite restrained at first, requiring time in the glass to fully blossom, as subtle red berry fruits slowly gain volume and are then complemented by sweet red florals with hints of exotic spice, peppery herbs, and dusty minerals. On the palate, silky textures flood the senses with rich red berry fruits and sweet herbal tones, leaving hints of savory spice and minerals in their wake. The finish is long and unexpectedly fresh, showing the first hints of round tannins under a top note of sweet cherry, plum and a hint of black tea. There is so much going on here, yet it is all densely wrapped up in its youthful state.”
Argiano Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($74.95) $54.50 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “This is a terrific wine and one of the new releases from Montalcino that I happily include on a short list of top recommendations. The Argiano 2015 Brunello di Montalcino shows a very lively bouquet that is already singing despite the young age of this new release. The wine opens to a dark ruby color with garnet highlights. The bouquet shows a large span of wild berry, earth, licorice spice and medicinal herb aromas. This vintage also reveals a pretty floral character with dried rose potpourri and lavender buds. After fermentation, the wine is aged slowly for 30 months in large oak botte (including 10-, 30- and 50-hectoliter capacity), thus restricting oxygen and gently slowing its evolution. However, the 2015 vintage is naturally expressive and exuberant, and that’s the main takeaway here.”
James Suckling 95 points “Very floral on the nose with plums, rose petals and freshly sliced porcini mushrooms. The palate is tight and compressed with beautiful ripe fruit, wet earth and cool, stone flavors. A structured and impressive wine. Drink after 2022.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 94 points “The nose is dark and rich, showing ripe black cherry and sweet herbs, with notes of tobacco, hints of mocha, and brown spice. On the palate, soft textures give way to sweet red fruits, showing wonderful purity and finesse, which was completely unexpected following the powerful bouquet that greeted me, as the 2015 Sesti becomes even more savory in the glass. The finish is long, energetic yet clean, with brisk acids making the mouth water, and remnants of red berry fruit and inner florals echoing throughout. The longer I spend with the glass, the more I like it.”
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info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
Vinopolis is an independent wine shop in Portland that opened in 2004. Our goal has always been to offer the finest, broadest, and largest selection of wines at the best prices to our customers in Portland, in Oregon, across the West Coast, and throughout the United States. Thank you for reading and for continuing to support our team.
Stay safe, be well, & drink well.
Stay safe, be well, & drink well.