Weekend Newsletter – 9-18-20

In Today’s Newsletter:

Hot Off The Press:
Antonio Galloni’s Latest Tuscan Reviews
Featuring: Felsina, Volpaia & Fontodi


The Next Star of Cornas:
Domaine Lionnet


New Wine Advocate Reviews on Champagne

Trending

Ending Soon:
Don’t miss our subscriber sale on Quintessa


Elvio Cogno:
Hot Offer on Latest Releases!


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Hot Off The Press:

Antonio Galloni’s Latest Tuscan Reviews

Featuring: Felsina, Volpaia & Fontodi


Felsina

Coming at the heels of high praise from the Wine Advocate, James Suckling, Decanter and Wine Spectator, it’s no surprise that Galloni was enthusiastic about the 2017 Fontalloro. We’ve always loved this star of the cellar, and we know you’ll love the latest release.

“Fèlsina fans will find much to like in the 2017s… As always, the wines are deep and rich, with that distinct element of wildness that is so characteristic of the Sangioveses of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Even after all these years, Giovanni Poggiali and Giuseppe Mazzocolin, with their team, craft wines of distinction and elegance. Lastly, readers should also check out the wines of sister estate Pagliarese, which are made in a slightly more classic style.” –Antonio Galloni

Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML (69.95) $54.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 points
“$70. Fontalloro is exquisite in 2017. It is also such a contrast to the Rancia, as the two wines could not possibly be more different. Fontalloro is bright and vibrant, with more sweet red Sangiovese character than the darker Rancia. It is also incredibly delicious now, even though it clearly has the energy to age for many years. The 2017 is one of the finest Fontalloros I can remember tasting.”


Volpaia

We love the great wines of Tuscany—there’s something about the heart of Italy that’s utterly captivating.  Perhaps no producer stands out more than Volpaia, whose high-altitude Chiantis have become perhaps our best-selling Chianti, year in and out.  They first came to our attention after placing on the Wine Spectator Top 100.  Since then, their Chianti Classico and Riserva have become favorites for their big, bold personalities.

Our best-selling Chianti is absolutely fantastic in 2018.
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($299.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 92 points
“The 2018 Chianti Classico is a gorgeous, mid-weight wine that captures the essence of the estate’s high-altitude vineyards. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, licorice, mint, pine and cedar are some of the many aromas and flavors that are woven throughout. The 2018 is gracious, inviting and impeccable in its balance.”

Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($41.95) $35.50 special
Case-12 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($499.95) $385 special (that’s only $32.08/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 93 points
“The 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Volpaia is an immensely rewarding, inviting wine. Juicy and racy, with no hard edges, the Riserva captures the allure of this warm, dry year. There is plenty to like in the 2017, starting with its depth and volume, I won’t be surprised if the Riserva turns out to be even better than this note suggests. Sweet red fruit, cedar and blood orange give the 2017 striking aromatic intensity and lift.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Fontodi

Fontodi is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates, and for good reason.  The grapes hail from a classic south-facing amphitheater replete with soils optimal for producing ripe yet balanced Sangiovese.  What results are classically styled Chianti that more than earn their Classico designation.  Unlike the forgettable (or worse yet disappointing) Chianti Classico that we’ve all encountered, Fontori’s wines are effortlessly delicious and harmonious, the gift of such high-quality base material. 

“I tasted a wide range of wines this year from Fontodi and proprietor Giovanni Manetti. The Filetta di Lamole Chianti Classico is a good example of a wine that is often a bit linear, but fills out a bit because of the heat of the growing season. Fontodi’s Chianti Classico is a sort of super-wine in its peer group, as it really has very few peers. It is also quite expressive today. I can’t say the same for the dual flagships Vigna del Sorbo and Flacciannello. Both wines are usually quite showy, but the 2017s are going to demand quite a bit of patience. I also had a chance to revisit the 2016s, which are every bit as magical as they were last year.” –Antonio Galloni 

Newly Reviewed & Arriving in September from Fontodi:

Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 pre-arrival 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.”

Fontodi ‘Filetta di Lamole’, Chianti Classico DOCG 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Fontodi ‘Filetta di Lamole’, Chianti Classico DOCG 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 pre-arrival special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 92 points
“The 2017 Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole is absolutely gorgeous. In 2017, the Filetta di Lamole has a bit more body than usual because of the warmth of the year, and yet it retains its classic sense of energy and mid-weight structure. Crushed red berry, spice, mint, licorice and rose petal all open up in this super-expressive, inviting Chianti Classico.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96+ points
“The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is a dense, packed wine. It is also surprisingly, almost shockingly backward. That is probably a good thing for its long-term aging prospects. Readers hoping to get an early glimpse into the 2017 before it shuts down may have a hard time doing that, as today acids and tannin dominate. I expect the 2017 will be stellar in another 4-5 years and drink well to age 25-30 if not longer. Proprietor Giovanni Manetti gave the 2017 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask.”

Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($199.95) $179 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($1,199.95) $999 pre-arrival special (that’s only $166.50/btl)
Antonio Galloni 97 points
“The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine.”

Also Newly Reviewed by Antonio Galloni:

Sette Ponti makes some of the finest Super Tuscans out there.  While they’re best known for Oreno, their top-end wine, the wine of note in most years is their value-priced Crognolo.  Made with every bit the same care as the flashier Oreno, Crognolo’s Sangiovese dominant blend provides a beautiful drink-now option at less than half the price of the flagship wine. 
Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($39.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($249.95) $132 special (that’s only $22/bottle!) 
Antonio Galloni 90 points
“The 2017 Crognolo is laced with crushed red berry, spice, orange peel and mint flavors. In this vintage, Crognolo is a bit light in body and structured. I would prefer to drink it on the young side.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $30
 
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The Next Star of Cornas:

Domaine Lionnet
 
There’s no two ways around it—Cornas has become the hot AOC in the Northern Rhone, perhaps in France.  Allemand, Clape, Ooka, Paris, etc—prices have been going up, demand has been going up, and wines are in stock for shorter and shorter periods of time.  Against that backdrop, we’re always on the hunt for the next hot producer—someone to stock up on before prices skyrocket and in Domaine Lionnet, we’ve found our next star.

Lionnet is basically the Levet of Cornas—the heir to Robert Michel, stylistically.  In fact, it was Levet that referred Lionnet to Neal Rosenthal, which tells you all you need to know. These are old-school Cornas, made with 100% whole clusters, fermented in cement vats and then aged in older, large barrels.  No new wood, no pretension, and tiny quantities—the domaine only owns 2.2 hectares!  These are classics in every sense of the word and a vintage like 2015 shows off the estate to great effect, with the warmth of the vintage rounding off the tannins and allowing the fruit to fully express itself.

These are wines that you’re going to want to stock up on and then forget about for 10-15 years (like, say, Levet).  When you pull them out, they’re going to be absolutely stunning (a 2004 tasted a few years ago was the wine of a very star-studded night).  Plus, by then these will be in such short supply that you’ll be glad you bought them while you could.

In Stock Now:

Domaine Lionnet Cornas Terre Brulee, Rhone 2015 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points
“The 2015 Cornas Terre Brûlée comes from a total of seven different lieux-dits throughout the appellation (all are granite soils) and was vinified in concrete tanks before spending 18 months in older demi-muids. It offers a classic, traditional feel in its blackberry, peppery herbs, bouquet garni and violets aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, nicely integrated acidity and superb concentration, it’s just another sensational Cornas from this vintage. Bravo to Corinne Lionnet and Ludovic Izerable!”
Grapelive 95+ points “One of my favorite wines and producers, Domaine Lionnet makes an incredible and authentic Cornas that never disappoints this Syrah geek. It’s always a nervy, stemmy wine, but with gracious fruit and textures to balance everything out. I find these wines to have a raw sex appeal and with a dark earthy seduction. In terms of pure Syrah it rarely gets much better than this!… Ludovic’s style is all about nature, with 100% whole cluster, 100% stems and all organic farming. He ferments native and uses long maceration (three weeks) in cement vats before malos in large cask, all well used and never new, with lengthy elevate/aging. There are never any additions or adjustments with just a tiny amount of sulfur. Each parcel is between 40 and 100 years old, including four great lieu-dit sites: Chaillot, Combes, Brugeres and Mazards. [Each is] hand-picked and fermented individually. Each of these Crus add to the whole and give this wine its special personality and chemistry. Domaine Lionnet’s attention to detail really shows in the bottle. These are electric and thrilling wines….A touch of air sets this 100% Syrah alive and releasing an inner perfume of violets, while a meaty wave flows underneath before reaching a climax of earth, spice and a core of black and blue fruit on the full bodied palate showing layers of boysenberry, cassis, blueberry, damson plum and kirsch along with vibrant peppercorns, dried basil, salted black licorice, bacon fat and truffle. This deep garnet hued Cornas lingers on and on recalling the violet and edgy stems for minutes in the aftertaste…If you love Jamet or Allemand you’ll want this wine, and at almost half their price this wine is a rockstar value.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “A terrific wine, the 2015 Cornas Terre Brulee combines smoky notes of grilled plums and meat in a full-bodied format. It’s richly tannic and velvety at the same time, with a finish that’s simultaneously drying (from tannins) and mouthwatering (from juicy fruit). Farmed organically, vinified with stems in concrete and aged in used, large-format oak, Cornas doesn’t get more authentic (or better) than this!”

Speaking of Levet… In Stock Now from Levet:

Vignobles Bernard Levet Cote Rotie La Chavaroche, Rhone 2017 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 96 points
“Dark purple. Ripe dark fruit, floral and spice qualities on the expressive nose, along with hints of licorice, black cardamom, espresso and smoky minerals. Stains the palate with deeply concentrated cassis, bitter cherry and candied violet flavors that slowly unfold and take a sweeter turn through the midpalate. Youthfully chewy tannins add firm grip to a strikingly long, energetic finish that emphatically echoes the cassis and mineral notes. Made with 100% whole clusters.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $88

Vignobles Bernard Levet Cote Rotie Les Journaries, Rhone 2017 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points
“Inky ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berries, licorice, exotic spices and potpourri and shows outstanding definition. Stains the palate with appealingly sweet black raspberry, blueberry and cherry preserve flavors that slowly tighten up on the back half. Shows superb energy and floral lift on an impressively long, focused finish shaped by steadily mounting tannins. This is quite a powerful wine (about 70% of the fruit comes from La Landonne, by the way) for one that checks in at only 13% alcohol. Made entirely with whole clusters.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $74.98

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New Wine Advocate Reviews on Champagne

William Kelley’s recent report on Champagne highlighted a smattering of growers, including some of our favorites. Read his insights and visit our web store to stock up on bubbly!

Nicolas Maillart Platine Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-12 Nicolas Maillart Platine Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($599.95) $419 special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!) 
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points
“Based on the 2015 vintage, complemented by fully 50% reserve wines, the NV Brut Premier Cru Platine ferments in recently used barrels with native yeasts and sees more than six months on the lees before tirage. Offering up aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruits, beeswax, almond paste and white flowers, it’s medium to full-bodied, vinous and concentrated, with lovely depth at the core, brisk acids and a long, sapid finish. It was disgorged in November 2019 with six grams per liter dosage.”
Importer note “63% Pinot Noir, 23% Chardonnay, 14% Pinot Meunier. 50% 2015 and 50% 2014. Dosage 5.5 grams. 70% Villers Allerand, 20% Ecueil, 10% Bouzy.”

Nicolas Maillart Brut Rose Grand Cru, Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) Was $59, Now $49 special, 27 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points
“The new release of Maillart’s NV Brut Rosé Grand Cru is based on the 2015 vintage, complemented by one-third reserve wines, and was disgorged in October 2019 with six grams per liter dosage. Bursting from the glass with expressive aromas of ripe red apples, pears, plums and fresh bread, it’s fleshy and enveloping, with an ample core of fruit, ripe but racy acids and a nicely defined finish. Vinous and charming, it’s a blend of 60% Pinot Noir (some 7% of which is still red wine) and 40% Chardonnay, all from Bouzy.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Nicolas Maillart Premier Cru Extra Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($54.95) $43.50 special, 19 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points
“A blend of equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the NV Extra-Brut Premier Cru was disgorged in February 2019 with three grams per liter dosage. Offering up aromas of crisp green orchard fruit, dried white flowers and citrus oil, it’s medium to full-bodied, racy and incisive, with a perceptibly drier, tangier profile than Maillart’s more enveloping Brut Platine.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $49.99

Pierre Gerbais L’Unique, Champagne NV (2015) 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 9 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points
“A sweet Champagne produced from late-harvested Pinot Blanc from a parcel of ancient vines, the 2015 Doux L’Unique exhibits aromas of pear, fresh apricot and white flowers, followed by a medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy palate that’s sweet but lively. Youthful and expressive, this would make for a beautiful desert wine.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Vilmart & Cie Les Blanches Voies Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Brut, Champagne 2009 750ML ($419.95) $389 special, 1 bottle in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 97 points
“A new lieu-dit cuvée for Vilmart—derived from 60-year-old vines and vinified in barrel for 10 months—debuts with the 2009 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Blanches Voies, a wine that was disgorged in March 2017 with four grams per liter dosage. Wafting from the glass with aromas of crisp yellow pear, beeswax, white flowers, walnuts and brioche, it’s deep, full-bodied and searingly intense, with chalky structuring extract and an incisive spine of acidity. Long and penetrating, this has turned out brilliantly.”

Vilmart & Cie ‘Coeur de Cuvee’ Premier Cru Brut, Champagne 2011 750ML ($159.95) $133 pre-arrival special, 18 bottles available, ETA September
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points
“Disgorged in May 2018 with seven grams per liter dosage, Vilmart’s new 2011 Brut Coeur de Cuvée is showing beautifully, offering up an expressive bouquet of crisp green pear, yellow apple, dried white flowers, English walnuts and spices. Medium to full-bodied, elegantly fleshy and nicely concentrated, it’s a fine-boned, precise rendition of this cuvée, built around ripe but racy acids and complemented by a pinpoint mousse. Vilmart is the sort of grower that succeeds in vintages such as 2011, and this wine met my expectations.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $150

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Trending

Trendy new arrival!
Pendulum Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2018 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Pendulum Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2018 750ML ($219.95) $175 special (that’s only $14.58/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 91 points
“Sleek, yet shows simmering potency in the background. Expressive blackberry, mocha and cinnamon flavors build structure toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2026.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $17

Evening Land “Brasserie 19” Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Evening Land “Brasserie 19” Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 750ML ($419.95) $249 special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
VinopolNote:
Bottled to be the house Pinot Noir for an upscale restaurant group by Evening Land, the famed Willamette producer, the wines are only available to you because the COVID crisis caused the restaurant to default on its commitment. What does that mean? It means an Evening Land wine that was produced and priced to be an exceptional glass pour is now available to you at prices that are hard to believe, given their origins. While the winery (and restaurant) are keeping mum about where exactly the fruit for was sourced, the wine lives up to the expectations we have for an Evening Land wine, especially for the price. They’re made in a more forward, drink-now style than ELV’s other more cellar-oriented releases, so perfect for a quarantine stockpile.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Saint Cosme is one of the notable estates of the Southern Rhone. Louis Barroul is a talented winemaker and is the 14th generation of his family to make wines in the domaine that was founded in the 1500’s. The wines he makes are rich and powerful, with undeniable terroir signatures.  The 2018’s are some of the best wines they’ve yet made.
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2018 750ML ($44.95) $38 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2018 750ML ($269.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2018 1.5L ($89.95) $79 special, 12 magnums in stock now
Wine Advocate 92-94 points
“Blended on the spot from several different barrels, the 2018 Gigondas looks very promising. Asphalt, black cherries and tapenade feature on the nose, while the palate is almost painfully intense, with ample weight, great richness and a long, velvety finish.-JC”
Jeb Dunnuck 92-94 points “Moving to the Gigondas releases, the 2018 Gigondas (which now always includes the grapes that previously went into the Valbelle cuvée) is a drop-dead gorgeous wine that readers should snatch up. Tons of blackberry fruit, peppery herbs, violets, and wildflower notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied Gigondas that has the rounded, sexy style of the vintage front and center. I love it, and while it’s going to be drinkable right out of the gate, it’s going to keep for 15-20 years.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $53 for the 750ml

Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Auslese #10 2018 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 11 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 94 points
“The AP #10 Auslese from the Würzgarten from the Merkelbach brothers is a flat out gorgeous young wine. The bouquet is pure, refined and expressive, offering up scents of pear, strawberry chiffon, bee pollen, a nice touch of slate, spring flowers and lime blossoms. On the palate the wine is pure, fullish, bouncy and complex, with superb focus and grip, lovely filigree, just a touch of botrytis and a long, complex and utterly suave, vibrant finish. This is stunning young Auslese. 2025-2065+.”
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The 2018er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese AP 10 was harvested at 102° Oechsle in the part above the cellar higher up the hill, and was fermented down to fully sweet levels of residual sugar (78 g/l). It offers a beautiful nose of melon, pear, grapefruit, herbs and spices. The wine is delicately creamy yet also subtly zesty on the palate and leaves a beautifully clean and floral feel in the finish. This is a gorgeous wine which remains remarkably pure in the after-taste. 2028-2048.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $44.99

Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2019 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2019 750ML ($319.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
Grapelive 93 points
“My summer has definitely taken a Spanish turn and I’m perfectly okay with that, especially when sipping on the fresh and zippy Ameztoi Rubentis Rosé from the Basque region not far from San Sebastian, which is one of the world’s most unique and exciting pink wines and one of my favorites along with Clos Cibonne and of course Domaine Tempier, these are wines that really capture the season in the glass. This vintage is ultra zesty and refreshing with a pop of spritz and tart layers of red citrus, strawberry, distilled raspberry essence, wet stone, saline and delicate floral tones all in an incredible light and steely form that begs to be quaffed. The iconic Rubentis Getariako Txakolina Rosé, as noted in my prior reviews, was the region’s first pink wine, made from native grapes, both red and white, it is naturally fermented in refrigerated stainless steel tanks utilizing indigenous yeasts from the vineyard. The tanks are closed to preserve natural carbonation from fermentation, which is the preferred style of Getaria. The fermentation tanks, according to importer De Maison Selections, are kept chilled to near 32 degrees Fahrenheit before bottling, which preserves the wine’s delicate, effervescent character and signature electric (spritzy) mousse. Ameztoi does a fantastic lineup of Txakolina wines, White, Red, this thrilling Rosé and a true and seriously rare Champagne style cork finished Rosé as well, all are must try wines from this remote Atlantic influenced region. This Ameztoi Rubentis Rosé is a hyper addictive wine that I will glad push on anyone that is in search of the dry pink high…. This is a wine, as I’ve said before, that proves a wine doesn’t have to be heavy or dense to have a serious impact on the palate, and it delivers a wonderful performance that leaves you always wanting more.”

Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’ Garnatxes en Amfora Priorat 2016 750ML ($44.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’ Garnatxes en Amfora Priorat 2016 750ML ($499.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92 points
“The 2016 Planetes de Nin Garnatxes en Amfora was produced with biodynamically farmed Garnacha that fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in 700- and 1,000-liter terracotta amphorae for seven months. They do two versions, one with a little SO2 and the other without, and the difference is minimal. At first one was more closed, but when it opened up, they were very similar and showed some herbal and raspberry leaf aromas intermixed with wild berries and notions of earth, aromatic and balanced. It has fine tannins and a velvety texture. 7,395 bottles were filled in April 2017.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39.99

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Ending Soon:

Don’t miss our subscriber sale on Quintessa!

Subscriber-Only Special:
Buy 3 or more bottles & receive an 8% discount
That’s $137.08 / bottle!
Sale Ends Sunday at 6 PM Pacific
 
We secured additional stock due to high demand, but only seventeen bottles are now remaining…!
Quintessa Red Rutherford 2016 750ML ($199.95) Displayed Price: $149 pre-arrival special, ETA September 25th
James Suckling 98 points
“Phenomenal aromas of crushed berries, forest fruit, mushrooms and iron. Medium to full body, with layers of soft and refined tannins that follow through to a beautiful finish. Extremely long and refined. This shows depth and structure with balance and harmony. Hard not to open the bottle now and drink it, but it appears to be closing down now. Needs four to five years to show it all.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97+ points “The 2016 Proprietary Red Wine is blended of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carménère, with all fruit coming from the Quintessa estate, and it aged for 20 months in 73% new French oak. Very deep purple-black in color, it comes bounding out of the glass like a pedigree pup with exuberant notions of crème de cassis, warm blueberries and black cherries with hints of redcurrants, kirsch, candied violets, crushed rocks, cigar box and fallen leaves plus a waft of truffles. Full, rich and beautifully laced with layers of floral notes and fragrant earth, the profound black and blue fruits build slowly in the mouth, achieving great energy and depth with a beautiful velvety frame, finishing long and perfumed.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2016 Proprietary Red is a beauty based on 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carménère, all of which spent 20 months in just over 70% new French oak. This inky purple colored 2016 offers a perfumed, complex bouquet of sweet crème de cassis, Asian spices, lead pencil, and cedarwood. Full-bodied and plenty powerful, it shines even more for its flawless balance, polished tannins, and great finish. This is a quintessential, rich, elegant Napa Bordeaux blend to enjoy over the coming two decades or more.”
Decanter 95 points “Black cherry, grilled sage and cedar aromatics, smooth tannins and sweet black cherry fruits on the palate. Relatively low acidities but feels well in balance and this is structured and confident with flesh and laid back confident appeal. 70% new oak. Carménère and Petit Verdot complete the blend.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $190
 
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Elvio Cogno:

Hot Offer on Latest Releases!

Elvio Cogno was instrumental in putting the Ravera cru on the map. Born and raised in Novello, the village associated with the famous vineyard, he left his partnership with Marcarini in his sixties to start his namesake winery in 1990.  He purchased Cascina Nuova, an underperforming but historic estate, and started making classically-styled wines under his own name from the Ravera cru.

The resulting wines have been stupendous ever since, prompting a rush on land in Novello (and Ravera in particular), but no wineries have surpassed the original master and his son-in-law (winemaker since ’96 Valter Fissore—who is arguably even more talented than Elvio).  From their entry level “Cascina Nuova” Barolo up to his Riservas from the choicest parts of his holdings, these are wines that will appeal to every lover of Barolo.

Italian specialists Antonio Galloni of Vinous, Monica Larner of Wine Advocate, and Kerin O’Keefe of Wine Enthusiast all agree: this is a classical estate that over delivers. Year in, year out, these reviewers offer consistently high praise for the wines across multiple vintages and price levels.  

Our first offer of the profound new releases sold quickly, so we just have a handful of bottles here now. Fortunately for you, we have secured additional stock arriving in December. The pricing is so incredible that we’re offering further discounts by the six-pack on the (formerly sold out) Ravera, Cascina Nuova, and Bricco Pernice. 

Incredible Offers In Stock Now / Arriving in December:

Elvio Cogno Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special, ETA December
Case-6 Elvio Cogno Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($719.95) $549 pre-arrival special (that’s only $91.50/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!), ETA December
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 99 points
“Cellar Selection. From the estate that proved the extraordinary quality of the Ravera subzone, this compelling wine opens with heady scents of rose, iris, perfumed berry, new leather and camphor. Focused and full bodied, the precise palate is delicious and firmly structured, featuring ripe red cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and tobacco framed in tightly knit fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it beautifully balanced and lends youthful tension. Drink 2024–2056.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97+ points “Of the many great contributions made by the winemaking team at Elvio Cogno, perhaps the greatest is the importance they brought to the Ravera cru of Novello. Little-known before their efforts, this vineyard has risen in high regard in recent years and continues to show impressive potential. The 2016 Barolo Ravera offers an important education in why this site deserves the spotlight. The wine shows terrific balance and depth, with rich fruit aromas framed by smoke, tar, ferrous earth and tangy licorice. The tannins are softly contoured, and the wine moves over the palate with profound length. Interestingly, two Nebbiolo clones, Lampia and Michet, are blended to make this wine. Some 15,000 bottles are hitting the market now.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2016 Barolo Ravera shows all of the energy and tension this site is so well-known for. Penetrating acids and veins of tannin give the Ravera its drive and overall feel. Naturally, the 2016 is going to need at least a few years to be at its best, but it has tremendous breeding and character to burn. White pepper, mint, sweet red cherry and citrus add to the wine’s high-toned profile. This is another stellar wine from Cogno.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $104

We slashed the in-stock price as a special sneak peek, but the best deal is the pre-arrival six-pack at under $50/bottle!
Elvio Cogno Barolo Cascina Nuova, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($69.95) Was $59, Now $54.50 Subscriber Special, only 12 bottles in stock now!
Case-6 Elvio Cogno Barolo Cascina Nuova, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($419.95) $299 pre-arrival special (that’s only $49.83/bottle!), ETA December
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 96 points
“Rose, woodland berry and baking spice shape the nose along with crushed mint notes on this fragrant red. The savory, polished palate boasts succulent raspberry, ripe strawberry and white pepper before taut tannins and bright acidity reveal a firm, elegant structure. Star anise lingers on the finish. Drink 2023–2036.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “Of the four Elvio Cogno Baroli out on the market now, this wine is the most immediate and accessible of the bunch. Production is an ample 20,000 bottles. The 2016 Barolo Cascina Nuova is a terrific wine with impeccable balance. The bouquet offers dark fruit aromas, licorice, smoke, tar and spice. These aromatic pieces slide together with precision to create an intriguing and multifaceted puzzle. It shows good fruit weight and concentration, reinforced by firm tannins, freshness and a silky mouthfeel. This is a terrific go-to Barolo from a classic vintage. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and then ages for two years in botte grande made with Slavonian oak. “
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Cogno’s 2016 Barolo Cascina Nuova is absolutely gorgeous. Pliant and expressive on the palate, the 2016 has a touch more mid-palate sweetness and texture than in the past, when the wine has been more nervous in feel. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint, wild flowers, cedar, sweet tobacco and anise all open up effortlessly. Silky tannins add to its considerable immediacy and appeal. This is such a pretty wine in its peer group and also a terrific example of how attractive more modestly priced Barolos are in 2016.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
(And it’s even lower by the six-pack!)
The average price is $62

Elvio Cogno Barolo Bricco Pernice, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, only 10 bottles in stock now
Case-6 Elvio Cogno Barolo Bricco Pernice, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($719.95) $619 pre-arrival special (that’s only $103.17/bottle!), ETA December
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 97 points
“Cellar Selection. Enticing scents of rose, iris, perfumed berry and an earthy whiff of truffle shape the fragrant nose on this dazzling wine. The delicious, full-bodied palate boasts structure and a weightless elegance, delivering juicy Marasca cherry, cherry compote, cinnamon and star anise. Taut polished tannins and fresh acidity provide balance and an elegant structure. It’s already irresistible but will also age well for years. Drink 2022–2035.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Elvio Cogno 2015 Barolo Ravera Bricco Pernice delivers the depth, richness and concentration that are a hallmark of this pretty vintage. This wine is a pure expression of the productive Lampia clone of Nebbiolo. Generous layers of blackberry, wild cherry, rose hip, ferrous earth and campfire ash are neatly folded together to build the wine’s intensity. Like the other wines from this estate, the tannic management is spot-on. You are aware of the wine’s youthful structure, but it is delivered without hard edges or sharp points. A mere 4,000 bottles were produced.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2015 Barolo Bricco Pernice is an exotic, beguiling wine. Blood orange, mint, sweet red cherry, star anise and a range of spice notes give the Bricco Pernice striking aromatic and flavor complexity. Medium in body, refined and super-expressive, the 2015 has so much to offer. Best of all, it will drink well with just a few years in bottle. It is such an effortless, gracious wine. Very polished, nuanced and elegant, this silky Barolo has a ton of structure but is also impeccable in its balance.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today, 
Now it’s even lower by the six-pack!

Love Barolo?  We have 87 Barolos currently available.

Shop our entire selection, including famous names like Aldo Conterno, Vietti, Burlotto, Giacomo Conterno, and more on our web store!


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