Jump Start Sale; 48 Hour Cristom Stocking Stuffing Sale; New Arrivals From Bollinger, Cameron, Cayuse, Colgin and More; New Reviews for Ingrid Groiss; New Champagnes; 2015 Beaujolais Staff Pick
Jump Start Sale
Arriving Tuesday, December 5th
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin La Grande Dame Brut, Champagne 2006 750ML ($169.95) $99 pre-arrival specialJohn Gilman 94+ points “The final blending of the 2006 La Grande Dame was completed prior to Dominique Demarville joining the team at Veuve Clicquot, so we will have to wait for the release of the 2008 version to see his impact on this bottling. The 2006 Grande Dame is a blend of fifty-three percent pinot noir and forty-seven percent chardonnay and was finished with a dosage of eight grams per liter. The wine is excellent, wafting from the glass in a complex blend of apple, pear, wheat toast, fine minerality, a touch of smokiness and a nice note of caraway seed in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, deep and complex, with elegant mousse, fine focus and grip and a very long, vibrant and zesty finish. This is drinking beautifully, but has the balance to age long and gracefully as well. High class juice. 2016-2040.”
Champagne Guide 96 points “(disgorged early 2014; 53% pinot noir, largely from Verzy and Verzenay, with a touch of Bouzy, Ambonnay and Ay; 47% chardonnay, predominantly from Avize, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger; 8g/L dosage). In response to the generous, rounded, supple 2006 season, Demarville’s predecessor, Jacques Peters, increased the share of chardonnay in his final La Grande Dame. Demarville confessed to some nervousness at launching the 2006 after the caliber of the linear and refined 2004. The two seasons certainly stand in contrast, with the 2006 already much more approachable and immediate. It launches confidently into generous, rich ginger, honey, toast, roast nuts and brioche, well into its phase of secondary evolution, yet in no way broad or developed. Citrus-zest liveliness defines a honed focus, while a fine chalk mineral structure keeps the finish lively and energetic.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The prestigious 2006 La Grande Dame is made from 47% Chardonnay and 53% Pinot Noir, and assembles the fruit of eight grand cru villages. Very intense and complex on the nose, this is a full-bodied, round, rich and mouth-filling, but also refined prestige cuvée; it reveals a fascinating purity, precision and freshness. The finish is long and complex, and shows a spicy minerality. There are coffee beans, bread and toast aromas in the aftertaste. This comes highly recommended.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “A waft of spring blossom draws you into this elegant Champagne, whose subtle notes of poached quince, toasted brioche and mandarin orange gracefully ride the satiny mousse, supported by a vibrant backbone of acidity. Disgorged February 2016. Drink now through 2029.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $153
The average listed price is $153
48 Hour Stocking Stuffer Sale
2014 Cristom Single-Vineyard Half Bottles
Just Arrived!
Cristom Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 375ML ($34.95) $26 regularly, $21.90 Stocking Stuffer SaleWine & Spirits 95 points “Perhaps the best this to be said about this wine is how much it compelled us to want to drink more of it. Grown at Cristom’s highest-elevation vineyard, this is captivating, by turns propulsive and generous, light and penetrating, invigorating in its earthy lavender scents, its wisp of bergamot and cherry. Fully ripe, it maintains a light tone, propelled by vigorous acidity and suspended by a pulsing, mineral grip.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Brilliant red. Highly fragrant, expansive scents of ripe red berries, Asian spices, blood orange and candied rose; a smoky mineral element builds in the glass. Silky and seamless in texture, offering palate-staining raspberry and floral pastille flavors that show a striking interplay of depth and vivacity. Closes sweet, gently tannic and impressively long, delivering lingering notes of emphatic red berry, spice and floral pastille.”
Burghound 93 points “A strikingly perfumed nose mixes notes of spice, Asian-style tea, rose petal and a lovely range of red berry fruit aromas. The ultra-pure and sleek middle weight flavors possess excellent delineation while exhibiting outstanding complexity and sneaky good length on the impeccably well-balanced finale. This elegant effort is positively Volnay-esque in character and it is highly recommended.”
Wine Advocate 92+ points “Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Pinot Noir Eileen is closed to begin with, opening out to expressive Bing cherry, pomegranate and cinnamon stick notes plus suggestions of dried bay leaves, dusty earth and cloves. Medium-bodied, the palate is very fine, fresh and spicy, with wonderfully ripe, silt-like tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with baking spice nuances.” -LPB
This is the only listing in the USA today for the 375ml!
The average price for the 750ml is $58
The average price for the 750ml is $58
Cristom Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 375ML ($34.95) $26 regularly, $21.90 Stocking Stuffer Sale
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Deep red. Ripe black raspberry and cherry cola scents are complemented by suggestions of exotic floral oils, Indian spices and woodsmoke. Plush, sweet and sappy on the palate, offering concentrated red and dark berry and cherry liqueur flavors that become more lively with aeration. In a rich but decidedly vibrant style, thanks to a spine of juicy acidity. Finishes smooth, focused and extremely long, with building spiciness and smooth, gently gripping tannins.”
Wine Advocate 92+ points “Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Pinot Noir Jessie Vineyard displays a beautiful perfume of violets, lavender and kirsch with suggestions of black raspberries, tilled earth, wild thyme and black pepper. Light to medium-bodied, it fills the mouth with delicate red fruit and earthy layers, framed by firm, grainy tannins, finishing with an herbal lift.” -LPB
James Suckling 92 points “Aromas of dried strawberries, figs and hints of toffee follow through to a full body, round and velvety tannins and a juicy finish. Drink now.”
Burghound 92 points “A pretty, expressive and relatively high-toned nose offers up layered aromas of raspberry, cherry, spice elements and a hint of rose petal. The succulent, delicious, round and seductively textured medium weight flavors that deliver excellent depth and persistence on the well-balanced finish. This is really lovely and like the Eileen could be enjoyed young or cellared to good effect.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Deep red. Ripe black raspberry and cherry cola scents are complemented by suggestions of exotic floral oils, Indian spices and woodsmoke. Plush, sweet and sappy on the palate, offering concentrated red and dark berry and cherry liqueur flavors that become more lively with aeration. In a rich but decidedly vibrant style, thanks to a spine of juicy acidity. Finishes smooth, focused and extremely long, with building spiciness and smooth, gently gripping tannins.”
Wine Advocate 92+ points “Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Pinot Noir Jessie Vineyard displays a beautiful perfume of violets, lavender and kirsch with suggestions of black raspberries, tilled earth, wild thyme and black pepper. Light to medium-bodied, it fills the mouth with delicate red fruit and earthy layers, framed by firm, grainy tannins, finishing with an herbal lift.” -LPB
James Suckling 92 points “Aromas of dried strawberries, figs and hints of toffee follow through to a full body, round and velvety tannins and a juicy finish. Drink now.”
Burghound 92 points “A pretty, expressive and relatively high-toned nose offers up layered aromas of raspberry, cherry, spice elements and a hint of rose petal. The succulent, delicious, round and seductively textured medium weight flavors that deliver excellent depth and persistence on the well-balanced finish. This is really lovely and like the Eileen could be enjoyed young or cellared to good effect.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the 375ml!
The average price for the 750ml is $59
The average price for the 750ml is $59
Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 375ML ($34.95) $26 regularly, $21.90 Stocking Stuffer Sale
James Suckling 93 points “Aromas of toffee, ripe fruit and chocolate follow through to a full body, soft tannins and walnut/hazelnut undertones. Soft-textured. Delicious finish. Drink or hold.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2014 Pinot Noir Louise Vineyard has subtle red berry and dried herb notes with suggestions of potpourri, charcoal and raspberry leaves and hints of cardamom and forest floor. Medium-bodied with a good core of black cherry and black raspberry notes with hints of underbrush, garrigue, fungi and lavender. It is a more structured style, with firm chewy tannins and soft acidity, finishing long and earthy.”-LPB
James Suckling 93 points “Aromas of toffee, ripe fruit and chocolate follow through to a full body, soft tannins and walnut/hazelnut undertones. Soft-textured. Delicious finish. Drink or hold.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2014 Pinot Noir Louise Vineyard has subtle red berry and dried herb notes with suggestions of potpourri, charcoal and raspberry leaves and hints of cardamom and forest floor. Medium-bodied with a good core of black cherry and black raspberry notes with hints of underbrush, garrigue, fungi and lavender. It is a more structured style, with firm chewy tannins and soft acidity, finishing long and earthy.”-LPB
This is the only listing in the USA today for the 375ml!
The average price for the 750ml is $59
The average price for the 750ml is $59
Sale Pricing Ends Monday, December 4th at 11:59 PM
New Arrivals:
Oregon / Washington
Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2015 750ML ($79.94) $69 special
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cameron Winery Nebbiolo, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Winery note “Our 2013 Nebbiolo is denominated “Willamette Valley” because the wine is a blend of fruit from Clos Electrique (Dundee Hills AVA) and Foster Farms (Ribbon Ridge AVA). It is garnet red, with a complex bouquet of tart cherries, rosehips, tobacco and dried orange peel. The palate has bright acidity, a long finish and firm “sand on the teeth” tannins that typify the Nebbiolo grape. Just like the “real deal” from Northern Piedmont!”
Winery note “Our 2013 Nebbiolo is denominated “Willamette Valley” because the wine is a blend of fruit from Clos Electrique (Dundee Hills AVA) and Foster Farms (Ribbon Ridge AVA). It is garnet red, with a complex bouquet of tart cherries, rosehips, tobacco and dried orange peel. The palate has bright acidity, a long finish and firm “sand on the teeth” tannins that typify the Nebbiolo grape. Just like the “real deal” from Northern Piedmont!”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $41.99
The next best price is $41.99
Cayuse Vineyards En Cerise Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2014 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2014 Syrah En Cerise was a touch more streamlined and reticent on this occasion, yet still offers beautiful black cherry and cassis fruits, underbrush and a hint of espresso roast in a full-bodied, silky, elegant style. Like all of Christophe’s wines, it will benefit from short-term cellaring.”
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2014 Syrah En Cerise was a touch more streamlined and reticent on this occasion, yet still offers beautiful black cherry and cassis fruits, underbrush and a hint of espresso roast in a full-bodied, silky, elegant style. Like all of Christophe’s wines, it will benefit from short-term cellaring.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2014 750ML ($179.95) $149 specialJeb Dunnuck-Wine Advocate 97 points “There are 533 cases of the 2014 Grenache God Only Knows Armada Vineyard, and as always, it’s an unknown blend that’s dominated by Grenache (reportedly from vine cuttings from Rayas). It’s fermented with just about 100% whole clusters in concrete and aged mostly in neutral puncheons and foudre, with one concrete egg. A bigger, richer wine than the No Girls cuvee, this beauty packs a punch in its black cherry, reduced strawberry, herbes de Provence and crushed violet aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, a supple, elegant style and fine tannin, this singular beauty will benefit from a year or three of cellaring and keep for 10-15 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cayuse Vineyards Wallah Wallah #5 Special Series Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2013 1.5L ($319.95) $279 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 93+ points “(bottled in magnum): Healthy, moderately saturated dark red. Musky aromas of dark berries, mocha and brown spices, plus a hint of creamy vanilla. Savory and youthfully tight; offering less early sex appeal than the 2012 version but this wine possesses an impressive thickness and finishes with big, broad tannins that suggest a slow evolution in bottle. Distinctly saline and backward–and perhaps less distinctive today than the single-vineyard Syrah bottlings from Cayuse. This wine represents Baron’s tribute to Jamet’s Côte-Rôtie, which is a blend of multiple sites.”
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 93+ points “(bottled in magnum): Healthy, moderately saturated dark red. Musky aromas of dark berries, mocha and brown spices, plus a hint of creamy vanilla. Savory and youthfully tight; offering less early sex appeal than the 2012 version but this wine possesses an impressive thickness and finishes with big, broad tannins that suggest a slow evolution in bottle. Distinctly saline and backward–and perhaps less distinctive today than the single-vineyard Syrah bottlings from Cayuse. This wine represents Baron’s tribute to Jamet’s Côte-Rôtie, which is a blend of multiple sites.”
California
Colgin Cellars IX Estate Red, Napa Valley 2014 750ML ($699.95) Was $589, Now $499 specialRobert Parker 98+ points “From their steep hillside vineyards on Pritchard Hill, the 2014 Proprietary Red IX Estate is an old-fashioned Médoc blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, but with some Cabernet Franc (rarely seen in the Médoc these years) as well as Merlot and Petit Verdot. Striking aromatics of violets, forest floor, loamy soil nuances, blueberry, black raspberry and blackberry soar from the glass of this spectacular 2014. The acidity seems reasonable but on the lower side, the texture is magnificent, and the overall purity and equilibrium flawless. This is a wine pushing, even demanding, a three-digit score once again, but I’m holding back – at least for now. This magnificent effort from Colgin should drink beautifully for 25-30 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $575
The average listed price is $575
France – Champagne
Bollinger La Grande Annee Brut, Champagne 2004 750ML ($149.95) $128 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Bollinger’s 2004 Brut La Grand Année is a beautiful wine with a lot of vintage character, but the style is a bit less oxidative than Bollinger fans are likely to expect. Pears, hazelnuts, spices and crushed rocks all flow through to the tense, vibrant finish. It will be interesting to see if the 2004 puts on weight in the bottle, as so many wines from this vintage have. Today, it is bright, linear and quite pretty. Green apples, pears and flowers all add lift on the close.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Bollinger’s 2004 Brut La Grand Année is a beautiful wine with a lot of vintage character, but the style is a bit less oxidative than Bollinger fans are likely to expect. Pears, hazelnuts, spices and crushed rocks all flow through to the tense, vibrant finish. It will be interesting to see if the 2004 puts on weight in the bottle, as so many wines from this vintage have. Today, it is bright, linear and quite pretty. Green apples, pears and flowers all add lift on the close.”
Andre Clouet Un Jour de 1911… Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Importer note: 100% Pinot Noir with 5 g/L dosage. 50% 2008 and 50% reserve wine from a 10 year old solera.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
France – Bordeaux
Chateau Malescot St Exupery, Margaux 2010 750ML ($149.95) $119 specialRobert Parker 95 points “Gorgeous, flowery, classic Margaux once again, the 2010 Malescot St.-Exupery continues to show virtually no toasty oak, given the impeccable balance and full-bodied, full-throttle style it possesses. Black raspberries, creme de cassis and spring floral notes intermixed with forest floor and a hint of charcoal are followed by an opulent, sexy, full-bodied wine whose tannins have become much sweeter, while the wine is less restrained yet still exuberant and impressive. This is a phenomenal example once again for this estate, harmonious in every sense of style, extraordinarily long, rich and ageworthy. Three to four years of bottle age will do wonders to make it more accessible, but this wine is set for 25-30 years of longevity.”
Italy – Piedmont
Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2014 Barbaresco is a beautiful wine that encompasses the important qualities that we look for in fine Nebbiolo. Ultimately, this is the kind of vintage that transfers best to the delicate grape. It saw a long growing season (Nebbiolo loves a late harvest) and steep diurnal temperature shifts to lock in the freshness of aromas. The mouthfeel is a bit thinner in texture, but it delivers plenty of beautiful length and endurance instead. It offers crisp tones of cherry fruit with licorice, wet earth and blue flowers. The line of Barbaresco Riserva wines from the various single vineyards will be made in 2014 (and will be released in early 2018).”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2014 Barbaresco is fabulous. Lifted in the glass, with striking perfume and captivating translucency, the Produttori’s Barbaresco captures all the elements that make this vintage so compelling. Today, the 2014 is very, very young. What stands out most is its textural finesse and balance. It will be a number of years before the aromas and flavors are fully expressive. The only thing that might come as a surprise is the touch of new cask in this wine. Otherwise, the 2014 is one of the finest editions of the straight Barbaresco I can remember tasting, not to mention a superb example of how magnificent this vintage is in Barbaresco. Don’t miss it. As a postscript, the Produttori will release 2014 Riservas as well.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2014 Barbaresco is a beautiful wine that encompasses the important qualities that we look for in fine Nebbiolo. Ultimately, this is the kind of vintage that transfers best to the delicate grape. It saw a long growing season (Nebbiolo loves a late harvest) and steep diurnal temperature shifts to lock in the freshness of aromas. The mouthfeel is a bit thinner in texture, but it delivers plenty of beautiful length and endurance instead. It offers crisp tones of cherry fruit with licorice, wet earth and blue flowers. The line of Barbaresco Riserva wines from the various single vineyards will be made in 2014 (and will be released in early 2018).”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2014 Barbaresco is fabulous. Lifted in the glass, with striking perfume and captivating translucency, the Produttori’s Barbaresco captures all the elements that make this vintage so compelling. Today, the 2014 is very, very young. What stands out most is its textural finesse and balance. It will be a number of years before the aromas and flavors are fully expressive. The only thing that might come as a surprise is the touch of new cask in this wine. Otherwise, the 2014 is one of the finest editions of the straight Barbaresco I can remember tasting, not to mention a superb example of how magnificent this vintage is in Barbaresco. Don’t miss it. As a postscript, the Produttori will release 2014 Riservas as well.”
Italy – Veneto
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore, Veneto 2010 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2010 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is more precise and focused compared to the 2011 edition that I tasted at the estate at the same time. This was not an easy vintage in Valpolicella compared to other parts of Italy that enjoyed a classic growing season. Instead, this Northern corner of Italy suffered from heavy rains and some hail damage. Overall yields were lower as a result. But the wine sings in terms of its brightness and aromatic intensity today. The expressive bouquet covers all the bases from black fruit to spice to drying mineral or flint. All of these elements conspire to bring robust flavors together with smooth and seamless transitions.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2010 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is more precise and focused compared to the 2011 edition that I tasted at the estate at the same time. This was not an easy vintage in Valpolicella compared to other parts of Italy that enjoyed a classic growing season. Instead, this Northern corner of Italy suffered from heavy rains and some hail damage. Overall yields were lower as a result. But the wine sings in terms of its brightness and aromatic intensity today. The expressive bouquet covers all the bases from black fruit to spice to drying mineral or flint. All of these elements conspire to bring robust flavors together with smooth and seamless transitions.”
New Grapelive Review
Ingrid Groiss’ Stunning Austrian Whites
Weingut Ingrid Groiss ‘In der Schablau’ Gruner Veltliner Reserve, Weinviertel 2015 750ML ($41.95) $38 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 94 points “Ingrid’s rich textured Gruner Reserve In Der Schablau 2015 is a gorgeous white wine that reveals another side of Austria’s signature varietal, grown on loess, sand and gravel soils in the town of Zeirsdorf within DAC Weinviertel north of Vienna, not far from Groiss’ hometown of Breitenwaida not far from the Czech Republic border. Brilliant in detail and energy this wonderful expression of Gruner Veltliner has a decedent mouth feel and an almost white Burgundy like class and grace, it’s shows a denser and riper side of Gruner that is sensual and seductively entertaining from start to finish, it’s more a Smaragd (a dry white that is at least 12.5%) with 13% alcohol it’s a deeper wine than you’d might expect. Groiss has gained a huge following in recent years and her wines impress for their natural balance and her passion for her terrior and it’s history which clearly shine through in these wines and if you’ve not discovered her wines yet, you should asap! With a hint of white flowers, saline, mineral and almond oil the 2015 Reserve In Der Schablau starts with crisp acidity, lemon/lime and quince before opening up and filling out on the wide palate, it was aged a full 10 months on the gross lees which adds to the dimension of this glorious Gruner, it gains with every second of time in the glass with it’s pale golden hue grabbing the light while light steely notes and spice provide a nice cut. There’s wild pear, hints of fig, clove as well in this white, which saw only stainless fermentation and aging after a gentile pressing of de-stemmed grapes using vineyard (native) yeasts and 8 hours of maceration on the skins that adds a touch of tannin and savory contrast to the opulent warm vintage fruit and the medium weight body. This is proving to be a great wine, coming from 50+ year old vines, and was a brilliant companion to my Thanksgiving feast, and for which I am very grateful, drink this lovely Gruner over the next 3 to 5 years.”
Grapelive 94 points “Ingrid’s rich textured Gruner Reserve In Der Schablau 2015 is a gorgeous white wine that reveals another side of Austria’s signature varietal, grown on loess, sand and gravel soils in the town of Zeirsdorf within DAC Weinviertel north of Vienna, not far from Groiss’ hometown of Breitenwaida not far from the Czech Republic border. Brilliant in detail and energy this wonderful expression of Gruner Veltliner has a decedent mouth feel and an almost white Burgundy like class and grace, it’s shows a denser and riper side of Gruner that is sensual and seductively entertaining from start to finish, it’s more a Smaragd (a dry white that is at least 12.5%) with 13% alcohol it’s a deeper wine than you’d might expect. Groiss has gained a huge following in recent years and her wines impress for their natural balance and her passion for her terrior and it’s history which clearly shine through in these wines and if you’ve not discovered her wines yet, you should asap! With a hint of white flowers, saline, mineral and almond oil the 2015 Reserve In Der Schablau starts with crisp acidity, lemon/lime and quince before opening up and filling out on the wide palate, it was aged a full 10 months on the gross lees which adds to the dimension of this glorious Gruner, it gains with every second of time in the glass with it’s pale golden hue grabbing the light while light steely notes and spice provide a nice cut. There’s wild pear, hints of fig, clove as well in this white, which saw only stainless fermentation and aging after a gentile pressing of de-stemmed grapes using vineyard (native) yeasts and 8 hours of maceration on the skins that adds a touch of tannin and savory contrast to the opulent warm vintage fruit and the medium weight body. This is proving to be a great wine, coming from 50+ year old vines, and was a brilliant companion to my Thanksgiving feast, and for which I am very grateful, drink this lovely Gruner over the next 3 to 5 years.”
Also in stock now from Ingrid Groiss:
Weingut Ingrid Groiss ‘Braitenpuechttorff’ Gemischter Satz, Weinviertel 2016 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Winery note “Gemischter Satz is a wine from different grape varieties that are grown together in one single vineyard. The grapes grow together, they are harvested and also processed together. It´s the most traditional way of planting in Austria. Among our varieties in the Gemischter Satz are Chardonnay, Müller Thurgau, Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Grauburgunder, Pinot Blanc, Frühroter Veltliner, Neuburger, Zierfandler, Rotgipfler, Sämling, Roter Veltliner, Grauer Vöslauer, Hietl Rote, Weiße Vöslauer and Silberweiße”
Weingut Ingrid Groiss ‘Pankraz’ Gruner Veltliner Reserve, Weinviertel 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
David Schildknecht–Vinous 90-91 points “From old vines on a site near the Schablau, and featuring a similarly complex mix of sand, gravel, conglomerate and marl, this first-time Groiss offering was raised in older 500-liter Austrian oak barrels, with nearly one-third of the fruit having been destemmed by hand and its berries incorporated intact in the fermentation. When I tasted in June, the wine had only just been racked off its gross lees and berry remnants. Lime, rhubarb, white peach and fresh apple project a sense of brightness and primary juiciness that belie the effects of lees and skin contact, though there is also an impressive sense of midpalate density and finishing phenolic grip. Alkaline and chalky notes lend a certain austerity, but a succulent abundance of fresh fruit nicely complements that.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut Ingrid Groiss Sauberg Tradition Gruner Veltliner 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
David Schildknecht–Vinous 90-91 points “From a geologically diverse site, more of which Groiss has recently planted, this was raised in Austrian oak demi-muids and due to have been bottled at the end of summer 2016. At 13.5 percent, it’s the highest-alcohol among her 2015s, and a trace of warmth accompanies its textural richness and sumptuous meld of pear and mirabelle with caramelized parsnip and rutabaga. The resonant, low-toned finish is convincingly persistent and subtly underlain with wet stone.”
David Schildknecht–Vinous 90-91 points “From a geologically diverse site, more of which Groiss has recently planted, this was raised in Austrian oak demi-muids and due to have been bottled at the end of summer 2016. At 13.5 percent, it’s the highest-alcohol among her 2015s, and a trace of warmth accompanies its textural richness and sumptuous meld of pear and mirabelle with caramelized parsnip and rutabaga. The resonant, low-toned finish is convincingly persistent and subtly underlain with wet stone.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Staff Pick:
2015 Beaujolais Edition
Saul:
Guy Breton is the overlooked member of the Gang of Four in Beaujolais. While Foillard and Lapierre have gone on to great glory and sell out from the shop in an instant, Breton (and Thevenet) seem to be the underrated Masters (the Raphael to the Leonardo that is Foillard, so to speak). The wines, though, when you drink them, are brilliant examples of Morgon and Regnie. Cleaner than Thevenet, denser than Lapierre, they occupy a fantastic place in the Beaujolais landscape. Because they aren’t the most of something, though, they often times get a bit lost in the shuffle. That’s a shame, especially since we have the highly lauded 2015’s still hanging around. If you’re after more 2015’s, stop right now and don’t pass go—this is something you should be loading up on. If you haven’t had the Breton wines before, you should give this a try.
Guy Breton is the overlooked member of the Gang of Four in Beaujolais. While Foillard and Lapierre have gone on to great glory and sell out from the shop in an instant, Breton (and Thevenet) seem to be the underrated Masters (the Raphael to the Leonardo that is Foillard, so to speak). The wines, though, when you drink them, are brilliant examples of Morgon and Regnie. Cleaner than Thevenet, denser than Lapierre, they occupy a fantastic place in the Beaujolais landscape. Because they aren’t the most of something, though, they often times get a bit lost in the shuffle. That’s a shame, especially since we have the highly lauded 2015’s still hanging around. If you’re after more 2015’s, stop right now and don’t pass go—this is something you should be loading up on. If you haven’t had the Breton wines before, you should give this a try.
Guy Breton Morgon Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais 2015 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 33+ bottles in stock now
Case- Guy Breton Morgon Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais 2015 750ML ($419.95) $319 special (that’s only $26.58/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “Limpid violet. A seductively perfumed bouquet evokes fresh red berries, Asian spices and potpourri, and subtle cola and licorice nuances emerge with aeration. Juicy and pure on the palate, offering intense raspberry, lavender pastille and spicecake flavors and a refreshingly bitter touch of blood orange. Delivers a serious payload of vibrant berry and spice character without excess weight, and finishes extremely long and nervy, displaying no rough edges and lingering florality.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
New Champagne Offers!
Arriving Wednesday, December 6th
Bereche et Fils Les Beaux Regards Blanc de Blancs, Champagne NV (2013) 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni – Vinous 93 points “Lemon confit, apricot, chamomile, spice and lightly honeyed notes run through the (2013) Les Beaux Regards. The late harvest has given the Beaux Regards a distinctly exotic personality. Rich, powerful and beautifully textured, the 2013 will drink well for many years to come. There is so much to like. Dosage is 3 grams per liter.”
R.H. Coutier Tradition Grand Cru Brut NV 750ML ($49.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-12 R.H. Coutier Tradition Brut NV 750ML ($499.95) $379 pre-arrival special (that’s only $/bottle!)
Importer note “Produced entirely from Grand Cru grapes from the village of Ambonnay, this stunning Brut Tradition shows rich, leesy fruit obtained through extended bottle aging prior to disgorging. Quite vinous in texture, it is full and long with crisp apple fruit notes on the finish and showing some toasty notes in the nose. Very low dosage levels allow the great Ambonnay fruit to shine.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $43
The average price is $43
R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $35.80 pre-arrival special
Case-12 R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($499.95) $399 pre-arrival special (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Importer note “This fine Champagne produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes from the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay is definitely a rarity as this village is known almost exclusively for its Pinot Noir based wines. The golden color with feint hints of green belie the high-toned nature of this fine wine. The nose shows classic apples and white stone fruit blossoms tinged with citrus. A creamy texture with fresh mineral tones and floral notes round out the racy acidity that follow. Very classy stuff…”
Case-12 R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($499.95) $399 pre-arrival special (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Importer note “This fine Champagne produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes from the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay is definitely a rarity as this village is known almost exclusively for its Pinot Noir based wines. The golden color with feint hints of green belie the high-toned nature of this fine wine. The nose shows classic apples and white stone fruit blossoms tinged with citrus. A creamy texture with fresh mineral tones and floral notes round out the racy acidity that follow. Very classy stuff…”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $44
The average price is $44
Gaston Chiquet Carte Verte Premier Cru Brut Tradition, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Gaston Chiquet Carte Verte Premier Cru Brut Tradition, Champagne NV 375ML ($31.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 91 points “[Reviewed Nov 2017] There’s a crunchiness to the texture and acidic frame of this lively Champagne. Balanced overall, offering flavors of Anjou pear, star anise and lemon curd underscored by minerally chalk and smoke accents. Drink now through 2020. 1,100 cases imported.”
Gaston Chiquet Carte Verte Premier Cru Brut Tradition, Champagne NV 375ML ($31.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 91 points “[Reviewed Nov 2017] There’s a crunchiness to the texture and acidic frame of this lively Champagne. Balanced overall, offering flavors of Anjou pear, star anise and lemon curd underscored by minerally chalk and smoke accents. Drink now through 2020. 1,100 cases imported.”
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