In Today’s Newsletter:
New Arrivals
Including Eyrie, Colene Clemens
JK Carriere, Frog’s Leap, Dom Perignon
Chandon de Briailles, Montepeloso and More!
New Value Piedmont Wines from Bruna Grimaldi
The Compelling Rocca di Montegrossi
Staff Pick: Great Brunello Riserva
Trending
Collector’s Corner: A Trove of Bonneau
New Arrivals
The new vintage of the WV standard bearer is back in and it’s delightful as usual.
The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points – Editor’s Choice “From the winery that introduced Pinot Gris to America, this is a full-bodied, fleshy and beautifully fruited wine, which delivers the same level of richness and complexity as many top-tier Chardonnays. Robust apple, white peach and green melon flavors are dappled with white pepper, or perhaps daikon radish. The finish seems to carry on indefinitely.”
Winery note “This vintage is highly aromatic, with dense layers of lime, pea shoots, and white strawberry, finishing with a spicy uplift. The texture is round and full. The forepalate is dominated by ripe lychee and passionfruit that hint at sweetness – although the wine is absolutely dry. Flavors of dried sea grass, kiwi, and currants fill out the rich and very long finish. Complex, precise, and substantial, this latest release form Eyrie continues to define the best of Oregon Pinot gris.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
A new bottling from Eyrie, this rosé sparkler is a fun, fresh bubbly that balances richness and zest.
The Eyrie Vineyards ‘Spark’ Sparkling Rose, Willamette Valley NV 750ML ($33.95) $27 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Winery note “55% Pinot noir, 37% Chasselas dore & 8% Pinot blanc. Ultra Brut. 12 months aged on lees. Jory volcanic soil. 31 y/o vines.”
Distributor note “A casual sparkler from an innovative blend of grapes. The initial aroma of pear and citrus rind further develops on the palate over a structure of crisp acids and creamy fruit notes. An initial rush of exuberant bubbles is quickly followed by a soft effervesence. Slight astringency balances the richness from extended lees contact, and deftly carries the finishing tones of blood orange and wild strawberries. The Eyrie Vineyards Sparkling Rose “Spark” are sourced from the Sisters vineyard located in the Dundee Hills which was planted in 1989 at an elevation of 220-330 feet. All of Eyries vineyards are certified and farmed organic. After primary fermentation using all native yeasts, the components were blended and aged for 12 months on the lees in neutral, French oak. The wine went through full malolactic and then underwent forced carbonation (4.1 atmospheres of pressure), with zero dosage added, and was bottled under crown cap.”
A word to the wise: the past few vintages of this wine have sold out before they’ve received their monster scores from Wine Spectator.
Colene Clemens Vineyards ‘Dopp Creek’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Dopp Creek represents the broadest combined expression of our Estate, and embodies our most approachable and versatile wine. Engaging from the moment you pop the cork, rich red fruit and savory herbs lead to a mouthwatering palate of dark fruit and baking spice, with juicy, supple structure supporting it through a clean finish. This wine drinks impressively now, but having a few bottles in the cellar for four to six years won’t hurt!”
Eyrie seems to excel in warm vintages and the ’16 WV is another classic. Beautiful graceful and classic, these wines from Eyrie have helped define the region’s style for two generations.
The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($34.95) $30.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 92 points “The pale to medium ruby-purple colored 2016 Pinot Noir has a nose of fresh cranberries, raspberries and warm red cherry jam with hints of smoked meat, peppercorn and warm earth. Light to medium-bodied and very vibrant in the mouth, it offers warm red fruit preserves and dried red flowers framed by very fine, grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity, finishing long with savory nuances. 3,500 cases produced.”
James Suckling 92 points “This has a beautifully detailed, sliced-strawberry and cherry-scented nose with a fluid, round and nicely structured palate that offers good length and depth. Impressive balance. Drink in the next five years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Limpid red. Fresh dark berries, cherry pit, pungent flowers and a hint of smoky minerals on the perfumed nose. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering spice-tinged bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors supported by a spine of zesty acidity. Picks up licorice candy and savory herb notes with air and finishes long, smoky and smooth, silky tannins sneaking in late. This Pinot shows the richness of the vintage as well as the light touch that distinguishes Jason Lett’s wines.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points – Cellar Selection “This aromatic wine mixes hints of thimbleberries with a light whiff of compost. The flavors follow in line, with wild raspberry fruit and a bit of mocha. It’s firmly anchored in svelte ripe tannins, and just a touch of chocolate. As with virtually all Eyrie Pinots, this should age nicely for a decade at least. Drink now to 2030.”
This hails from the oldest vines of the estate (though is bearing a new label) and is always the most profound, impressive Pinot Eyrie makes.
The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines Reserve Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This has quite a haunting edge to the nose (older vines at 47 years here), this has a very fragrant, supple and finely fruited and appealing feel with plenty of earth, foresty nuances and delicate spices in tow. The palate has a very resolved, deep and elegant feel. The tannins are fine and delicate at the surface and fully underwrite the palate in every corner. The fresh, spicy red cherries hold long, fresh and vibrant. Drink or hold.”
This is the flagship bottling for JK Carriere and in a really handy half-bottle format.
J.K. Carriere Vespidae Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2016 375ML ($24.95) $20.90 special, 12 half-bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Youthful magenta color. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh raspberry, cherry, savory herbs and allspice, along with a suave floral topnote. Juicy and lithe on entry, then more broad on the mid-palate, offering appealingly red fruit liqueur, bitter cherry flavors and suggestions of candied flowers and licorice. Finishes spicy and long, with repeating florality and smooth, slow-building tannins. (30% new French oak).”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Distinctive, well-built and appealingly savory, with cherry, smoky underbrush and clove accents that take on structure toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2025. 791 cases made.”
James Suckling 92 points “An earthy edge here with brambly, ripe black cherries and a succulent array of juicy, fleshy cherries on the palate. This has a very plush feel with plenty of fine detail. Drink now.”
This is old-school Rutherford cabernet (under 14% abv) at a stellar price for the quality.
Frog’s Leap Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2016 750ML ($69.95) $45 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown from Frog’s Leap is dark, bold and luscious, with generous dark cherry, plum spice, leather. Forward and supple, the 2016 will drink well right out of the gate, and yet it also has enough freshness to age nicely for a number of years. In 2016, the Cabernet has gorgeous depth to play off a classic, mid-weight sense of structure. This is a positively joyous Cabernet Sauvignon from Frog’s Leap.”
Decanter 92 points World Wine Awards ” 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot. Powerful and rich with luscious blackcurrant compote, wood smoke, cedar and leather. Grippy tannins and wonderfully balanced toasty oak leads to a delightful finish.”
Bright, fresh and delicious, we’re very excited to offer this for under $22/bottle.
Frog’s Leap Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($37.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “Carneros Chardonnay at its very best: pure, clean, fresh, restrained, drinkable. A unique combination of barrel fermentation followed by extended “sur lie” aging in concrete vats. Balance and restraint in a varietal not always associated with these traits.”
Merlot is cool again and this wine from the Napa masters shows that Rutherford is a great terroir for it.
Frog’s Leap Merlot, Rutherford 2015 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Extravagant plum fruit aromas enriched by the lush flavors that Merlot is famous for. Grown in cool clay soils, this wine shows why some of the rarest and most expensive wines in the world start with Merlot. Miles was an idiot!”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Zinfandel under 14% is a hard thing to find, indeed. This is brambly, spicy and berry fruited. Perfect with barbeque or a roast chicken.
Frog’s Leap Zinfandel, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($37.95) $24 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Delightful aromas of summer-berry conserve combined with a touch of spice and fresh fruit flavors. A Zinfandel that draws its power from sophistication instead of raw alcohol content. Made in the classic field blend style including significant portions of Petite Sirah and Carignan.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The only thing more fun than Dom Perignon from a great vintage is one where the label lights up.
Dom Perignon Luminous Collection Brut Millesime, Champagne 2008 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 7 bottles in stock now
#5 Wine of the Year – Wine Spectator Top 100 in 2018
Antonio Galloni 98+ points “The 2008 Dom Pérignon is fabulous, but quite remarkably, it was even more open when I tasted it a year ago. Bright, focused and crystalline in its precision, the 2008 is going to need a number of years before it is at its best. Lemon peel, white flowers, mint and white pepper give the 2008 its chiseled, bright profile. Several recent bottles have all been magnificent. What I admire most about the 2008 is the way it shows all the focus, translucence and energy that is such a signature of the year, and yet it is also remarkably deep and vertical. In other words, the 2008 is a Champagne that plays in three dimensions.”
John Gilman 98 points “The 2008 vintage of Dom Pérignon is an absolute classic in the making and this is destined to be one of the great recent years for this iconic cuvée. It is far more classically structured out of the blocks than the relatively generous 2009 version, offering up a deep, complex and very youthful bouquet of menthol, green apple, a touch of tangerine, a very complex base of minerality and notes of dried flowers in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with precise mousse, brisk acids and stunning length and grip on the primary and laser-like finish. This will demand some cellaring to start to really stir and should prove to be an extremely long-lived vintage of DP. Stellar juice.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “There’s power to this graceful Champagne, with the vivid acidity swathed in a fine, creamy mousse and flavors of toasted brioche, kumquat, pastry cream, candied ginger and poached plum that dance across the palate. An underpinning of smoky mineral gains momentum on the lasting finish. Drink now through 2033.”
This is non-oxidative Savignin is a masterpiece of minerality.
Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Arbois Traminer(Savagnin Ouille), Jura 2016 750ML ($54.95) $38 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Arbois Traminer shows nice concentration and intensity. I adore the freshness and the length, it has everything one expects from a dry Savagnin (the name is a bit of a provocation, something Stéphane Tissot likes). This is the only Savagnin ouillé produced in 2016, as they are focusing on the production of vin jaune. This is varietal, clean, fresh and dry, serious and really tasty. It’s a shame they don’t make more of this style, because it’s a wine I love. 9,000 bottles produced.”
Montepeloso makes some of the boldest and suavest wines in Tuscany with creative blends and exceptional winemaking.
Montepeloso Eneo Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($49.95) $34.50 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2015 Eneo is a beautifully saturated and concentrated wine. The unusual blend used here is Sangiovese with Montepulciano, Marselan and Alicante Bouschet. The bouquet is profoundly bold and exuberant, with generous integration and beautiful power. The warmth of the vintage further adds to the overall intensity of this carefully crafted red wine. The mouthfeel is seamless and soft.”
Avignonesi always over-delivers and this Merlot would be a great ringer in a $50+ St. Emilion tasting.
Avignonesi Desiderio Merlot, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($49.95) $28 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “A dark-fruited if rather fresh nose of blackcurrants, iodine, ivy, stems and licorice as well as some tobacco. Full body, firm tannins and an ink-like finish. Linear but very enjoyable. Drink now.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2014 Merlot Desiderio is a bold and forthcoming red wine that peels back with thick layers of aromatic intensity. The bouquet is deeply endowed with black cherry, toasted espresso and sweet mocha. This is a soft and luscious wine that wraps thickly over the whole palate, from front to back. The finish is a bit leaner than that bold bouquet would have you initially think.”
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2014 Merlot Desiderio is a very pretty wine. Savory herb, tobacco, licorice and underbrush are all pushed forward, while the fruit is very much in the background. It’s hard to say if the wine’s laid back profile is more a reflection of the very cool year or a conscious decision to dial back the intensity, but there is no question the 2014 is quite refined and miles away from the super-concentrated, viscous Desiderios that were made here in the past. This is very nicely done.”
New Value Piedmont Wines from Bruna Grimaldi
New Arrivals
Including Eyrie, Colene Clemens
JK Carriere, Frog’s Leap, Dom Perignon
Chandon de Briailles, Montepeloso and More!
New Value Piedmont Wines from Bruna Grimaldi
The Compelling Rocca di Montegrossi
Staff Pick: Great Brunello Riserva
Trending
Collector’s Corner: A Trove of Bonneau
New Arrivals
Oregon
The new vintage of the WV standard bearer is back in and it’s delightful as usual.
The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points – Editor’s Choice “From the winery that introduced Pinot Gris to America, this is a full-bodied, fleshy and beautifully fruited wine, which delivers the same level of richness and complexity as many top-tier Chardonnays. Robust apple, white peach and green melon flavors are dappled with white pepper, or perhaps daikon radish. The finish seems to carry on indefinitely.”
Winery note “This vintage is highly aromatic, with dense layers of lime, pea shoots, and white strawberry, finishing with a spicy uplift. The texture is round and full. The forepalate is dominated by ripe lychee and passionfruit that hint at sweetness – although the wine is absolutely dry. Flavors of dried sea grass, kiwi, and currants fill out the rich and very long finish. Complex, precise, and substantial, this latest release form Eyrie continues to define the best of Oregon Pinot gris.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
A new bottling from Eyrie, this rosé sparkler is a fun, fresh bubbly that balances richness and zest.
The Eyrie Vineyards ‘Spark’ Sparkling Rose, Willamette Valley NV 750ML ($33.95) $27 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Winery note “55% Pinot noir, 37% Chasselas dore & 8% Pinot blanc. Ultra Brut. 12 months aged on lees. Jory volcanic soil. 31 y/o vines.”
Distributor note “A casual sparkler from an innovative blend of grapes. The initial aroma of pear and citrus rind further develops on the palate over a structure of crisp acids and creamy fruit notes. An initial rush of exuberant bubbles is quickly followed by a soft effervesence. Slight astringency balances the richness from extended lees contact, and deftly carries the finishing tones of blood orange and wild strawberries. The Eyrie Vineyards Sparkling Rose “Spark” are sourced from the Sisters vineyard located in the Dundee Hills which was planted in 1989 at an elevation of 220-330 feet. All of Eyries vineyards are certified and farmed organic. After primary fermentation using all native yeasts, the components were blended and aged for 12 months on the lees in neutral, French oak. The wine went through full malolactic and then underwent forced carbonation (4.1 atmospheres of pressure), with zero dosage added, and was bottled under crown cap.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
A word to the wise: the past few vintages of this wine have sold out before they’ve received their monster scores from Wine Spectator.
Colene Clemens Vineyards ‘Dopp Creek’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Dopp Creek represents the broadest combined expression of our Estate, and embodies our most approachable and versatile wine. Engaging from the moment you pop the cork, rich red fruit and savory herbs lead to a mouthwatering palate of dark fruit and baking spice, with juicy, supple structure supporting it through a clean finish. This wine drinks impressively now, but having a few bottles in the cellar for four to six years won’t hurt!”
Eyrie seems to excel in warm vintages and the ’16 WV is another classic. Beautiful graceful and classic, these wines from Eyrie have helped define the region’s style for two generations.
The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($34.95) $30.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 92 points “The pale to medium ruby-purple colored 2016 Pinot Noir has a nose of fresh cranberries, raspberries and warm red cherry jam with hints of smoked meat, peppercorn and warm earth. Light to medium-bodied and very vibrant in the mouth, it offers warm red fruit preserves and dried red flowers framed by very fine, grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity, finishing long with savory nuances. 3,500 cases produced.”
James Suckling 92 points “This has a beautifully detailed, sliced-strawberry and cherry-scented nose with a fluid, round and nicely structured palate that offers good length and depth. Impressive balance. Drink in the next five years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Limpid red. Fresh dark berries, cherry pit, pungent flowers and a hint of smoky minerals on the perfumed nose. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering spice-tinged bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors supported by a spine of zesty acidity. Picks up licorice candy and savory herb notes with air and finishes long, smoky and smooth, silky tannins sneaking in late. This Pinot shows the richness of the vintage as well as the light touch that distinguishes Jason Lett’s wines.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points – Cellar Selection “This aromatic wine mixes hints of thimbleberries with a light whiff of compost. The flavors follow in line, with wild raspberry fruit and a bit of mocha. It’s firmly anchored in svelte ripe tannins, and just a touch of chocolate. As with virtually all Eyrie Pinots, this should age nicely for a decade at least. Drink now to 2030.”
This hails from the oldest vines of the estate (though is bearing a new label) and is always the most profound, impressive Pinot Eyrie makes.
The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines Reserve Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This has quite a haunting edge to the nose (older vines at 47 years here), this has a very fragrant, supple and finely fruited and appealing feel with plenty of earth, foresty nuances and delicate spices in tow. The palate has a very resolved, deep and elegant feel. The tannins are fine and delicate at the surface and fully underwrite the palate in every corner. The fresh, spicy red cherries hold long, fresh and vibrant. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Jim Prosser remains a “winemaker’s winemaker.” His entry level Pinot is outstanding and a beautiful window into his style.
J.K. Carriere Provocateur Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “Refined and tightly focused, with an expressive beam of cherry, savory spice and black tea flavors that finish with fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2027. 2,714 cases made.”
Nick Stock-James Suckling 91 points “Intense, spicy aromas of cinnamon and cardamom dress ripe and fresh blueberries and cherries. The palate is succulent yet mellow and the fresh berries are really approachable now. Drink now. Screw cap.”
Winery Note “Medium ruby red is its color. Cinnamon, Bing cherry, and freshly sharpened pencil waft from the surface. On the palate it mounts an attack that can only be described as a longed-for-ambush. What? Yeah, it’s a surprisingly bombastic mouthful of freshly ripened red fruit: raspberry, currant, strawberry, red plum and cherry. Fresh, vibrant, intense and gulpable are words that come close. There’s a whole lot of background sophistication, absolutely no stupidity and forever drinkability here. Go long Jimmy.”
J.K. Carriere Provocateur Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “Refined and tightly focused, with an expressive beam of cherry, savory spice and black tea flavors that finish with fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2027. 2,714 cases made.”
Nick Stock-James Suckling 91 points “Intense, spicy aromas of cinnamon and cardamom dress ripe and fresh blueberries and cherries. The palate is succulent yet mellow and the fresh berries are really approachable now. Drink now. Screw cap.”
Winery Note “Medium ruby red is its color. Cinnamon, Bing cherry, and freshly sharpened pencil waft from the surface. On the palate it mounts an attack that can only be described as a longed-for-ambush. What? Yeah, it’s a surprisingly bombastic mouthful of freshly ripened red fruit: raspberry, currant, strawberry, red plum and cherry. Fresh, vibrant, intense and gulpable are words that come close. There’s a whole lot of background sophistication, absolutely no stupidity and forever drinkability here. Go long Jimmy.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is the flagship bottling for JK Carriere and in a really handy half-bottle format.
J.K. Carriere Vespidae Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2016 375ML ($24.95) $20.90 special, 12 half-bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Youthful magenta color. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh raspberry, cherry, savory herbs and allspice, along with a suave floral topnote. Juicy and lithe on entry, then more broad on the mid-palate, offering appealingly red fruit liqueur, bitter cherry flavors and suggestions of candied flowers and licorice. Finishes spicy and long, with repeating florality and smooth, slow-building tannins. (30% new French oak).”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Distinctive, well-built and appealingly savory, with cherry, smoky underbrush and clove accents that take on structure toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2025. 791 cases made.”
James Suckling 92 points “An earthy edge here with brambly, ripe black cherries and a succulent array of juicy, fleshy cherries on the palate. This has a very plush feel with plenty of fine detail. Drink now.”
California
This is old-school Rutherford cabernet (under 14% abv) at a stellar price for the quality.
Frog’s Leap Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2016 750ML ($69.95) $45 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown from Frog’s Leap is dark, bold and luscious, with generous dark cherry, plum spice, leather. Forward and supple, the 2016 will drink well right out of the gate, and yet it also has enough freshness to age nicely for a number of years. In 2016, the Cabernet has gorgeous depth to play off a classic, mid-weight sense of structure. This is a positively joyous Cabernet Sauvignon from Frog’s Leap.”
Decanter 92 points World Wine Awards ” 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot. Powerful and rich with luscious blackcurrant compote, wood smoke, cedar and leather. Grippy tannins and wonderfully balanced toasty oak leads to a delightful finish.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Bright, fresh and delicious, we’re very excited to offer this for under $22/bottle.
Frog’s Leap Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($37.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “Carneros Chardonnay at its very best: pure, clean, fresh, restrained, drinkable. A unique combination of barrel fermentation followed by extended “sur lie” aging in concrete vats. Balance and restraint in a varietal not always associated with these traits.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Merlot is cool again and this wine from the Napa masters shows that Rutherford is a great terroir for it.
Frog’s Leap Merlot, Rutherford 2015 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Extravagant plum fruit aromas enriched by the lush flavors that Merlot is famous for. Grown in cool clay soils, this wine shows why some of the rarest and most expensive wines in the world start with Merlot. Miles was an idiot!”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Zinfandel under 14% is a hard thing to find, indeed. This is brambly, spicy and berry fruited. Perfect with barbeque or a roast chicken.
Frog’s Leap Zinfandel, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($37.95) $24 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Delightful aromas of summer-berry conserve combined with a touch of spice and fresh fruit flavors. A Zinfandel that draws its power from sophistication instead of raw alcohol content. Made in the classic field blend style including significant portions of Petite Sirah and Carignan.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
France
The only thing more fun than Dom Perignon from a great vintage is one where the label lights up.
Dom Perignon Luminous Collection Brut Millesime, Champagne 2008 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 7 bottles in stock now
#5 Wine of the Year – Wine Spectator Top 100 in 2018
Antonio Galloni 98+ points “The 2008 Dom Pérignon is fabulous, but quite remarkably, it was even more open when I tasted it a year ago. Bright, focused and crystalline in its precision, the 2008 is going to need a number of years before it is at its best. Lemon peel, white flowers, mint and white pepper give the 2008 its chiseled, bright profile. Several recent bottles have all been magnificent. What I admire most about the 2008 is the way it shows all the focus, translucence and energy that is such a signature of the year, and yet it is also remarkably deep and vertical. In other words, the 2008 is a Champagne that plays in three dimensions.”
John Gilman 98 points “The 2008 vintage of Dom Pérignon is an absolute classic in the making and this is destined to be one of the great recent years for this iconic cuvée. It is far more classically structured out of the blocks than the relatively generous 2009 version, offering up a deep, complex and very youthful bouquet of menthol, green apple, a touch of tangerine, a very complex base of minerality and notes of dried flowers in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with precise mousse, brisk acids and stunning length and grip on the primary and laser-like finish. This will demand some cellaring to start to really stir and should prove to be an extremely long-lived vintage of DP. Stellar juice.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “There’s power to this graceful Champagne, with the vivid acidity swathed in a fine, creamy mousse and flavors of toasted brioche, kumquat, pastry cream, candied ginger and poached plum that dance across the palate. An underpinning of smoky mineral gains momentum on the lasting finish. Drink now through 2033.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Briailles is one our favorite producers for old-school, ageworthy Burgs and this Grand Cru is exceptionally priced.
Domaine Chandon de Briailles Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2016 750ML ($189.95) $119 special, 26 bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Corton Bressandes Grand Cru is also showing extremely well, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cassis, ripe plums, dark chocolate, dried flowers and spices. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, ample and velvety, with a deep, layered core, succulent balancing acids and a long, intense and beautifully soil-driven finish. Cropped at 22 hectoliters per hectare, this is an exceptional Bressandes that will be well worth seeking out.”
Stephen Tanzer 91-94 points “(a blend of four lots; the vines on the Aloxe side of the cru, on thin soil over mother rock, were seriously affected by frost while those on more clay-rich soil on the Ladoix side produced a normal crop; 80% vendange entier): Bright red-ruby. Distinctly dark aromas of blackberry and cassis lifted by violet and mint nuances and complicated by a saline element. Ripe but classically dry, offering terrific density of texture as well as more thrust than the Maréchaudes. This wine is totally different in shape, finishing with broader, firmer, almost peppery tannins that dust the front teeth. Flavors of dark fruits and spices linger impressively. I suspect that this wine will need considerably longer cellaring than the Maréchaudes.”
Domaine Chandon de Briailles Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2016 750ML ($189.95) $119 special, 26 bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Corton Bressandes Grand Cru is also showing extremely well, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cassis, ripe plums, dark chocolate, dried flowers and spices. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, ample and velvety, with a deep, layered core, succulent balancing acids and a long, intense and beautifully soil-driven finish. Cropped at 22 hectoliters per hectare, this is an exceptional Bressandes that will be well worth seeking out.”
Stephen Tanzer 91-94 points “(a blend of four lots; the vines on the Aloxe side of the cru, on thin soil over mother rock, were seriously affected by frost while those on more clay-rich soil on the Ladoix side produced a normal crop; 80% vendange entier): Bright red-ruby. Distinctly dark aromas of blackberry and cassis lifted by violet and mint nuances and complicated by a saline element. Ripe but classically dry, offering terrific density of texture as well as more thrust than the Maréchaudes. This wine is totally different in shape, finishing with broader, firmer, almost peppery tannins that dust the front teeth. Flavors of dark fruits and spices linger impressively. I suspect that this wine will need considerably longer cellaring than the Maréchaudes.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is non-oxidative Savignin is a masterpiece of minerality.
Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Arbois Traminer(Savagnin Ouille), Jura 2016 750ML ($54.95) $38 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Arbois Traminer shows nice concentration and intensity. I adore the freshness and the length, it has everything one expects from a dry Savagnin (the name is a bit of a provocation, something Stéphane Tissot likes). This is the only Savagnin ouillé produced in 2016, as they are focusing on the production of vin jaune. This is varietal, clean, fresh and dry, serious and really tasty. It’s a shame they don’t make more of this style, because it’s a wine I love. 9,000 bottles produced.”
Italy
Montepeloso makes some of the boldest and suavest wines in Tuscany with creative blends and exceptional winemaking.
Montepeloso Eneo Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($49.95) $34.50 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2015 Eneo is a beautifully saturated and concentrated wine. The unusual blend used here is Sangiovese with Montepulciano, Marselan and Alicante Bouschet. The bouquet is profoundly bold and exuberant, with generous integration and beautiful power. The warmth of the vintage further adds to the overall intensity of this carefully crafted red wine. The mouthfeel is seamless and soft.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Their top wine from a great vintage, this is a wine for the cellar.
Montepeloso Nardo Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Montepeloso’s 2015 Nardo is beautiful. The ripeness of the vintage comes through, but Nardo has just enough aromatic freshness and lift to balance the intensity of the fruit. Red cherry, red plum, mint, pomegranate and floral notes are all nicely pushed forward in this succulent, inviting wine from Montepeloso. There is lovely brightness and floral lift to the red fruit character.”
Montepeloso Nardo Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Montepeloso’s 2015 Nardo is beautiful. The ripeness of the vintage comes through, but Nardo has just enough aromatic freshness and lift to balance the intensity of the fruit. Red cherry, red plum, mint, pomegranate and floral notes are all nicely pushed forward in this succulent, inviting wine from Montepeloso. There is lovely brightness and floral lift to the red fruit character.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Avignonesi always over-delivers and this Merlot would be a great ringer in a $50+ St. Emilion tasting.
Avignonesi Desiderio Merlot, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($49.95) $28 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “A dark-fruited if rather fresh nose of blackcurrants, iodine, ivy, stems and licorice as well as some tobacco. Full body, firm tannins and an ink-like finish. Linear but very enjoyable. Drink now.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2014 Merlot Desiderio is a bold and forthcoming red wine that peels back with thick layers of aromatic intensity. The bouquet is deeply endowed with black cherry, toasted espresso and sweet mocha. This is a soft and luscious wine that wraps thickly over the whole palate, from front to back. The finish is a bit leaner than that bold bouquet would have you initially think.”
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2014 Merlot Desiderio is a very pretty wine. Savory herb, tobacco, licorice and underbrush are all pushed forward, while the fruit is very much in the background. It’s hard to say if the wine’s laid back profile is more a reflection of the very cool year or a conscious decision to dial back the intensity, but there is no question the 2014 is quite refined and miles away from the super-concentrated, viscous Desiderios that were made here in the past. This is very nicely done.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $36.90
The average listed price is $49
The next best price is $36.90
The average listed price is $49
New Value Piedmont Wines from Bruna Grimaldi
We’re excited to offer three new value wines from one of our favorite Barolo producers, Bruna Grimaldi. While we’ve hyped her in the past as one of the best sleeper Barolo producers, making dense and powerful wines at exceptional pricing, these wines are from humbler origins and are astoundingly good for the prices.
On the whole, Grimaldi wines are beautifully expressive, polished wines that combine the cleanliness and rich, round flavors of a modern producer with a more traditional sensibility when it comes to oak usage. That’s a beautiful thing in her Barolos and even better in the Barbera and Nebbiolo.
Both the Barbera and Nebbiolo are some of the best examples we’ve tasted for their prices. Both are surprisingly serious wines, with the Barbera having more power and structure. It bears the “Superiore” tag and wears it well, with rich fruit and an approachable texture. The Nebbiolo is carefree enough for dinner tonight but has all the characeritistic tar and roses of the variety. (The Arneis is also lively, bright and a steal for the price).
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Bruna Grimaldi Langhe Arneis, Piedmont 2018 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
James Suckling 91 points “Beautiful freshness and composure to this arneis, which makes an entrance with bright nectarines, crushed chalk and lemon zest. Medium-bodied and tightly strung with a flinty and precise texture and feel. Drink now.”
On the whole, Grimaldi wines are beautifully expressive, polished wines that combine the cleanliness and rich, round flavors of a modern producer with a more traditional sensibility when it comes to oak usage. That’s a beautiful thing in her Barolos and even better in the Barbera and Nebbiolo.
Both the Barbera and Nebbiolo are some of the best examples we’ve tasted for their prices. Both are surprisingly serious wines, with the Barbera having more power and structure. It bears the “Superiore” tag and wears it well, with rich fruit and an approachable texture. The Nebbiolo is carefree enough for dinner tonight but has all the characeritistic tar and roses of the variety. (The Arneis is also lively, bright and a steal for the price).
Just Arrived, In Stock Now:
Bruna Grimaldi Langhe Arneis, Piedmont 2018 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
James Suckling 91 points “Beautiful freshness and composure to this arneis, which makes an entrance with bright nectarines, crushed chalk and lemon zest. Medium-bodied and tightly strung with a flinty and precise texture and feel. Drink now.”
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Bruna Grimaldi Barbera d’Alba Superiore, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2016 Barbera d’Alba Superiore Scassa is a meaty red wine to pair with simple beef or pork dishes. This Barbera is characterized by a dark concentration (from 12 days of skin maceration), a sweet tone of blackberry fruit and plum and integrated notes of spice, tar and licorice. It is aged for up to 15 months in tonneaux. You’ll appreciate the soft, fruit richness. Some 25,000 bottles were made.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bruna Grimaldi Nebbiolo d’Alba, Piedmont 2017 750ML ($21.95) $19 special
James Suckling 91 points “Candied orange peel, raspberry fool, rhubarb and hibiscus. Medium body, medium-firm tannins and plenty of vibrant cherries. Mineral and savory on the finish. Tightly wound. Drink now.”
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Bruna Grimaldi Bricco Ambrogio, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92+ points “($80) From the less-traveled Roddi township, the 2015 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is a balanced and pretty expression that shows floral aromas of wild rose and pressed violets, followed by wild berry and blackcurrant. The wine is simple and straightforward in delivery with a clean and accessible personality. Bruna and Franco Grimaldi purchased this vineyard site in 2006, and this wine has improved in complexity and depth with each vintage that I taste. Some 6,000 bottles are made.”
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Bruna Grimaldi Badarina, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93+ points “($90) This wine has already evolved to show some tar and savory aromas. The 2015 Barolo Badarina offers pretty color saturation with linear and fresh lines of plum, black fruit, dark spice and tilled earth. The wine delivers much of the heft and power promised by this Badarina cru in Serralunga d’Alba. If you’re looking for a Barolo vintage to pair with a rich meat like liver or game, this could be the one. This is Bruna Grimaldi’s flagship Barolo, as her mother was born in Badarina and this site has always had special meaning to her family. Some 8,000 bottles were produced.”
The Compelling Wines of Rocca di Montegrossi
Chianti remains one of the best value regions in Italy, despite its great international acclaim. Case in point? The new wines from Rocca di Montegrossi. These are big, rich versions of Chianti, with texture and density to spare. Except for the slight textural difference, you’d swear these were Brunello/Rosso di Montalcino—except their pricing is 20% below what they’d be if they had those labels.
The wine to focus on is their Super Tuscan “Geremia”, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It captures so much of what we love about the estate with big, rich fruit and a surprising amount of elegance. This is a wine that would be 2x as expensive if it were from Bordeaux (and probably 3x if it were from Napa, sadly) but the wines of Chianti offer superb value.
In Stock Now
Rocca di Montegrossi Geremia Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The Geremia, Rocca di Montegrossi’s Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend, is outrageously beautiful in 2015. Racy and pliant, with soft curves, Geremia captures all of the radiant beauty of the vintage. Sweet red cherry, plum, mint, mocha and sweet spice are all fused together. At the moment, there is a touch of new oak that still needs to integrate, but a few more years in bottle should do the trick. Time in the glass brings out attractive floral notes and red-toned fruit character that lend freshness and lift to play off the wine’s more extroverted leanings. The 2015 is a gorgeous Geremia.”
Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 90+ points “Rocca di Montegrossi’s 2017 Chianti Classico is a rich, exuberant wine that is going to need at least a few years in bottle to settle down. Super-ripe, dense and concentrated, the 2017 may very well shock readers with its intensity. Then again, that is 2017. Super-ripe dark plum, espresso, spice and licorice all race out of the glass. It will be interesting to see where the 2017 goes in the coming years. Today, it is shockingly raw and unformed.”
The wine to focus on is their Super Tuscan “Geremia”, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It captures so much of what we love about the estate with big, rich fruit and a surprising amount of elegance. This is a wine that would be 2x as expensive if it were from Bordeaux (and probably 3x if it were from Napa, sadly) but the wines of Chianti offer superb value.
In Stock Now
Rocca di Montegrossi Geremia Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The Geremia, Rocca di Montegrossi’s Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend, is outrageously beautiful in 2015. Racy and pliant, with soft curves, Geremia captures all of the radiant beauty of the vintage. Sweet red cherry, plum, mint, mocha and sweet spice are all fused together. At the moment, there is a touch of new oak that still needs to integrate, but a few more years in bottle should do the trick. Time in the glass brings out attractive floral notes and red-toned fruit character that lend freshness and lift to play off the wine’s more extroverted leanings. The 2015 is a gorgeous Geremia.”
Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 90+ points “Rocca di Montegrossi’s 2017 Chianti Classico is a rich, exuberant wine that is going to need at least a few years in bottle to settle down. Super-ripe, dense and concentrated, the 2017 may very well shock readers with its intensity. Then again, that is 2017. Super-ripe dark plum, espresso, spice and licorice all race out of the glass. It will be interesting to see where the 2017 goes in the coming years. Today, it is shockingly raw and unformed.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Rocca di Montegrossi Vigneto San Marcellino, Chianti Classico DOCG 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2014 Chianti Classico Vigneto San Marcellino is dark, sumptuous and super-expressive. Like all of the wines here, the 2014 San Marcellino needs at least a few years in bottle to truly show everything it has, but there is more than enough here to provide for engaging drinking for many years to come. Time in the glass brings out gorgeous scents of black cherry, plum, menthol, licorice and smoke. The 2014 is a striking, complete wine.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Rocca di Montegrossi Vin Santo del Chianti Classico, Tuscany 2006 375ML ($149.95) $119 special, 4 half-bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Rocca di Montegrossi often makes one of the richest Vin Santos in Chianti Classico. The 2006 is a bit less opulent than is often the case, but that just means the Vin Santo is not a blockbuster. Voluptuous and beautifully layered throughout, the 2006 offers an attractive infusion of dried herbs, wild flowers, coconut, mint and leather, all wrapped around a core of dark, deeply spiced fruit.”
Rocca di Montegrossi Vin Santo del Chianti Classico, Tuscany 2009 375ML ($99.95) $89 special, 24 half-bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2009 Vin Santo is a rich, exotic wine, as it always is. Readers will find one of the richest most intense Vin Santos being made today. Plush, tropical and ample in feel, Rocca di Montegrossi’s Vin Santo is bold and racy to the core. The 350 grams of residual sugar leave the wine with tremendous textural plushness.”
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Staff Pick
Great Brunello Riserva
Andy:
Young Brunello can be a tough nut to crack. Oftentimes, you’re only getting glimpses of the potential contained in the bottle. We were glad to taste the 2012 La Fortuna BdM Reserva again this week, and while it is still early, you’re not going to be disappointed getting into this wine now. All of the classic hallmarks are on display; tart cherry, a graphite core, light blueberry and dusty cocoa on the finish. The aromatics were a little tight, but a little swirl kept it refreshed. I of course recommend holding this over the next decade, but get it now. There is no regret on this one.
In Stock Now:
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($619.95) $564 special (that’s only $94/bottle!)
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 1.5L ($259.95) $219 special, 5 magnums in stock now
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 3L ($499.95) $428 special
Wine Spectator 97 points “Perfumed, with wild herb aromas and a subtle mix of strawberry and cherry fruit. Vibrant and dense, with fine acidity driving the long finish. Though elegant, there is intensity and fine energy on the aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2028.”
Young Brunello can be a tough nut to crack. Oftentimes, you’re only getting glimpses of the potential contained in the bottle. We were glad to taste the 2012 La Fortuna BdM Reserva again this week, and while it is still early, you’re not going to be disappointed getting into this wine now. All of the classic hallmarks are on display; tart cherry, a graphite core, light blueberry and dusty cocoa on the finish. The aromatics were a little tight, but a little swirl kept it refreshed. I of course recommend holding this over the next decade, but get it now. There is no regret on this one.
In Stock Now:
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($619.95) $564 special (that’s only $94/bottle!)
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 1.5L ($259.95) $219 special, 5 magnums in stock now
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 3L ($499.95) $428 special
Wine Spectator 97 points “Perfumed, with wild herb aromas and a subtle mix of strawberry and cherry fruit. Vibrant and dense, with fine acidity driving the long finish. Though elegant, there is intensity and fine energy on the aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2028.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price for a double-magnum in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price for a double-magnum in the USA today!
Trending
Everything we want in an under $20 Super Tuscan—that it’s under $15 by the case is even better.
Castello Di Monsanto Monrosso, Toscana IGT 2016 750ML ($17.95) $15.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Castello Di Monsanto Monrosso, Toscana IGT 2016 750ML ($199.95) $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 92 points “Bursts with ripe cherry, blackberry and floral aromas and flavors, driven by lively acidity and an elegant frame. Balanced, yet firmly supported by dense tannins. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Sangiovese.-BS”
Castello Di Monsanto Monrosso, Toscana IGT 2016 750ML ($17.95) $15.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Castello Di Monsanto Monrosso, Toscana IGT 2016 750ML ($199.95) $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 92 points “Bursts with ripe cherry, blackberry and floral aromas and flavors, driven by lively acidity and an elegant frame. Balanced, yet firmly supported by dense tannins. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Sangiovese.-BS”
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This is an absolute steal—the sort of pricing you’d see in the early aughts, not in the current Barolo market.
Cordero di Montezemolo Monfalletto, Barolo DOCG 2014 750ML ($49.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “A little lift with woody and floral aromas here. The base line red cherries run from nose to palate seamlessly. There’s also an attractive, compressed density to the tannins here. Good polish. This is promising. Try from 2022.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2014 Barolo Monfalletto is a powerful, deep wine, especially considering that it was bottled not long before this tasting. A somber, dark Barolo, the 2014 is laced with the essence of black cherry, spice, leather and underbrush. Although not massively tannic, it is inward, closed and also unusually potent. I would give it at least a few years to be at its best. The 2014 is a decidedly serious Monfalletto that speaks in a baritone register.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Intense aromas of raspberry compote, forest floor, eucalyptus and oak-driven spice drive the nose on this fragrant red. On the firm, youthfully austere palate, assertive, fine-grained tannins provide support for Marasca cherry, licorice, mint and a note of French oak. Drink 2021–2026.”
Decanter 92 points “From this long established La Morra estate comes this imposing wine, heralded by its intense and pungent sour cherry nose. It’s rich, broad and fleshy, highly concentrated and spicy, showing admirable force and power without being aggressive. Despite the grip on the long finish, there’s a soft core of fruit at the heart of the wine.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $49.99
The next best price is $49.99
One of the defining wines of Brunello, especially in a year like 2012.
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator “($98 points 150) This delivers intense balsamic notes of juniper, wild rosemary and sage, along with rose, cherry and berry aromas and flavors. Elegant and saturated with flavor, supported by a vibrant structure. Ends with energy and refined tannins. Best from 2022 through 2040. 750 cases made.”
Ian D’Agata 94+ points “Deep red. Captivating floral nuances complement red cherry, mineral and tobacco elements on the nose and on the very suave palate. Surprisingly light-bodied for a Brunello Riserva, but perfumed and very refined. This outstanding Brunello Riserva boasts a finish that lasts and lasts.”
Laurel delivers 75% of the Clos Erasmus experience for 25% of the price of the main bottling.
Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’, Priorat DOCa 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Case-12 Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’, Priorat DOCa 2017 750ML ($719.95) $549 special (that’s only $45.75/bottle!)
Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’, Priorat DOCa 2017 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2017 Laurel is a blend of the younger vines, some barrels that were declassified from Clos Erasmus and the remaining Cabernet Sauvignon, and in the low-yielding and dry 2017 vintage, it’s 70% Garnacha, 20% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 15% alcohol. The wine fermented mostly in concrete and oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in a combination of oak vats, concrete, used barriques and amphorae for 16 months. They produce this to be approachable from the moment it’s released. The 2017s feel very aromatic, open, expressive and young, quite primary, tender and juicy and surprisingly fresh for a dry, warm year that resulted in a very early harvest. There is a peachy, soft, approachable quality here that I like very much. Surprisingly enough, winemaker and proprietor Daphne Glorian sees reminiscences of the 2013s in the 2017s, and I have to agree. Different from 2016, but at the same quality level. 19,126 bottles were filled in May 2019.-Luis Gutierrez”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
One of our go-to Gigondas producers’ drink-now wines.
Domaine des Bosquets Gigondas, Rhone 2016 750ML ($31.95) $26 special
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “Leading off the wines from bottle, the 2016 Gigondas is a classic wine from this estate, offering a deeper ruby/purple color as well as tons of garrigue, peppery spice, and earth intermixed with ample red and black fruits. Polished, rounded and sexy, with sweet tannin, it has a modern style that won’t appeal to traditionalists yet is beautifully done. The blend is 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Vivid ruby-red. Lively, expansive red berry, floral pastille and white pepper scents, along with suggestions of garrigue and smoky minerals. Sweet, focused and seamless in the mouth, offering juicy raspberry, spicecake and lavender flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Clings with very good authority on the gently tannic finish and leaves succulent floral and herb notes behind.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92 points “Hints of garrigue accent raspberries and Rainier cherries in the 2016 Gigondas. This blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault is full-bodied and supple, with no hard edges, just lovely fruit. Long, seamless and delicious for drinking over the next 6-7 years, it’s a terrific introduction to the fruit-forward style at this estate. Tasted twice with consistent notes.”
Domaine des Bosquets Gigondas, Rhone 2016 750ML ($31.95) $26 special
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “Leading off the wines from bottle, the 2016 Gigondas is a classic wine from this estate, offering a deeper ruby/purple color as well as tons of garrigue, peppery spice, and earth intermixed with ample red and black fruits. Polished, rounded and sexy, with sweet tannin, it has a modern style that won’t appeal to traditionalists yet is beautifully done. The blend is 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Vivid ruby-red. Lively, expansive red berry, floral pastille and white pepper scents, along with suggestions of garrigue and smoky minerals. Sweet, focused and seamless in the mouth, offering juicy raspberry, spicecake and lavender flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Clings with very good authority on the gently tannic finish and leaves succulent floral and herb notes behind.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92 points “Hints of garrigue accent raspberries and Rainier cherries in the 2016 Gigondas. This blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault is full-bodied and supple, with no hard edges, just lovely fruit. Long, seamless and delicious for drinking over the next 6-7 years, it’s a terrific introduction to the fruit-forward style at this estate. Tasted twice with consistent notes.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $35
The average listed price is $35
This is big, bold and exceptionally powerful for the price.
Bodegas Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas, Yecla 2015 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Bodegas Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas, Yecla 2015 750ML ($179.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2015 Solanera used to wear the ultimate Spanglish label, which said “Viñas Viejas of Monastrell” even if it was always a blend (in this vintage, the blend includes 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Garnacha Tintorera). The revamped 2015 has a completely different label that only keeps the “viñas viejas” moniker. In this wine, from the joint venture with U.S. importer Eric Solomon that started in 1999, they used part of full clusters and sourced the grapes from Casa Marta, a nine-hectare, head-pruned, dry-farmed plot on very stony soils in the north of Yecla at the foot of the Mount Arabí. It fermented in concrete vats and open-top barrels and matured in barrique, each variety separately, for some ten months, after which it was blended and bottled. This is the vintage of the big change in this wine, where, as with the majority of its siblings, there is better balance and more integrated oak, more freshness and better balance. The nose is quite captivating, especially after some time in the glass, when it starts developing some floral aromas, perfect ripeness, no warmth or alcohol and a powerful, yet terribly balanced palate with concentration and elegance, fine-grained tannins and clean, focused flavors. This is my favorite Solanera to date. 60,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2017.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “Another project between Eric Solomon and Jean-Marc Lafage, the 2015 Solanera Vinas Viejas is fresh and lively, with ripe, sexy notes of blueberry and blackberry fruits intermixed with more subtle notes of violets, graphite and white pepper. Possessing full-bodied richness, a seamless texture, and gorgeous purity of fruit, it’s another terrific vintage for this cuvée that’s ideal for drinking over the coming 2-4 years. The blend is 2014 is 65% Monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Garnacha, all aged 10 months in 80% French and 20% American oak.”
Bodegas Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas, Yecla 2015 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Bodegas Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas, Yecla 2015 750ML ($179.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2015 Solanera used to wear the ultimate Spanglish label, which said “Viñas Viejas of Monastrell” even if it was always a blend (in this vintage, the blend includes 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Garnacha Tintorera). The revamped 2015 has a completely different label that only keeps the “viñas viejas” moniker. In this wine, from the joint venture with U.S. importer Eric Solomon that started in 1999, they used part of full clusters and sourced the grapes from Casa Marta, a nine-hectare, head-pruned, dry-farmed plot on very stony soils in the north of Yecla at the foot of the Mount Arabí. It fermented in concrete vats and open-top barrels and matured in barrique, each variety separately, for some ten months, after which it was blended and bottled. This is the vintage of the big change in this wine, where, as with the majority of its siblings, there is better balance and more integrated oak, more freshness and better balance. The nose is quite captivating, especially after some time in the glass, when it starts developing some floral aromas, perfect ripeness, no warmth or alcohol and a powerful, yet terribly balanced palate with concentration and elegance, fine-grained tannins and clean, focused flavors. This is my favorite Solanera to date. 60,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2017.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “Another project between Eric Solomon and Jean-Marc Lafage, the 2015 Solanera Vinas Viejas is fresh and lively, with ripe, sexy notes of blueberry and blackberry fruits intermixed with more subtle notes of violets, graphite and white pepper. Possessing full-bodied richness, a seamless texture, and gorgeous purity of fruit, it’s another terrific vintage for this cuvée that’s ideal for drinking over the coming 2-4 years. The blend is 2014 is 65% Monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Garnacha, all aged 10 months in 80% French and 20% American oak.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Collector’s Corner
A Trove of Bonneau
A Trove of Bonneau
Direct from the Cellar of the Local Importer/Distributor
“The Chateauneufs here have become legends in their maker’s lifetime, and anyone fortunate enough to try them can attest to the fact that these wines are utterly unique examples of the category, as well as some of the most idiosyncratic wines being made anywhere today. A visit to Bonneau is a step back in time-both in terms of the character of the wines and the bewildering maze of ancient cellars where the wines are raised. Tasting through the range of wines resting in cask here must not be much different today than a century or more ago.” –Josh Raynolds, Vinous
Henri Bonneau is a producer without peer in the Southern Rhone. No other winemaker (other than perhaps Rayas) has produced as many epic bottles of Cheateauneuf as he has and at the top of his pyramid is the legendary Reserve des Celestins.
Produced only in the best years, it’s generally the best Southern Rhone wine made in the years that it’s bottled. We just secured five bottles of the absolutely legendary 2005, arriving Friday, to go along with a bottle of the 2011 that’s in stock right now—and now we’ve added a bottle each of his legendary ’00 Celestins and ’98 Cuvee Special.
Of particular note is the provenance of these wines—from the personal cellar of the original importer/distributor of these wines. They’ve been stored perfectly since release and are only hitting the market today—these aren’t wines that have been bought and sold 4-5 times. Opportunities like this don’t come around often and we’re excited to offer these to you today.
In Stock Now
Only one bottle available
Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Speciale, Rhone 1998 750ML ($1,399.95) $1,199 special
Wine Spectator 98 points “This offers an aroma of chocolate-covered prunes stewing on the stove, along with notes of brick dust, black currant preserve, fresh espresso and powdered rust. Powerfully tannic and very heady, with layers of overripe fruit on the finish. Drinks like a Bual Madeira infused with black truffles, yet it somehow manages to maintain a sense of freshness. Amazing, but not for everyone. Drink now through 2025. — JM”
Robert Parker 96 points “Bonneau’s 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale is something along the lines of 16.5%-plus natural alcohol with about 4-5% residual sugar. It is an amazing wine that tastes relatively dry, with huge extract of blackberries, roasted meats, and sweet strawberries and cherries intermixed with licorice, smoke and pepper. It makes a massive introduction on the palate and expands vertically, as if it were a skyscraper. It is intense, rich, and compelling, and no doubt capable of lasting 30-40 years. (The 1990 Cuvee Speciale, which has much in common with this wine, is still an infant in terms of its development.) This is a remarkable, but controversial wine.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Only four bottles available
Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve des Celestins, Rhone 2005 750ML ($799.95) $599 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “A big, muscular Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the 2005 Henri Bonneau Réserve des Célestins delivers a thrilling array of plum, crème de cassis, roasted garrigue, blood, and hints of graphite on the nose. Absolutely compelling aromatically, with awesome typicity and complexity, this full-bodied, structured effort is thick and rich on the palate, with a layered, concentrated mid-palate, integrated acidity, and blockbuster length on the finish. Given the almost voluptuous texture and quality of fruit, this is a profound drink now; nevertheless, it will benefit from 5-7 years of bottle age, and keep for 2 decades or more. If I had to choose one bottle to represents the essence of traditionally made Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this would be it!”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Full ruby. Huge, room-filling bouquet of blackberry compote, cherry, potpourri and cured tobacco, along with an intense spicy quality and a hint of orange zest. Palate-staining dark fruit flavors are braced by a strong mineral component and complicated by star anise and candied lavender nuances. Refuses to let up on the finish, which emphatically echoes the dark berry and lavender notes. There are tannins lurking in here but they’re buried beneath this wine’s powerful fruit.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $681
The average price nationally is $681
Thanks for reading!