4/23/16
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Produttori 2011’s Have Arrived; Eric Asimov’s Wine School; Global Six-Pack Deals; Jadot Sale Ending; Heitz Pre-Arrival; Philipponnat 1996 + 2006 Pre-Arrivals; Vinopolis Greatest Hits for April; Last Call for Biondi Santi
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Three Cheers, They’re Here!
2011 Single-Vineyard Produttori
“Overall, the 2011 Barbarescos are racy and seductive. The richness and intensity of the year are perceptible, but the wines retain plenty of site-specific signatures, albeit with softer edges than is typically the case. My impression is that the 2011s will drink well pretty much out of the gate, which should be welcomed by readers cellaring wines from more structured Barbaresco and Barolo vintages.”– Antonio Galloni – Vinous
“In Barbaresco, the 2011s combine opulent textures and mostly refined tannins. From what I’ve tasted to date, they have more personality than the 2009s.” – Stephen Tanzer
Produttori del Barbaresco Asili, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is one of the most refined wines in this range. Here the fruit shows more distinctly red-toned notes, with plenty of Asili creaminess, silkiness and overall texture, not to mention considerable density. There is plenty of Asili sexiness and radiance, but at the same time, there is also more tannin and overall brightness than I expected. Not that those things are bad. Far from it. I imagine the 2011 will reward readers with many years of exceptional drinking. This is one of the most polished wines in the range of 2011 Riservas. Then again, it’s Asili.” AG
VinopolNote: In Asili, the grapes are from calcium-rich limestone vineyard land. The vineyard produces exceptionally rich and age-worthy wines.
Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($699.95) $619 special (that’s only $51.58/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is another of the highlights in this range from the Produttori. Imagine the precision of Ovello, but with slightly darker fruit and more density and power through the middle. That’s the Montefico. A regal, towering Barbaresco, the Montefico should provide thrilling drinking for the next several decades. A rush of dark cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and tobacco add nuance on the powerful, structured finish.” AG
VinopolNote: The Montefico vineyard produces intensely mineral wines with spicy fruit and exceptional ageing potential from the calcareous limestone.
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($599.95) $519 special (that’s only $43.25/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is one of the least expressive of these wines. Inward, powerful and explosive, the 2011 is not in a mood to show much today, that is pretty clear. Still, there is an obvious energy here that is impossible to miss. A firm spine of tannin gives the wine much of its signature power. Dark red cherry, smoke, pomegranate and scorched earth blossom on the dramatic finish. A wine of real density and gravitas, the 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano stands out for its pure, unbridled energy and overall intensity.” AG
VinopolNote: The Montestefano vineyard produces a dark, ripe and rich wine with thick texture.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($469.95) $419 special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 90 points “Soft, caressing and voluptuous, the 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota is the sweetest and most open of these 2011 Riservas. Hard candy, wild flowers, mint and sweet spices meld together in a sensual, inviting Barbaresco that will drink nicely pretty much upon release. The 2011 strikes an attractive middle ground of raciness, texture and structure. As such, it will be one of the best early drinkers in this range. This is a gorgeous Muncagota.” AG
VinopolNote: Muncagota has a South-Eastern exposure and produces elegant and floral wines with lingering tannins.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $49.75
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 1.5 ($149.95) $119 special
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 750ML ($599.95) $519 special
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello, from one of the coolest zones in Barbaresco, is superb. Here it is the wine’s precision and energy – both hard to come by in 2011 – that really stand out. Pine, mint, chalk, bright red berries, blood orange and white pepper are some of the signatures in a brilliant, finely-cut Barbaresco that captures the best of both the vintage and this site. Don’t miss it!” AG
VinopolNote: Expect the Ovello wines to be full of rich red fruit.
Produttori del Barbaresco Paje, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Paje, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($599.95) $519 special (that’s only $43.25/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 95 points “One of the highlights in this range, the 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is also one of the most classic of these 2011 Riservas. Beams of underlying acidity and minerality give the flavors considerable thrust and brightness. Sweet mentholated notes wrap around a core of plush, red-fleshed plum and pomegranate fruit, leading to a brisk, refreshing finish. What is left to say? The 2011 Pajè is absolutely gorgeous. It’s as simple as that. Pajè is one of the cooler micro-climates the Produttori work with, and that was a help in 2011.” AG
VinopolNote: With its South-Western and Western exposure, the Paje vineyard produces complex wines with bright fruit aromas.
Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $44 special
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($519.95) $459 special (that’s only $38.25/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is sweet, round and sensual. Beautifully layered in the glass, the Pora is absolutely exquisite, with plenty of sweet red cherry, plum, mint and spice notes woven throughout. The Pora is typically the most open of the Produttori’s nine Riservas, as it is once again this year. There is so much to like here.” AG
VinopolNote: Pora vineyard wines are lighter, with rich fruit and earthy notes, and integrates tannin more quickly.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $49.75
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($699.95) $679 special (that’s only $56.58/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is quite backward today, with intense, salivating tannins that cut through the fruit. The trademark Rabajà balsamic flavor profile is there, with notable darkness and plenty of structure that add complexity to a core of crystalline fruit. Energetic and powerful, with searing tannin and exceptional balance, the Rabajà is going to require considerable patience. The only question is how much.” AG
VinopolNote: Wines from the Rabaja vineyard are complex with silky tannins and dark fruit aromas.
Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $44 special
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($519.95) $459 special (that’s only $38.25/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is a bit darker and more ample than it usually is, a signature of the year. With time in the glass, the typical soaring floral/spiced Rio Sordo bouquet emerges. Dark, sensual and beautifully expressive, the Rio Sordo is another wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring.”
VinopolNote: The Rio Sordo vineyard produces elegant, lingering wines with silky tannins and medium body.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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Crash Course in Wine
Eric Asimov’s Wine School
Eric Asimov has long been a champion of value-driven, terroir-expressive wines in his writings for the New York Times. His palate is razor-sharp and his columns has always included a broader-than-elsewhere focus in terms of the types of wines featured and the types of readers he anticipates.
More recently, his “Wine School” project has launched. Each month, Asimov focuses on a singular varietal and suggests three-or-so ideal bottles which support his claims about the grape. The column is fun to read and collaborative, with Asimov including positive and negative responses from his readers.
You can read all of Mr. Asimov’s “Wine School” writings at http://www.nytimes.com/column/wine-school. Below, we share some excerpts from his more recent writings, including wines he cites which we currently stock.
Austrian Riesling
“Despite the tenaciously held stereotype of riesling as sweet, Austrian rieslings are almost always dry. They tend to be fuller-bodied than German rieslings but are often steelier and more lively than rieslings from Alsace. They can display gorgeous fruit and herbal flavors as well as great minerality, that catchall term often used to describe stony, rocky, earthy flavors.” – Eric Asimov
Weingut Emmerich Knoll Loibner Riesling Federspiel, Wachau 2013 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 10 bottles available
Wine Spectator 91 points “Powerfully structured, with flavors of gooseberry, dried quince and pear tart that are flanked by rich spicy notes. Elegant and fresh-tasting on the finish. Drink now through 2018.” WS
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Weingut Leo Alzinger Durnsteiner Riesling Federspiel, Wachau 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 4 bottles available
David Schildknecht–Vinous 92 points “This displays a remarkable degree of peachy purity and of transparency to mineral and herbal nuances. At only 11.8% alcohol, it is delightfully buoyant. Fresh lime and tomato contribute refreshing brightness, while salad crunch, lavender pungency, Szechuan peppercorn bite, and a lick of mouthwatering salt add to the lusciously lingering, refreshing finish. “Normally this bottling comes almost entirely from parcels at the foot of the Loibenberg,” explains Alzinger, “but this vintage includes fruit from Steinertal, Höhereck and Liebenberg that we had to harvest earlier due to encroaching stem rot”—which would have caused clusters to fall to the ground. Only from 2014 can I recall a Wachau Riesling at all like this, and seldom does Federspiel get any better (or offer any better value)!”
Terry Theise notes “11.5% alc. Compelling aroma, especially from the tulip. (Zalto is seriously wrong for this wine!) This has all the positive attributes of “underripeness,” compactness, mineral density. It has bits of all the Grand Crus from an early picking due to stem-rot. Fennel-frond, grassy green tea; it made me dream of mid-November woods, when the threads begin to show.”
Sicilian Nerellos
“Now the world understands that Etna can produce fresh, energetic reds that are pure, elegant, subtle and vivacious.” – Eric Asimov
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Rosso Etna, Sicily 2015 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 15 bottles available
Wine Spectator 90 points “A perfumed, light- to medium-bodied red, with crushed raspberry, mineral and spice flavors. Light tannins show on the supple finish. Elegant and very drinkable. Drink now through 2021.”
Gigondas
“Gigondas, by contrast, tend to be a little fresher and gentler in potency and price than Châteauneuf, while retaining many of the characteristics that come from the Mediterranean climate and the bright Provençal sun. Gigondas won’t be low in alcohol — that’s just the nature of grenache.” – Eric Asimov
Vignobles Brunier Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable, Rhone 2011 750ML ($49.95) $33 special, 21 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Vivid ruby. Heady scents of candied cherry, raspberry preserves, anise and potpourri. Shows a darker profile in the mouth, offering palate-staining blackberry and bitter cherry flavors and a strong floral quality. Picks up smokiness with air and finishes with superb focus and length and youthful tannic grip. No question that this is one of the best wines I tasted from Gigondas this year.” JR
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The next best price is $40.60
The average price is $46
Muscadet
“In particular, this is 20th-century textbook wisdom. But good Muscadet is very much a 21st-century wine, in which different production modes transform the perception of an entire genre of wine.” – Eric Asimov
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie Les Gras Moutons, Loire 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 10 bottles available
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2014 Las Gras Moutons from Domaine de la Pépière is a young and very promising bottle of Muscadet, but like so many of the single vineyard bottlings from Marc Ollivier and Rémi Branger these days, this wine will be even better with a few years’ worth of bottle age. The deep, pure and very fresh nose offers up a constellation of green apple, salty ocean breeze notes, really refined leesiness, straw and a beautifully complex base of minerally soil tones. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, focused and rock solid at the core, with superb backend grip, perfectly integrated acids and outstanding balance on the very long finish. This is very, very easy to drink now, but there are more layers here to unfold and it will not really blossom until it has seen at least a few years in the cellar. A really excellent bottle of Muscadet. 2015-2035.”
Napa Cabernet
“In selecting three bottles to recommend, I wanted wines that reflected Napa’s longtime commitment to cabernet and that were made in the classic style. This style, based on Bordeaux but influenced by the distinctive features of Napa Valley, is characterized by dry, balanced wines capable of great depth and complexity, fresh and refreshing yet with rich fruit, as if you can taste the sunshine. I wanted to avoid wines made in the extravagantly fruity style that has been dominant for the last 20 years, which I consider overbearing and difficult to pair with food.” – Eric Asimov
Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles available
Eric Asimov: “The Frog’s Leap, 92 percent cabernet sauvignon and 8 percent cabernet franc, was elegant, balanced and juicy with aromas and flavors of red fruit, herbs, earth and minerals, and a lively acidity that I found refreshing.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The highlight in this range, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon captures the richness and exuberance of the vintage while keeping a classic, mid-weight feel. Sweet red cherry, plum, cedar, herb and smoke add shades of nuance in a hugely appealing Cabernet Sauvignon that will drink well for another two decades plus. This is the first Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon made from estate fruit.” AG
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Six-Pack Deals from Around the World
We offer 28 case-six deals and 133 case-twelve deals from around the world!
Below are 10 of our case-six deals:
Case-6 Drouhin Oregon Roserock Vineyard Eola- Amity Chardonnay 2014 750ML ($189.95) $159 special, 1 six-pack available (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
Drouhin Oregon Roserock Vineyard Eola- Amity Chardonnay 2014 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 9 bottles available
VinopolNote: The Chardonnay was fermented half in barrel and half in tank.
Winery note “Our Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay cuvée is drawn from Roserock’s three estate Chardonnay blocks. It clearly conveys winemaker Véronique Drouhin’s dedication to elegance and finesse, and continues a long tradition of producing fine wines.”
Case-6 Chateau de Lascaux Coteaux du Languedoc Rose, Languedoc-Roussillon 2014 1.5L ($219.95) $89 special, 5 six-packs available (that’s only $14.83/ 1.5L bottle!)
Chateau de Lascaux Coteaux du Languedoc Rose, Languedoc-Roussillon 2014 1.5L ($39.95) $16.60 special, 28 magnums available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 88 points “Light orange-pink. Pungent red berries and orange pith on the nose and in the mouth, with a subtle floral quality emerging as the wine opens up. Fleshy and dry, with an herbal flourish and a touch of bitterness emerging on the back half. Shows good power and cut on the finish, which leaves notes of anise and dried citrus fruits behind.” JR
This is BY FAR the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Case-6 Castello di Ama ‘San Lorenzo’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2011 750ML ($259.95) $233 special, 3 six-packs available (that’s only $38.83/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Castello di Ama ‘San Lorenzo’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2011 750ML ($57.95) $41.90 special, 21 bottles available
Case-12 Castello di Ama ‘San Lorenzo’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2011 750ML ($549.95) $432 special, 12 cases available (that’s only $36/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
James Suckling 96 points “This has a dusty character on the nose with soil, dried fruit and blueberry. Flowers too. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Tight and structured. Shows wonderful depth of fruit and beauty. Chewy. Better in 2016.” JS
Case-6 Achaval Ferrer Quimera, Mendoza, Argentina 2012 750ML ($199.95) $159 special, 6 six-packs available (that’s only $26.50/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Achaval Ferrer Quimera, Mendoza, Argentina 2012 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles available
James Suckling 93 points “There’s a minerality and intensity to this wine with limestone and salt. Full-bodied yet so refined. Sexy and beautiful. Mostly malbec with cabernet franc, merlot and a bit of petit verdot. Drink or hold.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous Media “(aged in French oak, 40% new, for 12 months; 50% Malbec, 24% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot): Dark red-ruby. Ripe aromas of blackberry, blueberry and bitter chocolate. Dense and fine-grained, showing attractive spicy lift to its dark berry flavors. Ripe, harmonious acidity gives this wine a seamless quality. Classy juice.”
Case-6 Mullan Road Cellars Red, Columbia Valley 2013 750ML ($239.95) $199 special, 3 six-packs available (that’s only $33.17/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Mullan Road Cellars Red, Columbia Valley 2013 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 18 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Tasted out of barrel and a perfumed, floral, lively blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and a splash of Malbec, the 2013 Columbia Valley Red Wine offers ample black raspberry, sweet cassis, spring flowers and sappy herb-like aromas and flavors. Coming from a mix of Stillwater Creek, Seven Hills and Lawrence vineyards, this rock-star barrel sample has medium to full-bodied richness, fabulous purity and fine tannin that frame the finish. It should be relatively civilized on release, yet evolve gracefully for 15 years.”
Case-6 La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2007 750ML ($599.95) $499 special, 1 six-pack available (that’s only $83.17/bottle!)
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2007 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 17 bottles available
Wine Spectator 97 points “Spicy oak aromas greet the nose, while concentrated flavors of cherry, currant and tobacco are buried underneath. Very vibrant, with refined tannins and a lingering finish of fruit, spice and mineral. Builds on the finish, with a long aftertaste. A combination of power and finesse. Best from 2015 through 2030.”WS
James Suckling 95 points “Intense aromas of dried fruits and Christmas pudding. Turns to plums and raspberries. Full and concentrated with an intense palate of dried fruits and vanilla. Powerful and concentrated style here.”
Case-6 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Calderara Sottana Rosso Etna, Sicily 2013 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 2 six-packs available (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Calderara Sottana Rosso Etna, Sicily 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 16 bottles available
Ian D’Agata–Vinous 92 points “Dark red. Strong stony minerality currently overshadows aromas of red cherry and raspberry. Penetrating and vibrant on the palate, with red berry and mineral flavors displaying noteworthy purity and complexity. Lingers long on the youthfully chewy finish, which features a bright mineral overlay and a violet topnote. This cru is located at roughly the same altitude as Feudo di Mezzo but the soil is extremely gravelly. It’s almost always the most Burgundian of Terre Nere’s many crus and it’s no different this year. Only about 800 meter walk away from the Feudo di Mezzo Quadro delle Rose vineyard, but the wines are a world apart.”
Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2013 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana shows a different personality compared to Tenuta delle Terre Nere’s other single-vineyard expressions. Calderara Sottana offers more balsamic definition with wild fennel, rosemary spring, dark fruit and scorched earth. To my palate, it is the most ethereal of the bunch and the hardest to pin down given that the aromas are in constant evolution and flux. Pretty fruit and berry tones fill in the back. Despite the enormous definition presented on the bouquet, the wine is more immediate and direct in the mouth. Bright berry is followed by ash, smoke and dusty tannins. This vintage feels less complex overall but it should age nicely. ”
Case-6 Tyrus Evan Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Claret, Columbia Valley 2010 750ML ($199.95) $99 special, 3 six-packs available (that’s only $16.50/bottle!)
Tyrus Evan Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Claret, Columbia Valley 2010 750ML ($39.95) $18 special, 28 bottles available
The vineyard Ciel du Cheval lies in the heart of the tiny Red Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA) in southeast Washington. Initially planted to just three acres in 1975, the vineyard now encompasses 120 acres and provides outstanding fruit to 26 wineries in the northwest. As owner Jim Holmes puts it, “This is a hobby that has gone crazy.” 27% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Case-6 Two Hands Wines Bella’s Garden Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2013 750ML ($349.95) $249 special, 4 six-packs available (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
Two Hands Wines Bella’s Garden Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2013 750ML ($79.95) $47 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Shiraz Bella’s Garden has wonderfully pure black and blue fruit notes of crushed blackberries, wild blueberries and cassis with nuances of black pepper, star anise, tar and cumin seed. Big, rich and concentrated in the mouth, the full-bodied palate bursts with peppered blackberry flavors supported by firm, grainy tannins and lively acidity, finishing with great persistence.”
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Case-6 Weingut Karthauserhof Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs Trocken, Mosel 2013 750ML ($359.95) $269 special, 7 six-packs available (that’s only $44.83/bottle!)
Weingut Karthauserhof Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs Trocken, Mosel 2013 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 37 bottles available
Weingut Karthauserhof Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs Trocken, Mosel 2013 375ML ($39.95) $28 special, 15 half-bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “Very clear, discreet and refined on the nose – where the 2013 Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling GG displays fine stone and fruit aromas of lemons and green apples. Lean and vital but also intense, rich and juicy on the palate, this is a lovely pure, straightforward, piquant and very salty expression of the Karthäuserhofberg terroir and the 2013 vintage. This long-distance runner has more fruit intensity than the Edition and reveals a very fine raciness and a complex finish with lingering lemon aromas.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $64.99
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Don’t Miss Out on This!
Jadot Sale Ends Tomorrow at Midnight
Louis Jadot Pommard 2011 750ML ($59.95) Was $49, Now $41.90, 21 bottles available
Burghound – “A hint of wood can be seen on the ripe but agreeably fresh aromas of red berry fruit liqueur and warm earth scents. There is reasonably good volume to the round and supple flavors that offer good detail and verve on the lightly mineral-inflected, austere and rustic finish where the wood resurfaces.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $53
Louis Jadot Les Fuees, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($129.95) Was $99, Now $69, 5 bottles available
Burghound 90-92 points “Moderate wood frames a very pretty nose of high-toned raspberry, cherry and subtle menthol nuances. There is plenty of the characteristic minerality to the refined and attractively vibrant medium weight flavors that possess a distinctly saline character on the clean and mildly austere finish. The tannins are firm but quite fine-grained and this should age well as the balance is impeccable.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $92
Louis Jadot Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($259.95) Was $199, Now $189, 4 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92-95 points “Good bright medium red. Medicinal cherry liqueur, red licorice and spicy oak on the nose. Then penetrating and intense but suave, with lovely sappiness to the flavors of raspberry, cranberry and flowers. The grower Jadot buys this fruit from has recently added a vibrating sorting table, and converted entirely to new stainless steel fermentation tanks as of 2010.” ST
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The average price is $219
Louis Jadot Nuits-Saint-Georges 2011 750ML ($52.95) Was $41.90, Now $33, 20 bottles available
Burghound 87-89 points “An earthy and quite somber nose of dark berries, underbrush and cassis aromas slides into attractively round and supple flavors that possess good volume before culminating in a delicious if mildly rustic finish. The tannins are ripe and well-integrated and this is a classic Nuits villages in character and style.” BH
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The average price is $48
Résonance Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton 2013 750ML ($69.95) Was $59, Now $49, 36+ bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “Light and focused, showing distinctive subtlety. A layer of crinkly tannins underlies a pulsing core of mineral-accented cherry and red berry flavors, hinting at cinnamon as the finish lingers gently.” HS
Louis Jadot Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($359.95) Was $279, Now $249, 2 bottles available
Wine Spectator 95 points “Vanilla and baking spice aromas lead off, with the peach and apple fruit showing on the palate. Flamboyant, yet firmly structured, this has underlying lime and stone elements that should emerge with time. Excellent length. Best from 2018 through 2032.”BS
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2012 Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru has a richer, more tropical-scented bouquet compared to the Bienvenue. The palate is smooth and rounded, rich and mellifluous in the mouth with a long, seductive finish that needs just a little more tension and poise.” WA
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The average price is $290
Louis Jadot Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($279.95) Was $219, Now $199, 12 bottles available
John Gilman 94+ points “Vineyards such as Bonnes-Mares really have taken advantage of the elegant side of the 2011 vintage, and this is doubly true of this stunning wine from Maison Jadot. The deep, sappy and simply gorgeous nose wafts from the glass in a mélange of black cherries, dark berries, woodsmoke, game, espresso, fresh herbs, stunningly complex soil tones and cedar. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and quite plush on the attack, with great mid-palate depth, laser-like focus, ripe, firm tannins and simply stunning length and grip on the still very young finish. Profound juice….94+”
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Bright, deep red. Initially explosive aromas and flavors of cherry, menthol, incense and spices subsided in favor of blueberry, crushed stone and peppermint tea: very Bonnes-Mares! Wonderfully silky and scented in the mouth, displaying very good breadth but a light touch. Finishes with a broad, fine dusting of tannins and excellent length and lift. A compellingly perfumed and pure wine: am I greedy for wanting the flesh and sweetness of a warmer year?” ST
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $250
Louis Jadot Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($419.95) Was $349, Now $333, 2 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93-95 points, Wine Spectator 93-96 points “The 2012 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru, which underwent a tardy malolactic fermentation, is surprisingly well behaved on the nose strict at first and preferring to unfold in piecemeal fashion to reveal saturnine black fruit laced with inkwell and Indian spice scents. The palate is very well balanced packed full of dense black fruit and struck through with a keen, almost racy acidity. The finish is very solid and structured for Bonnes-Mares that I suspect will age extremely well. In its youth, I suspect this will be impressive more than pleasurable…at least for the first decade of its life.” WA
Louis Jadot Chambolle-Musigny 2012 750ML ($79.95) Was $66, Now $49, 8 bottles available
From the winery “Louis Jadot produces a deeply coloured wine which develops a red berries fruits – and undergrowth aromas when older. Full bodied, delicate this wine has a silky finish. The soil is responsible for Chambolle Musigny’s exceptional delicacy and a character not possessed by any other wine of the Côte de Nuits. It will perfectly match with delicate dishes, not too spicy like red meat, game and quite strong cheeses.”
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The average price is $62
Louis Jadot Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($219.95) Was $169, Now $159, 2 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 95 points “Bright, full medium red. Knockout nose shows an almost candied character to the aromas of strawberry, cherry, dark berries, lavender, menthol and Indian spices. Dense, suave and juicy, with a distinctly silky texture to the broad flavors of red fruits, menthol and spices. Utterly seamless, suave, classically dry Chapelle with outstanding energy and definition. Still tight today but the wine’s fine-grained tannins and superb breadth and length suggest that it will make a great bottle a decade hence.” ST
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The average price is $175
Louis Jadot Montrachet Grand Cru 2009 750ML ($499.95) Was $449, Now $399, 3 bottles available
John Gilman 95+ points “The 2009 Jadot Montrachet (which hails from the Chassagne side of the vineyard, by the way) is also exceptional. The nose offers up a great and compelling mélange of apple, white peach, lemon, great minerality, floral tones and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and superbly structured, with a rock solid core of fruit, beautiful focus and balance, impeccable grip and a very long, racy and refined finish. A wonderful bottle of wine. 2020-2050”
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The average price is $550
Louis Jadot Montrachet Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($419.95) Was $379, Now $349, 3 bottles available
Burghound 94-97 points “Here the nose is notably more reserved with aromas of citrus zest, spice, wood toast, fennel and spice hints. This is also a very imposingly-scaled wine with its big, muscular and wonderfully complex flavors that culminate in a long, focused and explosive finish of breathtaking length and intensity. This overtly powerful effort should reward at least a decade in the cellar and drink well for another. A ‘wow’ wine.” BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $457
Louis Jadot Le Musigny Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($599.95) Was $459, Now $399, 1 bottle available
Stephen Tanzer 94-97 points “Medium red. Reticent but pristine aromas of cranberry, raspberry and clove oil, plus an exhilarating suggestion of candied fruit. Superconcentrated, silky and utterly seamless; wonderfully spherical wine with great fruit intensity and complexity and a pungent crushed stone element. Combines a texture of liquid velvet with an almost magically light touch. Finishes with noble tannins and great length and grip. Even sweeter on the finish than the Amoureuses. Great wine in the making.” ST
John Gilman – View from the Cellar 97 points “The queen in the Jadot cellars is brilliant in 2011. The stunning nose offers up a cornucopia of red and black cherries, plums, dark chocolate, woodsmoke, a marvelously complex base of soil, a touch of nutskin, mustard seed, coffee and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and potentially very velvety, with a beautifully sappy core, ripe, utterly suave tannins, great focus and balance and a very, very long, vibrant and completely seamless finish. A great bottle of Musigny in the making! 2025-2100.” –
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The next best price is $419
Louis Jadot Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($149.95) Was $98, Now $89, 5 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Good medium red. Raspberry, redcurrant and strong spicy oak on the nose. Densely packed but a bit youthfully rough today, with raspberry and spicy oak flavors framed by sound acidity and substantial dusty tannins. Plenty of breadth and energy here but this grand cru will need at least a couple more years to harmonize in bottle.” ST
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Louis Jadot Echezaux Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($179.95) Was $139, Now $99, 5 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Medium red. Vibrant aromas of red cherry, cranberry, pomegranate, spices and nutty oak. Broad and savory on the palate; in a dry style but shows good weight and texture to its flavors of tart red berries and spices. Nicely filled in, yet at the same time taut and penetrating. Finishes with ripe tannins, sneaky subtle sweetness and a lovely light touch.” ST
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $152
Louis Jadot Clos Saint-Jacques, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($169.95) Was $119, Now $99, 8 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92-94 points “Good medium red. Red berries, coffee and mocha on the nose, with a note of blood orange emerging with air. Began large-scaled and spicy but rather inexpressive, but aeration brought greater sweetness of fruit and elegance, with a whiff of blood orange providing lift. Ultimately more expansive than the Estournelles but this wine will need at least a few years in the cellar following its release.” ST
Louis Jadot Clos Saint-Jacques, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($219.95) Was $169, Now $149, 5 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2012 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques has a fragrant bouquet: floral at first with touches of violet, later revealing a stony scents, hints of chalk dust and flint surfacing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and impressive focus. It feels composed in the mouth with good matiere, yet it remains sophisticated and tense right to the finish. There is nothing flash here, just pure quality.” WA
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The average price is $182
Louis Jadot –Domaine Gagey – Les Boudots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($99.95) Was $79, Now $59, 17 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91 (+?) points “Medium red. Brooding aromas of dark fruits, mint and menthol. Rich and deep on the palate, with spicy red fruit flavors lifted by a note of orange peel. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and juicy persistence.” ST
Louis Jadot Les Petits Monts, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($129.95) Was $99, Now $69, 3 bottles available
Winery note “Louis Jadot Vosne Romanée “Les Petits Monts” not very well known because it is a quite small vineyard. It is a seductive, velvety wine, with intense aromas of red and black fruits, spices and gently oaky. It is not a very powerful wine, but tannins are full and round. The wine will have an harmonious and nice evolution.”
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Louis Jadot Les Suchots, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($129.95) Was $99, Now $85, 3 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91-94 points “(15% vendange entier): Good medium red. Soil-driven aromas of raspberry, minerals, mocha, pepper and chocolate. Very concentrated and complex but youthfully backward today, showing excellent energy to the flavors of raspberry, crushed stone, spices and flowers. Finishes with captivating building sweetness. A lot of potential here.” ST
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Such Great Heitz
Magnum Pre-Arrival
Arriving April 29th
Heitz Cellar Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2010 1.5L ($499.95) $419 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Not surprisingly, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Martha’s Vineyard is the least expressive of these wines. At the same time, so much of its appeal is in its tightly-coiled energy and tension. Cherry pit, smoke, blood orange, mint and spice open up with time in the glass, but the 2010 is clearly built for cellaring. The wine’s brightness and focus are compelling, but the 2010 needs time.” AG
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Vintage Bubbles
1996 + 2006 Philipponnat Arriving in May
Philipponnat Clos des Goisses Brut, Champagne 1996 750ML ($399.95) $348 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 97 points (December 2015); Antonio Galloni 96 points (March 2015) “One of the all-time greats from Philipponnat, the 1996 Clos des Goisses captures the essence of a vintage in which both sugars and acidities were elevated. Tension, energy and salinity are the signatures. Readers who can wait on the 1996 will be rewarded with a stunning bottle of Champagne that will likely still be profound at age fifty.”
Philipponnat Clos des Goisses Brut, Champagne 2006 750ML ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Floral and ripe apricot notes ride the creamy bead of this elegant Champagne, accented by hints of black currant, pastry and candied kumquat. Bright and lively, with a hint of smoky mineral lingering on the finish. Disgorged in May 2015. Drink now through 2026.”
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Vinopolis Best Bets for April
Best Sellers for Best Cellars
Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage La Petite Ruche Blanc, Rhone 2010 750ML ($29.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Spectator 91 points “Lush up front, but driven, with well-defined dried pineapple, white peach and melon notes racing through the chamomile-tinged finish. Very pure and long.”
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The next best price is $24.19
Ruffino Modus Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2010 750ML ($27.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles available
James Suckling 94 points “A silky and refined red with currant, berry, mineral and dried flower aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, flavorful and delicious. A blend of sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Drinkable now but better in 2017.” JS
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $26
Rodney Strong Single Vineyard Alexander’s Crown Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2009 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 22 bottles available
Robert Parker 92+ points “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander’s Crown bursts from the glass with dark cherry jam, blackberries, exotic spices, flowers, grilled herbs and graphite. It boasts gorgeous depth and a rich, sumptuous personality. Higher-toned floral notes add lift and brightness on the finish. The style is decidedly on the opulent side, yet all of the elements are nicely balanced. The 2009 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 23 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.” RP
Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon, Apalta 2013 750ML ($21.95) $11.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon, Apalta 2013 750ML ($199.95) $119 special, 4 cases available
Wine Spectator 90 points “Offers mouthfilling richness, with sinewy and concentrated flavors of dried cherry, mint and raspberry, featuring green olive notes. Minerally finish. Drink now through 2018.”
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Round Pond Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 21 bottles available
Case-12 Round Pond Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2013 750ML ($649.95) $536 special, 2 cases available
Robert Parker 92 points “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford, a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec, is a beauty. It’s also realistically priced by Napa standards. The wine reveals toasty oak, blackberry and cassis fruit, beautiful texture, purity and length. This is a big-time winner and should drink well for 12-15 years.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Round Pond’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is fabulous. Aromatic, pliant and expressive, the 2013 is incredibly nuanced for such a young wine. Sweet red plum, wild flowers, mint and cinnamon meld together in a medium-bodied, gracious Cabernet that will drink well with minimal cellaring.”
Two Hands Wines Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale 2013 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Spectator 91 points “Firm in texture, this savory style wraps a moderate grip of tannins around orange peel—accented black fruit and tar flavors, coming together on the focused, expressive and seductive finish. Drink now through 2020.”
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Domaine Antoine Arena Patrimonio Grotte di Sole Rouge, Corsica 2011 750ML 2011 ($49.95) $29 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Spectator 89 points “The dark cherry and black currant fruit has an edgy feel, with lots of bramble, holly and cassis bush notes rippling underneath. Tangy anise and sanguine accents line the finish, presenting a light hint of leather in the background.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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Our Best Ever Super Sale & Importer in a Stupor Sale
Last Call!
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2006 750ML ($699.95) $319 special, 29 bottles remaining
Wine Spectator 97 points “A mix of sweet cherry, raspberry, floral, tobacco, tea and balsamic flavors mingle in this complex and layered red. The acidity and tannins are present and well-integrated as this remains elegant and harmonious on the lingering finish. There’s a racy aspect, with a tobacco and mineral aftertaste. Best from 2016 through 2035.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva comes across as a bit reticent. It reveals lovely detail and nuance, but without the firmness of many other young vintages. Today the 2006 is quite accessible. I will be surprised if it doesn’t start shutting down at some point. Regardless, the 2006 appears to be built more on finesse rather than power. Freshly cut flowers, hard candy and licorice are layered into the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2046.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is more than 50% higher than ours—-$499
The average price is near double ours—–$619
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