March 2016

Anthony Terlato has been a formative character in the wine industry for over fifty years. From retail to distribution, marketing to importing, and vineyard ownership to wine production, his efforts have been recognized across Italy, France, and America. In turn, the Terlato name has been monogrammed into the fabric of wine history.

The “Peak Series” of wines in California are Mr. Terlato’s way of paying tribute to the Grand Cru wines of Bordeaux. “Angel’s Peak” is the first in the series, geared towards the wine stylings of Pomerol, where Merlot takes center stage.

We’re proud to offer this plush, structured cuvee from the 2007, currently at the lowest listed price in the USA.

Terlato Family Vineyards Angel’s Peak, Napa Valley 2007 750ML ($49.95) $18 special
Wine Spectator 88 points “Loaded with toasty oak aromas, this features appealing layers of red currant, dill and mocha coffee flavors, which linger toward ripe tannins.… Read the rest

Paolo Bea Pagliaro Secco, Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG 2008 750ML ($89.95) $79 special

Umbria, the heartland of Italy; the only region of Italy that is in fact surrounded by Italy. Its rolling hills and intermittent plains are something of an agricultural paradise. Montefalco is said to be the balcony of Umbria; an ancient hilltop fortess village. And the nearby Montefalco hills are the center of Umbrian wine tradition, with pre-Roman origins. For all of its prized olive oils and sometimes prized wines, the greatest “export” from Umbria may well be the particular theology of the Franciscan Order, founded in 13th Century Assisi, 20 miles to the north from Montefalco.

The Bea Family in Montefalco pre-dates the 16th Century. For all the impact that Paolo Bea has had on the world of wine, the estate is tiny and not specifically devoted to wine.… Read the rest

Available Here Now!

Castello di Ama ‘San Lorenzo’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2011 750ML ($57.95) $41.90 special
Case-12 Castello di Ama ‘San Lorenzo’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2011 750ML ($549.95) $432 special (that’s only $36/bottle!)
Case-6 Castello di Ama ‘San Lorenzo’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2011 750ML ($259.95) $233 special (that’s only $38.83/bottle!)
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… Read the rest

January 2016

The Gaja winery was founded in 1859 in the Langhe district of the Piedmont region.  For generations, the family was known for their traditional production of Barbarescos and Barolos. When Angelo Gaja took the helm in the 1960’s, he adopted modern methods of winemaking and became known as “the man who dragged Piedmont into the modern world.” His innovations involved introducing barrique aging, hybrid French bottle formats and longer corks. 1978, Angelo replanted a vineyard of Nebbiolo with Cabernet Sauvignon not because he loved Cabernet, but because he wanted to introduce Italy as a major contender in the world market. If he could grow and produce an international varietal that could gain respect, then he could persuade the world of the greatness of Italy’s indigenous grapes.… Read the rest