December 10th Newsletter 2021

There are few places that have been cultivating wine grapes for as long as Provence having been originally settled by the Phocian Greeks in 600 BC. Fast forward a few centuries and you have Chateau Peyrassol continuing these traditions (With a restored historical site at that) under the guidance of the Austruy family, which has invested in the vineyard and winery and has expanded the line up to include non-estate bottlings.

These are historic wines from the foothills of the Massif des Maures along the Mediterranean coast. Wine production dates back to 1256 under the Knights Templar and has been in continuous production since. The wines are produced organically with limited yields due to the severe climate, low-vigor soils, and age of the vines. Provencial rose is famous for being light in color and perfectly crushable. Usually made from blends of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan there are a few rarities that are made predominantly with Tibouren, one of the original grapes planted in the area. Peyrassol is one of the few estates that grow all of the permitted varietals on their estate, with Tibouren being the chief grape of their highest offering; Les Clos. 

Year in, year out, these are our most popular rosés. It’s not hard to guess why: these are well-priced, historic, and delicious.

In stock and available now: 

Peyrassol Cotes de Provence ‘Chateau Peyrassol’ Rose France 2017 3L ($199.95) $169 special, 7 three-liter bottles in stock now
Importer note “Made entirely from estate fruit in 2017, “Chateau” is primarily Cinsault, with increasingly smaller amounts of Grenache, Mourvedre, Tibouren, and Syrah. This is a higher-toned, more floral, more filigree wine than its brother above, with subtle herbal notes framing clean, lifted fruit on the nose. Though equally as dense—and perhaps more penetrating due to its more overt mineral character—it is no richer than the “Commanderie,” and it expresses the vintage’s firm tension with elegance.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Peyrassol Cotes de Provence ‘Chateau Peyrassol’ Rose France 2018 1.5L ($99.95) $69 special, 12 magnums in stock now
Importer note “This is the elite cuvée of the estate relying as it does on grapes harvested from the oldest vines of the domaine (35 years and older). Principally composed of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah, the “Chateau” bottling also sees the addition, from time-to-time of Tibouren, the ancient and regal Provencale grape. This Rosé is produced via the “direct press” method and has a long cuvaison designed to produce a wine of character and concentration. Vinified in stainless steel and bottled in late winter – early spring, production is quite limited.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Peyrassol Cotes de Provence ‘Chateau Peyrassol’ Rose France 2020 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Peyrassol Cotes de Provence ‘Chateau Peyrassol’ Rose France 2020 750ML ($479.95) $369 special, (That’s only $30.75 per bottle!)
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Light, brilliant orange-pink. Highly perfumed, mineral-accented red berry and pit fruit aromas are complemented by a floral note that builds in the glass. Juicy and sharply focused in the mouth, offering vibrant strawberry, blood orange and white peach flavors and a suave touch of honeysuckle. Concentrated yet lithe in style, finishing with intense mineral- and floral-driven thrust.”
Importer note “100% estate fruit, offering the purest expression of a great Provencal terroir. [These are] the oldest vines of the estate from the Girette and Longchamps areas, currently under organic conversion. Pale in color, with soft rose-tinted overtones, Château Peyrassol radiates freshness. It’s subtle nose of citrus, vine peach, apricot and delicate florals is inviting. It has a dense palate, poised and lively, and is notable for its balance, punctuated by a long, fruity finish. Harvested during the cool temperature of the night, the fruits are destemmed and pressed with minimal exposure to oxygen to preserve freshness and aromas. The grapes are vinified by direct pressing and in the course of this process the wine develops its delicate pink color. After fermentation in stainless steel at a controlled temperature, a light racking is completed to retain only the best lees which are then worked carefully to promote both the aromatic expression and the potential of the wine to last over time. 45% Cinsault, 25% Grenache, 12% Ugni Blanc, 10% Syrah, 8% Rolle.”
Winery note “Pale in colour, with soft rose-tinted overtones, Château Peyrassol radiates freshness. Its subtle nose of citrus, vine peach, apricot and fine floral notes is inviting. It has a beautiful, dense palate, delicate and lively, and is notable for its balance and full body, punctuated by a long, fruity finish. It is the perfect accompaniment to fish soups, carpaccios and all varieties of grilled fish, but will also add sparkle to red berry desserts.” 

Peyrassol Cotes de Provence ‘Cuvee des Commandeurs’ Rose France 2020 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Peyrassol Cotes de Provence ‘Cuvee des Commandeurs’ Rose France 2020 750ML ($279.95) $249 special, (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 91 points “Bright onion skin. Incisive red berry, cherry and citrus fruit aromas are complemented by building mineral and floral accents. Silky and energetic on the palate, offering intense strawberry, blood orange and honeysuckle flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Finishes long and gently chewy, repeating the orange and floral notes.”
Importer note “Cuvée des Commandeurs bottles the essence of quality fruit, seeking to evoke pleasure and delight the senses. This accessible rosé was crafted to provide thirst-quenching freshness with vibrant fruitiness, without sacrificing elegance and complexity. Its rosy appearance is delicate in color and an expressive nose lends charm to this blend. A palate dominated by wild berries: gooseberry and raspberry that reveal themselves in a crisp, silky mouthfeel enhanced with a touch of minerality. 40% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, 10% Rolle. Harvested at night to preserve the acidity and in double floor boxes to prevent any early maceration and coloration of the juice. The fruit is directly destemmed and pressed on arrival in the cellar. The alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks.”

Peyrassol Cotes de Provence ‘Le Clos Peyrassol’ Rose France 2019 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Peyrassol Cotes de Provence ‘Le Clos Peyrassol’ Rose France 2019 1.5L ($149.95) $129 special, 12 magnums in stock now
Wine Advocate 93 points “Predominantly Tibouren, with the balance of the blend being Grenache and Rolle, Peyrassol’s super pale 2019 Cotes de Provence Rose Le Clos Peyrassol offers up scents of crushed stone, garrigue, white peach and lime, all tinged with tart red berries. It’s medium-bodied on the palate, with a silky-wet stone feel and a lingering finish that seems to build in red fruit intensity while remaining citrusy and refreshing at the same time. One of the best wines in this year’s tasting, this is a limited-production cuvée from a walled vineyard located on the estate.”

Other Provencial Rosé in stock now:

Chateau Pradeaux Cotes de Provence Rose France 2020 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Wine note “Côtes de Provence: Made from 45% Cinsault and 40% Mourvedre, with the balance split among Grenache and Carignan, a core of sappy, glycerol red-cherry fruit anchors a firm, punchy minerality, and the finish is remarkably persistent. The vineyards that comprise this wine were, in fact, classified as Bandol AOC as recently as 2012, and this 2017 clearly distinguishes itself from among the vast ocean of Côtes de Provence rose by virtue of its terroir’s unique pedigree.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Bunan Cotes de Provence Belouve Rose France 2019 750ML ($21.95) $17 Special bottles in stock now
Winery note “Cinsault 60%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%, Ugni blanc 10%. Pale salmon pink hue. Elegant and fruity nose revealing aromas of citrus fruits. A direct and harmonious wine. A crunchy rosé with a clean attack elongated by lingering fruity notes. Pair with fish, shellfish, lamb, white meats, spicy dishes.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Bunan Cotes de Provence Belouve Rose France 2020 750ML ($24.95) $18 special bottles in stock now
Winery note “Cinsault : 60% Cabernet Sauvignon : 30% Ugni blanc : 10%. Nose and palate: Pale salmon pink hue. Elegant and fruity nose revealing aromas of citrus fruits. A direct and harmonious wine. A crunchy rosé with a clean attack elongated by lingering fruity notes.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Shop our full selection of Rosé on our web store

Among the hundreds of grape varietals that see commercial production, there is one grape to rule them all; Cabernet Sauvignon. The most planted varietal in the world, Cabernet can be seen in virtually every wine producing region in the world. Made famous in the 17th century after Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc hybridized in a vineyard that’s been lost to history, it rapidly became the favorite grape Bordeaux’s Left Bank.

Prized for being among the most ageworthy due to the resulting wine’s tannins and affinity for oak aging, quality Cabernet be kept in the cellar for decades after its harvest vintage. In general you will find a full bodied red that delivers a spectrum of purple and black fruits with layered aromas of botanicals and minerals. 

Depending on the climate where the Cabernet was grown, mineral and botanical flavors will lead in cooler environments with warmer examples yielding more fruit inclinations. An example of a cooler growing environment would be the high altitude regions of Alto Adige in Italy, Lujan De Cuyo in Argentina, or the Columbia Gorge of Oregon and Washington. Regardless of growing environment Cabernet Sauvignon will yield higher Tannins and bold structure, rewarding food pairings with richer food.
 
Cabernets From around the world in stock now: 

Guerrieri Gonzaga Tenuta San Leonardo ‘San Leonardo’ Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Trentino-Alto Adige 2013 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The flagship wine from this celebrated Trentino estate was not produced in 2012. We do have the stunning 2013 San Leonardo on the market now. This vintage is large in scale and has immediate intensity, and I am somewhat surprised by the volume and seamless bouquet that appears this early in the game. This vintage shows balanced ripeness with plummy fruit aromas that are carefully contrasted against spice, leather and fine tobacco. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Merlot, and San Leonardo is always aged in barrique for four years (of which only 25% of the barrels are new). This is a bottle to keep long (extra long) in your cellar.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Cayuse Vineyards ‘Widowmaker’ En Chamberlin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($189.95) $159 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Lots of earthy tobacco, gravelly earth, shiitake, and assorted darker fruits emerge from the 2018 The Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard. Medium to full-bodied, it has a wonderful core of sweet fruit, polished tannins, and a great finish. It leans heavily into the earthy, foresty side of the spectrum. Give bottles 2-4 years in the cellar if you can, and it should have two decades of prime drinking ahead of it. This is only for those who like plenty of savory earthiness in their Bordeaux blends.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 94 points “Opening with a mineral-driven nose, the 2018 The Widowmaker en Chamberlin Vineyard offers up elements of dusty blackberry, hints of leather and resinous purple flowers with cinnamon and nutmeg tones. Medium to full-bodied, the wine displays a ripe, lush expression that is coated with a delightful mineral tension before displaying elements of bitter dark chocolate, dried sage and dusty purple flowers. Concluding with a long, winding finish, the Cabernet should continue to deliver an elegant, dark-fruited and delightful drinking experience for the next decade and a half. The wine rested for 19 months in French oak barrels, one-third new. Just over 3,000 bottles were produced.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 93+ points “Dark red. Claret-like aromas of raspberry, strawberry, black tea, leather, menthol and minerals; a bit less wild than the 2017 version. Enters the mouth smooth, fine-grained and rather thick, then saturates the palate with red and darker fruits and spices. Substantial dusty tannins call for at least a few years of patience. Not currently showing the sweetness of The Lovers, this wine needs time to express itself and gain in nuance. It would appear to possess the balancing acidity and firm mineral spine to evolve positively. (Tasted June 2021; Published September 2021)”

Wein-Erbhof Stein ‘Vom Berg’ Cabernet Sauvignon Mosel 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Steep slate soils; sourced from multiple vineyards throughout the village; 25 yo vines; élevage in old barriques.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Meerlust Rubicon Stellenbosch 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 92 points “The 2017 Rubicon, Meerlust’s flagship Bordeaux blend (68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot) offers attractive blackberry, raspberry coulis and floral scents on the nose, plus just a touch of glycerol. The palate is harmonious and medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity and an almost understated but long finish. Not a show-stealer, but one of the bottles that you will finish quicker than intended.”

Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 11 bottles in stock now
VinpolNote: Old Hill Ranch planted a block of Cabernet in 1983 on a rootstock known as “AXR”. Fast forward 20 years and the block was infected by phylloxera due to an undiagnosed susceptibility in AXR. This means that the block is in the process of dying, with the resulting wine being every bit of a “Swan song” you’d expect.  

Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto 2018 ($139.95) $108 special, 33 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 100 points “This is amazing. The vibrancy and energy in this wine is stunning. The complexity of aromas are breathtaking with flowers, blackcurrants, raspberries and peaches. Full-bodied, yet ever so refined and polished with impeccable texture and beauty. The length is marvelous. This is a testimony to balance, harmony and transparency in a great red. Drink after 2023.”

Casarena Owen’s Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Agrelo 2016 750ML ($31.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 92 points “(from 90-year-old vines on pergolas in sand and clay soil, with rocky subsoil allowing for good drainage): Bright red-ruby. Pungent aromas of cassis, licorice and minerals, along with a whiff of smoky reduction. Juicy, penetrating wine with lovely energy and concentration to its sharply delineated flavors of redcurrant, raspberry and savory minerality. Very suave and firmly built, with no rough edges. Finishes with a fine dusting of tannins and rising floral perfume. A lovely soil-driven Cabernet Sauvignon with the energy of the vintage. At $30, this wine is a bargain compared to most Napa Valley Cabernets–and I suspect that most drinkers would find this more food-friendly.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Dominus Estate Napanook Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($89.95) $68.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “Gorgeous aromas of plums and currants with some wet earth, mushroom, bark and incense undertones. Woody. Medium-to full-bodied with such beautiful depth and length. So subtle and long. Fabulous harmony. One of the best I have ever tasted. Drink or hold.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2018 Napanook showed incredibly well, with fabulous crème de cassis, spring flowers, graphite, and green tobacco aromas and flavors. With terrific ripeness, medium to full body, and ripe, yet polished tannins, this beauty should be snatched up by savvy readers. It should evolve for 15 years or more. The blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, aged in 20% new French oak.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 93+ points “Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Napanook leaps from the glass with vivacious scents of fresh blueberries, black cherries, crushed blackcurrants and redcurrant jelly with hints of pencil shavings, red roses and dusty soil plus a waft of bay leaves. Medium-bodied, the palate is very tightly wound, allowing glimpses at loads of mineral and savory nuances among the taut black and red fruit notes, supported by fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing with a compelling herbal lift.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Arriving ETA Late January: 

Guerrieri Gonzaga Tenuta San Leonardo ‘San Leonardo’ Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Trentino-Alto Adige 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Guerrieri Gonzaga Tenuta San Leonardo ‘San Leonardo’ Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Trentino-Alto Adige 2015 750ML ($479.95) $389 special, (That’s only $64.83 per bottle!) 
Case-12 Guerrieri Gonzaga Tenuta San Leonardo ‘San Leonardo’ Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Trentino-Alto Adige 2015 750ML ($959.95) $745 special, ( That’s only $62.08 per bottle!) 
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97+ points “The 2015 San Leonardo pours forth with a beautiful velvety appearance and sultry dark garnet color. This wine shows a lot of life and dark fruit purity with black plum, blackberry, cassis and tarry prune. There is a delightful note of black pepper that is specific to this warm and sunny vintage. The fruit shows softer and richer concentration compared to past vintages and more pulpy density that gives this edition a bigger profile in terms of mouthfeel. Production is 75,000 bottles. San Leonardo is a wine made for long aging, but the nice thing about this vintage is that the bouquet remains quite accessible at this young age. Nevertheless, I’d still suggest keeping this bottle in your cellar so that it can calmly finish its evolution.”
Decanter 96 points “San Leonardo is the iconic wine of the estate, and one of the most celebrated Bordeaux blends of Italy with its cool climate profile. The warm 2015 vintage doesn’t differ from the leaner style of the wine (compared to other Bordeaux blends), which is a good benchmark to understand the sense of elegance here. The nose sees purity of fruit (cassis) typical of Trentino Alto Adige, finely melted with leather and green pepper aromas. If you dislike wines with a slightly herbal aroma is understandable but here this touch adds another layer and the wine on the palate shines with silky, super elegant tannins. Refreshing and amazingly savoury, it plays well even with brasato or other powerful dishes of red meat. Drinking Window 2020 – 2040.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 95 points “The 2015 San Leonardo is a classic in the making. The bouquet is wonderfully perfumed with peppery florals, mixing tart cherry and blueberry with white smoke, hints of graphite and shaved cedar. Silky textures race across a core of juicy acids and minerals, making for a ripe yet cool-toned and pleasurably tactile expression. Youthful tannins slowly make themselves known toward the close. Long, structured and spicy, the 2015 finishes with a crescendo of tart blue and black fruits, tapering off to notes of subtly sweet spice. As good as this is today, it will only get better over time. That said, it doesn’t appear that this is going to shut down anytime in the immediate future, so it’s certainly worth checking on a bottle or two before forgetting the rest in your cellar.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

We have Cabernet from all over the world including Napa Valley, Washington State and Bordeaux