In This Newsletter:
New Dawn, New Day, New Arrivals
From Christophe Baron
Low in Price but Not Quality:
Vinopolis Bargains That Can’t be Missed
The Pharaoh of Fixin:
Gelin’s Burgundian Masterpieces
New Louis Roederer Bottling:
Collection 242 Coming Soon
Staff Pick:
Piedmontese Pelaverga
Trending:
Rosés of the Day
From Basque Country to Berangeraie and everywhere in between,
we have your new favorite
Mufatto:
Magical Mountain Malbec!
De Venoge: Mature and Rare Champagne Tête de Cuvee’s
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New Dawn, New Day, New Arrivals
From Christophe Baron
No Girls La Placiencia Vineyard Tempranillo Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($139.95) $119 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Rose petals, forest floor, spring flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, and loads of spice all emerge from the 2017 Tempranillo. It almost reminds me of a Cote Rotie with its feminine, floral, complex bouquet. Nicely textured on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness, it has great tannins, perfect balance, and just has everything in the right places. It benefits from air, so give it a decant if drinking any time soon. It’s going to evolve gracefully for 15-20 years or more.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2017 Tempranillo la Paciencia shows a solid ruby core and wafts from the glass with aromas of cassis, wild strawberry, baked earth and leather. Medium to full-bodied, the wine has a firm dustiness similar to hot river rocks, then shows lifting, fine-grained tannins that complete the complex yet balanced structure. The Tempranillo ends with an elegant, lingering finish, showing crushed violets and soft savory spiciness before swaying back to expressive fruit tones. Only 313 cases were created.”
Hors Categorie Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($449.95) $399 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 98 points “Bursting from the glass, the 2017 Syrah has a mineral essence with aromas of summer sausage, black raspberry, blackberry and dark plum with savory aromas of black pepper spices, potpourri, touches of cocoa powder and freshly roasted coffee bean. The wine has a focus and precision that presides with the top bottlings from around the world. Aromas of newly tilled earth explode from the glass with floral notions of lilac and rose nuances that waft with spicy tones. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is seamless, bounding forth with complexity and a velvety richness that is exponentially compounded by the power the resides at its core. Devastatingly gorgeous, it takes my breath away, as the wine ends with a tightly wound, complex expression that continues to evolve over the elongated finish. With only 1,800 bottles made, good luck finding some, for if you do, you will undoubtedly be the envy of your wine treasure-hunting friends.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Rose petals, forest floor, spring flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, and loads of spice all emerge from the 2017 Tempranillo. It almost reminds me of a Cote Rotie with its feminine, floral, complex bouquet. Nicely textured on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness, it has great tannins, perfect balance, and just has everything in the right places. It benefits from air, so give it a decant if drinking any time soon. It’s going to evolve gracefully for 15-20 years or more.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2017 Tempranillo la Paciencia shows a solid ruby core and wafts from the glass with aromas of cassis, wild strawberry, baked earth and leather. Medium to full-bodied, the wine has a firm dustiness similar to hot river rocks, then shows lifting, fine-grained tannins that complete the complex yet balanced structure. The Tempranillo ends with an elegant, lingering finish, showing crushed violets and soft savory spiciness before swaying back to expressive fruit tones. Only 313 cases were created.”
Hors Categorie Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($449.95) $399 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 98 points “Bursting from the glass, the 2017 Syrah has a mineral essence with aromas of summer sausage, black raspberry, blackberry and dark plum with savory aromas of black pepper spices, potpourri, touches of cocoa powder and freshly roasted coffee bean. The wine has a focus and precision that presides with the top bottlings from around the world. Aromas of newly tilled earth explode from the glass with floral notions of lilac and rose nuances that waft with spicy tones. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is seamless, bounding forth with complexity and a velvety richness that is exponentially compounded by the power the resides at its core. Devastatingly gorgeous, it takes my breath away, as the wine ends with a tightly wound, complex expression that continues to evolve over the elongated finish. With only 1,800 bottles made, good luck finding some, for if you do, you will undoubtedly be the envy of your wine treasure-hunting friends.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Low in Price but Not Quality:
Vinopolis Bargains That Can’t be Missed
In Stock and Available Now:
Les Vignerons de Tautavel Cotes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex France 2017 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Les Vignerons de Tautavel Cotes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex France 2017 750ML ($159.95) $136 special (that’s only $22.67/bottle!)
Case-12 Les Vignerons de Tautavel Cotes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex France 2017 750ML ($319.95) $259 special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 93-95 points “The 2017 Cotes Du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex might end up matching (or even surpassing) the 2016. The same 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Carignan brought up in tank, it offers a ripe, medium to full-bodied, straight-up sexy style to go with complex notes of kirsch, black olives, black licorice, and dried garrigue. It’s a powerful yet elegant red that has tons of potential.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 Points “A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan from old vines, the 2017 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex is partly aged in barrel and part in tank. It delivers just enough cedar on the nose to let you know there’s barrel influence, without overwhelming the terroir-derived hints of crushed stone or the varietal notes of dark berries. Full-bodied, concentrated and supple, it’s a terrific bottle of Roussillon wine, with a long, elegant finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Substance Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2019 750ML ($17.95) $14.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Substance Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2019 750ML ($219.95) $158 special (that’s only $13.17/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck “Lots of pure honeycomb, white flowers, and honeyed citrus notes emerge from the 2019 Chardonnay Ch, a medium-bodied, supple, nicely textured, balanced Chardonnay. I wouldn’t push the aging curve too much, yet it’s going to benefit from 6-12 months of bottle age and have at least 2-3 years of prime drinking.”
Clement & Florian Berthier l’Instant Pinot Noir Rose Vin de France 2020 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous “Shimmering orange. Spice-accented tangerine and raspberry aromas pick up a floral nuance with air. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering juicy red berry and orange zest flavors that show a refreshingly bitter edge. Finishes taut and dry, with a repeating floral note and a jolt of spicy white pepper.”
Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Pinot Noir. Sustainable. Clay & limestone. Tasting note: Fresh red berries and cherry, candied orange peel and strawberry. Medium body with a long finish.”
Region: Coteaux du Giennois, Loire Valley, France.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The Pharaoh of Fixin:
Gelin’s Burgundian Masterpieces
Have you heard of the Burgundian village Fixin? One of the smallest villages in the Côte de Nuits, it comprises a mere 222 acres of mostly Grand Cru vineyards planted almost entirely to Pinot Noir. Fixin is a veritable oasis for Pinot and viticulture in general, with cultivation occurring even before the Roman Empire arrived. Part of the limestone shelf of Burgundy, there’s a minerality and tension that is detectable in the best examples. You’d find no better representation of this village’s quality than Gelin and their exceptional portfolio.
Founded in 1936, the Domaine is now under its third generation of grower-producer and has only improved since its founding. Farming their 32 acres organically and without any chemical input, Gelin’s crown jewels are a number of monopoles throughout Fixin including the legendary Clos Napoleon. The wines made by Gelin are famous for their age worthiness, to the point of being quite shy in their early years. This is partly on account of the time the wines spend in oak, which Gelin does longer than most in the Côte de Nuits with a year minimum en elevage.
With time in bottle, these are some of the most multidimensional Pinot Noir’s in Burgundy, encompassing both refinement and potency. With a house style they describe as “Pure and Honest” these are absolutely stunning examples of the textural lightness associated with Côte de Nuits, with the flavor intensity that comes from meticulous practices in the vineyard and cellar. The ripeness and intensity of fruit make these wines ideal for cuisine that emphasizes umami and multispectral flavor, such as Japanese, Korean, French and Ghanaian.
In Stock Now from Domaine Pierre Gelin:
Domaine Pierre Gelin Clos Prieur Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2008 750ML ($129.95) $99 special, 1 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 90 points “Round and rich, featuring black cherry, black currant and spice flavors. A graphite note creeps in as this matches its supple texture with a firm structure. Nice length. Best from 2013 through 2024. 40 cases imported.”
Burghound 90 points “A restrained, airy and cool nose mixes a variety of red berry fruit aromas with stone, earth and a hint of spice. As it almost always is, this is really quite refined and this impression is accentuated by the fine-grain of the tannins on the moderately austere, persistent and complex finish. As with several of the wines in the range, there is just a mild hint of youthful asperity but because there is a good level of dry extract this should reasonably age out.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Pierre Gelin Clos Prieur Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “Shows plenty of cherry and pomegranate flavors, along with a racy structure that defines the berry, spice and mineral notes. Stays firm on the finish but should settle down with time. 40 cases imported.”
Burghound 90 points “Noticeable wood frames the more deeply pitched dark currant, spice and once again pungently earthy nose. The supple medium-bodied flavors possess a more refined mouth feel thanks to the relatively fine grain of the supporting tannins, all wrapped in a contrasting finish that is borderline robust. This will need a few years to fully harmonize.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Pierre Gelin Clos Prieur Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “This tightly wound version delivers black cherry, blackberry, violet and light underbrush flavors. Though compact, this is concentrated and firmly structured, with a long finish. Best from 2020 through 2033. 50 cases imported.”
Burghound 91 points “Outstanding. Reduction presently mars the nose so be sure to decant this if you’re going to open a bottle soon. By contrast there is good energy and volume to the subtly mineral-inflected medium weight flavors that possess a beguiling mouth feel, all wrapped in a lingering and well-balanced finale where a hint of wood appears. This should drink reasonably well young if desired but reward up to a decade of cellaring.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Pierre Gelin Clos Napoleon Monopole Fixin Premier Cru 2008 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 1 bottles in stock now
Burghound 89 points “Here the nose also displays a hint of crushed herb to the wild red berry fruit and earth aromas. There is excellent energy and detail to the supple and lightly mineral-inflected flavors that conclude in a moderately austere, focused and well-balanced finish. This is really quite pretty if a bit edgy and I would suggest allowing this to age for a few years before cracking a bottle.”
Domaine Pierre Gelin Clos de Meixvelle Gevrey-Chambertin 2010 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 89 points “A supple, expressive red, with aromas of cherry, licorice and cinnamon. On the chewy side, featuring dense tannins and a gripping, spicy finish. Best from 2016 through 2029. 250 cases imported.”
Burghound 89 points “Outstanding. This is a bit more deeply pitched than the Clos Napoléon with a lovely mix of both red and dark pinot fruit scents where the earth character is different as well as it’s slightly less pungent and it’s less iron-infused as well. There is good freshness and verve to the ultra-refined medium weight flavors and the tannins are incredibly fine grained, particularly for a villages level wine. A Gevrey of finesse and refinement.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Pierre Gelin Clos de Meixvelle Gevrey-Chambertin 2012 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “Rich, displaying candied cherry, currant, earth and spice flavors. This stays fresh and balanced on the long finish, with well-integrated tannins. Best from 2016 through 2028. 156 cases imported.”
Burghound 89 points “Outstanding. A notably ripe and intensely earthy nose of assorted dark berries, humus and game nuances is trimmed in just enough wood to notice. The very generous and equally ripe middle weight flavors are very Gevrey in character with a robust finale that displays only a trace of austerity. This well-balanced effort should reward up to a decade of cellaring. Very solid quality here and worth your consideration.”
Domaine Pierre Gelin Clos de Meixvelle Gevrey-Chambertin 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 90 points “An intense aroma of cherry pie introduces this taut, elegant red. Spice and earth notes add complexity and vivid acidity focuses the long finish. Best from 2021 through 2035. 210 cases imported.”
Shop our full selection of Cote de Nuits reds on our web store now!
New Louis Roederer Bottling:
Collection 242 Coming Soon
As the old saying goes, for every end there’s a new beginning. This year marks the end of the Roederer Brut Premier line, as the company is now emphasizing estate-based production after 40 years of producing the cuvee. While the Brut Premier was previously sourced from purchased and homegrown fruit, the Collection 242 will be entirely sourced from company plots. In addition to the more focused sourcing, the Collection 242 will also feature a greater assortment of base years, as chosen by the Chef de Cave.
The Brut Premier was launched after a string of exceptionally cold vintages, with the opposite now occurring with climate change. As a result, Roederer has lowered the amount of dosage in the finished product and also begun blocking malolactic fermentation in the reserve wines. This is meant to better capture the house style of Roederer as well as deliver more consistent quality using the perpetual reserve.
Sourcing from organic, estate vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne; there’s nothing missing from this Champagne. The encapsulation of freshness, nuance, and breadth make this right at home in the Roederer house and a textbook example of a Grand Marque. We secured a limited allotment of these wines, so be sure to grab these while you can. Much like the Brut Premier these are Champagnes that can be enjoyed on release or cellared for a truly unique expression.
Arriving ETA September:
Louis Roederer Collection 242 Brut Champagne NV ($69.95) $55 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The NV Collection 242 is a new wine from Roederer that replaces the Brut Premier in the range. The Collection (which now will be numbered by harvest) is a blend of three components: a perpetual reserve done in the classic non-malo Roederer style, reserve wines in oak with a touch of malo, and a base vintage, in this case 2017. That blend results in a NV Champagne that offers lovely richness and resonance, with plenty of yellow orchard fruit and floral character. Whereas Brut Premier was typically a focused, nervy wine that, while consistently excellent, also was not always in line with the Roederer house style, the 242 tastes more like a Roederer Champagne in terms of its complexity. Incidentally, there is no Vintage, Cristal or Cristal Rosé in 2017, so all the best lots went into this bottling. Dosage is 8 grams per liter, so lower than the 9 or so that was typical for recent Brut Premier and much lower than the 12-13 that was once customary. The 242 was also bottled with a bit less sugar than the norm, which results in lower atmospheres of pressure in the bottle and silkier texture. ‘Brut Premier was created in the late 1970s and 1980s, when we struggled to ripen,’ Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon explained. ‘It was our way of compensating for lack of ripeness in the field and the variability of quality across vintages. Because of climate change, achieving ripeness is not an issue today. Instead, our challenge is maintaining freshness and precision. For that reason, we decided to re-think our NV and start from a place of positive rather than negative selection.'”
Decanter 92 points “Softly shimmering straw gold, green tints, with a delicate filigree dancing at will around the glass. The nose is gently authoritative; spring flowers garlanding stone fruit, a hint of hawthorn maybe, then lemongrass. The palate has encyclopaedic depth, the intricacies of the Perpetual Reserve weaving their early magic; almond, sloe, gingerbread and apples; the finish has a pleasing twist of bitterness, courtesy of the small percentage of oak-aged reserve wine. Maybe the dosage (8g/L) can come down even further, such is the engaging and subtle complexity harnessed elsewhere? Drinking Window 2021 – 2025.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
In stock and available now by Roederer:
Louis Roederer Brut Rose Millesime Champagne 2011 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “A blend of grapes from Cumières in the Marne Valley and the Côte des Blancs, this is a rich, well-balanced and very young brut rosé. It is ripe, while keeping an almost austere texture and acidity that will soften and broaden out as it ages. Drink now for the lively red fruits, but better to wait until 2019.”
Louis Roederer Cristal Millesime Brut Champagne 2013 750ML ($319.95) $269 special, 11 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96 points “Notes of crisp yellow orchard fruit, white flowers, blanched almonds and warm brioche introduce the 2013 Cristal, a full-bodied, layered and incisive wine that’s taut and chiseled but also notably exuberant in a vintage that I admire immensely but which can sometimes present an austere side. Deep, concentrated and penetrating, it’s complemented by a pinpoint mousse and concludes with a long, saline finish. Less introverted than its 2012 predecessor, readers won’t regret trying a bottle of the 2013 Cristal young—even if I’d recommend forgetting some for a decade too.”
Decanter 96 points “The peak of drinkability is between 15 and 20 years from the harvest; so says Jean-Baptiste, but he has not spared the taster the wondrous early impression of perfection in the making. A soft gold with glistening highlights, like the river meadow at dawn; the nose effortlessly marries a panoply of flavours, the citric grip nodding to hints of passion fruit and Mirabelle plum, with hazelnut and almond signalling the grace of development. Texturally generous, yet tightly wound, taut and flinty yet ripe and open, the wine faithfully underlines the vigneron’s philosophy, every nuance of its template deftly rehearsed and charmingly enacted. Disgorged: autumn 2020. Dosage: 7.5g/L. Drinking Window 2021 – 2033.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “I think the 2013 Cristal checks in behind the 2008, but it’s nevertheless a beautiful wine. Lots of ripe orchard fruits, toasted bread, brioche, and chalky mineral notes define the nose, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with a layered, nicely concentrated, tight, inward style, beautiful precision and purity, and a great finish. It needs a good 5-7 years of bottle age to hit its stride and will keep for two decades or more.”
The Brut Premier was launched after a string of exceptionally cold vintages, with the opposite now occurring with climate change. As a result, Roederer has lowered the amount of dosage in the finished product and also begun blocking malolactic fermentation in the reserve wines. This is meant to better capture the house style of Roederer as well as deliver more consistent quality using the perpetual reserve.
Sourcing from organic, estate vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne; there’s nothing missing from this Champagne. The encapsulation of freshness, nuance, and breadth make this right at home in the Roederer house and a textbook example of a Grand Marque. We secured a limited allotment of these wines, so be sure to grab these while you can. Much like the Brut Premier these are Champagnes that can be enjoyed on release or cellared for a truly unique expression.
Arriving ETA September:
Louis Roederer Collection 242 Brut Champagne NV ($69.95) $55 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The NV Collection 242 is a new wine from Roederer that replaces the Brut Premier in the range. The Collection (which now will be numbered by harvest) is a blend of three components: a perpetual reserve done in the classic non-malo Roederer style, reserve wines in oak with a touch of malo, and a base vintage, in this case 2017. That blend results in a NV Champagne that offers lovely richness and resonance, with plenty of yellow orchard fruit and floral character. Whereas Brut Premier was typically a focused, nervy wine that, while consistently excellent, also was not always in line with the Roederer house style, the 242 tastes more like a Roederer Champagne in terms of its complexity. Incidentally, there is no Vintage, Cristal or Cristal Rosé in 2017, so all the best lots went into this bottling. Dosage is 8 grams per liter, so lower than the 9 or so that was typical for recent Brut Premier and much lower than the 12-13 that was once customary. The 242 was also bottled with a bit less sugar than the norm, which results in lower atmospheres of pressure in the bottle and silkier texture. ‘Brut Premier was created in the late 1970s and 1980s, when we struggled to ripen,’ Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon explained. ‘It was our way of compensating for lack of ripeness in the field and the variability of quality across vintages. Because of climate change, achieving ripeness is not an issue today. Instead, our challenge is maintaining freshness and precision. For that reason, we decided to re-think our NV and start from a place of positive rather than negative selection.'”
Decanter 92 points “Softly shimmering straw gold, green tints, with a delicate filigree dancing at will around the glass. The nose is gently authoritative; spring flowers garlanding stone fruit, a hint of hawthorn maybe, then lemongrass. The palate has encyclopaedic depth, the intricacies of the Perpetual Reserve weaving their early magic; almond, sloe, gingerbread and apples; the finish has a pleasing twist of bitterness, courtesy of the small percentage of oak-aged reserve wine. Maybe the dosage (8g/L) can come down even further, such is the engaging and subtle complexity harnessed elsewhere? Drinking Window 2021 – 2025.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
In stock and available now by Roederer:
Louis Roederer Brut Rose Millesime Champagne 2011 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “A blend of grapes from Cumières in the Marne Valley and the Côte des Blancs, this is a rich, well-balanced and very young brut rosé. It is ripe, while keeping an almost austere texture and acidity that will soften and broaden out as it ages. Drink now for the lively red fruits, but better to wait until 2019.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96 points “Notes of crisp yellow orchard fruit, white flowers, blanched almonds and warm brioche introduce the 2013 Cristal, a full-bodied, layered and incisive wine that’s taut and chiseled but also notably exuberant in a vintage that I admire immensely but which can sometimes present an austere side. Deep, concentrated and penetrating, it’s complemented by a pinpoint mousse and concludes with a long, saline finish. Less introverted than its 2012 predecessor, readers won’t regret trying a bottle of the 2013 Cristal young—even if I’d recommend forgetting some for a decade too.”
Decanter 96 points “The peak of drinkability is between 15 and 20 years from the harvest; so says Jean-Baptiste, but he has not spared the taster the wondrous early impression of perfection in the making. A soft gold with glistening highlights, like the river meadow at dawn; the nose effortlessly marries a panoply of flavours, the citric grip nodding to hints of passion fruit and Mirabelle plum, with hazelnut and almond signalling the grace of development. Texturally generous, yet tightly wound, taut and flinty yet ripe and open, the wine faithfully underlines the vigneron’s philosophy, every nuance of its template deftly rehearsed and charmingly enacted. Disgorged: autumn 2020. Dosage: 7.5g/L. Drinking Window 2021 – 2033.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “I think the 2013 Cristal checks in behind the 2008, but it’s nevertheless a beautiful wine. Lots of ripe orchard fruits, toasted bread, brioche, and chalky mineral notes define the nose, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with a layered, nicely concentrated, tight, inward style, beautiful precision and purity, and a great finish. It needs a good 5-7 years of bottle age to hit its stride and will keep for two decades or more.”
Staff Pick:
Piedmontese Pelaverga
Grant:
Looking for a wine with the rusticity of Italy, the versatility of Pinot Noir and priced of a Barbera? Check out our Pelavergas! Once nearly extinct, this Piedmontese rarity is found in a minuscule village called Verduno where it was historically blended with Nebbiolo. Only a handful of producers are still working with this grape, and we happen to carry 2 in house! A bright garnet color in the glass with expressive botanical aromas of Kampot peppercorn, Italian Oregano, Greek thyme and strawberry leaf that are perceptible even slightly chilled. Primary flavors of strawberry, dried cranberries and redcurrants with a medium body and slightly higher acid, this is a perfect food wine. Traditionally paired with charcuterie and mushroom based dishes, Pelaverga would also pair fantastically with blackened chicken, gumbo, pizza or cedar plank salmon. For a less than ideal weather day, this is also a wine for a hot bowl of soup like bouillabaisse, ramen or minestrone. Perfectly suited for pinot noir lovers, this would be perfect for blind tasting that one friend who thinks they can guess any and everything you put in their glass.
In stock and available now:
Castello di Verduno Basadone Pelaverga Piedmont 2019 750ML ($34.95) $26.60 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Pelaverga is indigenous to the village of Verduno, it produces red wines that are light in color but savory and distinctive on the palate… This one is aged in stainless steel before bottling without filtration. The winery’s website cannot be improved on for a description: ‘Soft, though bright ruby red. Intense fragrant nose, showing clear spicy overtones of black pepper and nutmeg, as well as fruity sensations reminiscent of cherries in spirit and strawberries. Nicely-balanced, lingering dry flavour.'”
Cascina Melognis ‘Divicaroli’ Pelaverga Colline Saluzzesi Piedmont 2018 750ml ($29.95) $24 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Importer note “The grapes for “Divicaroli” are sourced from 30-year-old pelaverga vines. Pelaverga (distinct from the pelaverga piccolo variety of Verduno) is characteristic of the area around Saluzzo. Here it was long a staple in blends, but its importance shrank over time, until it nearly vanished in the 1970s. Today, careful site selection and pruning are bringing about a small and welcome renaissance for the grape. Its peppery, high-toned freshness, and delicate floral and herbaceous notes are quintessentially Alpine. It is still rare to find monovarietal pelaverga from anywhere in the Piedmont, let alone the Colline Saluzzesi. This wine is macerated for ten days before undergoing spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel, where it remains for 6 months before being bottled. “Divicaroli” means “belonging to Saint Charles” in Latin and is named such because the pelaverga comes from a vineyard named after St. Charles.”
Looking for a wine with the rusticity of Italy, the versatility of Pinot Noir and priced of a Barbera? Check out our Pelavergas! Once nearly extinct, this Piedmontese rarity is found in a minuscule village called Verduno where it was historically blended with Nebbiolo. Only a handful of producers are still working with this grape, and we happen to carry 2 in house! A bright garnet color in the glass with expressive botanical aromas of Kampot peppercorn, Italian Oregano, Greek thyme and strawberry leaf that are perceptible even slightly chilled. Primary flavors of strawberry, dried cranberries and redcurrants with a medium body and slightly higher acid, this is a perfect food wine. Traditionally paired with charcuterie and mushroom based dishes, Pelaverga would also pair fantastically with blackened chicken, gumbo, pizza or cedar plank salmon. For a less than ideal weather day, this is also a wine for a hot bowl of soup like bouillabaisse, ramen or minestrone. Perfectly suited for pinot noir lovers, this would be perfect for blind tasting that one friend who thinks they can guess any and everything you put in their glass.
In stock and available now:
Castello di Verduno Basadone Pelaverga Piedmont 2019 750ML ($34.95) $26.60 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Pelaverga is indigenous to the village of Verduno, it produces red wines that are light in color but savory and distinctive on the palate… This one is aged in stainless steel before bottling without filtration. The winery’s website cannot be improved on for a description: ‘Soft, though bright ruby red. Intense fragrant nose, showing clear spicy overtones of black pepper and nutmeg, as well as fruity sensations reminiscent of cherries in spirit and strawberries. Nicely-balanced, lingering dry flavour.'”
Cascina Melognis ‘Divicaroli’ Pelaverga Colline Saluzzesi Piedmont 2018 750ml ($29.95) $24 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Importer note “The grapes for “Divicaroli” are sourced from 30-year-old pelaverga vines. Pelaverga (distinct from the pelaverga piccolo variety of Verduno) is characteristic of the area around Saluzzo. Here it was long a staple in blends, but its importance shrank over time, until it nearly vanished in the 1970s. Today, careful site selection and pruning are bringing about a small and welcome renaissance for the grape. Its peppery, high-toned freshness, and delicate floral and herbaceous notes are quintessentially Alpine. It is still rare to find monovarietal pelaverga from anywhere in the Piedmont, let alone the Colline Saluzzesi. This wine is macerated for ten days before undergoing spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel, where it remains for 6 months before being bottled. “Divicaroli” means “belonging to Saint Charles” in Latin and is named such because the pelaverga comes from a vineyard named after St. Charles.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Trending
In stock and Available now:
The Prisoner Wine Company is credited with starting the “Red Blend Revolution” in the United States, which created the category we now know today. Their flagship bottling “The Prisoner” is comprised of old vine Zinfandel with a smattering of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Charbano. Beyond their flagship blend, we also were able to secure some of their Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend that’s meant to be even denser than the Prisoner. This was a one-time deal we secured, so stock up while you can!
The Prisoner Wine Co. ‘The Prisoner’ Napa Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
The Prisoner Wine Co. Cabernet Sauvignon California 2018 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Oregon is in the midst of a winemaking revolution, with a new generation of talent flooding in from all parts of the world to put down roots in Oregon.
Ross & Bee Maloof ‘Wax on Wax Soif’ Applegate Valley 2020 750ML ($26.95) $24 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery note “This is a very cold, riverside vineyard owned by the farmers Ron and Laurie Burley since 1989, when they retired from their careers in the semiconductor industry. They planted the site in 1993. Herb Quady consults on the farming. Location – Applegate Valley AVA. Vineyard stats – 47 acres, 1250ft elevation. Planted in 1993. Farming – Organically farmed, in transition for certification. Soil types – Granite, river sedimentary. Grapes – 52% Syrah, 18% Grenache Noir, 15% Viognier, 15% Marsanne. Co-fermented on the skins for 7 days with daily punchdowns before being pressed off and moved to stainless steel to finish fermentation. After primary fermentation, the wine is moved to neutral oak barrels. Bottled unfined, unfiltered.”
Old Vine Chardonnay from the “Rockstar” of Washington Wine, Charles Smith.
Charles Smith ‘Sixto’ Moxee Chardonnay Washington State 2016 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points“The 2016 Chardonnay Moxee comes from more limestone soils and 50-year-old vines planted on the northeastern edge of the Yakima Valley. It’s classic Chardonnay offering beautiful, Chablis-like white flowers, lemon curd, and white peach notes. With a terrific sense of minerality, a concentrated yet balanced mouthfeel, and a great finish, it’s another terrific white from this team.”
James Suckling 94 points“The oldest of the three chardonnay vineyards (52 years) and low-yielding, this has a very rich and creamy nose with fully ripe peaches and subtle biscuit spices. The palate is plush, ripe and rich with a wealth of dense, fleshy fruit. Holds long with fresh, rye-like grain and cashews and almonds to close. Quiet esoteric and darn good chardonnay. Drink now.”
The Prisoner Wine Co. ‘The Prisoner’ Napa Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
The Prisoner Wine Co. Cabernet Sauvignon California 2018 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Oregon is in the midst of a winemaking revolution, with a new generation of talent flooding in from all parts of the world to put down roots in Oregon.
Ross & Bee Maloof ‘Wax on Wax Soif’ Applegate Valley 2020 750ML ($26.95) $24 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery note “This is a very cold, riverside vineyard owned by the farmers Ron and Laurie Burley since 1989, when they retired from their careers in the semiconductor industry. They planted the site in 1993. Herb Quady consults on the farming. Location – Applegate Valley AVA. Vineyard stats – 47 acres, 1250ft elevation. Planted in 1993. Farming – Organically farmed, in transition for certification. Soil types – Granite, river sedimentary. Grapes – 52% Syrah, 18% Grenache Noir, 15% Viognier, 15% Marsanne. Co-fermented on the skins for 7 days with daily punchdowns before being pressed off and moved to stainless steel to finish fermentation. After primary fermentation, the wine is moved to neutral oak barrels. Bottled unfined, unfiltered.”
Old Vine Chardonnay from the “Rockstar” of Washington Wine, Charles Smith.
Charles Smith ‘Sixto’ Moxee Chardonnay Washington State 2016 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points“The 2016 Chardonnay Moxee comes from more limestone soils and 50-year-old vines planted on the northeastern edge of the Yakima Valley. It’s classic Chardonnay offering beautiful, Chablis-like white flowers, lemon curd, and white peach notes. With a terrific sense of minerality, a concentrated yet balanced mouthfeel, and a great finish, it’s another terrific white from this team.”
James Suckling 94 points“The oldest of the three chardonnay vineyards (52 years) and low-yielding, this has a very rich and creamy nose with fully ripe peaches and subtle biscuit spices. The palate is plush, ripe and rich with a wealth of dense, fleshy fruit. Holds long with fresh, rye-like grain and cashews and almonds to close. Quiet esoteric and darn good chardonnay. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The “Pinot Gris” of the Greek Islands, Moschofilero is just as versatile but even tastier!
Stamnaki Moschofilero Peloponnese 2019 750ML ($18.95) $14.40 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Distributor note “The grower is Denthis, a winery in the Pelopenese. They make the wine for Eklektikon’s (the importer) private label “Stamnaki.” 100% organic Moschofilero, hand picked. Direct pressed and fermented in stainless steel. Fined with bentonite clay and sterile filtered.”
Winery note “Lemon flowers and rose petals, sharp acidity & length.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Old Vine Prie Blanc from the foothills of Mont Blanc! Literal mountain wine and just as delicate and refreshing as you can imagine.
Cave Mont Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle ‘Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle’ Aosta Valley 2019 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 18 bottles in stock now
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
2017 AA Alta Alella Mirgin Reserva Brut Nature Cava Catalonia 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 AA Alta Alella Mirgin Reserva Brut Nature Cava Catalonia 2017 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Light, bright yellow-gold. Displays pungent, mineral-accented aromas of dried pear, lemon pith, fennel and chamomile that show very good clarity and spicy lift. Weighty, focused and dry on the palate, which displays refreshingly bitter citrus pith, pear skin and quinine flavors and a hint of peachiness. Manages to come off hefty as well as graceful and finishes long and taut, with resonating stoniness and a touch of spicy ginger. (disgorged after 15 months on its lees).”
Rosés of the Day:
From Basque Country to Berangeraie and everywhere in between, we have your new favorite
In stock and Available now:
Rosé and summertime are an inseparable pairing, or at least we think so. Nothing quite illustrates that better than Ameztoi’s Rosado. This is easily our best-selling rose in house, and rightly so!
A blend of both Hondarribi Beltza and Zuri sourced from a series of organically farmed, high elevation sites in the Basque Region with the oldest vines being over 100 years old. Fermented in the traditional style of the Basque region which leaves it slightly sparkling and naturally low in sulfur! The Ameztoi Rosado is fully dry and incredibly nuanced with a whole spectrum of fruit and botanicals ranging from strawberry, white peach, redcurrant, basil leaf and marjoram flower. Absurdly refreshing and easy-drinking this is perfect for patio contemplation or aperitif’s with guests.
Our most popular rosé year in, year out
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2020 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2020 750ML ($319.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Importer note “The pink sibling of Ameztoi’s flagship white, this vibrant rosé is made from a mix of red and white indigenous grapes and is bottled with a little residual carbonation to give it a light spritz.”
Looking for a style of rose that can stand up to heartier fare like barbequed meat, but is still at home with lighter options like sheep’s milk cheese? Try our Malbec rose from Cahors! Tu Boi Coa is a rarity in that it is the only non-red wine that they make at Domaine Berangeraie, a portfolio otherwise dominated by Malbec based blends. The rose is a perfect example of the fruity and playful side of Malbec, yet with a solid backbone of minerality evocative of the gravely loam and native Causses (Limestone plateaus). Additional flavors include crushed blue and blackberries, strawberry and bing cherry with medium plus acidity and aromatic intensity.
100% Malbec from Cahors, this is a rosé made for barbeque
Domaine de la Berangeraie ‘Tu Bois Coa’ Rosé, IGP Cotes du Lot 2019 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Malbec rosé. Sustainable. Ripe cherry flavors with fresh strawberry and raspberry. Medium body with a long finish.”
Winery note: 100% Malbec. Very aromatic (raspberry, wild strawberry, blueberry), with a pronounced pomegranate color. The palate is rich, vinous, and unctuous. Drink as an aperitif, or with BBQ and exotic fruits.
A blend of both Hondarribi Beltza and Zuri sourced from a series of organically farmed, high elevation sites in the Basque Region with the oldest vines being over 100 years old. Fermented in the traditional style of the Basque region which leaves it slightly sparkling and naturally low in sulfur! The Ameztoi Rosado is fully dry and incredibly nuanced with a whole spectrum of fruit and botanicals ranging from strawberry, white peach, redcurrant, basil leaf and marjoram flower. Absurdly refreshing and easy-drinking this is perfect for patio contemplation or aperitif’s with guests.
Our most popular rosé year in, year out
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2020 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2020 750ML ($319.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Importer note “The pink sibling of Ameztoi’s flagship white, this vibrant rosé is made from a mix of red and white indigenous grapes and is bottled with a little residual carbonation to give it a light spritz.”
Looking for a style of rose that can stand up to heartier fare like barbequed meat, but is still at home with lighter options like sheep’s milk cheese? Try our Malbec rose from Cahors! Tu Boi Coa is a rarity in that it is the only non-red wine that they make at Domaine Berangeraie, a portfolio otherwise dominated by Malbec based blends. The rose is a perfect example of the fruity and playful side of Malbec, yet with a solid backbone of minerality evocative of the gravely loam and native Causses (Limestone plateaus). Additional flavors include crushed blue and blackberries, strawberry and bing cherry with medium plus acidity and aromatic intensity.
100% Malbec from Cahors, this is a rosé made for barbeque
Domaine de la Berangeraie ‘Tu Bois Coa’ Rosé, IGP Cotes du Lot 2019 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Malbec rosé. Sustainable. Ripe cherry flavors with fresh strawberry and raspberry. Medium body with a long finish.”
Winery note: 100% Malbec. Very aromatic (raspberry, wild strawberry, blueberry), with a pronounced pomegranate color. The palate is rich, vinous, and unctuous. Drink as an aperitif, or with BBQ and exotic fruits.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The Ovni is a rare offering in that it is entirely composed of Grolleau Gris, in stark contrast to the rest of the appellation which are field blends of Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Grolleau Noir. With an average vine age of 25 years old, this is a multidimensional rose that is applicable pretty much anytime, anywhere. We can’t get enough of Mourat’s iteration, which is grown just 12 miles away from the Atlantic Ocean on the far western part of the Loire Valley called “Fiefs Vendeens”.
This appellation is special not only for its historic patronage by Cardinal Richelieu, but also for having one of the highest percentages of certified organic and biodynamic vineyards in all of France. The appellation receives almost as much sunlight as Provence, with the temperature being mitigated by the ocean breeze from the Atlantic. These factors marry together to feature both ripe fruit notes like fresh melon, strawberries and peaches in addition to a lifted, peppery finish. The soils of the appellation are primarily quartzite with schist, creating a nuanced, mineral underpinning. Mourat is lucky enough to have a unique site that is predominantly purple schist, which further emphasizes a mineral driven spine.
J. Mourat O.V.N.I. Rose IGP Val de Loire 2020 750ML ($21.95) $17 special, 21 bottles in stock now
100% Grolleau Gris
Looking for a rose that drinks like a light red? Easily the most full bodied rosé we’ve tried in a long while, this is a deliciously rustic rosado made from another nearly extinct grape called Prieto Picudo. Traditionally farmed in a pruning style native to the area called rastra; which involves the grapes growing without any trellising just above the ground not unlike a fruit tree. This proximity reduces the amount of water lost during the incredibly dry growing season and helps the grapes ripen due to heat radiating from the ground. The vines used in this rosado are over 80 years old and grown at almost 3,000 feet above sea level at the base of the Cantabric Mountains. Grilled strawberry, cherry juice, copal resin and fennel flower make this a perfect accompaniment for BBQ, Smoked fish, Middle Eastern or West African cuisine.
Raul Perez ‘Los Arrotos del Pendon’ Rosado, León 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 21 bottles available
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Light, amber-hued red. Pungent cherry, raspberry and floral aromas take on spice and smoky mineral nuances with air. Shows very good heft and chewy texture, offering sappy red berry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors and a hint of licorice. As much a light red wine as a rosé. Finishes long and floral, with the spicy note adding final cut. – Josh Raynolds”
Skurnik Wines note “100% Prieto Picudo. Very old vines in stony clay at high altitude (800m ASL). Macerated for two days on the skins before bleeding off. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel. Raised on the fine lees for four months in tank. Bottled without fining or filtration.”
Mufatto: Magical Mountain Malbec!
You’ve had Argentine Malbec before, but have you had a single-vineyard expression from the “Grand Cru” of the country? The Gualtallary region is famous for her combination of gravel, chalk and layers of prehistoric sand all knit together by exceptionally high elevation (5100 feet above sea level). These factors converge to create wines of incredible depth and power, with a steely backbone of acidity thanks to excruciatingly cold nights. These marginal conditions make for tiny yields, with only 150 cases being made in the entire vintage by Mufatto.
Farming organically and using 100% whole clusters, the Mufatto family has made a powerful yet restrained work of art. With a whole spectrum of purple and black fruits, spice, botanicals with an ever present mineral dust component; there’s an entire production going on from the first pour. Incredibly exuberant at this point in the bottle, there’s easily a decade’s worth of life ahead of it before peaking.
Arriving Mid-September:
Michelini i Mufatto ‘La Cautiva’ Malbec Gualtallary 2017 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special, only 18 bottles available!
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 96 points “The nose of the 2017 La Cautiva, a pure Gualtallary, has violets, flowers, herbs and spices and opens up as the wine sits in the glass, quite complex and layered. There are some more tannins than in 2016, possibly amplified by the chalky texture provided by the limestone-rich soils, incredibly juicy, with a big structure. Someone mentioned Cornas when we were tasting this wine… I later visited the zone and was amazed by the chalky soils where they are planning to build their winery and house. I think they have discovered a very special place here where they have planted more vines, next to the plot from where these grapes were sourced. I retasted the wine after seeing the soils, and my view was completely different.
Michael Schachner Wine Enthsiast “Editor’s Choice 96 points “Top of the mark, top of the heap is where this Malbec from Gualtallary in Tupungato ranks. Pure blackberry, cassis and plum aromas are impeccably clean and welcoming, while this feels squeaky fresh on the palate. Blackberry and dark chocolate flavors set up a minerally finish that plays out with fruity subtleties and stony infusions. Drink through 2026.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Mature and Rare Champagne Tête de Cuvee’s
De Venoge is an old-school Champagne house that’s relatively unknown in the United States, a fact that means even their finest and rarest wines continue to be undervalued relative to their peers. This is no better exemplified than their prestige cuvee, the LXV bottling. Named after Louis the 14th (The Sun King) it sees extensive aging on its lees and are true monuments of vintage champagne.
De Venoge has a strong following in Europe for good reason—they source from some of the best vineyards in Champagne and produce prestige cuvées of immense quality, built on long lees aging. They source Pinot Noir from Grand Cru villages like Verzenay, Ambonnay and Bouzy and pair it with a murderer’s row of Chardonnay sources, including Avize, Mesnil, and Cramant. The resulting wines capture the essence of classical Champagne and are in high demand in Europe’s top restaurants.
De Venoge prestige cuvées are outstanding wines for lovers of truly mature Champagne in all its glory, rich, creamy textures from extended lees aging married to surprisingly fresh, mineral personalities. There’s a reason this house has such a following in Europe—they produce stunning wines and then age them until they’re ready to go, so consumers don’t need to leave them in the cellar for decades. We have a handful of options left here, including two that are a quarter-century young. Now’s your chance to try them for yourself! These are perfect “occasion” wines that make for fantastic birth year or anniversary gifts.
In Stock Now:
De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Brut Millésime, Champagne 1996 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 26 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This is really complex, old Champagne with puff-pastry, dried-apple, spice and salted-nut aromas and flavors. Full body. Ultra fine bubbles with an extremely fine and creamy mouth feel. Extreme edge to it. This spent 21 years on the lees. Disgorged in 2018. Every year they disgorge 3,000 bottles”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Brut Millésime, Champagne 2006 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The assemblage of the 2006 Louis XV Brut Millésimé is about the same as the 1995 and 1996—composed of 50/50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, all from grand cru villages. The only difference is that the Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (10% of the assemblage) spent 12 months in oak barrels. Disgorged in January 2017 (dosage: six grams per liter), the 2006 has a golden color and opens with a deep, ripe, elegant and vinous bouquet with toasty and chalky lemon and fresh white fruit flavors. On the palate, this is an intense, round, fresh and complex Louis XV with great purity and finesse. The wine opens on the palate like a soufflé, coating the whole palate without any pressure or weight—gorgeous! This is a delicate and fresh yet well-structured and persistent Louis XV whose intense and long but weightless finish reveals lovely, almost juicy fruit concentration with perfectly integrated freshness and lasting minerality that seems to give additional structure. The 2006 shows a lot of Chardonnay features right now and drinks perfectly today; however, it can be kept under perfect conditions for decades. Just keep it in the box, because the bottle is white and nothing makes a Champagne age faster than exposure to daylight. (Tasted in November 2017 from Lot LL15067017BT.)-SR”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Brut Millésime, Champagne 2008 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 16 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “This is really punchy and broad-shouldered with muscular structure and citrusy undertones. Full body. Lightly tannic and a fresh and vivid finish. This is the first vintage without malolactic fermentation ever. One for the cellar. Better in 2022.”
Wine Advocate 93+ points “The straw-yellow/white-golden colored 2008 Louis XV Brut Millésimé blends 50% Chardonnay (20 % from Avize, 15% from Oger and 15% from Mesnil) with 50% Pinot Noir (41.5% from Verzenay and 8.5% from Bouzy). Disgorged in January 2018 with a dosage of six grams per liter, the 2008 displays a clear, pure, fresh, chalky-tinged and vinous nose with lemon, white fruits, brioche, hazelnuts, white blossoms and some caramel notes. Pure, lean, fresh and elegant on the palate, with a lingering hazelnut flavor, this is a straight yet complex cuvée with grip and a long, well-structured and textured finish. This 2008 is still terribly fresh and should benefit from further bottle aging. For the moment, I am missing the mouth-filling generosity of the 2006 and 1995. Mind that this is the first vintage of de Venoge’s prestigious Louis XV where the base wines didn’t undergo malolactic fermentation! Total production: 10,326 bottles. Tasted October 2018.”
De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Extra Brut Rosé Millésime, Champagne 2002 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Harmonious, with fine intensity, offering rich notes of spice cake, toasted almond, dried cherry, grilled plum and smoky mineral. Almost velvety in texture, with juicy acidity that brings you back for another sip. Delicious. Drink now through 2022. 54 cases made.”
De Venoge ‘Princes’ Tour Eiffel 130 Anniversary Edition Champagne NV 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Envie de Champagne “The Maison De Venoge was founded in 1837 by Henri-Marc De Venoge. Innovation in the production and marketing of champagnes were the founding values of this of champagne house, which won the Excellence Price in Philadelphia in 1876. A few years later, in 1889, during the World Fair in Paris, the house became the partner of the event. This exhibition celebrated the centenary of the French Revolution and it is on this occasion that the Tower designed by Gustave Eiffel has been inaugurated. This monument, with a height of 312 meters during its construction can now 337 meters in 2019 following the installation of antennas. In addition to its cultural and tourist use, the Eiffel Tower is used as a transmitter for TV and radio programs. The Eiffel Tower, object of discord at the time of its creation has become today the most visited paying monument of France. It has about 7 million visitors a year. It is also inseparable from the history of the French capital. For the 130 years of this first collaboration, De Venoge signs a beautiful partnership with the company in charge of the exploitation of the iron lady (surname of the Eiffel Tower). This collaboration is obvious because of the common history of both parties but also because of the characteristic shape of the bottles of the Princes cuvée. This limited edition vintage is named “Cuvée Princes Tour Eiffel”. Only 10,000 bottles have been marketed for this partnership.”
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Collector’s Corner:
Frankly Fantastic Fourrier
Domaine Fourrier makes some of the most captivating wines in Burgundy and has for a number of generations. To Burgophiles, this isn’t much of a claim—the wines that Jean-Marie has produced since taking over from his father have become hot tickets in the Burgundy world. If you aren’t familiar, though, these are wines to put on your radar. Fourrier’s style is heavily influenced by his time working under Henri Jayer and Domaine Drouhin and the wines show this.
When young they’re among the most impressive in Burgundy, combining succulent fruit with minerality and a complexity that’s nearly unmatched in newly released wines. Jean-Marie Fourrier, the scion and current winemaker says that “Oak is for slow breathing of the wine, not for taste” and the wines show that in their judicious presentation of oak.
They improve with age, as well, though we’ve always had a hard time keeping our hands off of the lower-tier wines in the first five years after the vintage. Fourrier works exclusively with old massale vineyards (anything from vines younger than 30 years is sold off) and that sort of soul really makes it into the bottle. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the house works with some of the oldest vines in the appellation, with some of their holdings being planted as far back as 111 years ago. We only have a handful of his bottles left in house, with these being some of the rarest items in our inventory.
In stock and Available now:
Domaine Fourrier Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($399.95) $299 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2015 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru is the first release from the estate (on the negociant side). It has a slightly smudged but pure kirsch, orange blossom and strawberry-scented bouquet that gains more delineation with aeration in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp red cherry and strawberry fruit with a touch of spice on the composed and elegant finish. This is a comely Charmes-Chambertin that is certain to be seductive over the next 15-20 years.”
Burghound 90-93 points “A background application of wood sets off distinctly earthy, forest floor and humus-infused plum and dark currant aromas. There is a really lovely mouth feel to the caressing, round and vibrant flavors that possess fine richness and persistence if not quite the same complexity or persistence. Even so, this is certainly a quality effort.”
When young they’re among the most impressive in Burgundy, combining succulent fruit with minerality and a complexity that’s nearly unmatched in newly released wines. Jean-Marie Fourrier, the scion and current winemaker says that “Oak is for slow breathing of the wine, not for taste” and the wines show that in their judicious presentation of oak.
They improve with age, as well, though we’ve always had a hard time keeping our hands off of the lower-tier wines in the first five years after the vintage. Fourrier works exclusively with old massale vineyards (anything from vines younger than 30 years is sold off) and that sort of soul really makes it into the bottle. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the house works with some of the oldest vines in the appellation, with some of their holdings being planted as far back as 111 years ago. We only have a handful of his bottles left in house, with these being some of the rarest items in our inventory.
In stock and Available now:
Domaine Fourrier Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($399.95) $299 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2015 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru is the first release from the estate (on the negociant side). It has a slightly smudged but pure kirsch, orange blossom and strawberry-scented bouquet that gains more delineation with aeration in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp red cherry and strawberry fruit with a touch of spice on the composed and elegant finish. This is a comely Charmes-Chambertin that is certain to be seductive over the next 15-20 years.”
Burghound 90-93 points “A background application of wood sets off distinctly earthy, forest floor and humus-infused plum and dark currant aromas. There is a really lovely mouth feel to the caressing, round and vibrant flavors that possess fine richness and persistence if not quite the same complexity or persistence. Even so, this is certainly a quality effort.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Fourrier Clos Saint-Jacques Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2014 1.5L ($1499.99) $1099 special, 1 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 94 points “Healthy medium red. Sexy, complex aromas of strawberry, crushed stone and rose petal convey a captivating combe coolness. Wonderfully concentrated and bright, combining classic 2014 salty minerality with superb fruit intensity. Boasts the kind of restrained generosity of fruit that reminds me of the ’99s in the early going. A compelling, saline vin de terroir but not a powerhouse. The long, rising finish features very suave tannins.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2014 tasting, Jean-Marie Fourrier’s 2014 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St Jacques (labelled with “Vieilles Vignes”) has a very pure bouquet, almost coulis-like fruit, dark cherries intermingling with blueberry and light marmalade scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine line of acidity, quite sensual in the mouth with good depth on the finish. Perhaps what it is missing is that peacock’s tail—it sort of ends in the wrong key. There is great potential here though not best in the (Clos Saint-Jacques) show this year. Like a television with its contrast turned up a bit too high when compared to its peers. Tasted September 2017.”
Burghound 92-94 points “Sweet Spot Outstanding. This is at once cooler and more elegant with its airy assortment of pure red and blue pinot fruit, floral, spice, earth and tea scents. There is fine intensity and excellent delineation to the pungently mineral-inflected and refined medium weight flavors where the sense of refinement is enhanced by the super fine-grained tannins, all wrapped in an explosively long and perfectly balanced finale. In a word, marvelous.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Fourrier Clos Saint-Jacques Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2008 750ML ($699.95) $599 special, 1 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2008 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St. Jacques engages all of the senses with its cool, mineral-laced fruit and expressive bouquet. This shows marvelous tension and energy, not to mention fabulous overall balance. It could not be more different in style than the 2009 tasted alongside it. Both are fabulous, though. The 2008 is one of the more backward wines of the vintage and will require considerable patience.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Fourrier Clos Saint-Jacques Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($699.95) $599 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 94 points “Healthy medium red. Sexy, complex aromas of strawberry, crushed stone and rose petal convey a captivating combe coolness. Wonderfully concentrated and bright, combining classic 2014 salty minerality with superb fruit intensity. Boasts the kind of restrained generosity of fruit that reminds me of the ’99s in the early going. A compelling, saline vin de terroir but not a powerhouse. The long, rising finish features very suave tannins.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2014 tasting, Jean-Marie Fourrier’s 2014 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St Jacques (labelled with “Vieilles Vignes”) has a very pure bouquet, almost coulis-like fruit, dark cherries intermingling with blueberry and light marmalade scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine line of acidity, quite sensual in the mouth with good depth on the finish. Perhaps what it is missing is that peacock’s tail—it sort of ends in the wrong key. There is great potential here though not best in the (Clos Saint-Jacques) show this year. Like a television with its contrast turned up a bit too high when compared to its peers. Tasted September 2017.”
Burghound 92-94 points “Sweet Spot Outstanding. This is at once cooler and more elegant with its airy assortment of pure red and blue pinot fruit, floral, spice, earth and tea scents. There is fine intensity and excellent delineation to the pungently mineral-inflected and refined medium weight flavors where the sense of refinement is enhanced by the super fine-grained tannins, all wrapped in an explosively long and perfectly balanced finale. In a word, marvelous.”
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Domaine Fourrier Gevrey-Chambertin Aux Echezeaux Vieilles Vignes Cote de Nuits 2008 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 4 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Wine Advocate 89 points “Fourrier’s 2008 Gevrey-Chambertin Aux Echezeaux (from nearly 90 year-old vines) is intensely scented with kirsch, herbs, and sea spray, which adumbrate its bright, saline, firm but not hard or angular palate impression. Strong cherry pit, stone, and charred meat notes lend this energetic but athletically lean and bright Gevrey a hint of austerity, but it has me salivating uncontrollably. For those who like the style and pair the wine creatively, this should give plenty of pleasure over at least the next 6-8 years, though as Fourrier is eager to concur with me, following the course of 2008s in bottle is bound to mean venturing into relatively uncharted territory.”
Burghound 87-90 points “An intensely, even pungently earthy nose of red and dark berry fruit is very much in keeping with the firm, precise and layered flavors that possess a lovely sense of relief and tension on the solidly long finish. This is very Gevrey in character and offers fine quality for a villages.”
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Domaine Fourrier Gevrey-Chambertin Aux Echezeaux Vieilles Vignes Cote de Nuits 2013 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Burghound – Outstanding Top Value 89-91 points “An expressive nose of relatively high-toned red currant, floral and warm earth scents precedes the equally refined and delineated middle weight flavors that culminate in a balanced, complex and beautifully persistent finish. This is notably finer than the old vines cuvée if not quite a long or concentrated. Still this is lovely and also worth your consideration as it should drink reasonably well young.”
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Domaine Fourrier Les Champeaux Vieilles Vignes Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($279.95) $229 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Decanter 94 points “Like many of the Fourrier holdings, this hails from the Brochon side of the village and shows corresponding zip and acidity. As ever, the 20% new oak is deftly handled, complementing the scented tobacco pouch and wild strawberry aromas and flavours.”
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Domaine Fourrier Les Cherbaudes Vieilles Vignes Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($279.95) $219 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “Cherbaudes is located just below Mazis-Bas, where Jean-Marie Fourrier’s 0.67ha parcel was planted in 1940. This has the richness and density of a grand cru, so maybe its neighbour has influenced the quality of the wine by osmosis. It’s spicy, sweet and brambly with a fine, nuanced finish.”
Domaine Fourrier Les Goulots Vieilles Vignes Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2016 750ML ($299.95) $219 special, 1 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 93 points “Normally we will taste Goulots ahead of Champeaux in the lineup chez Fourrier, but I am guessing that the idea was to show the two Gevrey premier crus that escaped frost damage first, followed by the crus higher up on the Combe de Lavaut, where yields were off by an average of thirty percent. Champeaux lies right below Goulots on the slope and the 2016 here is an outstanding wine in the making, delivering a fine nose of red and black cherries, dark chocolate, grilled meats, a lovely base of soil, a touch of fresh herbs, woodsmoke and spicy new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very pure on the attack, with a sappy core, excellent soil signature, fine-grained tannins and a long, vibrant and nascently complex finish. A beautiful bottle in the making. 2028-2060.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 91-93 points “Good bright-medium red. Tight, dark aromas of black fruits and licorice pastille lifted by a whiff of cranberry. Ripe and broad, but with terrific inner-mouth floral lift and a rocky pungency. Tannins are fully ripe and fine-grained. Offers a rather exhilarating–and uncommon–combination of cooler flavors and full phenolic ripeness. This wine comes from a very cool, east-facing site planted on rock, which had difficulty ripening its fruit prior to global warming. A tighter, more intellectual style than the Champeaux: Fourrier loves the Goulots with sushi, while he’d pair the Champeaux with a rib-eye steak.”
Burghound 90-92 points “Once again there is borderline generous wood influence surrounding the spicier and cooler mix of various red berries, earth and floral scents. As is typically the case, the mouthfeel of the middle weight flavors is both finer and more vibrant though without the same volume and power, all wrapped in a markedly mineral-driven finish. This should be approachable after 5-ish years of bottle age if a younger fruit profile is your preference.”
Domaine Fourrier Les Goulots Vieilles Vignes Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($299.95) $219 special, 1 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “Aromas of summer pudding and Turkish Delight waft from the glass on this delicious premier cru bottling. Facing east, this 0.34ha parcel was planted in 1966 and has yielded an elegant, ethereal, scented Pinot with impressive balance and focus.”
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Domaine Fourrier Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieille Vigne Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($899.95) $799 special, 1 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2014 Griottes Chambertin Grand Cru has a very intense bouquet with maraschino, blueberry and violets blossoming in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe black fruit, blueberry and a hint of balsamic, leading to a quite a structured and dense finish that just needs a touch more finesse. I think that will develop with time. Superb.”
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 94+ points “Good medium red. Strawberry and rose petal on the nose. At once dense and brisk, displaying a penetrating quality to its seamless, fine-grained flavors of red fruits and orange zest. Wonderfully taut and energetic but also fine-grained and suave. Less saline today than the Clos Saint-Jacques but boasts terrific fruit and mineral extension on the long, savory finish.”
Domaine Fourrier Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieille Vigne Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($999.95) $899 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 94-96 points “Good deep red. Dark and slightly wild on the nose but inexpressive today. Shows the added concentration and weight of the hot vintage but less of the coolness of the vineyards exposed to the Combe de Lavaut. Flavors of purple and black fruits and crushed rock hint at violet but can’t quite match the sheer floral éclat of the Clos Saint-Jacques. This wine had been racked more recently than most of the rest and was tighter as a result. Although it’s less harmonious today, its powerful spine of acids and tannins should ensure a long and graceful evolution in bottle.”
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