04-26-22 Newsletter

Looking for the meticulous quality of French wine but at German pricing? Check out Alsace, a region famous for her syncretism. Alsace features some of the most diverse soils in the wine world, ranging from fossilized limestone, granite, alluvial sand and even clay marl. Primarily growing white wines, the wines of Alsace are famous for their structure and texture. Ranging from bone dry to lusciously sweet, there’s something for every palate and cuisine.

The primary grapes of the area combine the winemaking traditions of Germany and France, with Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer being standouts. The latter two are widely considered to reach their magnum-opus in Alsace, offering years of development in the bottle and an expression unlike anywhere else in the world.     

Alsatian Wines in stock now:

Domaines Schlumberger Pinot Gris Les Princes Abbes Alsace 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
James Suckling 92 points “With plenty of floral-honey, caramelized-pear and some melon aromas, medium-full body and a creamy texture, this is a very classic Alsace pinot gris. But it is drier than most with a nice touch of positive tannin at the clean finish. Rather food-friendly. Drink now.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaines Schlumberger Riesling Les Princes Abbes Alsace 2018 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Notes of ripe lemon have a honeyed, herbal lift, with a hint of candied lemon peel. The palate of this wine comes with concentration and a lemon freshness that radiates ripeness, brightness and intensity in equal measure. The finish is long, lemony, waxy and dry. Lovely now the wine is certain to evolve. Drink now–2030. -Anne Krebiehl MW”

Domaine Weinbach Pinot Gris Clos des Capucins Alsace 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 90 points “A light-bodied version, with snappy acidity creating a lively frame for the flavors of nectarine, Asian pear, rose petal and spicy mineral. A hint of almond shows on the juicy finish. Drink now. 300 cases imported.  –AN”

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

Domaine Weinbach Pinot Gris Cuvee Sainte Catherine, Alsace 2019 750ML ($69.95) $45 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “A compact version, creamy and light- to medium-bodied, with a spine of sleek acidity enlivening the finely knit flavors of apricot, green almond and star fruit. Hints of pink grapefruit zest and ground ginger play on the stony, mineral-driven finish. Drink now through 2019. 100 cases imported.  –AN”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Weinbach Riesling Cuvee Theo, Alsace 2019 750ML ($44.95) $39 special
Wine Spectator 89 points “A lively, balanced Riesling, with ripe and snappy Honeycrisp apple, peach skin and honeysuckle notes and a mouthwatering, stone-tinged finish. Drink now through 2024. 150 cases imported.  –AN”

Schoffit Pinot Blanc Auxerrois Vieilles Vignes Alsace 2019 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 91 points
Importer note “A well-balanced, old vines Pinot Blanc blend generally offering, depending on the vintage, around 5g/L residual sugar and 6g/L natural acidity.  Entirely hand-harvested, fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks     .”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Schoffit Pinot Gris Cuvee Tradition Alsace 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Grown in the vineyards of Colmar, the capital of Alsatian wines, the Pinot Gris is a grape varietal with a thousand facets that gives drastically different wines depending on the conditions in which it grows and the hand of the winemaker. In this case, Schoffit made a choice to create a dry, gastronomic Pinot Gris that has as little as 3g/L residual sugar and high 8g/L acidity for the 2014 vintage. Those who prefer a more velvety touch will still enjoy this dry-styled Pinot Gris in other vintages that usually contain around 12g/L residual sugar for about 6g/L natural acidity.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Schoffit Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos Saint-Theobald 2019 Alsace Grand Cru 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 10 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 93 points
Importer note “Known all over Europe at least since the 12th century, the Rangen vineyard was first exploited by the monks of the church of Saint-Théobald, an important place of pilgrimage at that time.  Rangen is a mountain of volcanic schiste, ideal for Riesling.  Its stunning volcanic terroir, unique in Alsace, makes it a magical Grand Cru. But, among all of the Alsatian Grands Crus, it is also the southern most, has the highest elevation (culminating at 450m), is the steepest (up to 55 degrees), and everything contributes to heighten its powerful and mysterious aura. Incredibly hard to work, it is a very demanding terroir that has to be earned all year long. But when it receives the appropriate level of affection, it gives as a reward some of the top Riesling of the world: smoky, stony, mineral. Depending on the vintage, the final balance is usually around 7g/L residual sugar and 7g/L acidity, but its unique personality is always captivating.”

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

Domaine l’Agape Emotion Cremant d’Alsace France  NV 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Wet chalk, tender apple and lot of lemon freshness appear on the nose of this wine. These notions are bound up on the palate in a mellow creaminess. It’s understated and elegant, with lots of fine fruit. The finish is dry and very moreish in its rounded way. -Anne Krebiehl MW” bottles in stock now

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine l’Agape Expression Pinot Gris Alsace 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Produced from owned plots in Riquewhir dominated by granite soils. The vines vary from 15-33 years old. Aged in large wood barrels to allow for aeration. This rich and honeyed, barely off-dry Pinot Gris is draws the very best out of this grape. Apricot notes and orange peel combine with earth and spices. (normally 50% stainless, 50% wood). Approx 500 cases produced annually.”
Importer note “Domaine Agape was founded a decade ago by fourth-generation Alsatian winemaker Vincent Sipp.  The domaine comprises approximately 10 hectares spread across some of Alsace’s top vineyard sites, including over three hectares of grand crus.  Sipp’s winemaking philosophy emphasizes sustainable, organic methods in the vineyard and true expression of Alsace’s native varietals, with the entire domaine converting to Bio-Organic methods in 2017.  All of Domaine Agape’s wines are made from estate-grown grapes and are authentic representations of Alsace’s varied terroirs.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine l’Agape Expression Riesling Alsace 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 21 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 90 points “The reine-claude plum and mirabelle aromas pull you into this charming, light and bright Alsace dry riesling that’s so refreshing and has the balance to be an all-rounder with lighter dishes. Drink now.”
Importer note “Domaine Agape was founded a decade ago by fourth-generation Alsatian winemaker Vincent Sipp.  The domaine comprises approximately 10 hectares spread across some of Alsace’s top vineyard sites, including over three hectares of grand crus.  Sipp’s winemaking philosophy emphasizes sustainable, organic methods in the vineyard and true expression of Alsace’s native varietals, with the entire domaine converting to Bio-Organic methods in 2017.  All of Domaine Agape’s wines are made from estate-grown grapes and are authentic representations of Alsace’s varied terroirs.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

 

If you’re a fan of opulent Italian reds that are perfect for the table today but also worthy of cellaring, we have just the recent arrival for you. Azienda Santa Barbara’s 2017 Pathos is everything we look for in a Super Tuscan, offering generous fruit with oak polish. But since Pathos hails from the less famous region of Marche, it’s a steal when compared to its $100+ Super Tuscan peers. It’s this combination of quality and affordability that make it a no-brainer for any admirer of modern Italian reds.

In Stock Now:

Santa Barbara Stefano Antonucci ‘Pathos’ Marche Rosso IGT 2017 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “A dense and rich red with crushed-berry and chocolate character and hints of cedar and sandalwood. Medium to full body. Firm tannins. Extremely polished and opulent. One for the cellar but hard not to drink now.”

 

The DO Rias Baixas is famous for her exquisite seafood and spectacular vistas of where mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean. Consisting of several growing regions, the Val do Salnes is the closest to the sea out of the five sub-appellations. Some of the biggest contributors to the terroir of Salnes are the granitic mountains and blankets of sea fog found throughout the area, creating the building blocks for an invigorating and savory wine with surprising aging potential.

These features also have a meteorological effect, creating an exceptionally cool and oftentimes wet growing season with the average temperature being 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result of these challenges, there has been very little deviation from the traditional growing practices. The winemaker for Leirana named Rodrigo Mendez exemplifies this in spades, farming ancestral plots just as his family has done for five consecutive generations. Previous vintages have garnered worldwide attention, with the New York Times naming the 2012 vintage the best in the entire region!

With the average planting date being in 1967 the influence from the granitic bedrock is evident from first pour. Vinified in a combination of steel and neutral foudre, there’s a plethora of highly aromatic fruit and floral elements underscored by a saline and mineral finish. The fruit character ranges from green pineapple, papaya and guava with a topknot of geranium, honeysuckle and ‘ōhi‘a lehua. The extended hang time practiced by Rodrigo pays off in a richer texture than your standard Rias Baixas without overstaying or being cloying.

Forjas De Salnes in stock now: 

Bodegas Forjas del Salnes Leirana Albarino Rias Baixas 2020 750ML ($39.95) $26.60 special
Case-12 Bodegas Forjas del Salnes Leirana Albarino Rias Baixas 2020 750ML ($479.95) $299 special, (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 94 points “The vibrant 2020 Leirana was produced with a blend of 60% wine matured in used oak foudre and the rest stainless steel, as the wine has very high acidity (9 to 9.5 grams with a pH of 2.99!) and doesn’t go through malolactic; so, it is very sharp, and the higher percentage of oak makes it a little rounder. It’s powerful and pungent, serious and with granite minerality, showcasing the serious style of the whites from 2020. It has moderate alcohol (12.9%) and an electric palate that is clean and tasty, with a stony finish.”
 

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

Other Albarino in stock now: 

Nanclares y Prieto ‘Crisopa’ Branco Tradicional Galicia 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 94 points “The completely unusual “orange” wine is a bright amber Albariño macerated with skins during the fermentation. The 2018 Crisopa, produced with grapes from the same vineyard as Soberrivas, has a completely different nose and a brighter and deeper color than any previous vintage. Perhaps the grapes were smaller and there might be more skins for the juice, and the wine underwent malolactic (at least partially). There are notes of apple liqueur, pollen and beeswax, and the palate is finely tannic. Here, the process overpowers the variety and place. It has lower acidity than most of the wines from the winery, but this is one of the finest examples of the type. It should develop nicely in bottle. 636 bottles were filled in August 2019.”
Importer note “Crisopa Branco Tradicional comes from the same parcel as “Soverribas” (Paraje Manzaniña) but is picked one day earlier to select the best bunches. After a wet and cool spring and summer, it turned dry and hot in August, with hand-harvesting on Sept. 10th through Oct. 6th. The grapes were foot-trodden in open plastic vats with 100% whole-clusters, and then skin-fermented for 20 days in a steel vat. After a vertical press the wine is racked into a used 500L French oak cask, where it rests for 11 months on the lees with battonage for first 3 months, before being bottled on Aug. 21st (fruit day) without clarification, filtration and only modest amounts of SO2. A fascinating and extremely textured Vinho Branco made in the style of the ancients!”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Nanclares y Prieto ‘A Grana’ Galicia 2020 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2020 A Graña has a more fruit-driven nose and a round palate, perhaps because it has retained some five grams of residual sugar and the wine has less acidity. It might have had some partial malolactic. 1,200 bottles were produced. It feels like a 2020 nose and a 2019 palate.”

Nanclares y Prieto ‘Dandelion’ Albarino Rias Baixas 2020 750ML ($29.95) $23.50 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Albarino from 15 organically farmed inland plots of 24-45-year-old Albarino vines in the Val do Salnes, planted on sandy, decomposed granite soils. 2020 was a warm vintage in Rias Baixas: the winter was rainy and warm, which continued into April and May.”

 

Did you know that the Rheingau was once the face of Germany’s wine production? The topographic isolation provided by confluence of the Taunus Mountains and Rhine River creates an oasis for growing Riesling. The region’s wines were once priced higher than Burgundy, with Queen Victoria sparking a proclivity for German Riesling across the British Empire after a visit to the Rheingau in 1850. In contrast to other growing regions that feature a high percentage of slate, the Rheingau is characterized by high proportions of sandstone and quartzite, lending a crystallized pineapple, quince and yellow daffodil character to the finished wines. 

Prinz was originally started as a “Garagiste” or home winemaker operation in 1991 as a hobby for the founder Fred Prinz. The critics were immediately enamored and an invitation to join the legendary VDP consortium followed in 2005. Their estate vineyards are farmed organically, with a house style that aims for “minerality, elegance, finesse and ageing ability and they reflect their origins perfectly”. With holdings in the Rheingau that are relatively high elevation they’re able to produce a full range of Riesling’s including the rarest style of them all: Eiswein. 

Eiswein is among the hardest wines to make on the entire planet, and is becoming rarer as climate change advances. This is on account of the time the Riesling grapes must spend on the vine as decreed by German law. During the extended hang time the grapes will freeze and thaw multiple times, further concentrating the sugars and acids. There’s an endless list of things that could go wrong for the selected clusters during this time. Between the risks of rotting, not freezing enough to be harvested as eiswein or simply eaten by passing birds and deer you can see why production quantities are minuscule to say the least.

Weingut Prinz Wines in stock now: 

Weingut Prinz Hallgartener Jungfer Riesling Eiswein Rheingau 2016 375ML ($149.95) $119 special
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Prinz Riesling Trocken Rheingau 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
James Suckling 93 points “Still a bit closed, but this has serious depth and quite some weight for 12.5% alcohol. Complex mint, tarragon and candied-lime aromas, married to fine tannins and crisp acidity. Intense, but quite austere finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Prinz Hendelberg Riesling Trocken Rheingau 2020 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
James Suckling 94 points “Quite funky nose that needs some air to open up, then ripe-quince, apricot and lilac notes develop. Excellent structure behind the ripeness and creaminess, the herbal and mineral notes cascading over the palate at the firm, dry finish. From organically grown grapes.”    
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Prinz Jungfer Riesling Kabinett Rheingau 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
James Suckling 94 points “A stunning Kabinett that’s brimming with red apple, white peach and pomegranate. Very tense interplay of fruit, racy acidity and mountain-stream freshness. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Prinz Hallgartener Jungfer Riesling Spatlese Rheingau 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
James Suckling 97 points “Give yourself a holiday and forget all your cares! This super fine Spätlese has a stunning floral-honey, white-currant and dried-herb nose. Very succulent and concentrated with super bright acidity that interlocks beautifully. At the very mineral finish it’s almost dry. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Check out our 531 different German Rieslings available now including Dönnhoff, Mueller-Catoir and Molitor!

You’ve heard of sister regions Barolo and Barbaresco but did you know that there is a third sibling that also specialized in Nebbiolo? The Italian Alps are home to some of the most ethereal and mineral driven expressions of wine in the entire world. Naturally insulated from the rest of the country due to the topography, the villagers practice winemaking exactly as they have for centuries. Alto Piemonte as it’s known by the locals was formed during the shift of the African and European tectonic plates millions of years ago, creating one of the most diverse mix of soils in the world. 

You see everything from prehistoric marine sediment, schist, fractured limestone, granite and even sandstone. There is so much complexity that only the locals have dared to try classifying the contents of their soil. Located near the Italian-Swiss border Arpepe does exactly that, producing Chiavennasca (The local name for Nebbiolo) from terraced vineyards that have been in their family for generations. Known as a benchmark producer for the regions expression of nebbiolo , Ar.Pe.Pe. is a fantastic introduction to the particular stylings of Chiavennasca. Their style draws comparisons to Barolo and Barbaresco of years past. Considering the advancement of climate change these wines are well on their way to becoming the next hotbed for Nebbiolo in Italy, as freshness and elegance become more elusive further south. We’ve also just secured our allocation for their late harvest wine, the Ultimi Raggi. A true rarity in that most examples of the style are perceptibly dry due to the varietals high tannins and acidity. Arpepe takes this artistry to the next level by allowing the grapes to dry on the vine, allowing for even more sugar accumulation and further ripeness in the flavors. The site’s high altitude at over 2,000 feet elevation maintains acidity and wild botanical character. 

Arpepe arriving Eta May 2022: 

Ar.Pe.Pe. Ultimi Raggi     Valtellina Superiore Sassella 2009 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2009 Valtellina Superiore Sassella Ultimi Raggi is beguiling, rich, dense and powerful. Cinnamon, dried dark cherry, leather, smoke and licorice come together in a full-bodied, somewhat rustic wine with no shortage of character. The Ultimi Raggi is made from the last fruit on the vine to ripen, and is therefore sweeter and richer through the mid-palate, with more palate weight and overall density than is found in most of these wines. I loved it.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2009 Valtellina Superiore Sassella Ultimi Raggi is beguiling, rich, dense and powerful. Cinnamon, dried dark cherry, leather, smoke and licorice come together in a full-bodied, somewhat rustic wine with no shortage of character. The Ultimi Raggi is made from the last fruit on the vine to ripen, and is therefore sweeter and richer through the mid-palate, with more palate weight and overall density than is found in most of these wines. I loved it.”

Arpepe wines in stock now: 

Ar.Pe.Pe. Buon Consiglio Riserva Valtellina Superiore Grumello DOCG 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “One of two late-release wines from Ar. Pe. Pe., the 2013 Valtellina Superiore Grumello Riserva Buon Consiglio is a beautifully light and delicate expression of Nebbiolo with a lean, ruby-tinged appearance. The wine ages to silkiness and extreme suppleness, and I cannot help but notice the unique aromas of toasted hazelnut, mountain flower and balsam herb that rise so delicately from the bouquet. These results are exquisite and ultra delicate, giving the wine a lithe or ethereal personality. What a beauty. Only 6,000 bottles were released.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “A perfumed red, exuding aromas and flavors of crushed raspberry and pureed strawberry, exotic spice and graphite, dried marjoram and thyme. It’s finely knit, with silky tannins and mouthwatering, citrus peel acidity. A graceful version with a lasting, mineral-laced finish. Drink now through 2028. 500 cases made, 175 cases imported.  –AN”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Camphor, wild rose and botanical herbs mingle with a whiff of wet granite. On the elegantly structured, still youthfully austere palate, tight, refined tannins lithely support sour cherry, orange zest and star anise. It’s vibrant and balanced, with bright acidity. Drink 2023–2033. -Kerin O’Keefe”
 

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

Ar.Pe.Pe. Sesto Canto Riserva Valtellina Superiore Inferno DOCG 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “There’s a lovely juiciness to the crushed black raspberry and strawberry fruit on display in this elegant, medium- to full-bodied red, yet sleek tannins are well-integrated and provide fine definition. Fragrant notes of tea leaf, pomegranate and hot stone chime on the silky finish. Drink now through 2033. 500 cases made, 175 cases imported.  –AN”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Ar.Pe.Pe. Vigna Regina – Nuova Regina Riserva Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 2013 750ml ($119.95) $99 Special, 22 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Loaded with finesse and energy and still youthfully austere, this linear, structured red offers tart cranberry, blood orange and star anise sensations. A vein of salty mineral provides the backdrop while fine-grained tannins provide elegant structure and support. Racy acidity keeps it balanced. Give it time to fully develop and blossom into even more of a beauty. Drink 2025–2035. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “A release of about 6,000 bottles, the Ar. Pe. Pe. 2013 Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella Nuova Regina draws its fruit from terraced vineyards delineated by rocky drywalls. The vines are at least 50 years old and planted in friable metamorphic rock or gneiss shaped by glaciers. This wine is made in a highly traditional manner with extended skin maceration in oak casks, and all the harvest work is done by hand. This is a true beauty with enormous finesse and a deep well of aromatic nuances that center around wild berries, blue flowers and iron ore. The wine is carefully aged with fine and silky tannins. It tastes great, so if you have a bottle you can drink it now or wait longer if that is your pleasure.”
 

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

Ar.Pe.Pe. ‘Il Pettirosso’ Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2016 750ML ($54.95) $45 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Decanter 93 points “Il Pettirosso, or ‘robin redbreast’, is a dedication to Ar Pe Pe’s founder, Arturo who first created this bottling in 1997. A selection of casks ready to be bottled after relatively minimal ageing, it brings together parcels in the subzones of Sassella and Grumello. Piercing pure rose, cherry blossom and tobacco lead the way to a nucleus of sweet raspberry, red cherry and subtle flintiness. It’s fine-boned in frame and zesty in acidity, with silky-smooth tannins that glide effortlessly across the palate. The epitome of elegance. Drinking Window 2021 – 2028.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2016 Valtellina Superiore Il Pettirosso is a terrific choice for readers who want to explore the Ar.Pe.Pe. wines before delving into some of the more pricey bottlings. Dried autumn leaves, cedar, pipe tobacco, herbs and licorice are some of the many notes that grace this wonderfully expressive, super-classic Valtellina Nebbiolo. Aging in cask brings out the nuances of these old vines so well. The transparency of Nebbiolo comes through beautifully.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92 points “Here’s a beautiful wine with a great human story behind it. Fruit from 50-year-old vines planted in friable granitic mountain soils is carried down to the winery in small cassettes on the hearty shoulders of the harvesters. With some 24,000 bottles made, the Ar. Pe. Pe. 2016 Valtellina Superiore Nebbiolo Il Pettirosso is perfumed with rosebud, wild berry, sour cherry and crushed stone. All that backbreaking human labor leads to a soft and gently polished red wine to pair with a classic buckwheat pasta from this ski-loving region.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Bright and tangy, this fragrant wine offers head scents of red rose, pine forest, wet flint and Alpine herb. Vibrant and savory, the racy palate has lovely mineral energy and tension, doling out juicy Marasca cherry, ground clove and a hint of hazelnut alongside taut, refined tannins and bright acidity. Drink through 2026. -Kerin O’Keefe”
 

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

Ar.Pe.Pe. Grumello Rocca de Piro Riserva Valtellina Superiore Grumello DOCG 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special,  12 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Fruit for this wine comes from the high altitudes of the Rhaetian Alps, where decomposed granite soils make for a dark contrast against brilliant white ice and snow falls. The Ar. Pe. Pe. 2015 Valtellina Superiore Nebbiolo Grumello Rocca de Piro reveals a long succession of dried raspberry, cassis, pressed violets, iron ore and crushed stone. This wine promises to make a terrific pairing with a simple plate of thinly sliced Valtellina bresaola. Some 30,000 bottles were made.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Initially shy, the subtle nose eventually reveals new leather, Alpine herb and wild berry. The savory palate has an understated elegance, offering Marasca cherry, pomegranate and graphite alongside refined tannins. Drink through 2027. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Wine Spectator 92 points “An elegant light- to medium-bodied red, with fine tannins creating a supple frame for flavors wild strawberry, black tea leaf and a ferrous, minerally underpinning. It’s fresh and focused, with a lingering, lightly spiced finish. Drink now through 2030. –AN

When discussing the Grenache Revolution in Spain, you have to mention the work of Daniel Landi. One of the two founders of the cult label “Comando G” he has built his career around elevating Grenache to new heights. Originally hailing from Méntrida, a rural village in the Castille-La-Mancha Daniel Landi has been surrounded by Grenache practically from birth. With en masse wine production dating back to the 15th century, there are vineyards everywhere you look.

The historical prevalence of viticulture extends into the Sierra de Gredos Mountains, where Daniel sources his best fruit. Planted amongst the granite boulders and scrub vegetation, vines are 50 years old at the youngest and farmed biodynamically. The mineral rich soil, high elevation and extensive root networks make irrigation unnecessary and for one of the most compelling iterations of Grenache you’ll ever find. With the exception of his entry level cuvee, every wine that Daniel Landi makes is a single-vineyard expression to highlight the nuance of each parcel.  

Daniel Landi Wines in stock now: 

Daniel Gomez Jimenez-Landi ‘Las Uvas de la Ira’ Garnacha Mentrida 2018 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The red 2018 Las Uvas de la Ira has been produced with Garnacha from the same five vineyards since the initial vintage (2012) in the village of El Real de San Vicente, which is one of the villages from Méntrida (Toledo) that are part of the Gredos Mountains. The vines range between 40 and 65 years of age, and they are located at around 750 meters in altitude on sandy granite soils with lots of silt. The different vineyards are fermented separately in oak vats with indigenous yeasts and a very gentle vinification, one-third with very long macerations to provide structure and depth, one-third with a very short maceration to provide fragrance, and the remaining third finished the fermentation without skins (like a white) to add juiciness. The élevage is in oak foudres of different sizes, from 1,500 to 4,000 liters. This is a little less aromatic and more austere but very focused and bright, from a village where the wines are serious and have a chalky texture, less floral but more citrus, a bit more backward. It has a compact palate, with very fine tannins and a more chalky finish. It’s interesting to taste it next to wines from other villages, as you clearly see the difference. 18,700 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2019.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 

Daniel Gomez Jimenez-Landi ‘Cantos del Diablo’ Mentrida 2017 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The single-vineyard 2017 Cantos del Diablo was produced with the grapes from 0.35 hectares in the village of El Real de San Vicente (Toledo), the highest vineyard in the Méntrida appellation. It’s a north-facing plot at 900 meters in altitude that was planted some 70 years ago on sandy granite soils rich in silt and is worked biodynamically. The grapes, with all the stems, fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak vats, and the wine matured in a 1,200-liter oak foudre for 12 months. This was one of the few villages from Gredos that escaped the hail and frost, and it was a dry year, so harvesting was early (10 to 15 days earlier compared with a “normal” vintage!). It’s aromatic and floral but has the austerity of the wines from El Real de San Vicente as well as a texture like liquid chalk and very fine, powdery tannins. It’s clean and ripe without excess, with a nice combination of fruit and minerality, really balanced, with intensity and finesse. Excellent 2017! 1,362 bottles were filled in March 2019.”
 

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

Daniel Gomez Jimenez-Landi ‘Cantos del Diablo’ Mentrida 2018 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 95 points “The single-vineyard 2018 Cantos del Diablo was produced with the grapes from 0.35 hectares of 70-year-old Garnacha in the village of El Real de San Vicente (Toledo) at 900 meters in altitude, the highest vineyard in the Méntrida appellation. It’s a north-facing plot on sandy granite soils with lots of silt that deliver chalky tannins and a citrus freshness in the wine. The whole clusters fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak vats with a long maceration followed by an élevage in a 1,400-liter oak foudre for 12 months. This was extremely closed, even after a long time in the glass. It’s a vineyard that delivers more reductive wines (matchstick) with a strict palate and a strong mineral sensation. 1,620 bottles were filled in March 2020.”z