Wednesday Night Newsletter 8-3-22

In This Newsletter:

Delas Frères:
Regal Rhône

Beaujolais lovers – don’t miss out on these:
Domaine Anita

New Reviews for Peter Michaels 2019s

Staff Pick

Trending

Southern Rhône Rosé

Collector’s Corner:
Exploring California’s Non-Cab Treasures


Delas Frères:

Regal Rhône

Delas makes some of the most powerful, intense wines in the Northern Rhône at prices that make them one of the superior values in the region. Density and richness are a hallmark—there are no shrinking violets in the lineup. Star Champagne house Louis Roederer purchased Delas in the 90s, bringing much needed renewal to the brand, and has been pushing the quality upwards each year. For whatever reason, the market has yet to catch up to the quality coming out of Delas’ cellar. The Northern Rhône has turned into one of the hottest markets in the wine world, with many wineries getting expensive overnight. The market has yet to catch up to the quality coming out of Delas’ cellar.  For now.

Highlights In Stock Now:

Delas Freres Condrieu La Galopine 2019 750ml ($79.95) $59 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Ripe, flattering style, with a brioche frame around the mix of mirabelle, creamed peach, nectarine, acacia and lemon curd notes. Everything knits nicely through the unctuous finish. Drink now through 2025. 1,500 cases made, 50 cases imported.  –JM”

Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes Blanc 2020 750ml ($99.95) $89 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2020 Hermitage Domaine Des Tourettes Blanc showed brilliantly and is one of the finest vintages of this cuvée I can recall. Gorgeous quince, pineapple, and grilled peach as well as flowers and obvious salty minerality emerge from the glass, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, perfect balance, and a great finish, where the wine shows an incredible sense of crushed stone and green almond nuances. It’s beautiful today but won’t hit maturity for a decade and should have 30 years or more of overall longevity.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “This is a very pure and restrained version, featuring white peach, yellow apple, quinine, honeysuckle and verbena notes stretching out together through a finish that sports a light kiss of brioche at the very end. Approachable now, with charm and elegance. Marsanne and Roussanne. Drink now through 2030. 475 cases made, 16 cases imported.”  

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $95.99

Delas Freres Domaine des Grands Chemins Crozes-Hermitage 2019 750ml ($49.95) $39 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Ripe, showing black licorice and dark plum notes wrapped around each other. This stays vivid and racy in feel, with a lively floral note and swath of dark earth as backdrop on the finish. Drink now through 2030. 3,333 cases made, 218 cases imported.  –JM”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91-93 points “Energetic cherry, boysenberry and violet aromas are complemented by hints of black pepper and smoky minerals. Succulent and penetrating on the palate, offering lively, appealingly sweet black/blue fruit flavors and a violet pastille nuance that builds in the midpalate. In a forward, fruit-driven style, finishing with sharp delineation, harmonious tannins and solid, floral-driven persistence.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $45

Delas Freres Cote-Rotie La Landonne 2019 750ml ($319.95) $279 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Decanter 97 points “Immediately this has the darkness and aromatic austerity of La Landonne. Very full-bodied, expansive on the palate with mouthcoating flavour and tannin but not heavy. This is seriously tannic, but it’s not tough. Great character, great power and perfect balance. Alcohol is just a little raised, but this is a blockbuster. Around 3,000 bottles made. Fermented in open-top concrete tanks for 20 days, then matured in new and one-year-old barrels for 14 months. Drinking Window 2026 – 2035.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is dark and still a bit reticent, with a cast iron cloak around the core of dark currant, plum and blackberry paste flavors, showing lots of sweet bay leaf, anise and singed apple wood notes in the background. There’s serious grip through the finish. For the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2038. 267 cases made, 40 cases imported.  –JM”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94-96 points “Expressive blackberry, potpourri, smoky bacon and licorice aromas show excellent clarity and minerally lift. Deeply concentrated, spice-laced dark berry preserve, floral pastille and fruitcake flavors are supported by a spine of juicy acidity that adds back-end cut. Becomes more energetic on the impressively persistent finish, which repeats the dark berry and floral notes and leaves behind a spicy suggestion of cracked pepper.”

Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon 2019 750ml ($54.95) $44.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “Powerfully scented aromas of fresh black/blue fruits, potpourri, licorice and smoked meat show excellent clarity and vibrant mineral lift. Concentrated boysenberry, cassis and violet pastille flavors are joined by a salty olive note that sneaks in as the wine opens up. Finishes smooth, focused and very long, with broad, fleshy tannins, a hint of smokiness and lingering florality.”
Decanter 92 points “A smooth, elegant style, not as overripe as many this year. Very fine tannins, but a bit drying on the finish. Acidity is marked. This certainly has class, very well made. There’s attention to detail and finesse here. From various plots across the southern part of the appellation. Drinking Window 2022 – 2026.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $51

Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes 2015 750ml ($89.95) $79 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Falstaff Magazine 96 points “[Translated] Very closed, blackberry jam, hints of balsamic spice. Creamy start, immediately present minerality, extremely high density with fine but not too silky tannins, an elegance at the maximum of what fits in 14 percent by volume, minerally seasoned, all components seamlessly integrated, ripe, well-bearing acidity, very expressive.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “This is loaded with well-defined loganberry, blackberry and boysenberry pâte de fruit flavors, flecked with anise and black tea notes and carried by a fine iron streak that lingers wonderfully. A wine of cut, purity and precision. Best from 2020 through 2035. From France.”

Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes 2019 750ml ($99.95) $89 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Ripe, fresh, bright and pure, with a racy-edged mix of plum sauce, cherry preserves and blackberry paste flavors underscored with mouthwatering anise, apple wood and sweet tobacco notes. The long finish flows nicely, and this flirts with approachable already, but there’s no rush. Drink now through 2034. 2,083 cases made, 175 cases imported. — JM”
Decanter 93 points “Good sense of freshness and intensity with fine tannins and rather high alcohol. Good impact however, and a long finish. Tannins are very fine, and although it doesn’t have the potential complexity of some in this vintage, it has the stature and concentration you would expect. Drinking Window 2025 – 2032.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $110

Domaine Anita

Beaujolais lovers – don’t miss out on these: 

Originally a professional cyclist from Bresse, Anita Kuhnel fell in love with Beaujolais during visits. She purchased vines in 2015 and began producing stunning single-parcel Beaujolais.

“‘I am committed to putting all my energy into making the best wines every day,’ Anita declares. ‘This is why I chose to opt for plot cultivation, which allows each bottle to reflect the character of each plot.’ She calls this whole exercise ‘Making the plots talk.'” –Importer note 

Picture the cost of a Côte de Nuits single parcel bottling from a top scoring producer working with 50+ year old sustainably grown estate vines. Now move the decimal place over two spaces to the left, and you’re in grand cru Beaujolais territory. Snap up your allocation before the world, and pricing, catches up!

In Stock Now:

Domaine Anita Morgon Prestige, Beaujolais 2020 750ml ($34.95) $29 special, 28 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “Welcome to the black heart of Morgon! So dense, concentrated and ripe with serious tannins, but a wonderfully plush texture on the expansive palate. Then the mineral freshness pushes through at the powerful, yet finely etched finish. If you can find actual black cherries that smell like this, then let me know! Drink or hold.”

Domaine Anita Moulin-a-Vent La Rochelle, Beaujolais 2020 750ml ($37.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This Beaujolais masterpiece is so concentrated and so pure, with lush, velvety sensuality that reminds me of great Pomerol. But there’s also almost breathtaking brightness, thanks to the magical combination of gamay and granite. Great mineral freshness at the ripe yet pristine finish. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $34.99

Domaine Anita Moulin-a-Vent ‘Les Caves’ Tres Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais 2020 750ml ($29.95) $24 special, 32 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “What a beautiful nose of violets and ripe (but not overripe) blackberries this has! So succulent, with a wonderful interplay of creaminess, fine tannins and mineral freshness on the concentrated, medium-bodied palate. Very long, velvety finish with so much finesse! Drink or hold.”

Domaine Anita Chenas Les Brureaux, Beaujolais 2020 750ml ($34.95) $28 special, 18 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Pure violets on the nose pull you into this Chenas, which is brimming with sour-cherry fruit, wrapped around a core of fine tannins. Intense, stony minerality at the powerful yet refined finish. So focused and uplifting! Drink or hold.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Anita Fleurie Les Moriers, Beaujolais 2020 750ml ($29.95) $24 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Stunning black-cherry fruit is married to generous, fine tannins and very lively acidity that lights up this rather bold wine. So many violets and ripe blackberries that this well-structured wine slips down very easily. Quite some allspice character at the long finish. Drink or hold.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Anita Fleurie Les Poncie, Beaujolais 2020 750ml ($29.95) $24 special, 35 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Dense violet and sour-cherry nose with just a hint of licorice. Very fresh and vital with quite a serious tannins structure for a Beaujolais Cru, this is still very young with tremendous energy. Quite dry finish, but in a very positive way, and one that reminds me of wines from cooler locations in the Northern Rhone. Drink or hold.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Anita Morgon ‘Chateau-Gaillard’, Beaujolais 2020 750ml ($24.95) $21.90 special, 32 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Stunning nose of ripe blackberries, the blackest cherries and smoke, with just a touch of balsamic vinegar. Ripe and firm with a ton of crushed-stone minerality. Very radical, but in the best possible way! All this needs is a bit of time in the bottle to resolve the substantial, fine tannins and crisp acidity. Great aging potential! Drinkable now, but best from 2024.”

Shop our Beaujolais selections on our web store now!






This Just In:

New Reviews for Peter Michaels 2019s

Peter Michael ‘Les Pavots’ Estate Red, Knights Valley 2019 750ml ($249.95) $219 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2019 Les Pavots is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and the remainder Petit Verdot. It has unfolding layers of dark minerals, with graphite, boysenberry liqueur, and fresh leather. The palate is expressive of its mountain fruit, with more gripping structure but no harsh edges. This is a remarkable wine to hold a few years and enjoy over the following two decades.”

Peter Michael ‘Ma Belle-Fille’ Chardonnay, Knights Valley 2019 750ml ($134.95) $119 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2019 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille is from an estate vineyard in Knights Valley, which is in Sonoma, just north of Napa Valley. Beautiful white flowers, honeysuckle, green almond, and chalky minerality all emerge from this beauty, and it’s another full-bodied, rich, concentrated Chardonnay from this team that checks in with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Despite its richness level and decadence, it stays lively and fresh. This is straight-up brilliant Chardonnay!”


Staff Pick: Vaglio

Suzanne:
I must confess: it’s been some time since I’ve had Malbec. Given the change to taste a version with limited new oak and intervention, I gave it a… swirl. This was wound up at first sip, with a nice back bone of tannin and acidity. Nothing mouth-stripping or cringe-worthy, just robust and refined. I found plenty of lush red and black raspberry notes, some notes of raked autumn leaves, and a pretty black pepper note to the finish. I’d be proud to bring a bottle to the next BBQ/cookout on the docket, especially now that the heat wave in Portland has passed! This should stand up nicely to braised meats and hearty grilled or roasted veggie dishes well into this winter. 

Vaglio Wines Temple Malbec, Anchoris 2018 750ml ($19.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Vaglio Wines Temple Malbec, Anchoris 2018 750ml ($239.95) $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
James Suckling 93 points “This is always a delicious red with lots of crushed-berry and walnut character. Full-bodied, dense and juicy. Lots of old-vine character. Succulent. Drink now.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!






Trending

Marcus Goodfellow is one of the most talented winemakers in Oregon. He founded Matello wines, his original label, in 2002 and hasn’t looked back, making wines that have continually improved—both in bottle and from vintage to vintage. These are profound wines, both white and red, that are made in a style that’s distinctly savory—no fruit bombs here. We love them for their coiled power and Burgundian structure. 2011 Pinot Noirs from the Willamette Valley are among the most acid driven and long lived in the past decade or more, with many more years still left in their bottle age trajectory. We checked in on this recently and it’s just cresting that leafy-earthy-savory stage and is perfect for drinking now or over the next 5+ years.

2022 Winery-Direct Library Release
Matello ‘Souris’ Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2011 750ml ($64.95) $54.50 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “(from fruit grown in the Whistling Ridge and Durant vineyards; made with 55% whole clusters and raised in 40% new oak):  Vivid red.  Vibrant red berry and Asian spice aromas are given depth by notes of vanilla and licorice and pick up a minerally nuance with air.  Juicy raspberry and cherry-cola flavors tighten up in the mid-palate and show very good clarity.  Finishes spicy and long, with silky tannins adding structure.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

“Old School Chablis” from one of the most lauded producers in the entire region, at a price point for everyone and sparkling to boot! 

Domaine d’Henri 821 Chardonnay Brut Nature 2018 750ml ($35.95) $29.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Produced from 35+ year old vines in the Chablis appellation using the Méthode Ancestrale meaning that the alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats and bottled before aging with the CO2 necessary for the long haul already in the bottle. Aged on its lees for 24 months, it is then disgorged with no added sugar. 821 refers to the minimum total number of days necessary to produce this wine from the beginning of the growing season to the moment the bottle leaves the cellar. Delightful toast and citrus notes with some exotic tinges lead into a serious wine with high mineral tension, full fruit in the middle and a very fine and persistent bead. This is an impressive wine that will surprise many.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Raul Perez has emerged as one of the most exciting Spanish winemakers of the last few years.  He’s done it in an interesting way: not by making over-the-top big fruit and oak bombs, but rather by honing in on the terroirs in Galicia, a relatively unromantic vinicultural region.  Perez focuses on wines made from Atlantic-influence climates in villages like Villadecanes or Cacabelos.  As a result, the wines tend to be impressive, but in an introspective, earthy way. The Ultreia Saint Jacques has been a hit since we first discovered the producer, and we’re happy to offer a great deal on the latest release by the bottle or case!

Raul Perez Ultreia Saint Jacques, Bierzo 2019 750ml ($27.95) $19.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Raul Perez Ultreia Saint Jacques, Bierzo 2019 750ml ($259.95) $219 special (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The nose of the 2019 Ultreia Saint Jacques is nothing short of spectacular. It shows the varietal character and the juicy and round style of the Valtuille vineyards. It’s harmonious, clean and expressive. They are using more and more stems with long macerations, malolactic in tanks and aging in 30% oak vats (he purchased from Alión) and 70% of the wine in used 225-liter oak barrels for one year. There is only one master blend, which is put into oak vats and bottled by 25,000- to 30,000-bottle lots. In 2019 he produced 110,000 bottles of this wine.”

Comando G on a budget!
Cooperativa de Cadalso Granito del Cadalso Garnacha Sierra de Gredos, Madrid 2017 750ml ($17.95) $14.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Cooperativa de Cadalso Granito del Cadalso Garnacha Sierra de Gredos, Madrid 2017 750ml ($199.95) $156 special (that’s only $13/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “From a co-op in the Sierra de Gredos and all old-vine Grenache, the 2017 Granito De Cadalso comes from granite soils, was destemmed, and brought up all in concrete tanks. This Pinot Noir-like beauty offers notes of wild strawberries, rose hips, violets, and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, with remarkable purity and vibrancy, it still has ample power and richness. This is a fabulous expression of Grenache that’s almost too good to be true.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Limpid ruby-red. High-pitched red fruit, floral and mineral qualities on the intensely perfumed nose. Juicy and appealingly sweet, offering energetic raspberry, lavender pastille and white pepper flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Weighty yet lithe as well, showing a seamless quality on a long, red-fruit-dominated finish framed by subtle, even tannins. All concrete.”
Importer note “The village of Cadalso de los Vidrios is situated at the foot of the Sierra de Gredos. For centuries workshops here made glass windows for the palaces of Spain from the granitic sands of the region. Ancient, head-pruned vines of Garnacha planted in these same soils make for equally transparent wine. Garnet in color with vibrant flavors of red fruits, laurel and orange peel, Granito del Caldalso is made under the guidance of famed winemakers Dani Landi and Fernando Garcia.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Looking for a cult producer that’s still affordable? There are very few producers who are synonymous with the production of their entire region’s output. Dal Forno in Valpolicella, Dönnhoff and the Nahe, Cayuse and Walla Walla, the list is as long as there are production zones. In that same vein you cannot talk about Lebanese wine without mentioning Chateau Musar. 

Chateau Musar ‘Hochar Pere et Fils’ Red Bekaa Valley 2017 750ml ($34.95) $28 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Decanter 91 points “This single-vineyard wine, from Aana, is made in a modern style: concentrated and slightly reductive. It shows notes of new oak barrels, lovely red berry fruit (reminiscent of Grenache) and garrigue aromas. So Mediterranean on the palate, with sweet tannins, spices and a meaty hint on the aftertaste. A very friendly, easy-to-drink and enjoyable wine. It becomes even better and more refined a day after the bottle is opened. I would recommend decanting it.”
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2017 Hochar is powerful and dense in the glass. Ripe flavors and incisive tannins give the 2017 much of its brooding personality. Readers should plan on opening the 2017 at least an hour or two in advance, as the tannins are rather grainy at the outset. With time ripe black cherry, spice, leather and licorice flavors emerge nicely. The blend is 55% Cinsault, 35% Grenache and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Biodynamic cider infused with redcurrants in a slightly off-dry style. A “rose” by any other name.  Staff favorite!
Eden Specialty Ciders Imperial 11 Rosé Cider Vermont NV 750ml ($17.95) $9 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Cidery note “Profile: Superbly juicy without being sweet, just off-dry and gently fizzy, with bright acidity and chewy tannic structure. Apple Varieties: Esopus Spitzenberg, Calville Blanc, Hudson’s Golden Gem, Roxbury Russet, Blue Pearmain, Baldwin, Mcintosh, Empire, Ashmead’s Kernel, Black Oxford, Reine de Reinette, Orleans Reinette. Grown by: Scott Farms, Sunrise Orchards, Yates Family Orchard and Poverty Lane Orchard. Method: Naturally cold-concentrated before fermentation, infused with red currant and blended with a touch of ice cider. Filtered and carbonated. TASTING NOTES: Roses, strawberry, watermelon, citrus, slate. Gluten free, vegan friendly.”  

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!



Southern Rhône Rosé from Les Aphillanthes

The Southern Rhone is best known for full bodied reds and powerful whites, but have you tried a rosé made from the same grapes? The villages surrounding Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape that comprise the Côtes du Rhône have similar terroir and grapes as their more famous siblings, but feature cooler growing seasons in comparison. This works out perfectly for rosé production, as it allows for more acidity to remain as the grapes ripen.   

Domaine les Aphillanthes has vineyard holdings in three villages of Côtes du Rhône, with soils that are largely composed of iron-rich sand with veins of limestone and a smattering of Galets, or “pudding stones”. Certified biodynamic and plowing exclusively by horse for over 10 years, the owners Daniel and Hélène Boulle suspect that the roots of their grapevines go 100 feet underground! Expect an entire spectrum of fruits including raspberries, Bing cherry, fresh redcurrant and watermelon. From an aromatic perspective there’s a symphonic combination of rose petals, fresh ground espresso and cinnamon apples.

Les Aphillanthes Rose in stock now: 

Domaine Les Aphillanthes Côtes du Rhône Nymphea Rose, France 2020 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 88 points “Mainly Cinsault and Grenache, with traces of Carignan and Mourvèdre, this impeccably run domaine has turned out a rich, round 2020 Cotes du Rhone Rose Nymphea. Medium to full-bodied, it hints at strawberries and cherries, delivering plenty of concentration and flavor.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Domaine Les Aphillanthes Cotes du Rhone Nymphea Rose France 2021 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 88 points “Bright orange. Ripe cherry, orange pith and floral qualities on the nose. Offers juicy red fruit and blood orange flavors. The warm, smooth finish echoes the cherry note and hangs on with good tenacity.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 


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Be well & drink well.



Collector’s Corner:

Exploring California’s Non-Cab Treasures

In Stock Now:

Continuum has emerged over the last several years as one of the most important wineries in Napa Valley. With a beautiful estate vineyard located on a prime west-facing exposure on Pritchard Hill, overlooking Lake Hennessey, Tim Mondavi honors his family’s heritage while making some of the most exciting wines in the Valley. Big, bold, seductive, and hard to find, Continuum’s flagship red is sought after by collectors, enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. 

Continuum Proprietary Red, Oakville, Napa Valley 2018 750ml ($299.95) $259 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98-100 points “Composed of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple 2018 Proprietary Red has a fantastically fragrant nose of candied violets, red roses, Morello cherries and blackcurrant pastilles with hints of wild blueberries, red currant jelly, iron ore and forest floor, plus a waft of cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely packed with tightly wound black and red berry layers, framed by firm, ripe, finely grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with incredibly persistent and evocative floral and mineral layers. An absolute head-turner, this 2018 is all that and then some. Tim Mondavi mentioned that this is due to be bottled in just a few weeks—mid-August—meaning this barrel sample I tasted is pretty close to being a finished wine. With the estate vineyard turning 10 year’s old in 2018, here’s where we see how incredibly special this singular Pritchard Hill site really is.”

Kapcsandy Family Winery Rapszodia, Yountville 2015 750ml ($479.95) $419 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Advocate 95+ points “A blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot, the 2014 Rapszodia has a deep garnet-purple color and wonderfully spicy nose of cloves, vanilla and cinnamon stick over a core of red and black currants, black cherries and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied with plenty of baking spice flavors complementing the ripe, expressive red and black berry flavors, it has a very fine-grained texture and plenty of freshness, finishing long.”
Robert Parker 98-100 points “Their 100% Cabernet Franc cuvee, the 2015 Rapszodia Proprietary Red, spent its whole life in 100% new French oak and is an exhilarating wine with off-the-charts richness, an exquisite bouquet of spring flowers, forest floor, rich blue and black fruits, voluptuous texture, incredibly fine, silky tannins, and, for a Kapcsandy wine, relatively elevated alcohol at 14.5%. This is a “wow” wine that should drink beautifully young and last 20-30+ years.”

Colgin Cellars IX Estate Syrah, Napa Valley 2017 750ml ($349.95) $319 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 IX Syrah Estate opens with the most beautiful nose of crushed black berries, boysenberries, mulberries, chocolate-covered cherries, star anise and red roses with touches of garrigue, mandarin peel and fragrant earth. Medium-bodied, the palate is very firm and elegant with approachably ripe, rounded tannins and layer upon layer of perfumed flavors. It has a long pepper and spice-laced finish. Very impressive!”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Syrah IX Estate is rich and ample on the palate, with tremendous aromatic and flavor intensity. Savory herb, iron, mint, licorice, blood orange and exotic spice infuse the 2017 with tons of character as well as nuance. Inky and sumptuous, with plenty of structural depth, the 2017 hits all the right notes. Like all of the 2017s here, the Syrah needs cellaring. It is such a gorgeous wine.”

Sine Qua Non ‘The Inaugural’ Eleven Confessions Vineyard Grenache, Sta Rita Hills 2003 750ml ($4,299.95) $3,199 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck-Wine Advocate 100 points “In addition to these new releases, I was also able to taste through a number of older vintages, including the 2001 Albino, 2006 Hoodoo Man, 2003 The Inaugural, 2004 Ode to E, 1998 E Raised, 2001 On Your Toes, 2005 Nail in My Cranium and 2007 Syrah Dangerous Birds. To say I came away impressed would be an understatement. Anyone who claims this big, rich style can-t age needs to taste these wines. I opted to just list my scores for the older releases as I find Bob-s initial write-ups spot on.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $5,999.99

Sine Qua Non ‘The Inaugural’ Syrah, Sta Rita Hills 2003 750ml ($2799.95) $1,499 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Robert Parker 100 points “The mind-boggling 2003 The Inaugural Syrah is an emotional experience to taste as well as drink. Aged 38 ½ months in French oak, it was fashioned entirely from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard, which is planted with Syrah clones #470, 174, and the Estrella River and Alban field selections. This stunning Syrah boasts a magnificent bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries, charcoal, licorice, and roasted meats. It hits the palate with remarkable intensity, purity, and full-bodied power, but it somehow manages to dance across the taste buds with the gracefulness of a ballerina. Awesomely long, I still tasted this wine 60 seconds after I had spit it out – no easy task, even for a professional. This majestic Syrah should be a modern day legacy for Sine Qua Non, ranking alongside the other stunning Syrahs they have produced, such as the two 2002 cuvees, Just For The Love Of It and Heart Chorea. This is a nuanced, complex wine, whereas the 2004 Poker Face is more exuberant and flamboyant. It should age beautifully for 10-15+ years.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $2,194

Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, North Coast 2016 9L ($999.95) $899 special, 1 salmanazar in stock now, in-store pick up only / shipping not available
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Complexity and layering make this wine especially interesting as it goes from aromas of apple, butter and vanilla to deeper toast and baked apple on the palate. It’s medium in body, has tantalizing acidity and a lingering finish. Best through 2026. -Jim Gordon”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Sleek, with pinpoint focus, offering harmonious Meyer lemon, candied almond and fresh ginger flavors that fan out on the crisp finish. Drink now. 36,209 cases made. — TF”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 90 points “The nose of the 2016 Blanc de Blancs is bright and fresh, with scents of quince peel, red apples, floral perfume, brioche and a nutty undercurrent. The light-bodied palate is dry with energetic mousse and a nice balance of mineral and tirage character, finishing with fantastic freshness. 36,209 cases produced. The Blanc de Blancs was the first cuvée Schramsberg produced, in 1965.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $959.99