Newsletter 4-24-2024

 In This Newsletter:

Top Notch New Arrivals
Featuring: Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Piper-Heidsieck, Guigal, Faiveley, Sassetti, and more!

Arriving Tomorrow


France 

 

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan, France 2020 750ml $179 special, 12 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 100 Points ” …the 2020 Château Smith Haut Lafitte sports a dense purple hue to go with incredible aromatics of blackberries, blueberries, scorched earth, wood smoke, and acacia flowers. One of the most concentrated, rich, and sexy wines in the vintage, this massive and extraordinarily opulent 2020 shows the vintage’s pure, elegant profile yet backs it up with sensational levels of fruit and texture. Based on 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it already offers pleasure given its wealth of fruit … Not enough can be said about the quality of these wines. Bravo to Florence and Daniel Cathiard, as well as to director Fabien Teitgen, for another incredible achievement.”
James Suckling 99-100 Points “So much blackcurrant, graphite and iodine character. Full-bodied. Incredible quality to the tannins. They are polished yet powerful. It’s so long and complete with such depth and toned muscles. Vertical. Very fresh and energetic. Will it be better than the famous 2015? Maybe the best ever.”
Wine Advocate 98-100 Points ” …opening with flamboyant notes of blackcurrant pastilles, chocolate-covered cherries and molten licorice, leading to nuances of ground cloves, woodsmoke, crushed rocks and dusty soil. The medium to full-bodied palate bursts with opulent black fruit preserves and shimmering mineral sparks, framed by exquisitely ripe and fantastically firm tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epically long-lasting earthy and savory layers. This is the singular voice of Smith Haut Lafitte at its finest, and wow-oh-wow is it worth a listen.”

 
Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion ‘Le C des Carmes’, Pessac-Leognan, France 2019 750ml $33 special, 36+ bottles available
Decanter 96 Points ” …This has a verticality to it, layered but with an aerial quality too, the flavors just glide across the palate with lift on the finish – so satisfying and drinkable. Just a glorious, shining, bright, velvety, succulent glass of wine. Pure elegance. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot.”

Chateau Les Charmes-Godard Blanc, Francs Cotes de Bordeaux, France 2021 750ml $24 special, 36 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 Points “The 2021 Les Charms Godard is mostly Sémillon in this vintage, with smaller pieces of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris. In 2021, Les Charmes Godard is brighter and more focused than in the past. Time in bottle will help release some its underlying texture, but readers won’t find the softer contours that are typical here. As has been the custom for a number of years, it was vinified and aged in 500-liter barrels, but with the malolactic fermentation blocked.” 
 
Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac, France 2019 750ml $89 special, 12 bottles available
Vinous 97 Points “The 2019 Grand-PuyLacoste has a well-defined bouquet with cedar and graphite infused black fruit, hints of pencil shavings, controlled and refined. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins, taut and fresh with a pixelated and mineral-driven finish, lingering long in the mouth. What a heavenly 2019 Pauillac.”
Wine Advocate 96 Points ” …generous core of lively fruit concealing an elegantly muscular chassis of ripe, powdery tannin …  this is another true classic from the Borie family.”

Chateau Pontet-Canet, Pauillac, France 2015 750ml $189 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 98 Points “So much floral and dark-fruit character with almonds and walnut shell. Full body and ultra-fine tannins. Powerful. Classic style with a harmony and energy. Goes on for minutes. A superb wine with great fruit. Real Bordeaux. “


CHAMPAGNE

Piper-Heidsieck Rare Brut Millesime, Champagne, France 2008 750ml $199 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Spectator 95 Points “Like a stallion out of the gate, this shows an initial explosion of power, in the form of mouthwatering flavors and fine texture, before quickly settling into an elegant gait. The racy acidity is seamlessly knit, buoying the lacy mousse and flavors of cassis, toasted brioche and tangerine, with accents of candied ginger, hazelnut and fleur de sel lingering on the long, creamy finish.”
 
RHONE
 
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes, Rhone, France 2019 750ml $39 special, 34 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points “Moving to the 2019s, this is a great vintage for this estate, and all of the wines showed brilliantly. The 2019 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is its usual 80/20 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre and has awesome dark fruits, ground pepper, licorice, truffle, and earthy mineral-like aromas and flavors. I love its mid-palate, it has elegance as well as power, ripe tannins, and a great finish. I finished my note with Wow.”
 
E. Guigal Condrieu La Doriane, Rhone, France 2020 750ml $99 special, 11 bottles available
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 Points “While the 2020 Condrieu la Doriane matured entirely in new oak, there’s just a hint of toast on the nose. The rest of the bouquet features a kaleidoscopic swirl of floral and spice notes with melon and white peach. Medium to full-bodied, it’s exquisitely expansive and silky in texture, yet it remains refreshing on the lengthy, mouthwatering finish.”
 
Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Chaupin, Rhone, France 2016 750ml $99 special, just 3 bottle available
Wine Advocate 96 Points “The terrific 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin has lived up to my expectations from last year’s visit. It’s 100% Grenache, includes some parcels planted back in 1912, and half was vinified with stems. From sandy sites, it showcases the ability of Grenache to ripen fully yet retain a sense of elegance and lightness … Really impressive stuff.“
 
BURGUNDY
 
Domaine Faiveley Mercurey Vieilles Vignes, Cote Chalonnaise, France 2020 750ml $39 special, 35 bottles available
Producer Note “Our ‘vieilles vignes’ (old vines) are over thirty years old and produce an exceptionally aromatic wine that offers a true reflection of its Mercurey terroirs. The palate reveals a smooth, fruity attack and evolves towards notes of ripe red berries and a touch of vanilla. An intensely aromatic wine with a delicate structure and silky smooth tannins that will win over wine experts and amateurs alike.”
 
 

 
Gianmatteo Raineri Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy 2016 750ml $29 special, 24 bottles available
Decanter 90 Points “Black fruit and caramel nose. The palate has a slightly nutty character along with black fruits and prodigious power. Full tannins and fine acidity.”
 

Only Listing in the United States today!

 
Gianmatteo Raineri Barolo Perno DOCG, Piedmont, Italy 2016 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles available
Decanter 95 Points “Lush toasty berry and violet nose. Rich, ripe, and bold, with excellent depth of fruit; mouth-filling and concentrated, combining power with drive and finesse. Very spicy finish, with fine acidity and length. Spot on.”
 

Only Listing in the United States today!

 
Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli ‘Siepi’ Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy 2019 750ml $99 special, 12 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 99 Points ” …continues a trend towards greater finesse and nuance in this wine. Crème de cassis, lavender, spice, licorice and plum meld together effortlessly in the glass … The flavors are bright, bold and punchy. An exceptionally beautiful and riveting wine, the 2019 is rich and concentrated, but not at all heavy. What a total knock-out.”
 
 HOT DEAL!  Sassetti La Querciolina Montecucco Sangiovese 2020 750ml $19 special, 36 bottles available
James Suckling 92 Points “This shows notes of red fruit, dried herbs and walnuts with some earthy character to it. Medium-bodied with soft, juicy tannins and vivid fruit character. Flavorful finish. Drink now.”

Volpe Pasini ‘Zuc di Volpe’ Pinot Grigio Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy 2021 750ml $29 special, 35 bottles available
James Suckling 95 Points “A terrific and serious pinot grigio with lime, apple-pie and lemon-zest character throughout. Full-bodied and driven, with so much fruit flavor and intensity in the finish. Drink now.”
 
 

 
Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese* (Green Capsule), Mosel, Germany 2020 750ml $41.90 special, 24 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 Points ” …Full-bodied, very intense and lush, with sweet fruit, this is an enormously salty, complex, very long, energetic and tensioned Badstube with a hint of caramel on the finessed and crystalline finish that also reveals laser-sharp but ripe acidity. The finish is very intense and concentrated but savory and stimulating. This Riesling is like a bright laser beam! But it is also very intense and concentrated. A promising wine that is made to be cellared for a minimum of 10 to 15 years.”
 
Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Auslese** Trocken (White Capsule), Mosel, Germany 2020 750ml $54.50 special, 24 bottles available
Wine Advocate 98 Points ” …Crystalline, highly refined and saline on the palate, this is a rich and very intense Riesling whose electric acidity takes all the weight and concentration up a steep flight to heaven, where the wine flies possibly forever like a satellite around the globe. The finish is so juicy, so saline and so precise that one can’t leave the glass without a sense of wonder. So much finesse and intensity in one glass?”
 
Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese (White Capsule), Mosel, Germany 2020 750ml $34.50 special, 24 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95 Points ” …This 2020 is remarkably complex and tensioned, but it has stimulating, zesty salinity and serious tannin structure. This impressive dry (or dry styled?) Spätlese will need another five to 10 years to open up and unfold its finesse and layers that it will easily keep for 50+ years, if cellared properly.”
 
 

 
Bodegas y Vinedos Luna Beberide Paixar Mencia, Bierzo, Spain 2020 750ml $35.50 special, 27 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 Points “The 2020 Paixar is the one wine from the portfolio that is completely different from the others and comes from high-altitude vineyards in the zone of Dragonte on slate soils. In 2020 and 2021 they used the whole field blend—reds and around 5% white grapes, which might have given it an extra spark of acidity. It matured in 5,000-liter oak vat and 500-liter oak barrels. It has a perfumed nose, elegant and floral, with good ripeness but without excess. It’s finely textured with a chalky thread and great balance. It finishes long and dry.”
 
 

 
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine, Constantia, South Africa 2018 500ml $79 special, 18 bottles available
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 97 Points “Classic and expressive with seductive aromas of marmalade and honeysuckle …  fresh, balanced and complex, offering a delightful lift. It has layers of complexity with impeccable breadth and depth. It may be one of the finest expressions of Vin de Constance to date, and it ends with succulent flavors of apricots, saffron, quince paste and sweet candied citrus tones over the long, ever-evolving finish …Bravo! Run, don’t walk to buy this world-class sweet wine to put in your cellar!”
 
Chateau Coutet, Sauternes – Barsac, France 2015 750ml $59 special, 36 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points “A heavenly dessert wine, the 2015 Château Coutet boasts a huge nose of caramelized citrus, crème brûlée, tangerine, and honeysuckle. With huge richness and sweetness, moderate acidity, a thick, fat mouthfeel and a blockbuster finish, it’s borderline over the top yet holds it together. It will be interesting to see how this evolves, but it’s undeniably gorgeous today.”

 In This Newsletter:

Top Notch New Arrivals
Featuring: Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Piper-Heidsieck, Guigal, Faiveley, Sassetti, and more!

Arriving Tomorrow


France 

 

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan, France 2020 750ml $179 special, 12 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 100 Points ” …the 2020 Château Smith Haut Lafitte sports a dense purple hue to go with incredible aromatics of blackberries, blueberries, scorched earth, wood smoke, and acacia flowers. One of the most concentrated, rich, and sexy wines in the vintage, this massive and extraordinarily opulent 2020 shows the vintage’s pure, elegant profile yet backs it up with sensational levels of fruit and texture. Based on 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it already offers pleasure given its wealth of fruit … Not enough can be said about the quality of these wines. Bravo to Florence and Daniel Cathiard, as well as to director Fabien Teitgen, for another incredible achievement.”
James Suckling 99-100 Points “So much blackcurrant, graphite and iodine character. Full-bodied. Incredible quality to the tannins. They are polished yet powerful. It’s so long and complete with such depth and toned muscles. Vertical. Very fresh and energetic. Will it be better than the famous 2015? Maybe the best ever.”
Wine Advocate 98-100 Points ” …opening with flamboyant notes of blackcurrant pastilles, chocolate-covered cherries and molten licorice, leading to nuances of ground cloves, woodsmoke, crushed rocks and dusty soil. The medium to full-bodied palate bursts with opulent black fruit preserves and shimmering mineral sparks, framed by exquisitely ripe and fantastically firm tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epically long-lasting earthy and savory layers. This is the singular voice of Smith Haut Lafitte at its finest, and wow-oh-wow is it worth a listen.”

 
Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion ‘Le C des Carmes’, Pessac-Leognan, France 2019 750ml $33 special, 36+ bottles available
Decanter 96 Points ” …This has a verticality to it, layered but with an aerial quality too, the flavors just glide across the palate with lift on the finish – so satisfying and drinkable. Just a glorious, shining, bright, velvety, succulent glass of wine. Pure elegance. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot.”

Chateau Les Charmes-Godard Blanc, Francs Cotes de Bordeaux, France 2021 750ml $24 special, 36 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 Points “The 2021 Les Charms Godard is mostly Sémillon in this vintage, with smaller pieces of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris. In 2021, Les Charmes Godard is brighter and more focused than in the past. Time in bottle will help release some its underlying texture, but readers won’t find the softer contours that are typical here. As has been the custom for a number of years, it was vinified and aged in 500-liter barrels, but with the malolactic fermentation blocked.” 
 
Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac, France 2019 750ml $89 special, 12 bottles available
Vinous 97 Points “The 2019 Grand-PuyLacoste has a well-defined bouquet with cedar and graphite infused black fruit, hints of pencil shavings, controlled and refined. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins, taut and fresh with a pixelated and mineral-driven finish, lingering long in the mouth. What a heavenly 2019 Pauillac.”
Wine Advocate 96 Points ” …generous core of lively fruit concealing an elegantly muscular chassis of ripe, powdery tannin …  this is another true classic from the Borie family.”

Chateau Pontet-Canet, Pauillac, France 2015 750ml $189 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 98 Points “So much floral and dark-fruit character with almonds and walnut shell. Full body and ultra-fine tannins. Powerful. Classic style with a harmony and energy. Goes on for minutes. A superb wine with great fruit. Real Bordeaux. “


CHAMPAGNE

Piper-Heidsieck Rare Brut Millesime, Champagne, France 2008 750ml $199 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Spectator 95 Points “Like a stallion out of the gate, this shows an initial explosion of power, in the form of mouthwatering flavors and fine texture, before quickly settling into an elegant gait. The racy acidity is seamlessly knit, buoying the lacy mousse and flavors of cassis, toasted brioche and tangerine, with accents of candied ginger, hazelnut and fleur de sel lingering on the long, creamy finish.”
 
RHONE
 
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes, Rhone, France 2019 750ml $39 special, 34 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points “Moving to the 2019s, this is a great vintage for this estate, and all of the wines showed brilliantly. The 2019 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is its usual 80/20 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre and has awesome dark fruits, ground pepper, licorice, truffle, and earthy mineral-like aromas and flavors. I love its mid-palate, it has elegance as well as power, ripe tannins, and a great finish. I finished my note with Wow.”
 
E. Guigal Condrieu La Doriane, Rhone, France 2020 750ml $99 special, 11 bottles available
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 Points “While the 2020 Condrieu la Doriane matured entirely in new oak, there’s just a hint of toast on the nose. The rest of the bouquet features a kaleidoscopic swirl of floral and spice notes with melon and white peach. Medium to full-bodied, it’s exquisitely expansive and silky in texture, yet it remains refreshing on the lengthy, mouthwatering finish.”
 
Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Chaupin, Rhone, France 2016 750ml $99 special, just 3 bottle available
Wine Advocate 96 Points “The terrific 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin has lived up to my expectations from last year’s visit. It’s 100% Grenache, includes some parcels planted back in 1912, and half was vinified with stems. From sandy sites, it showcases the ability of Grenache to ripen fully yet retain a sense of elegance and lightness … Really impressive stuff.“
 
BURGUNDY
 
Domaine Faiveley Mercurey Vieilles Vignes, Cote Chalonnaise, France 2020 750ml $39 special, 35 bottles available
Producer Note “Our ‘vieilles vignes’ (old vines) are over thirty years old and produce an exceptionally aromatic wine that offers a true reflection of its Mercurey terroirs. The palate reveals a smooth, fruity attack and evolves towards notes of ripe red berries and a touch of vanilla. An intensely aromatic wine with a delicate structure and silky smooth tannins that will win over wine experts and amateurs alike.”
 
 

 
Gianmatteo Raineri Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy 2016 750ml $29 special, 24 bottles available
Decanter 90 Points “Black fruit and caramel nose. The palate has a slightly nutty character along with black fruits and prodigious power. Full tannins and fine acidity.”
 

Only Listing in the United States today!

 
Gianmatteo Raineri Barolo Perno DOCG, Piedmont, Italy 2016 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles available
Decanter 95 Points “Lush toasty berry and violet nose. Rich, ripe, and bold, with excellent depth of fruit; mouth-filling and concentrated, combining power with drive and finesse. Very spicy finish, with fine acidity and length. Spot on.”
 

Only Listing in the United States today!

 
Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli ‘Siepi’ Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy 2019 750ml $99 special, 12 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 99 Points ” …continues a trend towards greater finesse and nuance in this wine. Crème de cassis, lavender, spice, licorice and plum meld together effortlessly in the glass … The flavors are bright, bold and punchy. An exceptionally beautiful and riveting wine, the 2019 is rich and concentrated, but not at all heavy. What a total knock-out.”
 
 HOT DEAL!  Sassetti La Querciolina Montecucco Sangiovese 2020 750ml $19 special, 36 bottles available
James Suckling 92 Points “This shows notes of red fruit, dried herbs and walnuts with some earthy character to it. Medium-bodied with soft, juicy tannins and vivid fruit character. Flavorful finish. Drink now.”

Volpe Pasini ‘Zuc di Volpe’ Pinot Grigio Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy 2021 750ml $29 special, 35 bottles available
James Suckling 95 Points “A terrific and serious pinot grigio with lime, apple-pie and lemon-zest character throughout. Full-bodied and driven, with so much fruit flavor and intensity in the finish. Drink now.”
 
 

 
Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese* (Green Capsule), Mosel, Germany 2020 750ml $41.90 special, 24 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 Points ” …Full-bodied, very intense and lush, with sweet fruit, this is an enormously salty, complex, very long, energetic and tensioned Badstube with a hint of caramel on the finessed and crystalline finish that also reveals laser-sharp but ripe acidity. The finish is very intense and concentrated but savory and stimulating. This Riesling is like a bright laser beam! But it is also very intense and concentrated. A promising wine that is made to be cellared for a minimum of 10 to 15 years.”
 
Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Auslese** Trocken (White Capsule), Mosel, Germany 2020 750ml $54.50 special, 24 bottles available
Wine Advocate 98 Points ” …Crystalline, highly refined and saline on the palate, this is a rich and very intense Riesling whose electric acidity takes all the weight and concentration up a steep flight to heaven, where the wine flies possibly forever like a satellite around the globe. The finish is so juicy, so saline and so precise that one can’t leave the glass without a sense of wonder. So much finesse and intensity in one glass?”
 
Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese (White Capsule), Mosel, Germany 2020 750ml $34.50 special, 24 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95 Points ” …This 2020 is remarkably complex and tensioned, but it has stimulating, zesty salinity and serious tannin structure. This impressive dry (or dry styled?) Spätlese will need another five to 10 years to open up and unfold its finesse and layers that it will easily keep for 50+ years, if cellared properly.”
 
 

 
Bodegas y Vinedos Luna Beberide Paixar Mencia, Bierzo, Spain 2020 750ml $35.50 special, 27 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 Points “The 2020 Paixar is the one wine from the portfolio that is completely different from the others and comes from high-altitude vineyards in the zone of Dragonte on slate soils. In 2020 and 2021 they used the whole field blend—reds and around 5% white grapes, which might have given it an extra spark of acidity. It matured in 5,000-liter oak vat and 500-liter oak barrels. It has a perfumed nose, elegant and floral, with good ripeness but without excess. It’s finely textured with a chalky thread and great balance. It finishes long and dry.”
 
 

 
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine, Constantia, South Africa 2018 500ml $79 special, 18 bottles available
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 97 Points “Classic and expressive with seductive aromas of marmalade and honeysuckle …  fresh, balanced and complex, offering a delightful lift. It has layers of complexity with impeccable breadth and depth. It may be one of the finest expressions of Vin de Constance to date, and it ends with succulent flavors of apricots, saffron, quince paste and sweet candied citrus tones over the long, ever-evolving finish …Bravo! Run, don’t walk to buy this world-class sweet wine to put in your cellar!”
 
Chateau Coutet, Sauternes – Barsac, France 2015 750ml $59 special, 36 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points “A heavenly dessert wine, the 2015 Château Coutet boasts a huge nose of caramelized citrus, crème brûlée, tangerine, and honeysuckle. With huge richness and sweetness, moderate acidity, a thick, fat mouthfeel and a blockbuster finish, it’s borderline over the top yet holds it together. It will be interesting to see how this evolves, but it’s undeniably gorgeous today.”