Weekend Vinopolpick- February 14th

In true Vinopolis spirit, many of the wines listed below are already at the lowest listed price in the USA, but we are extending even further discounts to our loyal newsletter subscribers! Enjoy!Buy 6-11 bottles, any mix of Austrian, German and Alsatian Wines, and we’ll take 5% off
Buy 12+ bottles, any mix of Austrian, German and Alsatian Wines, and we’ll take 10% off 

These wines and 200+ more:

Germany

Selbach – Oster – Mosel

For Johannes Selbach, the current generation in the Selbach-Oster lineage, quality is always the focus, and this goal has rewarded consumers over the past decade. For years, Selbach-Oster has been universally accepted as one of the very best producers of the Mosel and their wines are among the best made anywhere in terms of quality at any given price level. Noted importer and German wine lover Terry Thiese, always a fan of Selbach-Oster, says, “The ambitiousness of Johannes Selbach has made this estate the region’s most prominent rising star. Since 1989, [Selbach-Oster is] always among the very best wines of the collection.”The ancestors of the Selbach-Oster estate have been cultivating Riesling since 1600. The Selbach family originated from the village Ürzig and the Oster family comes from the small village of Zeltingen on the opposite side of the river. Selbach’s ancestors shipped their wines along the Mosel in their steamship, the wine carried in oak barrels made by cooper Matthias Oster, the great-grandfather on the paternal side of the family. With these two families intertwined, the winery developed as both a top estate, producing some of the region’s best wine, and also as a négociant, consolidating the production of smaller growers and offering a broad range of German wines. Today the companies are separated into three distinct groups, with Weingut Selbach-Oster focusing on farming and producing exclusively the wines from their own estates.

With a respect for the family traditions and a passion for Mosel Riesling, Johannes Selbach and his wife Barbara are currently running the estate with the increasing help of their son Sebastian. Working from some of the best sites that Mosel has to offer, the goal of Selbach-Oster is to realize the full potential the individual soils, vineyards and vintages have to offer.

Selbach-Oster Zelting Sonnenuhr Spatlese 2012 750ml ($34.95) $24 special 3+ cases available $21.60 after 10% discount
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Lovely floral, peach and hazelnut aromas, with a twist of acacia blossom. Delicate apricot on the palate, enlivened by a bracing citrus character. Finishes alluringly, with slate, lemon oil and a hint of clove and excellent length.”

Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Rotlay 2011 750ml($59.95) $48 special 3+ cases available $43.20 after 10% discount
Wine Advocate 91+ points “Carob and toasted nuts inflect baked apple and vanilla on the nose of Selbachs’ block-picked 2011 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Rotlay, which comes to the palate expansive, creamy, and buoyant (at 8.5% alcohol), its apple joined by almost overripe Persian melon. Hints of pip and botrytis bitterness add interest, but there is not the subtle interaction of flavors or the layer of primary juiciness that rendered the corresponding Anrecht bottling so memorable, but instead a more dominantly honeyed, soothingly rich personality. This long-finishing beauty may well – as its author suggests – just need some time to reveal its multiple layers.”

Selbach-Oster Riesling Schlossberg Schmit 2012 375ml ($37.95) $28 special 23 half-bottles available $25.20 after 10% discount
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “($54) Pale golden yellow. Rich bouquet of candied apricot, ginger and nut oil. Succulently juicy pineapple and crisp slate animate the supple, creamy texture. The seductive finish is only slightly sweet. Boasts excellent balance and considerable promise.”

The Scharzhofberg vineyard is considered by many to be not only the greatest vineyard in the entire Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region, but in all of Germany. The 69 acre vineyard sits on a steep, south-facing hill of pure slate in one of Germany’s coolest wine-growing spots. Most of the vineyard is owned by the great producer Egon Müller, whose wines are celebrated throughout the world for their startling complexity.Egon Muller-Scharzhof Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2011 750ML ($399.95) $279 special 9 bottles available $251.10 after 10% discount
Wine Advocate 96 points “Mullers 2011 Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese delivers a penetrating and multifarious nose of heliotrope, lily, candied lime rind, quince preserves, white peach preserves, distilled herbal essences, marzipan and brown spices. Almost weightlessly delicate yet simultaneously expansive and creamy, this both caresses and stimulates the palate with a kaleidoscopically interactive array of those diverse and exotic elements that on the nose signaled its ripeness and botrytis ennoblement. An almost syrupy sense of white peach along with hints of white raisin that emerge in that prodigious finish fails to tip the scales in too-confectionary a direction thanks to a vibratory sense of energy and refreshing rivulet of juicy fresh peach and lime that is threaded throughout.” WA

The Donnhoff Estate produces some of the best examples of German Rieslings in the Nahe region.  Situated between the villages of Niederhausen and Schlossbockelheim in the middle Nahe, the Dönnhoff family has been making wine since 1750, with Helmut Dönnhoff in charge of winemaking at the estate since 1971.  His son Cornelius has been the winemaker of the estate since 2007 after working under his father, who still assists in winemaking.  The estate has over 60 acres of Erste Lage (“first class”) vineyards sites.  None of their vineyards are irrigated, all are organic, and their grapes are hand-picked over several passes.  Here we find such vineyards as Hermannshohle along a steep hill that at its peak is rich in slate and slowly becomes more volcanic towards the base.Weingut Donnhoff Kreuznacher Krotenpfuhl Riesling Kabinett 2010 750ML ($34.95) $29.50 special 33 bottles available $26.55 after 10% discount
Wine Advocate 91 points “Honeysuckle, green tea, and apple blossom in the nose of Donnhoff’s 2010 Kreuznacher Krotenpfuhl Riesling Kabinett set the tone for a buoyant, pure-fruited palate and a lip-smacking, dynamically interactive finish of flowers, herbs, apple, plus a saline, meat stock- and soy-like savor. Something about the gravel that here overlays volcanic stone seems to conduce (hypothesizes Donnhoff) to a floral, forwardly fruity, and buoyant personality. “And that would probably be rendered kaput if the wine were vinified trocken,” he adds. (Though flowers and levity, in fact, seem to be common themes in this year’s collection.) Expect this fine value to delight for 12-15 years.”WA

Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2011 750ML ($99.95) $79 special 21 bottles available $71.10 after 10% discount
John Gilman 97+ points “Not to be outdone by the Dellchen, the 2011 Hermannshöhle Grosses Gewächs is also profound! The deep and completely kaleidoscopic nose soars from the glass in a magical blend of white cherries, pink grapefruit, crystalline minerality, citrus peel, lemongrass and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and Porsche-like in the passing lane, with stunning mid-palate depth, ripe, racy acids, brilliant focus and grip and a very, very pure and very long and elegant finish. A seamless and utterly stunning young wine! 2020-2050.” JG

Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Beerenauslese 2011 375ML ($199.95) $149 special 16 bottles available $134.10 after 10% discount
Wine Advocate 96 points “Intriguingly musky and subtly fungal as well as piercing in its evocation of distilled pit fruits and botanicals, the nose of Donnhoff’s 2011 Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Beerenauslese – which was picked alongside its Auslese counterpart – promises an intense palate experience that the wine very much delivers. Distilled extracts of wormwood, woodruff and anisette; maraschino and serviceberry seem to lace the amalgam of quince jelly with pear and white peach nectars in a lusciously multi-layered yet animated palate performance. A spicy and tropical suggestion of mango chutney compounds the vibrantly penetrating effect of pungent herbal and pit fruit essences in a tonsil-gripping, mouth-shaking finish.”

The JJ Prum winery and top vineyard sites are located in the village of Wehlen in the center of the mittelmosel; their other vineyards are in the surrounding towns of Zeltingen-Rachtig, Graach an der Mosel, and Bernkastel-Kues.  The Prum family has a long history in the region dating as far back as the 12th century.  In 1911, Johann Josef Prum founded the winery from a share of his grandfather’s 42 acre estate (the estates of S. A. Prum, J. Christoffel Jr., and Dr. Loosen, among others, were founded or expanded in part by other branches of the Prum family tree).  Only a few years after its foundation, JJ Prum’s son Sebastian took over the estate due to his father’s illness.  Sebastian’s son Dr. Manfred Prum took the helm in 1969 and hr passed the role to his daughter, Dr. Katharina Prum, in 2007.The JJ Prum estate is one of the most highly respected of the region.  Many aspects of their production contribute to the complexity and ageability of their distinctive wines.  Their 33.5 acres of vineyards are composed of 70% ungrafted vines benefitting from phylloxera’s inability to survive in slate soil.  They specifically maintain old vines that produce low, concentrated yields, and they practice rigorous berry selection.  The wines are produced with minimal intervention and fermented with naturally present yeasts under reductive conditions.  Reductive winemaking refers to wine produced in a low-oxygen environment.  They rarely produce completely dry wines and only at special request.  Such practices results in wines that benefit greatly from cellar aging to allow the wine to slowly absorb and interact with the minute amounts of oxygen cork allows into a bottle.  Even the Kabinett level wines benefit from about 5 years of cellaring to fully develop their fruit and floral aromas, according to Dr. Manfred Prum.  At present, the family prefers their own wines no younger than the 2008 vintage.  Their suggested ideal wine and food pairing is a bottle-aged Auslese with roast venison or wild boar. But we’d suggest that Mosel Riesling wines not only pair very well with almost all North European based cuisine, but also are the ideal wines alongside a broad array of Asian, Caribbean, and Mexican foods.

Joh. Jos. Prum Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese 2008 750ML ($41.95) $33 special 3+ cases available $29.70 after 10% discount
Wine Advocate 92 points “Lime, mint, and dark cherry village-typically dominate the Prum 2008 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese, with impingements of orange zest, fresh ginger, and wet stone adding further interest on a palate that manages in 2008-specific fashion to both sooth and invigorate. This finishes with an intensity that goes beyond that of the corresponding Kabinett, yet preserves the same sense of uncanny buoyancy. Look for three decades of satisfying evolution here.” WA

Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2004 750ML ($69.95) $51.90 special  bottles available $46.71 after 10% discount
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “($60) Fine bouquet of ripe apple, vanilla and sweet herbs. The palate is rich, with a salty, resinous character complementing the undeniably sweet apricot fruit. Unctuous yet lively auslese with a long, complex finish. Needs time.” ST

Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2012 1.5L ($249.95) $179 special 6 magnums available $161.10 after 10% discount
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2012 375ML ($69.95) $44 special 17 half-bottles available $39.60 after 10% discount
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “This offers a deliciously rich and soft feel of flowers, herbs and ripe fruits, in which a hint of apricot, mango and also honey come through on the palate and in the finish. The wine is quite rich and smooth and leaves an airy and spicy feel in the long aftertaste. It lives from the fascinating botrytis complexity and it will be fascinating to see how it will develop in the coming decades. 2022-2042.” MFW

Since Von Winning Winery was founded in 1849, they have produced unique wines reflecting the best vineyards in Ruppertsberg, Deidesheim, and Forst. Leopold von Winning, son-in-law of Dr. Andreas Deinhard, dedicated his life to creating top quality wines with respect to the outstanding vineyards in the area. He meticulously raised the quality of the wines to a new level as a founding member of the VDP, an association of Germany’s premium wineries. His decision to work as gentle and close to nature as possible remains the ultimate goal of today’s young and ambitious team led by winemaker Stephan Attmann.Attmann describes his winemaking as “not doing the wrong thing at the wrong time.” The estate’s premium wines are treated with a minimalist approach and with the highest respect in the cellar. Gentle clarification, a natural and spontaneous fermentation and the abandonment of fining agents create wines with a distinctive indigenous and very elegant style. Pumping the juice or wine is never necessary in the gravity flow winery, allowing for minimal, and gentle vinification.

Von Winning Kieselberg GG 2012 ($69.95) $59 special 7 bottles available $53.10 after 10% discount
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “($80) Apple blossom, persimmon, nut oil and a smoky earthiness on the nose. Glossy, dense nectarine fruit with sweet herbal inflections animate the palate. The opulent depth, spicy juiciness and twist of clove ensure a compelling finish. Excellent potential!”

Von Winning Pechstein GG 2012 ($119.95) $89 special 12 bottles available $80.10 after 10% discount
Stephen Tanzer 92 (+?) points “($110) Exotic aromas of apricot pit, muskmelon, nutmeg and lemon oil. Rich and dense in texture, with pleasing depth to its peach pit and smoky spice flavors on the mineral lattice typical of the site. With its tantalizing herbal lift on the finish and impressive length, this is certainly the estate’s best dry riesling this year.”

Since 1626, the Trimbach family has been promoting the history, exceptional terroirs and fine wines of Alsace. Maison Trimbach is located in Ribeauvillé, where today three generations work closely together. Day-to-day operations are handled personally by brothers Pierre and Jean Trimbach, representing the 12th generation. Bernard and Hubert Trimbach, the 11th generation (father and uncle, respectively, to Pierre and Jean) remain integrally involved. Anne, the eldest of the 13th generation, has just joined the Family Business.The Trimbachs have a purist vision. Across 12 generations, the family has always produced wines that are structured, long-lived, fruity, elegant and balanced: the celebrated Trimbach style. Bottles remain in the cellar for several years before reaching the marketplace, ensuring the wines are both ready to drink upon release but also hold great aging potential. The champion of bone dry Alsace Riesling is Trimbach, including their single vineyard Riesling, Clos Ste Hune, considered to be one of the world’s greatest white wines. A single vineyard Grand Cru wine, Clos Ste. Hune is still made as they did in the past: a cool, slow fermentation, a quick racking to remove the wine from the lees, no malolactic fermentation and a short period of aging in neutral wood foudre before bottling early to retain the fruit. The wine is then aged for an incredible five years in bottle before being released.

F E Trimbach Riesling Clos Sainte Hune 2005 750ML ($249.95) $179 special 3 bottles available $161.10 after 10% discount
Wine Advocate 94 points “In its aromas of lime, apricot, narcissus, chalk dust, red currant, and musk, the 2005 Riesling Clos Ste-Hune is surprisingly a bit more open and expressive than the Frederic Emile. On the palate this exhibits amazing, chalky density, firm citricity and a satiny, slippery, glycerin-rich texture. Tart red berry, pungent citrus zest, and quarry dust dominate in a finish that is unsurprisingly unyielding but promisingly long. Only time can reveal this wine’s true degree of superiority to the Frederic Emile, and the latter might well nip at its heels indefinitely!”

Robert Parker calls Ostertag’s wines “some of the most distinctively delicious and thought-provoking wines in Alsace,” and he is not alone in considering Ostertag’s wines true works of art. A pioneer, a revolutionary winemaker, an environmentalist… so many terms can be used to describe André Ostertag, the owner and operator of his family’s 14 hectare Alsacian domaine.  After training in Burgundy, he drastically improved estate practices by introducing such grape-growing and winemaking techniques as reducing yields and converting to biodynamic.André Ostertag does not confine himself to the traditional Alsatian way of treating the varieties he has in his vineyards, producing 3 levels of wines; fruit-driven (Vins de Fruit), terroir-driven (Vins de Pierre) and time-driven.  The Vins de Pierre is his most highly revered lineup, known for their extremely age-worthy qualities, and includes single-vineyard bottlings from the Fronholz vineyard, Heissenberg vineyard and the Muenchberg Grand Cru vineyard.  Fronholz has white sand and quartz soils, and all varietals except the Pinot Gris are sourced from vines over 40 years old.  These wines show the most minerality and acidity, and are more reserved in youth.  Heissenberg is composed of pink sandstone and granite with an average vine age of over 25 years, producing wines that are more forward and exotic from this warmer site.  The Grand Cru vineyard, Muenchberg, has volcanic soils. Named for the Cistercian monks that were the first to plant vines in the area, the vineyard produces wines of great elegance, purity and depth of flavors. Robert Parker calls Ostertag’s wines “some of the most distinctively delicious and thought-provoking wines in Alsace,” and he is not alone in considering Ostertag’s wines true works of art.

Domaine Ostertag Riesling Muenchberg, Alsace Grand Cru 2011 ($69.95) $49 special 32 bottles available $44.10 after 10% discount
Wine Advocate 94 points “Ostertag’s 2011 Riesling Muenchberg mingles fresh, very ripe apple and pear with candied grapefruit and kumquat rinds, caramelized parsnip, caraway, and fresh ginger, all wreathed in peat-like and charred smokiness, and putting me in mind of a Riesling dosed with Gewurztraminer. There is an uncanny combination of body and high glycerol with brightness here, leading to a finish of exuberant juiciness, zesty cut, interactive complexity and formidable sheer grip. I would anticipate this meriting return visits though at least 2025.” WA

Domaine Ostertag Riesling Vignoble d’E 2011 ($29.95) $19 special 3+ cases available $17.10 after 10% discount
Wine Advocate 93 points “Ostertag’s 2011 Riesling Vignoble d’E displays a remarkable combination of lushness, glycerol-richness and textural tenderness with clarity and exuberantly bright refreshment. Representing as usual the first grapes of this variety that he picked, which was however not until September 30. Luscious white peach and honeydew melon are mingled with nut oils and saliva-drawing saline-sweet, iodine-tinged lobster shell reduction, garlanded in peony, and dusted with invigoratingly biting white pepper, leading to gloriously mouthwatering and vibrantly interactive finish. It’s hard to imagine a village-level Riesling getting much more exciting than this phenomenal value. Plan to revisit it through at least 2020.” WA

The Schloss Gobelsburg winery is the oldest in the region, and one of the oldest in the world.  Cistercian monks from the Zwettl Monastery founded the vineyards in 1171 and performed the winemaking operations throughout eight centuries until 1995, when a winemaking / management contract was awarded to Michael Moosbrugger and his wife Eva.  The monks had practiced organic grape-growing techniques since the late 50s, and organic viticulture is still practiced today.  The winery is certified sustainable by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization).In general, Schloss Gobelsburg vineyards are rich in volcanic soils, with sandstone, mica and alpine gravel.  Top First Growth (Erste Lagen) vineyard sites from Schloss Gobelsburg include Heiligenstein, Gaisberg, Steinsetz, Lamm, Grub and Renner.  The Riesling vineyards of Heiligenstein and Gaisberg are laden with minerals.  Heiligenstein is hot, dry and covered in sandstone and volcanic materials.  Gaisberg is known for the mica enriched volcanic soil.  Steinsetz, Lamm, Grub and Renner are Gruner Veltliner vineyards.  Steinsetz is loess and tertiary gravel, Lamm has calcareous loam, Grub is loess clay and Renner is mica slate.

Schloss Gobelsburg Gaisberg Riesling Reserve Erste OTW Lage 2012 750ML (34$.95) $29 special 11 bottles available $26.10 after 10% discount
Terry Theise notes: “The perfection of the cool, a moony minimalist wine, like a Miles Davis solo, or the waltz of the little dancer in the music box, or a full white moon over a black field of icy jewels.”

Schloss Gobelsburg Zobinger Heiligenstein Riesling Reserve Erste OTW Lage 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 special 9 bottles available $44.10 after 10% discount
Terry Theise notes: “Trades a little of Gaisberg’s outline and scores lovely exotic notes in return; spices, orchid-oolong and peony; not the gravitas of mineral of Gaisberg but more a semifreddo of middle-eastern spice and osmanthus.”

One of Austria’s most sought after producers, and definitely one of the hardest to find, the name FX Pichler is considered by many to be synonymous with great Austrian wine.  The winery, located in Dürnstein, overlooking the famous Kellerberg, Schütt and Loibenberg wine terraces, is a work of modern art itself, and so are the wines made and stored within the premises.  The winery of F. X. Pichler has been in the hands of the Pichler family for five generations, with Lucas Pichler responsible for the vinification since 1999, while his farther F.X. continues to meticulously care for the vines.  Their philosophy is to produce world class wines, crafting wines that reflect the year, the soil and the special microclimate of the Wachau.  Here, the climate is slightly warmer than both Germany and Alsace and tends to have a major diurnal temperature swing.  In the Wachau, vines benefit from the primeval stone that has built up over thousands of years. To get to the water, vines will often have to dig their roots as far as 60 feet through weathered, primal crystalline stone, picking up mineral elements as they quench their thirst. The result is a vineyard expression that is hard to beat, wines that have translucent character and tight minerality.  For Wachau wines, there are three basic levels relating to sweetness: Steinfeder, the lightest wines. Federspiel, made from riper grapes and a higher alcohol percentage. Smaragd, the ripest, most alcoholic wines, denotes the highest quality level of Wachau wines.The subtle nuances of each single vineyard are to be experienced and tasted in Pichler’s truly monumental dry white wines – each with a mouth-filling presence, finish and complexity that will leave no question as to why these wines are searched out every year by fans.

F. X. Pichler Loibner Steinertal Gruner Veltiner Smaragd 2012 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 special 15 bottles available $37.71 after 10% discount
Falstaff 93-95 points “[translated] Medium Green Yellow. With fresh wild herbs highlighted by yellow apple fruit, tender mango, dark mineral hints at fine hint of tobacco. Juicy, pleasantly sweet extract, delicate acidity, powerful but balanced, fine balance in the finish, very good aging potential.”

F.X. Pichler Durnsteiner Kellerberg Gruner Veltliner Smaragd 2011 750ML ($119.95) $99 special 3 bottles available $89.10 after 10% discount
Wine Spectator 93 points “Lithe, rich and effusively minerally, this offers some saline notes to the lively mix of red peach, wild cherry and white plum flavors. Interesting elements of slate and dried herbs add to the complexity, revealing accents of lemon that linger on the broad-brushed finish. Drink now through 2022.”

F.X. Pichler M Gruner Veltliner Smaragd 2012 375ML ($59.95) $49 special 9 half-bottles available $36.09 after 10% discount
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Expressive bouquet fascinates with papaya, nougat, woodsmoke, white chocolate and orange zest. A sweet, leesy core of plum is wrapped in layers of green peppercorn, cardamom and orange. Unctuously rich and almost Burgundian in its creaminess, and carrying considerable alcoholic clout, this has the depth and intensity of flavor to carry the style, but I prefer both the Kellerberg and Liebenberg.”

A centuries old winery that has been passed down through the Saah family since the late 1800’s, Nikolaihof specializes in traditional, bone dry Rieslings and Gruner Veltliners from their old vine plantings. Their winemaking philosophy is focused around a belief in organic and sustainable growing methods, great care and attention in the vineyards, and little to no intervention in the cellar. Nikolaihof has been practicing Bio-dynamics since 1971, making them one of the longest Bio-dynamic practicing wineries in the world, if not the first. Natural fermentations are the rule, in Austrian oak vessels, deep in their cold, 700-year-old cellar. Long lees contact and aging are the norm, with some wines aging as long as 15 years before being bottled. In their youth the Nikolaihof wines are tight and reticent, showing bright, mineral flavors with good acidity. In recent years, Weingut Nikolaihof has been releasing small amounts of old, bottle-aged library wines called Vinothek, as well as recently bottled Rieslings that have aged in old casks for several years, Steinrieslers. These library release wines are a perfect example that these wines greatly repay cellaring, producing wines with sublime purity and balance.Familie Saahs Nikolaihof im Weingebirge Smaragd Gruner Veltliner 2011 750ML ($64.95) $55 special 6 bottles available $49.50 after 10% discount
Terry Theise notes: “Delicate and soulful. Not a flashy first impression. 12.6% alc. Pea shoot and vetiver and a curious tickle of tannin; a careful beautiful wine with nothing to prove. Again a stirringly mineral finish.I should emphasize, I don’t need to or want to summon any kind of spell when I’m tasting here. I try instead to erase my screen and then transcribe whatever takes place. I mean, the wines are how they are, and I seem to feel my only authentic response is directly into image and metaphor. And the tasting itself is quite workmanlike; 4-5 glasses are lined up and the wines poured into flights, just like anywhere else. And then they start to peal, and the usual deconstruction of flavors just isn’t called for. Better to fall into the aura of the pealing, to hear the complicated overtones, to feel the air between the wine and me. That’s what seems to work.”

Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Vinothek Riesling 1995 750ML ($319.95) $249 special 3 bottles available $224.10 after 10% discount
Wine Advocate 100 points “Words nearly (!) failed when faced with Nikolaihof’s 1995 Riesling Vinothek, a Smaragd of 12.5% alcohol bottled after seventeen years in cask, and without question one of the most haunting Riesling wines of my experience. Frangipane, chamomile, freesia and rowan in the nose liquefy in a most extraordinary way on a silken palate to achieve an impression of virtually weightless floral perfume that glides all the way through to … well, can you speak of “finish” when a wine doesn’t? Piquant nut oils and peach kernel along with a shadow-like shifting of subtly stony undertones lend counterpoint, enveloping richness, and further mystery to this amazing libation, bringing it, if you will–or at least, trying to bring it–down to earth. I won’t attempt to suggest how long this might continue on its magnificent way, though the closest precedent–Nikolaihof’s 1990 ‘Vinothek’ bottling–isn’t fading. And this 1995 held up superbly for days after opening.” WA

Don’t Stop Here!
There’s way more than you see!Visit our website online or in person at our store for the full view of wines from each region!

178 German Wines
64 Austrian Wines
28 Alsatian Wines

Buy 6-11 bottles, any mix of Austrian, German and Alsatian Wines, and we’ll take 5% off
Buy 12+ bottles, any mix of Austrian, German and Alsatian Wines, and we’ll take 10% off

We will apply sales once Internet Orders are downloaded. If you are shopping in store, just mention the sale when you checkout to receive your discount.

Sale Ends Monday, February 16th
Limited to Stocks on Hand
Only Purchases completed prior to end of day Monday will receive sale specials

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Ciacci Piccolomini
Arrivng March 15th

The astonishing 2010 vintage is widely considered by critics to be one of the greatest Brunello has ever seen.  The weather during the vintage was quite similar to the 2006 vintage: mild, rainy spring with warm but not hot summers leading into a mild, dry fall.  Grapes were healthy in general without excessive yields.We are pleased to offer our first 2010 Brunellos from Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona.  The estate was founded from land and cellars formerly held by the Church.  In 1877, Francesco Ciacci purchased the estate from a private owner.  The estate was renamed when his descendent married Alberto Piccolomini d’Aragona.  Guiseppe Gianchini managed the estate’s vineyards and olive groves and the food and wine production for the Countess during the mid-20th century.  She willed him the estate when she passed away without any heirs in 1985.  His children, Paolo and Lucia (pictured right), have owned and operated the estate where they grew up since their father passed away in 2004.

The vineyards are in the south of Montalcino on stony slopes near the Orcia river, which helps to moderate the microclimate of the area.  They own some of the best land within the Vigna di Pianrosso.  Vineyards are pruned in the winter to a T growth system and green harvested during the growing season to reduce and concentrate yields.  The temperature-controlled fermentation takes place in stainless steel and glass-lined cement.  The Riserva is aged in Slavonian oak for four years and in bottle for one year.  It is only produced in the best vintages.  The DOCG comes from 40 acres of vineyards with marl soil.  It is aged for 2 years in Slavonian oak and four months in bottle.  The single-vineyard is aged for three years in Slavonian oak and 8 months in bottle.

Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 375ML ($34.95) $26 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points“Very perfumed with flower, truffle, light wet earth and cherry character. Full body and full integrated ripe tannins and caresses your palate. Very fine and pretty. Slight soya undertone. Succulent and enticing. You want to drink this. Better in 2016.”Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Pianrosso, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Pianrosso, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 1.5LITER ($199.95) $149 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 98 points “Aromas of lilac, dark berry and sandalwood follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and an intense and savory finish. Very intense and very long. Succulent. Amazing balance and depth to this red. It’s so beautiful to taste now but it will be much better in five to ten years. A triumph.”

Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona ‘Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d’Oro’, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2007 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 97 points “A red with sliced meat, dark chocolate, berry and spice. Full body, silky tannins and a tangy finish. A harmonious and beautiful wine. This is so layered and fabulous. So wonderful. These riserva Brunellos from Ciacci are always phenomenal.” JS

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Thibault Liger Belair 2012

Arriving Late February 2015

In 2001, Thibault Liger-Belair, cousin to Comte Liger Belair of Vosne Romanee, left Paris and the internet wine merchant company he created to take over his family’s historic vineyards in Nuits St Georges. With a degree in
winemaking and viticulture, the 36-year old set about rejuvenating the vineyards using only organic and biodynamic cultivation. Taking back the vines which had been contracted out to various share croppers, Thibault leased a cuverie just down the road and began his work.Within a few years, he created a reputation for making first-class wines, which have gained the respect of critics and collectors.The family jewels consist of Richebourg, Clos de Vougeot and Nuits St Georges Les St Georges, to which he has added further vineyards and a few additional cuvées made from purchased grapes. The vines are now certified organic and farmed biodynamically, with horses used to plough the vineyards where possible. The grapes are rigorously sorted, then destalked and fermented without much punching down or pumping over. They will be racked once during the elevage, and oak is kept to a minimum, with no more than 50% new barrels used. The natural style of Thibault’s wines is plump and full-bodied, and they wines are celebrated for their approachability in youth and transparency of terroir.

T. Liger Belair Nuits St Georges Les Saint Georges Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($179.95) $159 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer 92-95 points “(just 11 barrels produced from two hectares in 2012; vinified with 20% whole clusters and aging in 45% new oak): Good deep red. Slightly reduced aromas of black and red fruits, leather and minerals. Dense and thick, with terrific sappy intensity and complex soil character. At another level of complexity in the way it combines deeply pitched earth tones and high-pitched flowers and minerals. Wonderfully tactile wine with an explosive finish. This was the last to finish its malolactic fermentation, at the end of September. Liger-Belair is one of the leaders of an ongoing effort to have this vineyard elevated to grand cru status, and this wine could make his point.”

T. Liger Belair Richebourg Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($599.95) $499 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95-97 points “A drop-dead gorgeous beauty, the 2012 Richebourg takes hold of all the senses with a kaleidoscope of aromas and flavors that is truly breathtaking. This is a gracious Richebourg that adds considerable finesse to all of the structure one expects to find. Violets, cloves, new leather and black fruit are all supported by veins of cool, incisive minerality. The flavors are intense and resonant, with tons of mineral drive and pure energy. What a magnificent wine this is. Liger-Belair vinified the Richebourg with fully destemmed fruit.”

T. Liger Belair Bourgogne Rouge 2011 750ML ($27.95) $20.90 special 3+ cases availableT. Liger Belair Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 2010 750ml ($179.95) $149 special 2 bottles available
Burghound 94 points “This is tight to the point of being almost completely inexpressive and only aggressive swirling liberates the barest of fresh and cool red berry scents. By contrast, there is outstanding intensity to the energetic, pure and focused medium weight plus flavors that enjoy an abundance of tannin-buffering dry extract. The racy, linear and very firm finish is classically austere but seriously persistent. Impressive.”

T. Liger Belair Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($199.95) $166 special 4 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer & Burghound 92-94 points “Bright, dark red-ruby.  Vibrant aromas of blackberry, licorice and wild herbs, along with a smoky carbon suggestion.  Densely packed and highly concentrated, with a firm tannic spine giving shape and definition to the fresh dark berry flavors.  Plenty of stuffing here for balance but this very closed wine will probably need up to a decade of bottle aging to blossom.”

T. Liger Belair Nuits St Georges La Charmotte 2010 750ml ($74.95) $59 special 2 bottles available
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2010 Nuits St. Georges La Charmotte is an intensely rewarding wine. Rich, powerful tannins provide the backbone for waves of expressive dark fruit. The Charmotte impresses for its depth and sheer muscle. It is perhaps just a touch rustic, but immensely pleasing just the same. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”

T. Liger Belair Nuits St Georges Les Saint Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($159.95) $109 special 29 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92-94 points “(all of the barrels for this wine were made from oak planted in white, limestone-rich soils):  Bright red.  Locked up tight on the nose.  Very rich, sappy and concentrated but with a medicinal reserve to the black fruit and spice flavors.  Quite backward today and dominated by its structure.  Most impressive on the very long, firm, mouth-saturing finish, which leaves the taste buds quivering.  Incidentally, Liger-Belair replanted half of his Saint-Georges in April of 2011 due to the severe loss of vines he suffered during the sharp frost in December of 2009.  He produced just 25 hectoliters per hectare of Saint-Georges in 2011 and 11 in 2012.”

T. Liger Belair Vosne Romanee Aux Reas 2011 750ML ($129.95) $88 special 11 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 90-92 points “(from vines planted in 1954; Liger-Belair does not normally vinify his parcels planted on calcaire soils with their stems): Good deep red. Reduced nose hints at pepper, squid ink and graphite. A bit darker in fruit character than the Toppe au Vert, offering very good intensity and lift and solid underlying minerality nicely buffered by the wine’s flesh. Creamy-sweet, fine-grained wine with a wild raspberry character. Finishes impressively long, with smooth tannins. A great village wine in the making.”

T. Liger-Belair Moulin A Vent Vieilles Vignes 2010 750ML ($39.95) $23.90 special 6 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Vivid ruby.  Raspberry, cherry, licorice and violet on the assertively perfumed nose and in the mouth.  Juicy and precise, with very good depth, energy and building spiciness.  Lingers with impressive tenacity, showing finishing notes of spices and flowers.  I find this year’s bottling of this wine far more vibrant and incisive than its ’09 sibling.”

T. Liger-Belair Moulin A Vent La Roche 2010 750ML ($44.95) $33 special 3+ cases available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Deep, bright ruby.  Candied red and dark berries on the nose, with notes of violet and star anise adding complexity.  Juicy and gently sweet, offering plush black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a broad, velvety texture.  A weighty but energetic Beaujolais that finishes with intense spiciness and a lingering note of floral pastilles.”

48 Hour Piedmont Super Specials

Sale Ends Monday, February 16^th
Limited to Stocks on Hand
Only Purchases completed prior to end of day Monday will receive sale specials

 
Cantina Del Pino Barbaresco 2009 750ML ($39.95) $29 special (Was $33) 23 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2009 Barbaresco wraps around the palate with soft, caressing fruit. This juicy, up-front Barbaresco is an excellent choice for drinking over the next few years. Renato Vacca has succeeded in giving his Barbaresco considerable finesse without losing the essential Nebbiolo tannins and overall structure. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Proprietor Renato Vacca continues to show he has the magic touch. I would be thrilled to drink any of these magnificent wines. Vacca has decided to release his 2009 single-vineyard Barbareschi before the 2008s, as he feels those wines need another year in bottle. I hope readers take the time to check out these fabulous wines. Along with Sottimano, Gaja, Pelissero and a handful of others, Cantina del Pino is one of the very few estates in Barbaresco where every single wine is fabulous”

Cantina Del Pino Barbaresco Albesani 2009 750ml ($59.95) $41.90 special (Was $49) 18 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “The picture of harmony, this red exudes cherry and floral aromas, with plenty of berry, tobacco and balsamic flavors. Balanced and firm, with a lingering aftertaste of spice and mineral. Accessible now, yet will improve. Best from 2014 through 2025”

Elio Altare Barolo 2009 750ML ($69.95) $49 special (Was $59) 11 bottles available
Robert Parker 92 points “The 2009 Barolo shows remarkable harmony and balance. Fruit is sourced from La Morra, Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga d’Alba and this makes for a beautiful combination of power and elegance. Wild berry, black fruit, tar, garden herb and spice characterize the bouquet. In the mouth, the wine displays fine tannins and a perfectly polished feel. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030.”

Elio Altare Barolo Arborina 2009 750ML ($99.95) $71.90 special (Was $81.90) 11 bottles available
Robert Parker 94 points “The 2009 Barolo Arborina demonstrates a pretty floral quality with pressed rose and spots of lavender oil. Expressive and beautifully intense, the wine is crafted to show the delicate and more feminine side to the Altare portfolio. Silky and fine, the mouthfeel is streamlined and crisp. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2032.”