New Week – New Arrivals; Arriving This Week; Domaine Matrot; Goldkapsels Have More Fun; Domaine Fabrice Vigot; Spanish and French Highlights Arriving in August; Closing the Deal With Italian Closeouts
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Highlight New Arrival
Chateau Puech-Haut = Inspired Languedoc- @$16.60 // $14.92
Arriving Tomorrow……
…..Another sensational offering from proprietor Gerard Bru:
Robert Parker “With Bru’s top Reserve wine selling for nearly $100 a bottle, the Prestige cuvee is an outstanding value. Interestingly, Bru has had three of the greatest winemaking consultants on Planet Earth working for him, first Michel Rolland, followed by Claude Gros and now Philippe Cambie. A blend of 60-75-year-old vine Grenache (55%) and 40-year old Syrah (45%), all grown on limestone soils dominated by the famous large rocks (galets roules) also found in parts of Chateauneuf du Pape. The wine is aged in concrete tanks prior to being bottled unfiltered. Some of the vineyards are farmed organically and others biodynamically.”
Vinopolis Saleabration- *Special Introductory Pricing Until Midnight May 31st :
Chateau Puech-Haut Coteaux du Languedoc Saint-Drezery Prestige Rouge 2013 750ML ($21.95) $16.60 pre-arrival special*
Case-12 Chateau Puech-Haut Coteaux du Languedoc Saint-Drezery Prestige Rouge 2013 750ML ($249.95) $179 pre-arrival special*
Wine Advocate 93 points – “The 2013 Coteaux du Languedoc Prestige (which was already in bottle at the time of this tasting) is a blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Syrah aged all in concrete tank. Fresh, elegant and thrillingly pure, with first rate aromas of blackberry, fresh plum, licorice and ground herbs, it is decidedly sexy and forward, yet stays perfectly balanced, with juicy acidity and fine tannin on the finish. Easily one of the top estates in the Languedoc (if not southern France), Chateau Puech Haut lies just outside the village of Saint-Drezery and is owned and run by Gerard Bru, with consulting help from Philippe Cambie. They produce a number of cuvees, with their entry level efforts representing superb values, and their top cuvees being able to stand toe to toe with the greatest wines in the world.”
The case price is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
*Special Pricing Until Midnight May 31st ; Afterward, Price Goes to $18/btl and $189/case!
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NEW ARRIVALS- Washington
Charles Smith K Vintners ‘El Jefe’ Stoneridge Vineyard Tempranillo, Wahluke Slope 2013 750ML ($69.95) $56.50 special
Wine Advocate 91-93 points “Coming from the same vineyard as the Royal City Syrah, the 2013 El Jefe Tempranillo Stoneridge Vineyard (100% Tempranillo) sports a semi-opaque ruby color to go with lots of spice-box, dried violets, toasted bread and cured meat-like aromas and flavors. Firm, savory and still full-bodied and textured, it should come together nicely once in bottle, but I suspect short-term cellaring will help.”
Winery note “Spanish it is. Roasted tomato, blood sausage, and oh so savory. Depth and complexity rule the day, as does Stoneridge Vineyard, the home of El Jefe.”
Charles Smith K Vintners River Rock Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Winery note “Immediately earthy, meaty and brooding. A finessed mouthful of crushed stone, cool ash, hung meat and savory herb. Long on the palate and long in the memory. The River Rock Vineyard is owned and farmed by Dana Dibble, planted in 2001. The site is located south of Walla Walla in the old Walla Walla River bed; the soil is rocky and with great drainage. The clone of Syrah sourced is Tablas Creek, which thrives in the big river stone cobble. This is the warmest site in the Walla Walla Valley.”
Charles Smith K Vintners Rock Garden Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($69.95) $56.50 special
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Offering up impressive plum, peat, light black powder, ground pepper and violets, the 2013 Syrah Rock Garden gives up medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate, with fine tannin and outstanding length. It should end up being a low to mid 90s scoring effort that will impress for upwards of a decade. I’ll have reviews for all of the 2013s from barrel next year as well.”
Winery note “Asian five spice, black plum, and cool ash – that’s just the nose. It pushes on to a palate of raw meat and cured olive saturated in an unctuous deep mouthfeel. From the Rocks. It Rocks!”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Sheridan Vineyard Block One Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley 2009 750ML ($199.95) $149 special
Wine Advocate 97-100 points “The 2009 Block 1 is thicker, richer, more velvety, and more pleasure-bent than the 2008. It is a candidate for perfection once it goes into bottle.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sheridan Vineyard Block One Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley 2010 750ML ($149.95) $125 special
Wine Advocate 98 points “The incredible 2010 Block 1 comes from estate vineyards and is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 28 months in French oak. Massively concentrated, with a slightly backwards, brooding profile, it offers up an ultra-rich, meaty bouquet of smoked black currants, sage brush, mint, dry-aged beef and brown spice that gives way to a full-bodied, muscular 2010 that has a serious amount of fruit and texture that’s cut by juicy, lively acidity and ripe tannin. Disjointed right on opening, it improved beautifully over the evening (and consecutive days) and should be decanted for an hour or more if drinking anytime soon. It’s a unique, thrilling effort that will benefit from short-term cellaring and drink well for 15-20 years. Drink 2016-2030.”
Sheridan Vineyard Block One Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley 2011 ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Advocate 96 points “A wine that was just bottled, the 2011 Block 1 is easily one of the top wines in the vintage. A blend of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that comes from a southeast facing block in the Sheridan vineyard, it possess a seriously full-bodied, rich and structured style to go with decadent dark fruits, lead pencil, singed cedar and tobacco leaf-like romas and flavors. Give it another year or three and enjoy it over the following 10 to 15 years.”
NEW ARRIVALS- France – Champagne
Dehours Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $39 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(roughly 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir; 7 g/l dosage): Light gold. Deeply perfumed aromas of poached pear, vanilla, white flowers and toasted brioche are lifted by citrus zest. Supple and expansive on the palate, offering ripe orchard and pit fruit flavors that gain spiciness and a floral element with air. This seamless Champagne finishes long and supple, with clinging pear and honeysuckle qualities.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $51
Dehours les Vignes de la Vallee Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($79.95) $49 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “(55% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir; 7 g/l dosage): Vivid gold. Spice- and mineral-accented orchard fruits on the nose, with a hint of vanilla adding depth. Broad, fleshy pear and white peach flavors are lifted and sharpened by a note of ginger, showing very good clarity and back-end cut. The spicy quality repeats strongly on the incisive finish, which hangs on with mineral-driven tenacity. I’d have guessed that this had a lower dosage, no question.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Dehours Brut Oeil de Perdrix Rose, Champagne 2007 750ML ($79.95) $49 special
Winery note “[Translated] Spicy and fresh. Produced from Meunier from the Marne Valley (including still red wine) and Chardonnay aged in barrel. Very low dosage.”
Importer note “55% Pinot Meunier, 45% Old-Vine Chardonnay. The name “Oeil de perdrix” means “eye of partridge” in reference to the pale pink color of the eye of a partridge just after being shot and was an old term for very pale rosé wine resulting from minimal (possibly accidental) skin contact.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
NEW ARRIVALS Italy – Piedmont
Cappellano Otin Fiorin Pie Rupestris – Nebioli, Barolo DOCG 2011 1.5L ($249.95) $219 special
Importer note “The Barolos that Cappellano made are classic “old-style” wines, marked by a haunting scent of dried roses and a hint of truffle. Yet, because of his stance on ratings, little has been written about them in America. He made two Barolos—both from the mythic Gabutti vineyard on Serralunga’s best slope. (A few years ago, he removed the Gabutti designation from his labels to protest the expansion of the appellation to include inferior sites.) Two-thirds of his Barolo production was Barolo “Rupestris,” from a parcel planted on grafted rootstock in the 1940s. The grapes from this parcel produce a Barolo of superb depth of color and remarkable richness and length.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is another of the highlights in this range from the Produttori. Imagine the precision of Ovello, but with slightly darker fruit and more density and power through the middle. That’s the Montefico. A regal, towering Barbaresco, the Montefico should provide thrilling drinking for the next several decades. A rush of dark cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and tobacco add nuance on the powerful, structured finish.” AG
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello, from one of the coolest zones in Barbaresco, is superb. Here it is the wine’s precision and energy – both hard to come by in 2011 – that really stand out. Pine, mint, chalk, bright red berries, blood orange and white pepper are some of the signatures in a brilliant, finely-cut Barbaresco that captures the best of both the vintage and this site. Don’t miss it!” AG
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is quite backward today, with intense, salivating tannins that cut through the fruit. The trademark Rabajà balsamic flavor profile is there, with notable darkness and plenty of structure that add complexity to a core of crystalline fruit. Energetic and powerful, with searing tannin and exceptional balance, the Rabajà is going to require considerable patience. The only question is how much.” AG
Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $44 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is a bit darker and more ample than it usually is, a signature of the year. With time in the glass, the typical soaring floral/spiced Rio Sordo bouquet emerges. Dark, sensual and beautifully expressive, the Rio Sordo is another wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring.”
NEW ARRIVALS- Germany
Julian Haart Riesling, Moselle 2015 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 special
Importer note “From older vines than the 1000L. Includes fruit from the Goldtröpfchen and Ohligsberg vineyards with a touch of young vines from the famed Schubertslay. The simple truth is 2015 is a revelatory, breakthrough vintage for Julian. As good as Julian’s first four vintages were, his 2015ers are simply on another level. They are pure energy incarnate.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Keller Gruner Silvaner Trocken, Rheinhessen 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Importer note “[Of Keller in general] The fact that Keller’s wines are awesome in an awesome vintage should surprise no one. To my palate though, the last two vintages at Keller have also been awesome. So we’re sort of in a holding pattern at level “awesome.”
Weingut Keller Riesling Trocken, Rheinhessen 2015 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 special
Importer note “For those that love their limestone. Keller’s signature style is on display. Make no mistake – this is Kimmeridgian wine. It’s about minerality and finesse. This is possibly the most singular domaine in all of Germany. Kellers top wines now sell for hundreds of dollars a bottle. This is the frugal Riesling lover’s backdoor.”
Peter Lauer ‘Barrel X’ Saar Riesling, Mosel 2015 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Importer note “You all know by now the stratospheric work Florian is doing in the Saar. This has always been the ambassador wine from the winery but this vintage elsevates to Senior levels of complexity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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Sweet Tooth Satisfaction Half Priced!
Arriving This Week
Weinlaubenhof Alois Kracher Cuvee Beerenauslese, Neusiedlersee, Austria 2011 375ML ($39.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Joel B Payne – Vinous 90 points “($34) Spicy bouquet of with papaya, pineapple, lemon grass and subdued botrytis. The sweet tropical fruits and creamy texture are nicely interwoven, and there’s just enough acidity to keep this Beerenauslese fresh. This blend of Welschriesling fermented in large casks and Chardonnay in barrel finishes with appealing length. Traditionally this has been Kracher’s best seller, and a regular item in Austrian Airlines business class since 1995.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “($34) A sheen of lifted lemon oil surrounds this BA, whose palate oscillates between feisty, candied lemon peel and more hazy notions of passion fruit. There is something elixir-like about its immense precision and perfect balance.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $29.82
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Domaine Matrot:
Six Generations
Once you make it to the Côte d’Or you don’t leave. So it goes with wine connaisseurs, and with Burgundian winemaking families. The Matrot story in Meursault dates back to the 19th century, six generations ago. Some of the vineyard holdings, as well as the domaine’s maison familiale headquarters, have passed down through the family, and today Thierry and Pascale’s daughters are involved in the operation.
Domaine Matrot owns 23 hectares in the Côte de Beaune, from Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, to Blagny and Volnay, including premier cru, plus St. Aubin, Monthélie, Auxey-Duresses, and more. The vines range in age from 30 to 50+ years old, reds and whites. Thierry has farmed his vineyards organically since 2000, and that extra care transfers into the winery, with long, gentle fermentations (8-10 weeks). The wines develop for 11 to 12 months in barrel, and the reds get 10-20% new oak. They drink well young, but also benefit from a few extra years of cellaring. The goal of Matrot remains simple: A pure expression of their vineyards’ terroir, through thoughtful viticulture and hands-off winemaking.
Matrot Wines Arriving in the Fall:
Matrot Bourgogne Rouge 2014 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Matrot Auxey-Duresses 2014 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Burghound 88 points “Once again the nose is composed of distinctly cool yet ripe fruit that combines notes of both red and blue pinot fruit with plenty of earth and floral nuances. There is good detail and verve to the delicious and lightly mineral-laden flavors that possess an attractive velvety texture while delivering solid depth and length on the ever-so-mildly austere finale.”
Matrot Maranges Fussière 1er 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Burghound 89 points “Outstanding. This expressive effort offers another small step up in aromatic refinement and complexity with its fresh array of red and dark cherry, earth and softly spicy scents. There is better mid-palate density and volume to the sleek and lightly mineral-laden flavors that exhibit almost no rusticity on the balanced and lingering finish.”
Matrot Monthélie 2014 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Burghound 89 points “Top value. A riper and more complex if less complex nose features notes of dark pinot fruit, spice and plenty of earth influence. The old vines definitely are in evidence as the seductively textured middle weight flavors possess fine mid-palate concentration as well as good volume and detail on the moderately firm, balanced and long finish. This is really quite good for its level and would make another excellent choice for an all-around house red.”
Matrot Saint-Aubin Creots 1er 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Burghound 89 points “This is markedly cooler and more elegant with its pretty nose of high-toned pomegranate, cherry and cranberry scents. There is a lovely minerality to the racy, intense and beautifully delineated lighter weight though not dilute flavors that possess an attractive saline character on the clean, polished and dry-in-the-best-sense finale. This refined effort could easily be enjoyed young.”
Matrot Blagny La Pièce Sous Le Bois 1er 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Burghound 91 points “The impressively complex violet and pungently earth-infused aromas are more elegant if ever-so-slightly less ripe. The seductively textured middle weight flavors possess plenty of structure-buffering dry extract that imparts a sappy mouth feel to the firm, dusty and strikingly persistent mineral-driven finish that evidences a mild touch of austerity. While qualitatively similar to the Santenots the underlying character is completely different as this is more focused and less powerful while offering much more refinement.”
Matrot Volnay 1er Santenots 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Burghound 91 points “Here the wood treatment is no longer subtle as the menthol character fights somewhat with the clear expression of the otherwise fresh, pretty and complex mix of plum, violet, earth and discreet spice scents. There is much better mid-palate concentration to the powerful and quite serious middle weight flavors that exude a fine bead of minerality onto the mouth coating and, somewhat curiously for Santenots, notably rustic finale. This doesn’t offer its usual level of refinement but it certainly doesn’t lack for underlying material.”
Matrot Wines Available Here Now
Matrot Blagny La Pièce Sous le Bois 1er 2010 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 3 bottles available
Burghound 90 points “An overtly fruity yet solidly complex nose features notes of cassis, plum, violet and black raspberry. There is an appealing mineral streak to the delicious medium-bodied flavors that exude both floral and spice elements on the delicious, long and balanced finish. This too will drink well almost immediately yet there is good underlying material to suggest 3 to 5 years of upside development potential.”
Matrot Blagny La Pièce Sous Le Bois 1er 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 10 bottles available
Winery note “The Blagny “La pièce sous le Bois” Premier Cru, just like its neighbour Meursault-Blagny Premier Cru Blanc, is strongly marked by its terroir. It is one of very few appellations in the Côte de Beaune where Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grow happily side by side on the same parcel. During the first four years the wine offers a complex range of aromas with dark fruits such as blueberries and blackberries followed by spicy notes. After five to seven years of aging, aromas of undergrowth develop. An ideal accompaniment to pigeon, duck, winged game and meat in reduced sauces.”
Matrot Monthélie 2011 750ML ($49.95) $29 special, 24 bottles available
Burghound – “This is less refined but a bit more complex with an earthy and mildly rustic nose of dark berries and pungent earth aromas. The same touch of rusticity can be found on the delicious, round and already approachable medium-bodied flavors that possess good depth and reasonably good length. This should drink well almost immediately yet reward a few years of cellar time as well.”
Matrot Saint-Aubin Creots 1er 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 11 bottles available
Burghound 89 points “This is much, much more elegant with cool and high-toned aromas of very fresh raspberry and cherry. There is a real sense of energy to the detailed and mineral-inflected flavors that possess fine delineation before terminating in a balanced, delicious and lingering finish. This is a classic En Créots of finesse.” BH
Matrot Volnay 1er Santenots 2010 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 15 bottles available
Burghound 89 points “This is both riper and more elegant with a lovely and beautifully layered blend of red currant, plum, spice and earth. There is good mid-palate density to the suave, even opulent flavors that exude a fine minerality on the equally spicy and persistent finish. While the Matrot style is for reds that will be agreeable when they’re young, this will also be capable of rewarding 3 to 5 years of cellar time.”BH
Matrot Volnay 1er Santenots 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 12 bottles available
“A brooding and more complex if much less elegant nose than usual is comprised of lightly spiced dark berry fruit liqueur aromas. There is notably more volume to the velvety, intense and more obviously mineral-inflected flavors that exhibit a very mild hint of bitterness on the short and slightly clipped finish. The bitterness will very likely dissipate but that won’t help the persistence. I would be inclined to drink this young for its fruit.”—Burghound
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Goldkapsels Have More Fun
German Special Selections
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Nahe 2014 375ML ($59.95) $49 special, 6 half-bottles available
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2014 Riesling Auslese Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle GK has been selected from all over the Hermannshöhle vineyard and offers a very fine, subtle botrytis bouquet intermixed with pure and flinty stone aromas. This gold-capsuled Auslese is sweet and fruity, highly elegant and with great finesse; it has a piquant acidity and ripe pineapples aromas, but also reduced botrytis flavors. This is a very delicate and elegant Riesling with a lovely, clear and lean, mineral character. Great finesse and delicacy here.”
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2014 Hermannshöhle Auslese is the only bottling at this Prädikat level in the cellars this year, and it is a very pretty and elegant example of the vintage. The wine delivers a refined and gently-glazed nose of pineapple, apple, bee pollen, wild fennel, tangerine and a lovely base of slate. On the palate the wine is fullish, elegant and beautifully balanced, with a very good midpalate
depth, impeccable focus and balance, vibrant acids and lovely grip on the long and zesty finish. 2023-2060+.” JG
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2011 375ML ($59.95) $49 special, 6 half-bottles available
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2014 Riesling Auslese Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle GK has been selected from all over the Hermannshöhle vineyard and offers a very fine, subtle botrytis bouquet intermixed with pure and flinty stone aromas. This gold-capsuled Auslese is sweet and fruity, highly elegant and with great finesse; it has a piquant acidity and ripe pineapples aromas, but also reduced botrytis flavors. This is a very delicate and elegant Riesling with a lovely, clear and lean, mineral character. Great finesse and delicacy here.”
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2014 Hermannshöhle Auslese is the only bottling at this Prädikat level in the cellars this year, and it is a very pretty and elegant example of the vintage. The wine delivers a refined and gently-glazed nose of pineapple, apple, bee pollen, wild fennel, tangerine and a lovely base of slate. On the palate the wine is fullish, elegant and beautifully balanced, with a very good midpalate
depth, impeccable focus and balance, vibrant acids and lovely grip on the long and zesty finish. 2023-2060+.” JG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $97
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2012 1.5L ($249.95) $179 special, 1 magnum available
Wine Advocate 96+ points “More reductive on the nose than the Himmelreich Auslese Gold Capsule, the 2012 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule (AP #19 13) combines its deeper mineral character with a perfect expression of highly noble botrytis. The finish is piquant and firm and also more grippy and stringent due to the reductive style. The wine lacks the finesse and elegance of the Himmelreich at the moment, but is provided with the density and complexity for a long flight over the years.”RP
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut Daniel Vollenweider Wolfer Goldgrube Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2007 375ML ($89.95) $49 special, 1 half-bottle available
Stephen Tanzer 94 points “Golden yellow. Subtle aromas of bosc pear, persimmon and nut oils lifted by brown spice botrytis. Lush and velvety in texture, with ripe apricot fruit nicely framed by flinty acidity. Rich and long, with a persistently spicy finish.”ST
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Karthauserhof Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs Trocken, Mosel 2013 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-6 Weingut Karthauserhof Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs Trocken, Mosel 2013 ($359.95) $269 special, 7 half-cases available
Wine Advocate 93 points “Very clear, discreet and refined on the nose – where the 2013 Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling GG displays fine stone and fruit aromas of lemons and green apples. Lean and vital but also intense, rich and juicy on the palate, this is a lovely pure, straightforward, piquant and very salty expression of the Karthäuserhofberg terroir and the 2013 vintage. This long-distance runner has more fruit intensity than the Edition and reveals a very fine raciness and a complex finish with lingering lemon aromas.” WA
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Domaine Fabrice Vigot
A New Discovery en Bourgogne
Who knew? Even in the ancient fields of Burgundy there are discoveries to be made. If you like your Burgundy pure and bright…..
Fabrice Vigot has worked the land of Vosne Romanee since 1990. His own estate – Domaine Vigot – produces silky and elegant wines from covetable plots across both Vosne and old vines in Gevry-Chambertin. Under a sharecropping agreement, he also tends and sources from vines owned by Mugneret-Gibourg alongside Pascal Mugneret. Fabrice, along with Pascal Mugneret, shares in caretaking duties of all of the Mugneret-Gibourg parcels.
Farming for the Vigot wines has been organic and biodynamic since 2010. Vinification takes place with a five day cold-soak in temperature-controlled stainless steel followed by a native yeast fermentation and maceration of three weeks. Vigot does well with old vines, simple vinification, elevage with no more than 30% new oak to offer mineral, pure-fruited and quintessential Vosne, Nuits & Gevrey.
Domaine Vigot 2013’s Arriving This Week in Very Limited Supply:
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes, Cote de Nuits 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Vinopolnote: Sourced from a trio of vineyards: Crais, Les Etelois, and Billards. Medium-bodied, with vibrant freshness and a suave finish; 100% destemmed.
Fabrice Vigot Vosne Romanee Les Chalandins 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Vinopolnote: From 30 year old vines, with bright red fruit and abundant acidities; 100% destemmed.
Fabrice Vigot Vosne Romanee La Columbiere 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Fabrice Vigot Vosne Romanee Les Damaudes 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Vinopolnote: From a hilltop vineyard, this cuvee is entirely destemmed and offers high-toned aromatics and an enduring finish. Tasted here in the past week – in one word: purity.
These are all the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Vigot 2014’s Arriving in October:
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Vosne-Romanee 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Vosne-Romanee Les Chalandins 2014 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Vosne-Romanee La Colombiere 2014 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Vosne-Romanee Les Damaudes 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Echezeaux Grand Cru 2014 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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A Few More Favorites
Focus on Spain + France
Arriving in August
Bodegas Julia Roch e Hijos – Casa Castillo Las Gravas, Jumilla, Spain 2012 750ML ($31.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94 points – “A cuvée that has been changing over the years (and getting more focused and Mediterranean, I’d say) the 2012 Las Gravas is a blend of Monastrell with 15% Syrah and 15% Garnacha; the Garnacha vineyards in the state come into production so the winery has more grapes to use. This wine saw a big change with the 2008 vintage, when Cabernet Sauvignon disappeared from the blend and got more focused and true to its birthplace. 2012 could be the finest vintage to date, as there was no 2012 Pie Franco, as quantities were really short and those grapes are in this blend. It starts off with some notes of smoke, toffee, fresh fruit and orange peel in harmony with well-integrated oak and a stony profile that develops more and more notes of esparto grass with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, with some polished, very fine tannins and a good mid-palate that is very balanced and fresh (I saw a note of pomegranate, is it the Garnacha?). It is a serious, very young wine with ripe flavors that make it very tasty. This is clearly riper than the 2013s and shows the character of the vintage quite transparently. The price is a dream come true. Super!”
Famille Brechet Domaine des Bosquets Gigondas La Colline, Rhone, France 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95 points – “Easily one of the wines of the vintage, the 2013 Gigondas La Colline is an incredible wine from a vintage that too often delivers mid-weight, austere wines. Made from almost all Grenache that spent 19 months in 25% new demi-muids (there’s a scant four barrels made), its surprisingly dark color is followed by beautifully perfumed notes of black raspberries, blackberry, licorice, limestone-like minerality and flowers. Full-bodied, layered, silky and ultra-pure, with fine tannin, it’s already hard to resist but will have an easy 10-12 years of overall longevity.”
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Domaine de La Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Chaupin, Rhone, France 2012 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94 points – “The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin, which I was able to taste (and drink) from multiple bottles, is a beautiful Grenache that comes from the cooler, northeastern edge of the appellation. Coming almost all from the Chapouin lieu-dit (it gets a small bit from La Janasse), it gives up the classic notes of black berries, spring flowers, violets, and licorice that I always seem to find in this cuvee. Building nicely on the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, has tons of sweet fruit and solid, if not firm, tannin that come out on the finish. It will be better in another couple of years and have 15+ years of overall longevity.”
Domaine de La Janasse Cuvee Vieilles Vignes, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France 2012 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 96 points – “Up in the top handful of wines in the vintage (which should come as no surprise to anyone who follows this estate), the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, rich and layered Châteauneuf that doesn’t put a foot wrong. Made from 85% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah, it offers blockbuster notes of blackberry, liquid-violets, spice and serious minerality to go with awesome mid-palate depth and layers of sweet tannin. Like the Cuvee Chaupin, it will be better in another handful of years and thrill through 2027”
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Mambo Italiano
Joyful Italian Close-outs- Let’s Dance!
Tenuta Luisa Ribolla Gialla, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2013 750ML ($21.95) $14 special, 14 bottles available
Case-12 Tenuta Luisa Ribolla Gialla, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2013 750ML ($219.95) $159 special, 3 cases available
Wine Enthusiast 89 points “Enticing aromas of jasmine, honeysuckle and citrus blossom lead the nose on this polished wine. The sleek palate delivers juicy pear, crisp apple and nectarine zest. It’s fresh and balanced, with bright acidity.” WE
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Castello di Ama ‘San Lorenzo’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2011 750ML ($57.95) $41.90 special, 19 bottles available
Case-6 Castello di Ama ‘San Lorenzo’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2011 750ML ($259.95) $233 special, 3 half-cases available
Case-12 Castello di Ama ‘San Lorenzo’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2011 750ML ($549.95) $432 special, 11 cases available
James Suckling 96 points “This has a dusty character on the nose with soil, dried fruit and blueberry. Flowers too. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Tight and structured. Shows wonderful depth of fruit and beauty. Chewy. Better in 2016.” JS
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Poggio Antico Lemartine Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 24 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “A striking wine, the 2012 Lemartine jumps from the glass with cassis, graphite violets, lavender, sweet spices and French oak. The 2012 boasts superb purity in its fruit and expressive aromatics, all supported by fabulous underlying structure. I very much like the sense of energy and power here. Lemartine is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. In 2012, everything just works.”
Podere Grattamacco L’Alberello Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany 2011 750ML ($69.95) $49 special,12 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91 points “Boasting a round and generous bouquet, the 2011 Bolgheri Superiore L’Alberello is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc and a small percentage of Petit Verdot. It sees long maceration with manual stirring and 18 months in barrique. The results are austere and persuasive, especially in terms of the natural richness and texture of the mouthfeel. The finish is soft and supple, with enough tannic grip to keep the wine firmly planted on the palate. Endnotes of blackberry and exotic spice drive forward a long finish. It could use more bottle evolution.” ML
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The next best price is $64.77
The average price is $77
Azienda Agricola Cos Frappato Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily 2014 750ML ($31.95) $21.90 special, 25 bottles available
Wine Spectator 90 points “A vibrant red, with light tannins framing flavors of dried marjoram and thyme, crushed currant, wild strawberry and star anise. Finely knit, offering a lasting finish. Drink now through 2021.”
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The average price is $29
Azienda Agricola Cos Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico DOCG, Sicily 2012 750ML ($39.95) $27 special, 12 bottles available
Ian D’agata–Vinous 93 points “Bright, dark ruby-red. Highly expressive aromas of dark plum, black cherry, licorice, minerals and violet. Lush, deep and remarkably suave, offering intense blackberry and sweet pipe tobacco flavors with a sexy floral nuance. Finishes very long and velvety, with fine-grained tannins and lingering minerality. This remarkable wine is made from relatively young vines (20 years old) and aged in large Slavonian oak barrels. With its impeccable balance, this is an outstanding Cerasuolo di Vittoria.”
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The average price is $35
I Vigneri I Custodi delle Vigne dell’Etna ‘Pistus’ Etna Rosso, Sicily 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 15 bottles available
Case-6 I Vigneri I Custodi delle Vigne dell’Etna ‘Pistus’ Etna Rosso, Sicily 2013 750ML ($129.95) $99 special, 3 half-cases available
Wine Advocate 90+ points “I Custodi’s entry-level red is the beautiful 2013 Etna Rosso Pistus with fruit sourced from various points on the north side of the volcano. The blend is a traditional cut of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio and the wine sees no oak aging. I loved the vibrant freshness and fruity concentration of this wine. It opens to a luminous dark ruby color and an ambitious bouquet with bramble, spice, wild fruit, licorice and dark mineral. There is little fruit as most of the bouquet is occupied by ethereal volcanic tones. Stylistically speaking, this wine shows austerity and a masculine approach with tight, firm tannins. Pistus is a stubborn, but ultimately charming Etna Rosso.” ML
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