Gulfi: New Arrivals; 2013 Rinaldi Barolo Arrives; Cristom’s Epic 2015’s; Guigal and Catena—Three Coveted Wines Return; Bordeaux and Those Like Them; Screaming Eagle Second Flight
~~~~~~~~~~
Gulfi: New Arrivals from Sicilian Masters of Nero and Etna
“Since 1996, we have been making the wines we love at Gulfi. We never accepted irrigation, we always have considered the best practices of other organic and biodynamic environments. We went our own way like the best wine estates have done in differents parts of the world. Of course we are influenced by the most delicate burgundy wines as well as by the greatest Rhone Valley wines, particularly Chateauneuf du Pape, but our wines have first of all a taste of their true origins, of their deep Sicilian roots.” – Vito Catania, owner of Azienda Gulfi
Gulfi first came to prominence as a champion of Nero D’Avola—the rich dark grape that they proved could be a transparent expression of terroir. The single vineyards Nero’s that Gulfi made changed perceptions of the grape and has helped lead to the current renaissance of Siclian viticulture. These are wines that are intense, powerful, yet graceful. Drink them if you like California Cabernet or Brunello or Syrah from the Northern Rhone or anywhere in between. We just got a pile of wines in from Gulfi, with more on the way, for your drinking pleasure.
Just Arrived and In Stock Now:
Gulfi Rossojbleo Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Ian D’agata-Vinous 92 points “Bright red. Perfumed, precise aromas and flavors of red cherry, flinty minerals and aromatic herbs. Fresh and juicy, with a delicately savory twist and a refreshing aftertaste on the long finish. A lovely midweight wine packed with flavor. I also think it’s by far the best RossoJbleo in years, which had recently become too herbal and dark, both in color and fruit aromas and flavors. I much, much prefer this year’s version. (13% alcohol)”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Gulfi Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, Sicily 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 19 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote “Cerasuolo is a classic Sicilian wine from Vittoria and is a blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato. The resulting wine is bright and fresh, with notes of cherries but a bit more body and heft than a straight Frappato. A delicious Goldilocks of a wine that seems to go with everything.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Gulfi Nerosanlore Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2010 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Gulfi Nerosanlore Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2010 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Ian D’agata–Vinous 95 points “Fully saturated ruby. Pure, very deep aromas of black cherry, red plum, medicinal herbs and minerals. Rich, dense and suave, with complex flavors of saline red berries and dark plum complicated by repeating botanical herb and balsamic nuances. Finishes seamless an long. A wine of noteworthy purity, with an excellent balance of sweetness, acidity and tannins. This is Gulfi’s closest vineyard to the sea and almost always gives the estate’s most elegant, refined wine.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arriving September 29th:
Gulfi Nerobufaleffj Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2011 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Ian D’agata–Vinous 94+ points “Dark ruby-red with a pale rim. The aromas and flavors of very ripe red cherry, faded rose petals, cinnamon, almond paste and Oriental spices are very typical of the Bufalleffj cru (in fact, with a little practice, it becomes very easy to spot in a blind tasting). Multilayered and complex, suave and rich, it offers savory herbs and lingering juiciness on the long dense finish. In practically every vintage, Nerobufaleffj is one of Sicily’s best and most unique Nero d’Avolas.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Gulfi Neromaccarj Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2011 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2011 Neromàccarj is the wine that, in my opinion, best encompasses the overall winemaking philosophy at Gulfi. Like the other Nero d’Avola selections presented, this wine boasts a super enriched and concentrated style. On top of black fruit and cherry marmalade, the bouquet offers Teriyaki, barbecue smoke and asphalt-like aromas. Neromàccarj presents a more balanced and complete picture because its large bulk is spread evenly in proportioned elements. In other words, the opulence of the bouquet is perfectly matched to the large footprint left on the finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Having made their mark on the way that the wine world thought about Nero d’Avola, Gufli turned their attention to other, newer areas that they could help revitalize. As a result, in the early 2000’s they bought vineyards in the next frontier of Sicilian terroir: Etna.
The wines of Etna are now well known to us, but when Gulfi bought the vineyard that would become Reseca, it was far from a sure bet. That they are now considered classics is a testament to the power of the terroir and to the modern wine world’s ever expanding thirst for the new, but they’v finally taken their place. We’re pleased to present a small vertical of Reseca today and know that you’ll enjoy it as much as we enjoyed putting it together.
Gulfi Reseca Rosso Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2006 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 22 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2006 Reseca is Nerello Mascalese from vineyards on Mount Etna. It is one of the darker, more overtly fruit driven wines I have tasted from the Etna. The finish turns a bit more delicate and ethereal, though. It will be interesting to see the direction Gulfi takes with this bottling in coming years.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Gulfi Reseca Rosso Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2007 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 20 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Gulfi’s 2007 Reseca, from a vineyard on the Etna, is full of Nerello Mascalese personality. Sweet dried cherries, crushed flowers, licorice and spices waft from the glass. The tannins are understated yet beautiful and nicely integrated. The delicate style is pure Etna and therefore totally different from the Nero d’Avolas Gulfi makes in Pachino.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Gulfi Reseca Rosso Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2008 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 26 bottles available
Wine Spectator “The ripe black cherry puree mixes with soft raisin, cocoa powder and loamy earth accents in this juicy, medium-bodied red. Light grip and a hint of black licorice drop shows on the finish. Nerello Mascalese.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
~~~~~~~~~~
Rinaldi’s 2013 Baroli
Affordable Legends, In Stock Now
The estate of Francesco Rinaldi crafts wines from the Piedmonte that are everything we love—traditionally made and affordable. From white (to nearly rose) to red, all of the wines they produce have attractive balance, with good fruit and bright, fresh flavors. We’ve got an assortment of their wines coming in, including their 2013 Barolo and two cru’s Brunate and Cannubi.
If there is a vintage deserving some serious shouting from the rooftops, 2013 in the Piedmont is it. When our distributor walked in with samples there was no fanfare just a quiet, “Here’s a little Rinaldi ’13,” almost as if it was an afterthought—we both knew we’d be buying as much of the wines as we could.
Certainly these are wines built to last, but what we’ve tried was come-and-get-it ready. The tannins were fine grained and tight, but the overall pleasurable nature of the wines was impossible to ignore. They wasn’t over the top, in fact they was quite well balanced, but there was no mistaking that thes wines are in the early stages of becoming something quite special. Antonio Galloni put it best when he posted “Beautiful vintage for them. The straight Barolo is fabulous, FYI.”
Just Arrived:
Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2013 750ML ($59.95) $47 special
“Its colour is ruby garnet red with slightly orange reflections after ageing. The smell is ethereal, wide and embracing with scents of rose, violet and soft balmy notes. The taste is dry, severe, savoury and harmonic. It matches very well with red and braised meat, game and cheese.”–Winery note
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Barolo Le Brunate, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
“Its colour is ruby garnet red with slightly orange reflections after ageing. The smell is ethereal, wide and embracing with scents of rose, violet and soft balmy notes. The taste is dry, severe, savoury and harmonic. It matches very well with red and braised meat, game and cheese.”–Winery note
Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Cannubbio, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
“Its colour is ruby garnet red with slightly orange reflections after ageing. The smell is ethereal, wide and embracing with scents of rose, violet and soft balmy notes. The taste is dry, severe, savoury and harmonic. It matches very well with red and braised meat, game and cheese.”–Winery note
Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Gavi DOCG, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($21.95) $16 special
“Its colour is light straw-yellow. The scent is fresh and fruity. The taste is dry and delicate. It perfectly matches with hors d’oeuvres, fish and white meat.”–Winery note
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2015 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
“The colour is intense ruby red with purple reflections. The scent is winey and ethereal. The taste is dry, intense, well-bodied. It is suitable to drink at any meal.”–Winery note
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Roussot Dolcetto d’Alba, Piedmont 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2015 Dolcetto d’Alba Roussot is a powerful, old-school wine that will delight readers with classically leaning palates. The interplay of intense, rich 2015 fruit and the structural underpinnings that are typical of Dolcetto add up to a delicious and compelling wine from one of Barolo’s old guard families. This is a strong showing from Francesco Rinaldi.”
Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Grignolino d’Asti, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($21.95) $16 special
“Its colour is light ruby red. The smell is subtle with scent of rose. Its taste is fresh, flowery and mild to the palate. It perfectly matches with hors d’oeuvres, soups, fish and white meat.”-Winery note
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Nebbiolo d’Alba, Piedmont 2015 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
“Its colour is ruby red with garnet reflections. Its smell is ethereal and persisting with scents of flowers and fresh fruit. Its taste is dry, intense, well-bodied. It is suitable to drink at any meal.”–Winery note
This is the only listing in the USA today!
~~~~~~~~~~
New Arrivals: Cristom
Cristom is a reference point wine in the Willamette Valley—as close as we have here to a first growth or a producer such as DRC or Dujac (both of whom serve as stylistic references for Cristom). Since 1992, Cristom has been a top producer, making wines that are both powerful and elegant, and which age beautifully. We just received our allocation of the 2015 single vineyard wines, as well as a few back vintages of the Sommers Reserve, which is one of the best value wines in their lineup.
The 2015 vintage has turned out some unbelievable wines from Oregon, and we’ve been chomping at the bit to get the latest offerings from Cristom in the door. The wines are incredibly bright with fruit and perfectly balanced acidity, and in true Cristom style, the structure gives you the impression that these will be around for the long haul. These drink so well immediately, but will be among the best to lay down over the next five to ten years. Buy a good stash (we have a subscriber special to help you) for enjoyment now, and down the road.
Cristom Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2015 Pinot Noir Eileen gives bold raspberry preserves and red currant jelly notes with suggestions of chargrill meat, truffles, forest floor and cedar. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a solid backbone of grainy tannins and loads of freshness supporting the generous, muscular fruit, finishing with great persistence.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cristom Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2015 Pinot Noir Jessie Vineyard is scented of kirsch, mulberries and raspberry tart with underlying Chinese five spice, hoisin and mossy bark hints. Medium-bodied, there’s a very seductive mid-palate of red berry and exotic spice flavors, supported by velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with spicy layers.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2015 Pinot Noir Louise Vineyard has a savory, almost meaty nose over a core of Black Forest cake, red currants, mulberries, cardamom and fenugreek with a touch of potpourri. Medium-bodied, the palate has exquisitely fine tannins and a lively line of acidity supporting generous, multi-layered red berry preserves and spice, finishing with impressive persistence and depth.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cristom Sommers Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2009 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Ripe flavors of blueberry and plum dance on a medium-weight frame, shaded by hints of pepper and clove, underlined by fine tannins. A hint of orange tea emerges on the finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cristom Sommers Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2011 Pinot Noir Sommers Reserve contains a higher percentage of estate fruit compared to the Mt. Jefferson, around 80%, and is treated like the single-vineyard–matured for 18 months in around 50% new oak. It includes 50% whole-cluster fruit. It has a mellow, natural bouquet with lifted brambly red berry fruit with touches of bay leaf and autumn leaves. I like the delineation here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite crisp and reserved at first, but it gently fans out with pretty red berry fruit mixed with plenty of dried herbs. This adheres to Cristom’s classic style, much more Old World inspired than its peers, and certainly well crafted.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cristom Sommers Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($54.95) $49 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Vivid ruby-red. Heady, mineral-laced aromas of ripe red berries, allspice and potpourri. Sweet raspberry and rose pastille flavors show impressive energy and focus, with a spicecake nuance emerging with air. The floral element repeats strongly on the very long, juicy finish, which is framed by gentle, slow-mounting tannins.”
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2012 Pinot Noir Sommers Reserve will be released near the end of 2015. It offer lively red berry fruit with redcurrant and wild raspberry scents, fine delineation with cheeky hints of marmalade and orange rind. The palate is medium-bodied and almost feral on the entry, as it seems to shoot off in a different direction. Then the acidity begins to bind it all together to form a cohesive, sorbet-fresh, bay-leaf finish that is long in the mouth. It needs to develop a little more persistence on the balsamic-tinged aftertaste, but otherwise this has good potential.” NM
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
~~~~~~~~~~
Re-Arriving September 27th:
A Trio of Coveted Wines
These are all wines that we had in stock, briefly. Too briefly, really, so we did our best to get some more and they’ll be arriving on the 27th. The Catena Malbecs are the best in class, really—year to year they’re the top wines produced in Argentina and the Guigal Condrieu has probably the best ratio of points to price in the appellation. In short, there is a reason that these sold out so fast last time and we don’t expect them to be around long when they come back again.
Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyards Malbec, La Consulta 2012 750ML ($129.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2012 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard feels fresher and more harmonious than the 2011, when in reality the vintage character is the opposite. It is sourced from the vineyard that names the wine and that is located in Altamira. The Malbec grapes fermented in open barrels and cement vats with 15% whole-cluster Cabernet Franc. There is one extra level of precision and harmony here. It has an elegant nose and the palate almost reflects the tension in the skin of the grapes with its a velvety texture and great acidity. This is really tasty and long, it could be the best Nicasia ever produced.”
James Suckling 95 points “Vivd aromas of currants and blackberries. So much dark fruit. Violets too. Full body, yet buttressed with a center palate of salty acidity and firm tannins. From grapes grown in Altamira. Persistent and vibrant. Drink or hold.”
Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino, Uco Valley 2012 750ML ($129.95) $89 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 98 points “Very dense and powerful with a tight palate of blue fruit and raspberry undertones. Salty with wonderful length and intensity. A blend of malbec from Nicasia Vineyard in Altamira and Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. Drink in 2022 but so great now.”
E. Guigal Condrieu, Rhone 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95 points “Guigal’s 2015 Condrieu is a blockbuster that, if not for its big brother, would be one of the wines of the vintage. Aged in one-third new barrels and two-thirds in tank, it’s a rich, unctuous, thrillingly textured beauty that has plenty of orange blossom, flower oil, tangerine and peach. Fruit-loaded, with just a touch of minerality, it should be drunk over the coming 2-4 years.”
James Suckling 94 points “Peach and apricot-pie character that’s very showy and very much within the sweet-pastry spectrum. There’s also some spicy appeal to complement notes of cumquat rind. Pithy and focused. The palate has an exotic, tropical thread of mangoes, peaches and cantaloupe melon. Very hedonistic and regal — full of fat and very convincing viognier. A great vintage. Drink young whilst exuberant!”
~~~~~~~~~~
Arriving in December:
From Tua Rita’s Cellar,
Cheaper Than Current Release
Tua Rita has quietly become one of the best producers of super-Tuscan wine, with a special touch for Cabernet based wines, especially. These are wines that age beautifully and will surprise you by outclassing wines that are twice as expensive. When we saw that we could acquire some back vintage Giusto di Notri, their flagship Bordeaux-style blend at a price that would be less than the current release. It’s entering the prime of its life but still has many, many years left ahead of it, as well. This is one to stock up on if you love Bordeaux or Super-Tuscans.
Arriving ETA December:
Tua Rita Giusto di Notri Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2008 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “This fabulous blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot delivers loads of plush softness and succulent richness. Aromas of chocolate, ripe fruit and spice are distinct and clear, and the wine shows compelling complexity and intensity overall.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2008 Giusto di Notri is wonderfully alive in the glass. Dark red berries, flowers, spices, grilled herbs, licorice and leather are some of the notes that flesh out in this dazzling, vibrant Giusto di Notri. Polished tannins provide the backdrop for the silky, expressive finish. A final blast of red fruit adds freshness and brightness on the close. Giusto di Notri is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
If that sounds appealing to you, you might also be interested in the new release these next two wines, one a Bordeaux, one a Brunello, arriving over the next month or so:
Arriving September 22nd:
Chateau Quinault L’Enclos, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2009 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points “A soft and fruity wine, with orange peel and berries and plums. Full body, with super fine tannins and a fruity finish. Refined and very pretty. Structured in the end. Fresh. Succulent. A style away from the over extracted one a few years ago. Try after 2018.” JS
Wine Spectator 92 points “This is very distinctive, with live-wire acidity running through the core of damson plum, linzer torte and blackberry fruit that’s framed by a mouthwatering roasted apple wood note. The long and driven finish has a piercing iron edge and a smoldering tobacco note that adds to the dramatic profile. Best from 2015 through 2025.” WA
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Arriving ETA October:
Lisini Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 94 points “This is round, exuding black cherry and blackberry flavors, allied to a pliable profile. The acidity and tannins emerge on the finish, where everything falls into place. Fine freshness, tobacco and mineral details emerge in the end. Best from 2020 through 2033.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
~~~~~~~~~~
Screaming Eagle, Second Flight
Arriving in October
Screaming Eagle needs no introduction, however the second wine the produce, called Second Flight, might need a tiny bit. This is a wine made from the same vineyards as the main attraction, culled from barrels too good to sell off but softer than would be desirable for a long-lived wine. The current iteration seems to be especially good, if muscular. To be frank, this is a wine that will disappear very quickly with or without our prose, so if you’re interested, act quickly.
Arriving ETA October:
Screaming Eagle ‘Second Flight’, Napa Valley 2014 750ML ($699.95) $599 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2014 Second Flight bristles with all the energy and tension that is such a signature of the vintage. Dark flavors abound, with plenty of black cherry, mocha, espresso and graphite overtones layered throughout. The 2014 is an especially muscular, brooding Second Flight. Accordingly, it is likely to require at least a few years to come into its own. The juiciness of the Merlot gives the wine its center of fruit and overall palate feel, but the Second Flight is also quite closed down today, most likely because of its recent bottling. Tasted alongside the flagship Screaming Eagle, Second Flight seems more affected by the bottling, but that is not all that unusual for Merlot-based wines, especially in this vintage.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $694.95
Thank you for reading!