Featured New Arrival: Ramey Pedregal; New Week – New Arrivals (Spottswoode, Bereche, Elio Grasso & more!); Staff Pick; ’12 Caparzo Brunello; #Trending; Sparkling Terroir: Ulysse Collin; Hot Ticket! Felsina’s CC ’15; New Failla Releases; Limited Time Offer: Save on Heidsieck Rose Champagne; A Good QPR Barolo; Paul Hobbs: Top Tier Releases
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Featured New Arrival
“a wine of stunning intensity, full-bodied potency, beautiful purity and length”
–Robert Parker
Pedregal, a Mexican term for a rough and rocky place, refers to the basalt rocks and iron rich soil of this special vineyard, planted in 1990. 2013 was a distinguished year in Napa, heralded as a ‘modern-day classic for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon’ by Antonio Galloni and Robert Parker declared ‘2013 for many wineries in Napa and Sonoma has produced the finest wines I have tasted in 37 years.’
Ramey Pedregal Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 2013 750ML ($199.95) $159 special
Wine Advocate 95+ points “A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and nose of ripe black berries, crushed black currants, pencil lead and dried herbs with hints of dark chocolate and menthol. Medium to full-bodied with a great intensity and harmony, it has a solid backbone of firm grainy tannins and great length. Still very youthful and primary, give it another 2-3 years in bottle and drink it over the next 20+ years.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard has turned out beautifully. It is also much more accessible young than I expected, despite its considerable size. Bright red stone fruit and pomegranate notes are pushed forward. There is plenty of tannin, but it is nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. There is plenty of stuffing and potential here.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $183
Don’t miss the five other top of their class Napa cabs newly arrived and listed below. See our complete list of thirty different in stock California Cabernets by clicking here!
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New Week – New Arrivals
California
Spottswoode Family Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena 2014 750ML ($219.95) $179 special
Robert Parker 96+ points “This first-growth estate in St. Helena has produced a 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon that is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. It is certainly one of the wines of the vintage. Gorgeously opaque purple, it offers up notes of spring flowers, blueberries, blackcurrants, some baking spice and graphite. It is full-bodied, concentrated and rich, with layers of fruit. The wine builds and builds on the palate, with a great finish of 45+ seconds. This is a sensational 2014 to drink over the next 20+ years.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Spottswoode 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is striking. Black cherry, plum, graphite, spice and menthol are some of the signatures. Intensely mineral and savory, the 2014 comes across as a slightly restrained version of the 2013. The flavor and tannin profiles are both quite similar, but the 2014 is a bit smaller-scaled in all of its dimensions. That is not a bad thing, as the 2014 will be ready to drink sooner. This is an impressive showing.”
James Suckling 96 points “Amazing burnt-orange and currant aromas with tar and lead pencil. Blackberries, too. Changes all the time. Mesmerizing. Full-bodied and powerful with super-polished tannins and a long and intense finish. The polished and fine tannins coat your mouth. Glorious. Needs three to four years to soften.”
Beringer Vineyards Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2009 750ML ($149.95) $99 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is a beautifully balanced wine. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame a core of dark red berries, flowers, mint, spices and licorice. The Reserve shows lovely inner perfume and mid-palate juiciness. It should drink well with a minimum of cellaring. The main vineyards in the 2009 are Home (37%), Lampyridae (23%), Vogt (14%), Chabot (11%) and Rancho del Oso (9%). Each lot was aged separately for about two years before the final blend was assembled.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $128
Beringer Vineyards Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($149.95) $99 special
Robert Parker 96 points “Revealing the great blending skills of Beringer’s winemaking team, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is a winner. Having purchased Private Reserves for many years, I can attest that they age incredibly well. The 1991, one of the great successes of that vintage, is still aging beautifully at nearly 25 years of age. The sensational 2012 (10,000 cases) boasts an opaque purple color along with abundant aromas of charcoal, burning embers, cr?me de cassis, chocolate, blackberries and licorice. The long, complex, compelling, full-bodied texture along with terrific purity and a savory, rich mouthfeel result in a classic, quintessential Napa Cabernet Sauvignon to drink now and over the next 20-25 years.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $134
BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Robert Parker 94 points “The deep ruby/purple-colored 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour is BV’s flagship wine. It boasts sweet notes of charcoal, burning embers, vanillin, tar and copious quantities of blackcurrant fruit. In keeping with this generously endowed vintage, the wine is supple, full-bodied, multidimensional and opulent. It will drink beautifully young and last for 20-25 years.”
BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Case-6 BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($619.95) $559 special (that’s only $93.17/bottle!)
Robert Parker 95+ points “One of the two flagship cuvées, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour is a fabulous wine. Obviously, this is the one wine that received the most meticulous attention from their outside consultant Michel Rolland. A great effort in 2013, as one might expect in this vintage, this wine needs 5-6 years and seems capable of lasting 30-40 or more, given the history of the great BV Private Reserves. Inky purple to the rim, with an extraordinary nose of créme de cassis and kirsch, licorice, cedarwood, and a touch of underbrush, the wine hits the palate with a full-bodied, powerful, concentrated, dense style, has great acidity, moderately sweet tannin, and a long, long finish. This wine is young and still slightly unformed, but loaded with potential and upside. Forget it for 5-6 years and drink it over the following half-century.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $110
Elyse Winery ‘C’est Si Bon’ Naggiar Vineyard Red, Sierra Foothills 2013 750ML ($29.94) $24 special
Winery notes: “C’est Si Bon means “It’s so good” and we hope you’ll agree. It is a blend made from varietals indigenous to the Rhône Valley in Southern France that also grow remarkably well in the terroir of the Sierra Foothills. This wine has intriguing aromas of Alpine strawberry, dried cherry, orange zest, herbes de Provence, and clove along with subtle hints of earth and spice. On its broad palate flavors of ripe plum, raspberry, currant, and baking spices lead to a sensuous mouthfeel and long, smooth finish. The 2013 C’est Si Bon is medium-bodied and amazingly well balanced with vibrant fruit, soft tannins and good acidity. The great depth, balance and finesse of this wine make it just way too easy to drink. It really is so good!”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
France – Champagne
Bereche et Fils Le Cran Premier Cru Brut Nature Millesime, Champagne 2009 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
Bereche et Fils ‘Rilly-La-Montagne’ Premier Cru Extra Brut Millesime, Champagne 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
VinopolNote: A new cuvee from Bereche. This is 100% Pinot Noir from the ‘Les Sablons’ lieu-dit in the Rilly-la-Montagne village in Montagne de Reims. The soils are rich in limestone and sandy. Very low dosage of 3g/L.
Bereche et Fils Vallee de la Marne Rive Gauche Extra Brut, Champagne (2013) NV 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
France – Bordeaux
Chateau de Birot, Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux 2014 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Case-12 Chateau de Birot, Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux 2014 750ML ($219.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “Rich blackberry and black-currant flavors give this wine its ripe character. They are already well balanced by the spicy tannins and dry core. The wine will develop well and should be ready from 2019.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
France – Burgundy
Staff pick!
Patrick Piuze Val de Mer Cremant de Bourgogne Non Dose NV 750ML ($24.95) $18 special
Patrick Piuze Val de Mer Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Nature Rose NV 750ML ($24.95) $18 special
Vinopolnote: Maybe we should have classified this as Champagne. It is a collaboration between Chablisienne Piuze and the Champagnois Moutard et Fils. Essentially still wine from the Piuze vineyard in Tonnerre escorted through the Methode Champagnois by Moutard. Great value here.
These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!
Italy – Piedmont
Alessandro & Gian Natale Fantino Vigna dei Dardi Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2014 750ML ($21.95) $16 special
Case-12 Alessandro & Gian Natale Fantino Vigna dei Dardi Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2014 750ML ($249.95) $175 special (that’s only $14.58/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 91 points “Fantino’s 2014 Barbera d’Alba emerges from 70 year-old vines in the heart of Dardi. Sweet red cherry, plum and smoke are some of the signatures. The 2014 was vinified and aged in steel, so it needs time in the glass to blow off some of its slight elements of reduction, but it is a pretty special wine. This is one of the more compelling, alluring 2014 Barberas I have tasted so far.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $18.98
Elio Grasso Runcot, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2006 750ML ($159.95) $119 special
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “The 2006 Barolo Riserva Runcot is a huge, structured wine bursting at the seams with fruit. The French oak (100% new) is beautifully integrated. Today the wine is understandably quite reticent but its pedigree is hard to miss. Flowers, licorice and minerals linger on the finish. The 2006 Runcot needs time, most likely lots of it. Let me just say I can’t wait to taste this powerhouse once it has had more time in bottle. It is a dazzling effort.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Elio Grasso Runcot, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2008 750ML ($169.95) $119 special
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2008 Barolo Riserva Rüncot is an exceptional wine that is only made in the best years. It was produced in 2008, 2010 and 2013. The wine undergoes a 40-day maceration time with four years in oak and one more year of bottle aging. The results are sublime and generous. Riserva Rüncot opens to a beautifully tempered and expressive bouquet that exhibits elements of wild berry, forest floor, candied fruit, licorice, cola and dried ginger. The balsamic signature is particularly beautiful and elegant. Smooth and silky tannins denote the mouthfeel and carry the wine forward over the palate. This is one of the top releases from Piedmont this year.”
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2008 Barolo Riserva Runcot is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Smoke, tar, licorice, menthol, plums and spices form a tapestry of undeniable class. The sweet, perfumed fruit typical of the 2008s here is evident in the glass. A rich, sumptuous wine, the 2008 Runcot is fabulous. The 2008 spent 45 months in new French oak, all of which it has handled with superb grace. Even though the Runcot is one of the few Barolos that handles new French oak this well, once again I wonder what it might taste like if aged like the rest of the Grasso Barolos. Dark red/black fruit, spices, new leather and smoke add the last nuances of complexity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $140
Spain – Bierzo
Descendientes de J. Palacios ‘Petalos’, Bierzo 2014 750ML ($24.95) $18 special
Case-12 Descendientes de J. Palacios ‘Petalos’, Bierzo 02014 750ML ($269.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2014 Pétalos del Bierzo was already up for tasting as they sell the wine quite quickly even if the volumes are not small, but the wine had only been in bottle for one week and it might have been a little closed, especially when compared with the aromatic 2013. However, the aromas, if subtle, are phenomenal, very complete and balanced, with an extra degree of complexity when compared with the 2013. The harvest was a little healthier without being easy (or dry). There is great volume in the palate, fleshy, juicy and rich without being heavy, medium-bodied, somehow similar to the 2012 even if it still needs to develop further complexity. There’s always a subdued minerality, a texture and mouthfeel difficult to find in wines of this price level. This is approachable now, but it will be better in one year and should develop nicely in bottle. Drink: 2016-2022.”
James Suckling 92 points “A pure mencía with wild strawberries, black pepper and underbrush. Balanced and pretty red showing subtle berry character throughout. Silky tannins. The entry-level red of the famous Bierzo estate. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Spain – Toro
Bodegas Ordonez Vatan Tinta de Toro, Toro 2013 750ML ($39.95) $29 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “I also tasted the just-bottled 2013 Vatan, from a completely different vintage that despite the cooler growing season, achieved 2% more alcohol than the 2012 (this is 16% and remained with 3.5 grams unfermented sugar). The wine is ripe and hedonistic, juicier and fresher than the 2012, and despite having more alcohol it feels much more balanced. It is still a baby with plenty of puppy fat to be rendered by the time in bottle. There are some lactic aromas, ripe black berry fruit and integrated oak scents; it has plenty of spices and some underbrush hints. The palate is full-bodied with glossy tannins; it is juicy, chewy and nicely balanced within its XXL size. The velvety tannins make it approachable now, but it should develop more complexity in bottle, and for sure it should have a long life ahead. It is a nice representation of a powerful Toro style, and at this quality level, the price is quite good.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $35
Spain – Sherry
Bodegas Perez Barquero ‘Gran Barquero’ Fino, Montilla-Moriles NV 375ML ($17.95) $11.90 special
Bodegas Perez Barquero ‘Gran Barquero’ Fino, Montilla-Moriles NV 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “The NV Fino Gran Barquero is aged 8-10 years under flor, pushing the limits of biological aging, which gives it a different profile: It is a big step up in quality, but it would probably be better with less filtration. It has a fresh, flowery nose hinting at some citric and even tropical fruits intermixed with the dry hay, straw, yeasty and chalky notes. It has the profile of a serious, first-class Fino that shows in a clean, pungent, balanced palate, with incisive flavors, supple and long. A good-value, great Fino that could develop some more complexity in bottle. Drink 2013-2016.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the 375ML!
Bodegas Perez Barquero La Canada Pedro Ximenez, Montilla-Moriles NV 750ML ($59.95) $39 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The NV La Canada PX is sourced from a vineyard in the Moriles Mountains called Cerro de La Canada, ‘the canyon hill’ and undergoes oxidative aging in solera and is bottled at an average of 25 years old. It boasts the characteristics of a very old PX, incense, licorice, roasted coffee and the sweetness is nicely compensated by a bitter chocolate touch. What is surprising in such an old wine is the overall sensation of freshness and elegance of fruit, with balsamic flavors of dried herbs, flowers and camphor. A truly elegant sticky. Drink 2013-2025.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $47.79
Australia
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet – Shiraz, South Australia 2014 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
James Suckling 96 points “This has some real poise and depth in the glass; it’s inky dark and deeply colored. The fruits are in the boysenberry, blackberry, plum and blueberry spectrum, and there’s plenty of black tea as well as hints of bergamot. It’s wine with a wealth of oak-derived spices and a coal, smoky, savory edge. The palate’s plush and ripe, opening out over fleshy dark-fruit flavors in a soft and charming mode. It then charges up with plenty of rich, ripe tannin and remains long and saturated through the finish. Balanced and rich, it’s really satisfying, holding succulent and on point. Best from 2020 and for more than a decade after that. This is a great 389. A 53%/47% split in 2014: sourced from Barossa Valley, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $47.95
The average price is $60
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Staff Pick
Andy:
I am often accused of having old world bias when it comes to my wines, and it’s true – to a point. Every once in a while I want a wine that takes me back to the early days of hauling bins of grapes all day just for free pizza and a bottle to take home. We recently received the 2014 Gramercy ‘Lower East’ Cabernet and I had to grab a bottle to take home. The wines from Greg Harrington and crew are always among my favorites from Washington, simply because of the time machine effect: suddenly it is 1995 again, and the wines aren’t overripe and over-oaked. There is tart cherry, some chewy spice and tannin, and a little handful of SE Washington dirt. These definitely aren’t old world, but the Gramercy wines are a better reflection of what Washington wine can be. For a moment, I can go back to being a nineteen year old with a contraband bottle of wine for a hard day’s work.
Gramercy Cellars ‘Lower East’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2014 750ML ($37.95) $27 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 91 points “Coming from the Columbia Valley, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Lower East from Gramercy is a polished, classy Cabernet Sauvignon that has lots of spice box, black currants and dried herbs in a supple, rounded, delicious and textured style. It’s ideal for drinking over the coming 5-7 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $33
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Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino 2012
The Caparzo estate was founded at the beginning of the Brunello DOCG in the late Sixties. A group of friends with a love for Tuscany bought the old estate with the ultimate goal of restoring the vines and the buildings with a view of keeping things as traditional as possible. But, it seems as though there is a tradition in Italian winemaking to look down on the newcomers and to be suspect of modern influence. Estates with hundreds of years in the area weren’t impressed with the new barrels and introduction of mechanized pigeage, pumpovers, or, heaven help us, cleaning supplies. Undeterred, the team built Caparzo one vintage at a time, developing a strong following through the years and receiving solid praise for the wines they made. In 1998 the friends sold their winery to Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini, a woman looking to expand her company’s direction into more traditional Italian pursuits. Caparzo was pushed to the front of the class and their wines were suddenly found on the best restaurant lists around the world.
The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino, the workhorse for the winery, is an excellent example of the marriage of tradition and technology. The wine is indeed very clean, both in aroma and on the palate. The nose reminds me of spiced Italian plum jam, flowers, and a little dose of iron or graphite. The color is vibrant and not as dark as I expected, and it seems to shimmer brightly in the glass. It is surprisingly light on the palate – a wine that has intensity in flavor, but isn’t heavy or overly coating. Good tannins for structure, and I could imagine this being a great foil for a Bistecca Fiorentina. Very approachable now, but could certainly age well over the next 5 to 10 years. For those that enjoy Brunello on a regular basis this is a great and affordable addition to the cellar to enjoy at any time.
Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($229.95) $179 special, 8 six-packs in stock now (that’s only $29.83/bottle and the lowest listed price on the West Coast!)
Wine Spectator 92 points “This is round and laced with cherry, currant, tobacco and iron flavors. Firms up quickly, with a fine matrix of tannins for support. Balanced overall, with a long finish of tobacco and iron. Best from 2020 through 2033.”
Wine Advocate 91+ points “Caparzo’s 2012 Brunello di Montalcino is a mid-weight expression with bright berry aromas and a traditional approach stylistically speaking. This Brunello aged in large oak casks made from Slavonian and French oak. In fact, it shows a streamlined and compact texture with buoyant aromatic intensity. The focus is on raspberry, cherry and plum with distinct shadings of spice, licorice, tar and blue flower at the back. The overall effect is inviting and genuine. The mouthfeel is thin, but the wine offers nice freshness instead.”
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#Trending
Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay 2014 750ML ($39.95) $36 special
Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay 2014 375ML ($24.95) $19.50 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2014 Chardonnay Richard’s Cuvee knocks it out of the park with a nose of ripe apricots, pink grapefruit and guava underscored by fresh ginger, baking bread, beeswax and yeast extract hints with a waft of jasmine. Medium-bodied, the palate is very elegant and refined, with incredible freshness and depth wrapped in a lovely satiny texture, finishing with long lasting mineral and spices layers. Wow!”-LPB
These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!
Agathe Bursin Sylvaner Eminence Zinnkoepfle, Alsace Grand Cru 2016 750ML ($39.95) $30.90 special
VinopolNote: Agathe Bursin is known in Alsace as one of the top producers of Sylvaner. This is one of her top wines and provides a compelling reason to pay attention to the grape. Aromatically really interesting with a bright, mineral palate and great texture. This is a wine worth paying attention to.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable, Rhone 2013 750ML ($49.95) $33 special
Case-12 Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable, Rhone 2013 750ML ($539.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Dark ruby. Candied red berries, cherry compote and potpourri on the highly pungent nose; a mineral element adds vivacity. Energetic black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors show excellent clarity and a hint of licorice pastille that builds as the wine opens up. The energetic finish repeats the floral and mineral notes, while supple tannins lend shape and grip.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39
The average price is $45
Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($37.95) $26 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “A deep, powerful wine, the 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva has quite a bit of depth for a cool, late-ripening vintage. Sage, tobacco, menthol, smoke and dark cherry hit the palate in a deep, beautifully layered Chianti Classico endowed with real personality and class. This is another terrific wine from Fèlsina. Hints of leather, smoke and licorice reappear on the deeply expressive, virile finish.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $28
Michelini Bros Superuco Calcareo ‘Rio de los Chacayes’ Malbec, Tunuyan, Argentina 2013 750ML ($49.95) $29 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2013 Calcáreo Río de los Chacayes is sourced from the Chacayes zone of Tunuyán on top of Vista Flores towards the mountains. It has a riper, spicier, floral, and aromatic profile with notes of thyme and rosemary. It is the most extroverted of the three, and also feels quite polished. The palate, however, is more serious, with the austerity of the rocks, a very fine thread of subtle acidity and a long, long, long finish with sweeter tannins. It’s a rolling stone covered in chalk and surrounded by thyme. Awesome! 3,000 bottles were produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $34.98
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Sparkling Terroir:
Ulysse Collin
Arriving Friday
Olivier Collin spent his life working to free his family vines from a strict lease – even studying law with the intent to reclaim the vineyards. When he accomplished this goal in 2003, he quickly became a rising, if divisive, star in Champagne. His wines are profoundly introspective and challenge preconceived notions about what Champagne should be. At the forefront of the new wave of ultra-terroir-driven Champagnes, Olivier produces deeply vinous, mineral and near-tannic wines. True to their terroir, these are reflections of the individual parcels and a tribute to a decades-long struggle to reclaim the land.
Arriving Friday from Ulysse Collin:
Ulysse Collin ‘Les Pierrieres’ Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2013) 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Ulysse Collin ‘Les Maillons’ Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2013) 750ML ($109.95) $89 pre-arrival special
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Hot Ticket!
We’ve loved Felsina’s Chiantis year-in, year-out and decided we needed to branch out a bit… You know… By snagging their normale! Get a jump start on the ’15 vintage from your favorite Chianti producer.
Arriving Friday
Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Dense yet rich, this red offers black cherry, earth and graphite aromas and flavors. Needs a year or two to find balance, yet the lingering, tobacco-inflected finish and refined tannins indicate the potential here. Best from 2019 through 2028.”
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Arriving Late October
Failla
Failla winery offers an Old World – Cool Climate take on Cali terroir. Sourcing fruit from high elevation and fog-cooled sites, Ehren Jordan and Anne-Marie Failla produce what Robert Parker describes as “all elegant, cool climate, finesse-styled wines.” The new releases arrive at the end of the month and will, like always, be highly limited!
One of the oldest continuously producing Chardonnay vineyards in California from high up in the Moon Mountain AVA:
Failla Chuy Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Valley 2015 750ML ($69.95) $57 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Once again, the Chardonnay Chuy is one of the most intriguing and unique wines in the Failla range. This rugged, mountain site yields wines of real distinction. All of that comes through in a Chardonnay that is powerful and understated at the same time. A host of bright, acid-driven tones give the flavors fabulous vibrancy. There is so much to admire here. Fifty year old vines planted on St. George rootstock and red, volcanic soils are some of the features visitors will notice in this Moon Mountain vineyard.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $62.83
The perennial favorite of the winery, this release marks the 15th vintage of Chardonnay from this foggy site:
Failla Keefer Ranch Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2015 750ML ($49.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Failla’s 2015 Chardonnay Keefer Ranch shows plenty of Russian River exuberance. Ripe, tropically-leaning fruit, almond, passion fruit, lemon confit, orange peel, butter and wild flowers give the wine its rich, unctuous personality. There is lovely creaminess and depth to the Keefer that is impossible to miss.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $43
The crown jewel of the line-up from Robert and Marcy Keefer’s 13 acre vineyard:
Failla Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “One of the highlights in this range, Failla’s 2015 Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch is very pretty. Gracious, floral and lifted, the 2015 shows the more refined personality of this Russian River site. The decision to pick on the early side resulted in an especially tense, nervous style for both the appellation and vintage, with plenty of bright, saline notes that punctuate the fruit.”
What? A Willamette Valley wine? The famous Seven Springs vineyard yields its unique terroir stamp to Ehren Jodan’s Failla wines – the vineyard is dry-farmed and practicing biodynamic farming:
Failla Pinot Noir Seven Springs Eola Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Plump, ripe and richly structured, with expressive blackberry and blueberry flavors accented by smoky anise and dark tea notes. The tannins are big but refined. Drink now through 2024.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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Limited Time Offer!
Subscriber-Special Pre-Arrival Pricing
$55 Now
$59 On Arrival
Don’t Hesitate!
Arriving October 13th
Charles Heidsieck Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ML ($89.95) $55 pre-arrival special
Decanter 96 points “33% Pinot Noir, 33% Pinot Meunier, 34% Chardonnay Tasting notes: The nose on this awesome wine has a perfect balance of fruit and autolytic toasty notes. The palate also has a stunning elegance, beautiful richness and depth, perfect acidity and fruit notes, and a fabulous length that keeps lingering in the mouth.”
James Suckling 93 points “Attractive pale red color. The nose has pure and fresh red berry fruit aromas with a little pastry-like complexity; really vibrant. The palate’s a little richer than the nose suggests, but still crisp and packed with light red berry fruit flavors. Strawberry really singles itself out on the finish. Balanced, supple and smooth. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A rich and toasty style that’s framed by vivid acidity, this shows lovely integration and an expressive palate of coffee liqueur, baked peach and roasted hazelnut, with hints of orange marmalade and star anise. Long and creamy, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2023. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $72
Arriving Wednesday
Champagne Thienot ‘Grande Cuvee Alain Thienot’ Millesime, Champagne 1999 750ML ($99.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Lightly creamy and finely textured, this well-meshed version displays delicate layers of creamed apple, marzipan, pineapple pâte de fruit, fleur de sel and smoky roasted almond, while mouthwatering acidity lends freshness and balance. Drink now through 2023.”
From Premier and Grand Cru vineyards
Champagne Thienot Brut Millesime, Champagne 2004 750ML ($69.95) $44 pre-arrival special
Winery notes: “Only in the very best years, Thienot releases a Brut Vintage Champagne, which is a subtle harmony of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The wine reveals white fruit and floral aromas on the nose, developing into sweet pastry notes. The wine is extraordinarily balanced on the palate under-pinned by candied fruit notes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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A Good QPR Barolo?
Yes, It Does Exist
Arriving October 26th
A cask selection from the seven crus of the winery: Rocche Moriondino, Vignolo, Pernanno, Albarella, Terlo, Vignane and San Bernardo vineyards:
Paolo Scavino Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The Paolo Scavino 2013 Barolo sports the depth and elegance that famously characterizes the house style. Fruit is sourced from various points across the appellation and the specific blend changes according to the needs of the vintage. Among the various Barolo wines made by this estate, this wine is the most accessible and approachable for sure. The bouquet offers compelling aromas of black fruit and dried blackberry and there’s plenty of spice, licorice and tar at the back. The wine shows its complexity as well as its varietal purity. You’ll notice the handwritten signature of patron Enrico Scavino on the front label.”
Paolo Scavino Monvigliero, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2013 Barolo Monvigliero really jumps out, thanks to its larger-than-life flavor profile and its impressive intensity. The wine shows ripe fruit aromas of dark cherry and plum, but it balances those aromas very nicely against spice, dark tobacco and crushed mineral. The effect is elegant and polished, and the tannins add ample support at the back. This wine promises a slow evolution over time. Paolo Scavino raises the banner high for the Monvigliero cru.”
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Arriving Early November
Paul Hobbs
The Cab Sauv Guru
“Paul Hobbs has emerged as one of the great success stories in Northern California… 2014 is delicious and another top-notch success” –Robert Parker
Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena 2014 750ML ($349.95) $269 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “One of the highlights in this range, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is superb. Beams of tannin give the 2014 its rich, explosive personality. Crème de cassis, graphite, gravel, smoke, licorice and blueberry jam hit the palate. Exuberant and yet also structured, the 2014 is shaping up to be a real gem. The Piedras is the most brooding and tannic of the Hobbs Cabernets. It also is highly representative of site.”
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is earthy and spicy, with notes of chocolate, loamy soil scents and underbrush. It has terrific density, an opaque purple color, and wonderful fruit. It should drink well for 15 or more years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $287.73
The average price is $299
Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 2014 750ML ($519.95) $449 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 96-100 points “The first-growth 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard flirts again with a potential perfect score when it is finally in bottle. Opaque purple in color, with notes of charcoal, graphite, incense, blueberry and blackberry fruit, and a touch of new oak followed by a full-bodied, massively concentrated mouthfeel. This is an amazing wine for a 2014, and the good news is that there are 800 cases of it, compared to only 638 in 2013. It should drink well for 20 or more years.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
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Thank you for reading!