In Today’s Newsletter:
New Wines for the March Clearance Sale
Calabretta: Throwback Wines from Etna
Orin Swift Returns to Vinopolis
Appellations of the Northern Rhone : Hermitage
Cayuse
Jean-Marc Pillot
Wine Advocate Reviews for ’16 Nahe Wines
New Wines for the March Clearance Sale
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The NV Brut Nature Silver is naturally a very focused, driven wine given the no-dosage style. This shows wonderful nuance and depth all the way through to the long finish, with bright aromas and flavors but less of the toastiness than some of the house’s other wines. The mousse and finish are both utterly impeccable in their elegance.” AG
Wine Advocate 95 points “One of the wines of the vintage is the 2013 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Domaine de l’Edre. While this cuvee had a rustic edge in the past, today it’s incredibly polished and pure, with brilliant aromatics of cassis, black raspberries, licorice, crushed flowers and chalky minerality. Medium to full-bodied, ripe, yet elegant and balanced, it’s a classic Roussillon that can be enjoyed today or cellared for a decade.”
Now it’s even lower!
Robert Parker 95+ points “This is one of the tightest, most backward wines in the Jonathan Malthus portfolio. The grapes come from an old-vine parcel near Angelus and Beausejour-Duffau, and the final product is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc. Again displaying plenty of minerality, which seems to be a prevailing theme throughout the 2010s from Malthus, the 2010 Vieux Chateau Mazerat is full-bodied, with an abundance of floral notes as well as black currant and blackberry fruit. Impressively endowed and built like a skyscraper, this full-bodied wine needs a good 7-8 years of cellaring and should keep for 25-30 years. Interestingly, the vines were planted in 1947.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Want more? Here’s a few staff favorites:
Antonio Galloni “Brovia’s 2012 Barolo is classy, polished and absolutely delicious. With a little bit of air, the 2012 can be enjoyed now, but it also has enough freshness and balance to drink well for at least a handful of years. I have seen Brovia’s straight Barolo age well, so I won’t be surprised if that turns out to be the case here as well. Floral and red stone fruit notes give the 2012 much of its freshness and mid-weight feel. This is an especially lifted, gracious Barolo for the vintage.”
The next best price is $45.98
Wine Spectator 93 points “Bright and pure, with delightful pear, green almond and green plum notes laced with a fennel streak, ending with finely beaded acidity and a mineral echo through the finish. Very refined. Drink now through 2027.”
The average price nationally is $40
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91-93 points “Dark ruby. Aromas and flavors of ripe red and blue fruits pick up floral and peppery spice nuances as the wine opens up. Smooth and expansive on the palate, showing very good depth as well as energy and spicy back-end lift. The gently gripping, very persistent finish leaves behind hints of candied flowers and licorice.”
Etna has become the newest hottest region in Sicily, and for good reason. Jancis Robinson even called it “the Burgundy of the Mediterranean,” which is an apt description of most of the new wines coming off of the high altitude slopes of Sicily’s volcano. There is another traditional style of wine made on Etna as well, though, one that tends to have a foot in Barolo rather than in Burgundy, and its best practitioner is Calabretta.
The winery was founded in 1900 and for the majority of the time since then only sold wine in barrel or in demijohns to private customers (who would bottle the wine themselves) or to local restaurants. Since the beginning, the farming has been organic, without chemical pesticides or herbicides—dated for a majority of the life of the winery and suddenly in vogue now. In 1997, the third and fourth generation of the family decided that the future lay in bottling estate wines and releasing them under a family label.
The one thing that didn’t change when Calabretta started bottling was a commitment to old-school vinification and aging. Macerations of up to 60 days are common as is long aging in botti (often up to 6 years for the high end wine). The wines are powerful and structured but, unlike wines from lower altitudes, maintain a freshness and vibrancy to them.
In Stock Now:
Calabretta Cala Cala Bianco, Sicily 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Importer note “Since the winery’s founding in 1900, the Calabretta family has farmed and produced wines from Etna’s ancient indigenous varieties—including Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio—in the mountain’s unique noble vineyards. Historically, the family had sold its wine in sfuso or in barrel to restaurants and to private customers, many of whom travelled long distances to pick up their wine. But in 1997, third and fourth-generation father and son Massimo and Massimiliano Calabretta decided to bottle their best wine under their own label to ensure the winemaking traditions of their family and Etna would not be lost.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points “Deep red-ruby. Underbrush, tar and licorice dominate the red fruit aromas and flavors. A hint of shoepolish emerges on the long tactile and slightly warm finish. This big wine has plenty of personality but I would have liked a little more grace. (15% alcohol)”
Ian D’agata-Vinous 91+ points “Bright dark red. Camphor and herbs complicate red cherry and berries on the nose. Dense and youthfully chewy with brooding flavors of red fruit and spicy herbs. Finishes long and savory with a tactile mouthfeel. This is deeper than the regular (not made from ungrafted vines) Rosso, but is also currently less well delineated. (12.5% alcohol)”
Orin Swift Returns to Vinopolis
You keep asking for them, so here they are—the irreplaceable wines of Orin Swift. As always, quantities are limited, so if you’ve been searching, act quickly!
Arriving Friday:
Orin Swift Machete, California 2015 750ML ($49.95) $44 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Dark and brooding, and while lacking some of the polish of previous vintages, this packs in plenty of power and richness, plus notes of blackberry, spice box and smoky tobacco. Finishes with big but refined tannins. Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache. Drink now through 2027. 22,000 cases made.”
Orin Swift Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2015 750ML ($134.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Orin Swift Papillon Red, Napa Valley 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Appellations of the Northern Rhone
Hermitage
The hill of Hermitage is both one of the most famous wine landmarks in the world and also so much more interesting than common lore purports it to be. The story goes that the hill of Hermitage was the home of a knight seeking solace from the horrors of the Crusades upon his return home. He planted the vineyards that would become Hermitage and then built a chapel to pray in and that building, the Chapel of Saint Christopher, is the defining marker of the hillside. The name, Hermitage, takes the name of the hermit’s refuge.
In reality, the hill of Hermitage has probably been planted since the time of the Romans (if not before) and is composed of three hillsides, which range from very granitic soils to more of a sandy clay. There is a lot of soil variation over the 137 hectares of vines and that variation means that the different lieu-dits all have their own personality. Most of the top producers own land across the slope, but several offer bottlings from individual parcels.
Both white and red wines are produced from the AOC, both rich and powerful. The best combine a sense of finesse and delicacy with this power and are extremely long-lived, developing complexity and texture with time. These are some of the finest wines in France and we’re extremely proud to offer them.
White Wines In Stock Now from Hermitage:
M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Meal Blanc, Rhone 2011 750ML ($219.95) $159 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 99 points “Surprisingly, I preferred the 2011 Ermitage le Meal Blanc over the 2012 on this occasion and it showed a more flamboyant, sexy style in its caramelized pineapple, tropical, honeyed and floral personality. Big, rich and decadent, with fabulous fruit intensity and length, this rock star flirts with perfection and will keep for another 3-4 decades.”
M. Chapoutier Ermitage de l’Oree Blanc, Rhone 2010 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Robert Parker 100 points “There are 716 cases of the 2010 Ermitage de l’Oree. I have been following this cuvee since its debut vintage and this 100% Marsanne possesses more richness than most Burgundy Montrachets. Although aged in 100% new, 500-liter demi-muids, the wine reveals no evidence of oak. Honeysuckle, caramelized citrus, white peach, quince and white currant characteristics are viscous and full-bodied, yet the wine possesses striking precision and laser-like focus. This monumental effort is the most opulent and richest of all Chapoutier’s dry whites in 2010.”RP
The next best price is $299.95
Wine Advocate 95 points “The finest vintage for this cuvée I’ve ever tasted, the sensational 2015 Hermitage Chante Alouette boasts awesome notes of white peach, orange marmalade and white flowers in a rich, full-bodied, concentrated style. Coming from three different terroirs on Hermitage Hill (Méal, Les Murets and Chante Alouette), don’t miss it!”
The next best price is $89.99
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2016 Hermitage Domaine Des Tourettes Blanc is a total blockbuster and almost matches what was achieved in 2015! Coming from the bottom part of the Les Bessards lieu-dit and from the Les Grandes Vignes lieu-dit at the highest point on the hill, it’s 100% Marsanne brought up all in 30% new barrel. Killer notes of apple blossom, buttered citrus, and orange blossom all soar from the glass of this rich, powerful Hermitage Blanc that has a red wine-like structure, a huge mid-palate, and a great finish. It shows the fresher style preferred by this estate, has terrific purity, and will keep for 2+ decades.”Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc, Rhone 2012 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “A stunner from the start, with distinct depth to the creamed mango, white peach and heather flavors, this maintains superior precision and definition as the singed almond, chamomile, salted butter and ginger notes fill in. Glazed pear, elderflower honey and beeswax details chime in on the extremely long finish. Enjoyable now, but needs serious cellaring to show its full potential. Best from 2016 through 2037. 500 cases made.” JM
Wine Advocate 96 points “Much more open, fleshy and sexy, the 2012 Hermitage Blanc was just bottled a month prior to this tasting. Coming from l’Ermite, Les Rocoules, Maison Blanche and Peleat lieux-dits, it’s always a rough blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne that’s aged in barrel. Loaded with notions of honeysuckle, orange marmalade, powered rock, buttered citrus and green almond, it’s full-bodied, rich, upfront and fruit loaded. While I think it will be a relatively accessible early in its life, it has the concentration to hold for two decades.” WA
The average price is $261
Wine Advocate 94 points “Reminding me of the 2005 (albeit with less concentration) with its classic, straight and focused personality, the 2001 Ermitage le Meal offers lots of gamy meats, olive, bacon fat and dark fruits to go with a medium to full-bodied, seamless, silky and elegant style on the palate. Shining for its purity, elegance and freshness – all of which make it hard to resist today – it’s a great choice for readers looking for a classic, mature Hermitage that’s drinking at point. It should hold for another 10-15 years.”
Case-6 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Pavillon, Rhone 2013 750ML ($1499.95) $1199 special (that’s only $199.83/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 98+ points “The star of the show in 2013 is the 2013 Ermitage le Pavillon. Coming from the west and eastern edges of the Bessards lieu-dit and aged in 30% new French oak, its sensational black/blue color is followed by the awesome bouquet of cassis, smoked earth, graphite and caramelized meats that could come from no other terroir in the world. Full-bodied, massive, dense, sexy and with a liquid rock-like character that comes out with time in the glass, it has sweet tannin and a blockbuster finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It needs 5-6 years of cellaring and will have 30-40 years of more of ultimate longevity.”M. Chapoutier Ermitage Les Greffieux Rouge, Rhone 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Offers a solid, dark profile, with baker’s chocolate, loam and warm gravel notes providing the bass line, while a core of plum and blackberry compote waits in reserve. Solidly rendered, showing ample grip, this just needs a little time to unfurl in the cellar. Best from 2019 through 2030.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “One of the broader, more expansive and mouth-filling Hermitage in the vintage, the 2013 Ermitage les Greffieux comes from a site located lower down on the slope, just underneath the Méal and right up next to the town of Tain l’Hermitage. Its inky purple color is accompanied by terrific notes of blackberries, black raspberries, toasted spice, charcoal and roasted meats. Full-bodied, mouth-filling and with rock solid density and depth, its sweet tannin and overall elegant profile — all suggesting it will drink nicely for upwards of two decades.”
Delas Freres Hermitage Les Bessards, Rhone 2004 750ML ($199.95) Was $149, Now $119 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “Ruby-red. Very pungent, deep aromas of tobacco- and underbrush-laced red and blackcurrant. Powerful and rich, showing impressive sweetness to its potent cassis and blackberry flavors. Really stains the palate, finishing with exceptional purity and mineral tones. Whatever tannins are here (and you know there are plenty) are completely absorbed by the sheer fruit mass.”
The next best price is $139
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 95 points “(aged in 70% new oak for 18 months): Inky ruby. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of ripe dark berries, cherry liqueur, peppery spices and fresh flowers, backed by a hint of olive. Supple and appealingly sweet, offering intense, deeply concentrated blackberry and violet pastille flavors and a suggestion of star anise. Finishes pure, sweet and energetic on the penetrating finish, showing outstanding focus and slow-building tannins.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Closed, tight and backwards, the 2013 Hermitage les Bessards is a big, full-bodied, burly wine that offers first rate purity in its black raspberry, ozone, liquid rock, and creosote-like bouquet. It has plenty of material and density, but will need 7-8 years of bottle age to become approachable. As normal, it comes all from the “Bas de Coteau” portion of the Bessards lieu-dit, was completely destemmed and saw 18 months in 30% new French oak.”
The next best price is $199.97
Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes-Marquise de la Tourette, Rhone 2013 750ML ($119.95) Was $69, Now $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock nowCase-6 Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes-Marquise de la Tourette, Rhone 2013 750ML ($549.95) Was $319, Now $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Jancis Robinson 18/20 points “Very dark purple indeed. Altogether broader and less focused than the Côte Rôties on the nose. Peppery and subtle. Very glossy, layered, complex and magnificent. I would reproach this only very slightly on the finish but it’s a pretty magnificent wine”
Wine Advocate 94 points “One of the gems in the vintage is the 2013 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes, which comes from both the Bessards and Grandes Vignes lieux-dits on Hermitage Hill. Completely destemmed, then vinified in stainless steel and concrete tanks, the wine is aged 18 months in 30% new French oak; it offers terrific notes of dark fruits, graphite and ample minerality in a full-bodied, layered, ripe profile. It’s more approachable than the Les Bessards, yet will still have three decades of longevity.”
The next best price is $59.98
The average price is $86
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “Lastly, and a legendary wine in the making, the 2015 Hermitage La Chapelle is reminiscent of the 1990 with its full-bodied, opulently, sexy, yet concentrated style. Offering sensational notes of blackcurrants, smoked herbs, beef blood, and chocolate, it’s a huge yet elegant wine that has masses of sweet tannin, incredible purity and finesse, and a killer finish. It’s the finest wine from this estate in close to 30 years. Hats off to Caroline Fray and Jacques Desvernois!”
Wine Advocate 97-100 points “A wine that might surpass the 2009 and 2010 is the 2015 Hermitage La Chapelle, which has more than a passing resemblance to the 1990. This inky black/blue-colored Hermitage offers an off-the-charts array of blackberries, blueberries, crushed rocks, wood smoke and charred meats. Thick, unctuous, full-bodied and incredibly layered, with sweet tannin, it’s a tour de force that’s going to have three to four decades of longevity.”
The average price is $284
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Opaque ruby. Heady aromas of black and blue fruits, Indian spices and candied flowers. Stains the palate with intense cassis and blueberry flavors, picking suave floral and spice nuances with air. Shows excellent clarity and energy on the finish, which features smoothly integrated tannins and a seductive floral quality.”
The average price nationally is $101
Jeb Dunnuck – Wine Advocate 95 points “A big, beautiful, concentrated effort that delivers on all accounts is the 2003 Hermitage Cuvee Emilie. Brought up all in new barrels, it has profound notes of blackcurrants, asphalt, bouquet garni and chocolate all soaring from the glass. These carry over to the palate and this blockbuster-styled beauty has a stacked mid-palate, as well as sweet, integrated tannin and full-bodied richness. Drink it anytime over the coming 20+ years. [Reviewed Dec 2016]”
Robert Parker 93+ points “The 2005 Hermitage Cuvee Emilie has also turned out better than I thought from cask. A wonderfully intense bouquet of licorice, graphite, blackberry liqueur, and stone is followed by a full-bodied wine with superb concentration, and chewy, deep flavors of espresso roast, smoke, licorice, and creme de cassis. With plenty of tannin, this wine looks set to enjoy 20 or more years of aging potential.”
The next best price is $92.99
Jeb Dunnuck – Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2006 Hermitage Cuvee Emilie is more classic in style than the flamboyant 2009 and offers lots of darker fruits, game, olive and underbrush characteristics. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated and still youthful, with notable tannin and acidity, it opens up nicely with time in the glass and has another two decades of life. [Reviewed Dec 2016]”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2015 Hermitage comes from the Les Doignières and Les Beaumes lieux-dits which are more clay and limestone soils. It’s another sensational Hermitage from this magical hillside that I wish every reader could taste. Cassis, damp earth, liquid violets and a liqueur of rocks-like profile emerge from this full-bodied, concentrated and powerful Hermitage, which has no shortage of extract or tannin. It’s for consumers with cold cellars and plenty of patience as it’s going to require at least 4-5 years of cellaring.”
Cayuse: Never Plentiful
But We’ve Got Plenty More
Than Plenty of Other Shops!
In Stock Now from Cayuse:
Jean-Marc Pillot
The Best Value Great White Burgundy
Arriving March 16th
We get it. On an absolute scale White Burgundy is expensive—and great wines especially so. The wines of Jean-Marc Pillot stand out in the field for being both excellent examples of Chassagne-Montrachet and also for being quite reasonably priced for the quality of wines coming out of the cellar. These are better than a lot of wines that are 20-30% more expensive—the only catch is that we can only get a case or so of each of his wines.
Jean-Marc Pillot is one of our favorite producers of both red and white Chassagne-Montrachet and we look forward to our allocation of his wines every year. The wines are very classically made, with intense minerality framed by gentle fruit. Oak use is tasteful and the wines always show the personalities of their terroirs in spades. The wines are fantastic wines to lay down and whenever we try older examples we’re incredibly impressed.
If you’d like to secure some of these wines before they arrive (which we recommend if you have specific bottlings you’re after) just give us a call at 503-223-6002 or click here to see the wines on our website.
Arriving Friday, March 16th:
Domaine Jean-Marc Pillot Les Baudines, Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 91+ points “Bright yellow. Tight aromas of crushed rock and flowers are complicated by sexy red fruit suggestions of strawberry and redcurrant. At once thick and dry–in fact almost bitter-edged–displaying excellent density and richness but coming across as a bit youthfully compressed. Finishes quite firm-edged, with a metallic flinty quality. Pillot loves this wine but I found myself wanting a bit more fruit.”
Burghound 88-91 points “A discreet application of wood frames a more elegant nose that mingles notes of white flowers, lemon zest, apple and a touch of spice. The succulent and obviously mineral-inflected flavors possess good energy but notably less complexity and persistence on the slightly warm and citrusy finish. This forward effort should drink well early but I didn’t find it to be at its usual level.”
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Subtle aromas of orange zest and lemon lifted by calcaire minerality. Distinctly silky and feminine in texture, displaying lovely finesse and energy for the year in spine of what Pillot describes as relatively low acidity (about 4 grams per liter). Finishes very long and thick, with a repeating chalky quality.”
Burghound 91-93 points “Sweet spot outstanding. A beautifully if subtly layered nose flashes really lovely complexity with its pure array of spiced pear, lavender, spice and citrus wisps. The equally pure and refined middle weight flavors possess an almost pungent minerality while offering fine depth and sneaky good length.”Domaine Jean-Marc Pillot Les Chenevottes, Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 91-93 points “Bright pale yellow. Lovely perfumed lift to the delineated aromas of citrus fruits and white flowers. Penetrating, energetic wine with a strong impression of salinity and dusty extract. The crop level here was 45 hectoliters per hectare but this wine, from a 1949 planting, is wonderfully plush and silky without any weightiness, conveying a tactile impression of concentration. Finishes lemon-limey and long.”
Burghound 90-93 points “From vines planted in 1949 in Chenevottes proper. Outstanding. Here the nose is similar to that of the Vergers but with more prominent floral nuances. There is both more size and weight but also a slightly sleeker mouth feel to the medium-bodied flavors that culminate in a powerful but refined finish. Good stuff.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 93-95 points “(one of three barrels was new): Bright yellow. Pepper and salt on the restrained nose. Boasts outstanding depth and energy, but the youthful stone fruit flavors are currently dominated by powerful tactile minerality. Most impressive today for its mounting, sinewy, palate-staining finish–and hard to spit! This brisk, penetrating, dense young white Burgundy delivers a rare combination of power and weightlessness. I would never have guessed it was from 2015. Production here was just 23 hectoliters per hectare, according to Pillot.”
Burghound 91-93 points “Sweet spot outstanding. From old vines of an indeterminate age. Enough reduction exists today to completely overshadow the fruit. On the plus side, there is an engaging freshness and verve to the gorgeously textured, refined and concentrated middle weight plus flavors that possess terrific intensity and real drive on the unusually dry finale in the context of what is typical for the 2015 vintage. In a word, excellent.”Domaine Jean-Marc Pillot Morgeot Les Fairendes, Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 90-93 points “(from vines picked on September 3; 4.3 grams per liter acidity): Bright yellow. Lovely lift for Morgeot: white flowers, white peach and sexy oak tones. Classic sweet/sappy Morgeot, beginning with silky stone fruits, then turning much more minerally on the back half, finishing pure, brisk and long. Shows the classic, balanced side of 2015.”
Burghound 90-93 points “Outstanding. Notes of petrol, citrus, resin and essence of pear precede full-bodied and dense if slightly less refined flavors that possess a palate coating texture that carries over to the impressively complex and highly persistent finish. This is opulent but well-balanced and should drink well both young and with 6 to 8 years of cellar time.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 91-93 points “Bright pale yellow. Deeply pitched aromas of yellow peach and white pepper show a slightly candied quality but also very good lift. Plush, peppery and broad; quite dry and mineral-driven but not austere. Very horizontal in the mouth. Finishes classically dry and energetic, with terrific mineral persistence.”
Burghound 90-92 points “From 50+ year old vines in Vergers proper. A pungent nose combines notes of resin, various white orchard fruit and floral aromas that are trimmed in hints of wood and matchstick. The succulent and seductively textured medium weight flavors also possess plenty of dry extract, all wrapped in a citrus-tinged finish that offers a bit more depth and length. Worth a look.”Domaine Jean-Marc Pillot Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($499.95) $399 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 93-95 points “(Pillot used the 2014 Chevalier-Montrachet barrel for this wine, the first time he has made this cuvée without new oak): Bright pale yellow. Rather hermetic nose suggests full ripeness and an exotic hint of banana. A plush expression of this stony site, conveying compelling sweetness but almost Riesling-like definition and grip to the flavors of pineapple, fresh apricot, gunflint and rose petal. Finishes with outstanding slow-building length. This is 13.2% natural alcohol, from grapes picked on September 7.”
Burghound 92-95 points “Don’t miss! A more elegant nose merges notes of very pretty and ripe yet attractively cool aromas of spice, acacia blossom, pear liqueur and all-but invisible wood. The racy, intense and mineral-driven broad-shouldered flavors are at once succulent and ultra-refined, all wrapped in a strikingly persistent and well-balanced finish. This is a notably big but sophisticated effort that should drink well young but amply repay extended cellaring if desired.”
The next best price is $424.95
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 92-94 points “(13.2%; this fruit comes from Domaine Dublere, with owner Blair Pethel having harvested on September 8): Bright yellow. Totally different on the nose than any of the foregoing 2015s in this cellar, displaying pungent aromas of chalk, menthol, lavender and wild herbs. The sweetness of its brisk yellow fruit flavors is countered by salty minerality and strong dusty extract, as well as a bit of unabsorbed CO2. A lovely mineral expression but not austere. Finishes with terrific crushed-stone lift.”
Burghound 90-93 points “Background notes of wood easily allow the aromas of petrol, green apple, floral and pear liqueur. The rich, full-bodied, powerful and overtly muscular flavors possess outstanding concentration, indeed the mouth feel is almost thick, before culminating in a sappy and lingering finish. This is an atypical Corton-Charlemagne but it is certainly bold and impressive.”Domaine Jean-Marc Pillot Montagny Premier Cru Les Gouresses, Cote Chalonnaise 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Burghound 88-91 points “From 100+ year old vines. Notes of petrol, citrus, ripe orchard fruit and a hint of lychee nut give way to bigger, richer and more concentrated medium-bodied flavors that also exhibit a subtle minerality that carries over to the vibrant, clean and agreeably dry finish. This should repay a few years of cellaring if desired.”
Wine Advocate Reviews
The 2016 Nahe’s from Kruger-Rumpf and Dr. Crusius
Arriving This Spring:
Wine Advocate 91+ points “From quartzite soils with loess and slate and fermented in 1,200-liter oak vats, Georg Rumpf’s 2016 Nahe Riesling (Münsterer) Dautenpflänzer “GG” is round, rich and juicy on the palate but also light and well structured by fine and grippy tannins. Very long finish.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “From phylitte soils, the spicy-mineral 2016 Nahe Riesling Bingerbrück Abtei Rupertsberg is a pure, round and rich Riesling with intense and concentrated fruit. On the palate, this is a rich, intense, very fruity, mineral and well-structured Riesling with a lingering, well-structured finish. The first attack is pretty round and sweet but also rich and intense, with remarkable elegance and a persistent finish. This is a highly promising Riesling that was macerated between five and eight hours. The finish is super piquant and salty. Total production: four stück barrels (4,500 liters).”
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2016 Nahe Riesling Traiser Rotenfels Spätlese has a clear, fine and elegant bouquet of ripe tropical fruits intermixed with lemon and stony flavors. Light, lush and round on the palate, with purity, stimulating salinity and ripe, textured fruit, this is an elegant and harmonious Spätlese with remarkable finesse. It is not very complex but so delicate…! 8.5% alcohol.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Made for the first time since Crusius purchased another 0.4 hectares in this prestigious cru, the 2016 Nahe Riesling Schlossböckelheimer Kupfergrube “GG” has a very clear, intense, well-concentrated and highly elegant bouquet of ripe fruits and beautiful flinty aromas. This is a highly distinctive and refined nose. On the palate, this is a very complex, piercing, mineral and highly elegant Riesling with persistent salinity and tension. This is a blend of pure melaphyre intermixed with perfectly ripe and concentrated fruits.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Nahe Riesling Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg “GG” is precise, fresh and intense on the nose, with very clear and perfectly ripe fruit aromas intertwined with delicate flint notes. Full-bodied, well concentrated, lush and with remarkable finesse, this is a very elegant and frisky Felsenberg with a long, intense and concentrated finish. The mineral expression is very fine and lingers. An impressive wine.”
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2016 Nahe Riesling Traiser Bastei Spätlese (AP 29 17) offers a clear, intense and complex nose that is fresh and stony/mineral rather than fruity and benefits from aeration. Very elegant, precise and noble on the palate, with a lovely mineral piquancy and lingering salinity, this is a complex as well as delicate Spätlese with a stimulatingly clear and piquant finish. Delicious but not as luscious and sexy as the auctioned Felsenberg. 9% alcohol.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Nahe Riesling Traiser Bastei “GG” is pure, fresh and stony on the flinty nose. The attack on the palate is racy, fresh and piquant, the wine more austere and edgy than the highly elegant Schlossböckelheimer. It has a cold and smoky character that needs a bit of time to gain more sensuality. However, this is a true character with great elegance and lingering salinity. Fermented and aged in 600-liter stainless steel tanks and 300-liter oak barrels.”
Thank you for reading!