The Genius of Kelley Fox
Belle Glos : Ür-California Pinot
Grapelive Loves Cameron Nebbiolo
New Releases from Corliss
Intorcia’s Classic Marsala
Wines to Back Up the Truck For
Collector’s Corner: Bond’s 2013s
Gulfi’s Back With Star Wines
Rousseau: Reference Point Gevery-Chambertin
Newly Reviewed, Re-Arriving Friday, December 14th
Kelley Fox Wines ‘Momtazi Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($37.95)
$33 pre-arrival specialGrapelive 95+ points “The gorgeously expressive 2016 Momtazi Pinot is spicy, vibrant and perfumed with a beautiful crimson/ruby hue in the glass. As in 2015, Fox notes, this bottling is again 100% whole cluster, and it clearly shows in this wines intensity and tension. Kelley Fox has made another awesome wine, and while the vintage was ripe this bottling is fresh and precise in detail making it a stunning effort that is absolutely thrilling, especially if you like stem inclusion. It’s a wine that should only get better and better over the next decade! The all-biodynamic Momtazi Vineyard always shows mineral and exotic spices resting on basalt from volcanoes this site has cooling breezes, dramatically set west of McMinnville with some east facing slopes. Fox likes to highlight the terroir here, so she used no new wood at all, just neutral Burgundy barrels, native yeasts and this vintage came in at 13% natural alcohol, allowing the vitality and energy to flow freely in a pure, richly textured and balanced wine. The nose is explosive with wild flowers, dark berries, minty herbs (stems) and red peppery spices which leads to a medium full palate of black cherry, strawberry jam, plum and tangy currant/berry fruits along with star anise, cinnamon and liquid violets adding a hint of green tea, blood orange and pomegranate with just a kiss of earthy chard and subtle oak. I cannot believe how great this wine is, after falling so hard for the 2015, it was with incredibly high expectations I tried this vintage 2016. It floored me, and I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite, but after time in the glass this 2016 even seduced me further still. It’s tightly wound personality and the stemmy drive might not be for everyone, but for me it’s a total thrill and the potential here is off the carts. I’m putting a bottle away for 5 to 10 years. Kelley Fox has mastered her craft and style to near perfection. This latest set of wines is simply awesome, it particular her Freedom Hill Pinot Blanc and the 2015 and 2016 Momtazi Pinot Noir(s). These are do not miss wines from Oregon. This again is an impressive lineup from a huge talent.”
The next best price is $49.99
Kelley Fox-Era Scott Paul
Arriving Wednesday:
Scott Paul Audrey Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2013 750ML ($69.95)
$21.90 pre-arrival specialJosh Raynolds 93 points “Vivid ruby-red. Sexy, oak-spiced blackberry and cherry cola scents, along with hints of five-spice powder, lavender and mocha. Lively and precise on entry, then deeper and broader in the midpalate, offering sappy berry and bitter cherry flavors and a sweetening suggestion of candied flowers. Shows excellent focus and energy on the impressively persistent, spice-laced finish, which is given shape by fine-grained tannins.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This is sourced from the Maresh vineyard, which dates back to 1970. These older vines deliver that extra dollop of texture and mouthfeel that elevates the drinking experience. Powerful and yet elegant, it brings a panoply of berries, baking spices, Asian spices, nougat, caramel and milk chocolate. It delivers all of this and more, without feeling heavy or overblown. It drank even better after being open a full 24 hours.”
Neal Martin 92 points “The 2013 Pinot Noir Audrey is a selection of six barrels from the Maresh Vineyard in the Dundee Hills and is matured for ten months in neutral oak. It really encapsulates how Oregon Pinot Noir could succeed in this vintage and shows a clever selection of barrels. It has relatively light in color (not far from Maggie Harrison’s Rosé at Antica Terra!). The nose is very well defined, fresh and “transparent” with slightly leafy dark cherries and bergamot scents that are full of energy. That is also true for the palate, balancing high wire on the acidity. Not a powerful Pinot Noir, but classic, Old World inspired and adorned with a slightly ferrous finish. This is a delicious Pinot to drink now and over the next 8-10 years, though personally I would not begrudge anyone popping this open straight away.”
David Schildknecht 93 points “Comprising (as it did last year) a selection of the best barrels from his block of old vines at Maresh, Wright’s 195 cases of 2011 Pinot Noir Audrey also incorporates the two barrels that constitute the first harvest from his estate vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains. Kelley Fox described the estate component (of which a couple of cases were separately bottled, solely for the record) as “very alive, very mineral, and very distinct so that anyone could pick it out in a line-up.” Blood orange; fresh cherry with prominence of pit; seedy red currant; lemon and orange rinds put me in mind of this year’s “La Paulee” bottling, but are here incorporated into a more concentrated, zestier, livelier performance. The texture here is insipiently silken, and while at 13.1% the alcohol is very slightly higher than in the other two Scott Paul 2011s, vintage-typical buoyancy prevails. Hints of tallow and charred red meat add intriguing savor. The sense of grip, invigoration and sheer refreshment is exhilarating, and the lingering salinity (courtesy of those estate vines?) milks the salivary glands. This wonderful exemplification of its exceptional vintage should be worth following through at least 2025 and quite possibly well thereafter.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Essentially Scott Paul’s reserve, this is sourced entirely from biodynamically-farmed, 40-year-old vines at the Maresh vineyard. The Audrey layers cherry fruit with streaks of mineral, and carries plenty of underlying acidity. The wine manages to feel full-bodied without losing a sense of elegant proportion.”
Josh Raynolds 92 points “(made from old vines in the Maresh vineyard): Vivid red. Sexy aromas of red berry preserves, Asian spices and potpourri. Light on its feet, showing graceful, surprisingly concentrated red fruit flavors and complicating notes of candied rose, vanilla and smoky minerals. Impressively elegant and precise pinot with suave finishing floral character and silky, fine-grained tannins that add grip.”
The next best price is $65
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2009 Pinot Noir Audrey is a barrel selection of the oldest vines from the Maresh Vineyard. Sexy aromas of sandalwood, exotic spices, floral notes, brown sugar, cherry, and raspberry are followed by a multi-faceted wine with a satin-like texture, succulent flavors, and exceptional length. This pleasure-bent offering will evoke moans of ecstacy over the next 8-10 years. It is one of the stars of the vintage.”
The next best price is $55
Josh Raynolds 90 points “Vivid red. Strawberry and raspberry aromas are complicated by notes of potpourri and Asian spices. Fresh, tightly focused red berry flavors gain sweetness with air and pick up a zesty blood orange quality. Restrained and finely etched, displaying strong finishing sweetness and cling. This really stretched out with air, so decant it for a couple of hours if you plan to drink a bottle anytime soon.”
Josh Raynolds 93 points “(made from biodynamically farmed vines in the Maresh vineyard; no new oak): Bright ruby. Expansive red fruit and incense aromas show superb energy and focus, with a smoky mineral nuance gaining strength with air. Stains the palate with sappy black raspberry and spicecake flavors and a touch of orange pith. Suave wine with sneaky sweetness, outstanding finishing cut and lift, and fine-grained tannins. This is all from ungrafted Pommard clone fruit.”
Neal Martin 93 points “The 2012 Pinot Noir Audrey is a selection of the best eight barrels from the Dundee Hills, specifically from the Maresh Vineyard planted in 1970. It has a very reserved but quite compelling bouquet with beautifully defined tertiary red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and well-judged acidity, super-smooth in the mouth, with a seductive temptress of a finish! Yes, yes, yes!”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “The excellent Maresh vineyard is the source of these grapes. Lovely aromas of leaf and cherry open into a wine generous with pretty flavors of black raspberry and cherry. The tannins are still a little stiff, with black tea, green tobacco, and a definite dryness. Give this extra breathing time and it reveals some additional complexity.”
The next best price is $85
Scott Paul La Paulee Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($39.95)
$18 specialJosh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Deep red. Bright and energetic on the nose, displaying intense red berry and blood orange scents, along with candied rose and allspice highlights. Silky, sweet and incisive on the palate, offering juicy strawberry and floral pastille flavors and a spicy kick of white pepper. Closes very long and nervy; fine-grained tannins lend shape and closing grip.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Sophisticated and subtle, this lovely wine expresses varietal elegance, with a bouquet of roses and raspberries to begin. The jumble of pretty fruits is framed with citrus peel and a dusting of chocolate.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2013 Pinot Noir la Paulee comes from fruit sourced from Maresh and Nysa in the Dundee Hills, Azana in Chehalem and from the Ribbon Ridge, matured for ten months in neutral oak. It has a very natural, Côte de Beaune-like bouquet with ample brambly red fruit with hints of black tea developing with aeration. I appreciate the focus and definition here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, smooth in the mouth with just a faint honeyed note. Tart red cherries mingle with redcurrant and strawberry, segueing into a poised and fulsome finish. This should drink well over the next 7-10 years and represents great value.”
Scott Paul La Paulee Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($39.95)
$18 specialWinery Note “Brilliant red in color. The spicy nose starts with being savory and leads into an array of fresh raspberry, brambleberry, and marionberry. Finely pronounced tannins combine with layers of fresh elderberry and a great balance of acid are folded into razor focused tannins which has the palate finishing with class. Our home in Carlton, Oregon (a 1915 brick creamery) is an ideal spot to revel in the virtues of Pinot Noir, as we pursue Pinot Perfection. Our sustainably farmed vineyards are among the Willamette Valley’s finest (and dare we say, most perfect). Our 2014 bottling is a selection of superior lots from our blocks of Maresh and Nysa Vineyards in the Dundee Hills and Ribbon Ridge and Azana Vineyards on the Chehalem Mountains. Bold, bright berry flavors unite with a bounty of rose, spice and cherry aromas. Pure Oregon Pinot Noir.”
The Most California Pinot
The über-California Pinot Noir of Belle Glos returns at incredible pricing.
Belle Glos ‘Las Alturas Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2015 750ML ($54.95) $29 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Dark-hued, rich and spicy, with an enticing core of mocha-laced blackberry, cherry, spice and floral scents. Ends as it begins, bold and rich. Drink now through 2026.”
The next best price is $41.95
The average price is $50
Cameron Winery Nebbiolo, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($49.95) $36 special
Grapelive 93 points “The smoky and slightly reduced Cameron Nebbiolo starts out very much like a Nuits-Saint-George Burgundy, but once it blows off and opens up a real Nebbiolo nature comes through with plum, poached cherry, raspberry and tangy currant fruits as well as a mix of red spices, dried herbs, flowers and anise, at once becoming exotic and classic, making it one of Oregon’s most intriguing reds. John Paul, Cameron’s winemaker, known for his famous Pinot Noirs, is also an Italian wine freak, especially Barolo, and he is a pioneer of Italian varietals and styles here in the Willamette Valley and his tricycle label Nebbiolo is a blend of his Jory soils (volcanic) Dundee Hills estate Clos Electrique Vineyard and the White Oak Vineyard. The 2014 Cameron Nebbiolo adds a dusty layer of tannins and brisk orange peel that balances out the warm fruit core, but the wine remains generous and textured throughout and it has a plenty of stuffing, it lingers on and on, making for a glorious and unique wine to geek out on over a long meal, as it certainly gains pleasure and complexity when paired with robust cuisine and given time in the glass to reveal all of its details. This wine really changes wonderfully with time and air, highlighting the youthfulness of it’s nature at this point, gaining zingy berry notes, damp earth and sweet flowers, it is great with food, I mean best with robust cuisine certainly and I would love to re-visit this unique and intriguing wine in another 3 to 5 years. I love this new set of Cameron wines, especially his Pinot Noirs of course, but his Italian inspired offerings are really sexy too, do not miss anything from John Paul!”
Arriving Friday:
Corliss Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2013 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special, only 12 bottles available!
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 96+ points “(aged in 70% new oak for 28 months; this bottling will be labeled Red Mountain beginning with the 2014 vintage): Bright red-ruby. Extremely primary, pure aromas and flavors of inky cassis, blueberry, licorice and minerals. Tight and high-pitched in the mouth, displaying outstanding depth, energy and minerality but extremely closed in the early going. This huge wine finishes with chewy, late-arriving, toothdusting tannins that will require cellaring, even after the wine is released in the fall of 2018. Corliss has increased its use of tight-grained Saint-Martin barrels in this wine, and it will need a while to absorb the oak. Distinctly cool, even a bit medicinal, for the 2013 vintage, this is likely to be very long-lived. Winemaker Andre Trio told me he added a bit of Petit Verdot “for back-palate texture and finer-grained tannins.””
Corliss Estates Red, Columbia Valley 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special, only 12 bottles available!
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 95 points “(aged in 65% new French oak for 28 months): Bright ruby-red. Multifaceted nose offers aromas of currant, black cherry, cranberry, cocoa powder, licorice and Belgian chocolate, plus hint of tarry, earthy reduction. Wonderfully plush and utterly seamless, showing more obvious early sweetness than the Cabernet Sauvignon to its fine-grained dark fruit, chocolate and nutty oak flavors. An aromatically seductive wine of outstanding energy and finesse, this beauty finishes with noble, edge-free tannins that slowly saturate the front teeth. Should be fabulous upon its release in 2018.”
The Bottled History of Intorica
When tasked with rebuilding the reputation of one of the oldest and most recognizable DOC, Cantine Intorcia sought to make certain that their reputation as a producer of serious wines was being met. Their Vergine and Superiore are among the classic, touchstone examples of what fine Marsala should be. These are nutty and either dry (the Vergine) or slightly sweet (the Superiore) and are perfect wines for an aperitif or paring with foods like steak (seriously!, especially the Vergine) or nuts and cheeses before a meal (either of them).
We’re also offering their Liquoroso made individually from Malvasia and Zibibbo; dessert wines that offer a soft and pleasant feel with a sweetness that lingers without seeming heavy or cloying. The wines are serious, very drinkable, and still something very different. Approach them as you would a Sauternes or Beaume de Venise, and don’t be afraid to pair dessert or strong marbled cheeses.
In Stock Now from Cantine Francesco Intorcia
Cantine Francesco Intorcia Heritage Malvasia Vino Liquoroso Sicilia IGT, Sicily NV 500ML ($24.95) $19 special
Importer notes: “The Intorcia family traditionally uses three grape varieties to produced its liqueur wines. Delicate, moderately sweet, various taste strands typical of these grapes emerge: citrus, honey, apricot jam, dried figs, raisins, caramelised almonds”
Cantine Francesco Intorcia Heritage Zibibbo Vino Liquoroso Sicilia IGT, Sicily NV 500ML ($24.95) $19 special
Importer notes: “The Intorcia family traditionally uses three grape varieties to produced its liqueur wines. Delicate, moderately sweet, various taste strands typical of these grapes emerge: citrus, honey, apricot jam, dried figs, raisins, caramelised almonds.”
Cantine Francesco Intorcia Heritage Ambra Dolce Superiore Marsala 2004 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Importer notes: “A dense amber yellow, with yellow topaz highlights. Consistent and intense, with assertive notes of honey, caramel and carob, apricot and candied orange peel, pine nuts, almonds and walnut. Full on the palate, smooth and honeyed, with just the right equilibrium between freshness and alcohol impact. Persistent and elegantly structured.”
Cantine Francesco Intorcia Heritage Vergine Secco 10 Anni Marsala 2004 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Importer notes: “An authentic Marsala, with a brightly luminous yellow body with golden highlights. Pleasurable vanilla notes with allusions to straw. Overt notes of spirit-soaked dried fruit and nuts, toasted almonds and orange peel. Full-tasting, dry, warm and smooth, its nose and palate experiences perfectly wedded, vibrant freshness and sapidity. An innately elegant wine, perfectly structured and persistent.”
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Big, rich Russian River Pinot at an astounding price.
The Calling Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2014 750ML ($39.95) $19 special
Case-12 The Calling Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2014 750ML ($419.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “A generously fruity, just-ripe and refined wine, this offers classic notions of the appellation in a warm, welcoming vintage, from rhubarb, cranberry and cherry to cola spice and clove. Still young, it shows an intensity that should meld and mellow in the bottle in short order.”
The next best price is $32.99
Case-12 Domaine de Pallus Chinon Messanges Rouge, Loire 2016 750ML ($179.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Domaine de Pallus Chinon Messanges Rouge, Loire 2016 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Wine Spectator 90 points “A very fresh style, with high-pitched red currant and bitter cherry notes, lined with a mouthwatering iron streak. Bright savory and floral accents add lift on the finish. Very pure. Drink now through 2022. 2,000 cases made.”
Case-12 Domaine Lafond Tavel Roc-Epine Rose, Rhone 2017 750ML ($249.95) $189 special (that’s only $15.75/bottle!)
Domaine Lafond Tavel Roc-Epine Rose, Rhone 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “A dependable producer of Tavel and Lirac (and Châteauneuf-du-Pape), the Lafonds have turned out a spice-driven 2017 Tavel that’s bottled under screwcap. Hints of allspice and clove accent watermelon and red berry flavors, while the palate is medium to full-bodied and richly textured, leading into a long, silky finish. Bravo!”
Wine & Spirits 92 points “The Lafonds turned out a lush 2017 Tavel from their organically farmed vineyards, a wine that balances its sunny generosity with refreshing acidity. It has the girth for meaty dishes, with berry notes that bring red meat to mind, but the herbal and earthy flavors have enough restraint to work with fish, too.”
Case-12 Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Saint-Peray, Rhone 2016 750ML ($319.95) Was $288, Now $259 December Case Sale Price (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Saint-Peray, Rhone 2016 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “This team has made a terrific 2016 Saint-Péray, (50/50 Marsanne and Roussanne aged in 15% new oak) from an appellation that continues to produce more and more outstanding wines. Honeysuckle, white flowers, caramelized peach and white currant notes give way to a pure, elegant, layered white that has terrific purity and length. It’s going to drink beautifully for 3-4 years or more.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Pale yellow-gold. Fresh and incisive on the nose, displaying vibrant citrus and orchard fruit scents complemented by hints of honeysuckle and chalky minerals. Shows very good depth of flavor but comes off lithe, offering juicy Meyer lemon and bitter pear skin flavors that pick up a spicy ginger note on the back half. Closes very long and precise, delivering a firm snap of minerality and lingering floral character.”
Case-12 Zorzal Eggo Tinto de Tiza, Tupungato 2015 750ML ($319.95) $266 special (that’s only $22.17/bottle!)
Zorzal Eggo Tinto de Tiza, Tupungato 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The one blend in the Eggo range is the 2015 Eggo Tinto de Tiza, which mixes Malbec with 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon fermented in 2,000-liter egg-shaped cement vats where the wine matured for almost one year. This feels quite complete and balanced, with good ripeness while keeping the balance and poise. The palate is juicy and fresh, with fine-grained tannins and a bittersweet finish akin to sour cherries. Very tasty and long. Super. Incredible for the price. 16,000 bottles were filled in January 2016.”
Perpetually the best value in high quality, crowd pleasing Champagne
Case-12 Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($419.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle—the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Importer note “Initially showing a very fresh bouquet of high toned fruits with hints of hazelnuts and yeasty aromas, the Grande Réserve cuvée displays highly structured red fruit notes on the palate for which the area is so famous. Long lees aging, low dosage and Grand Cru Pinot Noir fruit combine for an opulent yet balanced Champagne.”
Similar to the Grand Reserve but leaner and brighter.
Case-12 Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($419.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle—the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Grapelive 93 points “This is some sensationally great bubbly! Jean-François Clouet, who was born and raised in Bouzy, still lives in the 18th century village house built by his ancestors. He takes his lineage seriously and respects his family’s traditions and that of the region, [Bouzy, where he] is a renowned grower producer. Clouet makes a full range of intense and stylish Champagnes, all of which come [from] family plots mostly comprised of 100% Pinot Noir from Clouet’s lieux-dits in the Bouzy zone. The André Clouet “Silver” Grand Cru Brut Nature is a non-vintage, zero dosage Champagne of exceptional class and delicacy. It’s a severe and high-toned 100% Pinot bubbly from mid-slopes around the village of Bouzy set on the chalky limestone and clay. It went through full malo and was aged on its lees in neutral French oak barrel. [This adds] to the surprise of its crisp detail, considering its malo/wood winemaking fashion, though like a great Burgundy it changes and gains with time in the glass adding richness to the tight form it initially shows. If ever there was a Champagne that fits all my wants and desires, then this Clouet, fits the bill. I adore Extra Bruts and Non Dosage styles absolutely best of all and this Andre Clouet Silver kills it for the price! Lemony briskness leads the way with hints of hazelnut, brioche and wet river stones adding a touch of white cherry, unripe apple and cool green melon, all lifted by the pure tight beading of its electric mousse. The Pinot Noir gives a bite of extract which makes this a fantastic food Champagne. It is perfect for oysters, sushi and mussels in spicy broth. It’s not for everyone, but damn it’s good. It’s without question a thinker’s sparkler not a crowd pleaser, which just makes it that much more special.”
Bond from “A Once in a Generation Vintage”
“The five separate single vineyards that Bill Harlan has under long-term contract continue to perform at first growth quality levels. They generate between 500 and 600 cases of these single-vineyard wines that all represent distinctive and separate micro-climates of Napa Valley. The culled out barrels that don’t make the cut are blended together for a wine called Matriarch, which in itself is a terrific offering…
“The 2013s from Bond should prove to be fabulous wines with additional aging. They were scheduled to be bottled several months after my visit, and like the vintage itself, this is a great year for all of the Bill Harlan offerings. The wines are more structured than the 2012s, slightly more restrained, and coiled tightly at present, but bursting with super-concentrated blue and black fruits, huge body, structure and power. I still think the best comparison of the 2013 is a modern-day version of 2001, whereas 2012 is like a modern clone of 2002 – two great vintages in both cases, but very different styles in terms of the way they present themselves to the taster, both aromatically and on the palate.
“Bill Harlan has 25-year leases on all these single-vineyard estates. Their origins represent completely different expositions, terroirs and micro-climates in Napa Valley. For example, the Melbury originates in the hillsides north of Lake Hennessey, in the hills east of Rutherford and is a seven-acre, rocky vineyard. The Quella is a nine-acre site in the eastern hills overlooking Napa Valley. Its composition is cobble and various sizes of rocks as well as the white volcanic ash called tufa. St. Eden is just north of the Oakville crossroad on an 11-acre rocky knoll in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains. Soils here are iron-rich, fractured volcanic rock. The Vecina, which is closest to the Bond and Harlan vineyards and wineries is an 11-acre site facing east toward the Vaca Mountains in the Mayacamas foothills. This is made up of very pebbly, alluvial soils over sedimentary, fractured bedrock. Lastly, the Pluribus is a seven-acre site on Spring Mountain at an elevation of 1,100 feet. Soils here are all of volcanic origin, and the exposition is north and east.” – Robert Parker
In Stock Now:
Only one bottle available
Bond Melbury, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($569.95) $449 special
Robert Parker 97 points “The brilliant 2013 Melbury ratchets up the level of extract, with an opaque purple color, dense blueberry liqueur-like notes along with white flowers, licorice, and camphor followed by a full-bodied, incredibly seamless, concentrated, multidimensional wine. With its amazing depth and richness, while accessible now, it probably won’t hit its stride for another 5-7 years and last 30-35.”
The average price is $550
Bond Pluribus, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($619.95) $499 special
Robert Parker 100 points “The 2013 Pluribus is the finest wine I’ve tasted from this vineyard to date, capturing the vintage’s extraordinary purity and richness, with a multidimensional mouthfeel and incredible notes of blue and black fruits, charcoal, graphite and white flowers. This profound effort should hit its prime in another 5-10 years and evolve for 30-40 or more.”
The average price is $630
Bond Quella, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($579.95) $449 special
Robert Parker 96+ points “Much more structured, muscular, tannic and intense is the 2013 Quella, which exhibits blackberry notes, licorice, some truffle, graphite and damp earth, huge fruit, a muscular, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, moderately tannic finish. Forget it for a few years and drink it over the following 25-30+ years.”
The average price is $582
Bond St Eden, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($579.95) $479 special
Robert Parker 99 points “The 2013 St. Eden is absolutely mind-blowing, with notes of blackcurrant liqueur and licorice as well as hints of Asian soy and lead pencil. Wonderful fruit that hits the palate with a cascade of glycerin, silky but noticeable tannins, and a big, earthy, rich, full-throttle, majestic finish of close to a minute add to this wine’s compelling personality. It should drink well for at least 30-40 years.”
The average price is $576
Bond Vecina Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($619.95) $499 special
Robert Parker 100 points “The perfect 2013 Vecina offers up notes of pen ink, scorched earth, espresso, blackcurrant liqueur and blackberries. It is a fabulously great wine, with supple, well-integrated tannin, decent acidity, and a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, with extraordinary purity and richness. This is an amazing wine to drink over the next 50 years, although I would probably suggest cellaring for five or more at present.”
The average price is $587
Expression and Extraction in Harmony
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.
Gulfi’s Nero d’Avola is typically extracted and rich, with subtle nuances reflecting the vineyard locations spread around the southeastern corner of the island. Variations in altitude and proximity to the sea influence the delicate aromatics, as ripeness is certainly not the issue. Salinity and sea breeze influences are present and add nuance to the ripe, roasty, smoky characteristics. Drink them if you like California Cabernet or Brunello or Syrah from the Northern Rhone or anywhere in between.
New Releases, Arriving Friday:
“So rich, yet so fresh”
Gulfi Nerobaronj Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2013 750ML ($37.95) $29 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points “Love the depth to this wine. So rich, yet so fresh with pure fruit and spices. Full body and a fresh finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.”
Gulfi Neromaccarj Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “The complex, plum-cake and spice nose leads into a rich and sophisticated red, in which the tannins and fruit are already perfectly integrated. Long, complex, herbal and spicy finish. From organically grown grapes.”
Gulfi Nerosanlore Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points “I love the intense herb-liqueur and balsamic-vinegar character on the nose, also because its married to delicious richness. Still very lively for a five-year-old red and the balance of ripeness and rather supple tannins is impressive. Long finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
The next best price is $51.99
The bright, fresh wine in the Gulfi stable—delicious.
Gulfi Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, Sicily 2016 750ML ($24.95) $18 special
Winery note “Grape varieties: Nero d’Avola 70%, Frappato di Vittoria 30%. Nero d’Avola is named after Avola, a small town near Pachino in the province of Siracusa where it was selected by local growers several hundred years ago. Frappato di Vittoria is an old indigenous wine grape variety from the southeast part of Sicily. It likely originates in the territory of Vittoria where it has been grown since the XVIIth century.”
Gulfi Nerosanlore Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2011 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Ian D’agata – Vinous 94 points “Fully saturated ruby-red. Super-ripe aromas of black cherry, raspberry jelly, incense and coriander are very typical of the Sanloré site. Then surprisingly light on its feet, offering vibrant flavors of red and black cherry, tar, licorice and pomegranate liqueur. The finish is bright and juicy and features a lingering saline nuance. Knockout Sanloré that manages to be at once powerful and graceful, the latter a quality not always evident in wines from this site, which are usually known for their richness and size.”
Wine & Spirits 94 points “This dark and brooking wine comes from 40-year-old vines rooted in reddish-brown sand and clay soils; it grows half a mile from the sea and just 30 feet above sea level, where the temperature doesn’t change much between day and night. Savory notes of black olive and roasted mushroom saturate the wine’s dark plum flavors, intensified by a trail of salinity so intense it feels almost gritty, yet the wine is brightened by mouthwatering acidity. The contrast is extreme, and it works.”
Gulfi Neromaccarj Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2011 750ML ($49.95) $39 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.”
The next best price is $45.90
Arriving ETA January 2019:
Gulfi Nerojbleo Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points “The balance and juiciness to this wine is beautiful. Dried cherries and berries with hints of fresh herbs and flower petals follow through to a medium to full body, silky tannins and a delicious finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.”
Want to shop all 16 wines from Gulfi, both in stock and on the way, available to purchase right now? Just click here.
Gevrey-Chambertin and its grand crus are some of the superstars of Burgundy, second only to Vosne in fame and glory. Chambertin was Napoleon’s favorite wine and that legacy has continued through to this day—wines from the village are still very special, from top to bottom. These are robust, powerful bottles of Pinot Noir, especially from a house like Rousseau, which are pure class and some of the best wine experiences you can have.
We are always on the hunt for their wines—as you’d expect they’re maddeningly scarce and correspondingly expensive, but we recently hit the jackpot and now have 22 different bottlings arriving later this month. You can click here to view a full list of them on our website, or look below for a few highlights.
Arriving ETA December:
Only one bottle available
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2008 750ML ($1799.95) $1599 pre-arrival special
Burghound 96 points “A still mildly toasty nose features remarkably dense yet elegant aromas of deeply pitched yet extremely cool and restrained red and blue fruit aromas that are nuanced by a broad range of earth, game and underbrush hints. There is an utterly beguiling purity to the relatively refined but muscular medium full-bodied plus flavors that are strikingly complex, vibrant and perfectly balanced before culminating in a gorgeously long finish. This is brimming with upside development potential and while it too will require plenty of patience, its class and grace are such that it can be enjoyed now though I would strongly counsel waiting. In a word, magnificent. Tasted thrice recently with consistent notes.”
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2008 Chambertin is rather delicate and almost ethereal in its seductive personality. This is another surprisingly open, expressive 2008. The tannins are elegant, while the wine’s balance is simply terrific.”
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2008 750ML ($1799.95) $1599 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “Rousseau’s 2008 Chambertin-Clos de Beze is off the charts. Textured and layered throughout, this exquisite, captivating wine graces the palate with endless fruit framed by silky, refined tannins. All of the elements build effortlessly to the dazzling, impeccably crafted finish. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038.”
Burghound 95 points “This is every bit as elegant as the Clos St. Jacques but even deeper and broader with incredibly complex and refined red berry fruit, plum and violet aromas that are relatively cool and are in keeping with the balanced, refined and mouth coating flavors that possess superb depth and excellent finishing intensity on the explosive and gorgeously persistent finish. This is a really lovely ’08 that should improve for out to two decades.”
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2011 750ML ($1799.95) $1499 pre-arrival special
Burghound 95 points “A potently expressive nose blends both wood and natural spice together with distinctly cool, pure and ripe wild red berries, earth and underbrush. The palate impression is a gorgeous combination of power and refinement along with flat out superb complexity on the explosively long, focused and beautifully well-balanced finish. The supporting structure is dense but fine and this should prove to be a moderately long-lived example.” BH
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Clos Saint-Jacques, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2005 750ML ($1399.95) $1199 pre-arrival special
David Schildknecht 94-96 points “With the 2005 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St.-Jacques (which by its position in tastings here the Rousseaus conspicuously rate as grand cru) we arrive at the first wine that is matured in new wood. Pure, sweet, fresh black cherry fruit, marrowy and enveloping carnal richness, mysteriously enticing florality, low-toned, chalky minerality and accents of black tea and star anise are featured in this remarkably seamless wine. Meat, minerals and mystery dominate a finish that is profoundly layered yet preserves sheer palate-cleansing refreshment and positively vibrates with vividly fresh fruit intensity. Rousseau owns around one third of this great site, meaning that there are over a thousand cases of this phenomenal wine to ransack the marketplace in search of, then sock away for at least a decade and preferably two. It is always the last-harvested site, says Eric Rousseau, and in 2005 his roughly twenty veteran pickers could certainly afford to wait and richly rewarded us for it.”
Burghound 94 points “A ripe yet cool and wonderfully fresh nose is composed of mostly red berry fruit, discreet spice and earth, all of which is trimmed in an extremely subtle touch of oak. There is fine delineation and plenty of minerality on the utterly delicious middle weight flavors that are perhaps a bit less powerful than one might expect in the context of the vintage on the impeccably well-balanced and gorgeously long finish. This is a wonderfully harmonious effort that is very much still on the way up but among the 3 Rousseau “big boys”, this is the closest one to being able to enjoy now. That said, another 5 to 8 years will certainly return benefits.”
Only one bottle available
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Clos Saint-Jacques, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($999.95) $779 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94-97 points “Rousseau’s 2013 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St. Jacques possesses gorgeous aromatic lift and energy. Polished and refined throughout, the 2013 is super-expressive. Winemaker Frédéric Robert adds that the grapes were especially small in 2013, with virtually no juice. Once again, Rousseau’s Clos St. Jacques looks to be one of the wines of the vintage.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 95+ points “Good deep red. Much less reduced on the nose than Ruchottes, offering captivating, high-pitched perfume of raspberry, rose petal, blood orange and crushed stone. On the palate, the tangy raspberry, red cherry and mineral flavors show a penetrating character and superb lift without any weightiness or hardness. Finishes with very fine-grained tannins and mounting floral perfume. This brisk, cool, aristocratic wine is built for a graceful evolution in bottle.”
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru ‘Clos des Ruchottes’ Monopole, Cote de Nuits 2009 750ML ($999.95) $899 pre-arrival special
Burghound 93 points “Ripe and very floral aromas display pure red pinot fruit that is cut with minerality and crushed herbs that introduce earthy and stony middle weight flavors that possess a taut muscularity and excellent power on the beautifully well-balanced and lingering finish. This is a very fresh wine of harmony that should age for decades if well-stored and while it’s not quite at the same level as the brilliant 2005 version, it’s close.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 91-93 points “(aging in 15% new oak) Bright deep red. Knockout aromas of raspberry, rose petal, spices and blood orange offer lovely tangy lift and purity. Then sweet and silky in the mouth, with terrific verve and energy for the year. A wine of great finesse, showing the spicy, floral side of Gevrey. This cuvee has been getting better in recent years. Rousseau attributes this to the fact that he has replanted about 5% of these vines, and the young vines are now bringing more fruit and perfume.”
Looking for other high end, collectible Burgundy? Check out our current selection of wines from Domaine de la Romanée Conti:
