2015 Montevertine: Legendary Wine
Vinopolis Highlight: Cameron’s Single Vineyards
The Most Exciting Spanish Wines We’ve Tasted?
Assorted New Champagne Arrivals
New Grapelive Review for a Barbaresco Fav
The Final Tranche of 2016 Molitor
New Arrivals
Including Arterberry-Maresh, Crowley, Colene Clemens
Quinta da Falorca, Castello di Volpaia and More!
New Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator Reviews
2015 Montevertine
Legendary Wine from a Legendary Vintage
Just Arrived, In Stock Now:
Only one case remaining.
Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($189.95) $166 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96-98 points “Tasted as a barrel sample, the 2015 Le Pergole Torte is a 100% expression of Sangiovese sourced from the estate’s oldest vines (between 30 and 50 years old). Like the other wines from Montevertine, Le Pergole Torte sees both its alcoholic and malolactic fermentations in cement, and the wine later ages in new oak barrels for 12 to 18 months depending on the vintage. After that first phase in barrique, it goes into large botte to complete its integration. This gorgeous vintage opens to a deep, dark appearance with a velvety presentation of dark fruit and black cherry flavors. The wine’s textural richness is ultimately what sets this fantastic vintage apart.”
Antonio Galloni 95-98 points “The 2015 Le Pergole Torte is explosive and powerful while showing a remarkable level of precision. Pliant and beautifully resonant, it captures all the best qualities of the year. The oak still needs time to fully assimilate. Even so, the wine’s pedigree and potential are very much in evidence today. In a word: superb.”
Vinopolis Highlight
Cameron’s Single Vineyard Pinot and Chard
There are two main vineyards, Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge, both in the Dundee Hills AVA. The Clos (named after the electric deer fence that surrounds the property) makes slightly more powerful wines, while Abbey Ridge (at higher elevation) produces wines with a little more acidity and structure. The whites are complex and intense as well, though they seem to have inverted personalities from the Pinots.
By any standard, these are some of the best wines produced in the US. They’ve become staples here at the shop for good reason—each vintage seems to be a classic and the wines are exceptionally well priced for what they are. Both 2015 and ’16 were exceptional vintages for Cameron, with 2016 having a bit more finesse and elegance. It’s been a little while since we’ve highlighted these wines, but we’re running down our stock and thought we’d put the spotlight on them another time for good measure.
In Stock Now:
Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2015 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 91 points “Limpid yellow. Anjou pear, Meyer lemon and chamomile scents, along with hints of fennel and sweet butter. Dry and sharply focused in the mouth, offering dried orchard fruit and citrus marmalade flavors; a late suggestion of melon adds succulence and depth. Finishes with very good cling, leaving bitter citrus pith and pear nectar notes behind.”
VinopolNote: Abbey Ridge sits high atop the Dundee Hills; a collection of vines planted on their own roots in the mid-70’s. It’s unquestionably one of the most special sites in the Willamette Valley and though it’s better known for Pinot Noir, the Abbey Chard is fantastic. This is the most limited of the Chardonnay bottlings from Cameron and isn’t produced every year (there was no 2014 version).
VinopolNote: Abbey Ridge sits high atop the Dundee Hills; a collection of vines planted on their own roots in the mid-70’s. It’s unquestionably one of the most special sites in the Willamette Valley and though it’s better known for Pinot Noir, the Abbey Chard is fantastic. This is the most limited of the Chardonnay bottlings from Cameron and isn’t produced every year (there was no 2014 version).
The next best price is $72
That’s a difference of $13/btl!
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Blanc, Dundee Hills 2016 1.5L ($189.95) $159 special
VinopolNote: The Clos Electrique is Cameron’s estate vineyard, named after the electric deer fence that surrounds it. This is planted to a mix of clones and is vinified traditionally—no racking and all in older barrels. This is crisp and coiled, with distinct minerality and a lot of power in a lithe frame. Like most vintages of the Electrique Blanc, this is quite good now but will be stellar in a few years.
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
VinopolNote: Abbey Ridge is one of the most hallowed sites in the Willamette Valley. Planted in 1975, the Pinot Noir here is own rooted and at one of the highest elevations in the Dundee Hills. The elevation and classic Jory soils give the wine an intense personality—high toned, elegant and tensile, with good power and a strong voice. This bottling has been one of the defining Oregon Pinots since John Paul started making it.
The next best price is $71.99
That’s a difference of over $12/btl
VinopolNote: Named after the electrified deer fence surrounding the vineyard, the Clos Electrique is the estate vineyard surrounding Cameron’s winery. Located just up the road from Maresh vineyard, on Worden Hill Road, it’s in the promised land of the Dundee Hills and the wines deliver. This is always the meatiest, most primal Pinot of the Cameron lineup. We love it for its intense savoriness and quiet power—every year this is an absolute treat to drink.
The Beautiful Montsant Wines of Vinyes D’en Gabriel
Montsant is a great undiscovered land for lovers of Spanish wines. Based in the mountains just southwest of Barcelona, the DO forms a ring around the more famous Priorat. Despite its more famous neighbor and proximity to a major city, Montsant remains an area where aspiring vintners can still afford land studded with old vines—and that’s what makes it one of the hottest regions in the world of Spanish wine. Those old vines, combined with unique soils, produce wines that are singular in Spain and at prices that are imminently reasonable for their quality.
Although close to Priorat, Montsant’s soils are radically different—limestone and clay to Priorat’s shiste and slate. As a result, the best wines of Montsant have a nearly Burgundian feel to them—the acidity and precision of flavors mirrors those legendary French wines born of similar soils. This being Spain, though, there’s a warmth and generosity to the flavors that’s unmistakable.
We just purchased a bunch of wines from Vinyes D’en Gabriel, across their entire range. The number of different wines we brought in should tell you how exemplary these are, especially for their prices. We’d recommend ordering a varied selection of their wines to get a sense of the varying styles and profiles the wines can carry and go from there!
In Stock Now:
Vinyes D’en Gabriel Plan Elle Carignane, Montsant 2014 750ML ($41.95) $36 special
VinopolNote: 100% Samso (the Catalan word for Carignan), this is richer and denser than you’d expect from the grape, though it still has all of that trademark lift and brightness. This is sourced from some of the oldest vines in the property, in a mix of clay, sandy and limestone soils and aged in a variety of barrel sizes before bottling.
VinopolNote: The “Finesse” and “Secret” bottlings are a fascinating pair. Produced from two sides of the same high-elevation vineyard that is planted to 100% Garnatxa. The “Finesse” comes from a section with limestone soils and is brighter, with a floral lift and delicacy that you’d associate with that terroir. The “Secret” bottling comes from a section of the vineyard that is predominantly red (volcanic) clay and has more power, body and a gamey quality that’s unique. Both are delicious and exceptional values.
VinopolNote: The “Finesse” and “Secret” bottlings are a fascinating pair. Produced from two sides of the same high-elevation vineyard that is planted to 100% Garnatxa. The “Finesse” comes from a section with limestone soils and is brighter, with a floral lift and delicacy that you’d associate with that terroir. The “Secret” bottling comes from a section of the vineyard that is predominantly red (volcanic) clay and has more power, body and a gamey quality that’s unique. Both are delicious and exceptional values.
Winery note “50% Garnatxa from 80 year old vines, 50% Samso (Carignan) from 70 year old vines. L’Heravi Criança is a rich, deep cherry red with hints of violet at the rim. On the nose it is complex and refined, a blend of red fruit and wild flowers, surrounded by subtle spice and mineral notes that evoke the land from which it is produced. In the mouth it is approachable and elegant, with a good tannic structure giving it depth. The finish is long and freshly aromatic. It will continue to display its qualities over the next ten years and more.”
Winery note “Brilliant intense colour with shades of violet indicating long life, with an intense nose in which the montsant terroir predominates. Presence of balsamic aromas from pine trees to honeycomb, touches of liquorice, mineral notes, aniseed with hints of fennel, cherry. In the mouth it is seductively moreish, full-bodied and well structured. The retronasal perception is of great aromatic complexity, with mineral notes alongside preserved fruit and fruits of the forest.”
Case-12 Vinyes d’en Gabriel L’Heravi, Montsant 2017 750ML ($219.95) $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Winery note “L’Heravi Joven is seductive, a rich cherry colour with hints of purple. It has a potent bouquet, with notes of red fruit, wild herbs and just a touch of sweet confectionery. In the mouth it is smooth and elegant, with intense flavours accompanied by freshness and nicely integrated tannins. It will continue to display its qualities over the next 3 years or so.”
Assorted New Champagne Arrivals
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “Macerated for a couple of hours on the skins, this NV Rosé de Saignée Brut Premier Cru is 100% Pinot Noir and is entirely based on the 2013 vintage. Disgorged in September 2017 with a dosage of eight grams per liter, this has a beautifully deep and intense Pinot character with red fruit aromas on the nose. Full, round and vinous on the palate, with great elegance, complexity and expression, this is a gorgeous Rosé with great purity, elegance and intense fruitiness. Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy is truly a master of the saignée method. Tasted April 2018.”
The average price is $70
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2009 Brut Cuvée Empreinte emerges from a parcel of 30 year-old vines in Cumières. Vinification and aging in oak gives the wine its sensual contours. Smoke, almond, dried pear and hazelnut lead into an expressive, layered finish. The radiance of the vintage works to flesh out some of the natural austerity of Cumières, while the wine’s balance is absolutely impeccable. Oak influences are felt, but add to the wine’s breadth rather than marking the wine excessively. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: December 2015.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “Disgorged in October 2015 with six grams of dosage, the 2009 Empreinte Brut Premier Cru is an assemblage of 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay and 5% Meunier vinified in oak (barrels and foudres). It opens with a clear, intense and complex nose of white fruits along with some hints of hazelnuts, nougat and oak. Full-bodied, this is a mouth-filling Champagne with a creamy and very elegant texture, as well as very good structure. Still young and firm, this is a promising Champagne for the next 5-10 years.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Flavors of white cherry, pastry and mandarin orange peel are layered with a subtle steak of smoke and spice in this bright and mouthwatering Champagne. Long and creamy. Disgorged September 2016. Drink now through 2027. 120 cases imported.
The average price is $61
Wine & Spirits 93 points “Mostly chardonnay, this rose includes 23 percent pinot noir, one-third of that as red wine, all of it from Villers-Marmery. Its subtle strawberry scents and more powerful red-fruit flavors have an effortless balance, just sweet enough to hold the woodsy notes of tree bark and forest-berry tartness at bay. Generous in the middle, the wine tightens toward the finish, leaving a clean, bright impression. A lovely aperitif, especially with poached prawns.” [Review is for Oct 2017 disgorgement]
Terry Theise note “Arnaud’s energetic daughter Mathilde hinted she might wish to change the label on this wine, whereupon we all made Edvard Munch Scream faces and pleaded with her to leave it be. In any case the wine, after suffering from 2011’s predations, is strongly back in form the past two years. Base of 2014, it’s 75% CH, 13% PN and 10% still red PN. Disg 12/2016, this is a sheer version of this dewy-fruited being, all class and spring water purity. It’s as pretty as strawberries you never forgot because they were so divine.”
For a Barbaresco Favorite
Ca’ del Baio ‘Autinbej’, Barbaresco DOCG 2015 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Case-12 Ca’ del Baio ‘Autinbej’, Barbaresco DOCG 2015 750ML ($419.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Grapelive 93 points “The 2015 Autinbej was traditionally crafted and fermented with maceration on the skins from 9 to 15 days in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve aromatics and fresh detail. The Grasso’s try to use only native yeasts and low sulfur in their wines, along with the sustainable vineyard practices are looking to make as a natural expression as possible. In the case of this Autinbej, it’s a blend of different crus….The resulting Barbaresco matured for 24 months in large Slavonian oak barrels (boti) followed by bottle aging for at least four months before its release, and while like most Nebbiolo based wines in the region it can and will age extremely well and effortlessly for a long time, but this one, especially in this vintage with it’s heady flavors and smooth tannins can be drunk young. This is a winery on the rise, in 2016 Giulio received a great honor, he was named “Viticulturist of the Year” by the very prestigious Gambero Rosso Italian Wine Guide….There is a lot to love here with this Nebbiolo showing a raw sex appeal in the glass with a cascade of flavors and sensations including rose petals, minty herbs, strawberry preserves, damson plum and kirsch along with black licorice, mineral, cedar, coco and hint of orange rind. The palate is chewy and youthful, but air allows this ruby/garnet and dark brick hued Barbaresco unwind and flow seamlessly in the mouth, this is impressive stuff, especially with matching cuisine and robust food choices. If this one is anything to go by then I’m going to be thrilled by the single cru bottlings and the Asili Reserva, as well as the basic Langhe Nebbiolo, if you haven’t heard of Ca’ del Baio, you should search some out soon.”
Just Arrived!
This is the essence of the brilliance of Marcus Molitor. Most winemakers would pick once or twice (or three times) in a vineyard and vinify many lots together—it’s easier and the wines are good. Molitor, though, asks what each parcel and pick would be like on its own—treated as if it were a wine of distinction rather than a blending component. This is a lot of extra work and requires time and space that most winemakers would rather not spend, but the result is a dizzying number of bottlings that all strive toward perfection.
The critical praise backs this up—Marcus Molitor’s wines are some of the most lauded in the world. Whether white capsule (dry), green capsule (off-dry), or gold capsule (fruity to nobly sweet), he manages to produce wines that captivate and astound. 2016 is among the best vintages he’s produced—possibly better across the board than the lauded 15’s. We have a final tranche of 2016s that just arrived—wines that are worth the time of any lover of Mosel wine.
In Stock Now:
Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese** Green Kap Mosel 2016 750ML ($59.95) $51.90 special
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Riesling Bernkasteler Badstube Auslese ** (Green Capsule) offers a pretty clear and delicate, fresh and flinty bouquet with bright fruit aromas and clayey wet slate notes. On the palate, this is a tensioned, fresh, mineral and tightly woven Auslese in the medium sweet style. It’s truly piquant and fresh, and the ripe, concentrated fruit is well balanced by vibrating minerals and phenolic grip. The finish is very long and fine, with a lot of salinity and slatey freshness. This is an impressive wine, but you should be patient with it. Tasted March 2018.”
Stuart Pigott- jamessuckling.com 94 points “A ton of spices and minerality here. There is also a lot of juiciness and some perceptible sweetness on the middle-palate. A very clean vibrant finish follows and pulls you back for more. Drink or hold.”
Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese*** Feinherb (Green Kap), Mosel 2016 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2016 Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Auslese *** (Green Capsule) is deep and complex on the nose, though discreet in its fruit expression straight from the bottle. However, the fruit is beautifully flinty, fresh and really fine. Lush and round on the palate, this is a full-bodied, ripe and intense yet well-balanced and elegant Himmelreich whose sweetness of roughly 30 grams per liter is still prominent at this young age. However, the wine is intense, long, firmly structured, very mineral and provided with serious tannins and a lot of stones. I am tasting it far too early (and straight after the three-starred Rosenberg Auslese), but it’s a highly promising Riesling from a great vintage for the Mosel. Bottled in September 2017; tasted March 2018.”
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 96 points “A remarkable 2016 Mosel riesling that’s just off-dry. Stunning apricots and fresh herbs in the nose. Dense, succulent and yet elegant. The finish is a cascade of herbal notes, ripe fruit and floral honey. A very long and clean finish with a lot of power. Drink or hold.”
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 93 points “Plenty of white- and yellow-peach aromas with a hint of herbal freshness. Very cool and fresh with a super-crisp finish. Oh yes, there is also some sweetness but it’s really not that obvious. Drink or hold.”
Wine Advocate 92+ points “Molitor’s 2016 Riesling Kinheimer Rosenberg Spätlese (Golden Capsule) is intense and clear on the nose, a bit warmer and richer but less refined compared to the corresponding Schlossberg. The wine has mouth-filling sweet fruit and, in the finish, a very elegant slatey flavor that lends it stunning finesse and purity. The finish is firm and still a tiny bit astringent. Tasted March 2018.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Riesling Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Spätlese (White Capsule) is clear, fresh and precise on the nose where a ripe, concentrated and spicy white fruit aroma is displayed and intermixed with crystalline and crunchy slate flavors. On the palate, the Bockstein reveals lush, concentrated, very elegant and mineral structured fruit that is terribly precise and piquant. The finish is pure, clean, intense and persistently salty, again showing crunchy slate flavors. The wine was bottled in September 2017. Tasted in March 2018.”
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 93 points “Full of blossoms and citrusy freshness. This Saar wine is so juicy and refreshing that you might think it is too charming, but it has a firm and mineral core that builds up at the long finish. Drink or hold.”
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 95 points “Stand back and duck while this extraordinary Mosel Spätlese explodes! Enormous juiciness and minerality, as well as spices. Stunning freshness at the very long finish. Drink or hold.”
Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2016 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Spätlese (Golden Capsule) is clear, pure, precise and piquant on the nose and shows tender citrus aromas along with very fine slate notes. Racy-piquant on the first attack, this is a stimulatingly lush and salty Spätlese with a very good and mouthwatering mineral finish. Stewed apples flavors come out in the complex aftertaste. Delicious, but it should be kept in the cellar for another 5-10 years.”
Wine Advocate 98 points “Molitor’s 2016 Riesling Zeltinger Schlossberg Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is very clear and complex on the elegant, greatly defined and smoky nose where citrus notes are displayed along with lovely coolish precision and mineral freshness. Lush, super pure, fine and piquant on the palate, this is intellectualism paired with hedonism. This Auslese is perfectly balanced and extremely stimulating thanks the vitalizing and energetic finish that is so pure and fresh, so salty, fine and mouthwatering… This is probably one of the most digestible Auslesen on the highest possible quality level that I have ever had. There is no fat, no sweetness, just precision, elegance, finesse and balance.”
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Spatlese (Gold Kap), Mosel 2016 750ML ($34.95) $27 special
David Schildknecht-Vinous 93 points “An effusively fruity nose featuring ripe pear, Persian melon and lychee sets the themes for a creamy, luscious, unabashedly sweet midpalate performance. Cinnamon and nutmeg accents add to the allure of a finish that is at once soothing and stimulating and displays admirable and unexpected transparency to stony and liquidly floral nuances.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “Molitor’s 2016 Riesling Zeltinger Schlossberg Spätlese is super pure and intense on the opulent, alluringly refined and slatey nose. Light, lush and voluptuous, this is an incredibly sappy and refined Spätlese with great elegance, finesse and mouthwatering salinity. This 2016 is almost weightless on the palate and terribly precise! A gorgeous Spätlese from a vineyard that will become more and more important for Molitor in the coming years. He just added another three hectares of this grand cru to his portfolio… Bottled in June 2017 with 7.5% alcohol. AP #2/17. Tasted in March 2018.”
The next best price is $39.99
Wine Advocate 98+ points “Molitor’s 2016 Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is the one and only of the sweet three-starred sextet that indicates a higher percentage of botrytis (whereas the two-starred Auslese is beautifully pure and delicate). Intense and with iodine notes on the nose where ripe, concentrated Riesling aromas are displayed, this is a round, lush, intense and creamy textured Auslese with great elegance, balance and tropical fruit flavors in the opulent, gorgeously rich yet still refined finish that also reveals very fine tannins. Bottled in September 2017; tasted March 2018.”
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese*** Feinherb (Green Kap), Mosel 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Wine Advocate 99 points “From over 100-year-old vines and fermented in an eight-year-old 2,000-liter Stockinger vat and 15% in small oak barrels, the 2016 Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese *** (Green Capsule) offers a deep and concentrated, terribly fresh and oaky nose. Round and lush on the palate, this is a very elegant, intense and refined Sonnenuhr with super lush fruit, very fine tannins and ripe acidity. Molitor is extremely proud of all his Sonnenuhr bottlings, but they demand a much longer period of bottle aging. The richness (which is still elegant and fine) and the oak flavors (which are discreet but present) will surely integrate, so the wine has huge potential. Bottled in September 2017; tasted March 2018.”
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($44.95) $39 special
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2016 Chardonnay Four Winds is scented of Golden Delicious apples and yellow pears with nuances of citrus pith, acacia honey and almonds with a creamy undercurrent. It’s medium to full-bodied with fresh orchard fruits in the mouth, good uplifting acidity and a long finish with nutty accents.”-EB
Winery notes: “No matter the heat this wine never slows down. Four Winds Chardonnay comes off of a block of own-rooted Wente clone Chardonnay that was planted in 1990. Every vintage, Four Winds shows low alcohol, singing acid and a citrus nature. Twenty months in neutral barrel broadens the palate and bring a touch of sweet butter and sage.”
Arterberry Maresh Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
The next best price is $28
The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Wine Advocate 91 points “The average vine age for Eyrie’s Pinot Gris is 28 years old—Jason Lett says these were the first vines of Pinot Gris to be planted in the U.S. The 2016 Pinot Gris has a delicate nose of lime skin, lemon pith, orange blossom and wet stone with touches of crushed shell. Light-bodied, it offers plenty of ripe citrus and tangerine flavors in the mouth with a touch of creaminess to the texture, wonderful zesty acidity and a wicked streak of crushed rock minerality, finishing long and refreshing. 3,500 cases produced.”
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($49.95) $44 special
Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2016 Pinot Noir Four Winds is pale to medium ruby-purple in the glass with an open, gregarious nose of cranberry tart, pomegranate, tart red cherries, cola and smoke with whiffs of fallen leaves and eucalyptus. Medium-bodied, it offers good concentration of fruits and earthy layers in the mouth, framed by grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity, finishing long and nuanced. Yum!”-EB
Winery note “The Four Winds single vineyard Pinot Noir is gaining fans! Our 2014 sold quickly and we’re beginning to understand why. This wine is about elegance, length, transparency and subtlety. It’s an understated wine. The La Colina has angles and density while this wine is all about pretty and sleek. It’s delicate and approachable young and has quintessential Pinot flavor. It’s lighter in color and weight and always leans toward ‘classic.’ Dry farmed, 100% Pommard clone, aged for 22 months in neutral barrels.”
J.K. Carriere Provocateur Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
James Suckling 91 points “A very reductive and edgy nose that carries a strong array of wild-herb and sous-bois aromas with bright red fruit and a big hit of toasty oak, as well as meaty ferment-derived reduction. The palate has a strikingly fresh and punchy core of fine tannins and plenty of fresh red fruit. Drink from 2020.”
The average listed price is $28
Josh Raynolds 91 points “Bright red. Vibrant red berry and floral aromas are complicated by suggestions of Asian spices and smoky minerals. Taut, focused and energetic in the mouth, offering lithe raspberry, bitter blood orange and spicecake flavors that deepen and become sweeter with air. Silky and graceful in style, displaying excellent closing focus, fruity persistence and harmonious tannins.”
The follow up to a Top 100 performance.
Colene Clemens Vineyards ‘Dopp Creek’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
VinopolNote: After winning Wine Spectator Top 10 in 2015, the 2017 proves this bottling just gets better and better every vintage. A true value!
Casar de Burbia ‘Casar’ Tinto, Bierzo 2013 750ML ($19.95) $11.90 special
Case-12 Casar de Burbia ‘Casar’ Tinto, Bierzo 2013 750ML ($219.95) $119 special (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
James Suckling 93 points “Super-fresh blacks fruits and a hint of wild strawberry. Enormous freshness and brightness. The finish is almost crystalline in its purity. Bierzo takes off! Drink now.”
Casar de Burbia Hombros, Bierzo 2012 750ML ($27.95) $16 special
Case-12 Casar de Burbia Hombros, Bierzo 2012 750ML ($299.95) $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
James Suckling 92 points “Intense herbal liquer character and soy sauce on the nose. Medium-bodied with a very savory character and plenty of herbs. Crisp and quite mineral. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Very fresh, with a lively fleur de sel note that pierces the mix of quinine, chamomile, white peach and dried lemon peel flavors. The long, pure finish is bony and mouthwatering. Drink now. 250 cases made.”
Bodegas Cesar Florido Cruz Del Mar Fino Sherry, Andalucia 375ML ($19.95) $14 special
Cesar Florido Cruz Del Mar Amontillado Sherry, Andalucia 375ML ($21.95) $18 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2011 Reserva Quinta Da Falorca Lagar is a blend of Touriga Nacional (70%), Alfrocheiro (15%) and Tinta Roriz (15)%, aged for 18 months in new French oak. On opening, this didn’t seem anywhere near as silky as the Touriga Nacional, also reviewed. On the second day, if anything, it was more so, very Burgundian and very graceful, but also more powerful, with a bit more astringency on the finish. There are expressive fruit flavors around the edges, but, as with the Touriga, this is unevolved and needs time despite its late release. It is potentially a big winner, but I liked the Touriga slightly better just now. That could easily change.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2011 Touriga Nacional Quinta Da Falorca is a blend of Touriga grapes from three plots, two with 40 years of age and the third at ten. It was aged in new French oak for 18 months. The combination of power, finesse and seduction here make this more than a little enticing. To be sure, it is rather unevolved and it needs to pull in a little oak. Even now, though, it is slowly gathering itself. The crisp, flavorful finish, balance and good structure will support this for a couple of decades in all likelihood. It finishes with controlled power and persistent flavor. It is always a wine that leans a bit to the Burgundian and this year is no different. I liked last year’s version a lot. That may in fact be a bit lusher. This has a bit more lift, focus and penetration, granting that they are not now side-by-side. It is a very nice duo. In the long run, this will win out. It was far superior the next day, its combination of finesse and precision winning out. It has an Old-World feel (forgive the stereotype).”
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2016 Chianti Classico is all class. Fresh, floral and beautifully lifted, the 2016 offers a terrific expression of the estate in its mid-weight personality. All the elements meld together in this effortless, classy wine from the family. The 2016 is quite accessible today, but it also has enough brightness to age nicely for a number of years. What a pretty wine it is.”
James Suckling 92 points “Aromas of cherries, dried strawberries and red plums. Medium to full body, round and ripe tannins and a nice, fresh finish. Drink now.”
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Importer Note “The Chianti Classico Riserva has a ruby-red hue with a trace of garnet. The nose is elegant, displaying hints of spice and fruit. This a well-structured wine with smooth tannins and a long finish. One of the highest-elevation winery in the Chianti area, Castello di Volpaia owns 46 hectares (114 acres) of vineyards, which are situated at 450 to 600 meters (1,300 to 2,130 feet) on the southern hillsides leading up to the village.”
Argentina
Reunion Malbec, Salta 2017 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 94 points “The nose of the 2016 Albariño Cepas Vellas shows very young and primary, not that different from the 2017 I tasted next to it. This comes from ancient, ungrafted vines planted around the family house and winery. It always has an extra degree of complexity and depth, often revealed in a subtle rather than in-your-face way. There are shy aromas of citrus fruit and flowers, with a saline and mineral touch that is later found in a stronger way on the palate. This is super tasty, powerful and round but still lively. The acidity feels more integrated than the 2017, which feels a little wilder. This is a great Albariño they compare with 2011, as they feel the two years were similar, even if today the wines do not show the same. I also tasted the 2011 next to this, and the evolution is phenomenal; so, if they are right and this evolves the way the 2011 has done (which was a surprise for everyone), my score might be a little too conservative. 8,000 bottles produced.”
Only four bottles remaining!
Jean-Claude Boisset Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2016 750ML ($269.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “A subtle vegetal aroma accents the black currant, blackberry and floral flavors here. Rich, ripe and lush, yet backed by a solid structure, remaining fluid and concentrated on the long finish. Best from 2023 through 2045.—B.S”