In Today’s Newsletter:
Subscriber Special:
10% Off Already-Value Burgundy
Delas: Taste Ambition
New Wines from Champagne’s Hottest Winemaker
An Insider’s Pick in Champagne
Santa Duc: Regal Gigondas and More
#Trending
Collector’s Corner
XXL, Indeed (AKA: A Perfect Chateauneuf)
Subscriber Special:
10% Off Already-Value Burgundy
In Stock Now:
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Les Boivins, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($34.95) $28 Displayed Price, $25.20 Subscriber Special
Wine Spectator “90 points The core flavors of black cherry and blackberry are wrapped in oak, lending vanilla and sweet spice details along with a layer of tannins. Just needs a little more time. Best from 2020 through 2028. 110 cases imported.”
Importer Note “The Marsannay Boivins is lieu-dit in Marsannay Villages, on vines over 40 years and varying limestone soil. Aged in oak, 25% new, to round the tannins.”
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Les Champsalomon, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($34.95) $28 Displayed Price, $25.20 Subscriber Special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Silky, this red evokes cherry, strawberry and graphite flavors, with bright acidity keeping this fresh and focused. Harmonious and long, offering a light chalky feel on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 150 cases imported.”
Importer Note “The Marsannay Champsalomon is from the village of Couchey. The 40+ year old vines are on the marl soil of the Ostrea Acuminata.”
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Cuvee Vieilles Vignes, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 Displayed Price, $21.60 Subscriber Special
Grapelive 91 points “Exploring value priced Burgundy usually ends in huge disappointment, but sometimes you find a jewel. The wines of Philippe Collotte are just that, especially his old vine Marsannay, where there are 5 parcels of 50+ year old vines that make up his excellent super-value Marsannay Cuvee Vieilles Vignes. It way over-delivers for the price… He bottles everything unfiltered per his importer’s request (Weygant Metzler). It makes for an expressive and mineral-driven Pinot Noir of wonderful delicacy, but with solid fruit intensity which forms its perception of depth flavors. While starting with classic Burgundy subtly and brightness, things gain a darker feel with air allowing layers of black cherry, strawberry and earthy vine-picked berries to come through on the medium bodied palate. The mouth-feel and length are quite impressive for a wine of this price. Rose petals, chalk dust and cedar notes along with a mixed spice note add to the whole here. There’s no question this will surprise a few people. The vintage with its concentrated ripe profile certainly helped and the old vines give a charm that with put a smile on many a face. It did mine! Drink this Marsannay over the next 3 to 5 years. It’s a no-guilt Burgundy to get by the case!”
Domaine Collotte Bourgogne Cuvee de Noble Souche, Burgundy 2015 750ML ($29.95) $19 Displayed Price, $17.10 Subscriber Special
VinopolNote: Surprisingly for an entry-level red, this bottling is from a parcel planted with the oldest vines of the estate: 71 year old vines grown on pebbly Cailloux soil.
Importer note “Bourgogne ‘Noble Souché’ translates to the ‘noble vine’ from almost 70 year old vines planted in 1947 on Marsannay Cailloux soil from Champforeys. Entirely, de-estemmed, slow fermentation with 5 days of pre-maceration. Aged for 11 months 90% in stainless steel tank, this is a lovely, subtlety rich Côte de Nuits wine.”
Subscriber Special: 10% Off all In Stock Wines from Domaine Collotte
Subscriber Special pricing will not display online or in your cart.
We will manually adjust pricing before finalizing your order.
Subscriber Special valid until 11:59 PM Pacific on Friday, February 7th
Delas: Taste Ambition
Delas Freres Cornas Chante Perdrix, Rhone 2015 750ML ($59.95) $44 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Hot Wine! Offers a delicious core of gently mulled blueberry, blackberry and black currant fruit that is matched by a mix of floral, mineral and singed spice notes throughout. The long chalky spine is well-buried on the finish, letting all the elements play out suavely through the finish. Best from 2021 through 2036. 1,100 cases made.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Cornas Chante Perdrix is a blend of several parcels, vinified in concrete and aged primarily in oak. It’s dark and concentrated, although admittedly not the most muscular Cornas. Black currant and cedar notes combine along with peppery hints of Montreal smoked meat to yield a savory impression. It’s all held together by fine-grained, dusty tannins, which leave a lingering soft texture on the long, licorice-tinged finish. Already enjoyable, it should develop well for 10-12 years or more.”
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Dark purple. Expansive aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, smoky Indian spices and olive, with a suave floral nuance that gains strength with air. Deeply concentrated but energetic as well, offering palate-staining blueberry and violet pastille flavors and building spiciness. Rounded tannins add gentle grip to a strikingly long penetrating finish that clings with strong tenacity.”
Delas Freres Hermitage Les Bessards, Rhone 2015 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “The top cuvée from Delas is the 2015 Hermitage Les Bessards, and it’s always 100% Syrah from the steep, broken granite soils of the Bessards lieu-dit. Aged 18 months in 30% new barrels, its purple/plum color is followed by a huge nose of blackcurrants, graphite, toasted spice, crushed rocks and saddle leather. Powerful, massively concentrated, and tannic, it has a broad, expansive, heavenly texture, a thick mid-palate (you could almost use a fork for this beauty), and a great finish. Despite the richness level, it stays balanced and graceful on the palate, and is never over the top or heavy. It’s a perfect Hermitage that will start to shine with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for three decades or more. Bravo!”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Cellar Selection! There’s a striking balance here calibrating bold, almost muscular ripeness against an invigorating granite edge. This wine is plump and full bodied, full of supple blackberry and plum flavors balanced by pert acidity and taut, penetrating tannins. It should be in peak from 2020–2035 but hold further.”
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The top cuvée is the 2015 Hermitage les Bessards, which comes from the middle to lower portion of the steep, granite hillside known as Bessards, unquestionably one of the best terroirs for Syrah in the world. Its inky purple color is followed by a full-bodied, rich, thrillingly concentrated red that has huge tannin, bright acidity and a solid mid-palate concentration. It still tastes like it just came from the press and will need to be forgotten for a decade. As normal, it’s completely destemmed and will see 18 months in 30% new oak.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Inky ruby. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes candied black and blue fruits, along with complicating suggestions of smoky minerals, candied flowers, olive and vanilla. Deep, chewy and expansive in the mouth, offering impressively concentrated dark berry liqueur, fruitcake and salty olive flavors that are complicated by a hint of smoky minerality and a building floral pastille note. Distinctly rich and powerful but surprisingly graceful as well, showing noteworthy clarity and mineral-driven thrust on the strikingly long finish.”
Delas Freres Hermitage Les Bessards, Rhone 2004 750ML ($199.95) $119 special, 16 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.”
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($279.95) $199 special (that’s only $31.17/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “Inky and concentrated, the 2015 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon is no easy-drinking Saint-Joseph. It’s smoky, herbal and ashy all at once, yet it’s buoyed by ample black cherry fruit and vibrant acidity. This medium to full-bodied Syrah has plenty of tannins, but they’re ultimately silky and most apparent on the long, licorice-tinged finish. This is approachable now but should be even better in 3 years and should drink well for at least another 10 after that.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Both Saint Joseph releases are brilliant in 2015. The 2015 Saint Joseph François De Tournon comes vines around Tournon, Mauves, Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, and Vion, and is always destemmed and aged in 30% new barrels. This full-bodied, rounded, sexy beauty shows the power and fruit of the vintage. With classic notes of black and blue fruits, violets, incense and pepper, drink this textured, expansive, terrific Saint Joseph over the coming 10-15 years.”
New Wines from Champagne’s Hottest Winemaker
Subscriber Special:
10% Off Already-Value Burgundy
Delas: Taste Ambition
New Wines from Champagne’s Hottest Winemaker
An Insider’s Pick in Champagne
Santa Duc: Regal Gigondas and More
#Trending
Collector’s Corner
XXL, Indeed (AKA: A Perfect Chateauneuf)
Subscriber Special:
10% Off Already-Value Burgundy
“Collotte remains one of the most under the radar growers in Marsannay. At their best, these wines are striking for their purity of fruit and overall sense of harmony.” –Antonio Galloni
A vintage like 2015 isn’t just a great year in Burgundy—it’s a great buying opportunity if you know where to look. While the prices for the top wines from the best producers skyrocketed, the value producers’ prices barely budged. That’s an exceptional opportunity, as the floor rises far more than the ceiling in a warm year like ’15. This is a prime chance to chase the best lower tier wines in 2015—Bourgogne, village wines and wines from less heralded terroirs.
A perfect example? Domaine Collotte’s wines from Marsannay and Fixin. You should be stocking up on these wines in 2015. They’re reasonably priced, from old vines on good soil and made by a real craftsman. In a cooler year, these wines might be a bit rustic compared to their more famous neighbor, Gevery-Chambertin, but in a warm year (like 2015) these are the real deal.
We’ve carried these wines for a few years and are always excited to source them, but there’s a marked step up in quality for the 2015’s. You look at the Wine Spectator reviews and see they clearly love these wines, as well. These are wines to snatch up. The best part of the equation is the pricing—and we’re making that even better, offering you an additional 10% off these excellent values until midnight Friday night.
A vintage like 2015 isn’t just a great year in Burgundy—it’s a great buying opportunity if you know where to look. While the prices for the top wines from the best producers skyrocketed, the value producers’ prices barely budged. That’s an exceptional opportunity, as the floor rises far more than the ceiling in a warm year like ’15. This is a prime chance to chase the best lower tier wines in 2015—Bourgogne, village wines and wines from less heralded terroirs.
A perfect example? Domaine Collotte’s wines from Marsannay and Fixin. You should be stocking up on these wines in 2015. They’re reasonably priced, from old vines on good soil and made by a real craftsman. In a cooler year, these wines might be a bit rustic compared to their more famous neighbor, Gevery-Chambertin, but in a warm year (like 2015) these are the real deal.
We’ve carried these wines for a few years and are always excited to source them, but there’s a marked step up in quality for the 2015’s. You look at the Wine Spectator reviews and see they clearly love these wines, as well. These are wines to snatch up. The best part of the equation is the pricing—and we’re making that even better, offering you an additional 10% off these excellent values until midnight Friday night.
Subscriber Special: 10% Off all In Stock Wines from Domaine Collotte
Subscriber Special pricing will not display online or in your cart.
We will manually adjust pricing before finalizing your order.
Subscriber Special valid until 11:59 PM Pacific on Friday, February 7th
Subscriber Special pricing will not display online or in your cart.
We will manually adjust pricing before finalizing your order.
Subscriber Special valid until 11:59 PM Pacific on Friday, February 7th
In Stock Now:
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Les Boivins, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($34.95) $28 Displayed Price, $25.20 Subscriber Special
Wine Spectator “90 points The core flavors of black cherry and blackberry are wrapped in oak, lending vanilla and sweet spice details along with a layer of tannins. Just needs a little more time. Best from 2020 through 2028. 110 cases imported.”
Importer Note “The Marsannay Boivins is lieu-dit in Marsannay Villages, on vines over 40 years and varying limestone soil. Aged in oak, 25% new, to round the tannins.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
Now it’s even lower!
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Les Champsalomon, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($34.95) $28 Displayed Price, $25.20 Subscriber Special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Silky, this red evokes cherry, strawberry and graphite flavors, with bright acidity keeping this fresh and focused. Harmonious and long, offering a light chalky feel on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 150 cases imported.”
Importer Note “The Marsannay Champsalomon is from the village of Couchey. The 40+ year old vines are on the marl soil of the Ostrea Acuminata.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
Now it’s even lower!
Domaine Collotte Fixin Les Crais de Chene, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($44.95) $36 Displayed Price, $32.40 Subscriber Special
Wine Spectator 92 points “A pure dose of cherry, strawberry, sweet spice and mineral marks this harmonious red. Firm and focused, with a lingering finish of spice. Shows plenty of class. Best from 2020 through 2030. 50 cases imported.”
Importer Note “The [Fixin] Crais de Chene is from 40+ year old vines on clay-limestone soil. The vines face east to gather the sweet morning sun. Due to the old age of the vines, the grapes are very small and concentrated with flavor. Completely destemmed, the wine is aged in barrel, 30% new, for 12 months.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “A pure dose of cherry, strawberry, sweet spice and mineral marks this harmonious red. Firm and focused, with a lingering finish of spice. Shows plenty of class. Best from 2020 through 2030. 50 cases imported.”
Importer Note “The [Fixin] Crais de Chene is from 40+ year old vines on clay-limestone soil. The vines face east to gather the sweet morning sun. Due to the old age of the vines, the grapes are very small and concentrated with flavor. Completely destemmed, the wine is aged in barrel, 30% new, for 12 months.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
Now it’s even lower!
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Cuvee Vieilles Vignes, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 Displayed Price, $21.60 Subscriber Special
Grapelive 91 points “Exploring value priced Burgundy usually ends in huge disappointment, but sometimes you find a jewel. The wines of Philippe Collotte are just that, especially his old vine Marsannay, where there are 5 parcels of 50+ year old vines that make up his excellent super-value Marsannay Cuvee Vieilles Vignes. It way over-delivers for the price… He bottles everything unfiltered per his importer’s request (Weygant Metzler). It makes for an expressive and mineral-driven Pinot Noir of wonderful delicacy, but with solid fruit intensity which forms its perception of depth flavors. While starting with classic Burgundy subtly and brightness, things gain a darker feel with air allowing layers of black cherry, strawberry and earthy vine-picked berries to come through on the medium bodied palate. The mouth-feel and length are quite impressive for a wine of this price. Rose petals, chalk dust and cedar notes along with a mixed spice note add to the whole here. There’s no question this will surprise a few people. The vintage with its concentrated ripe profile certainly helped and the old vines give a charm that with put a smile on many a face. It did mine! Drink this Marsannay over the next 3 to 5 years. It’s a no-guilt Burgundy to get by the case!”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
Now it’s even lower!
Domaine Collotte Bourgogne Cuvee de Noble Souche, Burgundy 2015 750ML ($29.95) $19 Displayed Price, $17.10 Subscriber Special
VinopolNote: Surprisingly for an entry-level red, this bottling is from a parcel planted with the oldest vines of the estate: 71 year old vines grown on pebbly Cailloux soil.
Importer note “Bourgogne ‘Noble Souché’ translates to the ‘noble vine’ from almost 70 year old vines planted in 1947 on Marsannay Cailloux soil from Champforeys. Entirely, de-estemmed, slow fermentation with 5 days of pre-maceration. Aged for 11 months 90% in stainless steel tank, this is a lovely, subtlety rich Côte de Nuits wine.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
Now it’s even lower!
Subscriber Special: 10% Off all In Stock Wines from Domaine Collotte
Subscriber Special pricing will not display online or in your cart.
We will manually adjust pricing before finalizing your order.
Subscriber Special valid until 11:59 PM Pacific on Friday, February 7th
Delas: Taste Ambition
Known for crafting some of the Northern Rhone’s most powerful wines, Delas is a signature producer in a region with no shortage of legendary names. It is thanks to their significant holdings throughout the region that allow Delas to not only produce some of the region’s finest expressions, including their Hermitage Les Bessards, but also some of its best values. Wines like the St Joseph Francois de Tournon and Chante Perdrix Cornas prove that world-class Northern Rhone wines don’t necessarily have to break the bank.
With consistently strong scores from some of the world’s most respected critics, including a perfect score on their 2015 Hermitage Les Bessards, Delas’ wines no longer fly under the radar. However, even with the recent acclaim, Delas has kept their pricing reasonable. So, for those looking to experience what ambition tastes like in the Northern Rhone today, without the sticker shock, look no further.
We offer 12 different wines in stock now from Delas. Browse our top picks below or visit our web store for the complete list!
In Stock Now:
Delas Freres Condrieu Clos Boucher, Rhone 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Pale green-hued yellow. Penetrating, mineral-tinged aromas of fresh citrus and pit fruits are complemented by chalky minerals, violet and fennel accents. Juicy, focused and concentrated, offering intense pear nectar, Meyer lemon and honeysuckle flavors that show outstanding clarity and minerally lift. The mineral and floral notes carry emphatically through a silky, appealingly sweet finish that hangs on with superb focus and tenacity.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “A step up, the bigger, richer 2016 Condrieu Clos Boucher is blockbuster stuff, offering serious notes of crushed rock, buttered citrus, orange blossom, and a smoky, meaty, mineral character that’s hard to describe. Possessing full-bodied richness, beautiful mid-palate concentration and a seamless texture, this beauty will be even better this time next year and keep for 4-6 years.”
With consistently strong scores from some of the world’s most respected critics, including a perfect score on their 2015 Hermitage Les Bessards, Delas’ wines no longer fly under the radar. However, even with the recent acclaim, Delas has kept their pricing reasonable. So, for those looking to experience what ambition tastes like in the Northern Rhone today, without the sticker shock, look no further.
We offer 12 different wines in stock now from Delas. Browse our top picks below or visit our web store for the complete list!
In Stock Now:
Delas Freres Condrieu Clos Boucher, Rhone 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Pale green-hued yellow. Penetrating, mineral-tinged aromas of fresh citrus and pit fruits are complemented by chalky minerals, violet and fennel accents. Juicy, focused and concentrated, offering intense pear nectar, Meyer lemon and honeysuckle flavors that show outstanding clarity and minerally lift. The mineral and floral notes carry emphatically through a silky, appealingly sweet finish that hangs on with superb focus and tenacity.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “A step up, the bigger, richer 2016 Condrieu Clos Boucher is blockbuster stuff, offering serious notes of crushed rock, buttered citrus, orange blossom, and a smoky, meaty, mineral character that’s hard to describe. Possessing full-bodied richness, beautiful mid-palate concentration and a seamless texture, this beauty will be even better this time next year and keep for 4-6 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $94
The next best price is $94
Delas Freres Cornas Chante Perdrix, Rhone 2015 750ML ($59.95) $44 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Hot Wine! Offers a delicious core of gently mulled blueberry, blackberry and black currant fruit that is matched by a mix of floral, mineral and singed spice notes throughout. The long chalky spine is well-buried on the finish, letting all the elements play out suavely through the finish. Best from 2021 through 2036. 1,100 cases made.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Cornas Chante Perdrix is a blend of several parcels, vinified in concrete and aged primarily in oak. It’s dark and concentrated, although admittedly not the most muscular Cornas. Black currant and cedar notes combine along with peppery hints of Montreal smoked meat to yield a savory impression. It’s all held together by fine-grained, dusty tannins, which leave a lingering soft texture on the long, licorice-tinged finish. Already enjoyable, it should develop well for 10-12 years or more.”
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Dark purple. Expansive aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, smoky Indian spices and olive, with a suave floral nuance that gains strength with air. Deeply concentrated but energetic as well, offering palate-staining blueberry and violet pastille flavors and building spiciness. Rounded tannins add gentle grip to a strikingly long penetrating finish that clings with strong tenacity.”
Delas Freres Hermitage Les Bessards, Rhone 2015 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “The top cuvée from Delas is the 2015 Hermitage Les Bessards, and it’s always 100% Syrah from the steep, broken granite soils of the Bessards lieu-dit. Aged 18 months in 30% new barrels, its purple/plum color is followed by a huge nose of blackcurrants, graphite, toasted spice, crushed rocks and saddle leather. Powerful, massively concentrated, and tannic, it has a broad, expansive, heavenly texture, a thick mid-palate (you could almost use a fork for this beauty), and a great finish. Despite the richness level, it stays balanced and graceful on the palate, and is never over the top or heavy. It’s a perfect Hermitage that will start to shine with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for three decades or more. Bravo!”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Cellar Selection! There’s a striking balance here calibrating bold, almost muscular ripeness against an invigorating granite edge. This wine is plump and full bodied, full of supple blackberry and plum flavors balanced by pert acidity and taut, penetrating tannins. It should be in peak from 2020–2035 but hold further.”
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The top cuvée is the 2015 Hermitage les Bessards, which comes from the middle to lower portion of the steep, granite hillside known as Bessards, unquestionably one of the best terroirs for Syrah in the world. Its inky purple color is followed by a full-bodied, rich, thrillingly concentrated red that has huge tannin, bright acidity and a solid mid-palate concentration. It still tastes like it just came from the press and will need to be forgotten for a decade. As normal, it’s completely destemmed and will see 18 months in 30% new oak.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Inky ruby. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes candied black and blue fruits, along with complicating suggestions of smoky minerals, candied flowers, olive and vanilla. Deep, chewy and expansive in the mouth, offering impressively concentrated dark berry liqueur, fruitcake and salty olive flavors that are complicated by a hint of smoky minerality and a building floral pastille note. Distinctly rich and powerful but surprisingly graceful as well, showing noteworthy clarity and mineral-driven thrust on the strikingly long finish.”
Delas Freres Hermitage Les Bessards, Rhone 2004 750ML ($199.95) $119 special, 16 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.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($279.95) $199 special (that’s only $31.17/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “Inky and concentrated, the 2015 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon is no easy-drinking Saint-Joseph. It’s smoky, herbal and ashy all at once, yet it’s buoyed by ample black cherry fruit and vibrant acidity. This medium to full-bodied Syrah has plenty of tannins, but they’re ultimately silky and most apparent on the long, licorice-tinged finish. This is approachable now but should be even better in 3 years and should drink well for at least another 10 after that.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Both Saint Joseph releases are brilliant in 2015. The 2015 Saint Joseph François De Tournon comes vines around Tournon, Mauves, Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, and Vion, and is always destemmed and aged in 30% new barrels. This full-bodied, rounded, sexy beauty shows the power and fruit of the vintage. With classic notes of black and blue fruits, violets, incense and pepper, drink this textured, expansive, terrific Saint Joseph over the coming 10-15 years.”
Shop all twelve bottlings from Delas right now in our webstore!
New Wines from Champagne’s Hottest Winemaker
Benoit Dehu is officially on the Prevost path. Like Prevost, he’s making single-vineyard Champagne from Pinot Meunier in a lean, vinous style and the wines are getting harder and harder to find. Unlike his closest comparison, though, Dehu’s brilliant bottlings are actually attainable at the moment, making this a prime time to get in on the ground floor.
The hallmark of Dehu’s style is vinousity—these are profound wines that happen to have bubbles in them. He honed his style while at Bollinger, but pushed it to new heights to farm his family’s estate in the Marne. The production is miniscule, though (~250 cases per year), limited by tiny size of his vineyard.
The Rue de Noyers is his 1.7 hectare flagship vineyard, farmed biodynamically, which gives its name to his Champagnes. Planted almost entirely to very old vine Pinot Meunier, the vineyard speaks with a loud voice in mineral and floral tones. We’re thrilled to offer the new releases, arriving Friday, along with a few stray bottles we’ve been keeping in stock.
New Wines, Arriving ETA Friday, February 7th:
Benoit Dehu ‘La Rue des Noyers’, Champagne NV (2015) 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 Points “The NV (2015) Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers speaks with real authority, and yet the 2015 is one of the more delicate versions of this cuvée so far. Time in the glass allows the wine to blossom nicely. Dried pear, smoke, herbs and dried flowers fill out the wine’s creamy frame effortlessly. Once again, the Rue des Noyers is one of the most distinctive wines in Champagne. Dosage is 1 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 2017.”
The hallmark of Dehu’s style is vinousity—these are profound wines that happen to have bubbles in them. He honed his style while at Bollinger, but pushed it to new heights to farm his family’s estate in the Marne. The production is miniscule, though (~250 cases per year), limited by tiny size of his vineyard.
The Rue de Noyers is his 1.7 hectare flagship vineyard, farmed biodynamically, which gives its name to his Champagnes. Planted almost entirely to very old vine Pinot Meunier, the vineyard speaks with a loud voice in mineral and floral tones. We’re thrilled to offer the new releases, arriving Friday, along with a few stray bottles we’ve been keeping in stock.
New Wines, Arriving ETA Friday, February 7th:
Benoit Dehu ‘La Rue des Noyers’, Champagne NV (2015) 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 Points “The NV (2015) Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers speaks with real authority, and yet the 2015 is one of the more delicate versions of this cuvée so far. Time in the glass allows the wine to blossom nicely. Dried pear, smoke, herbs and dried flowers fill out the wine’s creamy frame effortlessly. Once again, the Rue des Noyers is one of the most distinctive wines in Champagne. Dosage is 1 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 2017.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Only five bottles available
Benoit Dehu Cuvee de L’Orme, Champagne NV (2015) 750ML ($159.95) $135 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “A new wine in this range, the NV (2015) Extra Brut Cuvée Cuvée L’Orme is 100% Pinot Noir from a tiny parcel previously planted to elm trees (orme in French). Bright, focused and remarkably pure, L’Orme captures so many of the attributes that make Benoit Déhu’s Champagnes so alluring. A slight hint of reduction adds character to the Pinot fruit without being overpowering. More than anything else, though, L’Orme exudes complexity, personality and total class. I loved it. No dosage.”
VinopolNote: 100% Pinot Noir (Dehu’s first), grown from a massale selection of vines planted at the bottle of the Rue de Noyers hill. Like Dehu’s other wines, this is vinified and aged in barrels that are made from oak trees in Champagne that Dehu owns and has coopered by a local barrel maker. Stirring, compelling and delicious, it’s a rare beast that’s a new look from Dehu.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Benoit Dehu ‘Initiation’ Brut Nature, Champagne NV (2016) 750ML ($89.95) $75 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Benoit Déhu’s NV [2016] Initiation is a blend of 78% Pinot Noir and 22% Meunier. Ample and resonant in feel, the 2016 retains a gorgeous sense of transparency as well. Floral and spice inflections build as the 2016 shows off its multi-faceted, exotic personality. The non-dosage style works perfectly here. Initiation is one of the most singular Champagnes I tasted all year. Don’t miss it. No dosage.”
Importer note “Cuvée Initiation is the newest addition to the Déhu lineup. Made from his signature variety Pinot Meunier and 25% Pinot Noir, which Benoît planted using massale selection of Pommard clone from Burgundy. Oak vinification and ageing, unfined and unfiltered, low dosage. The wines is zippy and round with a persistent finish. Sourced from a small parcel at the bottom of the hill which Benoît planted using massale selection of Pommard clone from Burgundy.
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In Stock Now:
Benoit Dehu Cuvee de La Rue des Noyers Rose, Champagne NV (2015) 750ML ($149.95) $128 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Déhu’s NV (2015) Extra Brut Rosé Saignée de Cuvée La Rue des Noyers is a stunning wine. Deep, powerful and structured, the Rose exudes class from start to finish. There is a real sense of gravitas that runs through the Rosé. Blood orange, rose petal, star anise and cinnamon add a distinctly exotic quality. This release is 100% Meunier from the 2015 vintage, macerated on the skins for eight hours, and bottled with no dosage. The slightly savory quality that is found in so many 2015-base Champagnes is present, but not overwhelming. Disgorged: February 28, 2018.”
Winery note “82% Pinot Meunier, 18% Chardonnay + 17% red wine (mainly Pinot Meunier); aged for three years on the lees. On the palate, it is an explosion of crushed raspberry, wild strawberry and fresh mango. It is broad in the mouth and surprisingly smooth and fresh. As it warms, its aromas open into notes of pear and quince.”
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Benoit Dehu ‘La Rue des Noyers’, Champagne NV (2014) 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “Benoit Déhu NV (2014) Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Non-Dosé is bright, powerful and tightly wound. A wine of energy and vibrancy, the 2014 is going to need at least a few years to be at its very best. Even so, its potential today is evident. The Meunier character is pronounced, but it is the wine’s salivating minerality that gives shape, focus and cut. What a gorgeous wine this. Disgorged on August 4, 2017 with no dosage.”
Importer note “Benoit is an eighth generation vigneron that returned to the family estate after working for Bollinger. He is committed to natural farming and aims to craft unadultered, pure Pinot Meunier. He purchased this 1.7 hectare vineyard and farms it biodynamically. The results are exceptional and we are thrilled to introduce Benoit’s work to our clients. The Cuvee La Rue de Noyers, named for the walnut trees that line the parcel, is a wine that will keep you intrigued and coming back for more. Organically farmed Pinot Meunier, 1.7 hectares farmed biodynamically. A quarter of the property is worked with a horse named Violette. Vinified in oak barrels, many of which are made from trees from the forest of Fossoy. No malo, no dosage, unfined and unfiltered.”
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The next best price is $99.99
The next best price is $99.99
Arriving later this month:
Only ten magnums available
Benoit Dehu ‘La Rue des Noyers’, Champagne NV (2012) 1.5L ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “A Champagne with tremendous promise, the NV (2012) Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Non-Dosé is powerful and also quite structured. In this vertical, the 2012 comes across as the most phenolic and dense of the four wines released so far. I would be tempted to cellar the 2012 for at least a few years to allow a bit more aromatic complexity to develop. Time in bottle continues to do wonders for the 2012. This is the most impressive bottle I have tasted so far. Hints of smoke, ash and graphite add distinctive mineral-inflected shades as the wine opens up in the glass.” [Review is for October 14, 2015 disgorgement]
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Pierre Gerbais
An Insider’s Pick in Champagne
An Insider’s Pick in Champagne
Becky Wasserman is known as the grand doyenne of Burgundy in the USA—a kingmaker with impeccable taste who always spots the next big thing. As a result, when she adds a “20-something” year old winemaker from Champagne to her import portfolio, we take note, and so should you.
She describes Aurélien Gerbais as “a handsome-nerdy-hipster winemaker who is unnervingly self-assured for his age, yet soft-spoken and humble” in recommending him. That’s good enough for us, but when you hear that he’s friends (and neighbors!) with Cedric Bouchard, you start to wonder how much of this stuff you can get.
The wines deliver, too. Fermented and aged in a mixture of stainless and barrel, these are rich, bold and textured. Bouchard’s influence is really felt here, especially in the pair of Pinot Blanc bottlings—an extreme rarity in Champagne. Our first set of them arrive this Friday and as you might expect, quantities are not as large as we’d like.
Arriving Friday:
Pierre Gerbais Grains de Celles Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2014) 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points “Bread, white peaches and nectarines with a neat, grilled hazelnut and pastry edge. The palate has attractive depth. Really crisp and juicy with plenty of punchy fruit. Drink now.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Based in Celles-sur-Ource in the Seine Valley on the Côte des Bar, this producer’s nonvintage wine is ripe despite its dry extra brut dosage. With the unusual proportion of 25% Pinot Blanc in the blend, it is smooth and soft, finishing with just the right tangy acidity and a steely texture. Drink now.”
Importer note “Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (25%), Pinot Blanc (25%). Vine Age: 30 years old on average. Terroir: Celles-sur-Ource, Kimmeridgian bedrock. Viticulture: Certified sustainable (Ampelos) since 1996. Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks, aged on fine lees. Reserve wine (up to 5%) added prior to second fermentation with organic yeasts. 30 months sur lattes, 3-4g/L extra-brut dosage.”
She describes Aurélien Gerbais as “a handsome-nerdy-hipster winemaker who is unnervingly self-assured for his age, yet soft-spoken and humble” in recommending him. That’s good enough for us, but when you hear that he’s friends (and neighbors!) with Cedric Bouchard, you start to wonder how much of this stuff you can get.
The wines deliver, too. Fermented and aged in a mixture of stainless and barrel, these are rich, bold and textured. Bouchard’s influence is really felt here, especially in the pair of Pinot Blanc bottlings—an extreme rarity in Champagne. Our first set of them arrive this Friday and as you might expect, quantities are not as large as we’d like.
Arriving Friday:
Pierre Gerbais Grains de Celles Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2014) 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points “Bread, white peaches and nectarines with a neat, grilled hazelnut and pastry edge. The palate has attractive depth. Really crisp and juicy with plenty of punchy fruit. Drink now.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Based in Celles-sur-Ource in the Seine Valley on the Côte des Bar, this producer’s nonvintage wine is ripe despite its dry extra brut dosage. With the unusual proportion of 25% Pinot Blanc in the blend, it is smooth and soft, finishing with just the right tangy acidity and a steely texture. Drink now.”
Importer note “Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (25%), Pinot Blanc (25%). Vine Age: 30 years old on average. Terroir: Celles-sur-Ource, Kimmeridgian bedrock. Viticulture: Certified sustainable (Ampelos) since 1996. Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks, aged on fine lees. Reserve wine (up to 5%) added prior to second fermentation with organic yeasts. 30 months sur lattes, 3-4g/L extra-brut dosage.”
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Pierre Gerbais L’Audace Brut Nature, Champagne NV (2014) 750ML ($69.95) $57 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2014 Brut Nature L’Audace is 100% Pinot Noir from vines planted mostly in 1960. Rich, ample and creamy, L’Audace captures plenty of old-vine intensity in its textural resonance and overall feel. Dried flowers, mint and spice notes add character to a core of Pinot fruit in this super-expressive, inviting Champagne. Disgorged: May, 2018.” [Disgrogement date may vary.]
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “With no dosage and no added sulfur dioxide, this wine is bright and tightly crisp, but the ripe Pinot Noir from this southern region of Champagne gives richness. With this good balance, the wine is fresh and generous at the same time. Because it is so dry, a few more months bottle age will make it even better, so wait to drink until 2017.”
Stephen Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “[Review is for prior disgorgement] The NV L’Audace Brut Nature is 100% unsulfured Pinot Noir from 75- to 80-year-old vines that are always the last to be picked at Pierre Gerbais. It opens pure, deep, fresh and mineral on the nose, and indicates a remarkable complexity of flavors. Full-bodied, very pure and salty on the palate, this is a refreshing and very persistent Pinot Champagne with a great purity and tension. It’s ready to be drunk, but can also age for several years. It is salty and complex in the finish. This wine was disgorged in July 2015. This is only the second vintage of this wine.”
Importer note “100% Pinot Noir. Vine Age: Majority planted in 1960. Terroir: Majority from lieu-dit Sainte-Marie, facing north, Kimmeridgian bedrock. Viticulture: Certified sustainable (Ampelos) since 1996. Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks, aged on fine lees. 30 months sur lattes with organic yeast. No dosage or added sulfur (about 8 mg/L total sulfur produced naturally).”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2014 Brut Nature L’Audace is 100% Pinot Noir from vines planted mostly in 1960. Rich, ample and creamy, L’Audace captures plenty of old-vine intensity in its textural resonance and overall feel. Dried flowers, mint and spice notes add character to a core of Pinot fruit in this super-expressive, inviting Champagne. Disgorged: May, 2018.” [Disgrogement date may vary.]
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “With no dosage and no added sulfur dioxide, this wine is bright and tightly crisp, but the ripe Pinot Noir from this southern region of Champagne gives richness. With this good balance, the wine is fresh and generous at the same time. Because it is so dry, a few more months bottle age will make it even better, so wait to drink until 2017.”
Stephen Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “[Review is for prior disgorgement] The NV L’Audace Brut Nature is 100% unsulfured Pinot Noir from 75- to 80-year-old vines that are always the last to be picked at Pierre Gerbais. It opens pure, deep, fresh and mineral on the nose, and indicates a remarkable complexity of flavors. Full-bodied, very pure and salty on the palate, this is a refreshing and very persistent Pinot Champagne with a great purity and tension. It’s ready to be drunk, but can also age for several years. It is salty and complex in the finish. This wine was disgorged in July 2015. This is only the second vintage of this wine.”
Importer note “100% Pinot Noir. Vine Age: Majority planted in 1960. Terroir: Majority from lieu-dit Sainte-Marie, facing north, Kimmeridgian bedrock. Viticulture: Certified sustainable (Ampelos) since 1996. Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks, aged on fine lees. 30 months sur lattes with organic yeast. No dosage or added sulfur (about 8 mg/L total sulfur produced naturally).”
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Pierre Gerbais L’Osmose Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2014) 750ML ($79.95) $55 pre-arrival special
Decanter 94 points “Made with 100% Chardonnay, L’Osmose is aged for 30 months on its lees and captures plenty of mineral, pastry and white fruit aromas. Rich and creamy, the structure is perfectly vinous and dense, with splendid mineral notes on the finish.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points- Editor’s Choice “Although not labeled as such, this is a blanc de blancs produced from two old-vine parcels of Chardonnay, one facing north, the other south. That in itself helps the balance of this dry wine. It is perfumed and crisp with a taut mineral texture that contrasts with the ripe apple and pink-grapefruit flavors. Drink now.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2014 Extra Brut L’Osmose (Chardonnay) is bright, punchy and full of flavor. This is a decidedly savory expression of Chardonnay built on structure and nuance more than anything else. The 2014 is a bit tight today, but a few years in bottle should do the trick. It is one of the highlights in this range from Gerbais. Dosage is 3-4 grams per liter. Disgorged: July, 2018.” [Disgorgement date may vary.]
Importer note “100% Chardonnay. Vine Age: Majority planted in 1973. Terroir: Kimmeridgian bedrock, mostly from the north-facing lieu-dit Les Côtes. Viticulture: Certified sustainable (Ampelos) since 1996. Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks, aged on fine lees. 36 months with organic yeast sur lattes. Extra-brut dosage of 3-4 g/L.”
Decanter 94 points “Made with 100% Chardonnay, L’Osmose is aged for 30 months on its lees and captures plenty of mineral, pastry and white fruit aromas. Rich and creamy, the structure is perfectly vinous and dense, with splendid mineral notes on the finish.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points- Editor’s Choice “Although not labeled as such, this is a blanc de blancs produced from two old-vine parcels of Chardonnay, one facing north, the other south. That in itself helps the balance of this dry wine. It is perfumed and crisp with a taut mineral texture that contrasts with the ripe apple and pink-grapefruit flavors. Drink now.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2014 Extra Brut L’Osmose (Chardonnay) is bright, punchy and full of flavor. This is a decidedly savory expression of Chardonnay built on structure and nuance more than anything else. The 2014 is a bit tight today, but a few years in bottle should do the trick. It is one of the highlights in this range from Gerbais. Dosage is 3-4 grams per liter. Disgorged: July, 2018.” [Disgorgement date may vary.]
Importer note “100% Chardonnay. Vine Age: Majority planted in 1973. Terroir: Kimmeridgian bedrock, mostly from the north-facing lieu-dit Les Côtes. Viticulture: Certified sustainable (Ampelos) since 1996. Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks, aged on fine lees. 36 months with organic yeast sur lattes. Extra-brut dosage of 3-4 g/L.”
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Pierre Gerbais L’Originale Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2014) 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 91 points “One of the most surprising wines in this range, the 2014 Extra Brut L’Originale is 100% Pinot Blanc from vines that mostly date back to 1904. Pinot Blanc is increasingly seen in Champagne, but very rarely on its own. Creamy and ample in feel, with striking aromatic top notes, L’Originale has so much to offer. Citrus peel, orchard fruit, mint and bright floral notes are all laced throughout. Dosage is 3-4 grams per liter. Disgorged: May, 2018.” [Disgorgement date may vary.]
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “There can’t be many, if any, other 100% Pinot Blanc Champagnes. Allowed in the appellation, the grape is only really found in this southern Aube region. It comes to the fore with Aurélien Gerbais (fourth generation), produced from vines planted in 1904. This wine is a soft, creamy and immediately drinkable, with ripe apple and pear flavors. It would repay a few months more in bottle; drink from 2017.”
Importer note “100% Pinot Blanc. Vine Age: Majority planted in 1904. Terroir: Kimmeridgian, mostly from lieu-dit Les Proies. Viticulture: Certified sustainable (Ampelos) since 1996, no synthetic chemicals. Vinification: Indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks, full malos, aged on fine lees. 36 months sur lattes with organic yeast. Extra-brut dosage of 3-4 g/L, about 30 mg/L total sulfur.”
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Pierre Gerbais L’unique Pinot Blanc, Champagne NV (2014) 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Made entirely with fruit from 2014, this is Aurélien’s first vintage making a Champagne without adding sulfur or dosage. 100% Pinot Blanc. Vine Age: Majority planted in 1904. Terroir: Kimmeridgian, mostly from lieu-dit Les Proies (marl and limestone soils, 10,000 vines per hectare plantation density). Viticulture: Certified sustainable (Ampelos) since 1996. Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks, aged on fine lees, no fining or filtration, no sulfur added. 30 months sur lattes with organic yeast. Zero dosage.”
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Santa Duc: Regal Gigondas and More
Santa Duc is perhaps the only winery who can compete with Saint Cosme for the title of Most Important in Gigondas. Owners of some of the finest vineyards in the Southern Rhone, Santa Duc is a legendary producer that more than lives up to their reputation.
Santa Duc manages to make Gigondas taste aristocratic—taming the wild mountain personality of the Dentelles into something that is at once both intensely powerful and also nuanced and complex.
These are wines that manage the neat trick of being absolutely delicious now while having a track record of aging gracefully. Recent notes for older bottles like the ’95 and ’98 Hautes Garrigues are glowing, yet the wines can be on your table tonight and impress. In the last decade or so, the winery has extended its holdings into Chateauneuf and those wines are as brilliant as you’d expect, as well.
These are wines to buy in quantity—you’re going to want to drink a lot of them now and have some in your cellar in ten years, as well. They arrive in March and our pre-arrival pricing is especially sharp, so don’t delay.
Arriving ETA March:
Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Clos Derriere Vieille, Rhone 2015 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “Mostly (80%) grenache with 10% each of mourvèdre and syrah. There’s a very impressive, sheer and crunchy texture to the palate and a peppery edge. Tannins drive a long, powerful finish. Best from 2020.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92-94 points “The 2015 Gigondas Clos Derrière Vieille (80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre) comes from the wall vineyard located just beside the village. It offers terrific notes of dusty earth, dried cherries and herbes de Provence, medium to full-bodied richness, silky tannin and a beautiful texture. Like the other 2015s, it’s going to drink nicely for 10-15 years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-93 points “Deep ruby. Ripe raspberry, cherry liqueur, violet and a hint of garrigue on the deeply perfumed nose. Fleshy, appealingly sweet and expansive in the mouth, offering plush red and blue fruit flavors and a subtle note of candied licorice that builds in the glass. Becomes more energetic with air and finishes on a sweet red berry note, showing powerful thrust, harmonious tannins and impressive persistence.”
Santa Duc manages to make Gigondas taste aristocratic—taming the wild mountain personality of the Dentelles into something that is at once both intensely powerful and also nuanced and complex.
These are wines that manage the neat trick of being absolutely delicious now while having a track record of aging gracefully. Recent notes for older bottles like the ’95 and ’98 Hautes Garrigues are glowing, yet the wines can be on your table tonight and impress. In the last decade or so, the winery has extended its holdings into Chateauneuf and those wines are as brilliant as you’d expect, as well.
These are wines to buy in quantity—you’re going to want to drink a lot of them now and have some in your cellar in ten years, as well. They arrive in March and our pre-arrival pricing is especially sharp, so don’t delay.
Arriving ETA March:
Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Clos Derriere Vieille, Rhone 2015 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “Mostly (80%) grenache with 10% each of mourvèdre and syrah. There’s a very impressive, sheer and crunchy texture to the palate and a peppery edge. Tannins drive a long, powerful finish. Best from 2020.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92-94 points “The 2015 Gigondas Clos Derrière Vieille (80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre) comes from the wall vineyard located just beside the village. It offers terrific notes of dusty earth, dried cherries and herbes de Provence, medium to full-bodied richness, silky tannin and a beautiful texture. Like the other 2015s, it’s going to drink nicely for 10-15 years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-93 points “Deep ruby. Ripe raspberry, cherry liqueur, violet and a hint of garrigue on the deeply perfumed nose. Fleshy, appealingly sweet and expansive in the mouth, offering plush red and blue fruit flavors and a subtle note of candied licorice that builds in the glass. Becomes more energetic with air and finishes on a sweet red berry note, showing powerful thrust, harmonious tannins and impressive persistence.”
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Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Prestige des Hautes Garrigues, Rhone 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Saturated ruby. Powerful, deeply pitched black and blue fruit aromas are complicated by suggestions of licorice, woodsmoke and incense. Broad, palate-coating blackberry and cherry compote flavors open up slowly with aeration. Distinctly rich but showing surprising vivacity, with velvety tannins coming in late to shape the wine’s sweet finishing fruit.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “This has a solid core of raspberry, bitter cherry and plum fruit, liberally laced with iron, violet and bay leaf notes. The long, sleek finish lets the iron edge play out, revealing a hint of blood orange in the background. Best from 2016 through 2020. 100 cases imported.”
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Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Prestige des Hautes Garrigues, Rhone 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 94-97 points “Lastly, the 2015 Gigondas Hautes Garrigues (60/40 Grenache and Mourvèdre) is a beauty boasting killer notes of dark fruits, crushed rocks, pepper, garrigue and scorched earth. This seriously good 2015 has building richness, a stacked mid-palate and a huge finish, all suggesting short-term cellaring will be your friend. It will keep for two decades of more.”
James Suckling 93 points “Mourvèdre steps up to one third of the blend while the balance is grenache. This has an attractive array of ripe dark cherry and blue plum fruits. The tannins are framed up with a deeper, wider shape. Try from 2020, this needs time.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93-95 points “Full ruby. Smoke-accented aromas of red and dark berry liqueur, incense, spicecake and candied flowers show outstanding energy and clarity. Sweet, seamless and broad in the mouth, offering concentrated black raspberry, boysenberry and lavender pastille flavors that fan out steadily with air. Rich but nervy and precise as well, carrying no excess fat. Velvety tannins frame an extremely long, incisive finish that leaves behind notes of sweet dark berries and candied flowers.”
Wine Advocate 92-95 points “I loved the 2015 Gigondas Hautes Garrigues and this flagship cuvee is made from 65% Grenache and 35% Mourvèdre that’s brought up in foudre. It’s a full-bodied, concentrated, yet brilliantly proportioned Gigondas that has classy notes of blackberries, plums, garrigue and leather. It’s going to need 3-5 years of cellaring.”
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Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Prestige des Hautes Garrigues, Rhone 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ points “Always the richest, most powerful wine in the lineup, the 2016 Gigondas Hautes Garrigues offers a rocking bouquet of black cherries, blackberries, bouquet garni, pepper, and fresh earth. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, and with building tannins, it’s certainly a more fresh, stylish example of this cuvée and is a perfect wine from readers wanting to understand the changes that have happened at this estate over the past decade or so. Give this beauty 2-4 years of bottle age and enjoy it over the following decade.”
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “Flowering garrigue, black cherries and licorice all pop on the nose of the 2016 Gigondas Les Hautes Garrigues. Full-bodied, rich, velvety and intense without being overbearing, it’s a tremendous effort, with the poise, grace and charm of Disney’s Fantasia ballet-dancing hippo. And the finish is long—really long.”
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The average listed price is $62
Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Aux Lieux-Dits, Rhone 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points “A fluid, fleshy and deeply structured wine with dark cherry and blackberry fruit flavors amid sturdy yet supple tannins. Good weight and presence. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Ripe but fresh, with a slightly high pitch to the mix of damson plum, cherry and rooibos tea aromas and flavors, backed by singed vanilla, tobacco and licorice root notes that give this a darker shade through the finish. Best from 2020 through 2030. 2,400 cases made, 700 cases imported.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90-92 points “Ruby-red. Ripe red fruit and floral pastille aromas show very good detail and an energizing suggestion of white pepper. Palate-caressing raspberry and bitter cherry flavors blend depth and energy with a smooth hand and show no rough edges. Fine-grained tannins lend shape to a very long, red-fruit-dominated finish that features a subtle touch of star anise.”
Domaine Santa Duc Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Le Pied De Baud’, Rhone 2015 750ML ($69.95) $51.90 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Pied de Baud, a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault, offers compelling scents of rose petals and raspberries on the nose. While not as richly textural as some of the other cuvées, it’s still a lovely, hauntingly fragrant example of Châteauneuf du Pape.”
James Suckling 94 points “This has an array of darker berry and plum fruits with a brambly, lightly spicy edge, too. The palate delivers impeccably fresh, lithe and detailed tannin texture, as well as blue fruit flavors. Juicy and energetic. Long finish. Try from 2020.”
James Suckling 93 points “A fluid, fleshy and deeply structured wine with dark cherry and blackberry fruit flavors amid sturdy yet supple tannins. Good weight and presence. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Ripe but fresh, with a slightly high pitch to the mix of damson plum, cherry and rooibos tea aromas and flavors, backed by singed vanilla, tobacco and licorice root notes that give this a darker shade through the finish. Best from 2020 through 2030. 2,400 cases made, 700 cases imported.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90-92 points “Ruby-red. Ripe red fruit and floral pastille aromas show very good detail and an energizing suggestion of white pepper. Palate-caressing raspberry and bitter cherry flavors blend depth and energy with a smooth hand and show no rough edges. Fine-grained tannins lend shape to a very long, red-fruit-dominated finish that features a subtle touch of star anise.”
Domaine Santa Duc Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Le Pied De Baud’, Rhone 2015 750ML ($69.95) $51.90 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Pied de Baud, a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault, offers compelling scents of rose petals and raspberries on the nose. While not as richly textural as some of the other cuvées, it’s still a lovely, hauntingly fragrant example of Châteauneuf du Pape.”
James Suckling 94 points “This has an array of darker berry and plum fruits with a brambly, lightly spicy edge, too. The palate delivers impeccably fresh, lithe and detailed tannin texture, as well as blue fruit flavors. Juicy and energetic. Long finish. Try from 2020.”
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Domaine Santa Duc Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Les Saintes Vierges’ Rouge, Rhone 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Saintes Vierges is the most flattering of Santa Duc’s current releases, offering lushness and generosity on the palate, notes of cherries and licorice, creamy-supple tannins and a mouthwatering finish. It’s a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Counoise.”
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Sunshine in a bottle. This is a rosé to make you think of warmer days.
Chateau Gassier Cotes de Provence ‘Esprit Gassier’ Rose 2018 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Chateau Gassier Cotes de Provence ‘Esprit Gassier’ Rose 2018 750ML ($249.95) $196 special (that’s only $16.33/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 90 points “Vivid orange-pink. High-pitched strawberry, peach and jasmine scents are complemented by building floral and herb nuances. Silky and energetic on the palate, offering fresh red berry and pit fruit flavors and a hint of bitter orange pith. Finishes silky and precise, displaying very good persistence and a repeating floral note.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “This wine is the heart of the production from this estate. The blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Vermentino creates a wonderful freshness, while also showing richness and a touch of spice. It is intensely fruity and ready to drink now.”
Importer Note “‘Esprit Gassier’ is the ‘Gassier Spirit’ that combines the exceptional terroir of the Sainte-Victoire region with Côtes de Provence varietals to produce a wine that expresses the family’s passion, expertise and creativity. The beautiful label, designed by a local artist, is silk-screened on the bottle to create a striking package. A very clear rosé with shades of peach. Intense nose with delicate aromas of white flowers and white fruit (peach). A second nose unveils spicy notes as well as scents of clementine. The mouth is round with notes of citrus fruits and a slight and healthy final acidity.”
Bistro wine if we ever saw it. Rich, yet charming and delightful.
Domaine Charles Joguet Chinon Les Petites Roches, Loire 2016 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Domaine Charles Joguet Chinon Les Petites Roches, Loire 2016 750ML ($359.95) $219 special (that’s only $18.25/bottle —the lowest listed price in the country!)
Domaine Charles Joguet Chinon Les Petites Roches, Loire 2016 1.5L ($59.95) $49 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Importer Note “When Charles Joguet took over the family vineyards in 1957, he set out to do something that was unheard of in the Loire Valley. Rather than blending all the fruit from his varied parcels, he opted for a more Burgundian approach and began vinifying each individually, highlighting Chinon’s diversity of soils and exposures and playing with the nuances of vine age to propose a gamut of different wines of unique character. It is in this spirit that the domaine’s current vigneron, Kevin Fontaine, crafts the cuvée Les Petites Roches, named for the estate’s gravelly terroirs. Given light treatment in the cellar, this wine shows off Cabernet in its most delicate, charming form, rife with aromas of roses, damp earth, and little red berries, along with a gentle tannin holding it all together. This classic representation of Cabernet Franc from Chinon can be enjoyed over the next five or so years with roast chicken, pork chops, or game.”
Chateau Gassier Cotes de Provence ‘Esprit Gassier’ Rose 2018 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Chateau Gassier Cotes de Provence ‘Esprit Gassier’ Rose 2018 750ML ($249.95) $196 special (that’s only $16.33/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 90 points “Vivid orange-pink. High-pitched strawberry, peach and jasmine scents are complemented by building floral and herb nuances. Silky and energetic on the palate, offering fresh red berry and pit fruit flavors and a hint of bitter orange pith. Finishes silky and precise, displaying very good persistence and a repeating floral note.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “This wine is the heart of the production from this estate. The blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Vermentino creates a wonderful freshness, while also showing richness and a touch of spice. It is intensely fruity and ready to drink now.”
Importer Note “‘Esprit Gassier’ is the ‘Gassier Spirit’ that combines the exceptional terroir of the Sainte-Victoire region with Côtes de Provence varietals to produce a wine that expresses the family’s passion, expertise and creativity. The beautiful label, designed by a local artist, is silk-screened on the bottle to create a striking package. A very clear rosé with shades of peach. Intense nose with delicate aromas of white flowers and white fruit (peach). A second nose unveils spicy notes as well as scents of clementine. The mouth is round with notes of citrus fruits and a slight and healthy final acidity.”
Bistro wine if we ever saw it. Rich, yet charming and delightful.
Domaine Charles Joguet Chinon Les Petites Roches, Loire 2016 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Domaine Charles Joguet Chinon Les Petites Roches, Loire 2016 750ML ($359.95) $219 special (that’s only $18.25/bottle —the lowest listed price in the country!)
Domaine Charles Joguet Chinon Les Petites Roches, Loire 2016 1.5L ($59.95) $49 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Importer Note “When Charles Joguet took over the family vineyards in 1957, he set out to do something that was unheard of in the Loire Valley. Rather than blending all the fruit from his varied parcels, he opted for a more Burgundian approach and began vinifying each individually, highlighting Chinon’s diversity of soils and exposures and playing with the nuances of vine age to propose a gamut of different wines of unique character. It is in this spirit that the domaine’s current vigneron, Kevin Fontaine, crafts the cuvée Les Petites Roches, named for the estate’s gravelly terroirs. Given light treatment in the cellar, this wine shows off Cabernet in its most delicate, charming form, rife with aromas of roses, damp earth, and little red berries, along with a gentle tannin holding it all together. This classic representation of Cabernet Franc from Chinon can be enjoyed over the next five or so years with roast chicken, pork chops, or game.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
A star showing from Castell’in Villa’s top wine. Will age well but is entering a nice window.
Castell’in Villa ‘Poggio delle Rose’, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, 2006 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 points “[Reviewed Jun 2012] The 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva Poggio delle Rose brings together all of the best elements of this site and house style. Firm tannins frame a core of deeply expressive, opulent fruit in this full-throttle, huge Chianti Classico. Threads of sweet perfumed fruit run through the 2006 as it shows off its class and personality. Mint, flowers and sweet red berries punctuate the explosive finish. This is a dazzling showing from Castell’in Villa.”
Bold! It’s big, rich and purple in fruit and color.
Lafage Fundacio, Cotes Du Roussillon Villages 2016 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Lafage Fundacio, Cotes Du Roussillon Villages 2016 750ML ($479.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “One of the finest wines I’ve tasted from the estate is unquestionably the 2016 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Fundacio, which is 60% Syrah from Maury with the balance Mourvèdre and Grenache, vinified and aged in small barrels. Full-bodied, incredibly pure, elegant, and silky, it boasts awesome notes of crème de cassis, black olives, leafy herbs, and subtle gamey, salty nuances. It’s a rich, powerful wine yet just glides over the palate with no sensation of weight or heaviness, sweet tannins, and a great finish. It should keep for a decade.”
Collector’s Corner
XXL, Indeed (AKA: A Perfect Chateauneuf)
There’s no beating around the bush with Janasse’s Chateauneuf XXL. This is one big, powerful red wine. Vinified and blended to be massive, rich and dense, it asks the question “how did they fit so much wine in this bottle?” As you might expect, this wine merited a 100 point score from Mr. Rhone himself, Robert Parker. It’s also hyper rare and coveted, so if you like big (big!) reds and you can afford it, it should be in your cellar.
In Stock Now:
Only two bottles available
Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee XXL, Rhone 2016 750ML ($599.95) $519 special
Robert Parker 100 points “Only the second vintage of this cuvée ever to be produced (the other is 2007), the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape XXL is about 75% Grenache, with the rest a mix of permitted varieties. It incorporates “a lot” of whole clusters and matured in demi-muid. It was bottled in May but will likely only be released in November, says Christophe Sabon. Classy aromas of crushed stone, pencil shavings and baking spices start it off on a terrific note, while ripe raspberries and stone fruit unfold on the full-bodied palate. Contrary to the implications of its name, this wine boasts incredible finesse, elegance and length and is in fact more impressive for those qualities than its overall size, power and richness. It will certainly open a few eyes.”
Thanks for reading!