In Today’s Newsletter:
Freshly Restocked!
Delas’ Francois de Tournon St. Joseph
& Biggio-Hamina’s Top Value Pinot
Hubert Lignier Subscriber Special
New Wines from Cayuse
New Arrivals
Trending Wines
Rose of the Day
The Other Top Name in Bandol
Collector’s Corner
Mature and Rare Champagne from de Venoge
Freshly Restocked!
Delas’ Francois de Tournon St. Joseph
Staff Pick:
The 2017 Biggio Hamina Van Deuzer Pinot Noir is incredibly aromatic, with scents of cherries and fresh strawberries and herbal notes of basil and eucalyptus. A lovely essence of crushed cherries dominates the palate with soft, very slightly earth laden plum and raspberry curves, the finish long and silky with hints of spice. It is a youthful wine with old world grace and would be the perfect companion with soft ripened cows milk cheese and spicy or mild cured meats.
We bought the rest of the stock on Todd Hamina’s value winner—making an already great deal even better. You don’t see Pinot of this quality under $15 per bottle, and you should act accordingly.
In Stock Now:
Biggio Hamina “Biha” Pinot Noir, Van Duzer Corridor Ava 2017 750ML ($24.95) $17 special
Case-12 Biggio Hamina “Biha” Pinot Noir, Van Duzer Corridor Ava 2017 750ML ($299.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
No reviews for the 2017 vintage. Review is for reference.
Josh Raynolds 91 points “[2016 Vintage] Shimmering red. Vibrant, mineral- and spice-accented red fruit and floral scents, along with a savory herb nuance and a hint of smokiness. Appealingly sweet and sharply focused on the palate, offering lively redcurrant, raspberry and rose pastille flavors that deepen slowly on the back half. Silky tannins come on late and support a seamless, floral-driven finish that hangs on with strong tenacity.”
Hubert Lignier Subscriber Special
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
This is the only listing for a magnum in the USA today!
Only three bottles available
Domaine Hubert Lignier Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($419.95) $379 pre-arrival special
Neal Martin – Vinous 92-94 points “The 2017 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru includes 20% whole bunches, matured in one-third new oak. It has a gorgeous bouquet of cranberry and raspberry fruit with veins of cassis; later, brown spices emerge. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, good depth and fine grip, perhaps just missing a little precision toward the finish but still very fine.”
Burghound 91-93 points “An agreeably discreet application of wood sets off the attractively fresh and markedly floral aromas of black cherry, plum and abundant earth scents. There is a subtle minerality and vibrancy to the sleek and intense middle weight flavors that possess a caressing mouthfeel that contrasts somewhat with a mildly austere finale that exhibits fine depth and persistence. This is both stylish and pretty and like the Griotte, could be approached with pleasure on the younger side if that’s your preference.”
Only one bottle available
Domaine Hubert Lignier Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($699.95) $599 pre-arrival special
Burghound 91-93 points “There is much more moderate oak influence framing the cool and perfumed nose that offers up essence of various red berries and floral nuances along with a hint of the sauvage. The well-detailed and solidly concentrated flavors possess fine size and weight as well as plenty of sleek muscle and minerality on the stylish and classy finish. This is built to age yet it’s not so structured that it couldn’t be approached after a few years of bottle age.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 91-93 points “The 2017 Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru comes from purchased fruit. It has a well-defined bouquet of blackberry, raspberry coulis and light cassis aromas, and the one-third new oak is neatly integrated. The fleshy, generous palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and fine acidity, leading to a smooth, sensual finish. This might be earlier-drinking than Lignier’s other two Grand Crus.”
Only four bottles available
Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Vieilles Vignes, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ml ($299.95) $299.95) $249 special
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 92-94+ points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes is superb, wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of warm spices, raspberries, cherries, dark chocolate and candied peel. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, layered and textural, with the most depth and dimension of Lignier’s premiers crus, its deep core of fruit largely concealing the wine’s fine-grained structuring tannins, concluding with a saline finish. This cuvée hails from a parcel that straddles the climats Faconnières and Chenevery that was planted in 1936, 1942 and 1943, and which the Lignier family has always vinified as a single cuvée.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 91-93 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis Vieilles Vignes 1er Cru includes 25% whole bunch fruit. It has a tightly wound bouquet that opens in confident style to reveal red cherries, strawberry and fine mineralité. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite airy in style, but then suddenly exerts fine grip on the persistent, chalky-textured finish. Excellent.”
Only three bottles available
Domaine Hubert Lignier Les Chaffots, Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru, 2017 750ML ($219.95) $179 pre-arrival special
Neal Martin – Vinous 91-93 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Chaffots 1er Cru, from vines up to 90 years old, has a refined, quite floral bouquet, scents of peony tincturing the red fruit. The sorbet-fresh palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a citric line of acidity and a harmonious, elegant finish. Bon vin.”
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Chaffots reveals aromas of sweet cassis and cherries that mingle with nuances of cinnamon, licorice, dark chocolate and nori. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, layered and tangy, with a tauter, more acid-driven profile than the other premiers crus by virtue of its higher-altitude locate, displaying excellent concentration and high-quality structuring tannin.”
Only three bottles available
Domaine Hubert Lignier La Riotte, Morey St Denis Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 90-93 points “The supplest, most open-knit of Lignier’s premiers crus from Morey, the 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru La Riotte bursts with aromas of plummy fruit, red currants, subtle spices and rose hip. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, supple and expansive, with a layered mid-palate, fine but chalky tannins and a saline finish. This will win friends in its youth.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 90-92 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis La Riotte is aged in one-third new oak and includes 20% whole bunches. It has an expressive bouquet with touches of mint that infuse the vibrant red fruit. The dense, fresh palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip on the entry and hints of sour cherry toward the edgy finish. Good potential here.”
Only twelve bottles available
Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Trilogie, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Neal Martin – Vinous 90-92 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis “Trilogie,” which includes 25% whole bunch fruit from vines that tend to suffer millerandage, offers vivacious dark cherry and raspberry coulis scents on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a fine bead of acidity, good focus and a mineral-infused finish that delivers a pleasant sour edginess. Excellent.”
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis “Trilogie” hails from three lieux-dits, this year working out at around 60% Chenevery, 30% Porroux and 15% Clos Solon, and it was vinified with 25% whole cluster. Offering up aromas of sweet berries, cassis, licorice, cinnamon and chocolate, it’s medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered with a rich but lively core of fruit and fine but chalky structuring tannins. As usual, it’s one of the finest renditions of the appellation.”
Only three bottles available
Domaine Hubert Lignier Les Chabiots, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($299.95) $249 pre-arrival special
Rosenthal Note ““Les Chabiots” is a dreamily situated premier cru that lies just north of Musigny, perched just above the fabled “Les Amoureuses” on the slope in the southern sector of Chambolle. Hubert and Laurent began purchasing grapes from a parcel of 20-year-old vines here during their recent inheritance battle, and they have continued to produce wine from this great but tiny cru ever since. The wine is intoxicatingly ethereal on the nose—open, enveloping, and inviting. The palate is round but well structured, with generous, sappy fruit, and a hedonistically succulent finish.”
Lignier Subscriber Special
5% Off Any 6-11 bottles of Hubert Lignier Wines
10% Off Any 12+ bottles of Hubert Lignier Wines
(Discount applies to both in-stock and pre-arrival wines from Lignier)
Offer Ends Monday, July 20th
Discount Will Not Display Online or In Your Cart
We will adjust your invoice before processing your card
New Wines from Cayuse
Arriving Friday, July 24th:
Only twelve bottles available
Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 97 points “Lots of blackberry, tar and blueberry aromas with hints of dried earth. Full bodied, tight and focused with intensity and savoriness in the center palate. Plush and attractive at the end, but not overpowering. Drink or hold.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The only Syrah that includes some Viognier, the 2017 Syrah Cailloux Vineyard (this is the same site used for the Viognier) is always a great representation of the vintage as well as the wines of Christophe Baron. Ruby/purple-hued, with a rocking bouquet of black raspberries, smoked game, black pepper, and spring flowers, it has plenty of classic Rocks funkiness and meaty notes, medium to full body, a core of sweet fruit, and a great, great finish. It ranks with the top two to three wines in this vintage. It opens up nicely with time in the glass and shows well today, and it’s certainly going to cruise for 15+ years or more.”
Winery Note ” Cailloux Vineyard—Christophe’s first Walla Walla Valley vineyard, this 10-acre plot was our first vineyard planted in the stones of Milton Freewater in 1997, and produces the flagship Cailloux Syrah.”
Only three bottles available
Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 96 points “This red shows lots of smoked meat and spices, as well as dried-strawberry and raspberry character. Full-bodied, yet not overpowering, with creamy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Tightens at the end. Shows focus and intensity. Drink or hold.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “More tapenade, dried herbs, chocolate, sweet mulch, and sweet black fruits emerge from the 2017 Syrah En Chamberlin, a medium to full-bodied, ripe, powerful 2017. With building tannins, a plump, expansive mid-palate, plenty of classic Rocks funk, and a great finish, it doesn’t quite have the precision of the En Cerise yet is more sexy and opulent. It benefits from a decant if drinking any time soon and will evolve gracefully for 15 years.”
Winery Note “En Chamberlin Vineyard—2000 saw the planting of 10 more stony acres. Grafted on phyloxera resistant rootstock, it’s another first for our region. This vineyard produces The Widowmaker Cabernet-Sauvignon, Impulsivo Tempranillo and En Chamberlin Syrah.”
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Stop by our shop 10 am – 6 pm daily
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(You’ll help free up some space for your next order!)
New Arrivals
Fresh Whites for Summer Sipping
Freshly Restocked!
Delas’ Francois de Tournon St. Joseph
& Biggio-Hamina’s Top Value Pinot
Hubert Lignier Subscriber Special
New Wines from Cayuse
New Arrivals
Trending Wines
Rose of the Day
The Other Top Name in Bandol
Collector’s Corner
Mature and Rare Champagne from de Venoge
Freshly Restocked!
Delas’ Francois de Tournon St. Joseph
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 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.
Their best value might be the St. Joseph Francois de Tournon bottling. It’s a hidden gem in the Northern Rhone—more proof that there are truly great wines made outside of Cote Rotie, Hermitage and Cornas. As an appellation, St. Joseph is too large to be expensive across the board, but the best vineyards can rival Hermitage and Cote Rotie in quality (witness the pricing for Gonon in recent years). Delas’ Tournon is a prime argument for the quality that’s attainable in St. Joseph, but because of the name on the label, it’s a deal vs. Hermitage and co. We just brought in more of their stellar 2016, perfect for stocking up on this weekend.
In Stock Now:
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2016 750ML ($44.95) $33 special
Case-6 Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2016 750ML ($279.95) $179 special (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2016 Saint Joseph François De Tournon comes from more schist and gneiss soils and spent 10-14 months in mostly used barrels, with a small part in tank to preserve more freshness. It’s another ruby/purple-colored effort from this estate and gives up lots of blackberry and blueberry fruits intermixed with earthy minerality, ground pepper, and hints of damp earth. Rich, layered, and textured, it will be better in a year or two and keep for 8-10, if not longer.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Features a solid core of dark currant and blackberry fruit, inlaid with notes of tar, anise and warm tobacco leaf. Reveals a tug of iron through the fruit-laden finish. Best from 2020 through 2026. 1,033 cases made, 123 cases imported. — JM”
James Suckling 92-93 points “This has fragrant and floral character with wild raspberries and red plums. The peppery palate has a vibrant array of ripe, red and purple fruit. Good depth and drive here. Barrel sample.”
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.
Their best value might be the St. Joseph Francois de Tournon bottling. It’s a hidden gem in the Northern Rhone—more proof that there are truly great wines made outside of Cote Rotie, Hermitage and Cornas. As an appellation, St. Joseph is too large to be expensive across the board, but the best vineyards can rival Hermitage and Cote Rotie in quality (witness the pricing for Gonon in recent years). Delas’ Tournon is a prime argument for the quality that’s attainable in St. Joseph, but because of the name on the label, it’s a deal vs. Hermitage and co. We just brought in more of their stellar 2016, perfect for stocking up on this weekend.
In Stock Now:
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2016 750ML ($44.95) $33 special
Case-6 Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2016 750ML ($279.95) $179 special (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2016 Saint Joseph François De Tournon comes from more schist and gneiss soils and spent 10-14 months in mostly used barrels, with a small part in tank to preserve more freshness. It’s another ruby/purple-colored effort from this estate and gives up lots of blackberry and blueberry fruits intermixed with earthy minerality, ground pepper, and hints of damp earth. Rich, layered, and textured, it will be better in a year or two and keep for 8-10, if not longer.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Features a solid core of dark currant and blackberry fruit, inlaid with notes of tar, anise and warm tobacco leaf. Reveals a tug of iron through the fruit-laden finish. Best from 2020 through 2026. 1,033 cases made, 123 cases imported. — JM”
James Suckling 92-93 points “This has fragrant and floral character with wild raspberries and red plums. The peppery palate has a vibrant array of ripe, red and purple fruit. Good depth and drive here. Barrel sample.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Also Available:
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) $36 special
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.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Dark ruby. High-pitched red and dark berry and violet aromas show excellent focus and pick up hints of cracked pepper and sandalwood with air. Sappy and seamless in texture, offering fresh black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of candied licorice. Turns sweeter on the penetrating, impressively long finish, which features smooth, even tannins and lingering boysenberry and floral qualities. “
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) $36 special
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.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Dark ruby. High-pitched red and dark berry and violet aromas show excellent focus and pick up hints of cracked pepper and sandalwood with air. Sappy and seamless in texture, offering fresh black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of candied licorice. Turns sweeter on the penetrating, impressively long finish, which features smooth, even tannins and lingering boysenberry and floral qualities. “
Biggio-Hamina’s Top Value Pinot
Staff Pick:
The 2017 Biggio Hamina Van Deuzer Pinot Noir is incredibly aromatic, with scents of cherries and fresh strawberries and herbal notes of basil and eucalyptus. A lovely essence of crushed cherries dominates the palate with soft, very slightly earth laden plum and raspberry curves, the finish long and silky with hints of spice. It is a youthful wine with old world grace and would be the perfect companion with soft ripened cows milk cheese and spicy or mild cured meats.
We bought the rest of the stock on Todd Hamina’s value winner—making an already great deal even better. You don’t see Pinot of this quality under $15 per bottle, and you should act accordingly.
In Stock Now:
Biggio Hamina “Biha” Pinot Noir, Van Duzer Corridor Ava 2017 750ML ($24.95) $17 special
Case-12 Biggio Hamina “Biha” Pinot Noir, Van Duzer Corridor Ava 2017 750ML ($299.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
No reviews for the 2017 vintage. Review is for reference.
Josh Raynolds 91 points “[2016 Vintage] Shimmering red. Vibrant, mineral- and spice-accented red fruit and floral scents, along with a savory herb nuance and a hint of smokiness. Appealingly sweet and sharply focused on the palate, offering lively redcurrant, raspberry and rose pastille flavors that deepen slowly on the back half. Silky tannins come on late and support a seamless, floral-driven finish that hangs on with strong tenacity.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Hubert Lignier Subscriber Special
Hubert Lignier is one of the finest names in Burgundy. The wines have been a core of the Neal Rosenthal portfolio since the 1978 vintage and have always been one of the jewels of the portfolio. These are some of the defining wines of Morey-St. Denis, different from Dujac stylistically but no less important or profound.
Some of the 2017’s arrived this week and the rest com in next week. It’s a fantastic and charming year across Burgundy and the wines chez Lignier are no exception. These promise to be amongst the best wines of the vintage, per usual, and the standard for 2017 is very high. If you’re already familiar with these wines, just click here to head straight through to a list on our website. If you aren’t you should browse below and make sure to try a bottle or two.
“Hubert and Laurent Lignier make a fantastic father-and-son team. Hubert Lignier, now in his 80s, seems to be working just as hard as ever, the male equivalent of Lalou Bize-Leroy, but without the weekend mountain climbing and yapping dogs. They are both indefatigable winemakers. Laurent Lignier guided the ship through choppy waters a decade ago following the untimely passing of Hubert’s son Romain, and with an expanded portfolio that includes various fermages and métayages, this has become one of my lengthiest tastings….
“Hubert Lignier has rapidly become one of the most dependable producers in Morey-Saint-Denis. I sometimes feared that such expansion across so many different vineyards and appellations might stretch Laurent and Hubert too much, and yet year after year they maintain quality control. There are several wines to mention. At the heart of their range is their Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Crus, and although the single-vineyards are tempting, I consistently find their Morey-Saint-Denis Vieilles Vignes 1er Cru on the money, thanks to old vines that suffer millerandage and concentrate the berries. If you do insist on your Morey-Saint-Denis affixed to a specific vineyard, then look no further than their excellent Les Chaffots, courtesy of vines up to 90 years old. Throughout their range, one can see assiduous use of whole bunch addition: adding judiciously where necessary, de-stemming in total if that is what they feel is best. Nothing here is done by rote.
“The jewel in the crown is their single hectare of 50- to 60-year-old vines in Clos de la Roche, split between 0.62 hectares in Monts Luisants and 0.28 hectares in Les Fremieres. Occasionally it can be a contender for the best wine in the Côte de Nuits, and though the 2017 growing season probably means that it does not rank alongside the 2015 or 2016, it is still a very impressive wine, amongst the finest from this Grand Cru.” – Neal Martin, Vinous
“Laurent Lignier has once again produced a fine vintage for both his domaine holdings and négociant sources—the latter, amounting to some 3.5 hectares of vines, now clearly distinguished in our reviews. As readers will know, winemaking is pretty classical at this address, with a short cold maceration, two to three weeks’ maceration with one pigéage and one rémontage per day, and maturation in barrels, some third of which are new—if possible, without racking—for fully 22 months. Lignier began picking on September 4 and finished eight days later, reporting finished alcohols which, with only a couple of exceptions, are below 14%. The two pieces of news are the Lignier is now certified organic since May 2019, and that he is producing a new cuvée of Clos de la Roche, the story of which is told in the accompanying tasting notes.” –William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Lignier Subscriber Special
5% Off Any 6-11 bottles of Hubert Lignier Wines
10% Off Any 12+ bottles of Hubert Lignier Wines
(Discount applies to both in-stock and pre-arrival wines from Lignier)
Offer Ends Monday, July 20th
Discount Will Not Display Online or In Your Cart
We will adjust your invoice before processing your card
We’ve got way too many 2017 Ligniers to list here (22 bottlings, in total) plus some 2016’s still kicking around. Some highlights are below, but you can see all the Lignier wines in our webstore.
Some Highlights, Just Arrived, Some ETA July 24th:
“can be a contender for the best wine in the Côte de Nuits” – Neal Martin, Vinous
Only six bottles, one magnum available
Domaine Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($599.95) $499 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Domaine Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 1.5L ($1199.95) $999 pre-arrival special
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The king of the cellar, Lignier’s 2017 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru is superb, wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of red and black cherries, cassis, warm spices, incense and grilled game bird. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, layered and complete with striking depth and dimension, rich but satiny structuring tannins and excellent structural tension at the core, concluding with a long and penetrating finish. It’s a magical wine that will merit ardent pursuit when it’s released next year.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 93-95 points “The 2017 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru has a complex, engaging bouquet of ample black and red fruit, candied orange peel and light rose petal aromas that gently unfold in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, quite Clos Saint-Denis in style. The masculine, uncharacteristically stoic finish suggests it has longevity in mind. For those with the intention to cellar only. Impressive, but I am expecting more charm to manifest with the requisite bottle age.”
Some of the 2017’s arrived this week and the rest com in next week. It’s a fantastic and charming year across Burgundy and the wines chez Lignier are no exception. These promise to be amongst the best wines of the vintage, per usual, and the standard for 2017 is very high. If you’re already familiar with these wines, just click here to head straight through to a list on our website. If you aren’t you should browse below and make sure to try a bottle or two.
“Hubert and Laurent Lignier make a fantastic father-and-son team. Hubert Lignier, now in his 80s, seems to be working just as hard as ever, the male equivalent of Lalou Bize-Leroy, but without the weekend mountain climbing and yapping dogs. They are both indefatigable winemakers. Laurent Lignier guided the ship through choppy waters a decade ago following the untimely passing of Hubert’s son Romain, and with an expanded portfolio that includes various fermages and métayages, this has become one of my lengthiest tastings….
“Hubert Lignier has rapidly become one of the most dependable producers in Morey-Saint-Denis. I sometimes feared that such expansion across so many different vineyards and appellations might stretch Laurent and Hubert too much, and yet year after year they maintain quality control. There are several wines to mention. At the heart of their range is their Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Crus, and although the single-vineyards are tempting, I consistently find their Morey-Saint-Denis Vieilles Vignes 1er Cru on the money, thanks to old vines that suffer millerandage and concentrate the berries. If you do insist on your Morey-Saint-Denis affixed to a specific vineyard, then look no further than their excellent Les Chaffots, courtesy of vines up to 90 years old. Throughout their range, one can see assiduous use of whole bunch addition: adding judiciously where necessary, de-stemming in total if that is what they feel is best. Nothing here is done by rote.
“The jewel in the crown is their single hectare of 50- to 60-year-old vines in Clos de la Roche, split between 0.62 hectares in Monts Luisants and 0.28 hectares in Les Fremieres. Occasionally it can be a contender for the best wine in the Côte de Nuits, and though the 2017 growing season probably means that it does not rank alongside the 2015 or 2016, it is still a very impressive wine, amongst the finest from this Grand Cru.” – Neal Martin, Vinous
“Laurent Lignier has once again produced a fine vintage for both his domaine holdings and négociant sources—the latter, amounting to some 3.5 hectares of vines, now clearly distinguished in our reviews. As readers will know, winemaking is pretty classical at this address, with a short cold maceration, two to three weeks’ maceration with one pigéage and one rémontage per day, and maturation in barrels, some third of which are new—if possible, without racking—for fully 22 months. Lignier began picking on September 4 and finished eight days later, reporting finished alcohols which, with only a couple of exceptions, are below 14%. The two pieces of news are the Lignier is now certified organic since May 2019, and that he is producing a new cuvée of Clos de la Roche, the story of which is told in the accompanying tasting notes.” –William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Lignier Subscriber Special
5% Off Any 6-11 bottles of Hubert Lignier Wines
10% Off Any 12+ bottles of Hubert Lignier Wines
(Discount applies to both in-stock and pre-arrival wines from Lignier)
Offer Ends Monday, July 20th
Discount Will Not Display Online or In Your Cart
We will adjust your invoice before processing your card
We’ve got way too many 2017 Ligniers to list here (22 bottlings, in total) plus some 2016’s still kicking around. Some highlights are below, but you can see all the Lignier wines in our webstore.
Some Highlights, Just Arrived, Some ETA July 24th:
“can be a contender for the best wine in the Côte de Nuits” – Neal Martin, Vinous
Only six bottles, one magnum available
Domaine Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($599.95) $499 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Domaine Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 1.5L ($1199.95) $999 pre-arrival special
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The king of the cellar, Lignier’s 2017 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru is superb, wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of red and black cherries, cassis, warm spices, incense and grilled game bird. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, layered and complete with striking depth and dimension, rich but satiny structuring tannins and excellent structural tension at the core, concluding with a long and penetrating finish. It’s a magical wine that will merit ardent pursuit when it’s released next year.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 93-95 points “The 2017 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru has a complex, engaging bouquet of ample black and red fruit, candied orange peel and light rose petal aromas that gently unfold in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, quite Clos Saint-Denis in style. The masculine, uncharacteristically stoic finish suggests it has longevity in mind. For those with the intention to cellar only. Impressive, but I am expecting more charm to manifest with the requisite bottle age.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
This is the only listing for a magnum in the USA today!
Only three bottles available
Domaine Hubert Lignier Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($419.95) $379 pre-arrival special
Neal Martin – Vinous 92-94 points “The 2017 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru includes 20% whole bunches, matured in one-third new oak. It has a gorgeous bouquet of cranberry and raspberry fruit with veins of cassis; later, brown spices emerge. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, good depth and fine grip, perhaps just missing a little precision toward the finish but still very fine.”
Burghound 91-93 points “An agreeably discreet application of wood sets off the attractively fresh and markedly floral aromas of black cherry, plum and abundant earth scents. There is a subtle minerality and vibrancy to the sleek and intense middle weight flavors that possess a caressing mouthfeel that contrasts somewhat with a mildly austere finale that exhibits fine depth and persistence. This is both stylish and pretty and like the Griotte, could be approached with pleasure on the younger side if that’s your preference.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Only one bottle available
Domaine Hubert Lignier Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($699.95) $599 pre-arrival special
Burghound 91-93 points “There is much more moderate oak influence framing the cool and perfumed nose that offers up essence of various red berries and floral nuances along with a hint of the sauvage. The well-detailed and solidly concentrated flavors possess fine size and weight as well as plenty of sleek muscle and minerality on the stylish and classy finish. This is built to age yet it’s not so structured that it couldn’t be approached after a few years of bottle age.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 91-93 points “The 2017 Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru comes from purchased fruit. It has a well-defined bouquet of blackberry, raspberry coulis and light cassis aromas, and the one-third new oak is neatly integrated. The fleshy, generous palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and fine acidity, leading to a smooth, sensual finish. This might be earlier-drinking than Lignier’s other two Grand Crus.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Only four bottles available
Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Vieilles Vignes, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ml ($299.95) $299.95) $249 special
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 92-94+ points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes is superb, wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of warm spices, raspberries, cherries, dark chocolate and candied peel. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, layered and textural, with the most depth and dimension of Lignier’s premiers crus, its deep core of fruit largely concealing the wine’s fine-grained structuring tannins, concluding with a saline finish. This cuvée hails from a parcel that straddles the climats Faconnières and Chenevery that was planted in 1936, 1942 and 1943, and which the Lignier family has always vinified as a single cuvée.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 91-93 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis Vieilles Vignes 1er Cru includes 25% whole bunch fruit. It has a tightly wound bouquet that opens in confident style to reveal red cherries, strawberry and fine mineralité. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite airy in style, but then suddenly exerts fine grip on the persistent, chalky-textured finish. Excellent.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $305
The next best price is $305
Only three bottles available
Domaine Hubert Lignier Les Chaffots, Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru, 2017 750ML ($219.95) $179 pre-arrival special
Neal Martin – Vinous 91-93 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Chaffots 1er Cru, from vines up to 90 years old, has a refined, quite floral bouquet, scents of peony tincturing the red fruit. The sorbet-fresh palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a citric line of acidity and a harmonious, elegant finish. Bon vin.”
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Chaffots reveals aromas of sweet cassis and cherries that mingle with nuances of cinnamon, licorice, dark chocolate and nori. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, layered and tangy, with a tauter, more acid-driven profile than the other premiers crus by virtue of its higher-altitude locate, displaying excellent concentration and high-quality structuring tannin.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Only three bottles available
Domaine Hubert Lignier La Riotte, Morey St Denis Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 90-93 points “The supplest, most open-knit of Lignier’s premiers crus from Morey, the 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru La Riotte bursts with aromas of plummy fruit, red currants, subtle spices and rose hip. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, supple and expansive, with a layered mid-palate, fine but chalky tannins and a saline finish. This will win friends in its youth.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 90-92 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis La Riotte is aged in one-third new oak and includes 20% whole bunches. It has an expressive bouquet with touches of mint that infuse the vibrant red fruit. The dense, fresh palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip on the entry and hints of sour cherry toward the edgy finish. Good potential here.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Only twelve bottles available
Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Trilogie, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Neal Martin – Vinous 90-92 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis “Trilogie,” which includes 25% whole bunch fruit from vines that tend to suffer millerandage, offers vivacious dark cherry and raspberry coulis scents on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a fine bead of acidity, good focus and a mineral-infused finish that delivers a pleasant sour edginess. Excellent.”
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis “Trilogie” hails from three lieux-dits, this year working out at around 60% Chenevery, 30% Porroux and 15% Clos Solon, and it was vinified with 25% whole cluster. Offering up aromas of sweet berries, cassis, licorice, cinnamon and chocolate, it’s medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered with a rich but lively core of fruit and fine but chalky structuring tannins. As usual, it’s one of the finest renditions of the appellation.”
Only three bottles available
Domaine Hubert Lignier Les Chabiots, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($299.95) $249 pre-arrival special
Rosenthal Note ““Les Chabiots” is a dreamily situated premier cru that lies just north of Musigny, perched just above the fabled “Les Amoureuses” on the slope in the southern sector of Chambolle. Hubert and Laurent began purchasing grapes from a parcel of 20-year-old vines here during their recent inheritance battle, and they have continued to produce wine from this great but tiny cru ever since. The wine is intoxicatingly ethereal on the nose—open, enveloping, and inviting. The palate is round but well structured, with generous, sappy fruit, and a hedonistically succulent finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Don’t worry there’s more—too much more to list here!
(We have 22 new wines from Lignier arriving over the course of the next week.)
You can see them all (plus a few scattered ’16’s)
in a full list in our webstore.
(We have 22 new wines from Lignier arriving over the course of the next week.)
You can see them all (plus a few scattered ’16’s)
in a full list in our webstore.
Lignier Subscriber Special
5% Off Any 6-11 bottles of Hubert Lignier Wines
10% Off Any 12+ bottles of Hubert Lignier Wines
(Discount applies to both in-stock and pre-arrival wines from Lignier)
Offer Ends Monday, July 20th
Discount Will Not Display Online or In Your Cart
We will adjust your invoice before processing your card
New Wines from Cayuse
Arriving Friday, July 24th:
Only twelve bottles available
Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 97 points “Lots of blackberry, tar and blueberry aromas with hints of dried earth. Full bodied, tight and focused with intensity and savoriness in the center palate. Plush and attractive at the end, but not overpowering. Drink or hold.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The only Syrah that includes some Viognier, the 2017 Syrah Cailloux Vineyard (this is the same site used for the Viognier) is always a great representation of the vintage as well as the wines of Christophe Baron. Ruby/purple-hued, with a rocking bouquet of black raspberries, smoked game, black pepper, and spring flowers, it has plenty of classic Rocks funkiness and meaty notes, medium to full body, a core of sweet fruit, and a great, great finish. It ranks with the top two to three wines in this vintage. It opens up nicely with time in the glass and shows well today, and it’s certainly going to cruise for 15+ years or more.”
Winery Note ” Cailloux Vineyard—Christophe’s first Walla Walla Valley vineyard, this 10-acre plot was our first vineyard planted in the stones of Milton Freewater in 1997, and produces the flagship Cailloux Syrah.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Only three bottles available
Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 96 points “This red shows lots of smoked meat and spices, as well as dried-strawberry and raspberry character. Full-bodied, yet not overpowering, with creamy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Tightens at the end. Shows focus and intensity. Drink or hold.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “More tapenade, dried herbs, chocolate, sweet mulch, and sweet black fruits emerge from the 2017 Syrah En Chamberlin, a medium to full-bodied, ripe, powerful 2017. With building tannins, a plump, expansive mid-palate, plenty of classic Rocks funk, and a great finish, it doesn’t quite have the precision of the En Cerise yet is more sexy and opulent. It benefits from a decant if drinking any time soon and will evolve gracefully for 15 years.”
Winery Note “En Chamberlin Vineyard—2000 saw the planting of 10 more stony acres. Grafted on phyloxera resistant rootstock, it’s another first for our region. This vineyard produces The Widowmaker Cabernet-Sauvignon, Impulsivo Tempranillo and En Chamberlin Syrah.”
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New Arrivals
Fresh Whites for Summer Sipping
Perrusset is a step above most Macon producers, but without a step up in price.
Domaine Henri Perrusset Macon-Villages, Burgundy 2017 750ML ($24.95) $17 special
Distributor note “The Macon is known as a region full of cooperatives, but Henri Perrusset is an exception to the rule. This cool, stainless-steel, unoaked, but lees-stirred Chardonnay is produced by hand from small plots and offers rich apple, pear, and peach fruits, balanced by limestone and chalk. A spectacular value from a small grower.”
Domaine Henri Perrusset Macon-Villages, Burgundy 2017 750ML ($24.95) $17 special
Distributor note “The Macon is known as a region full of cooperatives, but Henri Perrusset is an exception to the rule. This cool, stainless-steel, unoaked, but lees-stirred Chardonnay is produced by hand from small plots and offers rich apple, pear, and peach fruits, balanced by limestone and chalk. A spectacular value from a small grower.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Fresh, clean and energetic, it’s a fresh and delicious style of white Rioja.
Bodegas Hermanos Pecina Senorio de P. Pecina Blanco, Rioja DOCa 2018 750ML ($19.95) $14 special
Wine Advocate 90 points “The young white 2018 Señorío de P. Peciña Cosecha Blanco is quite pale, young and fruit-driven, as it corresponds to an unoaked Viura fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and bottled quite early. It’s clean and harmonious, with aromas of white pear and flowers, quite elegant. The palate is fresh, but the wine has weight and fills your mouth; 2018 is a cool vintage and it shows. The flavors are focused and clean, and there is a pleasant bitter twist on the finish. 15,000 bottles were filled in February 2019.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
All you need are some scampi to go with it.
Umani Ronchi Villa Bianchi Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Marche 2018 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Wine Spectator 89 points “An elegant white, creamy and light- to medium-bodied, with golden apple, elderflower and lemon pith flavors, underscored by hints of minerally brine and stone that linger on the clean-cut finish. Drink now through 2023. 30,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.”
Rich Reds for Grilling and Chilling
A brilliant combination of richness from the grape and freshness from the stainless steel.
Bodegas Sierra Salinas ‘Mo’, Alicante 2018 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Jeb Dunnuck 90 points ” Blueberries, violets, white pepper, and graphite notes all emerge from the 2018 Mo, which is 100% Monastrell, from old vines and high elevation vineyards, brought up all in stainless steel. Juicy, medium-bodied, with good acidity, and plenty of fruit, it’s another smoking value from this importer. Drink it over the coming couple of years.”
James Suckling 90 points ” A primary-fruited style with violet reduction and raspberries. Bright and fruity, this is reminiscent of Beaujolais and quite enjoyable. Drink now.”
Importer Note “100% Monastrell, head trained, dry farmed, and estate grown. Sierra Salinas’ vineyards are currently in the process of being converted to certified organic viticulture, with the goal of respecting the environment and taking advantage of the potential of dry farmed viticulture. Estate grown parcels of Monastrell between 20 and 50 years old.”
A brighter, more energetic style of Cotes du Rhone.
Domaine la Remejeanne Cotes du Rhone Un Air de Remejeanne, Rhone 2019 750ML ($19.95) $17 special
Importer note “Owned by the dynamic Oliver Klein, this certified organic domaine is located in the small high altitude village of Sabran, nestled in dramatic hills divided between forests of green oak and sun-soaked vineyards. All of the vines at the estate are found at high altitudes between 200 and 280 meters. This results in a cooler climate than most of the Southern Rhone, and endows the wines with a freshness and liveliness not often encountered in the region. Klein is an extremely conscientious winemaker, using very traditional methods to maintain the highest quality of wine. All the grapes are hand-harvested, undergoing long, slow fermentations with indigenous yeasts before being aged in concrete or older wood. This hands off approach creates wines of elegance and class.”
Syrah based and showing it, with power and a lovely array of dark purple fruits.
Domaine la Remejeanne Cotes du Rhone Les Chevrefeuilles, Rhone 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Importer note “70% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignan, 5% Marselan. Grown on loess over limestone and sandstone on southeast-facing slopes at 250m of altitude.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
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Trending Wines
Grill+Seafood+Chablis=Success
Domaine Servin Butteaux, Chablis Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($44.95) $38 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux is showing especially well, unfurling in the glass with notes of lemon oil, fresh pastry, crisp green apple and oatmeal. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it’s tightly wound and concentrated, with crisp acids and a saline finish. This cuvée is emerging as one of my firm favorites in the Servin portfolio.”
Chateau La Serre is part of the Moueix family of wineries—a name that needs little in the way for Bordeaux enthusiasts. While it may not be as grand as some of its siblings (like, err, Petrus and Trotanoy), La Serre offers incredible value for the price.
Chateau La Serre, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($59.95) $39 special
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Made from 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Château La Serre is a ripe, sexy beauty that’s packed with fruit. Black cherries, blueberries, leafy herbs and hints of tobacco all emerge from this ripe, opulent 2015 that has sweet tannin, a charming, forward style, moderate concentration, and a great finish. It should be a smoking value and delivers loads of pleasure already. Tasted twice.”
James Suckling 93 points “Suave, cedary oak aromas with bright vanillin-dusted plums, raspberries and some graphite. The palate delivers clean-cut tannins, carrying flavors of blackberries and mulberries to an upbeat finish. Drink or hold.”
One of the best Tuscan reds in terms of quality and value.
Tenuta di Bibbiano ‘Montornello’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Case-6 Tenuta di Bibbiano ‘Montornello’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($239.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Case-12 Tenuta di Bibbiano ‘Montornello’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($479.95) $349 special (that’s only $29.08/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Relaxed, balanced and supported by dense tannins, this touts aromas of leather, tobacco, wood paneling, iron, woodsy spices and smoky cherry fruit, with a finish that is long and expansive. Drink now through 2040. 3,300 cases made, 500 cases imported.”
A beautifully fresh Italian white that’s perfect for summer—and a steal under $15.
Ronchi di Pietro Friulano Friul Colli Orientali 2017 750ML ($19.95) $14 special
Winery note “Yellow-straw colour with beautiful greenish tinges. Its intense aroma recalls wild flowers, hay and almond. Fine, delicate, and full-bodied, with a remarkable scent of bitter almond.”
This has been a mainstay of Hobbs’ Pinot program since the beginning and this is one of the best ever.
Paul Hobbs Hyde Vineyard Pinot Noir, Carneros 2018 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “From the Carneros region in the southern part of the valley, the 2018 Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard gives up a Burgundian bouquet of black cherries, mulberries, smoked earth, and candied violets. It shows more and more floral tones with time in the glass and is beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied, and has silky tannins. It’s terrific today, yet it has a solid spine of acidity that’s going to allow it to evolve gracefully for a solid decade or more. This cuvée was just about all destemmed (there are 8% stems) and spent 15 months in 53% new French oak.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2018 Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard is unusually refined this year. The savory, earthy notes typical of Hyde are present, and yet the wine has an extra kick of polish that helps to balance what are sometimes slightly rustic qualities. Elegant and polished, the 2018 is light on its feet and impeccable in its balance. It is also one of the finest Hyde Pinots I can remember tasting from Paul Hobbs.”
Domaine Servin Butteaux, Chablis Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($44.95) $38 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux is showing especially well, unfurling in the glass with notes of lemon oil, fresh pastry, crisp green apple and oatmeal. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it’s tightly wound and concentrated, with crisp acids and a saline finish. This cuvée is emerging as one of my firm favorites in the Servin portfolio.”
Chateau La Serre is part of the Moueix family of wineries—a name that needs little in the way for Bordeaux enthusiasts. While it may not be as grand as some of its siblings (like, err, Petrus and Trotanoy), La Serre offers incredible value for the price.
Chateau La Serre, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($59.95) $39 special
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Made from 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Château La Serre is a ripe, sexy beauty that’s packed with fruit. Black cherries, blueberries, leafy herbs and hints of tobacco all emerge from this ripe, opulent 2015 that has sweet tannin, a charming, forward style, moderate concentration, and a great finish. It should be a smoking value and delivers loads of pleasure already. Tasted twice.”
James Suckling 93 points “Suave, cedary oak aromas with bright vanillin-dusted plums, raspberries and some graphite. The palate delivers clean-cut tannins, carrying flavors of blackberries and mulberries to an upbeat finish. Drink or hold.”
One of the best Tuscan reds in terms of quality and value.
Tenuta di Bibbiano ‘Montornello’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Case-6 Tenuta di Bibbiano ‘Montornello’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($239.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Case-12 Tenuta di Bibbiano ‘Montornello’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($479.95) $349 special (that’s only $29.08/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Relaxed, balanced and supported by dense tannins, this touts aromas of leather, tobacco, wood paneling, iron, woodsy spices and smoky cherry fruit, with a finish that is long and expansive. Drink now through 2040. 3,300 cases made, 500 cases imported.”
A beautifully fresh Italian white that’s perfect for summer—and a steal under $15.
Ronchi di Pietro Friulano Friul Colli Orientali 2017 750ML ($19.95) $14 special
Winery note “Yellow-straw colour with beautiful greenish tinges. Its intense aroma recalls wild flowers, hay and almond. Fine, delicate, and full-bodied, with a remarkable scent of bitter almond.”
This has been a mainstay of Hobbs’ Pinot program since the beginning and this is one of the best ever.
Paul Hobbs Hyde Vineyard Pinot Noir, Carneros 2018 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “From the Carneros region in the southern part of the valley, the 2018 Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard gives up a Burgundian bouquet of black cherries, mulberries, smoked earth, and candied violets. It shows more and more floral tones with time in the glass and is beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied, and has silky tannins. It’s terrific today, yet it has a solid spine of acidity that’s going to allow it to evolve gracefully for a solid decade or more. This cuvée was just about all destemmed (there are 8% stems) and spent 15 months in 53% new French oak.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2018 Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard is unusually refined this year. The savory, earthy notes typical of Hyde are present, and yet the wine has an extra kick of polish that helps to balance what are sometimes slightly rustic qualities. Elegant and polished, the 2018 is light on its feet and impeccable in its balance. It is also one of the finest Hyde Pinots I can remember tasting from Paul Hobbs.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $87
The average price is $87
Just a stunning Brunello, and even more so for the price.
Caprili Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($59.95) $45 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Offering cherry, plum, iron, earth and floral aromas and flavors, this is vibrant and beautifully balanced. Well-structured, with the harmony and concentration to develop. Best from 2023 through 2043. 4,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.”
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 95 points “Vibrant red. Minerals and violet complement lively red cherry and raspberry aromas on the incisive nose. Then enticingly fresh and well-balanced, with captivating violet inner-mouth perfume to the steely red and black fruit flavors that linger impressively. The delicately peppery finish features polished if youthful tannins and noteworthy purity of fruit. Knockout 2015 Brunello, one of the top half dozen of the year.”
James Suckling 95 points “This is a very decadent Brunello with dried stems, charcuterie, bay leaf, Thai basil and earth. Full-bodied and dense, the deeply interlocked layers of dark fruit nearly tripping over the ropey, chewy tannin structure. Drink from 2026.”
Rose of the Day
The Other Top Name in Bandol
Domaine Tempier may get all the glory, but Pradeaux makes wines that are every bit as good—and much easier to acquire. The wines have more power and texture than Tempier and age even better, with the complexity and nuance that separates the absolute best producers in the region from mass-produced bottlings. We have both the Bandol and the fresher styled Cote de Provence bottling in stock now, ready for your glass or a few years in the cellar.The Other Top Name in Bandol
In Stock Now:
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rose, Provence 2019 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rose, Provence 2019 1.5L ($79.95) $61.90 special
Importer note “The Bandol Rosé from Pradeaux is perhaps the most serious wine in this category. Robust, rich, and complex with an ability to age gracefully, this wine is based on Cinsault (50%) and Mourvèdre (50%), taking its slight orange tint from the latter cépage. The younger vines of the domaine (average age: 25 years) are utilized to produce a rare rosé with staying power and exceptional complexity. The Rosé is vinified by a direct pressing for 24 hours followed by fermentation in cement tanks at a controlled temperature of 18 degrees Celsius for about 15 days; the malo-lactic fermentation is blocked and the wine is usually bottled in mid-April of the following year. We import approximately 600 cases (7200 bottles) annually of this exceptional wine.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $32
The average price nationally is $32
Chateau Pradeaux Le Cotes de Provence Rose 2019 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Importer note “Made from 45% Cinsault and 40% Mourvedre, with the balance split among Grenache and Carignan, a core of sappy, glycerol red-cherry fruit anchors a firm, punchy minerality, and the finish is remarkably persistent. The vineyards that comprise this wine were, in fact, classified as Bandol AOC as recently as 2012, and this 2017 clearly distinguishes itself from among the vast ocean of Côtes de Provence rose by virtue of its terroir’s unique pedigree.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Collector’s Corner
Mature and Rare Champagne from de Venoge
De Venoge is one of the more overlooked old-school Champagne houses, a fact that means even their finest and rarest wines continue to be undervalued relative to their peers. Case in point? The two prestige cuvees, the Louis d’Or and Louis XV bottlings, which are held back on the lees for exceedingly long periods of time and are true monuments of vintage bubbly. We’ve secured a rare parcel of a few vintages of these wines, including the legendary ’96 and ’08 Louis XV, which just arrived last month
De Venoge has a strong following in Europe, for good reason—they source from some of the best vineyards in Champagne and produce prestige cuvees of immense quality, built on long lees aging. They source Pinot Noir from Grand Cru villages like Verzenay, Ambonnay and Bouzy and pair it with a murderers row of Chardonnay sources, including Avize, Mesnil, and Cramant. The resulting wines capture the essence of classical Champagne and are in high demand in Europe’s top restaurants. Despite that, they tend to be overlooked in the US, making them quite the opportunity for savvy collectors.
Their older prestige cuvees are outstanding wines for lovers of mature Champagne in all its glory, with rich, creamy textures from extended lees aging allied to surprisingly fresh, mineral personalities. There’s a reason this house has such a following in Europe—they produce stunning wines and then age them until they’re ready to go, so you don’t have to leave these in your cellar for decades. We’ve got quite the selection in stock, plus more on the way, so now’s your chance to build a collection.
In Stock Now:
De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Brut Millesime, Champagne 1996 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 11 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This is really complex, old Champagne with puff-pastry, dried-apple, spice and salted-nut aromas and flavors. Full body. Ultra fine bubbles with an extremely fine and creamy mouth feel. Extreme edge to it. This spent 21 years on the lees. Disgorged in 2018. Every year they disgorge 3,000 bottles”
De Venoge has a strong following in Europe, for good reason—they source from some of the best vineyards in Champagne and produce prestige cuvees of immense quality, built on long lees aging. They source Pinot Noir from Grand Cru villages like Verzenay, Ambonnay and Bouzy and pair it with a murderers row of Chardonnay sources, including Avize, Mesnil, and Cramant. The resulting wines capture the essence of classical Champagne and are in high demand in Europe’s top restaurants. Despite that, they tend to be overlooked in the US, making them quite the opportunity for savvy collectors.
Their older prestige cuvees are outstanding wines for lovers of mature Champagne in all its glory, with rich, creamy textures from extended lees aging allied to surprisingly fresh, mineral personalities. There’s a reason this house has such a following in Europe—they produce stunning wines and then age them until they’re ready to go, so you don’t have to leave these in your cellar for decades. We’ve got quite the selection in stock, plus more on the way, so now’s your chance to build a collection.
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De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Brut Millesime, Champagne 1996 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 11 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This is really complex, old Champagne with puff-pastry, dried-apple, spice and salted-nut aromas and flavors. Full body. Ultra fine bubbles with an extremely fine and creamy mouth feel. Extreme edge to it. This spent 21 years on the lees. Disgorged in 2018. Every year they disgorge 3,000 bottles”
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De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Brut Millesime, Champagne 2008 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 10 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “This is really punchy and broad-shouldered with muscular structure and citrusy undertones. Full body. Lightly tannic and a fresh and vivid finish. This is the first vintage without malolactic fermentation ever. One for the cellar. Better in 2022.”
Wine Advocate 93+ points “The straw-yellow/white-golden colored 2008 Louis XV Brut Millésimé blends 50% Chardonnay (20 % from Avize, 15% from Oger and 15% from Mesnil) with 50% Pinot Noir (41.5% from Verzenay and 8.5% from Bouzy). Disgorged in January 2018 with a dosage of six grams per liter, the 2008 displays a clear, pure, fresh, chalky-tinged and vinous nose with lemon, white fruits, brioche, hazelnuts, white blossoms and some caramel notes. Pure, lean, fresh and elegant on the palate, with a lingering hazelnut flavor, this is a straight yet complex cuvée with grip and a long, well-structured and textured finish. This 2008 is still terribly fresh and should benefit from further bottle aging. For the moment, I am missing the mouth-filling generosity of the 2006 and 1995. Mind that this is the first vintage of de Venoge’s prestigious Louis XV where the base wines didn’t undergo malolactic fermentation! Total production: 10,326 bottles. Tasted October 2018.”
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De Venoge Louis d’Or Brut, Champagne 1996 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 1996 Louis d’Or Brut Millésimé is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir from Verzenay, Ambonnay, Mailly and Bouzy and 50% Chardonnay from Avize, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Chouilly. Fermented in stainless steel, with malolactic, and it was disgorged in March 2016 with a dosage of six grams per liter. This luxurious, golden colored vintage Champagne offers a beautifully complex, matured and vinous bouquet with lovely brioche, mushroom and yeasty flavors. The visual CO2 is gone quickly, but on the palate it gives this lean and steely yet enormously complex Millésime a tight structure and enormous length. It is tastes bone dry so that you can fully concentrate on the very complex and mineral character and the lovely austere finish. This is great a Champagne for purists, and the finish is enormous, reminding me of matured dry Rieslings from the good old Rheingau. Many of our readers may eventually ask for more roundness and charm here… But first: this is 1996. And second: this is Louis d’Or, and there is no Champagne like this.-SR”
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De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Brut Millesime, Champagne 2006 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The assemblage of the 2006 Louis XV Brut Millésimé is about the same as the 1995 and 1996—composed of 50/50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, all from grand cru villages. The only difference is that the Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (10% of the assemblage) spent 12 months in oak barrels. Disgorged in January 2017 (dosage: six grams per liter), the 2006 has a golden color and opens with a deep, ripe, elegant and vinous bouquet with toasty and chalky lemon and fresh white fruit flavors. On the palate, this is an intense, round, fresh and complex Louis XV with great purity and finesse. The wine opens on the palate like a soufflé, coating the whole palate without any pressure or weight—gorgeous! This is a delicate and fresh yet well-structured and persistent Louis XV whose intense and long but weightless finish reveals lovely, almost juicy fruit concentration with perfectly integrated freshness and lasting minerality that seems to give additional structure. The 2006 shows a lot of Chardonnay features right now and drinks perfectly today; however, it can be kept under perfect conditions for decades. Just keep it in the box, because the bottle is white and nothing makes a Champagne age faster than exposure to daylight. (Tasted in November 2017 from Lot LL15067017BT.)-SR”
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De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Extra Brut Rose Millesime, Champagne 2002 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Harmonious, with fine intensity, offering rich notes of spice cake, toasted almond, dried cherry, grilled plum and smoky mineral. Almost velvety in texture, with juicy acidity that brings you back for another sip. Delicious. Drink now through 2022. 54 cases made.”
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