In This Newsletter:
Brunello Sale
Champagne Featurette: Pierre Gimonnet
Brunello Sale
Champagne Featurette: Pierre Gimonnet
Tuscan Elite Sale
Stock Up & Save On
Brunello
Stock Up & Save On
Brunello
Brunello is a place of magic, where the local Sangiovese Grosso clone ascends to levels of complexity and longevity impossible elsewhere. This is the elite of Tuscany and some of the finest wines produced in Europe.
We’re proud to offer an incredible range of producers, including standard-bearers and customer favorites such as Biondi Santi, Il Poggione, La Fortuna, and La Gerla. Browse staff-selected highlights below, including under-the-radar picks from Il Paradiso di Frassina and esteemed estates like Sassetti Livio Pertimali.
We’re proud to offer an incredible range of producers, including standard-bearers and customer favorites such as Biondi Santi, Il Poggione, La Fortuna, and La Gerla. Browse staff-selected highlights below, including under-the-radar picks from Il Paradiso di Frassina and esteemed estates like Sassetti Livio Pertimali.
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Brunello
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Brunello
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Tuesday, April 1st at 9 am Pacific.
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Brunello
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Tuesday, April 1st at 9 am Pacific.
We offer thirty-one in-stock Brunello options on sale now, including:
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 750ml Was $699, Displayed Price: $619, that’s $588.05 at 5% off and $557.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 99 points “Wow, here is a vintage I’ve been anxiously waiting to try. The 2016 growing season was one of the best in recent memory in Montalcino, and if we look back in time, this vintage marks the year Biondi-Santi was sold to a French group. The prestigious 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva proves a mighty collector’s bottle that will undoubtedly gain in complexity and depth with careful bottle age. The wine offers wild nuances of forest berry and tart cherry, and there are herbal side notes as well as floral tones of dried violet and lilac. The tannins are soft, powdery and feel like they melt away on the palate.”
Cerbaia Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a dark and rich expression with a generous delivery of dark fruit—prune, plum and black cherry. The vines are planted in galestro soils with clay and shale in a 3.5-hectare plot, resulting in a 14,000-bottle production. Winemaking is simple, with fermentation in steel and aging in botte grande for three years. There is some extra density or heaviness to the fruit that feels reinforced by the oak notes and ultimately by the wine’s tannins. This wine will be released in April 2021, and that sounds about right because it needs more time.”
Casanova di Neri Cerretalto, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 750ml Displayed Price: $379, that’s $360.05 at 5% off and $341.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 98 points “Flavors of medicinal herbs, juniper, macerated cherry, plum, tobacco and spice are the hallmarks of this intense red, which is ripe and concentrated, yet sleek and focused. Spice notes chime in on the long, minerally and firmly tannic finish. Best from 2023 through 2040.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto offers a prolonged, flowing and carefully massaged drinking experience that drapes over the senses with some studied intensity and lots of intriguing complexity. This wine nails that perfect balance between power and elegance (that elusive exchange that so many winemakers hope to achieve) with effortless precision. Bold cherry fruit and spice are tightly woven together. In the mouth, the wine shows texture, depth and succulence. Generally speaking, this is not my favorite vintage in Montalcino, but this wine suddenly made me forget that thought.”
Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $115, that’s $109.25 at 5% off and $103.50 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Here’s a treat from Casanova di Neri. Aged in tonneaux for 30 months, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is fleshed out and rich with pretty layers of dark fruit, dried blackberry, spice and cured tobacco. There is a point of sour cherry in this vintage that folds into crushed flower, balsam herb, licorice and crushed stone. The bouquet is classic, but the Casanova di Neri magic touch comes through thanks to the wine’s balance and pretty intensity. I can’t, however, overlook a powerful 15% alcohol content that leaves its mark. This is a production of 67,740 bottles.”
Campi di Fonterenza Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $108, that’s $102.60 at 5% off and $97.20 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe 96 points “Forest floor, new leather and oak-driven spice aromas mingle with ripe berry. Elegantly structured, the smooth, bright palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, blood orange, crushed mint and almond liqueur framed in tightly knit, close-grained tannins. It’s structured and balanced, with bright acidity.”
Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Rennina, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018 750ml Was $236, Displayed Price: $199, that’s $189.05 at 5% off and $179.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Harmonious and bordering on creamy in texture, this red features cherry, raspberry, plum, loam, almond and black pepper aromas and flavors. Reveals pleasant bitterness as this winds down on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2026 through 2045.”
Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta ‘Sugarille’, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018 750ml Was $259, Displayed Price: $219, that’s $208.05 at 5% off and $197.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “A dark, brooding 2018, with accents of smoke, vanilla, iron and tar surrounding a core of cherry and plum flavors. Reveals balsamic elements of eucalyptus and wild herbs on the lingering finish. On the austere side now, with a core of fruit and mineral. Best from 2025 through 2043.”
Il Marroneto Madonna delle Grazie, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $449, that’s $426.55 at 5% off and $404.10 at 10% off, 3 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 99 points “An exquisite mix of elegant aromas dominates the nose, with notes of Parma violets, orange peel, Earl Grey tea, dried cherries, smoky woodland and earthy minerality. Full-bodied, it shows significant tannins, but it’s velvety, sweet and full of aging potential. The flavors are enhanced by energetic, slightly lifted acidity and a super-long, austere finish. It will last for decades. Try after 2025.”
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 96 points “Impressing from the first tilt of the glass, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino makes itself known, with a heady burst of exotic spice and crushed ashen stone giving way to dried black cherries and grilled herbs. This combines the energy of the vintage with the dark balsamic-tinged fruits of Montalcino’s southern reaches, as zesty acidity maintains balance throughout, and flinty minerals saturate toward the close. It finishes long, savory and structured, yet its tannins are more rounded than anticipated, creating both a classic feel, but also leaving a mouthwatering sensation that tricks the taster back to the glass for more. Easily one of the top wines of the vintage, the 2018 is not to be missed.”
Il Paradiso di Frassina MozArt, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2014 1.5L Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 3 magnums in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 92 points “Deep bright red-ruby. Oriental spices and botanical herbs complicate rich red fruit and balsamic oil aromas and flavors. Rich, ripe and suave, with a glyceral mouthfeel and strong hints of bitter herbs to the repeating ripe red cherry notes on the long thick, mouthcoating back end. A very good showing for 2014.”
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The La Fortuna 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a wine of pretty Sangiovese purity. This Riserva (with 9,000 bottles produced) shows a darkly saturated color with plump and intense aromas of wild cherry, crushed flowers, fresh plums, spice and ferrous earth. Balsam herb and rosemary-like aromas round off the finish. There is great freshness, some oak tannins, a drying finish and lots of rich fruit fiber. This is a terrific wine from La Fortuna (although I need to point out the high 15.5% alcohol).”
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “This red is rich and generous for the vintage, offering cherry, plum and rose flavors that show light accents of earth and dusty herbs. Light tannins and lively acidity lend support, and this fades gracefully on the finish. Best from 2026 through 2040.”
James Suckling 94 points “Subtle notes of red cherries, pepper, leather and cocoa powder wrapped up in fresh violets. Firm attack of extracted chalky tannins soaked in cherries, with a full body and refreshing acidity. Savory, fruity finish. Drink or hold.”
Sassetti Livio Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Intense aromas of black cherries, lavender and spice, such as nutmeg. Some sandalwood and bark, too. Full-bodied with a solid core of fruit and tannins for the vintage. Rather chewy, suggesting that additional bottle age is needed. Try after 2026.”
Salvioni Cerbaiola Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2017 750ml Was $199, Displayed Price: $169, that’s $160.55 at 5% off and $152.10 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino La Cerbaiola grows in intensity in the glass, with delicate aromas that are especially floral and light in character. Instead of blackberry or blackcurrant, this elegant wine delivers cassis and cranberry. Instead of overt spice, you get licorice, balsam herb and camphor ash. The Salvioni house style is ethereal and light, and although that extra vintage ripeness and concentration does register on the palate, farming and winemaking at this estate puts an emphasis on acidity over power or structure. These choices were particularly important in 2017.”
Siro Pacenti PS Vecchie Vigne, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The Siro Pacenti 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne shows an extra degree of concentration and thickness thanks both to the vintage (this hot and dry growing season produced darker, more intense berries) and the older vines that also work toward greater fruit weight. The Vecchie Vigne shows lots of depth and textural weaving with dark berries and oak spice. In fact, the oak (and that big 15% alcohol) is more prominent in this 18,000-bottle release. It offers long-lasting notes of smoke, sweet cedar and woodshop.”
Talenti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 31 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The bouquet on the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is to die for, offering cloves and balsamic spices that give way to crushed cherries, sage and fresh mint. It’s elegant yet lifted in feel, with silky textures carrying the ripe wild berry fruits effortlessly across the palate. Saline-minerals combine with grippy tannins toward the close, slowing the 2017’s momentum ever so slightly, yet still permitting the most beautiful display of hard red candies and violet florals to linger incredibly long. What a gorgeous 2017, and with short-term cellaring potential as well. Of note is that Talenti’s production was down by 25% due to the conditions of the vintage, and there will not be a Riserva, as all of the juice went to the Brunello.”
At their best, the Champagnes of Pierre Gimonnet seems to have a quiet resonance, like a beautiful bell struck in a quiet stone hallway. They draw you in, not with bombast or noise, but with a clear directness and purity. Even the most basic of Gimonnet’s cuvees have such elements, and that pursuit of beauty and elegance makes them a perpetually top grower in Champagne.
The estate has been on a real roll over the last few years, keeping overall production unchanged but bottling a greater number of wines. The fractalization of their lineup has seemed to give each individual wine a greater identity and stronger personality, resulting in one of the most compelling sets of Blanc de Blancs in Champagne. Even the basic NV bottling has greater purity and poise than it used to—and it’s always been one of the best values in Champagne. It’s a can’t miss producer.
In Stock Now:
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Blanc de Blancs Cuis Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $59 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Blanc de Blancs Cuis Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 1.5L $159 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 91 points “[Reviewed Nov 2023] The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuis 1er Cru (2020 base) sizzles with energy. White flowers, chalk, mint, white pepper, green pear and lime all race across the palate. Medium in body and finely cut, the 1er Cru is a jewel of a wine. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy taut, airy Blancs de Blancs.”
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Cuvée Oenophile Non-Dosé Premier Cru, Champagne 2018 750ml $99 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2018 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Oenophile Non-Dosé is a blend from the Grand Crus of Cramant, Chouilly and Oger and then Cuis, which is a 1er Cru. The 2018 offers lovely complexity in the vintage’s relatively soft, understated style but displays good depth and creaminess that add balance. Citrus confit, spice, hazelnut and dried flowers all meld together effortlessly. The non-dosé style is not especially evident, as the wine’s balance is impeccable.”
The estate has been on a real roll over the last few years, keeping overall production unchanged but bottling a greater number of wines. The fractalization of their lineup has seemed to give each individual wine a greater identity and stronger personality, resulting in one of the most compelling sets of Blanc de Blancs in Champagne. Even the basic NV bottling has greater purity and poise than it used to—and it’s always been one of the best values in Champagne. It’s a can’t miss producer.
In Stock Now:
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Blanc de Blancs Cuis Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $59 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Blanc de Blancs Cuis Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 1.5L $159 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 91 points “[Reviewed Nov 2023] The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuis 1er Cru (2020 base) sizzles with energy. White flowers, chalk, mint, white pepper, green pear and lime all race across the palate. Medium in body and finely cut, the 1er Cru is a jewel of a wine. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy taut, airy Blancs de Blancs.”
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Cuvée Oenophile Non-Dosé Premier Cru, Champagne 2018 750ml $99 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2018 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Oenophile Non-Dosé is a blend from the Grand Crus of Cramant, Chouilly and Oger and then Cuis, which is a 1er Cru. The 2018 offers lovely complexity in the vintage’s relatively soft, understated style but displays good depth and creaminess that add balance. Citrus confit, spice, hazelnut and dried flowers all meld together effortlessly. The non-dosé style is not especially evident, as the wine’s balance is impeccable.”
Shop all 147 of our in-stock Champagne selections here!
Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
Carl Loewen
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Carl Loewen
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Carl Loewen
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Carl Loewen sale ends Sunday, March 30th at 9 am Pacific.