Friday 1/26/2024

 In This Newsletter:

Special Collector’s Arrival
Two cellar essentials from Louis Jadot
Arrivals
Evesham Wood, Duclaux, Durand, Donnhoff, AJ Adam, Nikolai and more!
Around the World in 8 Syrahs
Eight delectable Syrahs from places other than France
Close-Out Sales
Stunners from California and Burgundy at the lowest prices in the United States!
Domaine Eric and Joel Durand Sale
ENDS TOMORROW!
 
Special Collector’s Arrival
 

 

“Our aim is to express the true nature of Burgundy through our wines, a terroir that can be both proud of its past and optimistic about its future.” –Maison Louis Jadot

Louis Jadot Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France 2021 750ml $599 special, 6 bottles available
Neal Martin-Vinous 94-96 Points “The 2021 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has one of the finest aromatics from Jadot this year with a seductive bouquet of wild strawberry, blueberry, sous-bois and hints of Earl Grey and wilted rose petals. Wonderful. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and crisp acidity. It’s taut and fresh with a touch of spice toward the cohesive and persistent finish. This is a superb effort in such a challenging growing season.”
 
Louis Jadot Meursault-Charmes, Meursault Premier Cru, France 2021 750ml $128 special, 6 bottles available
James Suckling 94 Points “A wonderfully mineral, sleek and focused Meursault with aromas of lemons, white pears, apricots, flint and some white pepper. Medium- to full-bodied, creamy but so bright, with chalky minerality coming through. Drink or hold.”
Decanter 93 Points “This delightful wine is typical of Meursault Charmes, with aromas of ripe apple, butter, and spice and a slightly fat, almost oily, texture. In the 2021 vintage, however, there is a beautiful acidity due to the conditions of the year: ‘balanced, fine, and elegant, as one wants a white to be’, according to Frédéric Barnier. The grapes come from a superb 1.20-hectare parcel in Charmes Dessus, acquired from Domaine Prieur-Brunet in 2017.”

 

 
 
FRANCE
 

 

Founded in 1928 by Victor Huët, a former Parisian bistro owner, this winery has engendered global recognition for the quality of wines in the Vouvray appellation and remains the top Vouvray label of restaurants and collectors around the globe. The wines are simply miraculous.
 
Domaine Huet Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg 2022 750ml $46 special, 6 bottles available
Wine Spectator 94 Points “Perfumed and juicy, with a concentration that builds. Round and silky, this shows a lot of delicious fruit and a lot of complexity, with sea salt–dusted apple and honeycomb flavors layered with green herbs and cardamom, which bring an appealing savory edge. There’s a lot to like now, yet this is one for the cellar as well. Drink now through 2035. 500 cases made”.
Vinous 93 Points “The 2022 Clos du Bourg Sec is a perfumed meadow: all florals, talc and lilac. It is charming, mellow, smooth and oh-so-easy. If you can’t find pleasure in this wine, you’re dead. That said, there is a sense of purpose and of knowing itself.”
 
Huet Vouvray Sec Haut Lieu 2022 750ml $36 special, 24 bottles available
Huet Vouvray Sec Haut Lieu 2022 375ml $21.90 special, 12 bottles available
John Gilman -View From the Cellar  94 Points “The 2022 Vouvray “le Haut Lieu” Sec from Domaine Huët is an absolute classic. The bouquet is pure, precise and beautifully discreet out of the blocks, offering up a complex blend of pear, quince, refined chalky soil tones, white flowers, incipient notes of beeswax and a whisper of the orange peel tones that will become more apparent with bottle age. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied, focused and classy, with a superb core of fruit, lovely soil inflection, zestyacids and superb length and grip on the still nascently complex finish. This is fairly ripe for this bottling, coming in at 13.5 percent octane in 2022, but shows nothing but a classical profile on both the nose and palate. I suspect it will close down for a period of hibernation a few years down the road, so either drink a bottle or two now, or let it rest comfortably for the next decade and then leisurely drink it over the ensuing sixty or seventy years! Great juice.”
 
Huet Vouvray Sec Le Mont 2022 750ml $46 special, 12 bottles available
Vinous 95 Points “The 2022 Le Mont Sec is a parcel of Chenin planted on clay with scattered flint, giving a certain tension to the style you certainly don’t find in the come-hither Clos du Bourg. Its supple, concentrated core of fruit sits within a framework of structure. Both acidity and phenolics add tension and sinew. While some natural residual sugar remains (5.5g/L residual sugar), this rounds out the palate and brings balance – it’s near-as-dammit dry in its impression and technically dry under Vouvray’s rules. I’d like to see this with a little more bottle age as, compared with, say, Clos du Bourg, this isn’t yet ready to approach but should blossom. Drink: 2024-2038. (Oct 2023)”
John Gilman-View From The Cellar 95 Points “Domaine Huët’s 2022 Le Mont Sec bottling also comes in at 13.5 percent alcohol this year, but like the Le Haut Lieu Sec, it is very pure, precise and classical in profile. The gorgeous young bouquet offers up a refined blend of apple, sweet quince, a hint of fresh pineapple, a gorgeous base of minerality, citrus peel, gently musky floral tones and a nice dollop of lime zest in the upper register. On the palate the wine is focused, full-bodied and bouncy, with superb depth at the core, lovely mineral undertow and grip, a fine spine of acidity and a long, youthfully complex and impeccably balanced finish. This seems a bit more primary out of the blocks than the Le Haut Lieu Sec in 2022, and if I was going to be tempted to drink one of these three single vineyards in their youth, it would not be the le Mont, which deserves to be given the Greta Garbo treatment in the cellar for the next decade before pulling corks.”
 

 
Also new from France:
 
Domaine Benjamin et David Duclaux Condrieu Les Caillets, Rhone 2019 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points “I loved the 2019 Condrieu Les Caillets. A real beauty, this supple, sexy Condrieu has classic yellow and citrus fruits, lots of honey and flower notes, medium to full body, and a great finish. It brings lots of fruit yet stays fresh, silky, and clean, and is just a joy to drink. It’s geared for the dinner table and should be enjoyed over the coming 2-3 years.”
 
Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Empreintes, Rhône 2020 750ml $44.50 special, 33 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points “More density and depth, as well as precision, emerge from the 2020 Cornas Empreintes, a smaller production cuvée from 30-year-old vines. Its deep purple hue is followed by a beautiful perfume of black and blue fruits, bloody meat, pepper, and spring flowers. I love its focus and length on the palate, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with plenty of tannins, a great mid-palate, and a salty, bloody finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s a “wow” Cornas for sure.”
 
GERMANY
 

 
Crystal-clear dessert Riesling of voluptuous aromatic complexity and a sophisticated, mineral acidity.
Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Auslese GK 2022 375ml $59 special, 12 bottles available
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 97 Points “Wonderful nose of exotic fruits and flowers. More than enough concentration, but what makes this stand out is the interplay of ripeness – floral honey as much as very ripe citrus – with a vibrant acidity that lights up the sky. Dazzling, diamond-bright finish! From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold.”
 

 
A.J. Adam Dhroner Hofberg Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2022 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles available
Mosel Fine Wines 93 Points “The 2022er Hofberg Spätlese, as it is referred to on the front label, was made from fruit harvested at 86° Oechsle in the backside of the main hill and was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar (67 g/l). It offers a beautiful nose made of whipped cream, citrusy elements, melon, herbs, and smoke. The wine proves nicely smooth and creamy on the palate and leaves a gorgeously playful feel with perfectly integrated acidity in the long finish. A touch of sweetness still needs to integrate in the aftertaste, something which will have happened in a decade or so. 2032-2047.”
 
Lowest price on the West Coast
 
A.J. Adam Dhroner Riesling Trocken, Mosel 2022 750ml $39 special, 12 bottles available
Mosel Fine Wines 91+ Points “The 2022er Dhroner, as it is referred to on the front label, is a Fuder-fermented wine made from fruit harvested on 45-year-old vines in the middle part (slightly less steep) part of the main hill. The wine offers a beautiful nose of ripe lemon, grapefruit, white flowers, whipped cream, and smoke. It is beautifully playful on the palate with well-integrated acidity and spicy elements. Ripe and lemony fruits make for a beautifully elegant and not overly racy feel in the finish. This is a beautiful dry wine in the making with quite some upside as the flavors develop more precision. 2024-2032.”
 
Lowest price in the United States
 
A.J. Adam Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Mosel 2022 750ml $85 special, 9 bottles available
Skurnik Wines Importer Note “Goldtröpfchen lies like a huge amphitheater in the outer loop of the Mosel, which flows around here Piesport. In its orientation, it stretches from southeast to south to southwest. The sunshine duration in the vineyards is long, east and west slope protect the opposite side from wind. With a slope of 30 to 70 percent, their vineyards are sometimes extremely steep. The easily warmed soil is comprised of deep, very weathered, dark Devon slate that contains quartz and minerals. In some places there is a high share of fine earth. The site generally has good available water capacity. The name “Goldtröpfchen” means “gold droplet” and varies theories about its origin exist. It could possible come from the Celtic word for hill or mountain, “col”. Another hypothesis points to the glittery soil or golden drops of liquid that form on the ripe or botrytized grapes as a name source. Then again, even the value of the wine can be compared to gold.”
 
Only listing in the USA
 
A.J. Adam Has’chen Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Mosel 2022 750ml $66 special, 12 bottles available
Mosel Fine Wines 93 Points “The 2022er Häs’chen, as it is referred to on the consumer label (the reference to GG is provided in small print on the side of the label), is a dry wine fermented in oak cask with fruit picked on un-grafted vines planted in 1933. It offers a superb even if still slightly yeasty and backward nose which only gradually reveals its stunning scents grapefruit, elderflower, a hint of cassis, floral elements, whipped cream, and smoke. The wine develops a beautifully subtle feel on the palate where fresh fruit and fine spices make for a hugely enjoyable experience. The finish is incredibly alluring as it is not overly intense but oh-so subtle and refined. 2027-2037.”
 
Only listing in the USA
 
ITALY
 
San Felice ‘Il Grigio da San Felice’ Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico DOCG 2019 750ml $39 special, 36 bottles available
CASE-12 San Felice Grigio Gran Selezione 2019 750ml $419 special, 3 cases available (That’s under $35 per bottle! Save almost $50 when you buy by the case)
Wine Advocate 95 Points “The San Felice 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Grigio (made with 80% Sangiovese and 20% complementary indigenous grapes) stands out due to its velvety richness and expressive flavor profile. The wine delivers measured intensity with bright purple and black fruits, a good sense of energy and drive, and some lingering spiciness on the close. It is rich but not heavy.”
 
AUSTRIA
 
Nikolaihof Neuburger, Wachau 2021 750ml $41.90 special, 12 bottles available
No reviews for the 2021 vintage. 2020 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 91 points “Although this Wachau neuburger is on the lighter side, the intense grapefruit and yellow-apple aromas leap out of the glass. More power and crisper acidity than is normal for the wines of this grape in this category. Good length. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”

Nikolaihof Gelber Muskateller, Wachau 2021 750ml $44.50 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 89 points “This Austrian dry muscat has restrained aromas and is on the lean and tart side. Very straight and clean, but lacks a bit of the expressiveness we associate with this grape and producer. Might improve with a bit more bottle age. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
 

 
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2021 750ml $49 special, 36+ bottle available
 Newly Review!  Vinous 94 Points “What a beauty! The 2021 Pinot Noir Le Puits Sec blossoms in the glass with a gorgeous mix of dusty violets and roses complemented by autumnal spice, giving way to citrus-tinged wild berries. This sweeps across the palate with finesse, lifted and ethereal, with shades of blue and purple inner florals accentuating dark red fruits. It finishes long and hauntingly floral with a tactile mineral crunch and coating of gently grippy tannins. For lovers of old-school Oregon Pinot, the 2021 is dreamy”.
Winery Note “2021 is another vintage that began with a warmer than average Summer (it hit 118f in June!) but ended on  a cooler than average harvest. It resulted in a vintage with the richness of ‘18 but with ‘19’s pretty side — it’s built on poise rather than broad shoulders. What a gorgeous wine. The nose jumps out of the glass with concentrated aromas of plum, violet and berries. That lift and concentration carries through as the mixed berries become even more concentrated, while beautifully balanced bright acidity leads to moderate tannins on the finish. This is why Erin came to Le Puits Sec in 2007 and never left.”
 
Lowest price in the United States!
 
Brick House Vineyards Select Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2022 750ml $41.90 special, 12 bottles available
Not yet reviewed, 2021 review provided for reference
Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points “The 2021 Pinot Noir Select is a saturated ruby color and takes on ripe aromas of generous cherry fruit, crushed flowers, and turned earth. Medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins, great structure, ripe savory herbs, and a bit of iron-rich earth, it offers a lot of value and is a great insight into the style of the Brick House estate. Drink 2024-2032.”

Around the World in 8 Syrahs

 

AUSTRALIA
 
Standish The Standish Shiraz Barossa Valley 2018 750ml $149 special, 6 bottles available
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 98-100 Points “The 2018 The Standish Shiraz (a sample blend from barrel) is a bit stalky (it’s about 50% whole cluster), but it’s gorgeously perfumed, with hints of herbal tea, raspberries, blackberries and licorice. It just exudes complexity, while also being full-bodied, plush and creamy, with a long, elegant finish. This seamless beauty is a candidate for perfection.“

CALIFORNIA
 
Arnot-Roberts Syrah, Sonoma Coast 2022 750ml $44.50 special, 11 bottles available
Vinous 92 Points “The 2022 Syrah (California) is bold, rich and explosive. As is so often the case, the Syrah is flat-out gorgeous. In this vintage, the Arnot-Roberts Syrah used the broader California appellation. All the elements are so well balanced. Juicy dark cherry, plum, sage, menthol, new leather and lavender build into the dense, textured finish.”
 
Pax Mahle Syrah Bench Vineyard, Clements Hills 2021 750ml $36 special, 20 bottles available
Vinous 93 Points “The 2021 Syrah The Bench Vineyard is silky, layered and expceptionally beautiful. Inky blue/purplish fruit, licrorice, lavender, black pepper and mint all race out of the glass. The 2021 is a bit lighter than some of the other wines in the range. In exchange, though, it will drink well upon release.”
 
Only listing in the USA!
 
ITALY
 
Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Syrah Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2019 750ml $75 special, 30 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 Points “The 2019 Syrah Colleziore Privara is quite delicate and silky in this vintage, with a distinctly red-fruited profile that is unusual. Spice, orange peel, dried flowers and white pepper lend brightness to a Syrah that is both deep and light on its feet. I especially admire the vibrancy here.”
 
Lowest price on the west coast!
 
SOUTH AFRICA
 
MAN Vintners ‘Skaapveld’ Syrah, Coastal Region $11.90 special, 19 bottles available
Decanter 90 Points “Lifted nose of herbs and mint, with notes of coconut and rich red berries. Vibrant and moreish on the palate.”
 
Lowest price on the west coast!
 
WASHINGTON
 
Dusted Valley Stained Tooth Syrah, Columbia Valley 2020 750ml $29 special, 36+ bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points “A co-fermented blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier, the 2020 Syrah Stained Tooth sports a medium ruby/plum color as well as great nose of ripe black raspberry and blueberry fruit, iron, peppery herbs, and bacon fat. It’s medium to full-bodied, has lots of fruit, ripe tannins, and an outstanding finish.”
 
Lowest price in the United States!
 
Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $125 special, 14 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points “Ripe black raspberries, iodine, spring flowers, gamey meats, and pepper all emerge from the 2020 Syrah En Chamberlin Vineyard, a deeper, broader, medium to full-bodied Syrah with ripe, rounded tannins, a great mid-palate, and outstanding length. This meaty, gamey, complex, classic Cayuse Syrah is already approachable today but will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for 15+.”
 
Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ml $169 special, 20 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ Points “The 2016 Syrah The Tribe is largely in the same mold with a gamy, meaty, backward profile. Smoked meats, earthy dark fruits, ground pepper, and wood smoke are all present in this medium to full-bodied, concentrated Syrah that’s going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 15-20 years.”
Nick Stock-Jamessuckling 96 Points “This has such impressive, silky black fruit with interwoven spices and subtle, meaty nuances. The intensity of fruit is dialed-up in this wine. There’s a very pure, bright fruit core here that pushes out of the mid-palate with a lot of energy and stony, graphite-like notes. This has a wealth of dark berries on offer. Such length and balance. Planted at 8,500 vines per hectare. Drink or hold. Best from 2022.”

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