Friday Night Newsletter 8-12-22

In This Newsletter:

Featured New Arrivals from Delas Frères

Hirtzberger:
Austrian Treasure 
 
Xavier Vignon:
Gutsy Grenache

Bessin: Superb Chablis
 
Viña Zorzal

Collector’s Corner:
Kopke’s Legendary Tawny & Colheita Ports



Featured New Arrivals from Delas Frères

Delas makes some of the most powerful, intense wines in the Northern Rhône at prices that make them one of the superior values in the region. Density and richness are a hallmark—there are no shrinking violets in the lineup. Star Champagne house Louis Roederer purchased Delas in the 90s, bringing much needed renewal to the brand, and has been pushing the quality upwards each year. For whatever reason, the market has yet to catch up to the quality coming out of Delas’ cellar. The Northern Rhône has turned into one of the hottest markets in the wine world, with many wineries getting expensive overnight. The market has yet to catch up to the quality coming out of Delas’ cellar.  For now.

Newly Arrived from Delas Frères:

Delas Frères Cornas Chante Perdrix, Rhône 2019 750ml ($79.95) $69 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “A core of juicy red currant and bitter plum pâte de fruit flavors is brought into nice focus by a racy, chalk-edged structure and an iron spine, while subtle savory and dark olive accents dart in the background. Best from 2022 through 2034. 1,083 cases made, 60 cases imported.  –JM”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “Powerful, mineral- and spice-accented aromas of ripe black/blue fruits, candied flowers, olive and allspice. Supple and energetic on the palate, offering bitter cherry, blueberry and fruitcake flavors that tighten up slowly with air and show fine delineation. The cherry note drives a long, spicy finish that’s given shape by fine-grained, even tannins. There’s a quite graceful quality here that defies the old stereotype of Cornas being necessarily rustic.”
Decanter 92 points “Intense on the nose, a touch of char and cola. Very full-bodied, but there is some inner freshness and acidity. Tannins are plentiful, very ripe. It’s very bold and modern, very ripe. Good for the vintage. Drinking Window 2022 – 2029.”

Delas Frères Cote-Rotie La Landonne, Rhône  2019 750ml ($319.95) $279 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Delas Frères Cote-Rotie La Landonne, Rhône  2019 1.5L ($649.95) $549 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Decanter 97 points “Immediately this has the darkness and aromatic austerity of La Landonne. Very full-bodied, expansive on the palate with mouthcoating flavour and tannin but not heavy. This is seriously tannic, but it’s not tough. Great character, great power and perfect balance. Alcohol is just a little raised, but this is a blockbuster. Around 3,000 bottles made. Fermented in open-top concrete tanks for 20 days, then matured in new and one-year-old barrels for 14 months. Drinking Window 2026 – 2035.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is dark and still a bit reticent, with a cast iron cloak around the core of dark currant, plum and blackberry paste flavors, showing lots of sweet bay leaf, anise and singed apple wood notes in the background. There’s serious grip through the finish. For the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2038. 267 cases made, 40 cases imported.  –JM”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94-96 points “Expressive blackberry, potpourri, smoky bacon and licorice aromas show excellent clarity and minerally lift. Deeply concentrated, spice-laced dark berry preserve, floral pastille and fruitcake flavors are supported by a spine of juicy acidity that adds back-end cut. Becomes more energetic on the impressively persistent finish, which repeats the dark berry and floral notes and leaves behind a spicy suggestion of cracked pepper.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!

Delas Frères Crozes-Hermitage Le Clos, Rhône 2019 750ml ($69.95) $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Sleek and refined, with a smoldering bay and cast iron hints along the edges of a core of dark cherry and plum preserve notes. Juicy, yet restrained, iron-tinged finish. Drink now through 2030. 500 cases made, 83 cases imported.  –JM”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “A deeply perfumed bouquet evokes ripe black/blue fruits, olive and potpourri, and a mineral element adds lift. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering broad-shouldered boysenberry, bitter cherry and candied violet flavors that are given spine and lift by a core of juicy acidity. Shows sharp focus on the penetrating finish, where dusty, slow-building tannins add gentle grip and focus.”

Delas Frères Hermitage Les Grandes Vignes ‘Ligne de Crete’, Rhône 2019 750ml ($349.95) $299 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Delas Frères Hermitage Les Grandes Vignes ‘Ligne de Crete’, Rhône 2019 1.5L ($699.95) $619 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96-98 points “Powerful, highly perfumed aromas of black/blue fruit liqueur, licorice, olive and potpourri are complemented by an exotic suggestion of incense. Stains the palate with intense boysenberry, cherry, cassis and spicecake flavors that deepen steadily through the midpalate. Shows a suave blend of power and delicacy and betrays no rough edges. Youthfully chewy tannins add shape to an extremely long, mineral-driven finish that delivers outstanding clarity and floral thrust.”
Decanter 96 points “Plum, damson and blackberry coulis. Dense fruit, very fine tannins and a seamless texture. The alcohol here is quite high, but it’s a very impressive wine nonetheless, with great concentration and length, not to mention fine tannins and balanced acidity. An authentic expression of the Hill. There is some cinnamon and cola oak spice running through it and the fruit can take it, it’s well balanced. From lieu-dit Les Grandes Vignes, the highest plot on the hill of Hermitage, a new cuvée first made in 2015. Drinking Window 2026 – 2038.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “This is very refined, with a long beam of cassis, dark cherry and boysenberry fruit flavors that cut a pure path as sleek iron, violet and red tea nuances fill in around. A subtle mineral edge and a singed alder note peek through at the very end, with the fruit keeping pace along the way. Best from 2023 through 2037. 167 cases made, 25 cases imported.  –JM”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Delas Frères Hermitage Les Bessards, Rhône 2019 750ml ($249.95) $219 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Delas Frères Hermitage Les Bessards, Rhône 2019 1.5L ($499.95) $449 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “My favorite release from this estate is consistently their Les Bessards Hermitage, and their 2019 is no exception. Coming from the western part and pure broken granite soils on the west side of this magical hill, it sports a dense purple hue to go with a brilliant perfume of cassis, graphite, scorched earth, burning embers, spring flowers, and peppery herbs. Incredibly complex, layered, and nuanced, with classic Hermitage characteristics, it still stays firmly planted in the ripe, sunny, sexy vintage. Full-bodied, concentrated, and structured on the palate, it has a wealth of tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. This is pure Hermitage magic that needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will evolve for 20-30 years in cold cellars. Hats off to the team at Delas for another incredible wine.”
Wine Spectator 97 points “This is loaded with dark and winey plum sauce, blackberry paste and fig compote flavors that glide through over notes of warm earth, sweet tobacco and anise. A subtle singed alder hint infuses the finish, along with a flicker of violet, while the fruit takes an encore. This shows seriously hefty fruit matched with a terrific underpinning of terroir. For the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2039. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 583 cases made, 50 cases imported.  –JM”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95-97 points “Ripe, spice-accented dark berry liqueur, candied violet, incense and licorice scents, along with hints of olive paste and smoky, exotic spices. Palate-staining boysenberry, cherry liqueur, floral pastille and fruitcake flavors show impressive depth and an undercurrent of smoky minerality. Expands steadily with air and finishes extremely long and minerally, with youthfully chewy tannins and outstanding, floral-driven persistence.”

Shop our complete selection of Rhône reds on our web store now!



Hirtzberger:

Austrian Treasure

Despite a storied history of grape growing, biodynamics and the strictest winemaking standards in the European Union, the wines of Austria remain critically undervalued. Hirtzberger produces wines from their steeply terraced vineyards. With the minimum slope of 33 degrees and going as high as 90, the vines are quite literally clinging to the rocks. These precipitous conditions create a level of mineral expression paired with phenolic ripeness in a way that is wholly unique. 

Hirtzberger wines in stock now: 

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Pluris Grauburgunder Smaragd Wachau 2018 750ml ($49.95) $39 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Ried Pluris Grauburgunder Smaragd comes from deep and clayey soil and shows a clear and coolish, fine and elegant bouquet. Picked on September 17, this is a delicate, very elegant, lush and salty Pinot Gris with remarkable purity, elegance and finesse. It’s an aromatic and crystalline cool-climate version of the grape variety. Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Kirchweg vineyard has gravelly and loess soils. 
Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Wosendorfer Kirchweg Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Wachau 2018 750ml ($49.95) $39 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Ried Kirchweg Wösendorfer Grüner Veltliner Smaragd is clear, deep, intense and slightly crystalline and flinty on the elegant nose. Full-bodied and sweetish on the palate but fresh and elegant, with fine mineral grip, this is a charming Veltliner with a refined and elegant, aromatic and nicely grippy finish. Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Rotes Tor Gruner Veltliner Federspiel Wachau 2018 750ml ($39.95) $29 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 90 points “Assembling the fruit from several vineyards that were picked in the first half of October, the 2018 Spitz Grüner Veltliner Federspiel Rotes Tor offers a clear, ripe and elegant nose of tropical fruits intermixed with elegant and flinty terroir notes. Ripe and piquant on the crystalline and salty palate, this is an elegant and already pretty complex Veltliner with an aromatic and refreshing, elegant finish with good grip. 12.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $37

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Rotes Tor Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Wachau 2018 750ml ($69.95) $59 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 94 points “The nose here has a very restrained and rocky feel with such intense aromas of ripe citrus fruit, pepper and pears. The palate is dry, sheer and linear with good, fresh acidity drive and a smoothly rendered finish. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Rotes Tor is entirely based on the fruit from Spitz (the vineyards below the red gate) and opens with a deep, precise and flinty bouquet that shows a coolish-mineral and darker-toned character with rather discreet fruit aromas. On the palate, this is a lush and mouth-filling, very fine and elegant Grüner with a long, intense and refreshing crystalline and salty finish. Excellent grip. From pure, weathered gneiss soils. Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Steinterrassen Riesling Federspiel Wachau 2018 750ml ($41.95) $36 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 91 points “From the fruit grown in terraced single vineyards and predominantly from younger vines, the 2018 Riesling Federspiel Steinterrassen is still somewhat untamed and reductive but very clear on the nose that reminds me of the Rieslings from Tim Fröhlich (Weingt Schäfer-Fröhlich, Nahe). Flinty, fresh, very precise and refined, this is a remarkably fine and elegant Riesling with intense and elegant, really refined and piquant apricot fruit. Excellent! Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

A high elevation vineyard.
Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Setzberg Riesling Smaragd Wachau 2018 750ml ($69.95) $59 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93+ points “From the Spitzer Graben, and thus picked pretty late on October 21, the 2018 Ried Setzberg Riesling Smaragd is intense and concentrated but coolish and spicy on the elegant and promising nose that represents the weathered gneiss soils and its coolish terroir perfectly. Precise ripe apricot aromas on the nose lead to an elegant fine and balanced, almost silky-textured, full-bodied palate, with lush and ripe but precise and elegant fruit and a long and intense, well-structured and salty finish. Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $120.40 (ouch!)

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Ried Steinporz Riesling Smaragd Wachau 2018 750ml ($79.95) $59 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Tangerine and peach unite on the nose in a quite disarming fashion. The palate comes in with more peachy juiciness and adds overtones of ripe passion fruit with both its tartness and tropicality. A lovely seam of vivid, zesty freshness cuts through the generous, abundant and juicy fruit, always with exotic highlights, always with zesty aromas. This has life and drive, energy and brio. Enjoy 2025–2045. -Anne Krebiehl MW”
Decanter 95 points “Franz Hirtzberger is the most esteemed grower in Spitz, and his wines can be surprisingly voluptuous. Often Singerriedl is the source of his top Riesling, but in 2018, I prefer the Steinporz, which grows on weathered gneiss soils. The stone-fruits nose is rich and opulent without being blowsy. Creamy, very ripe, it’s a touch broad but that ripeness is cut by a stony minerality. Resplendent fruit, fine depth and impressive length. Drinking Window 2020 – 2035.”
Stuart Pigott 94 points “So much going on here from the outset, the nose suggesting mango pastries, papaya dessert and then fresher sensations of gin and tonic and jasmine. Full-bodied, very intense and oily, but linear and vertical at the same time. The acidity crafts a wiry shape, amidst powerful tropical notes. Drink now.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $79.80
 
 
Xavier Vignon’s

Gutsy Grenache

Xavier Vignon might be the most acclaimed winemaker who still flies under the radar. He’s primarily a consultant in the mold of the late Phillipe Cambie, traveling from winery to winery to provide expert winemaking, blending guidance and that extra bit of flair.  

He’s been incredibly successful, responsible for some of the most lauded wines in France (think the 100 point Grand Veneur VV, Usseglio’s 99 point Impériale, etc).  He makes wines that are rich, powerful and impressive, no matter where he goes.  While consulting, Xavier takes some of the payment for his work in barrels of wine from the estates he helps—these are the basis for the Xavier wines that we have here at the shop.

From some of the best wineries in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras, and Rasteau, he brings them to his facility for blending and bottling under his own label.  The resulting wines have the polish, poise and class of the big name estates, but much lower price tags.  When you look at the scores they receive, you’d expect the Anonyme to be $75+, in line with Janasse VV or the top Grand Veneur bottlings, but instead it’s a tick under $50—a real value.

In Stock Now:

Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Anonyme, Rhone 2015 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck – Rhone Report 96 points “The inky colored 2015 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Anonyme is a serious winner in the vintage. A blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre and the rest counoise, Vaccarese and Muscardin, it offers a huge nose of blackberry jam, garrigue, crushed violets, and incense. Ripe, unctuous and opulent, yet not over the top, it reminds me of the Trois Source cuvee from Vieille Julienne. This is a smoking good release that will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and shine of over a decade.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Xavier Vignon is one of the Rhône’s leading winemaking consultants, and so it’s no surprise he had access to some great fruit for his 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme. Tellingly, the blend entirely omits Syrah, containing 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 8% Counoise, 4% Vaccarèse and 3% Muscardin. Floral notes and ripe cherries appear along licorice and vanilla (one-fourth of the wine was matured in new barriques), yet this is no drink-now version of CdP. This full-bodied wine boasts broad shoulders, a plush, creamy center and a muscular finish loaded with ripe tannins and spice. Give it a few years to mellow, and drink it over the next 15.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Xavier Vignon Cotes du Rhone SM, Rhone NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 94 points “The NV Côtes du Rhône S.M. is thrilling stuff. Made from equal parts Grenache and Syrah and aged half in concrete and half in barrel, it offers a full-bodied, voluptuous and decadent style to go with overflowing notes of plum and darker fruits, licorice and violets. Gorgeous on all counts, it’s a shockingly good Côtes du Rhône to drink over the coming 4-6 years, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see it last even longer.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

 
Bessin: Superb Chablis

Much like the beautiful wines from Domaine d’Henri, Jean-Claude Bessin works with very old vines from ancient family holdings in Chablis. Much too, like Domaine d’Henri, these wines are extremely well priced for the international acclaim they’ve achieved. Stock up before buyers catch on, too.

In Stock Now from Jean-Claude Bessin:

Jean-Claude Bessin Valmur, Chablis Grand Cru 2019 750ml ($99.95) $89 special, 8 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96+ points “The 2019 Chablis Grand Cru Valmur is another superb cuvée from Bessin. Wafting from the glass with notes of Anjou pear, crisp stone fruit, white flowers, pastry cream and wet stones. Full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, it’s textural and chiseled, with huge depth at the core and a long, resonant finish. As is often the case, this is one of the finest wines of the vintage.”

Jean-Claude Bessin La Forêt, Chablis Premier Cru 2018 750ml ($59.95) $49 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 91 points “The 2018 Chablis La Forêt 1er Cru has an earthy and smoky bouquet, light touches of wild mint emerging with time in the glass. The palate is well balanced, offering grapefruit, mandarin and bitter lemon notes on the entry, then slightly honeyed toward the finish, but maintaining admirable tension throughout. Maybe it just lacks the persistence of Bessin’s Montmains or Fourchaume, yet this remains a very commendable La Forêt.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
 
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Viña Zorzal

We love the wines from Zorzal. They’re a winery that’s not afraid to think outside the box in how they farm and vinify their wines. That’s lead to a lot of brilliant moments from regions that have been historically overlooked. In 2007, brothers Xabi, Iñaki and Mikel Sanz founded Vina Zorzal to craft single-vineyard, artisanal wines in their family’s home region of Navarra. Their entire Spanish portfolio offer outstanding value. These are wines that have tons of immediate appeal, with rich textures and juicy fruit flavors. They’re also loaded with character, with Zorzal’s light touch in winemaking (low intervention, organically farmed fruit often from century-old vines) allowing the grapes and terroirs to shine through.

In Stock Now from Viña Zorzal:

Viña Zorzal Corral de los Altos, Navarra 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Viña Zorzal Corral de los Altos, Navarra 2018 750ML ($149.95) $135 special (that’s only $22.50/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 92 points “All the guest winemakers that take part in the Lecciones de Vuelo joint venture with Viña Zorzal are offered to produce their interpretation of the paraje Corral de los Altos in Fitero. The 2018 Corral de los Altos is Zorzal’s own interpretation of a 45-year-old plot of 2.1 hectares of Garnacha planted on a north-facing stony part of the village. The grapes fermented in stainless steel with some 25% full clusters and indigenous yeasts and matured in seven used (second and third use) 500-liter oak barrels. This has contained ripeness and a medium to full-bodied palate with the classical chalky tannins and texture from the limestone-rich soils and the length and tastiness they provide”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Viña Zorzal ‘Cuatro del Cuatro’, Navarra 2018 750ML ($36.95) $29 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Viña Zorzal ‘Cuatro del Cuatro’, Navarra 2018 750ML ($199.95) $165 special (that’s only $27.50/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 94 points “The pure Graciano 2018 Cuatro del Cuatro was first produced in 2015 as an homage to the Sanz brothers’ father, who kept his Graciano vines when the majority ripped them up. They have seen that, with a soft vinification, the variety is not as rustic as most think and, in fact, can be quite elegant. 2018 was a tricky vintage for the variety, and the wine has moderate alcohol (13.3%), a very low pH (3.35) and notable acidity (six grams of tartaric acid per liter). It was produced with grapes grown in the village of Corella (especially from a vineyard planted in 1978), which has more Mediterranean influence that Fitero, the other village where they have the majority of their vineyards. This is a super serious Graciano, fresher than the majority of varietal bottlings out there, as they have lost the fear of harvesting it earlier, and it delivers a very spicy wine, with lots of black and even white peppercorns. I think this is very much in line with the 2016. It matured in used oak barrels of different sizes, and they did a barrel selection to produce 2,900 bottles of it.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Viña Zorzal Garnacha, Navarra 2020 750ml ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Viña Zorzal Garnacha, Navarra 2020 750ml ($215.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 92 points “The incredibly young and juicy 2020 Garnacha was produced with grapes from different villages, Corella, Cintruénigo, Fitero and Lerga, hence a regional blend that for the first time contains grapes from the cooler Lerga that adds lower pH, more freshness and complexity to the blend. They do a soft extraction in stainless steel using 20% full clusters and indigenous yeasts, achieving a wine with moderate alcohol (13.47%) and good freshness (pH 3.47). I felt like the wine had gone one step up in complexity and depth from the previous vintage; it’s precise, harmonious, elegant and nuanced and keeps varietal purity. It’s medium-bodied and has very fine tannins with herbal freshness, reminiscent of acid berries and bay leaf. This is a steal! One to buy by the case… 137,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2021.”

Viña Zorzal Graciano, Navarra 2018 750ml ($19.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2018 Graciano, the first wine they produced at the new Viña Zorzal in 2007, was produced with grapes from the village of Corella, and they want to show the expression of the grape in the village, more Mediterranean than Fitero, where they have a significant percentage of their vines. The spicy character of the wine and the lively palate are the expression of the Graciano in their village, what they have been trying to express since 2015. It fermented in stainless steel with moderate extraction and matured in used French oak barrels of different sizes for nine months. This is a very fresh vintage, and the wine is harmonious, spicy, with an herbal hint, with some dusty tannins, chalky and a bitter twist in the finish. I think the earlier harvest of the grape delivers wines that are more transparent, and this is quite stony and tasty. This is a very good value and a great introduction to Graciano.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Love Spanish reds?
We have over 100 different options in stock. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Daniel Landi, Terroir al Límit, Lopez de Heredia and more, on our web store now.
 

Collector’s Corner:

Kopke’s Legendary Tawny & Colheita Ports

Kopke, founded in 1638, makes what might be the most vibrant and long lived port wines available. Like many of their neighbors, they’ve been through adverse times in their near 400 year history, seeing dramatic shifts in the climate, swings in the popularity of their product, and the rise and fall of populist dictators. Through all of this, they’ve been consistent in their commitment to making the greatest Tawny and Colheita (vintage Tawny) Port available. 

We’re fortunate to have a tremendous lineup available: Colheita vintage selections dating back to 1937, and the 30 Year and 40 Year Tawnies. The vintage wines are stuffed with aromatics from across the spectrum; floral notes, fresh citrus, walnuts and fig with substantial but surprisingly silky tannins. You can experience the unbelievably youthful aged examples with concentration and depth, but the traditional Kopke freshness that keeps these so vibrant. Flickers of warmth are reminiscent of Cognac, but the clarity of the fruit and spice dominate the balance. We would strongly recommend this for the long haul (perhaps as a gift!), but if you can’t resist, take your time with it. Allow it to develop and fill your glass to the fullest. All of these will continue to show their highlights and develop rich spice and dried fruit characteristics for years to come.

In Stock Now – Please note that bottling year may vary from reviews:

Kopke 30 Year Old Tawny Port 750ML ($179.95) $128 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “A very inviting, open style, with butterscotch and caramel notes framing the core of glazed pear, caramelized peach, golden raisin and warm fig flavors. The lush finish lets crème brûlée and ginger cream details hang, showing a flash of honeysuckle for lift. Drink now. 200 cases imported.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Dark gold in color, this Port relishes its age. Like an aged tawny, it has lost its fruit at this mature stage, while gaining the rich, intense character that comes from long wood aging. It has concentrated acidity and a long, lingering aftertaste. Drink now.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The NV 30 Year Old Tawny Port was bottled in 2017 with a bar-top cork and 130 grams per liter of residual sugar. The last release I saw of this was pretty fine. So, too, here. This adds a layer of depth and more complexity to the Burmester, although it lacks the Burmester’s elegance and sex appeal. While the finish here is bigger and more gripping, it is no more flavorful (actually, less so). Still, as this rolls around the mouth, it is impressive, not necessarily more exciting than the Burmester, but definitely different stylistically. They are good examples of the diversity you can get in one portfolio. As always, these last indefinitely, barring cork failures, but they are not really meant to be held.”

Kopke 40 Years Old Tawny Port 375ml ($149.95) $119 special, 5 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “This offers a dreamy mix of caramelized pear, fig and peach flavors at the core, while caramel, sesame oil and date notes fill in through the expansive finish. At first glance this is quite lush, but the finish lingers with cut and drive. Drink now. 200 cases imported.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The NV 40 Year Old Tawny Port was bottled in 2016 with a bar top cork and 145 grams per liter of residual sugar. This adds a bit more brandy as a nuance on the finish to the 30, reviewed this issue, but it still seems much like the 30 Year Old, surprisingly fresh and easy, beautifully balanced and on the lighter side in terms of mid-palate concentration. It is a lovely tawny on its own terms–I’m just not sure it delivers enough of an uptick to justify the price spike from the 30 (or, perhaps even the 20). On its own, though, it won’t disappoint.”

Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1937 750ml ($999.95) $799 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 1937 Colheita Tawny Port comes in with 156 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is surprisingly fresh and surprisingly elegant for its age. It demonstrates its age when it finishes with power, showing remarkable grip and length, plus all those old Tawny flavors you want, the molasses, baked caramel. There’s a touch of brandy lurking here and there. While this has far more power and complexity than the 1967 this issue, it does lack that wine’s elegance and balance. The hard edge here is pretty hard, even if that intensity is sometimes very admirable. (I suspect it will show better if you come back in three days after opening it. They do change a little after pulling that cork, just a little, after that first rush.) At times, though, that hard edge makes it less attractive. The texture is smooth and unctuous. Overall, this is a fine experience in a blockbuster style. In some ways, I liked it no more than the 1967, though, perhaps less. To be sure, they are very differently styled as this, of course, emphasizes its power and that extra bit of complexity. Don’t drink this too warm—that can make all the difference.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Bottled in 2008, this extraordinary wine is still concentrated. It is also smooth, a velvet texture of richness bordering on opulence. The flavor of wood is there, but more important are the old-time fudge and toffee flavors, rounded with sweet sultanas and edged with acidity. Roger Voss”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $966

Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1941 750ml ($849.95) $799 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 1941 Colheita Tawny Port, bottled in November 2015 with 126 grams per liter of residual sugar, is a marvel. The acidity here makes this very lively, startlingly fresh and young. Add the endless finish and lingering flavors to the very fine structure, and this becomes irresistible. Penetrating and intense, it is also simply delicious, the intensity of flavor matching the structure easily. The aromatics are fabulous, too. Put this next to an open window and walk towards it. You should probably be able to smell it from about ten feet away. It is also perfectly balanced. The first time around, at the beginning of my note I wrote “gorgeous” and then repeated it. At the end, I wrote “love, love this.” That still seems to sum it up nicely.”

Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1978 750ml ($149.95) $119 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 1978 Colheita Tawny Port was bottled in 2015 with 119 grams per liter of residual sugar and a bar top cork (typical for the house). It is very graceful for its age, finishing with a wave of sweetness, fruit and sugar. Emphasizing the caramel more than the molasses, this is irresistibly delicious, but it becomes more complex and puts on weight as it airs and warms. The wine shows off its power and hints of Brandy on the rather tense finish, too. Overall, this is a beauty that becomes more impressive the longer you sit with it. Then, you realize that its balance is simply perfect, yet it stands out in most every category. This is very fine and the price is pretty nice for the age and the quality.”
Roger Voss-Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Not one of the generally declared vintages for Port, this year produced some ripe, sweet single quinta vintages. It also was a good year for rich, sweet tawnies. This is ripe, toffee-like in character packed with ripe raisin and sultana flavors. It is a luxurious wine, of course ready to drink.” 

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Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 2000 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Mark Squires- Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2000 Colheita Tawny Port is a roughly equal blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and Tinta Barroca coming in with 116 grams of residual sugar. This release was bottled in July 2020 with a bar-top cork. There is a reason to pay the extra money and trade up from the 2001—although a small reason. The 2001 is a little gentler and more precise. This might be a little more complex and fuller bodied—a little. What I often see as the difference between the two vintages is depth—the 2000s were a bit fatter in vintage style, which often shows in the Colheitas as well. Here, that comes through too, but modestly. They are both lovely. I’d take this if I had to choose, but it’s worth noting that the 2001 is a very nice buy.”

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The next best price is $69.99

Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 2007 750ml ($59.95) $49 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “Warm toffee, cinnamon and ginger notes glide through, enhanced by a light streak of juniper. Ends with accents of dark tea and a flash of bitter almond. Drink now.”
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2007 Colheita Tawny Port comes in with 112 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is a friendly and easy ten-year Tawny, with a bright feel and an elegant mid-palate. It finishes well, tasty and fresh. There’s nothing overly complicated here, but it is impossible to dislike.”

Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 2011 750ml ($41.95) $33 special, 8 bottles in stock now
No reviews available. 2011 vintage report from Vinous: ” Near-perfect weather conditions yielded concentrated, powerful yet elegant vintage Ports with outstanding aromatic complexity and the acid backbone and tannic grip for a glorious, slow evolution in bottle. One of the half dozen finest port vintages of the past 50 years.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

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