In This Newsletter:
Contrade di Taurasi: “World-Class Wines” from Aglianico
&
de Venoge: Ridiculous Savings on Elite Champagnes
“World-Class Wines” from Aglianico
Stock Up & Save on
Contrade di Taurasi / Cantine Lonardo
We offer five Lonardo options on sale now, including:
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Vigne d’Alto, Taurasi DOCG 2011 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 94+ points “Deep ruby with a purple tinge. Reticent nose at first, only hinting at dark cherry, sassafras and sandalwood. Then very concentrated and dense, displaying almost opulent, sweet nuances of oaky torrefaction to the coffee, cocoa and dark cherry flavors. This outstanding Taurasi finishes extremely long, rich and seamless. It’s virtually impossible to pick between Lonardo’s two crus in 2011, and both will have many admirers.”
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Vigne d’Alto, Taurasi DOCG 2012 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Perfumed and loaded with finesse, this single-vineyard wine opens with enticing scents of violet, ripe black-skinned fruit, new leather and baking spice. Made with 60- to 100-year-old plants, the smooth, delicious palate delivers succulent Marasca cherry, plum, licorice and nutmeg framed in velvety tannins, making it one of the more elegant expressions of Taurasi out there. A mineral note energizes the lingering finish. Drink through 2032.”
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Coste, Taurasi DOCG 2011 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 27 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 94+ points “Deep ruby. Floral nuances complicate the red and dark berry, ink, sweet spice and flinty aromas and flavors. Dense and seamless, showing a multilayered personality and remarkable complexity of flavor. Finishes very long and with repeating, lingering hints of ink and flint.”
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Taurasi Riserva DOCG 2011 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 96 points “The 2011 Taurasi Riserva pulls you close and holds your attention firm with its deeply alluring bouquet of crushed black cherries, plum sauce, autumnal spices, woodland herbs and hints of animal musk. This fills the palate with rich, pliant textures and ripe red and blue berries, as nervous acidity maintains wonderful freshness, and sweet notes of cinnamon, clove and tobacco form toward the close. There’s plenty of tannic grip here, yet it’s balanced by the 2011’s mix of opulent, concentrated fruit and contrasting sour citrus tones that resonate for what feels like a full minute. Even as you contemplate the experience, minerals, hints of iodine and rosy inner florals can still be sensed upon the palate. Make no mistake, this is a full-throttle expression of Taurasi, but it will win the hearts of collectors who enjoy a bigger and old-school style.”
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo ‘T31’, Taurasi DOCG 2012 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “The new T31 is from 100+ year old ungrafted vines on a mix of limestone and volcanic soils, elevage 3 years in tonneau with another 5 years aging in bottle.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Shop our five on sale selections from Lonardo now!
Contrade di Taurasi: “World-Class Wines” from Aglianico
&
de Venoge: Ridiculous Savings on Elite Champagnes
“World-Class Wines” from Aglianico
Stock Up & Save on
Contrade di Taurasi / Cantine Lonardo
“… you only have to taste the wines of Contrade di Taurasi/Lonardo, Guastaferro, and Mastroberardino, for example, to realize that world-class wines could be made with the Aglianico grape” – Ian D’Agata, Vinous
Sandro Lonardo makes some of the best values in powerful, Italian red wine. Based in Taurasi, he works primarily with the local Aglianico grape to produce wines that combine power and intensity with site-specific nuance that rival the best wines in Barolo and Brunello, yet without the high price.
To Italian insiders, this isn’t news. After all, Campania, the area around Naples, has been famous for its wines since the Greeks settled it. There are numerous references to the quality of the wines in Roman writings. If more of the wines were at the level of Cantine Lonardo, the region would be as famous as Barolo, Barbaresco, or Brunello.
Sandro Lonardo is a schoolteacher who also makes wines, both from vineyards he farms and from grapes he buys from local farmers. His commits to traditional practices in the vineyard and winery. Lonardo’s Taurasi wines are made from ancient Aglianico vines planted at 1300 feet above sea level, grown organically in a tall pergola in ancient volcanic ash with a base of limestone and clay. The very best lots are kept separate and released as single vineyard bottlings.
In the winery, he limits the use of barrique and new wood, yet the wines aren’t rustic monsters. There is a unique freshness and approachability, especially given the reputation of the grape and the warm climate it calls home.
We’re offering rare library stock for his two single vineyards, Coste and Vigne d’Alto, and special reserve bottlings. The 2011s—a warm year that produced exceptionally powerful reds—have just entered their drinking windows, but will comfortably age for another decade. The 2012s on offer are full of energy. Snag at least two bottles, one for short term consumption and the other for longer aging. These prices will look laughably low in a few years.
Sandro Lonardo makes some of the best values in powerful, Italian red wine. Based in Taurasi, he works primarily with the local Aglianico grape to produce wines that combine power and intensity with site-specific nuance that rival the best wines in Barolo and Brunello, yet without the high price.
To Italian insiders, this isn’t news. After all, Campania, the area around Naples, has been famous for its wines since the Greeks settled it. There are numerous references to the quality of the wines in Roman writings. If more of the wines were at the level of Cantine Lonardo, the region would be as famous as Barolo, Barbaresco, or Brunello.
Sandro Lonardo is a schoolteacher who also makes wines, both from vineyards he farms and from grapes he buys from local farmers. His commits to traditional practices in the vineyard and winery. Lonardo’s Taurasi wines are made from ancient Aglianico vines planted at 1300 feet above sea level, grown organically in a tall pergola in ancient volcanic ash with a base of limestone and clay. The very best lots are kept separate and released as single vineyard bottlings.
In the winery, he limits the use of barrique and new wood, yet the wines aren’t rustic monsters. There is a unique freshness and approachability, especially given the reputation of the grape and the warm climate it calls home.
We’re offering rare library stock for his two single vineyards, Coste and Vigne d’Alto, and special reserve bottlings. The 2011s—a warm year that produced exceptionally powerful reds—have just entered their drinking windows, but will comfortably age for another decade. The 2012s on offer are full of energy. Snag at least two bottles, one for short term consumption and the other for longer aging. These prices will look laughably low in a few years.
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from Cantine Lonardo
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from Cantine Lonardo
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Saturday, December 7th at 9 am Pacific.
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from Cantine Lonardo
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Saturday, December 7th at 9 am Pacific.
We offer five Lonardo options on sale now, including:
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Vigne d’Alto, Taurasi DOCG 2011 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 94+ points “Deep ruby with a purple tinge. Reticent nose at first, only hinting at dark cherry, sassafras and sandalwood. Then very concentrated and dense, displaying almost opulent, sweet nuances of oaky torrefaction to the coffee, cocoa and dark cherry flavors. This outstanding Taurasi finishes extremely long, rich and seamless. It’s virtually impossible to pick between Lonardo’s two crus in 2011, and both will have many admirers.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Vigne d’Alto, Taurasi DOCG 2012 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Perfumed and loaded with finesse, this single-vineyard wine opens with enticing scents of violet, ripe black-skinned fruit, new leather and baking spice. Made with 60- to 100-year-old plants, the smooth, delicious palate delivers succulent Marasca cherry, plum, licorice and nutmeg framed in velvety tannins, making it one of the more elegant expressions of Taurasi out there. A mineral note energizes the lingering finish. Drink through 2032.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Coste, Taurasi DOCG 2011 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 27 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 94+ points “Deep ruby. Floral nuances complicate the red and dark berry, ink, sweet spice and flinty aromas and flavors. Dense and seamless, showing a multilayered personality and remarkable complexity of flavor. Finishes very long and with repeating, lingering hints of ink and flint.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Taurasi Riserva DOCG 2011 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 96 points “The 2011 Taurasi Riserva pulls you close and holds your attention firm with its deeply alluring bouquet of crushed black cherries, plum sauce, autumnal spices, woodland herbs and hints of animal musk. This fills the palate with rich, pliant textures and ripe red and blue berries, as nervous acidity maintains wonderful freshness, and sweet notes of cinnamon, clove and tobacco form toward the close. There’s plenty of tannic grip here, yet it’s balanced by the 2011’s mix of opulent, concentrated fruit and contrasting sour citrus tones that resonate for what feels like a full minute. Even as you contemplate the experience, minerals, hints of iodine and rosy inner florals can still be sensed upon the palate. Make no mistake, this is a full-throttle expression of Taurasi, but it will win the hearts of collectors who enjoy a bigger and old-school style.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo ‘T31’, Taurasi DOCG 2012 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “The new T31 is from 100+ year old ungrafted vines on a mix of limestone and volcanic soils, elevage 3 years in tonneau with another 5 years aging in bottle.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Shop our five on sale selections from Lonardo now!
Ridiculous Savings on Elite Champagnes
Stock Up & Save on
De Venoge
De Venoge was established in Champagne in the first part of the 19th century by Swiss born Henri-Marc de Venoge and his son Joseph. Today the House has a strong following in Europe for good reason—they source from some of the best vineyards in Champagne and produce prestige cuvées of immense quality, built on long lees aging. The Louis XV, for instance, is sourced exclusively from Grand Cru villages such as Verzenay, Bouzy, Avize, and Le Mesnil. The resulting wines capture the essence of classical Champagne and are in high demand in Europe’s top restaurants.
Relatively unknown in the United States, their finest and rarest wines continue to be undervalued relative to their peers. This is no better exemplified than their prestige cuvee, the LXV bottling. Named after Louis the 15th, who first authorized the bottling of Champagne, it sees extensive aging on its lees and is a true monument of vintage Champagne. It offers a rich, creamy texture from the extended lees aging married to surprisingly fresh, mineral personalities.
There’s a reason this House has such a following overseas: they produce stunning aged wines that are ready to go, so consumers can enjoy the magic on release. Now’s your chance to try them for yourself! These are perfect “occasion” wines that make for memorable birth year and anniversary gifts.
Relatively unknown in the United States, their finest and rarest wines continue to be undervalued relative to their peers. This is no better exemplified than their prestige cuvee, the LXV bottling. Named after Louis the 15th, who first authorized the bottling of Champagne, it sees extensive aging on its lees and is a true monument of vintage Champagne. It offers a rich, creamy texture from the extended lees aging married to surprisingly fresh, mineral personalities.
There’s a reason this House has such a following overseas: they produce stunning aged wines that are ready to go, so consumers can enjoy the magic on release. Now’s your chance to try them for yourself! These are perfect “occasion” wines that make for memorable birth year and anniversary gifts.
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from de Venoge
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from de Venoge
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Saturday, December 7th at 9 am Pacific.
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from de Venoge
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Saturday, December 7th at 9 am Pacific.
We offer three De Venoge options on sale now, including:
De Venoge Louis XV Brut Millésimé, Champagne 2006 750ml Was $189, Displayed Price: $169, that’s $160.55 at 5% off and $152.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-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.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $256.67
The next best price is $256.67
De Venoge Louis XV Brut Millésimé, Champagne 2008 750ml Was $249, Displayed Price: $219, that’s $208.05 at 5% off and $197.10 at 10% off, 31 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.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $245
The next best price is $245
De Venoge Louis XV Extra Brut Rose Millésimé, Champagne 2002 750ml Was $189, Displayed Price: $159, that’s $151.05 at 5% off and $143.10 at 10% off, 15 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.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $240
Shop our three on sale selections from de Venoge now!
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
F.X. Pichler & Pichler-Krutzler
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from F.X. Pichler & Pichler-Krutzler
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from F.X. Pichler & Pichler-Krutzler
Bruna Grimaldi
5% off any 4-8 in-stock bottles from Bruna Grimaldi
10% off any 9 or more in-stock bottles from Bruna Grimaldi
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
F.X. Pichler & Pichler-Krutzler sale ends Thursday, December 5th at 9 am Pacific. Bruna Grimaldi sale ends Friday, December 6th at 9 am Pacific.